Page:Tomlinson--The rider of the black horse.djvu/249

Rh soldier that Jacob's bearing betokened a nameless anxiety or fear.

"Well, Jacob, here I am again," said Robert cheerily.

"So I see."

"You don't seem to be very glad to see me. Anything gone wrong?"

"Everything," replied Jacob moodily.

"That 's too bad. Perhaps it will"—

"How long ye plannin' t' stay here?" interrupted Jacob.

"Not very long. I want to get something to eat and I want to feed my horse. I shan't bother you long."

"I s'pose ye 're on th' same bus'ness ye were the last time?" suggested Jacob.

Yes."

"Jest 's I thought." As he spoke Jacob grasped the bridle of the horse, and, glancing sharply up and down the road, quietly and yet quickly led the way into the woods in the rear of the barn.

"What's this for?" inquired Robert, as he followed the landlord.

"’Cause it's best."

"Anything new?"

"No, it's th' same old story. I 've had my hands full since you were here."