Page:Tomlinson--The rider of the black horse.djvu/237

Rh "But you say they 're up here, too," suggested Joseph. "Yes. I'm tellin' ye they 're everywhere, 'most, clear up t' Morristown. They 're like a roarin' lion goin' about seekin' whom they may devour. Don't ye let 'em set eyes on ye, much less their hands."

"How are you going back to your home?" inquired Robert.

"Walk."

"It must be fifteen miles."

"So it is, but it won't be th' first time I 've done it. Now ye'd better start, an' for a while I would n't let the grass grow under my feet either."

The boys expressed their thanks for his aid and then swiftly resumed their journey. For a time their fears made them watchful, but when two hours had elapsed and not a sign of the presence of their enemies had been discovered, a measure of confidence returned, and they soon halted for their midday meal.

The journey was speedily resumed, and when they had gone on until they were again slowly climbing one of the numerous long hills, Robert said to his companion, "You never told me how it was that you happened to be in that hut last night, nor who the man was with you."