Page:Tomlinson--The rider of the black horse.djvu/77

Rh was dealing with Claudius Brown himself, the well-known leader of the band of cowboys known as "the Thirteen." He was fearful every moment that Russell would approach or Josh come near and reveal the mistake which the man evidently had made. He glanced nervously about him, a movement which Brown noticed, for he laughed lightly as he said,-

"Ye seem t' be in a twitter t' get away. Ye may not find it all so fine as ye 're thinkin', for there's more'n one man on th' lookout for ye."

"All the more reason why I should get started, then."

"That's right; but ye want th' word, don't ye?"

"Yes," replied Robert simply.

"Well, jest say 'Th' Asia,' when ye 're facin' our men, an' it may help ye a bit. Sure ye don't want any coat?"

"No! No!" said Robert hastily. He was eager to be gone, and it was only by a great effort that he controlled his feelings. The man, however, insisted upon giving him some minute directions as to where he would meet friends, how he was to be carried to the other side of the river, when he was to return, and where he was to meet him again.