Page:Tomlinson--The rider of the black horse.djvu/85

Rh ness and quick wit had availed for the moment, but he was still in danger. Even then a wild shout arose behind him, and he knew that his escape was known. If the band had horses near, then his chances of final escape were dubious, for Nero's weakness was apparent in every movement the faithful animal was making. The issue was too great, however, for even mercy to be considered now, and Robert urged his horse forward with ever-increasing speed. He could feel the heaving sides beneath him and hear the painful breathing as his horse responded to his appeals.

The one great fear in Robert's heart now was of pursuit by horsemen. If the morning would only come, he might be safe, for he well knew that the Thirteen belonged to the class whose work was done for the most part in the darkness. But the stretch of dull sky was unbroken by any promise of the coming dawn. He must still urge Nero forward, he assured himself, and if the faithful animal gave out, then he must trust to his own efforts on foot.

Ten minutes more had elapsed and still no sound of pursuit had been heard. Either the band had had no horses near, or they had not dared to attempt to follow him. Either solu-