Page:Tomlinson--The rider of the black horse.djvu/194

178 When I see him I thought he'd give a lively tussle to 'most any man that took hold o' him."

"Yes, yes," said Russell nervously. He was a slight man in physique, restless, energetic, and alert, and it was evident why he had the huge Josh as a companion. "Is he here now?"

"Th' last I see o' him he was goin' out th' barn door."

"How long ago?"

"Well now, I can't say exactly."

"You know, Jake. Tell us, for it's more important than you think."

"Ye don't say so! I see he was a smart chap, but I did n't know he was so important as all that."

"How long ago was it when he left?" demanded Russell impatiently.

"Well now, 't was quite a spell. Quite a spell, I should say."

"Was it an hour, or two, or three?"

"I 'll go an' ask Nancy. My wife always keeps track o' those things better'n I do. She seems t' have a better head for such things 'n I have."

"Josh, we 'll stop here and get some supper," said Russell sharply, turning to his companion as he spoke. "Jake can't tell us much,