Page:Tomlinson--The rider of the black horse.djvu/139



Robert Dorlon found himself in the lower road and with his face turned toward the north, he became exceedingly watchful, for the persistence of the band which had followed him to the house of Hannah Nott had convinced him that the men were determined to take him if such a thing was possible. The letter, which he still had in his possession, must be of great value he was convinced, and that fact also served to increase the caution with which he advanced.

Not a man could be seen, however; and, eager to place the letter in the hands of General Clinton, as well as to secure his own safety, he rode rapidly, for Nero now was apparently rested and as ready for the swift flight as was his young rider. The day was warm, and the sun, already past the meridian, was not hidden by any clouds. Occasionally the road came out into open places, and then again led through the depths of the sombre woods, where the songs of the birds and the