Page:Tomlinson--The rider of the black horse.djvu/199



a moment Robert was convinced that his presence in the room had been discovered. He leaned back against the wall and drew his pistol, resolved to make a desperate attempt to defend himself if he should be attacked. The color had fled from his face, but every nerve and muscle in his body was tense, and he was prepared to exert himself to the utmost.

"Where ye goin', Russell?" roared Josh.

The man did not respond to the question of his companion, but quickly passed out of the room and advanced to the piazza, and then went on to the barn; but in a brief time he returned and quietly resumed his place at the table. He glanced keenly at Jacob as he did so, but his quiet manner was unchanged, and to all appearances he was still unsuspicious.

"What's the trouble, Russell?" demanded Josh.

"There does n't appear to be any particular