Page:Edward Ellis--Alden the Pony Express Rider.djvu/314

 When the pony came opposite, he was within a dozen paces, near enough to scent that something was amiss. He snorted and leaped the other way. In the same instant the lantern flirted upward. Its uncertain light, revealed that the stranger had brought his rifle to his shoulder and was aiming at the point of disturbance.

“Don’t fire!” called the youth, springing to his feet; “I’m a friend.”

The other had soothed the fright of his horse and held him motionless. The rider did not speak and Alden, after a minute’s hesitation, walked up to him.

“Who are you and why do you carry that lantern?” asked the youth, looking up from the stirrup of the man. The latter lowered his weapon and peered down at him. He did not hold the light above his head, so Alden could not see his face. He was vexed by the persistent silence of the individual.

“Are you deaf and dumb?” sharply demanded our young friend.

Still the horseman did not utter a word. He grunted once and touched spur to his pony. The animal made a bound, and would have dashed off on a run, had not his master jerked