Page:Tomlinson--The rider of the black horse.djvu/331



" out your hands, young man!" said the man sternly.

"I 'll do what you say, but if you will give me just a minute to explain I'm sure I can make everything clear to you." Robert spoke quietly, for he was convinced that it would be useless to protest in the midst of the present excitement. Accordingly he complied with the demand, and his wrists were speedily bound.

The other four men now entered the room, and the thongs were inspected by the one who evidently was the leader. As he approached Robert the young express said eagerly in a low voice, "Take me outside just for a minute. I 'll explain everything to you, or if you are going to the fort, I 'll wait till we get there. But if you 're not, you must listen to me."

"We 're not going to the fort," said the man dryly.

"Then let me tell you about it!" said