Page:Tomlinson--The rider of the black horse.djvu/129

Rh as if they would advance and seize the two terrified women.

"Not yet. I'll tell you why," replied Claudius Brown after a momentary hesitation. His followers drew closely about him, and a whispered conversation followed which neither Hannah nor her mother was able to hear. The result of the conference became apparent when all the men except the leader at once turned and departed from the house, leaving Claudius Brown behind. What the abrupt departure might mean Hannah could not conjecture, but it soon became evident that the men were gone, for she had stepped to the door and had seen them as they swiftly sped down the road.

Somewhat emboldened by their departure, she turned back into the room, and with her eyes flashing, she said, "Why don't you go, too, Claudius Brown? Your room was always better than your company."

"Never you mind, my lady," retorted the leader. "You 'll know more before you are twenty-four hours older. You may be glad that I'm here."

"Well, if we 're to have the pleasure of your company, all I can say is that you 'll have to entertain yourself. I 've got my