Page:Tomlinson--The rider of the black horse.djvu/34

18 "Oh, I don't belong here, that's true enough," said the other lightly.

Now that he was enabled to perceive plainly the face of the man, Robert became more strongly convinced that the visitor was one who was abundantly able to protect himself. His face was strong, the glance of his eye was keen, and there was an indefinable something that pervaded him that spoke of a larger experience in life than belonged to most of the dwellers in the colonies.

"Where might your home be?" inquired Robert bluntly.

"It 'might be' in any one of a dozen places, but as a matter of fact it is n't in any one of them."

The laugh of the man was somehow irritating to Robert, but he was not to be turned from his purpose now, and boldly continued his questioning.

"Every one is supposed to be able to give an account of himself in these days." he said soberly.

"A most excellent plan. I was about to inquire who you were and where you came from."

Robert's face flushed slightly as he realized that his own question had been turned back