Page:Tomlinson--The rider of the black horse.djvu/360

344 instinctively he concluded that they must have been aware of his coming and had been lying in wait for him, concealed among the trees that were thick and high on the right of the spot where the forest ceased and the new open roadway appeared.

When he had arrived within twenty feet of the men, he stopped, and, striving to appear indifferent, saluted the strangers. The dog was sniffing about his horse's heels, but though its appearance was threatening Robert gave it but slight heed, for he was waiting anxiously for the strangers to declare themselves or explain why they had taken their stand in the wood with the evident intention of blocking his further advance.

"What's the news from up the river?" demanded one of the men.

Almost unconsciously Robert's hand was placed upon his pistol, but he had not drawn the weapon when he replied. "Good news," he said quietly.

"What's going on?"

"They seem to be waiting."

"For what?"

"For each other."

"Young man, we know who you are. There isn't any use in mincing matters. We 've had