Page:Tomlinson--The rider of the black horse.djvu/187



, puzzled somewhat by the actions of the landlord, nevertheless at once led his horse to the low barn in the rear of the tavern, and not finding any one there to aid him, began himself to look after the wants of Nero. Everything about the place was strange, not the least strange being the actions of the boniface. While he was watering and feeding his horse, for he had discovered a bin of oats and had appropriated what he required, Robert was thinking of Jacob Gunning, and had it not been for the positive assurance of the general he would have been inclined to be suspicious of the man.

"Find what ye want?"

Robert glanced up quickly at the unexpected inquiry and beheld Jacob standing on the barn floor and watching him with evident interest. So quiet had been the man's approach that he had not been aware of his presence until Jacob had announced it by his unexpected question.