Part 104 (1/2)
CHAPTER LV
ON THE ROAD
On the followingBrandon started from the Hall at an early hour
He was on horseback He rode down through the gates Passing through the village he went by the inn and took the road to Denton
He had not gone far before another horseman followed him The latter rode at a rapid pace Brandon did not pay any especial attention to hith the latter overtook hinized the other It was Vijal
”Good-,” replied Brandon
”Are you going to Denton?”
”Yes”
”So am I,” said Vijal
Brandon was purposely courteous, although it was not exactly the thing for a gentleman to be thus addressed by a servant He saw that this servant had overreached hi hi hiht be Vijal's aim, and therefore kept a close watch on hi the reins in his left hand, kept his right hand concealed in his breast A suspicion darted across his ht hand, which he kept constantly upraised, and talked cheerfully and patronizingly with his companion After a while he fell back a little and drew forth a knife, which he concealed in his hand, and then he rode forward as before abreast of the other, assu the appearance of perfect calm and indifference
”Have you left Potts?” said Brandon, after a short time
”No,” replied Vijal
”Ah! Then you are on some business of his now?”
”Yes”
Brandon was silent
”Would you like to knohat it is?” asked Vijal
”Not particularly,” said Brandon, coldly
”Shall I tell you?”
”If you choose”
Vijal raised his hand suddenly and gave a quick, short jerk A cord flew forth--there was a weight at the end The cord was flung straight at Brandon's neck
But Brandon had been on his guard At the movement of Vijal's arm he had raised his own; the cord passed around him, but his arm ithin its embrace In his hand he held a knife concealed In an instant he slashed his knife through the windings of the cord, severing theed his hand into the pocket of his coat, and before Vijal could recover from his surprise he drew forth a revolver and pointed it at him
[Illustration: VIJAL LOOKED EARNESTLY AT IT HE SAW THESE WORDS: ”JOHN POTTS”]