He was answered by more explosions in the distance.
"I'm afraid so," Tom muttered, showing his first trace of uneasiness.
"However, I don't want to say, Mr.Newnham, until I've investigated." Before the horses were ready Tom descried, half a mile away, on a clear bit of trail, a horseman riding in at a furious gallop.
"There comes a messenger, Mr.Newnham," Tom went on.

"We'll soon know just what the trouble is." "Trouble ?" echoed Mr.Newnham, in astonishment.

"Then you believe that is the word, do you ?" "I'm afraid, Mr.Newnham, that you've reached here just in time to see some very real trouble," was Reade's quick answer.

"But wait just two minutes, sir, and we'll have exact information.

Guessing won't do any good." Once or twice, through the trees, they caught sight of the on-rushing rider.