Page:Tomlinson--The rider of the black horse.djvu/64

48 pointing once more at the robes or blankets that could be dimly seen in the corner of the room. "An' let me tell ye," he added, "not to try any o' yer tricks. I'm on hand all the time right in front o' the door, an' if my gun should happen to go off, it would be most likely right in th' d'rection o' where ye were standin' at the time."

Robert made no response, and at once threw himself upon the improvised bed. In spite of his weariness, the predicament in which he found himself kept him awake for a time. He could see the huge form of Josh seated directly in the doorway with his back against the side, and puffing away at his pipe as if it were the sole occupation of his life. That there would be other things he would certainly do if conditions were to change, Robert felt confident, and to escape, or even to make an attempt to free himself, for the time was not to be thought of. He turned over upon his side and resolutely strove to go to sleep.

Whether he had been sleeping or not he was unable to determine, when he was aroused by the sound of voices and the sight of some one standing in the doorway talking to Josh. The voice of the new-comer sounded strangely familiar, and in a moment Robert was listen-