Page:Tomlinson--The rider of the black horse.djvu/277

Rh out their threat, and the landlord had suffered at their hands as Claudius Brown had promised. The sun was low in the western sky, but the blazing barn and still burning house threw a light all about the place that made everything distinct and plain. Not since the war had begun had the sight of the redcoats been a welcome one to Robert Dorlon, but now as he looked about him he rejoiced in their coming almost as if they had been friends. At least they would be protectors against the brutality of the unscrupulous gang of which Claudius Brown was the leader, and if he must fail on his errand, Robert was convinced that his failure would be less bitter if he was taken by the redcoats rather than left in the power of the merciless gang of cowboys. Besides, it was evident that Claudius Brown himself was in some fear of the young officer, who plainly knew him, and there was hope also in that fact. But even these things were for the moment ignored as he leaned forward eager to learn how it fared with Jacob Gunning.

In a moment the young lieutenant arose and said, "He 'll be all right in a little while." Then turning to Claudius Brown, he said sternly, "Did you hang him there on that tree, as the men say you did?"