Page:Tomlinson--The rider of the black horse.djvu/213

Rh ing, and was rejoiced to perceive that the other horses were following closely and without any apparent effort. Three miles had been covered before he stopped and permitted the wearied beasts to rest. Not a man had been seen since he had departed from Jacob Gunning's tavern, and though he had maintained a careful outlook, not a sign of peril had been discovered.

A feeling of relief swept over him, and as he started on once more, taking the road that led to the right, in the fork where he had halted, he even began to feel elated. He had escaped his pursuers, and by seizing their horses had deprived them of the means of following him. It was not likely that any of the band of Claudius Brown were in advance of him, for doubtless Russell and his huge comrade had been in the lead of others. What a commotion he could create in the American camp if by any chance he should succeed in returning safely not only with the letter from General Clinton but also with two horses! And there was a need of horses, too, amongst the troops.

His heart was heavy, however, when he thought of Jacob. He had been left to face the answer of Russell and Josh alone. Then