h had
vanished. Finally he ordered his horse to be saddled and while this
was doing, stood, chin in hand, like one lost in vexed thought yet more
than once fell into that attitude of strained attention as though
listening for distant sounds. Roused by the clatter of his fresh
horse's hoofs on the cobbles of the yard as it was led from the
stables, he glanced up and surveyed the animal with quick, appraising
eye and prepared to mount; but, before doing so, stayed to lift his
holster-flaps and found that his pistols were gone. At this he laughed
suddenly---a strange laugh, at sound of which the fellow holding the
horse put up an elbow and cowered behind it as if expecting a blow; but
Mr. Dalroyd, laughing still, turned and beckoned to the landlord with
his gold-mounted riding-whip.

"Look'ee," said he, his mirth still distorting his features, "I've been
robbed by the rascal and among other things, of my pistols. I must
have another pair--at once!"

"Sir," began the landlord, bobbing apologetically, "there ain't a pair
in the house Lord love me, no such thing except a blunderbuss----"

"Blockhead!" exclaimed Mr. Dalroyd, pointing at the speaker with his
whip, "I said a pair of pistols, go get 'em--how and where you will,
but get them and bring 'em to me and don't keep me waiting, my good
oaf." So saying, Mr. Dalroyd turned and sauntered up and down the
shady side of the yard apparently lost in dreamy reverie. Very soon
the landlord came hurrying back triumphantly bearing a long-barrelled
weapon in either hand. Mr. Dalroyd took one, balanced it and cursed
its weight and clumsiness.

"Careful, sir," warned the landlord, flinching, "they're loaded."

Mr. Dalroyd glanced around; overhead a crow flapped heavily on lazy
wings. Mr. Dalroyd aimed the weapon and while the report still rang
and echoed, the crow turned over and over, a shapeless bundle of ragged
feathers and thudding down into the grassy ditch opposite the inn lay
there struggling and croaking dismally.

"They'll serve!" nodded Mr. Dalroyd, "have the thing loaded again and
hasten!" Watched by many awestruck eyes, Mr. Dalroyd crossed to his
horse, mounted, and oblivious of the interest he caused, sat awhile
with eyes half-shut and head aslant, listening, until the weapon was
brought; then he examined each with care, flint, priming and charge,
and thrust them into his holsters.

"Landlord," said he, as he put away his purse, "did you take any heed
to