Page:Tomlinson--The rider of the black horse.djvu/135

Rh The girl was still holding her rifle in her hands, and the man on the floor still made no attempt to rise, evidently having a wholesome fear of what might befall him.

"Let me search him first," said Robert quickly. "I may find my letter."

A thorough search, however, failed to reveal the missing letter which had been taken from Robert in the preceding evening, and a smile of malignity passed over the leader's face when the young express said, "It is n't on him. When do you expect your father, Hannah?"

"Any time."

"Would n't it be a good plan to tie this fellow up somewhere, and let your father deal with him when he comes?"

"No, no," said Mrs. Nott hastily. "We don't want him here. Let him up and let him go."

For a moment Robert hesitated and glanced inquiringly at the girl by his side.

"I think mother is right. Let him go. But if he ever dares to come back here, he 'll know what to expect. You must tell my father and the boys all about it, Robert, just as soon as you get into the fort."

"I 'll do that," replied Robert quickly.