And Alden compressed his lips and walked more briskly to the door through which he passed, entering as the others were sitting down to the table. He was greeted warmly and knew he could not have been more welcome. It impressed Alden that two facts were self-evident: since all the men were present the rider who had taken charge of the mail must have carried it to the next station and returned during the night. Inasmuch as the entire ride was less than twenty-five miles the achievement was not remarkable, when the circumstances are remembered. Every rider had a swift intelligent pony, and both were familiar with the route. Moreover, since the force at the station had increased from three to four men, one of them must be the horseman whom Alden met, and who refused to speak a word to him. A glance at the different ones told the youth which was he, but, as he made no reference to his freak bet, the guest did not think it well to mention it. Having thanked the men for their hospitality, Alden rose to go. Addressing the one who had announced his intention of carrying the mail to the next station, he asked: “Did you have any trouble in getting through last night?” “Who? Me? None at all,” replied the rider with a grin, “’cause I didn’t go.” “Which one of you made the trip?” And Alden looked from one face to the other. The tallest man, the chief speaker replied: “None of this crowd went.” “Hasn’t the mail been sent on? Then I shall take it after all.” “Oh, the mail reached the station long ago if all went well; one of the party in camp over yonder took it.” This was strange and Alden asked: “How was that? I don’t understand it, when you refused _me_ the chance.” “I should have given you the chance, if you hadn’t been tuckered out; the fellow who took the mail was as fresh as a daisy and eager for the trip.” A suspicion flashed upon Alden. “What is his name?” “He is a young chap about your size and build: name’s Brandley, Ross Brandley.” Alden sprang to his feet. “And you let him rob me of my honors! The last fellow in the world!” The four men looked at him in astonishment. The tallest asked: “What do you mean?” Alden saw the absurdity of his action. Resuming his seat, he said: “I beg your pardon; how came you to select _him_?” “You hadn’t laid down ten minutes when he came over from camp. He said he had some important business with you and wanted us to wake you. That didn’t seem right, seeing how tired you were, and he agreed to wait till morning. Then he saw Cal about to start with the mail and the notion got into his head that it was the job next to his heart. He begged to be allowed to take his place. He wouldn’t accept no for an answer, and I was fool enough to give in, doing something contrary to the rules and if anything happens to him, I shall get into trouble for it.” “He rode on my pony, that knows every foot of the way,” added the rider referred to as Cal; “I guess he got through.”