But he was glad that the night had come.

Others would know him, and he did not wish to be seen when he rode on such an errand.

He had been saving his horse in the afternoon, but now he pushed him forward at a much faster gait.

The great horse responded willingly and Dick felt the powerful body working beneath him, smooth and tireless like a perfect machine.
He passed nobody on the road.

People hugged their fires on such a cold night, and he rode hour after hour without interruption.