Part 66 (2/2)

The two outlaws took the path which led to Oreville, and walked two miles before they discovered Caesar coming towards them at a slow and melancholy gait.

”There he is, and on foot! What does it mean?”

”He will tell us.”

”Here now, you black imp! where is the horse?” demanded Roderick.

”I done lost him, ma.s.sa.”

”Lost him? You'll get a flogging for this, unless you bring good news.

Did you see Jefferson Pettigrew?”

”Yes, ma.s.sa.”

”Did he give you any money?”

”No; he gave me this letter.”

Roderick s.n.a.t.c.hed it from his hand, and showed it to John.

”It seems satisfactory,” he said. ”Now how did you lose the horse?”

Caesar told him.

”You didn't fasten him tight.”

”Beg your pardon, ma.s.sa, but I took good care of that.”

”Well, he's gone; was probably stolen. That is unfortunate; however you may not have been to blame.”

Luckily for Caesar the letter which he brought was considered satisfactory, and this palliated his fault in losing the horse.

The country was so uneven that the two outlaws did not observe that they were followed, until they came to the entrance of the cave. Then, before opening the door, John looked round and caught sight of Fred and Otto eying them from a little distance.

He instantly took alarm.

”Look,” he said, ”we are followed. Look behind you!”

His brother turned and came to the same conclusion.

”Caesar,” said Roderick, ”did you ever see those men before?”

”No, ma.s.sa.”

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