Explore "Stronghand" by Gustave Aimard on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
When the last bandit had disappeared in the darkness, the horseman turned to his generous defender, in order to thank him; but the latter was no longer by his side, and he saw him galloping some distance off on the plain.
The horseman knew not to what he should attribute this sudden departure -- (for the stranger was following a direction diametrically opposite to that on which the pirate had fled) -- till he saw him return, leading another horse by the bridle.