Page:Tomlinson--The rider of the black horse.djvu/267

Rh reflection caused him to abandon the thought. He did not know what the letter contained, but he had been informed that it was of so great importance that, if it should be found impossible to deliver it, under no circumstances should it be allowed to fall into the hands of the enemy. No, it were better for one to suffer than for many, he assured himself. Better even that Jacob should be the loser than that the redcoats should be the gainer.

The flames had mounted higher and higher, and the little building; was almost concealed in the mass. The roar, too, could be plainly heard in the barn, and the dark expression on the face of Claudius Brown, who had remained by Jacob's side, afforded no intimation as to what his plans for the future were.

At last when a half hour had elapsed and the low tavern was hopelessly doomed, the leader turned once more to Jacob and said, "Now ye 'll believe that I mean what I say. Answer me; will you give up that letter now?"

"He has n't got the letter, I told you," interrupted Robert once more.

"You keep still and save your strength! You 'll need it all, young man," said Claudius