Ned, who was trembling in every limb, controlled himself as well as he could and replied that he had not.
“There has been one along here,” continued the horseman, “for we have traced him, and we know that we are not very far behind him. He is making for the river. He is a stylish-looking fellow, well dressed, wears a good deal of jewelry, and rides a chestnut-colored horse, with white mane and tail, four white feet and a star in his forehead.”
“I haven’t seen any such man or horse,” said Uncle John.
“I haven’t either,” said Ned, faintly.
It was well for him that it was so dark.
CHAPTER IX.
A VISIT FROM THE RAIDERS.
“What has this man done?” continued Uncle John.
“O, he got into a little trouble down there in our settlement, and had to dig out; so he stole the best horse in the state to help him along. That will be the means of getting him into big trouble, if we put our eyes on him; but we don’t much expect to catch him, for the horse he stole can travel for a week at his best pace, and our nags, which were fresh this morning, are pretty nearly whipped.”
“I am sorry that I can give you no information concerning him,” said Uncle John; “but I will tell you what I can do—I can give you some supper, and you can take your pick out of twenty fresh horses in my corral.”
Both the horsemen expressed hearty thanks for this kind offer of assistance, and were prompt to accept it. They didn’t care much for anything to eat, they said, for they were used to going hungry; but they would take a hasty lunch, while Uncle John was getting their fresh horses ready, and if he would put them on a straight course for the nearest ford, they would be much obliged, and would take pleasure in doing as much for him, if he ever came to their settlement.