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THE RIDER OF THE BLACK HORSE

swiftly away from the place. His sympathy for the unfortunate man was gone and he was disgusted that any one should have taken an opportunity, when the men doubtless had left their homes to engage in the struggle that was becoming narrower in its limits daily, and the girls and women had probably assembled to sew for the soldiers, to declare his distasteful opinions to the patriotic women. He had been treated as he justly deserved, and Robert assured himself that he had done more than could reasonably be expected of him. Perhaps at another time or under other circumstances the young express might have had more generous opinions, but the feeling then was high, and lawlessness was not looked upon as it ordinarily is in times of peace. But afterwards, when he again met Hannah Nott and inquired concerning the treatment of the unknown young man, he received no information, for Hannah refused to explain. Nor did he ever learn who the man was, for he soon disappeared from the region and never returned.

Without further delay Robert Dorlon rode swiftly from the place, nor did he once glance behind him at the unfortunate man, who remained standing beside the spring, or heed the