Page:Tomlinson--The rider of the black horse.djvu/72

56 rise and creep stealthily and softly toward the exit, or to make a sudden dash across the ten or twelve feet that intervened and trust to fortune to favor him. The sleeper by his side moved uneasily, changed his position, and rolled a little nearer. Robert waited until the deep breathing once more assured him that his companion was not mindful of anything that was occurring in the room, and then he decided that the attempt must now be made. The hours were passing, and Russell had apparently been confident that some one was soon to come. The time might already be at hand, and Robert Dorlon decided that he could wait no longer. The worst feature of it all was that, even if by his sudden departure he should chance to escape, he still must leave Nero behind him. Even the faithful animal must now be left, he decided; and then resolutely, and with every nerve in his body tense, he began to lift himself from the blankets. Slowly and cautiously he rose to a sitting posture, and then waited to discover if his movements were seen. Apparently he was still safe, for Josh had not moved. He placed one foot on the ground, and, kneeling, braced himself for the quick leap he