Page:Tomlinson--The rider of the black horse.djvu/152

136 back to wait for my father and to get the boys together." He extended his hand as he spoke and then turned quickly away.

There was nothing more for Robert to do until morning, when General Clinton had assured him that he would receive instructions concerning his further duties; and the young soldier, completely wearied by his recent experiences, was glad to seek out his quarters and retire for the night.

On the morning following, as soon as he had eaten his breakfast, he at once sought out the general's quarters, though on his way he glanced eagerly about him hoping somewhere to perceive Joseph Nott and learn from him what decision had been made concerning the protection of Hannah and her mother; but the young man was nowhere to be seen, and Robert was received by the general with the question still unanswered. He was obliged to wait for a brief time before the commander could receive him, and as soon as he was admitted he was compelled to relate once more the story of his adventures on the preceding day. The general was a stern man, and yet when his face was lighted up by a smile, as it frequently was, the expression was most winning. Stories of the leader's popularity, which