and looked carefully to the priming of his pistol.
He was aware that haste was required on his part, for the general had explained the importance of the letter which Robert had this time concealed in his shoe; but he was eager to learn if the report concerning Dirck had been correct, and he also comforted himself by the assurance that he would in the end save time by giving his horse an occasional rest. Whatever the motive may have been that at last controlled him, at all events he turned aside from the road and approached the rear of the log house in which Dirck Rykman had dwelt for two years, and where he himself had been received with such cordial and simple hospitality on the occasion of his former visit. He had not perceived any one about the place as he drew near, and the silence but increased his feeling of uneasiness when he halted a few yards from the door.
Still retaining his seat on the back of his horse, and with one hand on the butt of his pistol, he leaned forward and in a low voice cried, "Dirck ! Dirck! come out here!"
He waited a brief time but no response was given to his hail, and then he repeated his
