Page:Tomlinson--The rider of the black horse.djvu/71

Rh to be a miserable failure. A feeling of intense relief swept over him when, in a brief time, the huge guard, apparently satisfied that all was well within, turned and resumed his place in the doorway.

Convinced that his work had not been discovered, Robert did not move, but keenly watched the guardian of the hut. Apparently he was again sleeping, but his recent movements were too fresh in the prisoner's mind to permit him to trust to appearances, and for a time he strove to think out his own best plan to follow; but not once did he turn away his eyes from the sight before him. The deep and regular breathing of Russell still continued, and Robert was convinced that he had little to fear from him. The supreme test would be found in Josh, the giant guard. If he was really sleeping, to leap past him would be comparatively easy, but if he should be awake Robert well knew what would be likely to occur.

Still the young soldier lay motionless upon his bed. He did not even dare to rub his aching hand for fear the movement might attract the attention of his guard. For a time he thought carefully over the problem as to whether it would be safer for him to