Page:Tomlinson--The rider of the black horse.djvu/205

Rh "’T was only Nancy," interrupted the landlord.

"Go out and see what it was, Josh," continued Russell, apparently ignoring the interruption, "and while you are out there get the three horses all ready for a start. Jake here seems to prefer my pistol to your fist. I am deeply interested in his story and I doubt not I 'll come to the most interesting part in a minute now."

Josh arose and with apparent reluctance departed from the room.

"Now then, Jake," said Russell more sharply when his comrade had gone, "I am not a very patient man, though I might seem to be from the way in which I 've been listening to you. What I want of you is for you to tell me right now where young Dorlon is hidden."

"Yes, I think I did hear ye mention that before," drawled Jacob.

"I can put a bullet into you before you can stir a hand. You can see that for yourself, can't you?

"Well, I s'pose ye could. If ye can hit a barn door at a distance o' two yards ye ought t' be able to hit me. I 'll take yer word for it."