Page:Tomlinson--The rider of the black horse.djvu/268

252 Brown to Robert. Then turning again to Jacob, he said, "Your hear me?"

"Yes, I hear you. But you have n't heard me for the last time. Your five pounds won't go far in paying your debt."

"Save your wind, Jacob! If you don't give up that letter you 'll need it all. I'm not going to ask you again, Jake." "The better for you, then!"

Claudius Brown said no more, but began to search the barn. He passed close to the place where Robert's hat was lying, but though the young express for a moment thought the letter was discovered, the leader passed it, apparently not suspecting its presence. He went into the stalls, and soon returned with two leathern halters in his hand.

Handing one to one of his fellows, he said sharply, pointing at Robert as he spoke: "Tie him to the timber, and tie him so that he can't get away either!"

Helpless, Robert was borne to the edge of the mow and securely fastened to the rude ladder which led to the hay above. His fears had increased keenly, and he fancied that he knew what was about to be done. Yet it seemed to him even then that Claudius Brown could not be such a heartless villain as the