Page:Tomlinson--The rider of the black horse.djvu/188

172 "Yes, sir, thank you. I 've been helping myself to what I could find."

"That's right. My man left me yesterday an' I have n't found one yet to take his place. I want to talk with ye about that letter," he added in a lower voice and drawing nearer to Robert. "When d' ye get it?"

Thus bidden, and recalling General Clinton's confidence, Robert decided to relate what had occurred at the home of the Notts, and in a few words he told the landlord his recent experiences there. Jacob's bearing had changed now and much of his apparent indifference was gone. He did not once interrupt Robert until his story was all told. Then he said abruptly, "Why don't ye take it yerself?"

"I can't do it."

Why not?"

Robert hesitated a moment and then said, "I must push on for Morristown. Have you heard anything of what our army is doing?"

"Last reports were that 't was n't doin' much of anything. I don't know of but two ways to get this letter where it belongs. One is to take it myself an' t' other is to let my gal take it. I'd go myself but I must n't be away from here for a day or two just now."