This almost broke the boy's heart; but he declared he would some day regain his horse, and for weeks he tried to do so, but without success.
One night two horsemen came to the Cody farm and again asked for the farmer, but were told by Mrs. Cody that he was away.
They would not take her word for it; but thoroughly searched the house, after which they forced Billy's sisters to get them some supper.
While they were eating Billy and his father returned, and warned by one of the girls, Mr. Cody went up-stairs to bed, for he was quite ill, and suffering from the wound he had received.
But Billy went into the kitchen and saw there the very man who had struck him the severe blow; and who had taken Sable Satan on his last visit.
"Well, boy, that's a good horse I got from you," he said, with a rude laugh.
"Yes, he's too good for such a wretch as you are," was the fearless reply.
"No lip, boy, or I'll give you a licking you'll remember. By the way, where's that old father of yours?" said the man.
Billy made no reply but walked out of the kitchen, to be soon after followed by his sister Mary who said anxiously:
"Oh, Will, they say father must have come with you, and they intend to search the house again."