Page:Tomlinson--The rider of the black horse.djvu/51

Rh "I'm a friend of Clinton."

"That settles it. If you belonged to the regulars you would say 'Sir Henry.' You must come with us."

The question in Robert's mind was answered now, and the men before him, he was convinced, were cowboys, Tories, or, it might be, redcoats in disguise. Instantly he turned about and began to run swiftly back over the rough roadway. The men might fire upon him, and doubtless would, but there was a slight hope in the mind of the young soldier that in the darkness their aim might fail them, and he might be able to escape. He crouched low and ran at his utmost speed. He could hear the men coming swiftly in pursuit, but for some reason, which to him appeared to be unexplainable, they did not fire. It certainly was strange, he thought, but he gave it slight heed as he exerted himself to the utmost of his powers. There had been one loud, sharp call from his pursuers when he had so suddenly darted away, but he thought nothing of it save that it was a call for him to stop. When he drew near the entrance to the narrow place, however, he understood it all, for directly before him and swiftly approaching were four other men,