Everett T. Tomlinson

“ The shadows already were lengthening and the western sky had the deeper glow which indicated that the darkness would not long be delayed. He held his horse to the swift pace at which he was moving, and was rejoiced to perceive that the other horses were following closely and without any apparent effort. Three miles had been covered before he stopped and permitted the wearied beasts to rest. Not a man had been seen since he had departed from Jacob Gunning's tavern, and though he had maintained a careful outlook, not a sign of peril had been discovered. ”

“ You 're Robert Dorlon," responded the young man, after he had peered into the face of the man before him.
"Well, then, what are you doing with my horses?" demanded Robert.
"Your horses ? Are they yours?"
"Yes, or at least one of them is, and the other two are more mine than yours. Have you horses here?"
"Yes, back near the road. What are you doing here? Where are your men?"
"I have n't any men. I'm all alone." ”

“ If there really has been any mistake, why, it can be set right; and if there has n't, we 'll be mighty glad of the night's work. Come on!"
The two men began to move over the pathway toward the road, leading the three horses with them, and almost mechanically Robert began to follow them, darting swiftly from tree to tree and keeping well back from the path, though he did not lose sight of the men. He was in a whirl of excitement, for he fancied that he had recognized one of the men ”