Yet to let him ride off alone now, would be to drop the trail at the very moment the scent became of importance.
The landlord, a bustling, wiry little man all nervousness and questions, unwittingly helped me at this crisis.
"Are you going on to Perry, sir ?" inquired he of that gentleman, "I have been expecting a man along these three days bound for Perry." "I am that man," I broke in, stepping forward with some appearance of asperity, "and I hope you won't keep me waiting.

A horse as soon as dinner is over, do you hear?
I am two days late now, and won't stand any nonsense." And to escape the questions sure to follow, I strode into the dining-room with a half-fierce, half-sullen countenance, that effectually precluded all advances.

During the meal I saw Mr.Blake's eye roam more than once towards my face; but I did not return his gaze, or notice him in any way; hurrying through my dinner, and mounting the first horse brought around, as if time were my only consideration.

But once on the road I took the first opportunity to draw rein and wait, suddenly remembering that I had not heard Mr.Blake give any intimation of the direction he intended taking.

A few minutes revealed to me his elegant form well mounted and showing to perfection in his closely buttoned coat, slowly approaching up the road.