Page:Randall Parrish - The Red Mist.djvu/60

 46 if possible, in which direction the murderer had disappeared. But in this I failed, the night being so dark there was no tracing of horse's hoofs on the hard roadway. I swung back into the saddle and turned to the left. I had no knowledge as to where this road—apparently not a main highway—led, but I was acquainted with the pike running west from Hot Springs. To venture back through that hamlet might, indeed, expose me to discovery, yet once beyond the village I should be traversing familiar ground, and could proceed with greater confidence. Besides, the hour was late; there was small chance that I would encounter any stray traveler, or find any pickets posted.

I rode toward the town as rapidly as I dared, watchful of every deepening shadow, until I came to the first straggling houses. These were dark and silent, and not so much as a dog barked as I walked my horse cautiously forward toward the main street. I saw but one dim light streaming out through an uncurtained window of what looked like a law office, and passed close enough to learn that a group of men within were playing cards. I could glimpse their shadows, but was unable to determine if any among them were in uniform. Yet few men were at home in those days, and it was highly probable these belonged to the Major's escort. I passed