Page:Tomlinson--The rider of the black horse.djvu/190

174 ert was too seriously troubled by what had been said to be unduly suspicious of one whom General George Clinton had declared to be absolutely trusty. He turned away from the barn when the man had gone, hastened to the rear of the house, and, going to the well which stood near the barn, he drew a bucket of water, and using some "soft soap" that was in a near-by keg, he soon removed the traces of his journey from his hands and face. While he was busy with his ablutions he heard the sounds of a horse departing from the yard; and glancing quickly up, perceived that a young girl not more than fifteen years of age was riding from the place on horseback. Doubtless this girl was "Betsey," and she was already started on the journey with the letter he had given to the landlord, he concluded; and when she had disappeared from sight in the road that led into the forest, he entered the tavern, and soon was seated at the table where his supper had been prepared for him. Jacob had not appeared since the interview in the barn, and Robert was left to his own meditations. Before his supper had all been eaten he had decided that he would remain where he was for a part of the night anyway. His horse had had a hard day and needed a rest,