Everett T. Tomlinson

“ Not a man had been seen since he had departed from the fort, but Robert was aware now that all these things did not protect him from the sudden call, or the sharp report of guns of men who might be concealed somewhere within the silence of the woods through which he was passing. His anxiety increased, and, as he climbed the hill and perceived the humble abode of Dirck Rykman, not many yards in advance of him, he increased his precautions and looked carefully to the priming of his pistol. ”

“ The thought of Hannah and the possible presence in her home of her father and brothers instantly caused Robert to decide to stop there and inform them of the report of Dirck's arrest and the predicament in which Mina and her little girl had been left. The young express knew that it was not expected of him that he should delay his journey in order to be knight-errant or the defender of the helpless. Speed was one of the foremost demands upon him, and other duties must be left to other men. ”

“ You know the way through the woods, and you would do better to take that path than to follow the road. I hope everything will come out all right. I must go on now."
Robert lifted the little Mina gently from her seat on his saddle, dropped her to the ground, and then with a wave of his hand started swiftly down the road. When he glanced behind him he could see that Dirck's wife and child were still standing where he had left them, and there was a fear in his heart that they would not do as he had bidden them. ”