Page:Tomlinson--The rider of the black horse.djvu/385

Rh he himself had come on that eventful day when he had been shot in the shoulder. He recalled the familiar scenes as he proceeded with all the haste he was able to make, but all the time he maintained a careful outlook for Russell, who he was well assured could not be far in advance of him.

An hour passed, but the longed-for sight of Russell was not obtained. Robert was already feeling severely the strain of the efforts he was making, but he gave slight heed to his own weakness or suffering, so eager was he to prevent the messenger from escaping him. At times he ran till, panting and almost fainting, he was compelled to stop to rest, but every time he speedily resumed his journey, eager to overtake the man who, he was confident, was somewhere not far in advance.

Two hours later Robert perceived the figure of a man in the road ahead of him. He was too far away to be recognized, but his movements were suspicious, and Robert at once concluded that the man whom he was seeking: was before him. There was need of increased caution on his own part now, and he kept close to the border of the road, that he might dart into the woods if his presence should be discovered.