Page:Tomlinson--The rider of the black horse.djvu/115



" coming back! They 're right here!" exclaimed Mrs. Nott excitedly.

"Where? Who?" demanded Hannah.

"Claud and his men."

Robert instantly entered the room and ran to the window, and peering out could see three men who were swiftly approaching. There was no question as to who they were, for Claud Brown himself was in the van, and his actions betrayed the eagerness with which he was leading his followers. Whether or not he himself had been seen and his presence in the house was known Robert could not perceive, but the approach of the cowboys was sufficient of itself to inform him of the fresh peril that now threatened. A glance had been enough to convince him that Mrs. Nott had spoken truly, but as he turned hastily away from the window his consternation was increased when Hannah suddenly exclaimed,—

"There are some coming up on the other side, too."