Page:Tomlinson--The rider of the black horse.djvu/200

184 trouble, Josh," replied Russell quietly, "and I don't think there will be any if Jacob here is as good a friend to us as he appears to be."

"Oh, Jake's all right," responded the giant with a roar. "It is n't the first time he has helped us to a meal and made no charge for it."

"Jake will be paid this time," said Russell quietly.

The landlord had not spoken during the conversation since Russell had returned to the room, but there was nothing in his appearance to indicate that he was in any way suspicious of his visitors. Robert was still keenly excited, though his first fear of discovery had in a measure departed, and he was listening with bated breath to what was being said.

"Yes," repeated Russell, his voice still not changing in the slightest, "Jake will be paid this time. It's only fair that he should be. I know he's been good to us, and when we 've had no money with us he has chalked up the score, but he knew we were men who did n't forget our accounts."

"I have n't asked ye for any pay, have I?" demanded the landlord tartly.

"Not a farthing, Jacob, not a farthing."