Everett T. Tomlinson

“ Convinced that Russell had disappeared in this manner, Robert instantly followed his example; and as soon as he felt the grass beneath his feet he ran swiftly to the little barn, and, flinging open the door, peered eagerly within. His worst fears were confirmed, for his horse was no longer there. For a moment he stood stupidly staring at the stall where a few moments before he had left Nero to enjoy his well-earned rest; but he was roused from his lethargy by the approach of the young Dutchman.
"He's stolen my horse, Dirck! The rascal has got away with Nero!" ”

“ The question in Robert's mind was answered now, and the men before him, he was convinced, were cowboys, Tories, or, it might be, redcoats in disguise. Instantly he turned about and began to run swiftly back over the rough roadway. The men might fire upon him, and doubtless would, but there was a slight hope in the mind of the young soldier that in the darkness their aim might fail them, and he might be able to escape. He crouched low and ran at his utmost speed. He could hear the men coming swiftly in pursuit, but for some reason, which to him appeared to be unexplainable, they did not fire. ”

“ The man would have to rouse the ferryman; there was a bare possibility that the latter might not be at home; there were other delays that might occur, and in the thought Robert once more increased the speed at which he was moving. He had entered a darker part of the rough roadway, where the tall trees shut out the moonlight on either side, but a hundred feet in advance of him he could see that the road led one into a broader place where the light was clearer and the dark trees were not so close to the border. ”