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diff --git a/old/54930-h/54930-h.htm b/old/54930-h/54930-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index 9b10ef2..0000000 --- a/old/54930-h/54930-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,9240 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" - "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> - <head> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" /> - <title>Little Snap, The PostBoy, by Victor St. Clair &mdash;A Project Gutenberg eBook</title> - <link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" /> - <style type="text/css"> - body { margin-left: 8%; margin-right: 10%; } - h1 { text-align: center; font-weight: normal; font-size: 1.4em; } - h2 { text-align: center; font-weight: normal; font-size: 1.2em; } - .pageno { right: 1%; font-size: x-small; background-color: inherit; color: silver; - text-indent: 0em; text-align: right; position: absolute; - border: thin solid silver; padding: .1em .2em; font-style: normal; - font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; } - p { text-indent: 0; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; text-align: justify; } - .sc { font-variant: small-caps; } - .large { font-size: large; } - .xxlarge { font-size: xx-large; } - .lg-container-b { text-align: center; } - @media handheld { .lg-container-b { clear: both; } } - .linegroup { display: inline-block; text-align: left; } - @media handheld { .linegroup { display: block; margin-left: 1.5em; } } - .linegroup .group { margin: 1em auto; } - .linegroup .line { text-indent: -3em; padding-left: 3em; } - div.linegroup > :first-child { margin-top: 0; } - div.pbb { page-break-before: always; } - hr.pb { border: none; border-bottom: thin solid; margin-bottom: 1em; } - @media handheld { hr.pb { display: none; } } - .chapter { clear: both; page-break-before: always; } - .figcenter { clear: both; max-width: 100%; margin: 2em auto; text-align: center; } - div.figcenter p { text-align: center; text-indent: 0; } - .figcenter img { max-width: 100%; height: auto; } - .id001 { width:500px; } - .id003 { width:100px; } - .id004 { width:600px; } - @media handheld { .id001 { margin-left:19%; width:62%; } } - @media handheld { .id003 { margin-left:44%; width:12%; } } - @media handheld { .id004 { margin-left:12%; width:75%; } } - .ic002 { width:100%; } - .ig001 { width:100%; } - .table0 { margin: auto; margin-top: 2em; margin-left: 11%; margin-right: 11%; - width: 78%; } - .table1 { margin: auto; width: 99%; } - .nf-center { text-align: center; } - .nf-center-c1 { text-align: left; margin: 1em 0; } - .c000 { margin-top: 1em; } - .c001 { page-break-before: always; margin-top: 4em; } - .c002 { page-break-before:auto; margin-top: 4em; } - .c003 { margin-top: 2em; } - .c004 { margin-top: 4em; } - .c005 { vertical-align: top; text-align: left; padding-right: 1em; } - .c006 { vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right; } - .c007 { margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; } - .c008 { margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; } - .c009 { text-align: right; } - .c010 { margin-left: 5.56%; margin-right: 5.56%; margin-top: 0.5em; - margin-bottom: 0.5em; } - .c011 { font-size: 90%; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; } - .c012 { vertical-align: bottom; text-align: left; } - </style> - </head> - <body> - - -<pre> - -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Little Snap The Postboy, by Victor St. Clair - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Little Snap The Postboy - Working for Uncle Sam - -Author: Victor St. Clair - -Release Date: June 18, 2017 [EBook #54930] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LITTLE SNAP THE POSTBOY *** - - - - -Produced by David Edwards, readbueno and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive) - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/cover.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_i'>i</span> - <h1 class='c001'>LITTLE SNAP, THE POSTBOY</h1> -</div> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i_004.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>"Looking up with dread expectations of what he was<br />to witness, the Post Boy reeled back in his saddle."</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_ii'>ii</span> - <h2 class='c002'>LITTLE SNAP<br />THE POSTBOY<br />OR<br />Working for Uncle Sam</h2> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c003'> - <div>BY</div> - <div>VICTOR ST. CLAIR</div> - <div class='c000'>AUTHOR OF</div> - <div>"Cast Away in the Jungle," "From Switch to Lever,"</div> - <div>"For Home and Honor," "Zip, The Acrobat," etc.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='figcenter id003'> -<img src='images/i_005.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>PHILADELPHIA</div> - <div>DAVID McKAY, PUBLISHER</div> - <div><span class='sc'>610 South Washington Square</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c004'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_iii'>iii</span>Copyright, 1903</div> - <div>By STREET & SMITH</div> - <div class='c000'>Little Snap, The Postboy</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_iv'>iv</span> - <h2 class='c002'>CONTENTS</h2> -</div> -<table class='table0' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='85%' /> -<col width='14%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>CHAPTER</td> - <td class='c006'>PAGE</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>I—A Postboy's Courage</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_7'>7</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>II—The Missing Mail</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_17'>17</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>III—"I Will Be Back"</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_24'>28</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>IV—What Little Snap Saw</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_33'>33</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>V—Close Quarters</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_42'>42</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>VI—Little Snap's Troubles Increase</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_50'>50</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>VII—"The Truth in a Nutshell"</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_59'>59</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>VIII—"I am Standing on My Own Feet"</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_66'>66</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>IX—A Terrific Trap</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_75'>75</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>X—Little Snap's Remarkable Ride</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_83'>83</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>XI—The Ride Through Blazed Acre</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_92'>92</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>XII—The Postboy's Arrest</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_99'>99</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>XIII—A Curious Court</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_106'>106</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>XIV—An Unexpected Climax</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_113'>113</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>XV—A Long and a Vain Watch</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_121'>121</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>XVI—A Lonely Night Ride</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_129'>129</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>XVII—Little Snap's Disappointment</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_136'>136</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>XVIII—A Perilous Undertaking</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_143'>143</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>XIX—The Bushbinder's Plans</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_150'>150</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'><span class='pageno' id='Page_v'>v</span>XX—A Startling Discovery</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_157'>157</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>XXI—"What Jack Rimmons Says, Goes"</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_163'>163</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>XXII—An Underground Race</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_172'>172</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>XXIII—The Registered Letters Again</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_181'>181</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>XXIV—Driven to the Wall</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_187'>187</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>XXV—Startling Surprises</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_194'>194</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>XXVI—A Life for a Life</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_201'>201</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>XXVII—Little Snap's Surprise</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_206'>206</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>XXVIII—The Strange Horseman</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_213'>213</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>XXIX—A River Let Loose</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_220'>220</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>XXX—A Race With a Runaway River</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_225'>225</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>XXXI—A Startling Relic of the Flood</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_231'>231</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>XXXII—The News That Reached Home</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_238'>238</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>XXXIII—The Gathering Storm</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_244'>244</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>XXXIV—Little Snap Finds a Clew</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_251'>251</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>XXXV—The Truth at Last</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_257'>257</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>XXXVI—Old Solitaire's Secret</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_264'>264</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>XXXVII—Conclusion</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_270'>270</a></td> - </tr> -</table> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_7'>7</span> - <h2 class='c002'>LITTLE SNAP, THE POSTBOY.</h2> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c002'>CHAPTER I.<br />A POSTBOY'S COURAGE.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c007'>"Has my letter come to-day?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>The dark bay horse—as fine a specimen of equine -beauty and worth as ever came from the famed Blue -Grass regions—ridden by the Postboy of the Kanawha, -came to a standstill simultaneously with the utterance of -the earnest, pleading tone, knowing in its almost human -intelligence that its rider would be challenged at this particular -spot and the question repeated which had been -asked daily without variation for six months.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap had expected it, and on the watch, had discovered, -a quarter of a mile back, a tall, gaunt figure -clothed in skins and leaning heavily on a gnarled staff, -standing by the wayside, under the shadows of a huge -live oak.</p> - -<p class='c008'>An additional wildness was lent to the strange man's -<span class='pageno' id='Page_8'>8</span>figure by the presence of a gray squirrel on either shoulder, -while others gamboled at his feet, or ran up and down -his lank form.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Not to-day," replied the postboy, with an unusual -softness in his voice; "not to-day, Uncle Solitaire."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Please excuse me for troubling you, but I felt sure -she would send me that letter to-day. I have waited so -long. But take this to her, and I am certain that to-morrow -I shall get my letter."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Then, as he had done so many times before, he handed -the postboy a carefully folded piece of coarse paper, -thanked him in a tremulous voice as he took it, to vanish -the next moment into the heart of the wilderness hemming -in the wild landscape.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I wonder who he can be," said Little Snap, speaking -his thoughts aloud, moved as he always was by the pathos -of the meetings in this lonely place. "I would give my -quarter's salary to know his life secret; but that is something -no one I have ever met knows. It is singular that -he should be able to bury himself in these woods so completely -as to defy all attempts to find his stopping place. -I suppose this paper is as blank as all the others have -been."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_9'>9</span>Though he could not have told the reason for it, he had -always unfolded these scraps of paper before throwing -them away. He always felt, too, a sort of awed feeling as -he gazed on the spotless pages, innocent of conveying any -message, unless outside of the power of pen or pencil.</p> - -<p class='c008'>His surprise may be imagined on this occasion, therefore, -when he unfolded the sheet to find a few lines of -closely written manuscript.</p> - -<p class='c008'>His astonishment increasing, he read:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Keep your eyes open; step lightly on Eagle's Tracks; -fly through the Devil's Wash Bowl!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>The paper contained no signature, and puzzled over -its meaning, Little Snap read it several times before he -crumpled it in the hollow of his hand.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Some foolish whim of his," he said to himself. "Come, -Jack, we must move faster than we have, or we shan't -get to Six Roads until midnight."</p> - -<p class='c008'>As young as he was, Little Snap, whose name, by the -way, was Dix Lewis, though he was seldom addressed -thus, had been carrying the mail between Upper Loop -on the Kanawha and Union Six Roads, at the very base -of the backbone of the Alleghany Mountains, for about -two years.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_10'>10</span>The distance between the two isolated towns was nearer -forty than thirty miles, but he had never lost a trip yet, -and he had never felt in better spirits than on this particular -afternoon.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The valley of the Great Kanawha, as the lower section -of this "River of the Woods" is called, is one of the -most fertile regions to be found in West Virginia; but -beginning near the Greenbrier Uplands, the stream finds -its course often through rocky gateways. Particularly -is this the case where a narrow gorge in the Great Flat -Top Mountains allow the water to escape from the rock-bound -basin lying between that rugged ridge of earth -and Greenbrier Mountain.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The gnarled live oak, with its blasted top, where Little -Snap had met Old Solitaire so many times, stood on the -west side of the ascent leading to the Narrows, where -the road wound over a spur of the mountain, to descend -into one of the wildest valleys even the hackneyed landscape -of the Old Dominion can show.</p> - -<p class='c008'>For nearly a mile, a natural shelf of rock formed the -roadbed, which actually hung out over the chasm of the -Kanawha, that found its way along the rocky bottom a -hundred feet below.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_11'>11</span>Just beyond the Narrows in the first stage of the descent -was a place called "Eagle's Tracks," where a bolt -of lightning or some other work of nature had torn the -rocks asunder so as to make the passage more difficult -than at any other spot.</p> - -<p class='c008'>As he reached this locality the postboy instinctively -looked about him, as if expecting some unseen foe would -spring upon him from behind the bowlders piled one on -the other.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Almost at his feet lay the rock-rimmed valley known -by the grewsome name of "Devil's Wash Bowl."</p> - -<p class='c008'>The ascent on the opposite side was less abrupt, while -in the far distance, rising high above all the lesser ranges, -loomed the Alleghany Mountains, looking like a mighty -wave on the sea of space.</p> - -<p class='c008'>But Little Snap had passed through this rugged scenery -too often for his gaze to rest upon it now.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Pah!" he exclaimed, "I am foolish. Of course, they -were but idle words, though it does——"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Hold up, younker!" suddenly broke in a harsh voice, -giving an abrupt ending to his low speech. "We have -a word to say to ye."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Simultaneous with the command, two burly figures -<span class='pageno' id='Page_12'>12</span>sprang from behind a big bowlder by the wayside, and -while he who spoke leveled a short-barreled shotgun at -his head, the second seized hold of Jack's bit.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"What do you mean by? stopping me?" demanded the -surprised postboy. "Let go there, Hawk Burrnock, so I -can pass on."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"In a minnit, Dix Lewis; don't git onpatient, fer ye -hev got time 'nough to git to Six Roads on tick. Ye -hev a letter we want."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Then come along with me and you can get it at the -post office."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"We want it here—now!" and the firearm in the man's -hand shook ominously.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"But I have no right to open the mail pouch on the -road like this. If I am not mistaken, your mail comes -to the Hollow Tree. Mr. Shag will let you have it there."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"He won't, younker, 'cos ye air goin' to let us hev it -here!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap knew the man by sight, but better by reputation -as one of the most dangerous men living, and belonging -to a gang called "bushbinders."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I tell you I am not allowed to open the mail anywhere. -Come along——"</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_13'>13</span>"Mebbe ye air 'fraid we'll rob it; but to show ye thet -we air on th' square, we'll stand back ten feet, while ye -git out th' document. It's sent to dad, Bird Burrnock. -Kem, don't keep us waitin' till dark. I sw'ar no Dan -Shag shall open a letter b'longin' to our family."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yas; hurry up," added the other, who was a brother -of the first speaker.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap knew that his situation was a desperate -one, and that there was small chance of his getting off -without yielding to the ruffians. Still he quickly decided -to baffle them if it lay in his power.</p> - -<p class='c008'>How to do that was a difficult question.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Air ye goin' to do it?" demanded Burrnock, "or shall -we hev to take it from ye? 'Pears to me ye oughter -thank us fer bein' perlite 'nough to let ye handle the ol' -sack."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I repeat that I cannot do it, as much as I would like -to oblige you. It would be against——"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Bah! ye could do yit ef ye felt like yit. Uncle Sam -need never know ye hev tampered with yit, 'less ye air -fool 'nough to tell. Kem, once more, an' fer the las' time, -I ax ye to hand over dad's letter. Why, it's his'n, an' ye -hev no bizness to keep yit."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_14'>14</span>Little Snap had already formed a plan of action, which, -if desperate, was only in keeping with his situation.</p> - -<p class='c008'>He said:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You say you will stand back ten feet, and will not -touch me while I am finding the letter?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Ye hev coined my idee, only there's to be no foolin'. -Shoot ye, true ez preachin', ef ye show the fust sign o' -treachery. D'ye cave?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I'll do all I agree, if you will keep your word. As I -dismount, you must step back, and upon your knees you -must promise you will never tell a living soul I opened -that mail pouch."</p> - -<p class='c008'>As Little Snap spoke he slipped from the saddle into -the middle of the road, the outlaws at the same time -falling back a few feet.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Rip th' ol' sack open lively, 'cos we an't got enny time -to fool 'way," growled Buzzard Burrnock, as he loosened -his hold on the bridle.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You promise never to betray me?" questioned the -postboy, putting his hand up to the mail pouch, though not -to remove it from its position on faithful Jack's back, -but to be sure that it was securely in place.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_15'>15</span>"We promise," declared the outlawed brothers in the -same breath.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Away, Jack, old boy!" cried Little Snap, sharply, dealing -his trained horse a smart blow with the flat of his -hand. "On to Greenbrier!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Then, before the surprised twain could recover enough -to prevent him, the gallant Jack leaped forward at the -top of his speed, his body swaying to and fro, striking -Buzzard Burrnock in such a way as to send him headlong -down the abyss yawning on the right side of the -road.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Hawk Burrnock uttered a yell of dismay as he witnessed -his brother's fate, and saw the horse dash onward -down the descending way.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"The fiends take——"</p> - -<p class='c008'>He was raising his gun to fire at Little Snap as he -spoke; but, in the midst of his speech and action, the intrepid -postboy snatched his revolver from under his -jacket, and, springing forward, dealt the outlaw a blow -with its butt over the head that caused him to sink to the -ground with a groan.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I didn't like to do it," said Little Snap, as he stood -over the prostrate figure, "but he drove me to it. I do -<span class='pageno' id='Page_16'>16</span>not think he is killed. He will soon come around all right. -Wonder how Buzz Burrnock has fared," stepping at the -same time to the edge of the bluff to look into the depths.</p> - -<p class='c008'>A dark object caught in a thicket of bushes clinging -to the side of the chasm twenty or thirty feet below soon -resolved itself into the figure of a man.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"He isn't as bad off as he might be," mused Little Snap. -"Well, I will leave the precious pair to look after themselves."</p> - -<p class='c008'>The clatter of a horse's hoofs in the Devil's Wash Bowl -at that moment told that Jack had reached the foot of the -descent and was beginning to climb the opposite heights.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The postboy quickly placed his hand to his lips in such -a way as to emit a short, sharp whistle, which rang up and -down the valley with a peculiar clearness.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_17'>17</span> - <h2 class='c002'>CHAPTER II.<br />THE MISSING MAIL.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c007'>No sooner had Little Snap's shrill note rang on the -air than the sound of the hoof strokes suddenly ceased, -and a glad whinny answered him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Noble Jack!" exclaimed the postboy; "I wouldn't give -you for all the horses I ever knew, and I love them all. -You are the best friend I have."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Quickening his pace, he descended into the huge basin -denominated the Wash Bowl, meeting Jack, who was retracing -his course at the bottom.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Good Jack!" said the young master, gently, while he -patted the head of the faithful steed affectionately. "But -we must tarry here no longer. On, my boy, to Greenbrier."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Then Little Snap bounded lightly into the saddle, and, -with a hasty glance backward, urged Jack away from the -lonely place, half expecting to be attacked by some foe -springing from behind the frowning rocks at every moment.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_18'>18</span>But, to his relief, the ascent was made without molestation, -and from the summit he looked down upon the -little town of Greenbrier in the valley of the river of that -name with a feeling of comparative safety.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The post office at this lively hamlet was managed by a -woman by the odd name of Budd Grass, who had received -her appointment about the time Little Snap had -begun to carry the mail.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The postboy dashed along the crooked street, lined -with its rude habitations, until he came in sight of the -post office, where he saw the postmistress standing in the -doorway, an anxious look upon her handsome features.</p> - -<p class='c008'>She was a woman of about thirty, and had won Little -Snap's friendship at the first.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You are late," she said, by way of greeting. "I began -to get anxious about you, for I have heard reports of -trouble among the bushbinders, and I was fearful they -might molest you. You have had trouble of some kind."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Two or three loafers were in the office, and just outside -of the door Little Snap saw a younger brother of the -twain he had met so unceremoniously on Eagle's Tracks, -so he did not say what he wished.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Instead he said:</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_19'>19</span>"Did you ever know me to run into any trouble I could -not get out of, Budd?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Not a bit, Dix Lewis," replied the postmistress, taking -the pouch and retiring to the little room dignified by the -name of "private office."</p> - -<p class='c008'>While she was sorting the mail, Little Snap returned -to the side of Jack, and caressing the animal's arched -neck, began to talk to it in a way he often did.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In the midst of his affectionate treatment of his loved -horse, the postboy felt a hand laid on his shoulder, and, -turning, he saw Pewee Burrnock standing by his side.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Meet Hawk and Buzz up yonder?" asked the bushbinder, -tersely, jerking his thumb over his shoulder as he -spoke, in the direction of the mountain crossing.</p> - -<p class='c008'>At first thought the postboy was at a loss how to reply, -but he quickly decided that it was best to tell the truth if -he said anything, so he replied:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Any trouble?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"None but what we could settle among ourselves."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Good. An' here I want to tell yer it'll be best fer ye to -be on the square with th' boys. Understand!"</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_20'>20</span>"I think I do. At any rate, I shall try and do my duty, -Mr. Burrnock."</p> - -<p class='c008'>A puzzled look came over the swarthy countenance of -the bushbinder, as he was not fully satisfied with the postboy's -reply, but before he could speak again, Budd Grass -appeared upon the scene with the mail bag. As she -handed it to Little Snap, she whispered:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Look sharp! you are threatened with trouble."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Dix Lewis would fain have asked her what she meant, -but he could not do so without arousing the attention of -Pewee Burrnock, which he did not think advisable to do.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Accordingly, he bade her "good-day," and rode away -from the office at a smart canter.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Before leaving Greenbrier, however, he called upon -one of the leading citizens, whom he believed he could -trust, to give him an account of the attack of the Burrnock -brothers, the other listening to his story with amazement.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"By Jones, Dix! I don't like the looks of that. But I -don't want to scare you off the route. You may not hear -anything more from them. I will see that Rimmon goes -up that way to find out if they have taken care of themselves. -If there is any further trouble of this kind, let me -know."</p> - -<div class='figcenter id004'> -<img src='images/i_023.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p> "Jack leaped forward, his body striking Buzzard Burrnock and<br />sending him headlong down the side of the abyss."</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_21'>21</span>Thanking Mr. Drayton for his kind words, Little Snap -resumed his journey, meeting with no adventure until he -reached the next office on his route.</p> - -<p class='c008'>This was no doubt one of the most singular post offices -in the country. It was called the Hollow Tree, and there -was not a house within sight of the lonely spot.</p> - -<p class='c008'>As Little Snap reined up at the place, a man with a -slouching figure, and a sort of hangdog look upon his -sunburned features, stepped from a hollow pine to reach -for the pouch.</p> - -<p class='c008'>He was Dan Shag, a notorious character in that vicinity, -of whom nothing very bad was known, though he -was a person of few friends.</p> - -<p class='c008'>This office afforded the mail facility for the inhabitants -of "Blazed Acre," an isolated settlement of lawless people, -among whom dwelt the bushbinders. The place -was three miles and a half back from the post road, and -reached only by a bridle path.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It's purty light to-day," said the postmaster, as he -took the mail pouch from the postboy and carried it into -the Hollow Tree, that had been fitted up in a rude sort of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_22'>22</span>way with recesses for the few letters and papers making -up the intercourse the people of the Blazed Acre had with -the outside world.</p> - -<p class='c008'>While Dix waited for Dan Shag to sort the mail, a -quartet of ill-looking men, whom he recognized as representatives -of the isolated settlement, emerged from the -growth surrounding the Hollow Tree and shambled up to -the spot.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Meet th' boys up yonder?" asked the foremost of the -newcomers, jerking his thumb over his shoulder after the -manner of Pewee Burrnock.</p> - -<p class='c008'>He was Robin, another of the brothers of that name, -more repulsive-looking than any of the others, if that -were possible.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap nodded.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Any trouble?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Before the postboy could reply, Dan Shag reappeared -upon the scene with a startled look upon his face.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"What does this mean, boy?" he demanded, fiercely.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I don't understand you," replied Little Snap, in surprise.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Where's the package for Hollow Tree? The letters -<span class='pageno' id='Page_23'>23</span>and things, I mean," he added, seeing Little Snap's look -of amazement.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"In the bag with the rest," said the postboy.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"There ain't a dratted thing, an' there's alwus a big -bundle o' Wednesdays."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You must have overlooked it, Dan. I heard Belmont, -at the Salt Works, say there was a larger package than -common. It must be there."</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_24'>24</span> - <h2 class='c002'>CHAPTER III.<br />"I WILL BE BACK."</h2> -</div> -<p class='c007'>By this time the loafers about Hollow Tree were thoroughly -alive to the situation, and Little Snap imagined -that Robin Burrnock was looking on with great satisfaction.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Of course there was!" exclaimed the excited Shag. -"What hev ye done with it, you young scamp?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"What do you think I have done with it, Mr. Shag?" -demanded Little Snap, fearlessly. "If it is not there now, -I know no more where it is than you do."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Say I have taken it, do yer?" cried Shag, fiercely. "Ye -shall eat 'em words, boy."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That's it, Dan!" broke in one of the spectators, a big, -red-whiskered bushbinder. "If ye want enny help, call on -me.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Reckon I can handle sich a leetle ginger bub es he," -replied the postmaster. "Here's the sack; see if the Hollow -Tree package is there fer yerself."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap was standing by the side of Jack, and about -<span class='pageno' id='Page_25'>25</span>six feet from the entrance to the Hollow Tree. Bidding -the horse to remain quiet, he entered the opening, upon the -bottom of which lay the mail pouch.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Giving this a kick toward him, Shag returned to his -retreat behind a barrier of poles with which the inclosure -had been partitioned off.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It is not here," said Little Snap, when he had hastily -examined the small amount of mail matter left in the -pouch.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Then where is it?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I do not know."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I should like to know if it isn't your bizness to know? -I shall take the trouble to report yer at headquarters. It -isn't th' fust time I have missed letters, though I hev -waited to git dead evidence agin' yer afore I blowed.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Boys, I call on yer to prove thet he 'lows th' Hollow -Tree mail ain't here."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"P'raps he's got yit 'bout his duds," ventured Robin -Burrnock.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"S'arch him," exclaimed one of the speaker's companions.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The four started forward as if they would carry out -the intention.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_26'>26</span>Little Snap had picked up the sack, and, with it lying -across his left arm, stood in the opening answering for a -doorway to the "office."</p> - -<p class='c008'>The quartet stopped suddenly in their advance, either -lacking the courage to attack the determined boy, or waiting -for an order from the postmaster to do so.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It's no use for us to git mixed up in th' muss," said -the latter, directly. "He's under Uncle Sam; but ye can -count on me to report him in short meter."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Without replying, Little Snap threw the pouch over -Jack's back and fastened it to a ring in the pommel of the -saddle. Then, while the five looked on in silence, he -sprang into his seat.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"This is only th' beginnin' o' th' end," said Dan Shag, -shaking his fist after the departing postboy.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The country, after leaving the Hollow Tree, was less -broken, the post road winding through a desolate region, -thinly populated, and often lonely in the extreme.</p> - -<p class='c008'>While trying in his mind to solve the mystery of the -disappearance of the Hollow Tree mail, Little Snap allowed -Jack to take his own gait, until the Greenbrier -River had been reached and he had passed over the pole -bridge.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_27'>27</span>"It is hardly possible that Budd Grass dropped it when -she sorted the mail at her office, though it is not very -likely," he thought. "I will speak to her about it to-morrow. -But if she did do that, she has found it before -this and sent it on to Hollow Tree. Of course it will -come out all right, for I can't see as I am to blame. At -any rate, I expect more trouble from those Burrnocks -than from the loss of that mail. What can be on foot -among the bushbinders? I have it! Perhaps some of -them stole the missing mail! But, how?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Jack quickened his pace, and, naturally light-hearted, -his rider was putting the thoughts of his late adventures -from his mind, when a sharp voice called upon him to -stop, while a wild, elfish-looking figure sprang suddenly -into the middle of the road at the imminent risk of being -trampled under the feet of the post horse.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Hello!" exclaimed Little Snap, reining in Jack, with -an abruptness which threw the creature back upon its -haunches. "What is the trouble? and how is it you throw -yourself under my horse's very feet?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Oh, mister! father is lost! Jim is gone, too! An' we -can't find Fenn. So come with me—quick!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>The speaker was a girl of thirteen or fourteen, who -<span class='pageno' id='Page_28'>28</span>would not have been bad looking had it not been for the -coatings of tan and dirt masking her pinched face. She -was quite tall for her age, with a slender figure clothed -in a gingham gown several sizes too large for her. Her -head and feet were bare, except for the thick covering -of dirt on the latter and the heavy mat of brown hair on -the former.</p> - -<p class='c008'>She was fearfully excited over something, and while -she spoke she sawed the air with her long arms in a -frantic manner.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"What has happened?" asked the postboy, in genuine -alarm.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Oh, dad and the boys are gone!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Gone where? Calm yourself, and then tell me what -you want."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I can't stop. Mebbe they are killing now! They -crawled into that dark place, and they ain't never come -out. Ye must go with me!" and she caught hold of Little -Snap's arms, nearly pulling him from his seat.</p> - -<p class='c008'>I don't understand you. Stop right where you are -until you can begin at the beginning and tell me what has -happened. Who are you?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>I'm Tag Raggles, and me and my folks have jess come -<span class='pageno' id='Page_29'>29</span>from Little Forks, and was going to the Blazed Acres. -We stopped jess ayont here, when, seeing a big, black -hole in the ground, dad 'lowed it mought lead somewhere. -So he crawled inter it; but he ain't come back! -Jim went arter him, and he ain't got back. Fenn, he went -arter 'em, and he ain't come back. Marm got scared well -nigh to death, and she sent me down here to hail the fust -person to go past. You'll come with me, mister?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I can't stop. Don't be alarmed about them; they will -come back all right in a short time. No doubt they have -come before this."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No, no! Marm and me hollered and hollered, but it -weren't any good. I 'lowed I weren't afraid to go in there, -but marm, she wouldn't let me. She's erbout crazy. You -must go with me. It's only a little way, and you can ride -up there on your hoss if you want ter."</p> - -<p class='c008'>As much as he disliked to lose the time, Little Snap -felt that it was his duty to go to the assistance of the bereaved -family. There could be no deception in the girl's -action. She was too much in earnest for that.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You will go?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes; lead the way."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Her face brightened, as with a low exclamation of delight, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_30'>30</span>she bounded away from the road along a faintly -defined path leading into the depths of the wilderness.</p> - -<p class='c008'>At intervals Little Snap saw the marks of wheel tracks -in the sparsely grown sward, and the footprints of oxen's -feet occasionally were to be seen.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Presently, when he had begun to think he had gone far -enough, they entered a clearing in the growth near to the -banks of a small stream, which flowed on toward the -Greenbrier.</p> - -<p class='c008'>On the farther side of this valley the postboy discovered -a white-topped wagon drawn up in the shadows of -the forest, while a short distance away a pair of cattle -lazily clipped the long grass.</p> - -<p class='c008'>But he quickly turned from these, as a tall, slatternly-dressed -woman of uncertain age advanced swiftly from -the base of bluff overlooking the northern side of the -opening, saying, in an excited tone:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yer found one, Tag. I'm so glad yer hev come, sir. -It's a desprit fix we air all in."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Though her explanation was hardly more easily understood -than the girl's had been, Little Snap learned that -soon after her family had stopped in the valley for a rest -in their journey, her husband had discovered the entrance -<span class='pageno' id='Page_31'>31</span>to a cavern, and curious to know where it led, he had -crawled into the opening, but did not return.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Growing anxious over his long absence, her oldest -boy, man grown, had followed his father, without giving -any sign of his fate. In great excitement by this time, -the second son had gone after his father and brother, and, -like the others, nothing more had been seen or heard of -him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It is terrible!" moaned the woman, wringing her -hands. "They must be dead, and I am left here alone in -this wilderness with these three little girls. Isn't there -anything you can do?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap had begun to examine the mouth of the -cave, but as far as he could look in he could only see the -rugged walls of the narrow passage leading gradually -downward into the earth until lost in the darkness of the -underground retreat.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The opening was about two by three feet, and had been -concealed by overhanging bushes.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I thought a bad smell kem from th' place," said the -woman. "Perhaps they were stifled by gas. I have heard -of sich things."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Or been eat up by snakes," said Tag Raggles.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_32'>32</span>Thrusting his head and shoulders into the gloomy recess, -Little Snap shouted at the top of his voice to the -missing men, but only the hollow echoes of his cries, -which seemed to reverberate from a long distance away, -answered him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Thet ain't enny use, fer I hev hollered till I'm hoarse," -declared Mrs. Raggles, the tears coursing down her thin -cheeks, while she wrung her hands in the abandon of her -grief. "Durst ye go in there, mister?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes; I am going," replied the postboy, preparing to -enter the mysterious place.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Do be careful," implored Mrs. Raggles. "You won't -be gone long, will you?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I will be back in a few minutes—if I come at all. I -shall——"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap's speech ended with a startling exclamation.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_33'>33</span> - <h2 class='c002'>CHAPTER IV.<br />WHAT LITTLE SNAP SAW.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c007'>Before entering the unknown dangers of the mysterious -cave, Little Snap had seen that Jack was standing a -short distance away, as complacently as might be.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"If I do not come back, Jack, go on to Daring's Diamond -with the mail," he said, speaking as if to a human -being.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The intelligent animal pricked up his ears, and answered -with a low whinny.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The postboy's body was inside the mouth of the cavern -when he had begun the speech to Mrs. Raggles.</p> - -<p class='c008'>It was too dark for him to see more than that the underground -pathway descended at an angle of about forty-five -degrees. But the moment his feet touched upon this -portion of the rock he suddenly found himself slipping -down the decline at a rapid rate.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In vain he threw out his hands to stop himself. The -surface was like glass, over which he shot with the rapidity -of lightning.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_34'>34</span>He may have uttered a cry at the outset, but the shock -was so sudden and thrilling that he was unconscious of -it if he did so. His whole attention was centered upon -trying to check his fearful momentum.</p> - -<p class='c008'>He was carried onward near to the right wall, and he -succeeded in catching upon the rough surface twice during -his wild passage.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The first time his hands slipped upon the wet, slimy -rock, the mishap seemed to give greater impetus to his -descent. Profiting by this failure, he seized upon another -projection with a firmer hold, but the rocky knob -broke away beneath his weight, and the piece went flying -from his bleeding fingers ahead of him on the downward -course.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Its collision with the glassy floor caused a dull reverberation -to go through the subterranean recesses, quickly -followed by a sharp splash of water!</p> - -<p class='c008'>This last sound came from below him, and Little Snap -had barely time to understand that an abyss of great -depth yawned at his feet before he was upon its very -brink.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The warning from the stone came barely in season for -<span class='pageno' id='Page_35'>35</span>him to renew his efforts to catch on the rugged wall, -which he did with more vigor than before.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Again he found his hold broken, by the fearful momentum -with which he was carried on, but the shock was -such that he was lifted up clear from the rock and carried -completely over the chasm.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Striking on the very rim of the farther side, he managed -to keep from falling backward into the pit by a herculean -effort.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The next moment, quite overcome by the ordeal, he -sank upon the rock in a sort of stupor. He soon rallied, -however, when he tried to penetrate the gloom around -him sufficiently to note his surroundings.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Though his eyes grew more accustomed to the blinding -gloom in a few minutes, and it was less painful to his -gaze, he was unable to see the nearest object with any -certainty. Singularly enough, a dull, gray ring lay at his -feet.</p> - -<p class='c008'>This he knew marked the abyss which he had so narrowly -escaped. The spot was oblong in shape, and about -six feet in width by ten or twelve in length.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Not a sound broke the oppressive stillness of the cavern, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_36'>36</span>save a faint murmur borne up from the depths like the -gentle plashing of slowly moving water.</p> - -<p class='c008'>By this time Little Snap had come to the conclusion that -the unfortunate Raggles, father and sons, had come to an -untimely fate by falling into the abyss, having been -killed outright by the fall.</p> - -<p class='c008'>With no way to estimate the distance to the bottom of -the place, all that seemed possible for him to do was to -return to the outside world.</p> - -<p class='c008'>But was this possible for him to do?</p> - -<p class='c008'>He had crossed over the abyss, but how was he to get -back? Little Snap, as fertile as he was in resources, for -once was baffled.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Finding that there was no chance for him to pass over -by clinging to the wall on either side, he concluded to -explore the passage beyond, with the hope that he might -find some other way of exit.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Slowly and carefully he groped his way along for several -yards, finding that the passageway followed a zig-zag -course as it penetrated deeper and deeper into the -heart of the earth.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Its course, however, was no longer downward, but on a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_37'>37</span>comparatively level plane. This gave him additional courage -to press on.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The walls had been high enough for him to stand -upright soon after passing the entrance.</p> - -<p class='c008'>With but a faint idea of how far he was going from -the mouth of the cavern, he pursued the winding passage -for what seemed a long time to him, when, suddenly, -after turning an abrupt angle, a light flashed in the -space ahead.</p> - -<p class='c008'>This caused him to stop with surprise, and he was -about to shout for joy, feeling that he had at last found -his way to daylight, when his outburst was checked by -the sound of a human voice!</p> - -<p class='c008'>Naturally of a cautious disposition, he carefully suppressed -all sound, until he should know whom he was to -meet in that most unlikely place.</p> - -<p class='c008'>He soon realized that it was not daylight which had -sent such a ray of hope to his heart, but the flickering -glare of a torch stuck in one of the crevices of the cavern's -rocky walls.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The first voice was quickly followed by another, and -unable to see the speakers, he crept forward as silently as -possible on his hands and knees, until he found himself -<span class='pageno' id='Page_38'>38</span>at the end of the passage, and where it opened out into a -large underground room—larger than he could see by -the feeble light of the resinous pine knot.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Near the flickering torch, sitting squat upon the rocky -floor, he was amazed to behold four men, evidently holding -an earnest conversation.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Ordinarily, the postboy would have made his presence -known at once, but the words already being spoken by -one of the quartet were of such a nature that he checked -the salutation upon his lips and listened, with bated -breath, to the following dialogue:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"The first person to get out of the way is that postboy."</p> - -<p class='c008'>The speaker was a man above medium height, judging -as he sat upon the bottom of the cavern, and he spoke in a -deep, guttural tone.</p> - -<p class='c008'>He had small, snakish eyes, and the most prominent -feature of his round face was a heavy, reddish mustache. -He had the appearance of being a military person.</p> - -<p class='c008'>All of the four were strangers to Little Snap, who -was listening intently for the next utterance.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The following speaker was a short, thickset man, with -a closely-trimmed gray beard, who said:</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_39'>39</span>"That won't be a big job."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I ain't so sure o' it," remarked a third, younger than -the others, and smaller of stature. "Shag says——"</p> - -<p class='c008'>A warning gesture from the first spokesman caused -him to stop with his sentence unfinished.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No names are allowed to be spoken here," growled -he who was evidently leader of the party. "Don't fergit -yourself again, man."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I reckon we air safe 'nough here," retorted the other. -"I'll warrant there ain't a soul nearer'n Hollow Tree."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Never can be too careful; rocks have ears sometimes. -I could have sworn I heard a man's voice not ten minutes -ago. But it's you we came here to hear talk," nodding -his head toward the last person of the quartet, who had -remained quiet so far. "What have you learned?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Much that is mighty pleasing," replied the last, in a -tone which caused the concealed postboy to start with -surprise.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Hark! I thought I heard some move!" exclaimed the -chief, half starting to his feet.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"'Pears to me ye air mighty skeery to-day," growled -he who had accidentally spoken the name of the postmaster -at Hollow Tree.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_40'>40</span>Little Snap crouched closer to the rock in breathless -silence, fearful he had betrayed himself.</p> - -<p class='c008'>When he had become reassured that such was not the -case, he scrutinized the fourth speaker more closely, but -without discovering a familiar feature. In the midst of -his speculative study the man said:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes; everything is working in our favor. I have seen -him at Six Roads, and he tells me he will back us in all -we undertake. He will look after that end of the route. -We have already got at least three of the offices under -our thumb. He says he can cook the goose of that upstart -who thinks he can run the Kanawha any way he -chooses. The governor says for us to keep still until he -can carry out a little plan of his, and then——"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Men get rusty lying around in the damp," said the -chief.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Better get a little rusty than to take too much risk. -It's my opinion we can do no better than to wait his -move."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"What will the Acreites do while we loll around?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Let 'em do what they please; we ain't going to leave -a grease spot of them before we get through. I tell you it -is the biggest scheme ever afoot since the days of old -<span class='pageno' id='Page_41'>41</span>Burr, and when we have carried out our plans we can -snap our fingers at even Uncle Sam."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That all sounds well, but I ain't so much confidence -in that old duffer at Six——Hello! what's up?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>The abrupt appearance of a newcomer upon the fitful -scene caused every man of the four to spring to his feet, -and instinctively each sought the firearm he carried at -his side.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It is only our guard," said the chief, as he recognized -the intruder. "What is up, Blake? Anything wrong?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"There are strangers in the valley!" replied the newcomer.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_42'>42</span> - <h2 class='c002'>CHAPTER V.<br />CLOSE QUARTERS.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c007'>"Have we been found?" asked the four in the same -breath.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Not that I know of. The party that I meant seem to -be a family stopped here for a rest, though I could not -see anything of the men folks. They may be off gunning."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"If there is no danger, what did you alarm us for?" -demanded the chief.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I ain't through yet," replied the other, doggedly. -"There is some one else in the valley besides them. Perhaps -he came with them."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Who is this other? Why don't you pack your ideas -up together?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I ain't seen the chap himself," continued the man, -in his deliberate way, "but the postboy of the Kanawha -is somewhere around about these diggings."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Had a thunderbolt fallen among them the men could -not have shown greater surprise.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_43'>43</span>"Where is he?" the four asked, again using the same -words.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I tell you I don't know. His horse is on the other -side of the bluff, feeding as quietly as you please. The -mail sack in on his back. Perhaps he has throwed his -rider."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Dix Lewis in this region!" exclaimed the chief, ignoring -the last statement of the messenger. "There is work -for us to do, boys! Come——"</p> - -<p class='c008'>At this juncture, the torch, which, unnoticed by all, -had been dying out, flared up for an instant and then -went out, leaving the little group enveloped in darkness.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"The furies!" cried one of the men. "Who's got anything -to make a light?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Follow me!" commanded the chief, "and let the light -alone. We must find that boy without any loss of time. -His presence here at this——"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap failed to catch the rest, but he had heard -enough to know that he must be active, too. From the -sounds, he knew the party were leaving their underground -rendezvous.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Aware that it would not do for these men to capture his -horse with the mail, his mind was filled with conflicting -<span class='pageno' id='Page_44'>44</span>plans of action. His first impulse was to return the way -he had come, but he realized that it would be impossible -for him to cross the chasm, even could he scale the slippery -ascent beyond. Possibly, if he were coming the opposite -way, he might leap the abyss, though that would be -extremely doubtful.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Only one avenue of escape seemed open to him, and -that was to follow upon the heels of his enemies!</p> - -<p class='c008'>He had not a moment to lose if he did this, and, without -further consideration, he glided across the cavern -room in the direction taken by the five men.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Guided by the sounds of their advance, while moving -as noiselessly as possible himself, Little Snap threaded -the circuitous passage, keeping but a few yards behind -them.</p> - -<p class='c008'>After a short distance, the way began to ascend by -irregular stone steps, to climb which Little Snap had to -exercise great caution not to betray his presence. Once, -as the party suddenly paused, he found himself within a -few feet of the group, but owing to the darkness he was -not discovered.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Hang it!" exclaimed the chief, after a moment's -stop, "I have dropped that letter somewhere. I think it -<span class='pageno' id='Page_45'>45</span>must be where we were sitting. Blake, go back and find -it; and then keep a watch over the entrance to the cave -until we return."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap held his breath at the sound of this order, -and when he heard the man turning back, he felt that he -was lost.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Without losing his presence of mind, he shrank back -as close to the nearest wall as he could, and silently -awaited the approach of the other.</p> - -<p class='c008'>He hadn't long to wait, for the next moment Blake's -heavy step told that he was near at hand. Then the -postboy felt his bulky form brush against him!</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I shall be glad when we get out of this place!" muttered -the man, as he stumbled on past the crouching figure -of our hero.</p> - -<p class='c008'>During this time the others were leaving the cavern, -and as soon as he dared, Little Snap started forward, -feeling now that every moment was of infinite value to -him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>A little farther on a streak of daylight struggling into -the dismal pathway told that they were approaching the -end of the passage.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_46'>46</span>In fact, the men were already crawling out of the small -aperture that afforded an exit from the cave.</p> - -<p class='c008'>As closely as he dared, Little Snap followed after them, -and when he could no longer hear their movements he -ventured to peer out. As at the other place of entrance, the -mouth of the cavern was overgrown with stunted bushes, -so as to be well concealed from sight. He found, too, -that the spot was nearly twenty-five feet from the ground, -it being midway up the side of the bluff.</p> - -<p class='c008'>A small stone rattling down the side of the declivity, -passing within a few inches of his head, warned him of the -close proximity of his enemies.</p> - -<p class='c008'>It also told him that they had ascended to the top of -the cliff. In fact, that seemed the only way of escape -from the place, as the rock descended smooth and perpendicular -to the bottom.</p> - -<p class='c008'>With greater caution than ever, he noiselessly scaled -the ascent in the footsteps of the four men, who were -hastening to find him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>As his head came on a level with the top of the rocky -heights, he discovered them approaching the opposite -side, creeping cautiously toward the edge overlooking the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_47'>47</span>clearing where the Raggles family had camped, and -where he had left Jack.</p> - -<p class='c008'>A movement below him at that moment warned him -of the return of Blake from his search for the missing -letter. Glancing downward, he saw the head of the other -appearing in the mouth of the cave!</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap began to realize that he was in close quarters.</p> - -<p class='c008'>To retreat would be to throw himself into the arms -of the enemy behind, while it would be even greater madness -to ascend to the summit.</p> - -<p class='c008'>No sooner had Little Snap taken a hasty survey of his -situation than he decided that by following along the side -of the bluff he might reach a place where he could descend -in safety to the valley.</p> - -<p class='c008'>With an agility belonging to one of his years, he advanced -on the side of the cliff, finding a foothold in some -crevice of the ledge or on a bush, and clinging with a -tenacious hold to its precarious support.</p> - -<p class='c008'>But he had not gone half a dozen yards before a sharp -cry from Blake told that he had been discovered.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Here he goes!" shouted the excited man, regardless -of all caution now.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_48'>48</span>The cries were answered by a great commotion among -those on the summit, and he heard the chief call out -some question he did not understand.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"He's climbin' along th' rock!" cried Blake. "Head -him off, an' ye hev got him!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>The next instant four heads were thrust over the brink -within a rod of where Little Snap was suspended in midair!</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Hold up where you are!" commanded the chief, whose -sharp eyes had discovered the fugitive.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Without stopping to reply, the postboy dropped from -the bush supporting him in a diagonal direction to another -several feet below.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Don't let him get away!" cried the chief.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Hold up there, boy, where you are, and we won't -hurt you! Stop, or we will end your career at once. We -hold your life in our hands."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap knew enough of the natures of the men -menacing his life to feel that he was running no greater -risk in trying to get away from them than he would in -allowing himself to fall into their power.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Accordingly, without paying any heed to the warning, -he swung himself forward and downward to a narrow -<span class='pageno' id='Page_49'>49</span>shelf on the side of the ledge, where he found himself -in sight of the clearing in front of the bluff.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Casting a swift glance over the scene, he saw Jack -standing nearly where he had left him. He also saw Mrs. -Raggles and her three girls picking up the rude utensils -they had used in getting their lunch, and tossing them into -the wagon. But what surprised him the most was the -sight of old man Raggles and his two boys, in the act of -hitching the oxen to the vehicle!</p> - -<p class='c008'>He barely took this all in at a glance, without having -time to give it a second thought.</p> - -<p class='c008'>He was now about fifteen feet from the foot of the -ledge, and seeing that the way was clear beyond, he unhesitatingly -dropped from his precarious perch into the -bushes growing near to the mouth of the cave.</p> - -<p class='c008'>As he did so, the reports of the outlaws' firearms rang -out sharply on the silence of the wild woods.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Quickly regaining his equilibrium, Little Snap bounded -toward the side of the surprised Jack, who looked up with -wonder at his sudden approach.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_50'>50</span> - <h2 class='c002'>CHAPTER VI.<br />LITTLE SNAP'S TROUBLES INCREASE.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c007'>Though Little Snap was aware that he was running the -gantlet of the rifles of the bushbinders, he kept on undaunted, -until he had reached the side of his horse.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The next moment he sprang lightly into the saddle, -and gathering up the reins, shouted:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Away, Jack! show them a light pair of heels!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>The faithful steed needed no urging to do this, and -with the reports of the baffled men's firearms and the cries -of the startled Raggles family ringing in his ears, the -postboy of the Kanawha dashed furiously down the path -leading to the main road from Greenbrier to Six Roads.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Not a word escaped his tightly compressed lips, until -the highway was reached, when he patted his horse on -the neck, saying, gently:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Easy, now, Jack, old boy; the danger is over for the -present. It was a close call, but a miss is as good as a -mile, though I don't care to go through that experience -again."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_51'>51</span>Slackening his gait to an easy canter, Jack bore his -rider on without further urging. The truth was, the -postboy's mind was busy trying to solve the subject of the -meeting in the cave of the four unknown men. He was -also puzzled to understand the actions of the Raggles -family. While he could not believe that their story to get -him into the cave had been a hoax, he was unable to understand -their reappearance upon the scene.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The postboy was still trying to solve these problems, -when he reached a small town called by the singular name -of Daring's Diamond.</p> - -<p class='c008'>He found the postmaster, Mr. Anderson, impatiently -awaiting his appearance.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Late again," greeted the official, in a disagreeable -tone.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I could not very well help it," replied Little Snap, -handing him the mail pouch.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That is what you say every time. You are an hour -overdue. Mr. Meiggs, who has just gone out, has been -talking pretty loud about you. If I were in your place, I -would not let this happen again. People who are having -mail want it on time. It may not make any difference to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_52'>52</span>the Blazed Acre cattle, but it does to civilized people, I -have noticed."</p> - -<p class='c008'>It wasn't so much what the postmaster said as the way -in which he said it that nettled Little Snap, though he -made no reply. This Mr. Meiggs referred to was one -of the postboy's bondsmen.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I suppose you know Dan Shag has gone up to see -Jason Warfield about the Hollow Tree mail?" said the -postmaster, as he handed over the sack. "Of course you -know; what a fool I am! He must have passed you -'tween here and the Tree."</p> - -<p class='c008'>To this Little Snap made no reply. He knew Anderson -was saying these things to draw him out. The postmaster, -for some unknown reason, had never acted -friendly toward him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>He never could understand why.</p> - -<p class='c008'>It was never Little Snap's practice to hold much conversation -with those he met on his route, and on this occasion -he felt less like talking than common.</p> - -<p class='c008'>He was due at Union Six Roads, the end of his route, -at eight o'clock, and it was already past that hour, it having -been sunset at the time of his escape from his enemies -at the cave.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i_057.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>"The reports of the outlaws' firearms rang out sharply on the silence<br />of the wild woods as Little Snap bounded toward Jack."</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_53'>53</span>Thus he took the mail pouch from Mr. Anderson's -hands, and throwing it on its accustomed hook, sprang -into his seat before that worthy could realize he was -leaving.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Hold up a minnit!" he exclaimed, as the postboy -dashed away, but not loud enough for him to hear. "Go -it!" muttered the other, "I shan't forget it in my report. -I reckon you'll wish you hadn't been in so much of a -hurry when you come to meet old Warfield."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little thinking of what was in store for him at his -home town, the postboy urged Jack on at greater speed -than common, until at last he dashed up in front of the -Six Roads post office, kept by John Rimmon, who also -had a small trade in groceries.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The postmaster met him at the door, with a troubled -look upon his features.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"What in the world have you been doing all this time, -Dix Lewis? Hold on! don't dismount. Jason Warfield -left word here for me to tell you to come right up to his -house the minute you got in. He wants to see you on -matters of vital importance. Them's just his words."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, I will run up and see just as soon as I have put -Jack in the stable."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_54'>54</span>"But he said you mustn't stop for that. He said for you -to be sure and come the minute you got here. By his -looks and actions, it must be something of very great importance."</p> - -<p class='c008'>The Honorable Jason Warfield, as that rather pompous -gentleman desired to be known, was considered one of -the richest men in Monroe County. In some way, not -easily understood by the easy-going inhabitants of Six -Roads, a large proportion of the property in town was in -his name, and it was doggedly repeated that "he had a -mortgage on the rest."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Be that as it may, no move of any importance was -made without consulting him, and his sanction to any -undertaking was deemed sufficient to insure its success. -Of course, such a man had his enemies, but as a rule he -was liked.</p> - -<p class='c008'>His was the first name on the Postboy of the Kanawha's -bond, and it was generally supposed that he had been -principally instrumental in securing Little Snap his situation.</p> - -<p class='c008'>It was no wonder then that the postmaster looked surprised -when our hero said that he was going to care -for his horse before he visited Mr. Warfield.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_55'>55</span>"I wouldn't take any such chances," declared the -worthy minion of the government, with an ominous shake -of his grizzled locks.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap's home was but a short distance from the -post office, so he was quickly there, to be met at the door -by his mother and two sisters, both of the latter being -younger than he, the three looking very anxious.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Where have you been, my son?" asked his mother. -"We have been so worried about you. And Mr. Warfield -has been here, acting very much put out. He wants you -to come up to his house as soon as possible. Something -terrible has happened, I know."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Nothing to be alarmed about, mother. But if Bess -will take care of Jack, I will go right up to Mr. Warfield's, -though I cannot imagine what he is so anxious to see me -for."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"He is terribly excited about something. I would go -at once, if I were you, and I will have your supper warm -for you when you get back."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Is father at home?" asked Little Snap.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No; I have not seen him to-day. He stays away more -than ever of late. Why did you ask?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Oh, nothing. Give Jack a good supper, Bess, and see -<span class='pageno' id='Page_56'>56</span>that he is comfortable for the night. There, mother, don't -be worried any more. I won't be gone long this time."</p> - -<p class='c008'>It was nothing unusual, as Mrs. Lewis had inferred, -for John Lewis, our hero's father, to be away from home. -In fact, it was very seldom he was there, and when he -was he hardly ever did any work or business. He was a -man of a few words and very peculiar habits. His neglect -of his family had made it necessary that Dix do something -for their support.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Kissing his mother, as was his practice when leaving -home, Little Snap turned away to start on his visit to -Mr. Warfield's, when he saw a party of men approaching -the house.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why, it's Mr. Warfield in front!" exclaimed his -mother. "He got impatient waiting for you. And there -is Mr. Meiggs and Daniel Shag, of Hollow Tree, and—and -Mr. Bardy, the sheriff. Oh, Dix! what does it mean?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Nothing to be alarmed over, I am sure, mother, so be -calm."</p> - -<p class='c008'>In a louder tone of voice, he greeted the newcomers, -saying:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Good-evening, gentlemen. I was starting to come -up to your house, Mr. Warfield."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_57'>57</span>"Was that the direction I left at the post office for you -to follow, young man?" demanded Mr. Warfield, sternly.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No, sir; but Jack was so tired that I thought——"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"So you put more importance upon the condition of -your horse than you do the affairs of Uncle Sam?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Not exactly that; but I did not know you wished to -see me upon government matters. I——"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It seems to me, young man, that you should have been -very anxious to see me, if I was not to see you, after -what has happened to-day. Mr. Shag was so much concerned -about it that he rode up here posthaste to let me -know. He tells me you have lost the Hollow Tree packet -of mail."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Mr. Shag said it was missing, sir, when I got to his -office; but I trust you do not think it any of my fault. -Mr. Belmont——"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"The horse does not seem very badly winded," broke -in Sheriff Brady, who had approached Jack, and was -running his hand over the creature's body. "Ha! Mr. -Warfield, I hardly think we shall have to look much -farther for the missing mail. Here it is, fast enough."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap uttered a low exclamation of astonishment, -as he saw the sheriff take from the little pouch he had fastened -<span class='pageno' id='Page_58'>58</span>to the saddle for his convenience in carrying small -articles to and fro on his trips, the missing package of -mail matter!</p> - -<p class='c008'>All feelings imaginable were depicted upon the countenances -of the little group surrounding the postboy.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_59'>59</span> - <h2 class='c002'>CHAPTER VII.<br />"THE TRUTH IN A NUTSHELL."</h2> -</div> -<p class='c007'>"This explains why he did not wish to come up to your -house with his hoss, squire," said Dan Shag, nodding his -head toward the recovered package. "I thought it was -best to git here as soon as possible."</p> - -<p class='c008'>The sheriff was examining the package more closely, -while Mr. Warfield looked from him to the postboy with a -peculiar expression upon his face.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"What does all this mean?" asked Mrs. Lewis, in an -anxious voice. "My boy has done nothing wrong; I am -sure of that."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Do not be alarmed, mother," said Little Snap, gently. -"Please go into the house, and I will explain it to these -men."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"So you confess to the theft?" inquired Mr. Warfield, -quickly, without giving Mrs. Lewis time to speak.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No, sir. In fact, I do not know as there has been any -theft."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Don't get excited, my boy," said Mr. Warfield, in a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_60'>60</span>more kindly tone than he had previously used. "We are -all your friends, and are not here to injure you. Mr. -Shag came up to tell me about the missing package, and -I thought it was best for us to see you before it had been -noised all over town. Own up to the truth and we will not -be hard with you."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I am not going to tell you anything but the truth, Mr. -Warfield. How that package of mail came in my saddle -pocket is more than I can explain. I certainly did not -put it there, nor did I know it was there."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Ask him if he can explain where he has been the past -two hours. I came straight up here from th' Tree, an' -he was sartinly not on th' road. P'raps he has a cross -road by which he carries th' mail. I s'pose thet would -give him more chance to look over th' letters; but is thet -the way Uncle Sam expects him to carry it?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Mr. Warfield," said Little Snap, knowing it was not -best for him to speak too freely before the rest, "I would -like to see you alone for a few minutes. I think I can -explain this matter in a satisfactory manner."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Don't be afraid to speak right up before these gentlemen," -said Mr. Warfield. "They are all my friends, and -my friends are yours."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_61'>61</span>But Little Snap was too crafty to divulge his secret -to Dan Shag, whom he did not dare to trust.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I cannot speak here where I am liable to be heard by -some one even you would not care to have hear. If you -will come into my house, Mr. Warfield, I will say what I -wish you to know."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Don't ye risk yer life in his hands," said Shag. "He -is armed an' a desprit chap."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Hadn't I better arrest him now, and then give him his -chance to talk?" asked the sheriff.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Arrest my boy?" cried Mrs. Lewis. "You do—you -cannot mean it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Be calm, mother. You have nothing to fear. They -can arrest me if they wish, but I am innocent of any -charge they can bring against me. On what complaint did -you think you could arrest me, Mr. Brady?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I don't believe I would harm him yet, Jim," Mr. Warfield -hastened to say. "If you have anything you wish -to say to me alone, Dix, I am ready to listen."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Come into the house, please, Mr. Warfield. I won't -detain you very long."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"We'll see he don't git away," said Shag.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_62'>62</span>Without noticing Dan Shag's speech, Mr. Warfield followed -Little Snap into the house in silence.</p> - -<p class='c008'>As soon as they had entered the humble sitting-room, -and Mr. Warfield had sunk into the proffered chair, the -postboy said to his guest:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"What I am going to tell you, Mr. Warfield, is not so -much in my defense as it is to show up a startling discovery -I have made. If you will allow me, I will begin -with an adventure I had on Eagle's Tracks, and tell you -just how I came in late to-night."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Go ahead, only make your story as short as you can."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Then Little Snap gave a succinct account of all that -had befallen him after leaving Uncle Solitaire until he had -effected his escape from the cave, often interrupted by his -listener with startling exclamations and puzzling questions.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You are romancing, boy! I cannot realize half you -say. Why, from your talk I should say you had unearthed -a band of plotters against the government."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I do not know just what they meant, but I do know -they are a gang of evil men, who would hesitate at no -means to carry their ends."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"While I am surprised at what you have said, your -<span class='pageno' id='Page_63'>63</span>statements are lacking in the elements that would make -them valuable as evidence. You say you did not get the -real drift of the talk between the four men, and that you -recognized none of them."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I do not think I ever saw them before, though the -voice of one sounded very familiar."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Will you describe the party?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap did so, Mr. Warfield listening intently, to -say, at his conclusion:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I do not believe we should attribute any harmful meaning -to what they said. The very fact that they were -strangers to both of us, and I know nearly every one in -Monroe County, would seem to warrant us in believing so. -By the way, do you realize the error you made in neglecting -your duty to run after those worthless Raggles—I -think that was the name you called those vagabonds?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I am aware, sir, it was a mistake. I——"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Mistake? It was criminal neglect of duty, young -man. The rules and regulations laid down by Uncle Sam -are very strict. You are to keep all the mail intrusted to -your hands in sight at all times, and here you went off -for an hour and, according to your own story, left the -mail pouch entirely unprotected. Why, that very act was -<span class='pageno' id='Page_64'>64</span>enough to cost you your situation. Remember I am not -upbraiding you, but speaking to you as a father would to -his son."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I know I did wrong, Mr. Warfield, but the circumstances -were such that I could scarcely do different. Mrs. -Raggles——"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Don't mention their names again. From your own -words, the worthless vagabonds could not have been in -trouble. It seems they were safe enough when you got -clear of your troubles."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I do not understand it, Mr. Warfield. I have carried -the Kanawha mail for two years without failing to do my -duty, and I hope you have confidence in me to think I -can fulfill my term."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I did at the outset, or I should never have obtained -the place for you. But I must feel that you are attending -to your duties. My political prospects are such that I am -expecting piles of mail matter, and I want to know that it -is coming to me safely. My very election to Congress may -depend upon it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mr. Warfield had been a seeker after the nomination -as member for Congress from that district almost as long -as our hero could remember, and he well knew that he -<span class='pageno' id='Page_65'>65</span>was still in the field—"in the hands of his friends," as he -expressed it.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Mr. Warfield," said the postboy, in his quiet, determined -way, "I am not going to make any new promise, -but I repeat those I have made, and when you have found -me faithless to my duty I will willingly make room for -Mr. Shag or any other man."</p> - -<p class='c008'>The mention of the name of the postmaster of Hollow -Tree made the politician wince.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Bah! he isn't half so competent to carry the mail as -your horse, Jack."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Still he is making all of this trouble, simply because -he is mad with me for getting the route when he wanted -it. There you have the truth in a nutshell."</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_66'>66</span> - <h2 class='c002'>CHAPTER VIII.<br />"I AM STANDING ON MY OWN FEET."</h2> -</div> -<p class='c007'>"I don't know but you are right, Dix. Still, you -haven't explained the worst feature of your case. How -came the missing package of mail in your possession?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I cannot tell. Some one must have put it there, but -who or when, I cannot say."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You said it was missing before you got to Hollow -Tree?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No, sir. I said it was not in the pouch when I looked -for it at the request of Mr. Shag; but you must remember -I did not see the pouch until after he had examined it, -and had had the opportunity to take it out if he had -chosen."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Be careful how you make any charges you cannot back -up. I must say you are exceedingly outspoken."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I am standing on my own feet, Mr. Warfield, and I -am going to tell you just what I believe is the truth. I -will know the mystery of that packet of mail before I get -<span class='pageno' id='Page_67'>67</span>through. You seem to forget the attack of the Burrnocks."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"On the contrary, I have been thinking of them very -much, and this leads me to give you a bit of advice. I -advise you to give up this mail route at once. You were -too young to have undertaken it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap looked up with surprise.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I hardly expected that from you, Mr. Warfield."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Excuse me, I was thinking only of your good. Those -Burrnocks are desperate men, and I fear it will cost you -your life to continue. Perhaps you think you cannot afford -to give up so good a job, but you can better spare it -than your life."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Our living depends on my work," replied the postboy, -with a quivering lip. "More than that, and what I prize -infinitely higher, my honor is at stake. If I give up now, -it will look as if I was guilty of the charge of taking -the mail. I feel it thus my duty to stay where I am, until -I have been able not only to prove my innocence but to -show up the guilty ones."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You cannot do this alone, and, of course, if those who -have put you in this place do not think it prudent to back -you up in your rashness, you cannot blame them."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_68'>68</span>Little Snap understood more by this statement than the -mere words told, as the speaker intended he should. -Drawing his boyish figure to its full height with an air -which made the politician start with surprise, if not fear, -he said:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Mr. Warfield, I want to know who my friends are, -and you and I might as well have an understanding at -the outset as later. Of course I am very grateful to you -for signing my bond and helping me so far as you have. -Now, if you wish to withdraw, I shall have no ill feeling; -but you must remember that Mr. Marion Calvert owns the -contract for this route, and as long as he has confidence -in me to carry the mail I do not expect to give way."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap was bolder in his speech than he might -otherwise have been, as he knew that Mr. Warfield was -anxious to keep on friendly terms with this Mr. Calvert, -who had a strong political backing.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mr. Warfield's reply, which came after a moment's -hesitation, was more friendly than he had dared to expect.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Bravo for you, Dix Lewis! Give me your hand. You -are made of just the stuff to succeed, and I can see that -you will do better than nine men out of ten. Your words -<span class='pageno' id='Page_69'>69</span>have opened my eyes. Go ahead, and count upon me to -lend you all the assistance in my power. Every dollar I -have got in this world and all of my personal influence is -enlisted in your behalf. I don't know how the other -bondsmen feel, but you know my state of mind.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I suppose the others are anxiously awaiting us, so let's -adjourn this meeting. I will make it all right with -Brady."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap, after thanking Mr. Warfield for his words, -sought his mother to allay her fears.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Whatever the politician said to the Hollow Tree postmaster -and Sheriff Brady he did not know, but the entire -party went away at once.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It's all right, mother," he said to her, as soon as the -men had gone, "so have no further concern."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I wish I could think so, my son; but somehow I fear -there is trouble in store for you. Mr. Brady has been -telling me about those Burrnocks, and he says they will -kill you at the first opportunity. They are dreadful men, -and I fear they would not hesitate at any crime. I wish -you would give up carrying the mail, Dix; we can live -somehow."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_70'>70</span>"It isn't all a living, mother; my good name is at stake -now."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"The boy has too much of the blood of old John Lewis -in his veins to do that, Mary," said a new voice, breaking -in upon the scene before Mrs. Lewis could reply, and -mother and son turned to see with surprise a tall, middle-aged -man standing in the doorway.</p> - -<p class='c008'>He was Little Snap's father.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why, John! Where have you been?" asked Mrs. -Lewis, starting toward him. "I have been so worried -about you."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No need of that, Mary. I think I ought to have -shown you by this time that I am able to take care of myself."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mr. Lewis was a man who was a mystery to all who -knew him. He was generally considered mildly insane, -but more often spoken of as "the man without a memory." -His past life seemed to be a void to him, except at rare -intervals, when a ray of light would suddenly flash -across his darkened mind, to go as quickly as it had -come. Of late years he had been at home but very little, -though where he spent his time not even those at home -<span class='pageno' id='Page_71'>71</span>knew. Of course his wife worried over his strange conduct, -but as long as he was harmless and seemed, as he -had said, able to care for himself, it was not thought best -to keep him at home by force.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The Lewis family was one of the oldest and most respected -in the valley of the Kanawha, our hero being -directly descended from those gallant pioneers of the dark -days of the Old Dominion, John and Samuel Lewis, well -known to the pages of Virginia history.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"John," said the anxious wife, "I wish you would not -be away from home so much. What is it calls you away -so much? You look pale and haggard; there is some -trouble."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"There is trouble, Mary, and I have been trying to -think what it is. For the present we must wait, though -it will all come round in good season.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Did I tell you, my son, that you had aroused the -snakes of Blazed Acre? You must carry a level head. -Most of all, look out for those who profess the greatest -friendship. There, that is all I can think of now. I -must leave you now, Mary. I will be back again to stop -longer next time."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_72'>72</span>Then, in spite of their remonstrances, he went out of -the house and was not seen again that night.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Though it was late before our hero retired, he was on -hand at his usual hour the following morning, and -promptly at six he called at the post office for the mail -pouch.</p> - -<p class='c008'>According to his instructions he was expected to leave -Six Roads at six o'clock and arrive at Upper Loop at -eleven in the forenoon; returning, he was to start from the -last office at two in the afternoon, to get back to the home -office at eight in the evening. To do this, he made a shift -of horses at Salt Works, with extra animals at the end -of the route to go every other day.</p> - -<p class='c008'>This was the day for Jack to rest, Little Snap riding a -small, brown mare that he had named Fairy. Though not -as intelligent as the bay, she was even fleeter of foot and -perfectly obedient to the will of her young master.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"So you are going to try it again," said the postmaster, -as he handed out the pouch. "I advise you to keep your -eyes open, and not to lose sight of your business again."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Hardly knowing how to take this speech, the postboy -nodded in assent, and touching Fairy lightly, dashed down -the descending road toward Daring's Diamond.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_73'>73</span>It was a beautiful day in early autumn, and it was but -natural a seventeen-year-old boy, full of life and activity, -should throw off the cares and anxieties of his position, to -break forth into snatches of song.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I never felt so light-hearted in my life!" he cried, -"and I hail it as a good omen. I can't think that you and -I, Fairy, will find any such hornets' nest to come through -as Jack and I did yesterday."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Thus, with a cheerfulness which puzzled those who -knew of his adventures the previous day, Little Snap kept -on without interruption, until he was about halfway between -Hollow Tree and Greenbrier, when he was surprised -to see Tag Raggles spring from the bushes by the -wayside into his path.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I want to speak to you, mister," she said.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well," said the postboy, reining up Fairy, and waiting -for the elfin-like girl to speak.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Giving a hurried glance around, as if expecting to see -some one in pursuit of her, she said:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Dad sent me, an' he said he did yit for the kindness -you tried to do him yesterday. He said for you not to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_74'>74</span>go on alone. Them bad Burrnocks are laying in the rock -in Devil's Wash Bowl to kill you as you go erlong! Fact!" -seeing Little Snap's look of doubt on his face.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Don't tell who told you," and before he could speak -she had vanished into the depths of the woods.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_75'>75</span> - <h2 class='c002'>CHAPTER IX.<br />A TERRIFIC TRAP.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c007'>It would have been difficult to describe Little Snap's -feelings, as he listened to the sounds of Tag Raggles' retreat, -following her strange warning.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It may have been only a scare, after all," he mused, as -he resumed his journey. "I judge the source whence it -came is not very reliable. It would do me no good to -speak of the affair at Greenbrier. The mere mention of -the name of Burrnock is enough to give them the fits -there. But I will keep my eyes open if I decide to go it -alone."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Though at first he thought of mentioning the matter to -the postmistress, Little Snap concluded to say nothing of -the threatened danger, while determined not to be caught -off his guard.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Thus he rode into the Wash Bowl that day with uncommon -nervousness, and an ear and an eye trained for -whatever might come. The rustling of a leaf would -<span class='pageno' id='Page_76'>76</span>cause him to start, and once he felt sure he saw the outlines -of a man's form behind one of the bowlders.</p> - -<p class='c008'>But no manifestation of danger presented itself, and -with rising hopes he ascended the way to the Narrows, -expecting now that if he was attacked at all it would be -on Eagle's Tracks, where he had so narrowly escaped -from the desperadoes of Blazed Acre the day before.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The trepidation on the part of the postboy does not -by any means go to show that he was lacking in true courage, -but it was rather the natural consequence under the -circumstances.</p> - -<p class='c008'>He drew a good, long breath of relief as at last he -passed over the summit and caught a wide view of the -broadening valley of the Kanawha.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"The warning was a scare, or Raggles was mistaken," -he said, aloud. "But I will confess it was trying. Move -a little faster, Fairy."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap was never accosted by the old hermit on -his downward trips, so he met with no interruption until -Salt Works was reached, where he changed horses and resumed -his journey with less than fifteen minutes' delay.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Our future congressman seems to be well favored to-day," -remarked the postmaster at Upper Loop, when Little -<span class='pageno' id='Page_77'>77</span>Snap was ready to start on his return trip at two o'clock. -"He has no less than six registered letters, and I imagine -some of them are valuable."</p> - -<p class='c008'>The postboy paid little heed to this careless speech, not -realizing how vividly he was to recall it before he got -home.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, well," said the gossipy clerk at the Salt Works -office, "the Honorable Jason is in luck this time. Six -registered letters, and a nomination in each one, I suppose. -To speak the truth, I suspicion he would give all -these letters for a seat in Congress."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Once more borne by a good steed, Little Snap began his -tedious ascent over the mountain forming the huge backbone -between the valleys of the Great and Little Kanawha -and Greenbrier.</p> - -<p class='c008'>He found Uncle Solitaire awaiting him under the live -oak, with the usual question and melancholy message, -after which he reached Greenbrier without adventure.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Six registered letters for Mr. Warfield," said the postmistress -at Greenbrier, as if there was a conspiracy to -keep this fact fresh in Little Snap's mind.</p> - -<p class='c008'>However, he heard nothing further of the precious letters -until he had accomplished his hard day's work and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_78'>78</span>given the mail pouch into the hands of Mr. Rimmon at -Six Roads.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Nothing unusual had occurred at home during the day, -and after supper the postboy went into the post office, -where he found a dozen or more men gathered.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Whatever the subject of their conversation had been, -it was suddenly dropped upon his appearance.</p> - -<p class='c008'>He did not intend to stop, and inquiring if there was -any mail for those at his home, he was turning away, -when he heard Mr. Warfield, in his loud tone:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Only three, Mr. Rimmon? I am sure there ought to -be more."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That is all reaching this office, Mr. Warfield."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"They may get along to-morrow, but I was expecting -three or four others, and two of them I was certain would -come to-day. You must have overlooked them."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap's attention was held by these words, and -instantly his mind reverted to the six registered letters. -Had one-half of them failed to reach their destination?</p> - -<p class='c008'>In the midst of his speculations Mr. Warfield approached -him, to inquire about his day's trip.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Don't fail to let me know if anything unusual happens, -Dix, though I hope you will get along without further -<span class='pageno' id='Page_79'>79</span>trouble. Perhaps you will. By the way, I do not suppose -you know anything about my registered letters?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I would not be expected to, would I, Mr. Warfield?" -replied Little Snap, answering him with another question.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No; I hardly suppose you would. Still you want to -keep your eyes and ears open. I had some letters due -to-night which have not come. But to-morrow will bring -them or explain the reason of their not coming."</p> - -<p class='c008'>At the first opportunity Little Snap inquired of Mr. -Rimmon concerning the letters, to learn that there were -really three less than had passed through the offices on his -route as far as Greenbrier to his knowledge.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why, there were six, Mr. Rimmon, started from -Loop, and Budd Grass said there were as many at her -office."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"What! That don't seem possible," replied Mr. Rimmon, -in great surprise. "Who would dare to stop them?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That is what is puzzling me."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Say, Dix," cried the postmaster, abruptly, "if I were -you I wouldn't mention this to any one else. Don't you -see, it looks bad for you."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"But I haven't had the handling of them."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_80'>80</span>"I know; but at the same time it might cause a suspicion -against you. I hope they will come to-morrow. I -won't say anything about them, and we will see what a -day brings forth."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Not wishing to give his mother any unnecessary alarm, -Little Snap said nothing of the missing letters at home, -though he was troubled not a little in his mind concerning -their fate.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mr. Rimmon did not mention them the following morning, -nor did any of the other postmasters on his route, -so nothing disturbed the even tenor of his trip, until he -was entering the gloomy region of the Devil's Wash Bowl -and thoughts of the Burrnocks of Blazed Acre succeeded -those of the missing letters.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Naturally enough Little Snap's gaze was fixed upon the -rugged scene ahead, with that intentness born of the intuition -of danger. He was passing that point in the descent -into the Bowl where for a few minutes the craggy -heights would be hidden from his view, when he was surprised -to see a white speck appear for a moment upon the -dark background.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Quickly stopping Jack, he soon saw a similar object rise -<span class='pageno' id='Page_81'>81</span>above the beetling rocks of the Narrows, and after wavering -for a moment in the air sink out of sight.</p> - -<p class='c008'>At a loss to know what these meant, he watched the -place for several minutes, though he saw nothing further -to explain the mystery.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Resolved not to be caught off his guard, if any harm -was intended him, he rode cautiously forward into the -valley and on up the Devil's Stairs leading to Eagle's -Tracks.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Not a sound broke the solemn silence of the wild scene, -save the steady tread of Jack's feet, and Snap began to -breathe easier as he approached the upper edge of the -Tracks and drew near the Narrows.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"In a moment I shall be around the point of rock -and——"</p> - -<p class='c008'>A terrific explosion suddenly cut short his thoughts, -and looking backward, he was startled to see a huge portion -of the cliff overhanging the narrow road topple over -and fall with a deafening crash on the spot he had just -passed.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Jack jumped madly forward at the startling sound, -unchecked by his rider, who was as anxious as the steed -to get beyond the frowning wall of rocks.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_82'>82</span>The next moment he reached the Narrows and was almost -at the angle where the way suddenly wound around -to the other side of the cliff, when a second explosion, -more startling than the first, broke upon the air. Looking -up with dread expectations of what he was to witness, -the postboy reeled back in his saddle as he saw the whole -side of the ledge falling upon him, while huge blocks of -stone were sent flying over his head into the chasm yawning -upon his left hand.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Too late to reach safety ahead, unable to turn back, a -shudder ran through his frame, as he realized that the -next moment he must be crushed into a shapeless mass by -the rending rock!</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_83'>83</span> - <h2 class='c002'>CHAPTER X.<br />LITTLE SNAP'S REMARKABLE RIDE.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c007'>The thrill of terror which ran through the postboy's -form at sight of the reeling cliff swiftly descending upon -him was quickly followed by the ready decision of action -so natural to him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Given but an instant in which to think and act, a less -level-headed person must have been caught under the massive -block of granite. Not one in a hundred would -have had the nerve to do what Dix Lewis dared in that -awful moment.</p> - -<p class='c008'>A glance showed him that there was only one way of -escape from the falling slice of ledge, and even that led -to what seemed as certain death in another form.</p> - -<p class='c008'>But there was one chance in a thousand, and that hope -was enough to nerve him to action.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The sheer descent to the Kanawha was over a hundred -feet at this spot, but in a wild leap down this fearful -chasm lay his sole hope.</p> - -<p class='c008'>With a sharp cry of encouragement to Jack, he spurred -<span class='pageno' id='Page_84'>84</span>the faithful steed forward—forward to the brink of the -frightful depths, where for a moment horse and rider -seemed suspended in midair.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Another shout to the trembling horse, a wild glance -backward, and the Postboy of the Kanawha made the -flying leap to what seemed instant death!</p> - -<p class='c008'>As he was carried downward as if on wings of air, a -sharp cry rang on his ears, while his last look at the cliff -had shown him the well-known figure of Buzzard Burrnock -outlined with vivid distinctness on the uppermost -point of the bluff.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Then his breath almost left him, and a suffocating sensation -came over him, quickly ended by a loud splash of -water, and the furious struggling of the gallant Jack, as -he reached the surface of the rolling Kanawha.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap seemed to lose his senses for a time, and -the battle which ensued on the part of his noble horse was -not fully realized by him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Fortunately, the river at this point was clear of the -huge bowlders that strewed its course only a short distance -above, and the deep water flowed sullenly on its -way.</p> - -<p class='c008'>When our hero began to comprehend somewhat where</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i_091.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>"As Little Snap was carried downward, a sharp cry rang on his ears."</p> -</div> -</div> -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_85'>85</span>he was, he found that Jack was swimming with the current -in the middle of the stream.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Then it slowly dawned upon him that he had escaped -from that wild leap with his life.</p> - -<p class='c008'>He found to his joy that the mail pouch was still hanging -from its usual position.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Saved, Jack!" he murmured. "What a fearful chance, -but you brought me safely through. Keep up courage, -my noble fellow, and we will soon be safe on dry land -again."</p> - -<p class='c008'>This desperate ride of Little Snap's finds an equal in -the mad leap of McCulloch, the brave pioneer of earlier -days in Virginia, who, hunted by a party of Indians, in -the vicinity of Wheeling Hill, was driven upon the bluff -overhanging the creek, and, preferring death in the -waters of the stream, rode off the precipice, the banks of -which were higher than those of the Kanawha, where -Little Snap took his fearful choice. Both the brave McCulloch -and his horse escaped, as is verified by the pages -of history. I know of no other instance of this kind on -record, though there may be many.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap had passed beyond the point of rocks, so -<span class='pageno' id='Page_86'>86</span>he had lost sight of the Narrows, though the awful sound -of the breaking rock still rang in his ears.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Seeing there was no possible place for Jack to gain -a foothold on either side of the river, he allowed the horse -to swim on at the steed's own will.</p> - -<p class='c008'>He had lifted the mail pouch above the water, and feeling -that its contents were not injured, he calmly waited -the end of his adventure.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Jack must have swum nearly a mile down the stream -before his rider saw a place where a landing could be -effected, when he guided the course of the steed in that -direction.</p> - -<p class='c008'>After a severe struggle, during which Little Snap several -times felt that the attempt must be given up, the -brave bay succeeded in gaining a foothold upon <i>terra -firma</i>.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The postboy then sprang to the ground, while Jack -shook the water from his dripping sides.</p> - -<p class='c008'>When he had found that the mail matter had not suffered -from the water, he remounted and rode on toward -Salt Works, finding his way slowly along the rugged -mountain side, until at last he was gladdened by the sight -of the road.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_87'>87</span>Jack soon increasing his gait to a smart canter, the distance -to Salt Works was speedily passed, at which place -Little Snap told his story to a wondering circle of listeners, -whom it was plain to see failed to think that his -story could be the truth in full.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"The road will have to be cleared before I can get -back," said our hero. "It must be completely blocked by -the rock."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It doesn't come in our district," said the postmaster, -"but I will endeavor to get word up to Greenbrier about -it. They would never find it out if I didn't."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Leaving Jack here, Little Snap continued his journey -with his relief horse, making his trip to Upper Loop and -return without adventure.</p> - -<p class='c008'>To his disappointment here, however, he learned that -the rocky <i>débris</i> had not been cleared away at the Narrows.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It will not be your fault if you do not go through," -said the postmaster. "I advise you to remain with us -until the road has been opened."</p> - -<p class='c008'>But Little Snap did not like to do this if it was possible -for him to get to Six Roads. Besides feeling it his duty -<span class='pageno' id='Page_88'>88</span>to carry the mail through, he was anxious to get home -on his mother's account.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I will ride up to the Narrows, and if I find it impossible -to go farther I will come back," he replied, starting -at once upon his way.</p> - -<p class='c008'>After leaving the noisy settlement of Salt Works, he did -not expect to see a person until he should reach Greenbrier, -should he be so fortunate as to pass the Narrows, -with the exception of Uncle Solitaire. Thus, as he came -in sight of the live oak, as he had always done, he looked -for the old hermit, wishing that the one from whom he -hoped to receive tidings might send the long looked for -letter.</p> - -<p class='c008'>As he drew near to the place, the chirping of the squirrels -reached his ears, and he saw them running across -the road and up and down the tree. As he continued to -approach, one of the frisky creatures ran down to meet -him, darting to and fro in the road as he advanced.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Something seemed to trouble the little troupe of noisy, -uneasy denizens of the forest, which was accounted for -when the postboy came to look for the old man in vain.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Uncle Solitaire was not at his post!</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_89'>89</span>Little Snap paused, thinking he might be coming near -at hand, and when he failed to appear he shouted his -name. Only the chirping of the squirrels answered him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>One of these, as if anxious to tell him why its master -was not on hand, actually ran up to the postboy's shoulder, -remaining there as he rode on, wondering what had -caused the strange man's non-appearance.</p> - -<p class='c008'>When he had gone a few rods the squirrel jumped to -the ground, and with a louder chirp, ran back to rejoin its -mates.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It is the first time in six months, rain or shine, he has -failed to be here. I wonder if he is sick?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>He was still thinking of the old hermit, when he was -startled by the sudden appearance of a gaunt, stooping -figure beside his horse as he began the ascent to the Narrows.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Don't be skeert, younker," said a harsh, grating voice -from the stranger. "We kem es friends. I'm Ab Raggles, -an' this hyur is my fust boy, Beeline Raggles."</p> - -<p class='c008'>As he finished speaking a second figure, very similar -to the first, save for the changes made by the difference -in years, suddenly stepped from the growth by the wayside -<span class='pageno' id='Page_90'>90</span>and unconcernedly stalked on the other side of the -postboy.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap, not knowing what to make of such company, -stopped Jack, and facing the older of the singular -twain, demanded:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"What do you want?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"To pay off an ol' debt by befriendin' ye. We wuz off -our toes 'bout 'em Burrnocks yesterday, an' we didn't -ketch onto their plans in season to help yer this mornin', -but mebbe we can do yer a good turn now. The rock ain't -out o' th' path up yender."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Notwithstanding the uncouth appearance of the speaker, -and his illiterate speech, there was an evidence of honesty -in both that did not escape the keen perception of Little -Snap.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"In what way can you help me?" he asked.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Wull, it's jess like this: I s'pose ye air purty anxious -to get on to Six Roads?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"What if I am? I cannot do so if the road is blocked."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That's jess whar ye air barkin' up th' wrong tree, es -I 'lowed ye would. I know a path right over through th' -growth wot'll bring ye round to Hollow Tree slick es a -coon whistlin' on a stump."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_91'>91</span>"I shall miss Greenbrier?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Sart'inly; sorter go round yit. Then, too, ye'll hev to -go through Blazed Acre. Mebbe ye won't care to do thet. -Th' Burrnocks think they scooped ye clean this morn'. -It'd open their eyes fit to bustin'. Wot d'ye say—go?"</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_92'>92</span> - <h2 class='c002'>CHAPTER XI.<br />THE RIDE THROUGH BLAZED ACRE.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c007'>Little Snap hesitated a moment before replying to this -rather broken speech, during which time Ab Raggles -moved restlessly to and fro.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yit's a bit likely to brung ye trubble, I'll 'low, younker, -but th' boy an' I'll stand by ye like fun. Yit's th' only -way fer ye to git home."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"What motive have you, a stranger to me, to offer to do -this?" asked the postboy.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Motif? Didn't ye kem to our risky yesterday? The -Raggles may be pore cattle, but they ain't them es fergits -their friends."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"But I did you no service. How was it you escaped -from that cave so easily?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"'Twan't easy, younker. Ye see we fell kerslap inter -thet sink, but th' water wuz deep 'nough, so we weren't -hurt, an' findin' there wuz chance, we swum 'way in an -underground stream, which kem out lower down in th' -<span class='pageno' id='Page_93'>93</span>valler. We weren't hurted; hope ye weren't, younker. -See?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>The explanation seemed plausible, and Little Snap -knew that if he decided to accept the proffered assistance -of his guides he must not delay if he wished to get beyond -Blazed Acre before dark. Thus he questioned Ab Raggles -more closely in regard to the route, finally deciding -to go that way.</p> - -<p class='c008'>A short distance above, the mountaineer led the advance -into the forest, following a narrow pathway leading -over the mountainside. Little Snap had often noticed -this well-worn track, and wondered where it led.</p> - -<p class='c008'>It was barely wide enough to admit the passage of a -horseman, so our party was obliged to go in single file, Ab -Raggles in front, carrying his long, rusty-looking firearm -slung across his left arm, Beeline bringing up the rear, -his weapon of defense being simply a stout club.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Not a word was spoken as they slowly wended their way -in and out among the dark clumps of stunted forest -growth, or around huge piles of rocks and steep bluffs of -earth and stone, until at last the backbone of the heights -had been reached, and they were in plain sight of the descent -reaching away to the region of the Blazed Acre.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_94'>94</span>"Mebbe yit'll be best fer us not to strike the settlement -till after dark," said Ab Raggles, "an' mebbe we sh'n't ef -we keep pushin' on."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Let us keep moving," replied Little Snap, "but keep -our eyes open."</p> - -<p class='c008'>The country was less rugged on this slope of the mountains, -so they advanced more rapidly, though the shades -of night were beginning to fall as at last the isolated settlement -of the Burrnocks and their associates was seen -half a mile away.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap had never been in that vicinity before, so -he looked with curious gaze upon the place. The dwellings -of these people deserved no better name than huts, -for the most of them were made of sods and boughs of -trees. These rude habitations were arranged in a semicircle, -standing on the north side of the clearing, and -facing the south.</p> - -<p class='c008'>At the farther side could be seen a corral containing -such horses as the community owned; but what struck -Little Snap the most forcibly was the number of dogs running -about, yelping at each other and jumping to and fro -in their wild freedom.</p> - -<p class='c008'>It was getting too dark to see anything with distinctness, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_95'>95</span>even had the postboy time to watch the scene long. -They had stopped on a knob of earth high enough to look -quite over the level land making up the Acre, but as soon -as they resumed their course, all this was lost to their -sight.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Our path passes jess to th' right o' th' village," whispered -Ab Raggles, "an' we hev got to move moughty -sly to slip by 'em. I don't s'pose yit'd be bes' fer 'em goslings -o' Bird Burrnock to ketch eyes on me. Yit mought -not be healthy fer somebuddy."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap had noticed that as they neared the settlement -Raggles had begun to show uneasiness, which increased -as they advanced. He no longer carried his firearm -in the hollow of his arm, but held it low upon his -other side, as if wishing to conceal it from the gaze of -any chance person they might meet. He realized that he -could depend very little upon the Raggles in case of an -attack from his enemies.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Suddenly the sound of footsteps fell on their ears, when -the older guide dropped to the ground as quickly as if he -had been shot, his son imitating his example the next moment.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap reined in Jack in season to avoid having -<span class='pageno' id='Page_96'>96</span>him step on the prostrate figure of Ab Raggles, while at -the same time the form of a man burst through the bushes -into plain sight.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Hello!" exclaimed the stranger. "Who mought ye -be who invades these peaceful regions?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"A friend," replied the postboy; "belated in my journey -over the mountains."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Who in the name of darkness air ye who knows th' -way?" and the speaker stepped nearer to get a better view -of the boyish rider.</p> - -<p class='c008'>It was too dark for him to distinguish Little Snap's -features. At any rate, he did not seem to recognize him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"My name is Lewis, and I live beyond Daring's Diamond."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Purty late ridin'," muttered the man, passing on, without -further words, much to our hero's relief.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap resolved to get away from that vicinity as -speedily as possible, and he turned to request Raggles to -go on, when he was surprised to find the mountaineer -missing!</p> - -<p class='c008'>Neither was Beeline Raggles to be seen!</p> - -<p class='c008'>As brief as had been his interview with the stranger, -this pair had managed somehow to get away unobserved -<span class='pageno' id='Page_97'>97</span>by him. He did not think it best to call to them, and, -though at a loss to account for this singular conduct, he -felt that it would make little difference to him. He had -seen enough to know they would be of no real assistance -in case he should meet the Burrnocks.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Though it was now quite dark in the shades of the -growth, he believed he would have little difficulty in finding -his way to Hollow Tree, and he urged Jack forward -without delay.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Dim lights from the dwellings of the inhabitants of -Blazed Acre were springing up on his left, and he hadn't -gone far before a confused sound of voices was borne to -him on the still air.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Faster, Jack!" he whispered, as the path swung around -a clump of live oaks to come in full sight of the village. -"On, my boy!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Breaking into a trot, the horse and his rider quickly -gained the cover of the forest again, where it was difficult -to follow the winding course of the path.</p> - -<p class='c008'>But anxious to get away before the inhabitants of -Blazed Acre, whom he felt sure would pursue him had they -learned he was in the vicinity, he continued to urge Jack -<span class='pageno' id='Page_98'>98</span>onward at a smart trot, until there came a sudden ending -to his retreat.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Without the least warning, Jack stumbled and fell headlong -to the earth, Little Snap at the same time being flung -over his head and into the bushes several yards away!</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_99'>99</span> - <h2 class='c002'>CHAPTER XII.<br />THE POSTBOY'S ARREST.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c007'>Instinctively, as he found himself going, Little Snap -tried to catch upon the saddle, but instead he seized upon -the mail pouch, and this he carried with him on his flying -trip through the air.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Partially deprived of his senses by his fall, as he regained -a sitting posture on the ground, he heard sharp -cries from the pathway, and the dusky figures of half a -dozen men appeared about the place where Jack had -tripped and fallen.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Don't let him get clear!" he heard some one say, and -then a furious rush was made toward the horse struggling -to regain its feet.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap's first thought was to rush to Jack's assistance, -but the fact that he still held the mail pouch in his -possession caused him to quickly change his mind.</p> - -<p class='c008'>While the party were attacking the animal, frantically -trying to regain its feet, in the belief the postboy was -<span class='pageno' id='Page_100'>100</span>somewhere beneath its body, it was possible he might get -beyond their harm.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Finding their mistake, they would not likely injure -Jack, and with this hope in his heart, Snap dashed lightly -away in the direction he expected the path led.</p> - -<p class='c008'>He soon proved his good judgment by coming suddenly -upon the well-worn way leading to Hollow Tree.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The sounds of the struggle had not ended, though he -fancied they were nearly over. In this surmise he was -correct, for he had not gone much farther before he -heard the same voice as had spoken before, saying:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Th' leetle satan isn't hyur. He's got 'way, boyees! -Look clus thet he don't escape!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Anxious to know what had been the fate of poor Jack, -the postboy did not dare to remain a moment where he -was. As long as the mail was in his hands he was in duty -bound to look to its safety above everything else.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Accordingly, he fled along the path at the top of his -speed, and he was a pretty good runner, too. The sounds -of his enemies were soon lost to hearing, and he pursued -his way without interruption until he felt certain he must -be near Hollow Tree, when he slackened his gait.</p> - -<p class='c008'>As he came in sight of the singular post office, he saw -<span class='pageno' id='Page_101'>101</span>that a light was burning within, by which he knew the -postmaster was there.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Then the sound of voices fell on the stillness of the -evening, and surprised to hear his own name mentioned, -he paused just outside the roughly made door.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"There is one thing certain," Dan Shag was saying, "he -is out o' th' way now."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"And there ain't no danger of his taking off being laid -to our door," said another, by whose voice Little Snap -recognized Morton Meiggs, one of his bondsmen.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Cert. Them air Acreites hes done us one good turn, -an' I feel it is our duty to pay 'em fer it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I wouldn't advise you to say too much about that. -They'll be likely to ask for more'n we can allow them. -"Say, that was an audacious movement. I wonder how -old Warfield felt when he heard of Dix Lewis' fate?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I dunno. Thet man beats me. He hes promised to -stand by me, but I ain't more faith in him than I hev in -thet light's burning all night."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"He's going to get to Congress, all the same, and it's -our interest to stand by him, or pretend so, at least."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Guess I know which side my bread is buttered on. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_102'>102</span>What I'm figgerin' on now is to git my hands on to thet -mail bag. I'll make some dollars out'n thet, bet yer hat."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Be crafty," warned the other. "That Calvert is a -long-headed dog. But as it is long past the mail hour, -you aren't obliged to keep the office open any longer. -Let's start for Six Roads, to lay our plans for the next -move."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap stopped to listen no more, but stepping -somewhat heavily, he advanced toward the office, meeting -the twain in the doorway as they were coming out.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Dan Shag was ahead, and a yell of terror left his lips, -as he beheld the postboy before him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Good-evening, Mr. Shag; you seem surprised. I am -a little late to-night, but better late than never, you know."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Dix Lewis! alive and here!" gasped Morton Meiggs.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You seem surprised, Mr. Meiggs, but I am worth a -dozen dead men."</p> - -<p class='c008'>If Little Snap expected to be plied with questions, he -was disappointed, for the postmaster took the sack without -another word, and ran through the mail with uncommon -celerity.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Hark! I hear a horseman coming," exclaimed Mr. -Meiggs. "I think I will be moving on toward Six Roads."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_103'>103</span>Little Snap was about to ask him for help in getting -home, but the hoof strokes of the approaching horse -brought a feeling of gladness to his heart.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It's Jack!" he exclaimed, aloud, and even as he spoke -the faithful horse dashed upon the scene.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The postboy fairly wept for joy, as he caressed the head -of his favorite steed, which seemed as delighted as he.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Good Jack!" said Little Snap; "I am so glad you escaped -unhurt."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Mail!" said Shag, sharply, throwing the pouch at his -feet.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Flinging the sack over its accustomed position, the postboy -swung himself into the saddle and was away before -the others could speak.</p> - -<p class='c008'>As he dashed down the road toward the bridge he -heard a body of horsemen galloping toward Hollow Tree, -whom he felt certain were the Burrnocks, of Blazed Acre. -However, he saw nothing further of them, and a little over -an hour later he rode into Union Six Roads, to be met at -the post office by a wondering crowd.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In his anxiety to get home and thus relieve his mother -<span class='pageno' id='Page_104'>104</span>of the suspense he knew she must be suffering, Little Snap -answered the questions asked of him as briefly as possible, -hurriedly leaving the office as soon as he had delivered -the mail pouch.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"He acts mighty queer," said one of the bystanders by -the name of Clevis Claverton, who was the third man on -the postboy's bond. "Ha! here comes Meiggs, with Dan -Shag and a party from Greenbrier. They will explain -the matter, I imagine."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap found his mother nearly distracted with the -reports circulated concerning his fate, but which were -happily ended with his safe appearance.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Knowing it would be best for him to return to the post -office as soon as possible, to give a more intelligible account -of what had befallen him, he was about leaving the -house immediately after eating his supper, when he was -surprised by the appearance of a body of men at the -door.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Foremost of the party was Sheriff Brady, who said, as -the postboy opened the door:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I arrest you, Dix Lewis, in the name of the United -<span class='pageno' id='Page_105'>105</span>States Government. Will you come with me peacefully -as my prisoner?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Arrest me? What have I done now, Mr. Brady, to -cause my arrest?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Done? I should say there was enough to send you -to prison for life. Will you allow me to handcuff you?"</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_106'>106</span> - <h2 class='c002'>CHAPTER XIII<br />A CURIOUS COURT.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c007'>For a moment Little Snap could not comprehend the -meaning of Sheriff Brady's order.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mrs. Lewis had been standing but a few feet away, and -at the officer's demand she rushed forward to throw herself -between Dix and the other.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You shall not harm him!" she cried. "I——"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Be calm, Mrs. Lewis!" commanded the officer. "It -is a painful duty I am compelled to perform, but you only -make it the harder by your nonsense."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mrs. Lewis was about to reply, when Little Snap said:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Do not mind it, mother; I shall come out all right. -There, be calm, and know that I have done nothing that -I am afraid to answer for.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Mr. Brady, I will accompany you without opposition, -so you will not be obliged to fasten my hands."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I am not so sure of that. 'Safe bind sure to find,' I -have always noticed. Hold out your hands, young man."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap was inclined to rebel against this unnecessary -<span class='pageno' id='Page_107'>107</span>treatment, but, fortunately, his better judgment prevailed, -and he held out his wrists to receive the bonds -Sheriff Brady was so anxious to snap upon them.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"We were lucky to get him so easily," said the officer. -"Now we will take him before Squire Claverton at once."</p> - -<p class='c008'>With these words the sheriff marched away from the -home he had so ruthlessly entered, his arm locked in that -of the prisoner, the crowd following in increasing numbers -as the procession kept on.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mrs. Lewis, without stopping to throw anything over -her head, persisted in keeping close by the side of Dix, -though he tried to have her remain at home, knowing that -her presence would be of no avail to him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Squire Claverton, who was a brother to Clevis Claverton, -prided himself upon being "the great legal light" of -Six Roads. He was a man not generally liked, being too -willing to mix in whatever petty quarrels came up, without -regard to the matter of justice. In fact, he had little, -if any, idea of the fundamental principle of law. He -seemed to labor under the belief that might made right, -and that it was his business to crush the weak.</p> - -<p class='c008'>He must have been expecting his callers, for he showed -<span class='pageno' id='Page_108'>108</span>no surprise at their appearance, but chuckled with evident -delight at his prospects.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I thought it was best to bring him right to your -honor," declared the sheriff. "It seems to me it will be -best to settle this matter with as little delay as possible."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Exactly," replied the justice, who looked upon the -prisoner with a malicious smile on his thin lips.</p> - -<p class='c008'>For some reason known only to himself, he had long -cherished a grudge against the Lewis family, and he -fondly believed the time had come for him "to get even."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap looked over the crowd that had filed into -the room, until it was completely packed, without seeing -any one who seemed to show him any favor. He was -puzzled to understand this, and began to think his case -might prove more serious than he had anticipated.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Postmaster Rimmon was there, and his words gave the -postboy his first ray of hope.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Isn't this rather premature?" he asked. "It is now -nearly nine o'clock in the evening, and the prisoner will -have no chance to call his friends to his assistance. Why -not wait until to-morrow?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You forget, Mr. Rimmon," replied the sheriff, respectfully, -but showing that he did not like this interruption, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_109'>109</span>"that it is necessary to come to some decision -in this matter to-night, so a man can be obtained to fill -his place of duty in the morning. It seems to me we have -been very easy with him, and in return he has shown the -greatest contempt. What do you think of his coming -home this evening, and without saying a word of what he -had or had not done, going immediately to his home? -This, too, with the grave charges hanging over him."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I think he deserves great credit for what he has done -to-day," replied Mr. Rimmon, warmly. "There is not one -in a hundred who would or could have brought the mail -through from Salt Works under the circumstances."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"How did you learn all this?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"From his own lips."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"So he made you his confidant?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"So far as to give me an inkling of his adventures."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"And you doubtless thought it was sufficient for him -to tell you. Were you the proper person for him to give -his excuses to?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes, sir; the most proper person in Six Roads. I presume -the rest of you would have learned the truth had you -given him time."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"We propose to learn the truth and the whole truth in -<span class='pageno' id='Page_110'>110</span>our own time," retorted the officer, sharply. "I would like -to ask you if he didn't owe something of an apology to -Mr. Meiggs and Mr. Claverton here, both of whom have -a financial interest at stake in this matter?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Financial fiddlesticks!" exclaimed Mr. Rimmon, impulsively. -"If good reputations were for sale at ten cents -apiece, and they had all the privilege in the world to buy, -they couldn't get enough to supply their own households."</p> - -<p class='c008'>At this thoughtless speech a murmur of indignation ran -over the spectators, and the postmaster realized that he -had said more than he ought.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Excuse me, I do not wish to get mixed up in this affair; -but I would like to see the boy have fair play."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Is Mr. Warfield in town?" asked a voice from the -crowd.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"He is not," replied Sheriff Brady, "but his private -secretary, Mr. Jones, is here, prepared to speak for the -colonel."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Order!" commanded Justice Claverton, at this juncture. -"Who prefers the charges against the prisoner?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I do," replied Morton Meiggs.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"State them."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Criminal neglect of duty, theft of valuable letters, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_111'>111</span>conduct unbecoming an employee of the United States -Government."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Hum!" commented his honor. "State your case."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mr. Meiggs was then put under oath, when he told how -the Hollow Tree mail had not been found in the mail -pouch by its postmaster, but was later found in the possession -of the postboy. He then described the disappearance -of the registered letters, showing that while six -could be traced as far as the Greenbrier office, only three -reached the person for whom they were intended, Mr. -Jason Warfield.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"He has been very irregular in the performance of his -duties, coming in some nights before his time, and on -others an hour or more late. To-day he has capped the -climax of his careless handling of the mail by coming -over Greenbrier Mountain, through the woods, going the -Lord only knows where. I forgot to mention that one -day this week he actually left his horse, with the mail -sack on its back, at least an hour, alone in the woods, -while he explored a cave or did some such foolish thing, -showing that he hasn't proper regard for the welfare of -the property in his keeping."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_112'>112</span>"John Dix Lewis, what have you to say to these -charges?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Not guilty, sir," replied the postboy. "I——"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Be careful how you put on airs, young man. You -should remember that you are addressing the honorable -court of the United States. Call your first witness, Mr. -Meiggs."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Dan Shag took the stand, confirming Meiggs' testimony -in regard to the loss of the Hollow Tree mail and the -finding of it in the postboy's keeping.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"We have plenty of witnesses to prove the fact that the -mail was in the pouch at Greenbrier," broke in Sheriff -Brady. "I was present at——"</p> - -<p class='c008'>The sheriff was interrupted at this moment by a great -commotion near the door, and it soon became evident that -some one was trying to force an entrance into the room.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_113'>113</span> - <h2 class='c002'>CHAPTER XIV.<br />AN UNEXPECTED CLIMAX.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c007'>"Order!" thundered "his honor."</p> - -<p class='c008'>The command of the court received but slight attention, -as one and all turned to see what the commotion meant.</p> - -<p class='c008'>To the intense surprise of the onlookers, a tall, gray-bearded -man, with long, white hair falling about his shoulders, -was trying to force his way through the excited -throng. Seeming to tower above those around him, the -wild grandeur of the new arrival was given an additional -picturesqueness by the presence of a gray squirrel standing -boldly upright on either shoulder!</p> - -<p class='c008'>Few in the room had ever seen the newcomer, though -all had heard of Old Solitaire, the mysterious hermit of -the Kanawha range.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Squire Claverton looked upon him with dismay, demanding:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"What means this intrusion?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I have come to speak for the boy!" cried the strange -man. "There is a conspiracy afoot to put him down, but, -by the Great Kanawha! it shall not be done. He has——"</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_114'>114</span>"Order!" cried Justice Claverton, turning very red in -the face.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Order and justice and equal rights!" cried the hermit. -"These stories they have told are all false."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Stop!" yelled Claverton. "Are we to be interrupted by -a crazy man?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Put him down!" some one shouted.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Silence!" commanded the sheriff, his words bringing -the desired effect. "I will look after this madman," pushing -his way through the crowd to the stranger's side.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I am here only in the cause of justice," said the old -man, trembling in every limb as he spoke. "The boy has -done nothing wrong."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Then he will not be injured," replied Sheriff Brady. -"You can go on with your examination if you wish, your -honor."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Amid a profound silence, Leonard Jones, the private -secretary of Mr. Warfield, was asked to tell what he knew -about the case, when he stated that his employer, expecting -so many letters and not getting them, had sent him to ascertain -if they had not been delayed on the route, and that -he had learned that three more than he had received had -<span class='pageno' id='Page_115'>115</span>really got as far as the Greenbrier office, after which no -trace of them could be found.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mr. Rimmon at this juncture seemed about to speak, -but he remained silent, knowing that he had not helped -the postboy any by his previous hasty words.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Following Mr. Jones' evidence, Dan Shag and two or -three others were called upon the stand to testify to such -circumstances as they knew in regard to the postboy's last -trip.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"If it please your honor," said Mr. Rimmon at this -juncture, "I think the boy should be given a chance to -show why he was late and how he came in as he did."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"He shall have the opportunity to speak for himself, -Mr. Rimmon. Prisoner at the bar, what have you to say -to coming in here an hour after you were due on Wednesday?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It was unavoidable, sir."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Was it a part of your duty to go off gunning after -caves and leaving your mail unprotected for a full hour?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No, sir."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I thought not."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"If it please your honor, I would like to tell how I -came to do so."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_116'>116</span>"Your admission that you did so is sufficient. You -acknowledge the package of Hollow Tree mail was found -in your possession?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It was taken from the pocket I have on my saddle, but -I——"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That is sufficient, sir. You acknowledge that you -came in to-night an hour late, in a condition unfitting an -employee of the government?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I was late, sir, on account of coming over a path -through the wilderness of the Greenbrier district."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Does Uncle Sam say that you are to carry his treasures -through the wilderness?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No, sir. But I want to explain how I was obliged to -come that way if I got here at all."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It is not necessary."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It seems to me," said Mr. Rimmon, "and I have more -interest in that matter than any one present, that it is not -only necessary, but an act of justice to the court itself -that your honor listen to Mr. Lewis' account. He came -over the mountains by a tedious footpath, not from choice, -but from necessity. He deserves our praise rather than our -condemnation for his heroic conduct. If our road surveyors -<span class='pageno' id='Page_117'>117</span>had done their duty, his duty would have been -easy."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Let me speak," cried the hermit, at this juncture. "It -was all an infamous scheme——"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Order!" thundered the court. "We can't be broken -into by a mad fool. Put him out if necessary, Mr. -Brady."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Another word, and I'll pitch you into the road," said -the sheriff.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Old Solitaire showed that he was laboring under great -excitement, though he did not offer to speak.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"This is no place for senseless stories told by boys," said -"his honor." "If you have any reasonable excuse to offer -for your folly, Dix Lewis, you will have plenty of opportunity -to give it in the higher court. You have admitted -enough to condemn you to prison for the rest of your days, -and I can do no different than to place you under indictment -on at least three charges, which I now do."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Sheriff Brady, you will please take the prisoner to a -safe place, until you are called upon to deliver him up by a -higher authority."</p> - -<p class='c008'>By this time great confusion was reigning in the room.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mrs. Lewis was weeping and wringing her hands in -<span class='pageno' id='Page_118'>118</span>wild abandon of grief, while Little Snap was trying to -speak an encouraging word.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"They shan't take my boy off to jail! He has done -nothing wrong!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>In vain Justice Claverton called for order, until the -voice of Mr. Rimmon silenced the babel of sounds.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Your honor, you cannot ignore the rights of the prisoner -thus. He has certain privileges you cannot and shall -not deny him. He is at least entitled to bail, as no capital -charge has been made against him."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes, I might do it as a matter of form, but it would -make no difference in the result, for who is there would go -on his bonds?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Fix the sum."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Five thousand dollars."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"An outrageous amount; but how will the names of -Jason Warfield and myself do?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Mr. Warfield is not in town, Mr. Rimmon."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I understand he has just returned. Make out the -papers, and I will see that he signs them with me."</p> - -<p class='c008'>A deep silence now hung over the scene.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Bah! this makes it all a farce!" exclaimed the rasping -<span class='pageno' id='Page_119'>119</span>tone of Morton Meiggs. "I give notice here and now that -I withdraw from the prisoner's mail bond."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"So do I!" echoed Clevis Claverton.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I appoint Daniel Shag as mail carrier between Six -Roads and Upper Loop offices, with all the privileges and -responsibilities that pertain to the route. He is to begin -his duties to-morrow at six o'clock," declared Justice -Claverton.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Immediately following this announcement renewed confusion -began, the excited words ensuing proving that the -postboy had many friends present, though they were not in -a position to help him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Without much delay, the signature of Jason Warfield -was secured for the bail, which, with that of Mr. Rimmon, -gained Little Snap his freedom until the convening of the -court.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Have good courage, Dix," said Mr. Rimmon, as Little -Snap left the building, accompanied by his mother, "and -we will hope you will come out all right. I hardly think -the road authorities will get the way clear for you to go -through to-morrow, but you had better be on hand to go. -Don't let it be any fault of yours if the mail does not go -through."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_120'>120</span>"But Mr. Claverton appointed Mr. Shag to go in my -place."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Come to the office at six in the morning for the mail -and you will get it. I don't know anything of Dan Shag -in that capacity. Justice Claverton's appointment seems -to me very irregular, to put it mildly."</p> - -<p class='c008'>After thanking the postmaster for his kindness, Little -Snap sought his home in better spirits than he had felt -before the ending of the scene at Lawyer Claverton's -office.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Though no one seemed to notice it, not even the postboy, -Old Solitaire had disappeared immediately after the -discharge of the prisoner.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_121'>121</span> - <h2 class='c002'>CHAPTER XV.<br />A LONG AND A VAIN WATCH.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c007'>Mrs. Lewis was still very nervous concerning the trouble, -though she grew calmer as Little Snap spoke so confidently -of his ultimate success.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I have it, mother. I'll tell you just what I am going -to do. I am going to see Mr. Calvert.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I would, my son."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"He is just the man for me to find. He has the contract -for carrying the mail on this route, and when he sublet -it to me, he told me if I had the least bit of trouble to -let him know. He ought to know it, too."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Mr. Calvert can clear up the affair, if any one can. -I wish he was here now."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I'll have him here before long, and then we shall have -no further reason to worry. I wonder I hadn't thought -of him before."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, don't let the matter trouble you any longer. It -is getting late, and you had better retire. You will need -all the rest you can get."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_122'>122</span>"Rest, mother? I am not going to sleep until I have -seen Mr. Calvert, and explained the matter to him."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"But you cannot see him to-night."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I must."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why, he lives fifty miles from here. Didn't Mr. Rimmon -ask you to be at the office in the morning?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes, and so I will. I know it is a long ride to Volney, -Mr. Calvert's home, but I shall take both Jack and Fairy, -and I will fetch around before six in the morning, never -fear."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I am afraid you cannot. What if you shouldn't?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I will not fail, mother, so please do not object any -longer. Every moment is precious to me. The horses -have had their supper, and I will be away in less than three -minutes."</p> - -<p class='c008'>It was little wonder if Mrs. Lewis looked with anxious -foreboding upon this movement, for it certainly did seem -a hopeless undertaking. Little Snap, in his boyish enthusiasm, -did not stop to count the cost. Neither did he -realize the possible consequence of his absence at that -time. Whoever may be inclined to censure him for such -a rash attempt must remember that he acted upon the -impulse of the moment, and not with the clear judgment -<span class='pageno' id='Page_123'>123</span>he would have shown a few years later. I speak of this -now in slight extenuation of the startling result to follow.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Losing no further time in talk, the postboy threw the -saddle on Fairy's back, and when she was in readiness for -a start, he led Jack out of his stall, and slipped the bridle -on his head.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I wouldn't do it, Jack, old fellow, only I must. We -have a long ride before us, and a strange one."</p> - -<p class='c008'>The next moment he was in the saddle and ready for a -start.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Don't get worried, mother, whatever happens. I can -look out for myself. I count on getting to Volney about -one o'clock; then I shall rest an hour and a half before -starting back. I will get home, if nothing happens, at -half-past five."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I wish you weren't going. But you must speak to -Mr. Rimmon as you go past his house. You will, won't -you?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Promising that, Little Snap bent over to give his good-by -kiss, and the following moment he was speeding -swiftly away on his long journey.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_124'>124</span>"I have done wrong, I know I have, in letting him go," -she said, to herself, as she watched him out of sight.</p> - -<p class='c008'>With no thought of sleep, she returned to the house to -begin her lonely vigil.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Dix had not been gone more than fifteen minutes before -a loud thumping upon the door startled her from her -unhappy reverie.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Looking out of the window, she was still further terrified -by the appearance of half a dozen men in front of the -house.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"What is wanted?" she asked, in a tremulous voice.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"We want that precious scamp, Dix Lewis!" came the -reply in the well-known voice of Sheriff Brady.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Oh, dear! what does this mean?" she exclaimed.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Are you going to open the door, or shall we have to -break it down?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"My son is not here—he is gone!" she cried. "He -has——"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Renewed thumping on the door drowned the conclusion -of her sentence.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Gone?" demanded the furious tone of the sheriff. -"Woman, what do you mean? Stave in the door, men!"</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_125'>125</span>"No—no! I am opening it. How my hand does -shake. Wait a moment, please."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Trembling so she could hardly stand alone, Mrs. Lewis -soon threw open the door, saying:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"What has happened now?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Happened? Jason Warfield has decided not to stand -on your son's bail, and Judge Claverton has found out -that Rimmon is no good there, as he is already in the employ -of the government. So we want the body of the -boy. Where is he hiding?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>It was useless for Mrs. Lewis to try and make the -sheriff and his posse believe Little Snap had gone away -as she had said, until they had searched the house from -top to bottom. Then they unanimously decided that he -had run away!</p> - -<p class='c008'>In the midst of the excitement Mr. Rimmon appeared -on the scene, when the distracted mother appealed to him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"He told you that he was going to Volney, didn't he, -Mr. Rimmon?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>The postmaster shook his head.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I have not seen him since we parted after the trial. I -am sorry this has happened."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, it puts me in a hard place," said the sheriff, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_126'>126</span>"and I tell you what I shall be obliged to do. If he don't -turn up before morning, I shall raze this house to the -ground and put every one of you in jail! So if you know -where the precious scamp is hiding, bring him forth, or -the worst will be your own."</p> - -<p class='c008'>In vain Mrs. Lewis explained, pleaded with the obdurate -men. The only hope she could have was in the -promise that nothing should be done until six o'clock in -the morning. If Little Snap failed to come then, no mercy -would be shown to the family.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"He will! he will! I am sure of that!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Then be calm and wait. We must keep a guard about -the house."</p> - -<p class='c008'>At daylight it seemed that every inhabitant of Six -Roads was astir, and anxious, excited groups began to -collect here and there.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Excepting Mrs. Lewis, Mr. Rimmon was perhaps the -most anxious person, and he kept an almost continual -watch up and down the road.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It was the height of folly for him to have started off -in that way. It is utterly impossible for him to get here -by six, and if he don't, God have mercy on his home. I -<span class='pageno' id='Page_127'>127</span>am powerless to help them. What! Can it be so near -six? Here comes Shag for the mail bag."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mounted upon a tall, raw-boned horse, the postmaster -of Hollow Tree rode up in front of the post office.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Good-morning, Mr. Rimmon. I s'pose ye heerd what -th' judge sed las' evenin' thet I'm to carry th' mail arter -this. I hev resigned the Tree office, so it's all regular. -Seein' I'm new to th' bizness, I thought mebbe ye wouldn't -object to lettin' me start a leetle arly th' fust time."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I shall object, most decidedly, Mr. Shag."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Hev yit yer own way, Mr. Rimmon, though ye'll find -I ain't a boy to be run over. Ye'll let me hev it at six -sharp, or thar'll be war in th' United States camp."</p> - -<p class='c008'>To this the postmaster made no reply, while one and all -waited the outcome of this trying scene.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In the midst of the fearful ordeal the sun rose above the -crest of the distant mountains, and then a murmur ran -along the expectant crowd.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It's six o'clock!" cried Sheriff Brady, consulting his -watch. "The time is up, Mrs. Lewis, and the boy has not -come, as I knew he wouldn't. I have kept my word, and -you cannot expect any more."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It's six!" exclaimed Dan Shag, moving uneasily in his -<span class='pageno' id='Page_128'>128</span>saddle. "Hand over thet mail bag, Mr. Rimmon, fer ye -can't hol' it enny longer."</p> - -<p class='c008'>The postmaster cast a last, anxious gaze down the road -before he replied, and then a cry of great relief left his -lips.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"He is coming!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Eagerly the spectators looked down the road, and a -murmur of joy arose on the air, as they saw the figure of -a horse galloping rapidly toward the town. But the look -of relief on the faces of all turned to one of dread expectancy, -as they discovered that the creature was riderless!</p> - -<p class='c008'>It was Jack, the postboy's favorite steed, his sides covered -with foam, and his breath coming in quick, short -gasps, as he sped like the wind toward his home, but Little -Snap was not on his back!</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_129'>129</span> - <h2 class='c002'>CHAPTER XVI.<br />A LONELY NIGHT RIDE.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c007'>During this long, anxious night how has it fared with -Little Snap? Is the return of Jack without him a good -or an evil omen?</p> - -<p class='c008'>Let us see.</p> - -<p class='c008'>His most direct course to Volney was by the post road -to Greenbrier, after which he must take a more southerly -direction by following the left bank of the Little Kanawha -to the Blue Stone River. From this junction he was to -ride ten miles within sound of this stream, when he must -leave the river road for one leading over the hills to the -east.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Though there was no moon, the night was made pleasant -by a myriad of stars in the mellow autumn sky, -so he rode on with a hopeful heart that he should have -no trouble in finding his way.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Not a light was to be seen at Daring's Diamond, but -quite unexpectedly a dim blaze shone from Hollow Tree, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_130'>130</span>though he had not supposed the postmaster had had time -to get home from Six Roads.</p> - -<p class='c008'>But every moment was of value to him, so he dashed -past the lonely place without slackening his pace, until -he reached the homely village of Greenbrier.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Even then he was rushing on at the same headlong pace -he had followed since leaving home, when suddenly a -familiar voice arrested his flight.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"What in the name of George Washington are you -riding like that for, Dix Lewis?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>The speaker was a Mr. Renders, whom Little Snap had -always considered friendly to him, so he reined in Fairy -and quickly explained the object of his long ride.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I am afraid it will prove a wild-goose ride, Dix, but I -wish you success. Say, I'll tell you how I can help you. -I have a brother living at the corner of the Blue Stone -and Mountain roads, and he has a horse you can get to -finish your journey with, and leave yours there to rest till -you come back. I think it is about ten miles from my -brother's to Volney. A shift of horses will come in -mighty handy about that time. Let me write a line to -Joe, which will make your chances doubly sure."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mr. Renders wasn't long in carrying out his intentions, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_131'>131</span>and, thanking him for his kindness, the postboy again -urged Fairy on, the trusty Jack keeping beside his mate -without attention from his master.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The Little Kanawha road was an extremely lonely one, -but being nearly level, Little Snap sped on with unabated -speed.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Thus he had swung around a sharp bend in the highway, -when he was surprised by a beseeching voice calling -out:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Hold up, mister, a minute! Don't be scart, for I ain't -a highwayman, but I want a ride!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>The speaker rose so nearly from the middle of the road -that Jack had to shy in order to avoid running over him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I can't go no farther, mister! so please have pity on -me."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Owing to the thick growth by the roadside, it was too -dark for the boy rider to distinguish the features of the -stranger. He was a burly framed man, and seemed to -be shabbily dressed. He carried a short, heavy stick, -whether for a cane or a weapon of defense Little Snap had -no time to consider.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You have a spare horse," continued the other, without -giving the postboy opportunity to reply to him. "Let me -<span class='pageno' id='Page_132'>132</span>ride him, and you'll do the greatest favor of your life. It -is a case of got to with me, or I would not ask it. I am -on my way to see a dying mother, and I have walked till -I can't get one foot ahead of the other any longer."</p> - -<p class='c008'>He had caught hold of Jack's rein, for Little Snap had -put a bridle on the horse before starting, and he was in -the act of climbing into the saddle.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Hold on, sir!" exclaimed Dix Lewis, sharply. "I do -not doubt your honesty——"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It's a case of must, mister! Let me ride him if for -only a mile. He's doing you no good."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I have got a long journey ahead—so long that I must -have him fresh to help me get there. I am sorry to refuse -you."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It's such a small thing I ask of you, and you can do -it just as well as not. Think if your mother was dying -and you were thirty miles from her, and you should ask -a man to let you ride a spare horse he had to see her. I -will give you a hundred dollars if you will let me ride ten -miles."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Uttered in a pleading, earnest tone, the words touched -the postboy's heart.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Where do you wish to go?"</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_133'>133</span>"To the town of Volney. If you are any acquainted -there you may know Marion Calvert. He is my cousin. -My name is Atwin, and I live in Frankfort."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You know Marion Calvert? I am going to see him!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You don't say so! Perhaps you are a relation of his?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No, sir. I am going to see him on business. Every -moment is precious to me, too, for I must get back before -morning."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I am sorry to have bothered you, but it was a case of -necessity. You are going to let me ride?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap was never so puzzled in his life. While -not wishing to refuse the man, he still knew it would -jeopardize his chances of getting back to Six Roads in -season.</p> - -<p class='c008'>While he hesitated a moment, the stranger moved -nearer Jack, and gathering himself to spring into the -seat, said:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I shall never—whoa! Stand still, you brute!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Jack had begun to step backward, and flinging up his -head, broke the man's hold from the bridle.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Then uttering a snort, Jack darted forward to Little -Snap's side.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"What sort of a confounded hoss have you got here?" -<span class='pageno' id='Page_134'>134</span>cried the unknown, again seizing the bridle, this time -leaping nimbly into the saddle.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"What is the trouble, Jack, old boy?" asked his master, -wondering at the creature's singular and unusual action.</p> - -<p class='c008'>No sooner had the stranger gained the seat than the -horse sprang abruptly to one side, and rearing into the -air, sent the man flying heels over head into the bushes by -the roadside.</p> - -<p class='c008'>All of this was done so suddenly that Little Snap had -not found time to express his amazement.</p> - -<p class='c008'>As if impelled by a newborn fear, Jack bounded up the -road, with a whinny of terror.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Hi, there! help—quick—he'll get away from me!" -cried the man, staggering to his feet and bursting through -the bushes into the road.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Though startled by this unexpected turn in affairs, -the postboy had presence of mind enough to see that the -stranger was no longer a supplicant for favors, but that -a fierce determination to gain his ends was apparent on -his features and in his voice.</p> - -<p class='c008'>He started to catch hold of Fairy's bridle, but with a -snort of defiance the creature threw back her head, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_135'>135</span>Little Snap, reading the other's purpose, touched her -smartly with the spur.</p> - -<p class='c008'>At that moment the tramp of feet came from the -growth, and the burly figures of three or four men sprang -into sight.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_136'>136</span> - <h2 class='c002'>CHAPTER XVII.<br />LITTLE SNAP'S DISAPPOINTMENT.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c007'>"He's getting away!" shouted the man who had hailed -the postboy. "Come on, you lubbers!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>If Little Snap had been taken off his guard at first, he -was wide awake enough now, and giving Fairy an encouraging -cry, he was borne swiftly away by the fleet-footed -mare.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Glancing back once more, he saw the four men in pursuit -of him, but as long as they were on foot, he had but -little to fear from them.</p> - -<p class='c008'>With their hoarse shouts ringing in his ears, he sped -around a curve in the road and out of their sight.</p> - -<p class='c008'>After he had gone a couple of miles, finding that he -was not likely to be troubled by their pursuit, he slackened -Fairy's speed, and improved his first opportunity to bend -over and pat Jack's head close beside him, saying:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Noble boy, you knew more than your master that -time. I wonder where I should be now if you hadn't -read that fellow's intentions better than I did? I wasn't -<span class='pageno' id='Page_137'>137</span>quite satisfied with him, but his story did throw me off -my guard. I have got to keep my eyes open sharper than -that."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Talking thus, half to his animal friends and half to -himself, he rode swiftly on toward Volney, the soft, -clayey soil muffling the hoof strokes of his horses so that -they gave back no sound, his advance scarcely breaking -in upon the silence of the night.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Soon after his escape from the waylayers, whom he -judged the men to be, he shifted upon Jack, giving Fairy -a rest.</p> - -<p class='c008'>To his joy he at last came to what he was confident was -the corner of the Blue Stone and Mountain roads spoken -of by Mr. Renders.</p> - -<p class='c008'>If he had had any lingering doubts about this, they were -driven away at sight of a farmhouse standing back a -short distance from the latter highway and nearly concealed -by a clump of trees, and which he knew must be -the house of Mr. Renders' brother.</p> - -<p class='c008'>An unnatural stillness seemed to hang over the place, -and at first he was inclined to ignore Mr. Renders' advice -and keep on. But he knew only too well that Jack -<span class='pageno' id='Page_138'>138</span>and Fairy needed all the rest they could get before completing -their long journey.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Accordingly, he advanced boldly to the door, and seizing -the heavy brass knocker, he raised a noise that must -have aroused every inmate of the house.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Heads quickly began to appear from the windows, until -he imagined he had awakened a house full of people.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Who's there, and what is wanted at this unseemly -hour?" demanded a voice he felt sure belonged to the -host.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap quickly explained his situation, and as he -finished speaking, handed Mr. Renders the note sent by -his brother.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Wait till I can strike a light, when I will read it, and if -I think favorable of what he says, I will be out in a -moment."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Then the window was closed, while a minute later a -light shone from the apartment.</p> - -<p class='c008'>This last soon began to move about, and it was not -long before the door was opened, when Mr. Renders appeared -fully dressed.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Hope you will excuse my delay, but I didn't keep you -<span class='pageno' id='Page_139'>139</span>waiting longer than I could help. So you have come from -Six Roads?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes, sir; and I have got to get back there before -six o'clock this morning, or I would never have troubled -you."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Never mind that. I have called better men than I am -out of their nests on worse nights than this. In regard -to a horse, I have one which can take you to Volney -and back in one hour, though I don't care about having -you crowd him quite as hard as that, unless it is necessary."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I will not hurt the horse. Can you let me have him? -I will pay you well——"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"A fig for the pay! Dismount and turn your animals -into that pen. I claim a horse can rest better by having -a chance to move about if he wants to. I will feed them -as soon as they have cooled off somewhat. I will lead -out my horse."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Hardly able to comprehend that he was so well favored, -Little Snap did as he was told, and by the time he had -seen Fairy and Jack in comfortable quarters, Mr. Renders -had his horse ready for him to spring into the saddle.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"He may need a little urging, but don't spare him. It -<span class='pageno' id='Page_140'>140</span>is eleven miles to Volney, and he is good for the trip and -return without any more stop than you will wish to make -with Mr. Calvert. I think you will be fortunate enough -to find that gentleman at home."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mr. Renders then described Mr. Calvert's house to him, -so he would have no difficulty in finding it, when Little -Snap began the second stage of his journey.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The road now more broken than it had been since leaving -Greenbrier, Little Snap rode on over hill and through -valley, finding the horse loaned him by Mr. Renders an -exceptionally fine animal. He had consulted his watch -to find it was a quarter of two, when he looked ahead to -see what he believed to be the village of Volney.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Almost there," he muttered. "How glad I am. Now -if I find Mr. Calvert at home I shall be soon on my return -journey. That is the house Mr. Renders described, I am -sure. How still it looks around it!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Speaking his thoughts thus aloud, Little Snap dashed -into the spacious grounds surrounding the quaint, old-fashioned -dwelling he supposed was the home of the man -he had ridden so far to see.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The occupant of the house proved to be more wakeful -than he had expected, for he had barely pulled rein under -<span class='pageno' id='Page_141'>141</span>the enormous willow growing by the door before a chamber -window was opened, and a man's voice demanded.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Who's there?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"My name is Lewis, and I am from Union Six Roads. -Does Mr. Calvert live here?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That's my name, sir, though I do not recognize yours."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I carry the mail on the Kanawha route. Of course, -you remember Dix Lewis, to whom you sub-let the line?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Wait a minute and I'll be down there."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Giving the finishing touches to his toilet, as he appeared, -Mr. Calvert soon opened the heavy door and -stepped out into the night.</p> - -<p class='c008'>He was a man in the vicinity of forty, with a frank, -good-natured looking countenance, who seemed rather -brusque in his movements and manner of speaking.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I hardly remember your countenance, Mr. Lewis," he -said, as he stepped forward and extended his right hand; -"but that is nothing strange, as we never met but that -once. What in the name of Congress has brought you -here at this unexpected hour? But excuse me, dismount, -put your horse in the barn, and come into the house before -you begin your talk. I would call one of the negroes, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_142'>142</span>but they are so sleepy at this time of night they are no -good."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I can't stop," said Little Snap, as soon as he could find -an opportunity to speak. "I have to get back to Six -Roads in season to take the mail to the Loop to-day."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You won't do it, all the same. But what's up?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>The postboy then made the other acquainted with all -that had happened, interrupted several times by Mr. Calvert, -who finally exclaimed:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"A bad pickle, I should say. But I am glad you have -come to me. Of course the only thing for you to do is to -get out of it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I cannot do that with honor to myself," said Little -Snap, who had not expected this from the contractor. "It -would look as if I was really to blame for all they have -said."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Better let it look like that than to get your neck in the -halter, or a bullet through your head."</p> - -<p class='c008'>The postboy could not help showing his surprise. Was -it for this he had ridden so far, and with such high-colored -hopes? He had not dreamed of anything other -than assistance from the man who was behind him in his -undertaking.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_143'>143</span> - <h2 class='c002'>CHAPTER XVIII.<br />A PERILOUS UNDERTAKING.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c007'>"You will go up to Six Roads and see what can be -done?" he asked, while his hopes sank lower and lower.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I can't. Say, tell you what I will do. I am intending -to start for Washington to-day; but when I get through -there, and it won't take me more than a week. I will -come back by way of the Six Roads. I wish I had let the -plaguey route alone."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That will be too late to help me," said Little Snap.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I tell you, you want to get out of it as quick as you -can. Let this Shag you speak of carry the mail until I -can get around."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I am afraid you do not understand the situation, Mr. -Calvert. There is some sort of a conspiracy to rob the -government, and this Dan Shag is one of those at the -bottom of it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Oh, nonsense! you have your suspicions and jump at -conclusions. It may be that some of them are trying to -crowd you a little, seeing you are a boy, but we all have -<span class='pageno' id='Page_144'>144</span>to put up with such things. We laugh at them when we -grow older. Come into the house and have some refreshments -and a few hours' sleep before you attempt your -long journey home. Jove! you showed good grit in undertaking -it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I undertook it in the good faith that you would stand -by me in this affair, Mr. Calvert, and though it is worth -something for me to know how you feel about it, I am disappointed -to find you do not care for the welfare of the -route, for whose success or failure you are really responsible."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You are pretty blunt, I will say that for you. I am -inclined to think you will be a hard one for them to bluff -down."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I shall stand up for my rights, Mr. Calvert, as long -as I can. Can't you come to Six Roads before you go to -Washington? They are expecting you."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You said Mr. Warfield still stands by you?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes, sir."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Then, I think I can fix you all right. I will give you -a note to him to stand by you until I come to town, though -I still advise you to get out of it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap saw that it was no use to urge him more, so -<span class='pageno' id='Page_145'>145</span>he remained silent, while Mr. Calvert hastily scribbled -away on a slip of paper he took from his pocket. When -he had finished, he read:</p> - -<div class='c009'>"<span class='sc'>Volney</span>, Va., Sept. 18.</div> -<p class='c010'>"<span class='sc'>Mr. Jason Warfield</span>, Union Six Roads, Va.</p> - -<p class='c010'> "<span class='sc'>Dear Sir</span>: Stand by the bearer of this, Mr. Dix Lewis, -in his troubles as far as you think prudent, until I can see -you.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>Your obt. servant,</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='c009'><span class='sc'>Marion Calvert</span>."</div> - -<p class='c008'>"There, I think that will do the business. Sorry you -don't feel like coming in to rest until daylight. It's a -long, lonesome ride before you."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Thanking him, Little Snap took the piece of paper, -and carefully placing it in one of his pockets, he wheeled -the horse about to start homeward.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Hold on!" cried Mr. Calvert, as the postboy gained -the road.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap turned the horse and galloped back into the -yard, wondering and hoping.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I wanted to say that you will no doubt see the wisdom -of my advice before you get home."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"If that is all you have to say to me farther, Mr. Calvert," -said our hero, somewhat sharply, "I will bid you -good-night! My name is at stake in this matter, and I -<span class='pageno' id='Page_146'>146</span>will know the right and the wrong of it before I am -driven out."</p> - -<p class='c008'>The postboy spoke more sharply than he intended, but -the other's last words had cut like a knife. Without waiting -for a reply, he touched the horse smartly with the -spurs and sped down the road at a furious pace.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I should know he was a Lewis if I hadn't heard his -name," muttered the mail contractor, as he watched the -boyish rider out of sight. "I ought to have known better -than to have let him fool with the business at the outset, -but Rimmon said he could do it. Well, I must get ready -for my start to the capital."</p> - -<p class='c008'>His hopes crushed, so far as expecting any aid from -Mr. Calvert was concerned, Little Snap pursued his -homeward journey with a gloomy mind. Since midnight -the sky had become overcast, so it was quite dark—too -dark for him to note his surroundings with any clearness.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The ride back as far as Mr. Renders' seemed shorter -than he had expected, and he found that gentleman awaiting -his coming.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You went pretty quick, but Jim don't show his journey -a bit. I tell you that horse can't be beat very easy. -Pay? I don't want a red cent. I have fed your horses, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_147'>147</span>so they are all right to start. How'd you find Calvert? -He's cranky sometimes, but a fairly good sort of a fellow -as men go. Wish he might go to Congress rather than -that old Warfield. Never liked that old duffer; he's deceitful. -Nothing of that kind about Cal. Hello! Starting?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>While Mr. Renders had been running on in his sort of -haphazard way, Little Snap had put the saddle on Jack's -back and sprung into the seat.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I wish you would take pay for the use of your horse, -Mr. Renders, but if you won't, I am a thousand times -obliged to you, and I hope I can do you a favor some -time. Good-night."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"He's right after his business!" said the other to himself, -as the clatter of horses' hoofs died out in the distance. -"That boy is bound to succeed."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Riding swiftly homeward, Little Snap was saying to his -dumb companions:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I have to fight my own battles, and this trip has been -for nothing. No; not for nothing, for I know just what -to do now. You needn't crowd on quite so hard, Jack; -we have plenty of time."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Shifting from one animal to the other when he thought -<span class='pageno' id='Page_148'>148</span>best, Little Snap rode on through the night, unmindful -of the gathering stormclouds, though he kept a sharp -gaze as he drew near the lonesome spot where he had -been accosted by the stranger.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Not a sound broke the deathlike silence, save the -dull tramp of his horses' feet, and with a feeling of -relief he had soon left the place a mile behind.</p> - -<p class='c008'>At Greenbrier the postboy shifted steeds, giving Jack -another rest, intending to return to him at Daring's Diamond.</p> - -<p class='c008'>No one was astir at this place yet, neither was there -any sign of life at Hollow Tree. But he hadn't gone a -dozen rods beyond the Tree before a sharp voice commanded -him to stop, and he suddenly found his way -blocked with a body of armed men.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Three or four caught upon Fairy's bit with a force -which dragged her back upon her haunches, and Little -Snap was nearly pulled from his seat.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Realizing his desperate situation, the postboy dextrously -slipped the bridle from the mare's head, at the same time -shouting for her to rush on. Rallying, she made the -wild attempt, and Jack, having already cleared a way -through the party, she followed upon his heels.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_149'>149</span>Shots rang about the fleeing postboy's head, some of -the bullets flying uncomfortably near, but he fancied he -was going to get away, when he dashed furiously down -the descent leading to Greenbrier bridge.</p> - -<p class='c008'>As he came in sight of the stream with its high, precipitous -banks, a cry of dismay left his lips. Every bridge -plank had been removed, and only the stringers spanned -the dark chasm of foaming waters!</p> - -<p class='c008'>Retreat cut off, with no possible chance to ford the -stream, Little Snap saw at a glance that he was rushing -into a veritable deathtrap!</p> - -<p class='c008'>The cries of his pursuers rang exultantly in his ears.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_150'>150</span> - <h2 class='c002'>CHAPTER XIX.<br />THE BUSHBINDERS' PLANS.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c007'>Little Snap's first impulse, as he saw the trap into which -he had been driven, was to turn at bay and meet his -enemies in a hand-to-hand struggle, as hopeless as his -chances were.</p> - -<p class='c008'>But at that moment Jack had reached the bank of the -stream, and the fleeing horse, instead of checking his -speed or turning aside, sped like an arrow out over one -of the bridge stringers toward the other side!</p> - -<p class='c008'>The postboy was not far behind the gallant steed, but -he had opportunity to see the horse rush safely the -length of the timber, to reach the clear way beyond.</p> - -<p class='c008'>With a snort, as if of triumph, Jack renewed his swift -flight now in comparative safety.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The sight of this feat caused the hopes of Little Snap -to rise, and he resolved to follow the example set by his -equine friend.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"On, Fairy!" he cried; "it is our only chance!"</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_151'>151</span>The pursuers suddenly stopped, as they beheld with -amazement the daring deed attempted by the fugitive.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Fairy, seeming to realize the desperate part she was -to act in the startling undertaking, rushed fearlessly in -the steps of her mate.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Sitting firmly in his saddle, the postboy felt himself -carried out over the dark chasm, and he caught a gleam of -the foaming waters hurling their forces madly against -the rock walls of the channel. The next instant he felt -a quiver run through the frame of the faithful steed, and -he knew that she was falling!</p> - -<p class='c008'>Under the weight of her burden the mare somehow -missed her footing, her feet slipped on the treacherous -way, and she tried in vain to recover her equilibrium.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Finding that she was falling, Little Snap freed his -feet from the stirrups just as horse and rider shot headlong -into the boiling river!</p> - -<p class='c008'>At that moment the pursuing party halted on the bank -of the stream, amazed witnesses of the mishap.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap was carried completely over a stringer -running parallel with the first, and, lighter than the -horse, struck in the water farther down the stream.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Fortunately, he escaped the jagged rocks of the banks, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_152'>152</span>though the fall deprived him for a time of his senses. -When he came to a realization of his situation, he found -himself struggling in a mass of <i>débris</i> which had clogged -the river a short distance below the crossing.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In the midst of his efforts to extricate himself, he -heard a voice just above him. Then, as he peered out -from his retreat, he saw some of his enemies coming -rapidly toward the place.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I can see him!" cried the foremost. "I knew he came -down this way."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Give up, younker!" called another voice. "Ye mought -as well, fer we air sure to git yer."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Letting go the branch upon which he had found himself -clinging, Little Snap hoped to elude his foes by -swimming down the stream. But he found himself so -entangled in the mass of floating wood about him, that -before he could get clear, the party was in the water -beside him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>A sharp struggle ensued, but at its end the postboy -was dragged out of the water by the hands of the Burrnock -gang.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Bind him, boys!" said the leader, exultantly. "That's -<span class='pageno' id='Page_153'>153</span>gittin' him what I call mighty easy. I tole yer the bridge -racket would fix him."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"What do you mean by this treatment?" demanded the -postboy, as he found himself bound hands and feet.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Keep cool an' ye'll find out quick 'nough, younker. -Tote him erlong, boys."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap looked for some trace of Fairy, but in -vain.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Nothing further was said by his captors, while he -was borne away into the depths of the forest, subject to -such thoughts and feelings as may be imagined. What -would they think at home of his non-appearance when -the time for his return came? Then he thought of Jack, -and wondered if the horse would keep on until he had -reached Six Roads. He was certain the steed would, and -this gave him the only hope he felt in his captivity.</p> - -<p class='c008'>At last the captors and their prisoner reached the -little opening marking the top of the bluff overhanging the -cave, where Little Snap had once sought Ab Raggles.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In the party which had effected his capture he saw -Buzzard and Hawk Burrnock, while the leader of the -gang was none other than he who had been chief spokesman -<span class='pageno' id='Page_154'>154</span>in the cavern. This man the postboy soon found -was Bird Burrnock, the father of the four brothers.</p> - -<p class='c008'>As soon as the underground room was reached, Bird -Burrnock addressed the captive as follows:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Time is too mighty short, younker, fer us to perlaver -with yer. 'Tis true we mought hev saved a good leetle -slice o' yit by knockin' ye in th' head when we pulled ye -out'n th' river. To speak th' truth, I hoped th' river -would fix yer; but seein' yit wan't likely to, we got round -in season to take enny idee o' escape ye mought hev hed -out yer head.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"We know yer air wanted mighty bad up to th' Roads, -but we want yer wuss hyur, though they air playin' inter -our hands. Still, yer mought give 'em th' slip. Yer -can't us! But this ain't bizness.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"To say nothin' o' th' shabby way yer treated th' boys, -we hev a double puppose in gittin' yer inter our grips. -Yit don't make enny difference to ye wot it is, so long -es 'tis so. Now we hev got yer, we hev got a leetle -proposition to make yer, on which yer future happiness -depends, es th' parson would say.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"'Tan't enny use fer me to deny, but we hev got our -eye on thet mail route, 'cos we think yit can be made a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_155'>155</span>mighty payin' investment. Shag wants to run in shacks -with us, but we like yer grit well 'nough to make a bargain -with ye. Now, if ye'll 'gree to stand in with us, -an' do th' square thing, we'll not only give ye a shake in -th' profits, but we'll see thet ye don't hev enny trubble. -All ye'll hev to do will be to stop yer hoss long 'nough -fer us to look th' baggage over. Mind ye, we do th' -sortin'. Further, we promise thet ye won't hev enny -further trubble at Six Roads, or ennywhere else. Is't a -trade, younker?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap was so amazed at this audacious scheme -that at first he could not find tongue to reply to Bird -Burrnock.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"What if I refuse to enter into any such a contract?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Then our own safety demands thet we put ye where -ye can't trubble us enny more. But ye won't?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I'll not stand in with you!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>At this declaration the little knot of listeners started -excitedly, and Bird Burrnock, the leader, uttered a fearful -oath.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Then ye wanter die, younker?" he hissed.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Of course I do not, sir! But I cannot lend my aid to -any such infamous scheme. Why, it's robbery of the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_156'>156</span>worst sort, and you cannot carry it on for any length of -time without being caught."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Thet's our lookout. Mebbe ye air shaky in thet direction, -but I can tell yer we air well heeled thet way. Why, -th' most' influential citizens o' th' Roads air in with us. -There's th' judge, an' the colonel. Then, too, we'll take -keer o' Shag. Once more, will yer fall with th' plan, -or shall we be 'bliged to take desprit measures with yer?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap realized that he was in the power of men -who would hesitate at nothing to carry out their unlawful -purpose, and he thought of his mother even then anxiously -awaiting his return home, and imagined the anguish -she would feel upon his failure to come. He -thought of his father, so helpless to aid the others, and -his younger sister and brother, and the sorrow they -would experience. Still, with these sad reflections in his -mind, and the dread consequence if he refused to comply -with the demands of his captors plainly before him, he -hesitated but a moment in his reply.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I cannot accept your terms."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Fetch erlong th' rope, boys," ordered Bird Burrnock, -tersely. "I reckon 'twon't take us long to change his -mind."</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_157'>157</span> - <h2 class='c002'>CHAPTER XX.<br />A STARTLING DISCOVERY.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c007'>Buzzard Burrnock quickly entered one of the dark -recesses of the cavern, returning a moment later with a -coil of rope on his arm.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Make a loop in one end," commanded the elder Burrnock. -"Be lively, too, fer we don't want to fool with -him hyur all day."</p> - -<p class='c008'>When the rope had been arranged to their satisfaction, -the noose was slipped over Little Snap's shoulders, so the -cord encircled his body under the arms.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Drag him to th' pit!" cried the leader. "Reckon a -leetle consideration there'll take th' starch out'n him."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Buzzard Burrnock and Hawk seized hold of the postboy, -one on either side, and half dragging him, he was -swiftly taken along a winding passage leading from the -underground room, until the sharp voice of Bird Burrnock -ordered a halt.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Swing forward th' torch so's he can see wot's ahead," -<span class='pageno' id='Page_158'>158</span>said the chief, when Little Snap saw to his horror that -he stood at the brink of a huge fissure in the rock.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"'Tis bottomless, es fur es we know. At enny rate, it's -deep 'nough to send you into eternity. Now, boys, lower -him over th' hole, an' let him down till he says he's willin' -to agree to our terms. Hev it over es quick es possible."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Look here!" exclaimed the postboy; "if you are in -such haste and time is so valuable to you, I will tell you -how you can save this delay. You waste time in thinking -you can make me agree to your terms. My answer was -final."</p> - -<p class='c008'>The outlaw waved his hand impatiently, when his followers -pushed Little Snap over the edge of the abyss, so -he dangled from the rope held in their hands.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Lower him away!" ordered Burrnock. "I reckon -a taste o' thet darkness'll bring him to his senses. Lower!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>A thrill of dread ran through the postboy's frame -as he sank lower and lower into the unknown depths.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why don't ye yell out?" demanded the outlaw chief, -his dark visage appearing over the rim of the rock. He -was evidently disappointed at the coolness of their victim. -"Yell at th' top o' yer lungs; needn't be 'fraid o' ennybuddy -hearin' ye! Haw! haw!"</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_159'>159</span>Then the speaker's coarse face disappeared, and Snap -was dropped several feet in a jerky manner.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Though he felt that there was no avenue of escape for -him, Little Snap did not lose courage, and as he descended -he threw out his hands to catch upon the rugged wall.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Once his fingers touched a rough edge of rock, but -they slipped away, and he found himself again sinking, -when he brushed against a shelf, which was wide enough -for him to gain a good hold.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Hope lending him strength, he clutched at the projection, -to find that he was able to hang there for a short -time. He had, at the same moment, the presence of mind -not to allow the rope to slacken, and by holding on the -ledge with one hand, he held firmly on the line with the -other, managing to keep it straight.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In a moment the men stopped lowering the rope, when -the voice of their leader demanded:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Air ye ready now?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No! Do your worst; I will never yield!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap was really anxious to bring about a crisis -now, knowing he could not remain in his position long.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Let him go!" cried Bird Burrnock. "We can't fool -with him. We can trade with Shag."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_160'>160</span>"Dix Lewis, th' consequence o' this is on yer own -head. Good-by."</p> - -<p class='c008'>The next moment the men let go the rope, when it went -down with a rattling sound. At the same time, in order -to keep up the deception, the imperiled boy uttered a piercing -scream, which rang through and through the subterranean -passages with a startling effect, echo after echo -succeeding it, until it seemed they would never end.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"He's done fer fas' 'nough," declared Buzzard Burrnock, -peering into the dark depths with a hasty glance, as -if frightened at the place.</p> - -<p class='c008'>A minute later Little Snap drew a breath of relief as he -listened to the sound of their retreating footsteps.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Then he shifted his position so as to be more comfortable, -while he waited for them to get out of hearing.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Though he had found a narrow support for his feet, his -weight hung largely on his arms, which were beginning -to ache so that he knew he must soon loosen his hold upon -the rocks.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In this dilemma he moved one foot to and fro, up and -down, on the rocky wall, hoping he might find a better -standing place.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In this he was so far successful that he changed his -<span class='pageno' id='Page_161'>161</span>position to one of comparative ease, when he drew his -first long breath since entering the place.</p> - -<p class='c008'>It was too dark for him to see anything of his surroundings, -and he soon began to realize that there was small -chance for him to ascend to the top of the chasm. He -hardly dared to move, for fear he should lose his hold and -fall headlong into the pit yawning below him. Such attempts -as he did make showed him the utter impossibility -of climbing the perpendicular side of the rocky wall.</p> - -<p class='c008'>He made a discovery, however, which gave him a ray -of hope. The shelf upon which he stood extended farther -than he could reach with his foot.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Carefully then he moved along the precarious path, -inch by inch, until he had traveled several feet. Stopping -then for rest, he happened to thrust out one hand, when -to his unbounded joy, he touched the opposite wall!</p> - -<p class='c008'>The fissure had narrowed so the sides here came within -a short distance of each other.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Again he tried to climb to the top, and by pressing -against the two sides, he managed to ascend.</p> - -<p class='c008'>With what gladness he finally found he was near the -surface need not be told. He was so weak from the ordeal -<span class='pageno' id='Page_162'>162</span>that he fell exhausted a short distance away from the -brink.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Quickly rallying, he tried to penetrate the gloom enough -to enable him to get away from the place; but only blinded -by the cimmerian blackness, he was forced to feel his way -along as best he could, knowing that he was likely to -stumble upon his enemies at any moment.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In fact, he had not gone far before the sound of voices -reached his ears. Listening a moment, he heard the -harsh tones of Bird Burrnock give some command to his -followers.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Obliged to advance, if he moved at all, he crept nearer -to the outlaw gang, moving with extreme caution, until -he knew from the sound of their voices he was close upon -them. As if to verify this, a faint gleam of light from -their torch fell across his pathway.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The leader of the party was saying something as he -stopped, which he did not hear plain enough to understand. -Listening more intently for the reply, he came -near betraying his presence by a low cry, not at the words -spoken, but the tone in which they were given.</p> - -<p class='c008'>It was his father's voice!</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_163'>163</span> - <h2 class='c002'>CHAPTER XXI.<br />"WHAT JACK RIMMON SAYS, GOES."</h2> -</div> -<p class='c007'>The little crowd about the post office at Six Roads -looked with speechless amazement upon the riderless -horse as the animal approached at a furious pace.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Something has happened to Dix!" exclaimed Mr. -Rimmon. "I feared it. Come here, Jack; where is your -master?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>With a low neigh, the panting horse stopped beside -him, the creature trembling in every part.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Even Dan Shag was moved to emotion, and for the -time he forgot to repeat his request for the mail pouch.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I wish you could speak, Jack," said the postmaster, -patting the horse's head. "Where did you leave him?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It's pas' six!" broke in Shag. "Reckon ye'll let me hev -th' government traps?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Not yet, Dan. Wait till we learn the fate of Little -Snap."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Don't see wot thet hes to do with me. I hev been -'p'inted to carry thet mail, an' every minnit ye keep yit -<span class='pageno' id='Page_164'>164</span>frum me makes ye liable fer damages. Reckon ye -wouldn't want 'em to know at Washington 'bout this yer -foolery."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mr. Rimmon paid no heed to these words, which fact -perhaps enraged the impatient Shag more than any reply -would have done.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Look hyur, Jack Rimmon! air ye goin' to let me hev -thet mail—right off—ter wunst?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mr. Rimmon's reply fairly took away his breath.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No, sir!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>At first the would-be mail carrier could not believe his -ears.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Wot's thet ye say, Jack Rimmon?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Stand aside now, Mr. Shag; there is more important -matter on hand than your business. I will talk with -you about this mail matter when I have more leisure."</p> - -<p class='c008'>With these words, Mr. Rimmon, leading Jack by the -bridle, started toward the home of the Lewises.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Great guns!" exclaimed Shag, as soon as he could -speak; "wot in creation do ye mean? Foolin' with me, a -United States officer, in thet way! Where's Judge Claverton? -I'll hev him tear this ol' shebang o' a post offis -down, but I'll hev thet mail bag!"</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_165'>165</span>A few of the spectators cheered him, but the majority -followed the postmaster toward the more exciting scene -around the besieged house.</p> - -<p class='c008'>At least that is what it looked to Mr. Rimmon, as he -approached, with Jack walking by his side.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Foremost in the excited throng that had surrounded -the home of the postboy, was Sheriff Brady, who was -speaking to Mrs. Lewis and the crowd at his heels in -almost the same breath.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Wait a minute longer, boys! Tell us where he has -gone, Mary Lewis, and we won't molest you."</p> - -<p class='c008'>The overwrought woman was standing in the doorway -with one of her children on either side. Her inflamed -eyes told that she had been weeping. It had been a night -she would never forget.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I repeat, Mr. Brady," she said, for the twentieth time, -"that he has gone to Volney to see Mr. Calvert, and that -he will be back at six!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Tell us something else; it will at least make a change, -Mrs. Lewis. Of course, we know better than that. You -are knowing to where he has hid himself."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It's past six!" cried some one from the crowd.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"So 'tis," cried the sheriff. "I don't like to resort to any -<span class='pageno' id='Page_166'>166</span>violence with a woman. Wait one minnit longer. While -we wait, tell us the truth, woman."</p> - -<p class='c008'>In vain she reiterated the truthfulness of her statement.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The frenzied spectators would listen to nothing reasonable.</p> - -<p class='c008'>At this critical moment little Sammy Lewis, dragging -his boyish figure to its full height with manly dignity, -stepped in front of his imperiled mother, crying:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You shall not hurt her! She has told the truth of -Dix. We do not know why he does not come; but he -went to see Mr. Calvert. He will come back as soon as -he can."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"What means all this outcry?" demanded the clear -voice of Mr. Rimmon. "Sheriff Brady, is it thus you -perform the duties of your office with such a rabble at -your back?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Every one started in surprise at the appearance of the -postmaster, and low exclamations came from the lips of -all at sight of the postboy's horse.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mrs. Lewis seemed to comprehend the worst at a single -glance.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"My boy! what has happened to him?" she cried, rushing -forward to Mr. Rimmon.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_167'>167</span>"Be calm, Mary. Let us trust he is safe."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"But how came Jack here without him?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>The appearance of the horse was then told in a few -words, while numerous conjectures were offered in regard -to the rider.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You say he went away with both his horses," said -Mr. Rimmon. "The fact that this one has come back -without any saddle shows that he must have been riding -Fairy at the time Jack got away from him, or was perhaps -sent ahead by his master to tell us that he is safe. -I look upon it as a good sign.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Cheer up, Mrs. Lewis; I guarantee that no harm shall -come to you. Mr. Brady, I advise you to withdraw your -men. Dix Lewis will not be hard to find when he comes."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"If he comes!" said the sheriff. "You may not be -aware, Mr. Rimmon, that Warfield has concluded not to -stand the boy's bail, and thus we must have him."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I know nothing of this," replied the postmaster, -sharply. "Why didn't you or Mr. Warfield come to me -in regard to the matter?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Of course I did not suppose you would care to stand -in for the runaway, if Mr. Warfield did not. In that -<span class='pageno' id='Page_168'>168</span>case it was my duty to capture the scamp as soon as possible."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Give yourself no farther concern in that direction, Mr. -Brady. I will answer for the boy. Is that sufficient?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mr. Rimmon was not the right man for Sheriff Brady -to antagonize. Besides being a person of good financial -standing, he was known to be a man of sterling integrity, -and, to use a cant expression, "What Jack Rimmon says, -goes." So the officer said:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Of course, Mr. Rimmon. But I want to tell you that -you are making the greatest mistake of your life."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That's my lookout. Now go to your homes, every -man of you, and when Dix Lewis is wanted I will guarantee -he will be on hand, or there will be good reason -for his not being there."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mr. Rimmon had barely finished speaking, when the -clatter of a horse's hoofs broke the silence following his -words.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The sound came from the road below the crowd, and -looking hastily in that direction, one and all saw a riderless -horse coming swiftly toward them.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Every one recognized the animal as Fairy, the brown -mare so often ridden by the postboy. She was more -<span class='pageno' id='Page_169'>169</span>exhausted than the bay had been, and in addition to the -flecks of foam dappling her sides, were clots of blood.</p> - -<p class='c008'>If any evidence of a mishap to Little Snap had been -wanting before, it seemed supplied now.</p> - -<p class='c008'>With a cry of anguish the bereaved mother fell in a -swoon.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The kind heart of the postmaster was deeply moved -by this scene, and he ordered the onlookers to stand back, -until she could be restored to consciousness.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"This looks bad for the boy," he said. "Some of you -care for the mare and the horse, too. I want half a dozen -of you to go with me in search of him as soon as possible."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mrs. Lewis soon returned to life, when she was taken -into the house, and comforted as best she could be, her -friends assuring her that everything would be done to -find Dix that was possible.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mr. Rimmon had meanwhile ordered his own horse to -be saddled, and was ready to start in quest of the missing -boy, as Dan Shag returned to the post office, accompanied -by Justice Claverton and Morton Meiggs.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Reckon I'll take thet mail bag now," said Shag, with -a sort of grim humor in his looks. "Ye hev kept me -waitin' quite a spell."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_170'>170</span>Mr. Rimmon glanced hastily at the speaker and his -companions, and then toward the half dozen horsemen -who were to go with him, before he said:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I am sorry to be obliged to refuse your request, Mr. -Shag, but the fact is I cannot recognize you."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Wot's thet mean?" gasped the amazed man.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Let me say a word," interposed Claverton. "Aren't -you getting into rather deep water, Mr. Rimmon?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I am a good swimmer, judge, and——"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Hold on! that isn't the idee at all. Dix Lewis is out -of the mail business, and I have in my official capacity appointed -Mr. Shag mail carrier on the Kanawha route. -Haven't I the authority in my official capacity to do so?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I haven't time in my present situation to argue that -point, but I will say that I am not going to be governed -by your order at this time.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Come, men, if you are ready for a start, we will not -delay any longer. Bid Mrs. Lewis to be of good cheer, -and assure her that we will send her word as soon as we -have learned anything in regard to his fate.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Good-morning, Judge Claverton, Mr. Shag, and Mr. -Meiggs."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_171'>171</span>While the surprised trio stood speechless witnesses, the -little cavalcade dashed down the road at a smart canter.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Did ye ever see ennything like thet?" asked Shag, as -soon as he had recovered his breath.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Rimmon is carrying a high hand," acknowledged -Claverton.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why can't we help ourselves to thet ol' sack? He ain't -no right to keep it arter this time o' day. Say th' word an' -I'll git it in a jiffy."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Better let it alone. Jack Rimmon ain't a good man to -buck against. All we can do is to see what will happen -next."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Though both of his companions were prone to object to -this inactivity, they could do no better than to submit.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_172'>172</span> - <h2 class='c002'>CHAPTER XXII.<br />AN UNDERGROUND RACE.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c007'>Let us see how it is faring with Little Snap.</p> - -<p class='c008'>As we have seen, his surprise knew no bounds, as he -listened to the sound of the voice which was unmistakably -his father's.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Anxious to see if he could learn what his father's presence -there meant, while Bird Burrnock was speaking he -cautiously advanced, crawling upon his hands and knees.</p> - -<p class='c008'>He soon paused as he found himself in a position to -look into the cavern room containing the speakers, though -they were not in sight of him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>He stopped abruptly as he heard his father's voice -again answering the outlaw chief.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"The last of them must be put out of the way!" he was -saying, "and I am the man to do it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Of course ye air," replied Bird Burrnock. "How soon -can ye do yit?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap was about to make another move forward, -hoping to be able to get a view of the speakers, his hearing -<span class='pageno' id='Page_173'>173</span>strained to its utmost tension to catch every word that -was spoken.</p> - -<p class='c008'>He heard his father's voice again falling on the unnatural -stillness of the place, when suddenly he was -startled by a sound behind him which he recognized as the -stealthy footstep of a man swiftly approaching him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Expecting to meet none but enemies there, he put the -voice from his mind instantly, and turned to look for some -way of escape.</p> - -<p class='c008'>As he glanced into the gloom encircling him, he saw -the faint outlines of a man's figure a few feet away. At -the same time he perceived the entrance to a passage running -off to his left.</p> - -<p class='c008'>It was his only avenue of escape, and without stopping -to think whether it might lead him to safety or into -worse dangers, he darted along its course.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Help!" cried the man in pursuit of him. "Quick! that -boy! He's gone this way!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>While giving utterance to the exciting alarm, the -speaker rushed upon the heels of Little Snap, who found -the way so crooked and filled with bowlders that he could -advance only with great difficulty.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The cries of his pursuers were quickly answered by the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_174'>174</span>others, and then the fugitive heard the entire party in -pursuit of him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The foremost almost within reach of him, the postboy -continued his flight as rapidly as possible, at one -time actually feeling the hand of his enemy on his shoulder, -as he ran against one of the rocks often blocking his -way. But gliding around the obstruction, he succeeded -in eluding his pursuer.</p> - -<p class='c008'>For several yards he found a clearer course, while a -faint halo of light filled the underground place.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The cause of this was explained in a moment, when he -came upon the opening in the rocky passage discovered by -him in his search for the Raggles.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Unable to cross this chasm, he suddenly found his flight -cut off!</p> - -<p class='c008'>Feeling sure of their victim now, with renewed cries, -the outlaws rushed to effect his capture.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap's first thought was that he was fairly -caught! But no sooner had he recognized the spot than -a desperate resolution entered his mind, and he felt no -hesitation in carrying it out.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Ab Raggles had said that the water at the bottom of -the fissure formed an underground stream leading to the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_175'>175</span>valley below, and that he and his sons had followed it -without trouble to safety. Why could not he do the -same?</p> - -<p class='c008'>Wild cries came from his pursuers, as they saw him -keep on to the very brink of the abyss without checking his -speed. Then, to their greater amazement, they saw him -plunge into the opening, to disappear instantly from their -sight.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Let th' fool go!" said Bird Burrnock. "He's saved -us a heap o' trouble in lookin' after him. He's out o' -our way sure nough now."</p> - -<p class='c008'>The fall to the water was greater than Little Snap had -expected, and he was nearly deprived of his breath by -the force with which he struck the subterranean river. -But he quickly recovered himself, and as the current was -not swift, he was soon swimming along with the tide at a -leisurely rate.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The stream was nearly straight, and the postboy had -not gone far before a streak of daylight told him that he -was nearing its outlet.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The mouth of the river seemed to be in the midst of the -Greenbrier, and so completely was the smaller stream -swallowed up by the larger that, excepting a slight increase -<span class='pageno' id='Page_176'>176</span>in the current, there was no sign of the addition of -water.</p> - -<p class='c008'>But Greenbrier River, as we have seen, was rapid in -this vicinity, so our hero had to look sharp for himself, as -he followed its course to a place where he could scale its -precipitous bank.</p> - -<p class='c008'>This he did not succeed in doing until he had got within -a short distance of the wrecked bridge, where he had had -his thrilling experience that morning.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Poor Fairy!" he thought, as he looked for trace of -her, "you must have been killed outright by the fall. It -was a fearful chance, but—hark! I hear horsemen coming."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Not caring to take any risk, he sought the concealment -of the bushes, to await the appearance of the riders.</p> - -<p class='c008'>He didn't have to wait long before they dashed into -sight, pulling up smartly at the sight of the chasm of -roaring waters where the bridge should have been.</p> - -<p class='c008'>A glad cry left Little Snap's lips, as he saw that the -foremost horseman was John Rimmon of Six Roads, and -regardless of his personal appearance, he bounded into -the road.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why! Dix Lewis, as I live!" cried the postmaster. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_177'>177</span>"Where in the world have you been, and what has happened? -You look as if you had been through fire and -water."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I have nearly that," replied Little Snap, with a laugh. -"I am glad you have come along, for I am afoot and pretty -well used up. I have lost both of my horses. Poor Fairy -will carry me no more on my trips to the Loop."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Don't be too sure of that, lad. She's safe and sound -in your stable at this blessed minute. So is Jack, too! -You see, their coming without you was what started us -in your quest.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"But the folks are too anxious about you at home for -us to tarry here. Jump up here behind me, and as we -ride along you can tell me your story. When we get -to Diamond we'll hunt you up an extra horse and a dry -suit of clothes.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Right-about face, boys, and seeing that you can get -ahead faster than we, you can go on and tell them we -have found the missing sheep all right."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mr. Rimmon's companions willingly complied with -this request, without dreaming that it was a clever artifice -on his part to hear Little Snap's full story alone.</p> - -<p class='c008'>He had anticipated there might be some startling disclosures, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_178'>178</span>and he was not disappointed, as the postboy -told him all that had happened to him since leaving Six -Roads, omitting the single fact of his father's presence -among the outlaws in the cave. He hadn't the heart to -tell that part.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"My stars! adventures enough for a trip around the -world. But say, Dix, if you had let me know that you -were going, I should have put a stop to it, though I can -see that it has resulted in gaining some valuable truths, -which might not otherwise have been gained."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I promised mother that I would let you know I was -going. I did call up to your house, but no one was stirring, -and I thought it was too bad to disturb you. I did -not think it would make any difference."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"All's well that ends well, they say. By the by, I do -not believe it will be best to tell all you know of this affair -just at present. There is a mystery to me concerning -the origin of all this trouble, and I don't understand the -actions of some of our leading citizens. In my humble -opinion it will be best to watch and wait in this matter a -while. I will stand by you if no one else does. Shag -came round in a terrible stew to have the mail pouch, -but I knew better than to let him.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_179'>179</span>"You can say that you went to Volney and saw Mr. -Calvert, and in coming back you undertook to cross the -bridge stringers and fell in, which will be the truth as far -as you go.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"In regard to that gang you saw in the cave, I don't -know what to do with them. We can't exactly arrest -them, even could we catch them, as it would bother us to -prove anything against them. They are desperate characters -to handle, too. No doubt as soon as they find you -have escaped they will pitch into you again. If you have -any scruples about continuing on your route, I will get -a trusty man to take your place. I wouldn't blame you if -you did, and it might be better so for a time. You shall -have your job back again when it is over."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I don't wish to give it up at this time, Mr. Rimmon. -I thank you for your kindness, and I want to go through -with this. I am going to get at the bottom of this matter -if it is possible."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Spoken just like a Lewis. Well, you have one who -will see you through. You are true grit."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I am afraid I shall be late at the Loop, to say nothing -of the other offices," said Little Snap, with a slight laugh.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_180'>180</span>"You won't be expected to go at all. If Uncle Sam's -servants do not keep the way open, he certainly cannot expect -you to perform your task. Perhaps by to-morrow -it will be so you can go."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I will be ready then," replied the postboy, earnestly.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_181'>181</span> - <h2 class='c002'>CHAPTER XXIII.<br />THE REGISTERED LETTERS AGAIN.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c007'>Though his coming had been announced by those who -had preceded Mr. Rimmon and himself on their return to -Six Roads, Little Snap's appearance was hailed with -various feelings of demonstration.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The joy of those at his home knew no bounds, while his -friends greeted him with manifestations of delight. -Others shook their heads, as if there was something -wrong, while still others openly avowed that they would -have been better suited if he had never come, or "words -to that effect."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"We have had such a terrible experience since you went -away," said Mrs. Lewis. "I dread to have you carry that -mail again, and I wish you would not, my son."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I shall not have to go to-day, mother, and Mr. Rimmon -says it is possible I shall not have to go to-morrow, -as it is proving quite a job to clear the road at the Narrows, -to say nothing of repairing Greenbrier bridge."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_182'>182</span>"I am afraid you will be killed, Dix. Sheriff Brady -says the Blazed Acre folks are bound to kill you."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Mother, I have no greater enemy or worse one than -Mr. Brady, though I do not understand why he is against -me. Has father been home since I started for Volney?" -he asked, suddenly changing the subject.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No. I am growing more and more anxious about him. -He seems to grow more moody every day. I am so sorry -for him, and I know not what can be done."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap offered such encouraging words as he could, -though he could not forget the fact of his father's presence -among the outlaws of Greenbrier cave. It was true he -had not seen his countenance, but he was none the less -certain of the truth of the situation. He trembled for the -ultimate outcome of the mystery.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Another thing puzzled him not a little, and that was -the mention of the names of "judge" and "colonel" by -Bird Burrnock. He was at a loss to understand who these -associates of the desperadoes of Blazed Acre could be. -Justice Claverton was often called "judge," and Mr. Warfield -in the same tone frequently spoken of as "the colonel." -With all the enmity the first bore toward him, he -could not think he was the one meant by the outlaw, while -<span class='pageno' id='Page_183'>183</span>it seemed preposterous that Mr. Jason Warfield, the ambitious -politician, could be spoken of in this connection.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Naturally enough the affairs of the past few days were -the general themes of conversation at Six Roads.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Though he kept aloof from the crowds that daily collected -at all of the public places, Little Snap heard sufficient -for him to know he was the object of many unfavorable -remarks. It was certain his enemies were improving -the time to set public opinion against him as -much as possible.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Dan Shag seemed everywhere present, repeating, in a -loud tone, his grievances, and continuing his threats -against the postmaster, who offered him no reply.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mr. Warfield was out of town, but in the afternoon of -the same day he got home from Volney, Little Snap was -paid a visit by the politician's secretary.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I felt it my duty to call upon you," said Mr. Jones, -"relative to the matter I know must be fresh in your -mind."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I do not understand what you refer to," replied Dix, -not at all pleased with this call.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Nothing is so hard to understand as what we do not -wish to understand," said the other. "Of course you -<span class='pageno' id='Page_184'>184</span>have not forgotten those missing registered letters of Mr. -Warfield's."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No, sir; still I do not know why you should come to -me about them. I suppose the affair is being investigated."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No one would be more likely to know than you," was -the significant reply. "But to be frank with you, I have -come for a confidential talk with you, confessing that it -was suggested by Mr. Warfield. He bears you no ill will. -In fact, he desires to help you all in his power, as his past -actions have shown. Now, upon his guarantee I can assure -you that nothing will be done with you if you will -tell us the whole truth in regard to this matter.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Please do not think we suppose you have taken the -letters knowingly, but we suppose that in some way you -have lost them. Of course you are not directly to blame -in that case, though it does look bad for you, particularly -as you have denied it so stoutly. If you will candidly acknowledge -that this is the case, we will let the affair drop -here, save to explain that you have not been in any way -to blame."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap had listened to this speech without any interruption, -and at its close he said:</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_185'>185</span>"Mr. Jones, it is evident that you think I am either a -fool or a thief. I have told all I have to say in regard -to the matter. Before you come to me please investigate -your post offices. I——"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"So you call Mr. Rimmon a robber of the United States -mail? It is a bold utterance, for even a rash-headed youth -to make, and I can promise you it shall be taken for all -it is worth. Good-day."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Perhaps I was too outspoken with him," said the postboy -to his mother, when he had explained the object of the -other's visit, "but I could not help it. That man is one -of those who is at the bottom of my troubles, and he it -is who has caused Mr. Warfield to do as he has."</p> - -<p class='c008'>The afternoon of the following day, as he had heard -nothing definite concerning the progress made in repairing -the road, Little Snap called at the post office, to -find the place literally surrounded by loafers and men engaged -in discussing politics and the prospects of who was -to carry the mail on the Kanawha route.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I tell you that young Lewis isn't going," some one in -the background was saying, as Little Snap entered the -building. "I hear Mr. Warfield is going to fix up the -matter in the way it should be."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_186'>186</span>"Well, here comes Mr. Warfield to speak for himself," -said another, and our hero was somewhat surprised to see -the politician appear upon the scene.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It looks as though the road would be clear for you -to-morrow," said Mr. Rimmon.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Then noticing Mr. Warfield, he added:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Glad to see you here, colonel. I wish you would step -inside here, as I have something of importance to say to -you."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Have my letters been found, Mr. Rimmon?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I regret to say——"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes, they have been found!" broke in Meiggs, in the -midst of Mr. Rimmon's words. "Here they are!" holding -up one hand, in which were clasped three or four badly -soiled and abused letters.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I found them in an old stump between Hollow Tree -and Greenbrier," continued the speaker, while great excitement -instantly began to come over the crowd. "They -have been opened, and I found with them a letter belonging -to Dix Lewis!"</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_187'>187</span> - <h2 class='c002'>CHAPTER XXIV.<br />DRIVEN TO THE WALL.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c007'>The excitement following Morton Meiggs' announcement -of the finding of the lost registered letters, and the -sight of them in his hand, was so great that Mr. Rimmon -attempted to speak several times before he could make -himself heard.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"We would like to hear the particulars in regard to the -finding of the letters, Mr. Meiggs," said the postmaster.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I can give them in a very few words, Mr. Rimmon. I -was riding up from Greenbrier, and got up to within -about a mile of Hollow Tree, when I thought I heard the -rustling of paper in the bushes by the roadside. Stopping -my horse, I hadn't listened a great while before I knew -I was right."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Still I didn't think anything strange of that, and I -was just going to start along, when I thought I saw a bit -of paper sticking out of a hollow stump growing, or -rather standing, for I suppose it had got done growing, -two or three rods away from the road.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_188'>188</span>"I had the curiosity to investigate, so I got off my -horse and went up to the stump of a tree. Sure enough, -there was a letter a-sticking out of a crack in the dead -tree. I pulled it out to find it was one of them registered -letters which had been lost or something done with them.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I began to look about the place, and to reward me for -my trouble I found all three of them registered letters of -Mr. Warfield's, and I also found one telltale letter sent -to Dix Lewis. All of them were opened just as I show -them to you."</p> - -<p class='c008'>It seemed a long time before any one spoke, after Mr. -Meiggs' statement.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Let me see the letters," said the postmaster, reaching -out his hand for them.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Reckon that will be all the evidence you will need to -show who the guilty party is," said Meiggs, as he passed -the letters to the other.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"These are no doubt the missing letters," allowed the -postmaster, "but I fail to see how this proves that Dix -Lewis put them there."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Who did, if he didn't?" demanded Clevis Claverton.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I do not pretend to answer that. It is a mystery that -remains to be cleared up."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_189'>189</span>"Has the contents been taken from all of them?" asked -Mr. Warfield, looking over Mr. Rimmon's shoulder, as -the latter examined the pieces of mail matter.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"The letters are here, but the money which they evidently -contained is missing."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Of course," said Dan Shag, with a shake of his head; -"that was what he was after."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap had remained silent during this scene, but -he was about to speak, when the gruff voice of Justice -Claverton fell on the ears of the anxious throng.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Mr. John Rimmon, I feel obliged to say to you that -I have so far examined the laws and statutes as to find -that you are not eligible to be on this young culprit's bail, -seeing that you are already holding an office under the -United States Government. Uncle Sam is pretty careful -in that respect.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"In that case, Mr. Warfield, of course, wishes to be released, -so the prisoner is left without any bonds. It is -therefore my duty to command Sheriff Brady to take him -to jail, there to await his trial at the next term of court.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Mr. Brady, in my official capacity, I now order you -to carry out the mandates of the law."</p> - -<p class='c008'>At this announcement greater excitement than ever -<span class='pageno' id='Page_190'>190</span>reigned, during which the sheriff pushed his way through -the crowd toward the postboy.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"This is too bad," said Mr. Rimmon. "Hold on a few -minutes, Brady, while I can say a word to the boy."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Talk fast, then," said the officer. "I think we have -been too easy with him so far."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Unheeding this last remark, the postmaster motioned -Little Snap to come inside the office.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I have been expecting this," were his first words. "I -fear I am powerless to help you any farther, though I am -none the less your willing friend. Do you think of anybody -who would be likely to help you through?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Not unless Mr. James Renders, of Greenbrier, will."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"He would not be sufficient alone, supposing he would -do it. Say, I am going to call in Mr. Warfield, and see -what he will do and what he won't do. He has acted -funny lately."</p> - -<p class='c008'>In answer to the request of the postmaster the politician -reluctantly joined the two in their private consultation.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"We wanted to speak to you alone, Jason," said Mr. -Rimmon, "in regard to your feelings toward the boy here. -You have seemed to be his friend in times past."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_191'>191</span>"So I have, John; so I have," declared Mr. Warfield; -"and I was never more his friend than now."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That is what I thought. So these rumors of your -withdrawal from his bail are false? You are willing to -stand by him longer, supposing we could get some such -a person as James Renders, of Greenbrier, to stand in with -you?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I—well—ahem—do you suppose Renders will? I -hardly think it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Will you? I wish to know that before I speak to him -or any one else. So many stories are afloat that we don't -know what to believe."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I think you can remain there," replied the other, ignoring -the question asked. "As far as I know there is nothing -against it in the law."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Still, there is a doubt there, and until that is cleared -away I am of no good to the boy, though I am willing to -do anything I can. But before I can do anything, I must -know just what you are willing to do. I ask that you -remain on his bail as a personal favor to me as well as to -the boy. Remember, you have never asked me for a -favor in vain."</p> - -<p class='c008'>To the surprise of his companions, Mr. Warfield seemed -<span class='pageno' id='Page_192'>192</span>laboring under some great mental strain. The perspiration -stood out in beads all over his face, while he trembled -and moved uneasily.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I—the truth is, John, I wish I could grant you this -favor. I don't think the boy unworthy of all the assistance -I could give him; but the truth is, John, unavoidable -circumstances over which I have no control make it impossible——"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Ain't you 'bout through there?" broke in Sheriff -Brady's voice. "The judge is getting anxious that I do -my duty."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I am coming," replied Little Snap, quickly. "Mr. -Rimmon, I thank you for your kindness; and you, Mr. -Warfield, I do not wish to have you do anything for me -against your wishes.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Sheriff Brady, I am ready to go with you, though I am -going to tell you at the outset that somebody is going to -suffer for this."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I don't do this, Dix, from choice," said the officer, laying -his hand on the postboy's shoulder. "I think myself -Judge Claverton is a little severe on you. By the way, -I can save you the disgrace of this going to jail if you -will listen to reason. Resign this mail route without -<span class='pageno' id='Page_193'>193</span>further opposition, and I guarantee the matter shall rest -here. I know what I am saying, though I don't care for -the mob to hear it. You will resign and save all farther -trouble?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>The sheriff had lowered his voice to a tone a little above -a whisper, but Little Snap's ringing reply was loud enough -for every person to hear.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Never, Mr. Brady! Take me to jail if you wish, but -I will not betray the slightest trust reposed in me. I am -innocent of the charges you bring against me, and there -can be no disgrace until you have proved me guilty."</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_194'>194</span> - <h2 class='c002'>CHAPTER XXV.<br />STARTLING SURPRISES.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c007'>"Bravo!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Sheriff Brady stopped suddenly in his movement to put -the handcuffs on his prisoner, and every person in the -crowd of spectators uttered an exclamation of surprise -at the unexpected word spoken so sharply and with the -ring of admiration in it.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Turning abruptly around, the spectators were amazed -to see a horseman nearby, he having ridden upon the -scene unobserved by all.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Bravo for you, Dix Lewis!" cried the newcomer. -"Upon second thought I concluded that I did not give -you the answer I ought, so I have come up to see you, -and help settle your trouble. What's up here, anyway?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Marion Calvert, as I live!" exclaimed Jason Warfield.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap had already seen the horseman, and his -countenance had taken on a brighter look.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I am glad to see you, Mr. Calvert. They have accused -<span class='pageno' id='Page_195'>195</span>me of doing that of which I am innocent, and there -don't seem to be any one able to help me out."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Don't, eh? Well, let me see what I can do," urging -his horse forward through the crowd to the post office -door as he spoke. "Mr. Brady, what do you think you are -doing?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I—the fact is, Mr. Calvert, there has been a little irregularity -in the boy's business, and we thought it was -time to look into it. We didn't mean him any harm, only -we did it as a matter of self-protection."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I see," replied the mail contractor, in a tone which -puzzled his hearers. "The boy was down to see me about -it, but I answered him rather hastily at the time. Luckily -I saw my duty before it was too late, and at the sacrifice -of some business obligations I am here. I think I came -at a good time, too.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I learned at Greenbrier that the road had not been -fully cleared at Kanawha Narrows yet. The bridge across -the Greenbrier is not in passable shape. But I have left -word that if the post road is not passable to-morrow morning -I will have every official indicted. I should like to -know what you have been doing."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_196'>196</span>"Attending to our own business," retorted Claverton, -showing his displeasure.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I should think you had been doing little else than to -make war upon this boy. You seem to forget that if there -is any fault to be found I am the one to complain to. I -am under bonds to the United States Government to see -that the mail is carried on the Kanawha route in a proper -manner."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You can't stand between us and justice," replied Claverton. -"My court has found the youngster guilty of high -misdemeanors, and if you wish to father them, all right. -Otherwise he goes to jail inside of——"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Go to jail yourself and take your court along with -you!" cried the imperturbable Calvert. "I will see the boy -through now."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Defy the law, do you?" demanded Claverton, sharply.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Your law, yes! I forgot more last night than you -ever knew. I want to see you at your home, Mr. Lewis."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I give you warning, sir," said Claverton, as a last -desperate resort, "that the boy's bondsmen have thrown -him over. He stands without any backing."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Is that so? How is it, Mr. Warfield? I believe your -name was first on his paper."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_197'>197</span>"Yes, sir, I—I——"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That's all right. How is it with the others?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I have asked to have my name taken off," said Meiggs. -"But I am on Mr. Shag's bond."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I am off young Lewis' paper, but on Mr. Shag's," -said Clevis Claverton.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Very well. I don't care a picayune about you two, or -this Shag. You will sign a new bond for the boy, Mr. -Warfield?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>To the surprise of Mr. Rimmon and Little Snap, the -politician replied, after a moment's hesitation:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Certainly, Mr. Calvert; anything I can do for him I -will. I hope I may have a little talk with you before you -leave the town."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes. Now, Mr. Lewis, I would like to see you alone -a little while. I will see that that bond is fixed up all -satisfactory, Mr. Claverton."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You can come right into my office," said Mr. Rimmon. -"I will send my man to take care of your horse, Mr. -Calvert."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Notwithstanding the bold utterances of Marion Calvert, -the majority of the spectators looked with favor upon him, -and there were many outspoken words in admiration of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_198'>198</span>him. The crowd generally falls in with him who shows -a fearless attitude, even if he slightly oversteps the line -drawn for him, rather than the one who is weak and vacillating, -though he represents the cause they intended to -espouse. Mr. Warfield had recently acted in a manner -disliked by several, and not understood by any.</p> - -<p class='c008'>While the outsiders were discussing the situation <i>pro</i> -and <i>con</i>, Little Snap and his two friends were trying to -decide upon the best course of action. Finally, when he -had been made acquainted with the true state of affairs, -Mr. Calvert said:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I will look after the bonds on your mail contract, -Lewis, and to give Claverton and his backers no opportunity -to make a fuss, I will see that the proper bail is -secured for you. To-morrow I will go to Salt Works with -you, and stay there to come home with you. I do not -believe you will have any farther trouble. I must go to -Washington on the next day. Be sure and keep your -eyes and ears open, and at the least suspicion of interference -let me know. Mr. Rimmon will also be on the watch -for you."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You needn't be afraid but Warfield will stand by you -after this, for he knows his chances of getting into Congress -<span class='pageno' id='Page_199'>199</span>depend too much on what I do for him to act differently."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Having reached this decision, the plan was carried out -as rapidly as possible, and with complete success, so the -following morning Little Snap was promptly on hand for -the mail pouch.</p> - -<p class='c008'>So was Dan Shag, and in his disappointment, he exclaimed:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"The day o' reckonin' ain't fur off, Dix Lewis, so carry -a high hand while ye can."</p> - -<p class='c008'>As he had promised, Mr. Calvert accompanied the postboy -on his trip as far as Salt Works and return, though -nothing occurred to hint of any further trouble.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The following day the contractor left for Washington, -while Little Snap started on his daily route alone.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Naturally, he never rode through the Wash Bowl and -along the Narrows without recalling his startling experiences -there and looking sharply about him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Thus an uneventful week passed, until one afternoon, -after having met and passed Old Solitaire at his lonely -vigil, he was suddenly made aware that his battle was not -over.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Descending into the Bowl with his usual caution, he -<span class='pageno' id='Page_200'>200</span>was passing a particularly lonely place in the road, where -an overhanging rock nearly touched his head as he rode -along, when his attention was attracted by a shrill cry -off to his right and lower down the basin.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Turning for a moment to look in that direction, he was -just in season to catch a glimpse of the mail pouch as it -was being whisked out of sight over his head!</p> - -<p class='c008'>Stopping Jack with a sudden jerk of the rein, it was -fully a minute before the surprised postboy could comprehend -what had taken place.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_201'>201</span> - <h2 class='c002'>CHAPTER XXVI.<br />A LIFE FOR A LIFE.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c007'>Little Snap, it is safe to say, was never more thoroughly -surprised in his life.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In the brief glance he had obtained of the disappearing -mail pouch, he had also seen that it had been snatched -from its resting place by a pole, with a hook attached at -the end, in the hands of a man concealed behind the -bowlder.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Then a movement among the rocks on the side of the -mountain told him that the audacious thief was making -off with his booty.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Without stopping to count the cost of the hopelessness -of pursuit, the postboy rose in his seat to an upright position, -when he found he could grasp a clump of stunted -bushes growing on the side of the ledge and high enough -to enable him to gain the summit of the rock.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The next moment he climbed upward with the agility of -a cat, reaching the side of the bowlder in season to see -<span class='pageno' id='Page_202'>202</span>the robber fleeing around another, somewhat higher on -the mountainside.</p> - -<p class='c008'>He was armed, but before he could bring his weapon to -bear upon the escaping man, the other had disappeared -behind another pile of rocks.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Evidently he had not discovered the fact that he was -pursued, and being careful only to keep his body from -sight of the road, he ascended higher with what celerity -he was capable of exercising.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap followed with swifter and lighter steps, carrying -in his right hand his heavy revolver for instant use. -Confident that there had been but one doing the robbery, -he advanced with the firm determination to have that mail -pouch back in his possession, unless the fugitive was -smarter than he.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Up, up, climbed the robber, watching the road intently, -and stopping every few steps to see why he had not -aroused some outcry by his bold theft. Evidently he was -bothered to understand what the silence meant, for he -soon crept behind a sheltering bowlder, where he crouched -in waiting for several minutes, peering cautiously out from -his retreat.</p> - -<p class='c008'>During this time Little Snap lay flat on one of the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_203'>203</span>jagged shelves of rock jutting out on the mountain, his -body concealed by a bunch of bushes.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The other was out of his sight, but knowing his position, -the postboy held his weapon in readiness to cover -him the moment he should move. He felt certain he had -an advantage over his enemy which would result in his -success.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In a short time he heard the man again moving, though -his body was hidden from him by the rock. Knowing it -would not do for him to allow the other to get too much -the start of him, the postboy once more moved cautiously -forward.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Around the rocky point concealing his foe from him he -darted, to come suddenly into full view of the man, whom -he quickly recognized as Robin Burrnock.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The outlaw saw him at the same moment, and with a -fierce imprecation he whipped out a pistol and aimed -point-blank at the postboy's head.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Fortunately the weapon missed fire, and before he -could repeat his attempt, Little Snap leveled his revolver -at Burrnock's heart, crying:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Stand where you are or I will fire!"</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_204'>204</span>With a hoarse laugh, the outlaw, unheeding the threat, -leaped forward upon a wider shelf of rock.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Though not wishing to kill him, the postboy fired at the -man's lower limbs, hoping thus to stop his escape. But -he missed his mark, and as he cocked the weapon for a -second shot, Burrnock hurled his own useless weapon -with such unerring precision at him that he dashed the -revolver from Little Snap's clutch.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Come on ef ye want me!" cried the outlaw, and vexed -at his blundering work, the postboy sprang nimbly up to -the ledge beside the robber, taking him so much by surprise -that he was forced to drop the mail pouch and defend -himself against the attack of the plucky boy.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap had thought to seize the sack and spring -down upon the lower rim of ledge out of the outlaw's -reach before he could stop him. But Robin Burrnock -proved himself almost as nimble as his young assailant, -so the postboy found himself caught in the man's strong -arms, when the twain became locked in a hand-to-hand -struggle for life or death.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"The old Nick take ye!" howled the desperado of -Blazed Acre, "I'll show ye yer match wunst."</p> - -<p class='c008'>The shelf was not more than four feet in width and six -<span class='pageno' id='Page_205'>205</span>in length, while the descent was nearly perpendicular to -the road a hundred feet below, so the combatants had -small chance for operation, but each did his best, knowing -it was a fight to the bitter end.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap particularly realized that it was life or -death with him, and though smaller and weaker than his -antagonist, he made such a desperate resistance that the -outlaw found himself for once matched.</p> - -<p class='c008'>To and fro, back and forth the two struggled, first one -reeling back against the steep side of the mountain and -then the other, each in turn recovering himself, to renew -the contest with more earnestness than before.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Burrnock had succeeded in getting in a vise-like grip -upon Little Snap's throat, and our hero tried in vain to -break from it.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Now, my leetle bantam, I'll see who is master!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>With all the power he could muster, the postboy caught -upon the wrist of Burrnock's uplifted arm with his right -hand, while with the other he tried in vain to tear away -the clutch at his throat.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_206'>206</span> - <h2 class='c002'>CHAPTER XXVII.<br />LITTLE SNAP'S SURPRISE.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c007'>In the brief time he felt himself succumbing to the overmastering -strength of Robin Burrnock, a thousand -thoughts seemed to flit through Little Snap's mind. It -was a moment he would never forget.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Once more rallying to throw off his antagonist, he -struggled with renewed power at the hand grasping his -throat, while with the other he kept aloft the brawny arm -of the outlaw.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Think ye ken whup me, blast yer!" growled the -aroused robber, maddened to find himself thwarted, if but -for a while, by the postboy.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap was standing on the very brink of the shelf, -with his back toward the precipice, and as Robin Burrnock -redoubled his exertions to overpower him, he felt -his footing give way and himself reeling backward over -the chasm.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Instinctively, he loosened his hold on the outlaw's -<span class='pageno' id='Page_207'>207</span>wrist, to throw out his arm in a wild effort to save himself.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In vain!</p> - -<p class='c008'>With a cry of horror on his lips, he saw the fist of -Burrnock descend, and at the same time he went backward -over the abyss!</p> - -<p class='c008'>His cry was swiftly followed by one from the outlaw, -as he, too, staggered to and fro on the brink.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap's fall caused him to lose his foothold, and -while the postboy fell, the outlaw was carried heels over -head down the declivity, another yell of horror awakening -the silence of the lonely scene with its startling intonations.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Half stunned by the force of his fall, Little Snap found -himself clinging to the edge of the shelf, with the mail -bag underneath him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Finding he had received no serious injury, he crawled -to a safe position on the rock, nearly overjoyed to find that -he had really come out of the ordeal alive.</p> - -<p class='c008'>It was several minutes before he could realize he was -safe and unhurt, but as he finally knew, the force of his -fall had been broken by the mail pouch, and, saved from -going down the rugged declivity, his life had been spared.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Anxious to know what had become of Robin Burrnock, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_208'>208</span>he looked down the descent to see his body near the bottom, -lying as motionless as if he were dead.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In the road near where he had left him, he saw the -faithful Jack still awaiting his coming.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Noble fellow!" he exclaimed; "I will be with you in -a minute," beginning his descent into the valley.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Though he found this no easy task, he soon succeeded -in reaching the highway, the mail pouch safely in his -hands.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Finding the outlaw had not yet moved, he went to his -side, and turning him over, saw that his neck had been -broken.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I am sorry," said the postboy, "but I cannot see that -I am to blame. I was in duty bound to protect——"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Have no misgivings over what you have done, my -boy," said a voice near at hand, and, turning quickly, -Little Snap saw with amazement Old Solitaire at his elbow.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I witnessed the whole affair," declared the hermit, -"but I was powerless to help you, though in another -moment I should have fired a shot at whatever risk. You -should thank Heaven that your life was spared."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_209'>209</span>"It was a narrow escape, Uncle Solitaire, and at one -time I felt that it was all over with me."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"So thought I. But now that you are safe, I advise -you to ride on to Greenbrier and tell Mr. Renders what -has happened. The authorities will look after the body of -the wretch."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap would fain have said more to the strange -man, but the old man started back toward the Narrows -as fast as he could walk.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, Jack, nothing is left for us but to go on," which -he did, without meeting any further adventure until -Greenbrier was reached.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Delivering the mail pouch over to the postmistress, he -then sought Mr. Renders, who listened with unfeigned -wonder to his account of his meeting with Robin Burrnock -in the Wash Bowl.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Egad, Dix! that was a tough one, but I don't doubt -your story. I will speak to Squire Moran, and we will -go up at once to look after the body. You may be wanted -later to give your evidence at the inquest, but I don't apprehend -you will have any further trouble. Better keep -a sharp lookout, though, for those hounds of Blazed Acre -<span class='pageno' id='Page_210'>210</span>will be likely to pay you off for getting rid of one of their -number."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Thanking him, the postboy returned to the post office -for the mail.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Any trouble to-day, Dix?" asked Budd Grass, who -seemed to divine that something unusual had been happening.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Nothing more serious than the falling of one of the -Burrnock brothers down the side of Greenbrier and breaking -his neck. Mail all right?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It seems to be, and, judging by the size of the package, -the Hollow Tree folks won't have reason to complain this -time. But you have not told me all about this Burrnock's -falling and—was he killed? Oh! how I fear those men, -and I tremble for you every time you go past. Which one -was this?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Robin; but I can't give you any particulars. Good-day."</p> - -<p class='c008'>The postboy found the postmaster at Hollow Tree impatiently -waiting for him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Late again!" he growled. "I wonder what the Washington -chaps would say if they knowed 'bout it?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Without replying, Little Snap tossed him the pouch, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_211'>211</span>amusing himself while the other sorted the mail by stroking -the neck of Jack and talking to the horse as was his -wont.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In the midst of his simple talk Shag rushed out of his -office, looking uncommonly red in the face, as he shouted:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No mail for the Tree again! What does that mean?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Looking toward the speaker with surprise, Little Snap -did not know what reply to make.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Oh, ye needn't look so innercent, ye thievin' rat! -Mebbe ye think ye can make th' racket work ag'in, but -I'll show ye ye can't! Where's th' mail ye should hev -fer this offis?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"In that sack, if anywhere. That is where it should be, -if you haven't taken it out."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I haven't, an' I can prove it by th' boys hyur," pointing -to the three men who had followed him from the -building.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap's surprise was great, though he did not -have any doubt in his mind that Dan Shag had taken out -the package and was intending to bluff him down.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Mr. Shag, if you haven't that mail in your office, then -I do not know where it is. I do know there was a lot for -<span class='pageno' id='Page_212'>212</span>you here, or I know, at least, Budd Grass, at Greenbrier, -said so."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Projuce, then!" cried the postmaster. "I can prove -by these men that I haven't taken a thing out o' thet bag -thet b'longed hyur."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap stepped into the office, but, of course, the -missing package was not in sight.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I'll know the whys an' whurfor's o' this afore dark," -cried the excited postmaster, closing the door with a -slam. "I'm goin' to Union Six Roads, boys, an' ef enny -one wants to know why th' offis is shut tell 'em."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"T'other lot wuz found in th' feller's saddle pocket, -Dan," said one of the bystanders; "why don't ye look there -fer this?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"'Tain't likely he'd do the same thing over ag'in," replied -the postmaster. "He'd be more sly this time."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap had taken the pouch and was throwing it on -the horse's back at the time.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You can look if you want to, but you will not find——"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap did not finish his sentence, for while speaking -he had thrust his hand into the depths of the pocket, -and finding a bundle in his grasp, he pulled out the missing -parcel of mail!</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_213'>213</span> - <h2 class='c002'>CHAPTER XXVIII.<br />THE STRANGE HORSEMAN.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c007'>The postboy's surprise was genuine, and had he pulled -out a handful of gold dollars he could not have been more -astonished, though it might have been in a different vein.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Wot'd I tell yer?" cried the man, exultantly. "Needn't -look fur fer yer letters, Dan."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I shall look fur an' sharp afore this matter is settled," -retorted Shag, taking the package. "Ye air all witnesses -to wot has been done?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"O' course," was the general reply.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Knowing it was useless for him to say more to them, -Little Snap rode on toward Daring's Diamond in anything -but an enviable frame of mind.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"We have got to look sharper than this, Jack," he said, -speaking to his horse. "There is something and some one -at the bottom of all this, and I do not understand it. One -thing is certain; that package was not in my pocket when -I left Greenbrier. And another thing equally certain is the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_214'>214</span>fact that I saw no one after I left that post office. Then -how came it there?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Trying to solve this problem, Little Snap kept on -toward Daring's Diamond, and then to Six Roads.</p> - -<p class='c008'>While stopping to have the mail sorted at the Diamond, -he saw Dan Shag ride past, and he knew the postmaster -was hastening on to Six Roads to spread the news of his -latest trouble.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I have got to keep my eyes open sharper than this or -they will get the best of me yet. Push on, Jack! I am -anxious to know how I shall be received at the home office."</p> - -<p class='c008'>About the same crowd as usual was gathered around -the office at Six Roads, and to the postboy's surprise, -nothing was hinted of his recent adventures.</p> - -<p class='c008'>After supper he sought Mr. Rimmon, to tell him the -particulars of his last trip, the postmaster showing greater -surprise than ever.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Whew! that is a tough one. Those Blazed Acreites -mean you the worst kind of harm, I fear. At least they -will after this. You were gritty, though. Let me advise -you to take a guard from this time on for at least a week."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I would if that would end the matter, but I do not -<span class='pageno' id='Page_215'>215</span>believe it would. The Burrnocks would naturally keep -out of sight during that time, to begin their work as soon -as I went alone, so it would only prolong the affair."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I don't know but you are right, Dix, but it puts you -in a tight box. If the Honorable Jason was in town I -would call him for a consultation."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That would do no good. He is no real friend to me, -though he feels obliged to stand on my bond because Mr. -Calvert says so."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Dix Lewis, you have hit the nail right on the head! -In his anxiety to get a nomination to Congress he is catering -to every one, and he is getting into the hands of some -that are going to wreck him; mark my words. What do -you propose to do?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Keep on; only, I promise you, Mr. Rimmon, I won't -be caught like that again."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Good! I hope you will come out at the top of the -heap."</p> - -<p class='c008'>The following morning, as the postboy was leaving the -little village of Six Roads, he was accosted by a man on -horseback, who was a stranger to him, and who showed -by his personal appearance that he had ridden several -miles.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_216'>216</span>"Young man," he said, "are you the postboy of the -Kanawha?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I carry the mail, sir, between this place and Upper -Loop."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I thought I wasn't mistaken. I want to go to Greenbrier, -and possibly to a place called Salt Works, and -as the road is a strange one to me, perhaps you will have -the kindness to allow me to ride with you. I can't promise -that I shall be very good company, but I will at least be -civil."</p> - -<p class='c008'>He spoke with an air of honesty, and he looked like a -straightforward person. He was about forty years of age, -and he rode a horse that Little Snap saw was to all outward -appearances the equal of his Jack.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Do you object to my company?" he asked, as Little -Snap hesitated a moment in his reply. "If you have any -suspicions of me, I won't object to riding a little in front -of you, so you can keep your eye on me all of the time."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I think I can trust you, sir."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Thank you. My name is Austin Goings, and I am -not ashamed to say that I am a Kentuckian, though it has -been several years since I bade adieu to the scenes of my -nativity. May I ask your name?"</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_217'>217</span>"It is Dix Lewis, Mr. Goings. I am afraid you will -find me to be poor company, as I have been so used to only -the companionship of my horse that I must be dull."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Fine-looking horse, Dix," said the Kentuckian, at once -assuming a social companionship. "I should judge he -might be fleet of foot. I am rather proud of my own -horse here, and if agreeable to you, we will have a little -spurt when we come to a suitable road."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I never race Jack, sir, unless it is a case of necessity. -His work is hard enough without my adding to it by any -unnecessary hard driving."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Good on your head, Dix Lewis! I like that kind of -talk. We shall get along famously. How long have you -been carrying this mail?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Two years."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Must have begun pretty young."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Was a little over sixteen when I made my first trip."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I'll venture you are a gritty one. Ever have any -trouble?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"None that I could not look after."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Don't be offended at my questions. I should judge -there might be some tough characters in this vicinity, and, -naturally, one in your position would be likely to run -<span class='pageno' id='Page_218'>218</span>across them. If I am not mistaken, the Raggles settled in -this locality."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I never knew but one family by that name, and they -have come recently."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I may have been mistaken. They were a bad gang, -anyway."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap making no reply to this, Mr. Goings -dropped the conversation, so that very little was said until -reaching Hollow Tree.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Dan Shag showed his surprise at seeing a companion -with the postboy.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Reckon it's a purty good thing to hev a guard," he -said, in a low tone. "Had the colonel got home this -mornin'?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No, sir. Everything all right this morning?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Alwus is goin' right, this way."</p> - -<p class='c008'>It did not need Dan Shag to tell him this. Neither did -it need this postmaster to tell him that the trouble all centered -at his office.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You can put that man down as a cutthroat," declared -Mr. Goings, as they rode away from the Tree. "But isn't -that a singular office. By the way, I have seen that man's -face somewhere before," continued the talkative Mr. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_219'>219</span>Goings. "It may have been when I was this way before. -Oh, yes, I have been over this same road—let me see—fifteen -years ago. Time enough for me to have forgotten -how everything looked. I do remember that the next -place we shall come to is Greenbrier. It is situated at the -junction of the river we have just crossed and the Little -Kanawha, the streams making the Great Kanawha. Am -I right?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes, sir."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap was growing suspicious of this voluble -stranger, and he wished he might escape his company -farther.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_220'>220</span> - <h2 class='c002'>CHAPTER XXIX.<br />A RIVER LET LOOSE.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c007'>Nothing of interest occurring at Greenbrier, the postboy -resumed his journey, with the talkative stranger still beside -him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I was in luck," he declared, "when I chanced to meet -you. I should have hated to have gone over this lonely -road without company. I don't see how you can do it. Is -it as lonesome below Salt Works?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Until I get to Hutsland I think it is more dreary, -though I have got so used to it I never stop to think of -that."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Just so. Say, Dix, what do you think of Jason Warfield?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>This question was asked so abruptly that Little Snap -glanced up with a look of wonder.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I don't know as I have anything against him," he replied, -after a moment's pause.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"A safe answer. But I am going to tell you that I think -<span class='pageno' id='Page_221'>221</span>he is a sneaking rascal. How long has he been in Six -Roads?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Fifteen years, I think."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Right the first time. I know, because he came there -at the time I was through here before. Never'll get the -nomination for Congress, will he?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Feels confident of it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, he is sure to get disappointed. Marion Calvert -is the man."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"So you know Mr. Calvert?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"By reputation. I have a mind to do a little electioneering -while I am scouting over the country. Gee whiz! -isn't this a wild country!" he concluded, for they were already -entering the Devil's Bowl.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mr. Goings' exclamation of astonishment increased as -they rode up the Tracks and approached the Narrows.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I want you to show me where you rode off the cliff -into the river," said Little Snap's companion, very much -to his surprise. "Oh, I heard of that a long way from -here. Such news travels far and fast. Jerusalem! is it -possible you went off there and came out alive? I never -should have dared to do that. Now, you must tell me all -about it. I am interested."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_222'>222</span>The postboy retold his thrilling adventure, and as he -began to talk he grew animated, and before Salt Works -was reached he had given Mr. Goings a more extended -account of himself and his adventures than he had realized -while telling it.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It is a great satisfaction to have met you, Dix, and if -I can arrange my business in season I am going back with -you as far as Diamond."</p> - -<p class='c008'>These were Mr. Goings' parting words, and as Little -Snap left Salt Works, where he had changed horses, he -said, to himself:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I don't know whether I am anxious or not for your -company, Mr. Goings. If you do go back with me, I -shall ask you a few questions in regard to yourself."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Below Salt Works the road wound down the valley -for a couple of miles, when the base of Flat Top Mountains -was reached, where a long ascent had to be made.</p> - -<p class='c008'>As at the Narrows, though the passage was wider, the -Great Kanawha found its way along a rocky gorge, the -banks of which were in places hundreds of feet in height.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Near the summit of the post road's greatest elevation, -was a shelf of rock overhanging the stream, that was -<span class='pageno' id='Page_223'>223</span>called "Lover's Leap," one of the three hundred dizzy -crags in the United States bearing that favorite name.</p> - -<p class='c008'>After passing this spot, the post road, in making its -descent on the west side of the mountain, wound away -from the Kanawha, until the sullen roar of that river was -supplanted by the musical ripple of a smaller stream, called -Tripping Waters.</p> - -<p class='c008'>About two-thirds the way up this narrow valley the -road led across this river, following its west bank to its -outlet into the Kanawha at a point where the rugged -mountain defile opened out into the broad basin of the -western slope.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap was leisurely approaching the pole bridge -that spanned Tripping Waters, when all at once a deep -roaring sound reached his ears.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Abruptly reining in his horse, he listened for a moment, -to find that the sound was rapidly increasing.</p> - -<p class='c008'>It seemed nearer, too, and more deadly in its sound!</p> - -<p class='c008'>He glanced wildly up the valley, but from his position -he could see nothing to explain the heavy, booming -thunder still growing louder and louder!</p> - -<p class='c008'>He had never heard anything like it.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_224'>224</span>The ground beneath him began to tremble and the -mountain to shake!</p> - -<p class='c008'>He touched his horse smartly, fearing to remain there -longer.</p> - -<p class='c008'>But the animal had not taken the second bound before -the heart of Little Snap seemed to come into his mouth, -as he suddenly realized the meaning of the awful sound.</p> - -<p class='c008'>A mile above, a dam had been built across the river to -hold back the water for the benefit of a mill at the lower -end of the valley.</p> - -<p class='c008'>This barrier had broken down, and the flood let loose!</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Fly, Tom!" he cried to his horse. "It is a race for -life! On! on! It is overtaking us! We are lost!"</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_225'>225</span> - <h2 class='c002'>CHAPTER XXX.<br />A RACE WITH A RUNAWAY RIVER.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c007'>Though the Postboy of the Kanawha was not borne on -by his gallant Jack in that fearful ride with the flood of -Tripping Waters, he sped down the post road at a flying -pace.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The blooded bay that he rode seemed to have a realization -of the awful peril from that pursuing wall of water.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Higher and higher rose that deafening thunder, until it -dulled the postboy's hearing and fairly made his senses -reel.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Glancing wildly back he saw that the foaming avalanche -of water was sweeping everything before it!</p> - -<p class='c008'>The narrow valley was completely filled from mountainside -to mountainside!</p> - -<p class='c008'>There was no way for him to scale the rugged heights -overhanging him in season to escape the flood.</p> - -<p class='c008'>His only hope lay in continued flight—in reaching the -mouth of the valley before he could be overtaken by the -monster at his heels!</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_226'>226</span>Every moment saw it so much nearer, but while life -and his fleet-footed horse were left him he was bound not -to lose courage.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Just before reaching the extension of the mountain -gorge, the defile made an abrupt turn, bringing him who -followed its course into a sudden view of the wider regions -beyond.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Almost the first sight to greet the comer's eye was -a rambling wooden building standing half on the land -and half over the stream.</p> - -<p class='c008'>This was called Swett's Mills, and a few rods below -stood the house of the owner.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Even under the spell of his own great danger, Little -Snap realized the deadly peril of every one at this place.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Thus, as he dashed on, he shouted to them a warning -of their impending doom.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"The river has broken through the dam! Flee for -your lives!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>The men at the mill had already been called from -their work by the unaccountable noise up the valley, and -as the postboy sped into sight, they saw behind him the -frightful wall of water.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Instantly Mr. Swett recognized peril, and shouted:</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_227'>227</span>"Run for your lives, boys! Help me save my family."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap was already abreast of the mills, and he -saw Mrs. Swett and her little child just leaving the house, -with cries of terror.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Run, Mary!" shrieked her husband. "The flood is -upon us!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>In her fright, the poor woman started to run, catching -at her child and missing it.</p> - -<p class='c008'>With a loud cry the little one fell to the earth, Mr. -Swett running toward it as fast as he could.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap sped past him, and reining his bay close -to the struggling child, he leaned over in his seat until -he could reach the helpless one.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Then he lifted it up in front of him, and keeping on -with unabating speed, swept down the valley.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mr. Swett's companions had sought safety on the -mountainside, and he himself ran down the road after -his terrified wife.</p> - -<p class='c008'>A short distance beyond, the valley of the Kanawha -was reached, and the great danger was mainly over.</p> - -<p class='c008'>None too soon was this escape accomplished, for -Little Snap had not checked the speed of his horse, as -he dashed up the side of the declivity near the road, when -<span class='pageno' id='Page_228'>228</span>a deafening crash told him that the runaway river had -reached the mills.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The next moment the floodwall seemed to burst, the -water spreading out on either hand with startling effect.</p> - -<p class='c008'>It was such a sight as those few witnesses had never -seen before and never wanted to again.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The deep channel of the Kanawha was suddenly filled -to overflowing, so the entire valley was under water.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Trees, earth, rocks, many of them of large size, and -<i>débris</i> of everything it had found in its course was scattered -high and low by the swollen stream.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It was a narrow escape!" exclaimed Mr. Swett. "We -owe our lives to you, Dix Lewis, for in saving Flossie -here you gave the rest of us a chance to get away. See! -the old mill is gone, and everything in it! But we must -be thankful that no lives were lost."</p> - -<p class='c008'>The flood subsided almost as quickly as it had come, -leaving the marks of its awful desolation.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Not a tree was left standing in the whole range of its -fearful path, nor an object that its giant power could -move.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The road, as far as could be seen, was entirely obliterated, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_229'>229</span>only a rock-strewn gulley showing where it had -been.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Not a piece of the timber of Swett's Mills was to be -seen, and the foundation itself had been swept away!</p> - -<p class='c008'>The house had been lifted bodily up and carried several -rods, but standing higher than the mills, it had -escaped the heavier part of the onset, so it had not been -utterly ruined.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mr. Swett was inclined to take his loss philosophically.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I don't understand the cause of that breakage, for it -was only yesterday that I was examining that dam, and -could find no sign of a leak."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Seeing that he could be of no benefit to the sufferers, as -soon as he had given his horse a breathing spell, the -postboy resumed his journey, feeling extremely thankful -over his providential escape.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I shall prize you next to Jack now, Tom," he said, -stroking the faithful creature's neck. "If you had been -one whit less fleet it would have been all over with me. -How I tremble now, though it is all over!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>At Hutsland, Little Snap's first stopping place—in -fact, the first town he came to—he told of the disaster -<span class='pageno' id='Page_230'>230</span>in Tripping Waters Valley, his story being listened to -with open-mouthed wonder.</p> - -<p class='c008'>With as little delay as possible, a gang of men started -to the scene, ready to do what they could toward restoring -the fortunes of Mr. Swett and his family.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Meeting with no adventure, the postboy reached Upper -Loop, and upon his return he was accompanied by a -party of a dozen men, who were going up to see the -work of desolation.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Thus when Little Snap got back to the place he found -a large crowd gathered about the mouth of the valley.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You will have hard work to get through, Dix, but I -suppose it would be hard work to stop you. Some of us -will go up with you, if you wish it."</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_231'>231</span> - <h2 class='c002'>CHAPTER XXXI.<br />A STARTLING RELIC OF THE FLOOD.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c007'>Declining this kind offer, the postboy continued on -toward his destination, often finding it difficult to get -along.</p> - -<p class='c008'>But slowly he worked his way up the valley, until he -reached the spot where in the forenoon the river had -been spanned by the pole bridge.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Of course there was no trace of this left. In fact, -there was not a single familiar feature on the landscape -of that doomed valley.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The stream had subsided, so he had no trouble in -fording it a little above where the bridge had been.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Every vestige of vegetable growth was swept away, -leaving the scene but a waste of rocks, and he could now -look up the defile even to where the ruined dam stood out -like a skeleton of rock.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap stopped for several minutes to gaze upon -the sight, but he was about to move on, knowing that -he had already lost so much time that he would be a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_232'>232</span>couple of hours late, when a dark object, suspended from -the branches of a tree on the mountainside above the -reach of the flood, caught his attention.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Riding a little nearer to it, he saw that it was a man's -coat.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Is it possible some one was in the valley above here at -the time?" he exclaimed. "Stand where you are, Tom, -and I will get it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>With considerable hard climbing, he gained a position -from which he secured the coat.</p> - -<p class='c008'>It was a blue jean jacket, looking the worse for wear.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No great loss to the owner nor prize to me," he -thought, as he returned to the side of his horse. "But it -has a decidedly familiar look. I wonder if there is anything -in its pockets to tell the owner's name?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Beginning an investigation, he quickly drew forth a -sheet of paper, which, from its crumpled condition, -showed that it had been thrust away hastily.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Smoothing it out as best he could, he saw that one -side was written over in a coarse, sprawling hand.</p> - -<p class='c008'>He easily read, while a look of anxiety came over his -features:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"<span class='sc'>Sirs</span>: Why is it you do not act more promptly and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_233'>233</span>effectively? This delay is dangerous, and I am not going -to brook it any longer. It puts every man of us in -double the danger we should risk in quick, decisive -action. I am going away for a few days, and I shall -expect this work to have been finished before I get back. -Look sharp, then, and get that route clear. We have -fooled with that boy too long already."</p> - -<p class='c008'>There was no address nor signature to this obscure -message, while the writing was in a hand unknown to -Little Snap.</p> - -<p class='c008'>He read it over several times, and then examined -the coat more closely.</p> - -<p class='c008'>No other paper was found, but when he had finished -his survey of the garment he exclaimed:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I have seen that jacket before, I am sure. I have it! -It was on Pewee Burrnock's back!</p> - -<p class='c008'>"How about this letter. It is evident I am the one -that is meant. Ha! I have a clew in regard to that, -though I never saw that handwriting before. It looks as -if the writer was trying to disguise his hand. That -paper is just like that Mr. Rimmon and Mr. Warfield -used in making out my bail, but I don't know which -furnished it."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_234'>234</span>The hoof strokes of a horse caused the postboy to -look up, when he discovered a horseman approaching -from the direction of Salt Works.</p> - -<p class='c008'>A second look showed him that it was Austin Goings.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I hoped I had seen the last of him. But I don't believe -I will let him see this coat."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap quickly decided to conceal the garment -under his saddle, and he had just accomplished this purpose -as the horseman rode up.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Hello, Mr. Lewis! I am glad to meet you again. I -have heard of your adventure here, and I could not refrain -from riding down to see the place. Particularly as -I hoped to have the pleasure of your company back."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap was remounting his horse, and he made -no reply to the speech.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mr. Goings was extravagant in his praises of the postboy's -ride for life.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It must have been a thrilling situation. At Salt -Works, where the whole account is known, they look -upon you as a hero."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"But you seem to be in a hurry to move on, so I -won't detain you. We can talk as we ride along."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I am two hours behind time," said Little Snap.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_235'>235</span>"But no one can blame you for that, under the circumstances. -They should reward you for heroic conduct -instead."</p> - -<p class='c008'>The postboy making no reply to this, nothing farther -was said, until, as they were leaving Tripping Waters -Valley they met a party from Salt Works going down -to view the scene of the flood.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap had to speak briefly to them, but he hardly -stopped his horse.</p> - -<p class='c008'>At the post office he was again plied with questions, -all of which he answered as briefly as possible.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I suppose you are anxious to get on toward home," -said the postmaster. "I don't blame you. Before you -get along to-morrow we will fix up the road as best -we can for you, though it will be some time before it -will be in the condition it was this morning. I see that -Goings is intending to ride up with you."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes; do you know anything of him?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Not a thing; supposed he was a friend of yours. As -near as I can make, he is looking after the political -interests of Colonel Warfield, though he is doing it on -the sly."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_236'>236</span>"He didn't speak very favorably of Mr. Warfield to -me as we were coming down this morning."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It's a funny way he has of drawing people out. All -the same, he is working his best for Warfield. There is -going to be a mass meeting here soon."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Without stopping to say more, Little Snap left the -office to find Mr. Goings waiting for him at the door.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Springing into the saddle, the postboy resumed his -journey at a pace which made it impossible for his companion -to keep up a conversation, until they came in -sight of the live oak, where Old Solitaire was wont to be -seen.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap discovered him as soon as he came in sight -of the place, and the next moment his companion exclaimed:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Look! what old duffer is that!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Has my letter come to-day?" came the old, familiar -question, while the squirrels suddenly stopped their nimble -movements, and began to chatter as if with fear.</p> - -<p class='c008'>It may have been the sight of the strange horseman -which had alarmed them.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The old hermit himself was eying the latter closely, -as Little Snap gave his oft-repeated reply.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_237'>237</span>"I am sorry to trouble you," said the disappointed man, -"but I have waited so long. Take this to her, and I am -certain that to-morrow I shall get my letter."</p> - -<p class='c008'>The postboy took the proffered missive, and he and -Mr. Goings were about to ride on, when the hermit -suddenly stepped in front of the latter, saying:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Who is this who rides with you to-day Postboy of -the Kanawha?"</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_238'>238</span> - <h2 class='c002'>CHAPTER XXXII.<br />THE NEWS THAT REACHED HOME.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c007'>"A friend, old man. Stand aside and let me pass," -said Austin Goings, quickly.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Does he speak the truth, boy?" demanded Old Solitaire, -catching hold of the rein of the stranger's horse.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Indeed, uncle, I do not know," admitted Little Snap, -frankly, surprised nearly as much as his companion at -this interference. "He asked my company this morning, -and we rode to Salt Works together. He has appeared -friendly."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You do wrong to trust any man at this time. Stranger, -you will tarry with me while the boy rides on."</p> - -<p class='c008'>An exclamation of displeasure left Austin Goings' lips, -and he struck his horse smartly, intending to break the -animal from the old man's grasp.</p> - -<p class='c008'>But the hermit's hold proved stronger than might have -been expected, for the struggling horse failed to clear -itself from the hand laid on its bit.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Let go that rein, old man!" cried the aroused rider, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_239'>239</span>"or I shall forget your years and lay violent hands on -you."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Ride on, Dix!" ordered Old Solitaire. "I will look -after this man."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Fearing that the opposition might end in more serious -trouble, the postboy hesitated. If the two men should -come to blows, he felt certain this Austin Goings would -handle the old hermit roughly.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I do not think he means me any harm, uncle. I will -look out for myself."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"He has no business here with you," said the hermit. -"Man, if you are honest, go back the way whence you -have come."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Who are you who dares to interfere with my conduct?" -demanded the other, sharply.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Were I to tell you, you would still be as ignorant as -I am concerning your identity. Let the boy go on in -peace. When he has been gone ten minutes you shall -follow if you wish."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Austin Goings looked from the speaker to the astonished -postboy, and then back to the old hermit, the squirrels -all the while keeping up a continuous chattering, as -they ran excitedly to and fro.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_240'>240</span>Finally he said:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It may be best to humor the old man, Dix Lewis; -so ride on, and I will abide his pleasure. I will not harm -him, neither shall he me."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap was impatient to go on, and though not -without some misgivings, he resumed his tedious journey -toward Kanawha Narrows.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Looking back as he turned an angle in the road, the -last that he saw of the singular twain they had not -moved.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Old Solitaire was still holding the stranger's horse -by the bit, while the horseman was gazing intently at -him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It all beats me!" thought Little Snap. "I don't see as -I can do any better than to keep on. I think Old Solitaire -is able to take care of himself. At any rate, Tom, -you and I have evidently all we can look after."</p> - -<p class='c008'>The postboy found that the account of the flood in -Tripping Waters Valley had preceded him to Greenbrier, -and the postmistress asked him for the full particulars.</p> - -<p class='c008'>What a ride that must have been, Dix! I don't see -how you escaped. But have you heard," she continued, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_241'>241</span>lowering her voice to a whisper, "that any one was concerned -in the affair. I mean that any one had tampered -with the dam?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No, Miss Grass. I hope no one has that fearful work -to answer for."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"And you neither saw nor heard of any one at the time -or after?" she asked, unheeding his words.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I saw no one, Budd. Neither did I hear any one. -Have you heard that any one was concerned in it?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Oh, no. That was one of my foolish questions."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap had made up his mind not to mention the -finding of Pewee Burrnock's coat until he had met Mr. -Rimmon, so he said nothing of it, but took the mail -pouch and left the office.</p> - -<p class='c008'>As might have been expected, knowing the man as he -did, he found the Hollow Tree office closed, and for a -wonder, no one was around its door.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In this case the postboy could do no better than to -carry the mail belonging here on to the next place.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I suppose Mr. Shag will try and make me trouble -because I am late. But in this case I have a reasonable -excuse, I think."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Of course it was now an hour after dark, and though -<span class='pageno' id='Page_242'>242</span>he was urging Tom on at more than his usual pace, he -could not manage to get in at Six Roads until after the -hour of closing the post office.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Riding at the gait he was following it was not likely -that Mr. Goings would overtake him, supposing the -latter should follow him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>But Little Snap was within half a mile of Daring's -Diamond, when he heard the sound of a horseman, who, -he fancied at first, was pursuing him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In a moment the rider came into view from ahead, -however, and he was not long in recognizing Sammy -mounted on Fairy!</p> - -<p class='c008'>At sight of him his brother stopped, when our hero -exclaimed:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why, Sam Lewis! What has brought you here?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>The little fellow was so excited and out of breath that -it was some time before he could speak.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Then he gasped in an almost inaudible tone:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Where—where have you been, Dix?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why, on my way home, of course. What has happened?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Everything bad! We heard that you had been killed. -Mother—father!"</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_243'>243</span>Then, overcome by the ordeal through which he had -passed, Sammy fell forward on Fairy's neck in a faint, -and he would have fallen to the ground had not Little -Snap caught hold of him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"What can have happened?" exclaimed the postboy, -as he took the limp figure in his arms.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_244'>244</span> - <h2 class='c002'>CHAPTER XXXIII.<br />THE GATHERING STORM.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c007'>It seemed a long time to the anxious postboy before -his brother opened his eyes.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I found you, Dix," he said. "I told mother I would -if she would let me go on Fairy."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"What has happened, Sammy?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I don't know just what it is, Dix; but mother has -been crying all the afternoon. She got a letter somehow, -saying that you had been killed, and that if she and father -valued their lives, to move out of Six Roads before to-morrow -morning. Then, when you did not come, she -was sure you had been killed, and she is nearly crazy."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, it is not as bad as she thought, for you see I -am as well as ever. Now let us hasten home as fast as -we can, so as to relieve her suspense."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Sammy having fully recovered his usual self by this -time, he remounted Fairy, and, side by side, the brothers -galloped on toward Daring's Diamond.</p> - -<p class='c008'>It had been Little Snap's idea to have his brother ride -<span class='pageno' id='Page_245'>245</span>on, to get home as soon as possible, while he stopped to -have the mail sorted.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Tell mother I am all right, and that I will be along -as soon as possible. Let Fairy go at her best."</p> - -<p class='c008'>With Sammy's good-night ringing in his ears, Little -Snap dashed up in front of the post office, where he was -met by an excited crowd.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The postmaster was just locking the door of his store, -in which he kept the post office.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Here he comes, as true as you live!" said the well-known -voice of Morton Meiggs.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You have done your worst to-night, it seems, Mr. -Lewis," he added, turning to the postboy.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"The mail, Mr. Anderson," said Little Snap, paying -no heed to the words of Meiggs.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"The hour is past for me to keep the office open," replied -that official, "and I refuse to accept the mail pouch -unless you can show proper reason for coming in at this -late hour."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That's it, Anderson; stand up for your rights," interposed -Meiggs. "We will soon know how long we -have got to put up with this treatment. I expected letters -to-night, which it is dollars' damage to me not to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_246'>246</span>get before this time. But, as I said, we shall soon know -how much longer Uncle Sam is going to permit this way -of doing business."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap waited until Meiggs had finished speaking, -when he said to the postmaster:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Mr. Anderson, if you have heard of the terrible disaster -in Tripping Waters Valley to-day, you know I -have sufficient reason for coming in late. If you have -not heard of it, you will in due season. Will you take the -mail or not?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Bring it in," was the curt reply.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It does not belong to me to do that. I have brought -it as far as the law requires me to. I will wait here -the allotted seven minutes; if at the end of that time you -have not sorted the mail, I shall go on to the next office."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Bully for you, Little Snap!" cried some one from the -crowd.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Without speaking, the postmaster stepped down from -the step and took the pouch, to carry it into the office.</p> - -<p class='c008'>A part of the crowd followed him into the building, -Meiggs among the rest.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap was beginning to get impatient over the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_247'>247</span>long time the postmaster was taking in sorting the mail, -when the latter appeared at the door.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Look here, Lewis! There are letters missing. I -have advice that there were a certain number of registered -letters in the mail, and five are not here. How do -you account for that?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I do not know, Mr. Anderson. Why should you -expect me to know?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"For the very best reason in the world!" broke in -Meiggs. "The reason that you know about their loss -and where they are."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Is the pouch ready for me, Mr. Anderson?" asked -the postboy. "The time is up."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Hear the impudence!" again broke in Meiggs. "Are -you going to let him bluff you like this, Anderson?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I don't understand it," admitted the postmaster, hesitating -in his manner. "You must be knowing to this."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Are you going to let me have that mail, or must I go -on without it?" asked Little Snap.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"How is it the Tree mail has not been taken out?" -asked Mr. Anderson.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"The office was closed when I came along, and I -<span class='pageno' id='Page_248'>248</span>could do no better than to bring its mail along. I will -leave it in the morning."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I should think you would—after you have had a -night to look it over."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I don't see as I can do any better than to let him -have the bag," said Mr. Anderson.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Do so, and you will lose your own head," cried -Meiggs. "This has gone as far as it is going. I understand -two of those missing letters were for me. I want -my letters. Now, Mr. Lewis, give up those letters, or -you don't leave this yard."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I should like to see you stop me," replied Little -Snap. "I know my footing, and, for the last time, I demand -that mail pouch, Mr. Anderson. I am needed at -home at this very moment. I have enough to contend -with outside of those who should be my supporters."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap showed by his tone that he was in earnest, -and as he concluded, the postmaster threw the pouch -across Tom's withers, saying:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Where is the man who went down with you?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Coming on the road now, as far as I know. Come, -Tom, we must get home."</p> - -<p class='c008'>At that moment Morton Meiggs stepped forward to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_249'>249</span>catch hold of the bridle rein, motioning to some of his -followers to surround the postboy.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Stand back, sir! I warn you to get out of my pathway."</p> - -<p class='c008'>He touched Tom lightly as he spoke, when the horse -bounded forward at a smart canter, sending Meiggs reeling -backward to the ground.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Without farther interference Little Snap rode on -toward Six Roads.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I wonder what has come over Mr. Anderson," he -thought. "And I am more puzzled than ever for the -disappearance of those letters—if any are gone this time. -It don't look now as if Dan Shag had a hand in it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>In consideration of the fact that he had been more -than commonly on the watch on this trip, it was no wonder -he felt more than ever anxious.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Then the thought of the trouble at home drove the -matter from his mind for the time.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Sammy Lewis must have urged Fairy on at a -rattling pace, for Little Snap did not overtake him, until -as the latter was turning up at the post office, he saw his -brother riding up the street toward their home.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_250'>250</span>"Is Mr. Rimmon in the office?" asked the postboy, as -he handed over the mail pouch to the clerk.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No; he left town this forenoon, and we do not expect -him back for two or three days. How is it you are so -late to-night, Dix? Some of them have been raising a -great hurrah because you have not come before. I told -them there must be good reasons for your delay. What -has happened?"</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_251'>251</span> - <h2 class='c002'>CHAPTER XXXIV.<br />LITTLE SNAP FINDS A CLEW.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c007'>In his anxiety to get home, Little Snap did not stop -to answer the clerk's question, other than to say:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I will tell you all about it in the morning. I am -sorry Mr. Rimmon is not here."</p> - -<p class='c008'>This fact was a great disappointment to him, and he -did not know of any one else to whom he cared to -divulge what he had learned.</p> - -<p class='c008'>But before he did anything else he must know what -had taken place at home, which he reached a minute -later.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Sammy had already dismounted from the panting -Fairy, and was explaining to his mother what he had -done.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why, here he comes, mother! He got here almost -as quick as I did."</p> - -<p class='c008'>At sight of Dix, Mrs. Lewis ran forward to meet -him.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_252'>252</span>"Oh, my son, where have you been? They said you -were dead, and I have suffered untold agony."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"But you see I am safe and sound, mother, so cheer -up. I got belated on my downward trip, that is all. -Has anything new taken place since I went away?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Let Sammy take care of the horses, Dix. Come into -the house; I have something I want to say to you."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Has father been at home to-day?" asked Little Snap, -as he followed his mother into the house.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes; he was here nearly all of the forenoon. He took -Gyp and went away about half-past twelve. I have never -seen him so strange appearing. He walked the floor -nearly all of the time, and he kept talking to himself. -Oh, Dix, I am worried to death. He had hardly left -the house, before this piece of paper was thrown into -the window. I did not see who brought it. You can -read it yourself."</p> - -<p class='c008'>This was what the postboy read:</p> - -<p class='c010'>"<span class='sc'>Mr. John Lewis</span>: You are advised to leave Union -Six Roads as soon as possible—you and your family. -That boy of yours will be dead before you get this. A -word to you ought to be sufficient."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Like the message Little Snap had found in Pewee -<span class='pageno' id='Page_253'>253</span>Burrnock's coat pocket, there was neither address nor -signature to the note.</p> - -<p class='c008'>He saw, too, that the handwriting and the kind of -paper were the same as the other.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I will keep this, mother," he said, folding the sheet -and putting it into his pocket. "Do you know what -called Mr. Rimmon out of town to-day? It must have -been something of importance, or he would have told -me."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I don't know, my son, though Sammy has heard -some startling stories about town in regard to him. -Here comes Sammy; he can tell you. I have been too -worried to think of anything."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Mr. Rimmon has failed!" said Sammy, who had -heard enough of his brother's question to reply. "They -say his accounts at the post office are short, and that he -has gone off with all of the money he could get hold of. -He has beat Johnson Jewett out of two thousand dollars."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Hold on, Sam Lewis! That can't be true!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It is; everybody says so."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It seems to me, my son, that we have enough to think -of at home without troubling ourselves about Mr. Rimmon, -or any one else."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_254'>254</span>"So we have, mother, but Mr. Rimmon's troubles -concern us. At least, I have depended on his help to -meet these enemies of ours. I am at a loss to know -who could have sent that message, but I am sure no -harm will come of it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why should they say you were dead, Dix?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It's all a mystery, mother, and I will confess that the -worst part of it is, I don't seem near to a solution."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"What shall we do?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"There is but one thing we can do, mother; and that -is to keep our eyes and ears open, and go along about -our business."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I should feel better if your father was in a different -state of mind."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Can you not think of any possible reason for his -present condition? He was not always so."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Indeed he was not. John Lewis was considered one -of the likeliest young men in Munroe County when I -married him. I wish we had always stayed there. But -he thought he could better his fortune by emigrating to -Boone Lick."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"How long did you live there?"</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_255'>255</span>"Three years. You were a baby when we came away."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Didn't father do as well as he had expected?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No; and, besides, he got into trouble with a family -by the name of Raggles, and——"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"What was the first name of that man, mother?" asked -Little Snap, showing excitement.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I never knew exactly, but I think it was Nick. I -know there was a big family."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Did you ever hear of an Absalom Raggles?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I have heard your father speak the name. I think -he was a cousin of the others."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Did father ever have trouble with him?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Never, that I know of. Hark! I believe there is -some one at the door."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It is a noise at the barn. I must go out and see if -Sammy has cared for the horses properly. It has been -a hard day for them. Come, cheer up, mother, and it -will come out all right."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"But aren't you going to eat any supper?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"When I come in, perhaps. To speak the truth, I am -not hungry."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap talked until late in the night with his -mother, and when they retired both felt in better spirits.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_256'>256</span>"At last I have got a clew," he said to himself. "I -can't realize it, but it looks as if Ab Raggles had something -to do with all this trouble. Just now I am bothered -to know what these stories mean about Mr. Rimmon."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Though he did not sleep much, Little Snap was on -hand at the post office the following morning, where he -found a large crowd of men collected.</p> - -<p class='c008'>He noticed prominent among them Sheriff Brady and -Justice Claverton, who nodded their heads and whispered -something to each other at sight of him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I have heard it threatened that this shall be your -last trip," said the post office clerk, as he handed the -mail pouch to the postboy.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"What do these stories mean that we hear about Mr. -Rimmon?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I don't know. Of course, I do not believe them. -He was called away very suddenly, and it was something -in regard to the post office. I believe there is a -government detective somewhere around, looking into -the trouble. All the things make the people talk. I -wanted to tell you last night that another complaint has -been sent in by Claverton and the others."</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_257'>257</span> - <h2 class='c002'>CHAPTER XXXV.<br />THE TRUTH AT LAST.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c007'>Little Snap, without stopping to reply, sprang into -the saddle and dashed away, meeting no one until he -reached Daring's Diamond.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I owe you an apology, Dix," was the postmaster's -greeting, as he came down the steps to meet him. "Since -you were here last evening I have heard of your thrilling -experience with that runaway river, and I hope you -will forgive me for speaking as I did. You deserve -special reward for your bravery, and you are going to -get it, too."</p> - -<p class='c008'>To the postboy's surprise, a dozen others pressed -around him, with kind words of praise.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"What is that we hear about Mr. Rimmon?" asked -Mr. Anderson. "Of course, I don't believe the stories, -and Jason Warfield's friends are making a mistake in -circulating them. By the way, boys, I suppose you all -know there is to be a big rally here to-night for the ambitious -<span class='pageno' id='Page_258'>258</span>colonel. He is to address the people on the issues -of the day, as he calls them."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Have you found anything of those missing letters?" -asked Little Snap.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Not a sign. That beats me. It is the first time we -have lost anything here. But the culprit is sure to be -found out soon."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Then, stepping nearer to the postboy, he whispered:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"There's a government detective somewhere in these -parts. But mum's the word."</p> - -<p class='c008'>His spirits still in the ascendant, Little Snap pursued -his way, to be met at the Hollow Tree with an altogether -different reception.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"'Pears to me yer stock of imperdence is equal to yer -rascality," said Shag, who was sitting in the doorway, -smoking a black clay pipe.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Here is the mail pouch, Mr. Shag. You were not -here last evening, so I could not leave yesterday's up -mail."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"The rules and regulations don't say I shall keep the -offis open all night to 'commodate a postman who comes -erlong when he's a mind to."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_259'>259</span>"You knew well enough I would come as soon as circumstances -would permit."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I know a mighty sight better thet ye won't hev a -chance to repeat yer slipshod way o' doin' bizness arter -to-day. Put thet in yer pipe an' smoke it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Having delivered this speech, Mr. Shag entered his -humble office to sort the mail, followed by Little Snap, -who had firmly decided to watch every postmaster on -the route as he handled the mail.</p> - -<p class='c008'>When Shag had clumsily gone through with his examination, -he handed the pouch back to the postboy -without comment.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Though plied with questions, Little Snap made his -trip without any incident worth recording, until he got -back to Salt Works, when he was met with the surprising -statement:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"What does this mean, Dix Lewis? Here is a letter -directed to 'Old Solitaire, care of Dix Lewis.'"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Unable to credit his ears, Little Snap leaned forward -so he could read the address. There was no mistake, -though he could hardly believe it.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It's for the old man, sure," said the postmaster. "At -last his long-looked-for letter has come."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_260'>260</span>"Yes, and I am so glad. I will take it to him, Mr. -Rawson."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Never had Little Snap watched for the old hermit as -he did that day, while he climbed the ascent leading to -the live oak.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"He is there! I wonder what he will say? I hope he -will let me know the message it brings.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Hurrah, Uncle Solitaire!" he cried, the next moment, -rising in his seat and waving the missive over his head; -"it has come at last!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Somehow, he was disappointed at the calm manner in -which the other took the letter.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"All things come to the patient, and I knew it would -come some time. Please accept my thanks, Postboy of -the Kanawha, and if you do not find me at my post to-morrow, -you shall meet me elsewhere."</p> - -<p class='c008'>With these words he turned away, and Little Snap had -nothing to do but to ride on.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Who can it have been from, and does it contain good -news or bad? I would give considerable to know. What -could he have meant by saying I might see him elsewhere?"</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_261'>261</span>Busy in his mind over such reflections, the postboy -safely passed the wildest part of his long journey, to -come into Greenbrier on time.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well," said Budd Grass, the postmistress, as she took -the pouch from his hands, "I judge by your promptness -that you have got through to-day without trouble."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No trouble; but I have got a bit of news to tell. -Uncle Solitaire has got his letter at last."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You don't say! How I would like to look over his -shoulder while he reads it. I have always felt a strange -interest in that man. There is a new book on the shelf -near you. Perhaps you would like to look it over while -I am sorting the mail. I find it is terribly tedious to wait -in idleness."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap took the book, as she had suggested, but -while apparently scanning its pages, he stood so his gaze -did not leave her.</p> - -<p class='c008'>No postmaster on the route had escaped his scrutiny -so far, and he was determined that even the fair Budd -Grass should not escape. More than that, he was resolved -to be doubly vigilant, for it had at last dawned -<span class='pageno' id='Page_262'>262</span>upon his mind that at this office he had more reason for -suspicion than at any other.</p> - -<p class='c008'>It so happened that no one was in sight, a fact that he -regretted.</p> - -<p class='c008'>With deft fingers the postmistress ran through the -several pieces of mail matter, until the postboy's heart -fairly stopped its beating, as he saw a letter thrust dextrously -up one of her flowing sleeves.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Scarcely had this letter disappeared before it was followed -by another!</p> - -<p class='c008'>Still turning the leaves of the book, Little Snap stood -there and saw her secrete four letters in that same roomy -receptacle.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Then she calmly closed the pouch, and fastened the -strap as she had done hundreds of times before.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap felt a peculiar feeling of wonder and pity -steal over him as he realized what his discovery meant. -But as she started to hand him the pouch, he exclaimed, -sharply:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Hold, Budd Grass! You move at the peril of your -life!"</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_263'>263</span>Her countenance suddenly lost its color, as she asked, -in a husky voice:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"What do you mean, Dix Lewis?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Just what I say, Miss Grass. You are not to move -until I tell you that you may!"</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_264'>264</span> - <h2 class='c002'>CHAPTER XXXVI.<br />OLD SOLITAIRE'S SECRET.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c007'>The postmistress turned still paler as Little Snap resolutely -faced her, and the mail bag fell from her hand.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You are trying to frighten me, Dix," she said, but the -sound of footsteps at the door caused her to leave the -sentence unfinished, while a wild, desperate look came -into her eyes.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The newcomer was Austin Goings.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Whew! what is the trouble, Dix Lewis?" he asked.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I wish you would call in Mr. Renders as soon as possible."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"What! have you caught the thief, my boy?" asked -Mr. Goings, as his countenance lightened. "In that case, -I am more capable of helping you than Mr. Renders. I -am post office inspector, and I am here with full authority -to arrest whomever I find has been tampering with Uncle -Sam's property. What is your charge against this -woman, Dix Lewis?"</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_265'>265</span>"She has four letters in her sleeve, and I have reason -to——"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It's a mistake!" she broke in, excitedly. "If there -are any letters in my sleeve they got there by accident. -They are large—oh, my Lord, there are!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>The last exclamation was called forth by the sudden -appearance of the concealed mail as she held her arm so -the sleeve was turned downward.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Austin Goings was already entering the private office, -when she turned to him with an agonizing look, saying:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Don't arrest me, sir! It was an accident."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"If it was, you shall have ample time to prove it. But -for the present, Miss Grass, you must consider yourself -my prisoner."</p> - -<p class='c008'>By that time a crowd had begun to collect about the -office, among the rest Mr. Renders, to whom the inspector -said:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I shall have to put the office in your charge for a -short time, Mr. Renders."</p> - -<p class='c008'>As may be imagined, the arrest was causing great -wonder.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Have you made any farther discovery, Dix?" asked -Mr. Goings of the postboy.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_266'>266</span>"No, sir."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"This was a good day's work, my boy. I hope you -will excuse all uneasiness I may have caused you, but -to carry out my purpose it was best no one should know -my identity. Mr. Calvert assured me you were all right, -but I wished to prove it to my own satisfaction. If you -will wait long enough for me to put this prisoner under -proper care, I will ride up with you."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Hardly able to comprehend the strange turn of affairs, -Little Snap gladly waited until the inspector could join -him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"She takes her arrest hard," said the latter. "Mark -my word, she will soon make a confession, and if we -don't get the gang before, we shall have no trouble in -hunting them down now. You have earned a good reward."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"She was the last one I suspected," said Little Snap. -"She always seemed so friendly, but yesterday I felt sure -the trouble was there."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, I came in the nick of time to see the fun. Calvert -claimed that you could handle them, only give you -time. But the government has had so many complaints -<span class='pageno' id='Page_267'>267</span>lately that it thought it was best to investigate. None -of us dreamed that you were so well assisted."</p> - -<p class='c008'>They were still talking about the arrest of Budd Grass, -when they came in sight of Hollow Tree, to see a dozen -mounted men in front of the place.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I sent some of the boys on ahead, for we have got to -pay Blazed Acre a visit. Hello! what is up?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Ab Raggles had suddenly appeared upon the scene, -looking more uncouth and haggard than ever. His -clothing was torn almost in shreds, and his hands and -face were bleeding from several scratches and cuts.</p> - -<p class='c008'>He seemed to see no one but Little Snap, to whom he -cried:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Come with me, Dix Lewis, to Greenbrier Cave."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"What is it?" asked the postboy.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Oh, such doings! They have got 'em all fast in th' -cave. You must come to once—you an' the rest."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"But what is wanted?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I can't tell you. Your father sent me. It's 'em Raggles-Burrnocks, -an' yer father's there with the rest!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap afterward declared that was the most terrible -moment of his life. In an instant his discovery in -the cave flashed through his mind. The brief rejoicing -<span class='pageno' id='Page_268'>268</span>he had felt the moment before to think that his troubles -were near an end, were now more than counterbalanced -by the feeling of dread that crept over his soul.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Let us get there as soon as possible," said Mr. Goings. -"I half expected something of this kind. You can -go with us, Dix. I will be responsible—hello! here -comes Calvert himself. He will take charge of the mail -until we get back. I calculate there will be no complaining -if you do not get in late to-night, with the news that -you will bring."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap could make no reply to these hurried -words, and all too soon it seemed to him they were ready -to start toward the cave, Ab Raggles leading the way.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Reckon you fellers will hev an easy time o' it a baggin' -th' game some one else has nabbed fer ye."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Fast are they?" asked Mr. Goings.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I should say so. He's got 'em shut up in th' cave—every -galoot o' 'em. Jess fixed a rock so es to slide it -down over the hole thet led inter the place. Then, when -they was all in he shot th' stone on."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Ha! there's th' old duffer now, a-waitin' for us!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>They had got in sight of the cave, and sure enough, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_269'>269</span>on the summit of the rock overlying the place stood the -figure of the victor, as described by Ab Raggles.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap looked up to recognize Old Solitaire!</p> - -<p class='c008'>The old hermit's garb was sadly disarranged, and the -flowing white beard and hair were hanging on one side -of his head, presenting a ridiculous appearance!</p> - -<p class='c008'>"We came as soon as we could, Mr. Lewis," said the -inspector.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No need to fret, Mr. Goings, for I have them as safe -as a squirrel in a box trap."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap started at the sound of that voice, and then -as he looked closer, he cried:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Father! father!"</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_270'>270</span> - <h2 class='c002'>CHAPTER XXXVII.<br />CONCLUSION.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c007'>He whom the postboy had known simply as Old Solitaire -tore off the balance of his disguise, and, rushing -to Dix's side, said:</p> - -<p class='c008'>Thank God, my son, for this hour. I will tell you all -when we get home. But now we must look after our -prisoners."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Did you have any trouble in catching them?" asked -Mr. Goings.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"None after I had overpowered the guard. You will -find him on the shelf below. When I had secured him, -I slipped the rock down over the mouth, and there they -were. They have been doing some tall growling, but -they seem quiet now."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"How had we better get at them?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Let all of us get down in front of the place, and -when we have moved the stone enough, tell them to -come out one by one. The passage isn't wide enough to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_271'>271</span>admit of more than one at a time, and I think they are -glad enough to get out by this time."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Acting upon this suggestion, in less than half an hour -it had been found that the imprisoned men were willing -to come forth upon the terms proposed.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Then, the inspector and his men standing in readiness -to receive the outlaws, they were commanded to appear -one at a time.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Attempt to make a rush and we will shoot you down -like dogs."</p> - -<p class='c008'>The first man to come forth was Bird Burrnock, and -he was followed by his sons, Hawk and Buzzard.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The appearance of the fourth created a sensation.</p> - -<p class='c008'>It was Jason Warfield!</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I can explain this," he said, with some of his oldtime -independence.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"So he can explain," said Mr. Lewis; "but that explanation -will send him to State's prison for life."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Four other men were captured—all of them belonging -to the inhabitants of Blazed Acre.</p> - -<p class='c008'>With what talk and wonder the return to Hollow -Tree was made my readers may imagine.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I think there will be no more trouble," said Inspector -<span class='pageno' id='Page_272'>272</span>Goings, "though I can claim small share in the honor of -the victory."</p> - -<p class='c008'>During the ride to Daring's Diamond, where the prisoners -were to be left for safe keeping, the wonderful -surprises of the recent developments of affairs were -talked over and discussed.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The following facts were then learned by those who -had not dreamed of them before, though I cannot do better -than to let Mr. Lewis tell them in his own words:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You wonder, my son, more than the others, perhaps, -my reason for being in this disguise. To explain it -I must go back to the days when I lived in Boone Lick, -and you were nothing more than a prattling babe.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"There I incurred the lifelong enmity of a numerous -family by the name of Raggles, Nicholas Raggles being -at the head of the crowd. In a hand-to-hand fight with -three of them one day I was nearly killed, and it was -years before I fully recovered from the effects of that -blow.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"As soon as I was able I removed to Six Roads to live, -my old home. You may judge of my surprise, when I -found myself soon afterward followed by one of my -enemies. But he came under another name, and, throwing -<span class='pageno' id='Page_273'>273</span>off the ways of his father, he aspired to move among -the better class of people.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I hoped he had forgotten, or overlooked, his ill feeling -toward me, and I think I should not have been -troubled by him had not the rest of his relatives come -after him, to settle nearby, but under names not their -own. I felt all this boded me ill, so I put myself on my -guard.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I need not tell you now that the first of those to follow -me was he you have known as Jason Warfield. The -others were the Burrnocks, of Blazed Acre.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"But I had no open trouble with them, no doubt partly -because they considered me an imbecile, until you began -to carry the mail of the Kanawha. At almost that very -time they planned their systematic scheme of robbery, -aided and abetted by Trencher Raggles, known to you -as Jason Warfield.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Then it was that I conceived the idea of assuming -the disguise of the hermit, in order to watch over you -and to lay some trap whereby I might bring my enemies -to justice. Later I joined them under another disguise -to learn their secrets, but they proved too wily for a long -time.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_274'>274</span>"When this stranger, whom we now know as Mr. Goings, -appeared, I was puzzled, and I stopped him as I -did below the Narrows. When you were beyond hearing, -he and I soon came to an understanding, and have -worked together since.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"He sent me the letter I got to-day, apprising me that -the time to strike at the cave had come. To explain how -I could get back and forth so quickly and readily, I would -say that I found a passage through the mountain which -served me an admirable purpose.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"With all that I knew of the Raggles, I will confess -that I had not had any suspicions against the postmistress -of Greenbrier, but now I believe her to be connected -with the Raggles', if not to be one of them.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You must pardon me for the way in which I have -deceived even you. I considered it would be safest, -though I have often had hard work to keep from betraying -my secret. It is over at last, I am thankful to say, -and I am sure that I am myself as of yore."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"How glad mother will be," Little Snap exclaimed. "I -can hardly believe it all."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"A good job of work has been done," said Mr. Goings. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_275'>275</span>"By the way, Dix, had you missed the postmaster -of Hollow Tree?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I did when I came back from the cave. I had not before."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"He has gone on ahead of us under an escort, though -I do not believe we shall prove anything against him. -He was more of a tool in the hands of our political -friend ahead. His audience will be somewhat surprised, -I anticipate. Fool! he might have succeeded had he followed -the right road."</p> - -<p class='c008'>The surprise at Six Roads was only equaled by the -joy of those most interested in the events as our party -reached that place.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mr. Rimmon was on hand to welcome our hero, and -none showed greater pleasure outside of those at home.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Here were many tears of joy wept that night, and as -long as they lived, the family would never forget that -occasion.</p> - -<p class='c008'>And now, with a few words of explanation, we must -bid them farewell.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Old Solitaire's part has, no doubt, been sufficiently described. -It will be remembered that he appeared only -in the afternoons, and immediately after Little Snap -<span class='pageno' id='Page_276'>276</span>passed him he would cross the mountain to be on the -watch on the other side.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Ab Raggles, though a cousin to Bird, was not in sympathy -with the other, and he afterward, with such help -as was given him for the part he acted in the capture, -became quite a respectable citizen. In regard to the postboy's -adventure the night he came over the mountain on -horseback, he was thrown from Jack's back by a wire -having been stung across the path by the Burrnocks.</p> - -<p class='c008'>She who was known as Budd Grass confessed to the -entire plot of the Raggles' of whom she proved to be a -sister. She had stolen all of the mail, and either put it -into Little Snap's saddle pocket when he was not looking, -or secreted it in the tree where Shag once found it.</p> - -<p class='c008'>She, with her relatives, had to pay the penalty of -wrongdoing.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Trencher Raggles, alias Jason Warfield, received the -severest punishment of them all, though he was more -talented and had higher aspirations than the others. His -downfall was a startling surprise to the citizens of Six -Roads.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The Clavertons and Morton Meiggs, who had been -tools of his, disappeared soon after his arrest.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_277'>277</span>As Mr. Goings had said, nothing could be proved -against Dan Shag, so he was allowed his freedom, though -he was postmaster of Hollow Tree no longer. In fact, -that office was discontinued at once, and to-day not a -house stands where once existed Blazed Acre "City."</p> - -<p class='c008'>It was found that the Burrnocks had caused the -breakage in the dam of Tripping Waters, and in that -awful undertaking Pewee lost his life. The note found -by Little Snap in his pocket was written by Jason Warfield.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Of course, the stories told of Mr. Rimmon were false, -and he remained the postboy's friend as long as he lived.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Marion Calvert obtained the office of congressman, -and he served his constituents with entire satisfaction.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mr. Lewis had fully recovered from his sufferings, -and he led a useful life.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Little Snap finished his term of carrying the mail -without further trouble. Here I wish to say that Warfield's -conduct toward him had been about what might -have been expected of a man in his situation. He had -pretended to help him for the name of it, while at the -same time he was plotting against him. I will say this -in his favor, which he claimed at his trial, that he would -<span class='pageno' id='Page_278'>278</span>have been a different man had it not been for his relatives -dragging him down. They knew his secret, and -were continually threatening to expose him if he did not -help them in their unlawful work.</p> - -<p class='c008'>When he finished carrying the mail our hero was assisted -to a more congenial occupation by Mr. Calvert, and -eventually became an honored citizen of the Old Dominion, -though he never did her a better service than -when he was known as Little Snap, the Postboy.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>THE END.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c003'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_279'>279</span>Did you like this story?</div> - <div class='line'>Yes? Then let us help</div> - <div class='line'>you to select another.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><i>Some of Street & Smith's</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>Books for Young People</i></div> - <div class='line'><i>by Popular Authors....</i></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>A COMPLETE LIST WILL BE SENT</div> - <div>.... UPON APPLICATION ....</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c003'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_280'>280</span>STREET & SMITH'S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c008'><b>BOOKS FOR BOYS.</b></p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>THE CREAM OF JUVENILE FICTION.</div> - <div class='c000'><span class='xxlarge'>Boys' Own Library.</span></div> - <div class='c000'>A selection of the best books written by</div> - <div>the most popular authors for boys.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>The titles in this splendid juvenile series have been selected -with care, and as a result all the stories can be relied upon for -their excellence. They are bright and sparkling, not overburdened -with lengthy descriptions, but brimful of adventure from the first -page to the last—in fact, they are just the kind of yarns that -appeal strongly to the healthy boy who is fond of thrilling exploits -and deeds of heroism. Among the authors whose names are included -in Boys' Own Library are Horatio Alger, Jr., Edward S. -Ellis, James Otis, Arthur M. Winfield and Frank H. Converse.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>Cloth, 135 titles. Illustrated. Attractive covers.</div> - <div>Price, per volume. . . . 75 cents.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>For sale by all booksellers, or sent, postpaid, on receipt of price -by the publishers. Street & Smith, 238 William St., New York City.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c003'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_281'>281</span>Boys' Own Library.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<table class='table1' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='50%' /> -<col width='50%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Adventures of a Telegraph Boy</td> - <td class='c012'>Horatio Alger, Jr.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Adventures of a Young Athlete</td> - <td class='c012'>Matthew White, Jr.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Arthur Helmuth</td> - <td class='c012'>Edward S. Ellis.</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Beach Boy Joe</td> - <td class='c012'>Lieut. James K. Orton.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Boats, Bats and Bicycles</td> - <td class='c012'>Ernest A. Young.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Bob Porter at Lakeview Academy</td> - <td class='c012'>Walter Morris.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Bound for Annapolis</td> - <td class='c012'>Ensign Clarke Fitch, U. S. N.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Boy Boomers</td> - <td class='c012'>Gilbert Patten.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Boy Cattle King</td> - <td class='c012'>Gilbert Patten.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Boy from the West</td> - <td class='c012'>Gilbert Patten.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Boys in the Forecastle</td> - <td class='c012'>George H. Coomer.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Butcher of Cawnpore</td> - <td class='c012'>William Murray Graydon.</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Cadet's Honor, A</td> - <td class='c012'>Lieut. Fred'k. Garrison, U. S. A.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Cadet Kit Carey</td> - <td class='c012'>Lieut. Lounsberry.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Camp in the Snow, The</td> - <td class='c012'>William Murray Graydon.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'><span class='pageno' id='Page_282'>282</span>Campaigning with Braddock</td> - <td class='c012'>William Murray Graydon.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Canoe and Camp-Fire</td> - <td class='c012'>St. George Rathborne.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Captain Carey</td> - <td class='c012'>Lieut. Lounsberry.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Centreboard Jim</td> - <td class='c012'>Henry Harrison Lewis.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Chased Through Norway</td> - <td class='c012'>James Otis.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Check Number 2134</td> - <td class='c012'>Edward S. Ellis.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Clif, the Naval Cadet</td> - <td class='c012'>Ensign Clarke Fitch, U. S. N.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Commodore Junk</td> - <td class='c012'>George Manville Fenn.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Cryptogram</td> - <td class='c012'>William Murray Graydon.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Cruise of the Training Ship</td> - <td class='c012'>Ensign Clarke Fitch, U. S. N.</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Dean Dunham</td> - <td class='c012'>Horatio Alger, Jr.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Dingo Boys</td> - <td class='c012'>George Manville Fenn.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Don Kirk's Mine</td> - <td class='c012'>Gilbert Patten.</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Ensign Merrill</td> - <td class='c012'>Henry Harrison Lewis.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Eric Dane</td> - <td class='c012'>Matthew White, Jr.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'><span class='pageno' id='Page_283'>283</span>Erie Train Boy</td> - <td class='c012'>Horatio Alger, Jr.</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Five Hundred Dollar Check</td> - <td class='c012'>Horatio Alger, Jr.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>For Home and Honor</td> - <td class='c012'>Victor St. Clair.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Frank Merriwell's Bravery</td> - <td class='c012'>Burt L. Standish.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Frank Merriwell Down South</td> - <td class='c012'>Burt L. Standish.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Frank Merriwell's Schooldays</td> - <td class='c012'>Burt L. Standish.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Frank Merriwell's Chums</td> - <td class='c012'>Burt L. Standish.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Frank Merriwell's Foes</td> - <td class='c012'>Burt L. Standish.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Frank Merriwell's Trip West</td> - <td class='c012'>Burt L. Standish.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>From Canal Boy to President</td> - <td class='c012'>Horatio Alger, Jr.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>From Farm Boy to Senator</td> - <td class='c012'>Horatio Alger, Jr.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>From Lake to Wilderness</td> - <td class='c012'>William Murray Graydon.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>From Switch to Lever</td> - <td class='c012'>Victor St. Clair.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>From Tent to White House</td> - <td class='c012'>Edward S. Ellis.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>From Port to Port</td> - <td class='c012'>Ensign Clarke Fitch, U. S. N.</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'><span class='pageno' id='Page_284'>284</span>Gay Dashleigh's Academy Days</td> - <td class='c012'>Arthur Sewell.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Giant Islanders</td> - <td class='c012'>Brooks McCormick.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Gilbert, the Trapper</td> - <td class='c012'>C. B. Ashley.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Gold of Flat Top Mountain</td> - <td class='c012'>Frank H. Converse.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Golden Magnet</td> - <td class='c012'>George Manville Fenn.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Golden Rock</td> - <td class='c012'>Edward S. Ellis.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Grand Chaco</td> - <td class='c012'>George Manville Fenn.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Gulf Cruisers, The</td> - <td class='c012'>St. George Rathborne.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Guy Hammersley</td> - <td class='c012'>Matthew White, Jr.</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Happy-Go-Lucky Jack</td> - <td class='c012'>Frank H. Converse.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Heir to a Million</td> - <td class='c012'>Frank H. Converse.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>How He Won</td> - <td class='c012'>Brooks McCormick.</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>In Barracks and Wigwam</td> - <td class='c012'>William Murray Graydon.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Inland Waterways</td> - <td class='c012'>James Otis.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>In Search of an Unknown Race</td> - <td class='c012'>Frank H. Converse.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'><span class='pageno' id='Page_285'>285</span>In Fort and Prison</td> - <td class='c012'>William Murray Graydon.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>In Southern Seas</td> - <td class='c012'>Frank H. Converse.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>In the Sunk Lands</td> - <td class='c012'>Walter F. Burns.</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Jack Wheeler</td> - <td class='c012'>Capt. David Southwick.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Jud and Joe</td> - <td class='c012'>Gilbert Patten.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Jungles and Traitors</td> - <td class='c012'>William Murray Graydon.</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>King of the Island</td> - <td class='c012'>Henry Harrison Lewis.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Kit Carey's Protégé</td> - <td class='c012'>Lieut. Lounsberry.</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Land of Mystery</td> - <td class='c012'>Edward S. Ellis.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Last Chance Mine</td> - <td class='c012'>Lieut. James K. Orton.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Lieut. Carey's Luck</td> - <td class='c012'>Lieut. Lounsberry.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Little Snap, the Postboy</td> - <td class='c012'>Victor St. Clair.</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Mark Dale's Stage Venture</td> - <td class='c012'>Arthur M. Winfield.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Mark Stanton</td> - <td class='c012'>Horatio Alger, Jr.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Midshipman Merrill</td> - <td class='c012'>Henry Harrison Lewis.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'><span class='pageno' id='Page_286'>286</span>My Mysterious Fortune</td> - <td class='c012'>Matthew White, Jr.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Mystery of a Diamond</td> - <td class='c012'>Frank H. Converse.</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Nature's Young Noblemen</td> - <td class='c012'>Brooks McCormick.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Ned Newton</td> - <td class='c012'>Horatio Alger, Jr.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Neka, the Boy Conjuror</td> - <td class='c012'>Captain Ralph Bonehill.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>New York Boy</td> - <td class='c012'>Horatio Alger, Jr.</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Off for West Point</td> - <td class='c012'>Lieut. Fred'k. Garrison, U. S. A.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Old Man of the Mountain</td> - <td class='c012'>George H. Coomer.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>On the Trail of Geronimo</td> - <td class='c012'>Edward S. Ellis.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>On Guard</td> - <td class='c012'>Lieut. Fred'k. Garrison, U. S. A.</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Paddling Under Palmettos</td> - <td class='c012'>St. George Rathborne.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Perils of the Jungle</td> - <td class='c012'>Edward S. Ellis.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Phil, the Showman</td> - <td class='c012'>Stanley Norris.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Pirate Island</td> - <td class='c012'>Harry Collingwood.</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Randy, the Pilot</td> - <td class='c012'>Lieut. Lounsberry.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'><span class='pageno' id='Page_287'>287</span>Rajah's Fortress</td> - <td class='c012'>William Murray Graydon.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Reuben Green's Adventures at Yale</td> - <td class='c012'>James Otis.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Rival Battalions</td> - <td class='c012'>Brooks McCormick.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Rival Canoe Boys</td> - <td class='c012'>St. George Rathborne.</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Secret Chart, The</td> - <td class='c012'>Lieut. James. K. Orton.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Shifting Winds</td> - <td class='c012'>St. George Rathborne.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Smugglers Cave, The</td> - <td class='c012'>Annie Ashmore.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Spectre Gold</td> - <td class='c012'>Headon Hill.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Strange Cruise, A</td> - <td class='c012'>Ensign Clarke Fitch, U.S.N.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Sword and Pen</td> - <td class='c012'>Henry Harrison Lewis.</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>That Treasure</td> - <td class='c012'>Frank H. Converse.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Tiger Prince</td> - <td class='c012'>William Dalton.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Tom Brace</td> - <td class='c012'>Horatio Alger, Jr.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Tom Tracy</td> - <td class='c012'>Horatio Alger, Jr.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Tom Havens with the White Squadron</td> - <td class='c012'>Lieut. James K. Orton.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'><span class='pageno' id='Page_288'>288</span>Tour of a Private Car</td> - <td class='c012'>Matthew White, Jr.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Tom Truxton's Ocean Trip</td> - <td class='c012'>Lieut. Lounsberry.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Tom Truxton's School Days</td> - <td class='c012'>Lieut. Lounsberry.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Tour of the Zero Club</td> - <td class='c012'>Capt. Ralph Bonehill.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Treasure of the Golden Crater, The</td> - <td class='c012'>Lieut. Lounsberry.</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Unprovoked Mutiny</td> - <td class='c012'>James Otis.</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Valley of Mystery, The</td> - <td class='c012'>Henry Harrison Lewis</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Voyage to the Gold Coast</td> - <td class='c012'>Frank H. Converse.</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Walter Griffith</td> - <td class='c012'>Horatio Alger, Jr.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>War Tiger</td> - <td class='c012'>William Dalton.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>West Point Treasure, A</td> - <td class='c012'>Lieut. Fred'k. Garrison, U. S. A.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>West Point Rivals, The</td> - <td class='c012'>Lieut. Fred'k. Garrison, U. S. A.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Weathercock</td> - <td class='c012'>George Manville Fenn.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Wheeling for Fortune</td> - <td class='c012'>James Otis.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>White Elephant</td> - <td class='c012'>William Dalton.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'><span class='pageno' id='Page_289'>289</span>White King of Africa</td> - <td class='c012'>William Murray Graydon.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>White Mustang</td> - <td class='c012'>Edward S. Ellis.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>With Boer and Britisher</td> - <td class='c012'>William Murray Graydon.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Won at West Point</td> - <td class='c012'>Lieut. Lounsberry.</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Yankee Boys in Japan</td> - <td class='c012'>Henry Harrison Lewis.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Young Acrobat</td> - <td class='c012'>Horatio Alger, Jr.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Young Actor, The</td> - <td class='c012'>Gayle Winterton.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Young Bank Clerk, The</td> - <td class='c012'>Arthur M. Winfield.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Young Editor</td> - <td class='c012'>Matthew White, Jr.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Young Showman's Rivals, The</td> - <td class='c012'>Stanley Norris.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Young Showman's Pluck, The</td> - <td class='c012'>Stanley Norris.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Young Showman's Triumph, The</td> - <td class='c012'>Stanley Norris.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Young Bridge Tender, The</td> - <td class='c012'>Arthur M. Winfield.</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Zig Zag, the Boy Conjuror</td> - <td class='c012'>Victor St. Clair.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Zip, the Acrobat</td> - <td class='c012'>Victor St. Clair.</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c003'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_290'>290</span>BOOKS FOR BOYS.</div> - <div class='c000'><span class='xxlarge'>Boys' Popular Library</span></div> - <div class='c000'>57 Titles</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>A new series of handsome 12mos, well printed and well bound, -stamped in colors, containing the most popular stories by</p> - -<p class='c008'>OLIVER OPTIC,</p> - -<p class='c008'>GEORGE A. HENTY,</p> - -<p class='c008'>CAPT. MAYNE REID,</p> - -<p class='c008'>GORDON STABLES,</p> - -<p class='c008'>W. H. G. KINGSTON,</p> - -<p class='c008'>HORATIO ALGER, JR.</p> - -<p class='c011'>and other authors equally well known.</p> - -<p class='c011'>There has long been a demand for a low-priced series of first-class -books for young people, and we believe that we have here -just what the boys want.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>PRICE, FIFTY CENTS PER VOLUME.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c003'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_291'>291</span>BOOKS FOR BOYS.</div> - <div class='c000'>Boys' Popular Library.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<table class='table1' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='50%' /> -<col width='50%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>All Aboard</td> - <td class='c012'>Oliver Optic.</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Battle and a Boy, A</td> - <td class='c012'>Blanche Willis Howard.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Boat Club, The</td> - <td class='c012'>Oliver Optic.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Boy Crusoes</td> - <td class='c012'>Jefferys Taylor.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Boy Tar, The</td> - <td class='c012'>Captain Mayne Reid.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Brave and Bold</td> - <td class='c012'>Horatio Alger, Jr.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>By England's Aid</td> - <td class='c012'>G. A. Henty.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>By Pike and Dyke</td> - <td class='c012'>G. A. Henty.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>By Right of Conquest</td> - <td class='c012'>G. A. Henty.</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Captain Bayley's Heir</td> - <td class='c012'>G. A. Henty.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Catmur's Cave</td> - <td class='c012'>Richard Dowling.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Cliff Climber, The</td> - <td class='c012'>Captain Mayne Reid.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Cruise of the Snow Bird, The</td> - <td class='c012'>Gordon Stables.</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Dick Cheveley</td> - <td class='c012'>W. H. G. Kingston.</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>For the Temple</td> - <td class='c012'>G. A. Henty.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'><span class='pageno' id='Page_292'>292</span>From Powder Monkey to Admiral</td> - <td class='c012'>W. H. G. Kingston.</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Hendricks, the Hunter</td> - <td class='c012'>W. H. G. Kingston.</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>In the Wilds of New Mexico</td> - <td class='c012'>George Manville Fenn.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>In Freedom's Cause</td> - <td class='c012'>G. A. Henty.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>In Times of Peril</td> - <td class='c012'>G. A. Henty.</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>James Braithwaite</td> - <td class='c012'>W. H. G. Kingston.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Jerry</td> - <td class='c012'>Walter Aimwell.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Joe Nichols</td> - <td class='c012'>Alfred Oldfellow.</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Little by Little</td> - <td class='c012'>Oliver Optic.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Life at Sea</td> - <td class='c012'>Gordon Stables.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Lion of St. Mark, The</td> - <td class='c012'>G. A. Henty.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Lion of the North, The</td> - <td class='c012'>G. A. Henty.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Lone Ranch, The</td> - <td class='c012'>Capt. Mayne Reid.</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Mark Seaworth's Voyage on the Indian Ocean</td> - <td class='c012'>W. H. G. Kingston</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Midshipman Marmaduke Merry</td> - <td class='c012'>W. H. G. Kingston.</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'><span class='pageno' id='Page_293'>293</span>Now or Never</td> - <td class='c012'>Oliver Optic.</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Paul, the Peddler</td> - <td class='c012'>Horatio Alger, Jr.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Phil, the Fiddler</td> - <td class='c012'>Horatio Alger, Jr.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Peter Trawl</td> - <td class='c012'>W. H. G. Kingston.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Peter, the Whaler</td> - <td class='c012'>W. H. G. Kingston.</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Ran Away to Sea</td> - <td class='c012'>Capt. Mayne Reid.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Robinson Crusoe</td> - <td class='c012'>Daniel Defoe.</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Shore and Ocean</td> - <td class='c012'>W. H. G. Kingston.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Silver Ship, The</td> - <td class='c012'>Leon Lewis.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Slow and Sure</td> - <td class='c012'>Horatio Alger, Jr.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Strive and Succeed</td> - <td class='c012'>Horatio Alger, Jr.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Strong and Steady</td> - <td class='c012'>Horatio Alger, Jr.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Swiss Family Robinson</td> - <td class='c012'>Montelieu & Wyse.</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Three Years at Wolverton</td> - <td class='c012'>A Wolvertonian.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Try Again</td> - <td class='c012'>Oliver Optic.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'><span class='pageno' id='Page_294'>294</span>Try and Trust</td> - <td class='c012'>Horatio Alger, Jr.</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Under Drake's Flag</td> - <td class='c012'>G. A. Henty.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Uncle Nat</td> - <td class='c012'>Alfred Oldfellow.</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Way to Success</td> - <td class='c012'>Alfred Oldfellow.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Whistler</td> - <td class='c012'>Walter Aimwell.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Wild Adventures 'Round the Pole</td> - <td class='c012'>Gordon Stables.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>With Lee in Virginia</td> - <td class='c012'>G. A. Henty.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>With Wolfe in Canada</td> - <td class='c012'>G. A. Henty.</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Young Carthaginian, The</td> - <td class='c012'>G. A. Henty.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Young Vagabond, A</td> - <td class='c012'>Z. R. Bennett.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c005'>Young Explorer, The</td> - <td class='c012'>Gordon Stables.</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c003'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_295'>295</span>BOOKS FOR BOYS.</div> - <div class='c000'>The Rockspur Athletic Series</div> - <div class='c000'>By GILBERT PATTEN.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>Consists of three books, each being a good, clean story of -athletic training, sports and contests, such as interest every -healthy, growing boy of to-day.</p> - -<p class='c011'>While aiming to avoid the extravagant and sensational, the -stories contain enough thrilling incidents to please the lad who -loves action and adventure. The description of their Baseball and -Football Games and other contests with rival clubs and teams -make very exciting and absorbing reading; and few boys with -warm blood in their veins, having once begun the perusal of one of -these books, will willingly lay it down till it is finished.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>1—The Rockspur Nine.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>A story of Baseball.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>2—The Rockspur Eleven.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>A story of Football.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>3—The Rockspur Rivals.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>A story of Winter Sports.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>Each volume contains about 300 pages, 12mo in size, cloth binding, -per volume. . . . $1.00</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c003'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_296'>296</span>BOOKS FOR BOYS.</div> - <div class='c000'>A TALE OF TRUE PATRIOTISM.</div> - <div class='c000'><span class='large'>Out With Commodore Decatur.</span></div> - <div class='c000'>By LIEUT. LIONEL LOUNSBERRY.</div> - <div class='c000'>Being the first volume of the Boys of Liberty Series.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>Tells of the stirring adventures of a youth who serves as a -middy under Commodore Stephen Decatur during the War of -1812. The historical setting is correct, and the volume will prove -inspiring to any boy. Handsomely bound in cloth, fully illustrated.</p> -<p class='c008'>PRICE, $1.00</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>DARING ADVENTURES IN THE PHILIPPINES.</div> - <div class='c000'><span class='large'>Cast Away in the Jungle.</span></div> - <div class='c000'>By VICTOR ST. CLAIR.</div> - <div class='c000'>Being the first volume of the Round World Series.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>Here is the tale of two wide-awake American lads who, as -civil engineers just from college, journey to the island of Luzon -to lay out a road through the trackless forest for a lumber company. -The volume is filled with adventures of a healthy kind and -gives in addition much information concerning the Philippines and -their strange inhabitants. Finely illustrated and bound in cloth, -stamped in colors and gold.</p> -<p class='c008'> PRICE, $1.25</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c003'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_297'>297</span>BOOKS FOR BOYS.</div> - <div class='c000'><span class='large'>Rob Ranger's Mining Venture;</span></div> - <div class='c000'>Or, Determined to Win.</div> - <div class='c000'>A STORY OF A BOY'S VIM AND GRIT.</div> - <div class='c000'>By LIEUT. LIONEL LOUNSBERRY.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>A capital story of what can be accomplished by a boy of ability -and courage. Rob Ranger goes West to assist his uncle in the -management of a mine. But he has great difficulty in finding his -uncle, who has mysteriously disappeared. He sets out to locate -him. In this effort Rob meets with all sorts of exciting adventures, -and is more than once in great danger at the hands of lawless -men. He comes near to failure at times, but finally wins out by -means of his cleverness and indomitable pluck. In the end he -rescues his uncle from a band of outlaws and saves a large treasure, -which those outlaws were trying to obtain. Rob's horse, -Silent Sam, and his dog, Trumps, play an important part in the -story, and cannot fail to win admiration and affection. Rob himself -is a hero whose example of courage, honesty and manliness -can be followed with profit. There is not a dull page from beginning -to end of the book, and no better story for bright, healthy -boys could well be imagined.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>Handsomely illustrated. Bound in cloth, stamped in colors</div> - <div>and gold. Price, per volume, $1.25</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c002'>Transcriber's Note</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>The original spelling and punctuation has been retained.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Variations in hyphenation and compound words have been -preserved.</p> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's Little Snap The Postboy, by Victor St. Clair - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LITTLE SNAP THE POSTBOY *** - -***** This file should be named 54930-h.htm or 54930-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/4/9/3/54930/ - -Produced by David Edwards, readbueno and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive) - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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