Page:Tomlinson--The rider of the black horse.djvu/89

Rh "Is your horse injured?" "I am afraid he has broken his leg."

"It's a shame how some men ride! They have no more mercy than the Thirteen!" said the young woman, whom Robert now perceived to be a girl no older than himself.

The reference to the Thirteen, however, instantly caused him to stop, and he said sharply: "Do you know the Thirteen?"

"To our sorrow."

"To my sorrow I, too, know them. I have just escaped from their hands."

"Are you a soldier?" said the elder woman in a low voice.

"I am, madam."

"Where do you belong?" demanded the girl sharply.

"Not anywhere hereabouts, nor do I want to stay here. If my horse is not too tired to carry me, I 'll be gone soon."

"Did you say your horse had broken his leg?" inquired the girl.

"I said I was afraid he had."

There was a low and hasty conversation between the two women, and then the older one said, "You surely need a lantern. Will you take ours?"

"I thank you, madam."