Page:Tomlinson--The rider of the black horse.djvu/311

Rh "You were counting money."

"You have a keen eye. Do you like money?" he demanded abruptly.

"I might like it. I 've never had the chance to try," said Robert, with a laugh.

"And you would like the chance?"

"Yes, sir." Robert was becoming interested now, and already his suspicion of the man was assuming a more definite form.

"Ah, yes. Are you going to the fort?"

"I may stop there."

"If I should pay you well for stopping on your way there, would you do me a favor?"

"I fear I shall not be able to stop. I must push on up the river"— "It will require no time. It can all be done in a minute."

What is it?"

"You are to leave this at the house of Josh Taggart. Do you know him?"

Robert could perceive that the old man was deeply interested in his reply, and his own suspicions were becoming stronger. The very name "Josh," though a dozen men might claim it, was strongly suggestive.

"Is he with Claud Brown?" he demanded sharply.

"Ah. You do know him, then."