Page:Tomlinson--The rider of the black horse.djvu/336

320 if you don't look out, and decide to take you along with Josh."

Robert Dorlon made no response, but as he turned toward the barn somehow it seemed to him that, in spite of the release he had secured, there was something radically wrong with the day. It was not what the man had said so much as what he had implied that troubled him. It was easy to believe that the resolute girl had taken the part in the detection of the counterfeiter which the man had explained, but what had been implied in his words concerning her and his son? Robert did not even know what the man's name was nor where he lived, but it would be useless to stop longer to make inquiries, for the stranger might do as he had threatened and prevent him from proceeding on his way. It occurred to Robert that he might learn more at the fort if Joseph Nott or his brothers were there, and with this partial satisfaction he quickly led Nero forth from the barn, and leaping upon the back of the faithful animal was soon, despite his own weariness, speeding swiftly on his errand.

The day was bright and cloudless, and the heat of the late summer sun was intense, so that when two hours had elapsed he was glad of the opportunity to stop for a rest both for