Page:Tomlinson--The rider of the black horse.djvu/83

Rh "He wanted us to come up to the shanty. That's what he wanted," said the third man.

Robert was listening intently, hut either nothing more was said, or he was not able to hear it. At all events the men passed on, and then instantly the young soldier, trembling with excitement, led his horse once more out into the path and rapidly proceeded on his way to the road below.

He had not gone far before he perceived the place he was seeking, but his fears redoubled when he spied two armed men standing in the roadway directly in front of the entrance to the path. It was too late to stop, for he was aware that he himself had been seen; and it was impossible to turn back, for more of his enemies were there than were before him. Every avenue of escape seemed to be closed, and in sheer desperation Robert leaped upon the back of his horse and advanced. He could see that the men stepped forward to dispute his coming. It seemed to him almost as if he was clutched already by the throat, so difficult was his breathing.

"What's wrong?" demanded one of the men sharply, as he approached the horse's head.

"Everything is wrong," replied Robert.