been current of late, and if the men who had halted him belonged to the latter band there was a dim possibility that he might secure their aid. If, however, they should prove to be cowboys, then he knew what his fate was likely to be. In the dim light he could perceive that not one of the men was dressed in the uniform of either army, and the only way in which he would be able to determine their sympathies was to be cautious in his replies to their questions and strive to learn from their own words whether they were friends or foes.
"Where are you going?" demanded the man who had before spoken.
"Back here in the country," responded Robert quietly.
"That won't do," said the man sternly.
"What do you want me to say?"
"Who you are and where you are going."
"I told you."
"Tell us once more, then."
"I'm going back into the country."
giance to neither side. Those who were supposed to be more favorable to the British were called "cowboys," and those who were more friendly to the Americans were known as "skinners." But plunder was the foremost motive of both, and seldom did sentiment prevent either from carrying out their plans of evil.
