Page:Tomlinson--The rider of the black horse.djvu/204

188 Youyou [sic] did n't know the man's name, but he came here, for his horse is in your barn and he himself can't be very far away. We don't want to make any trouble for you, Jake. As far as I know you 've always been a good friend to us. Now, where is he?"

"I can't tell ye."

"Have you any choice between Josh's fist or my pistol?"

"What d' ye mean?"

"Just what I say."

"There was a young chap got supper here," began Jacob.

"Ah, I thought you would begin to recollect," said Russell quietly.

"He put out his own horse. I have n't got any man here now."

"Where is young Dorlon?"

"I did n't see him when he put his horse in the barn. He came into the house and Nancy cooked some supper for him, same 's she did for you. He then, 's far 's I rec'lect, went out o' th' room"—

The landlord stopped as a sound was heard outside the room, but though it quickly ceased Russell's suspicions apparently were aroused, for he said quietly to his companion, "Just go out and see what that was"—