Page:Tomlinson--The rider of the black horse.djvu/43



, faint and yet distinct, had been heard by both men coming from the road, and when they heard it repeated they rushed from the house, a great fear having suddenly seized upon Robert. Neither spoke for a moment as they discerned the outlines of a horse led by a man, who was holding the animal by the bridle, disappearing around the bend of the road.

"You don't suppose it's my horse, do you?" inquired Robert in a whisper.

Dirck made no response as he darted back into the house and hastily mounted the ladder that led to the room above. Robert followed his friend into the house, but waited with such calmness as he could assume for the report to be made.

"Come, Robert, come up here," called Dirck from the loft. With feverish haste Robert clambered up the ladder, and as he stepped out upon the floor he required no further explanation, for