Page:Tomlinson--The rider of the black horse.djvu/211



two men stared blankly at each other for an instant, and then the landlord, who apparently was the first to recover from his astonishment, said in a whisper, "Come on! We 'll go out to the barn! Come!" Instantly Robert followed him, and as they started from the house they glanced about them in every direction, but not a glimpse could they obtain of the missing man. Neither had halted to continue the search, and as they entered the barn together a low exclamation of pleasure escaped Robert's lips, for there in the rude stalls before him was his own horse and also those of the recent visitors at the tavern.

"Take all three!" said Jacob quickly. "Take 'em, every one!"

"I don't want to leave you here alone"—began Robert.

"Never ye mind me, as I told ye before! Take the horses and get out; and the sooner the better for me an' you, too!"