Page:Tomlinson--The rider of the black horse.djvu/95

Rh Robert made no protest, for the scheme was a wise one, as he quickly acknowledged; and after a few minutes had elapsed Nero was tied to a sapling and left for the night. The women then returned with Robert to the house and all three at once entered. A candle was burning on the rude table in the kitchen, and in its light Robert glanced keenly at the women. The elder was a woman in middle life, but the younger was only a girl, apparently not so old as he himself was. Her vigorous body and firm step at once revealed both physical and mental strength, and her face, animated and attractive, speedily confirmed Robert's favorable impressions.

"Oh, you need n't be afraid of us," laughed the girl.

"I beg your pardon," stammered Robert. "I was not, that is—I am"—

"Exactly. Your statement is very plain."

"Hannah," said the woman, who, Robert was convinced, must be the girl's mother, "you'd better get our friend something to eat."

"I would not put you to that trouble," began Robert. "I"— "Oh, you need not try to be too polite. Mother knows that every man is always