Page:Tomlinson--The rider of the black horse.djvu/305

Rh "Joe told me you might stop here," she said, as she advanced to greet him.

"Joe? Has Joe been here? Is he here now?"

"I should think you would ask after my mother first," she said archly.

"I beg your pardon. Is your mother here? And is she well?" "She is quite well, kind sir, and, if you desire, I will at once take you to her. Joseph said you might stop to pay your respects to her."

"I shall, I will, I am,"—began Robert in some confusion. Somehow this girl always seemed to deprive him of the ability to say just what he intended.

"I am, thou art, he is," laughed Hannah.

"You did not tell me if Joseph was here."

"He was, but he is not now. He's gone back to the fort."

"Will you give me some breakfast?"

"That I will. You must be hungry and tired after such a night," said Hannah kindly. Then for a moment she stopped, and, looking at Robert, began to laugh.

In some confusion the young express said tartly, "You seem to find me very funny. I don't know that I care to"—