Page:Tomlinson--The rider of the black horse.djvu/302

286 stared at the spot where the landlord had disappeared, and his first thought was to follow the man, who seemed almost to have lost his wits; but in a moment he restrained the impulse, as he was aware that Jacob must go somewhere, for it was impossible for him to remain at his ruined home. Perhaps this departure was what he most needed. At least, it might serve to divert his thoughts in part from the horrible experiences through which he had recently been compelled to go.

Somewhat reassured by the thought, Robert turned hastily into the woods and began to search for his horse, nor was it long before he found him. A low whinny greeted his approach, and Robert could perceive that Nero was greatly excited, a condition which was not in the least surprising to his owner in view of the experiences of the night.

The animal was led from the woods; as soon as the highway had been gained Robert leaped upon his back, and in a moment horse and rider were speeding swiftly along the road into which the excited landlord himself had turned a brief time before. Although Robert kept a careful lookout for the man, nothing had been seen of him when the young express arrived at the fork in the road