“I’m going to stay with you to-night, old fellow,” he said, patting the horse’s head.
He climbed up into the loft and threw down an extra quantity of hay, which he strewed about the far corner of the stall. On this he spread a blanket he had brought with him from the house. Then he extinguished his lantern, and lay down.
He did not know how long he had been sleeping when he was awakened by the sound of the stall door rattling. Jimmy was a light sleeper. He sat up quickly and groped for the revolver he had placed beside him. With the weapon in his hand he felt more secure.
Again the door rattled. Jimmy sat perfectly still. Then there came the sound of low voices outside.
Gabriel, awakened at this hour of the night, whinnied uneasily. Jimmy rose, and slowly and quietly made his way to the animal’s side, judging his position by the horse’s breathing.
He laid a hand upon the animal’s back, and Gabriel grew still.
Again the door rattled.
“Sounds like they were trying to find the lock,” muttered Jimmy beneath his breath.
Still he made no sound.
At first he had thought of lighting his lantern, but second thought had shown him the utter foolishness of such action. It might frighten away the men on the outside, or else it would make him an easy target should they be bent upon serious mischief.