Peter clambered back into the saddle, and gripped my rein.
"Come on," he said disgustedly, kicking the black in the side.

"It's a ways yet afore yer lie down." We rode steadily, and at a good pace.

Occasionally the older man swore solemnly, but Peter never uttered a sound, not even turning his head at my attempts to draw him into conversation.

The situation mystified me, but it became more and more evident that I should have to wait until morning before learning the truth.

Neither guard would open his lips, and the lieutenant rode straight forward, merely a dim shadow, in advance.
There was no figuring the affair out.