Guided by a horseman's instinct he swiftly ran his hands over the animals, and made quick selection.
"Here, Neb, take this fellow; lead him quietly down the bank," and he thrust the loosened rein into the black's hand.
An instant later he had chosen his own mount, and was silently moving in the same direction, although the night there was so black that the obedient negro had already entirely vanished.

The slope of the land not only helped cover their movements, but also rendered it easy for them to find one another.

Fully a hundred yards westward they met, where a gully led directly down toward the river.

There was no longer need for remaining on foot, as they were a sufficient distance away from the little town to feel no fear of being discovered, unless by some drunken straggler.

At Keith's command the negro climbed into his saddle.