Page:Tomlinson--The rider of the black horse.djvu/362

346 desperately to Nero's neck and his heart leaped as he realized that his horse was unhurt, and upon him now depended every hope of escape. Apparently Nero shared in the desire, for he was bounding forward with great leaps, and if his speed could be maintained only for a brief time Robert knew he could have nothing to fear from his foes. Only a few yards remained between him and the seclusion of the forest. Already he was within its borders and his hopes rose high, but they were instantly dashed to the ground when again the loud report of a rifle was heard behind him, and suddenly Nero stumbled and fell forward. The bullet had entered the faithful animal's skull, Robert could perceive even as he fell.

Still desperate and determined in spite of his own suffering, Robert, when he discovered that he himself was unharmed by the fall, started quickly into the woods by the roadside, and summoning all his strength ran swiftly forward. But a fresh source of alarm appeared as he heard the dog approaching from amongst the trees. It was not barking, and so could not reveal its presence by sound; and stopping for the moment and seizing a club from the ground Robert braced himself against a tree and waited for the dog to approach; for it was near now,