Page:Tomlinson--The rider of the black horse.djvu/220

204 "Halt! Stop a minute," he called in a low voice.

At the unexpected summons both men halted abruptly and, drawing their pistols, stood gazing eagerly all about them. It had been impossible to determine from just what direction the hail had come, and the alarm and consternation were natural. They did not know whether to advance or to go back, and perhaps under other circumstances their predicament might have made Robert laugh.

But he was in nowise inclined now to be light-hearted, for the issue was uncertain, and he had much to lose if his surmise should not prove to be correct.

"Is one of you Joseph Nott?" he inquired, after the brief silence.

"Who are you?" demanded the man in true Yankee fashion, as both faced the direction from which the question had been heard.

"That's not answering my question," responded Robert. "I'm a good friend of his, and if he is there everything will be all right. Here! Keep them covered with your guns, men," he added, as if he was addressing an imaginary company. "Don't let them move till my question is answered!"