Page:Tomlinson--The rider of the black horse.djvu/53

Rh behind him. He discovered his mistake, however, when, as he drew near once more to the end of the narrow pass, he suddenly perceived two men approaching swiftly from that direction. He saw that he was caught now, and that there was no escape. The trap had been carefully made and he was taken within the lines.

Instantly the two men threw themselves upon him, and he was hurled to the ground, and held tightly in their grasp. He struggled desperately, but he soon was powerless, for the men all gathered about him, and his hands were securely held.

"We know where you are going now," said the man who had spoken to him before, and who evidently was the leader.

"That's right, Tom," laughed one of his comrades. "But don't you think it would be better to hit him in the head, and let him go?"

"Not yet," responded the leader. Then, turning to Robert, he said, "Come on!"

There was nothing to be done but to obey, and the prisoner followed obediently until the band came out into the open light.

"Search him," said the leader quietly. Powerless to resist, Robert saw his hat re-