At length the Captain decided that he must settle the matter for himself. He started for home at an easy pace, and arrived there at length, as we know, very much to the surprise of Mr. Gould, and the uneasiness of Dean Dunham. We have already related the sequel—how Mr. Gould and Dean got into the buggy, and, somewhat to the dissatisfaction of the horse, started back on the road to Rockmount. "I can't see what has happened to uncle," said Dean. "Does your uncle ever—drink anything strong?" asked Mr. Gould, cautiously. "No, Mr. Gould, he is very temperate. He has often cautioned me about drinking." "I always thought he was temperate, Dean," said Mr. Gould, "but I thought it just possible he might have met some old friends in Rockmount, and ventured upon a social glass." "I don't believe he would do it." "He might have got off for a minute, and the horse taken advantage and started without him. But that doesn't seem like the Captain. He is a very steady, reliable horse, and isn't up to any tricks." "I hope uncle wasn't taken sick, and fell from the buggy." "Has he ever been taken that way?" asked Mr. Gould quickly. "Not that I ever heard. Aunt would know." "We will ask her if we don't find him on the road. Do you know whether your uncle had any particular business in Rockmount to-day?" "No; I didn't hear him say why he was going. I asked him to take me, but he thought two would be too heavy a load for the horse such a long distance." "He is very considerate of the Captain, more so than I am," said Mr. Gould, laughing. "I drove to Rockmount with Mrs. Gould, who weighs considerably more than you, only last week, but I couldn't see that the horse minded it much. There's one thing I'm sure of, your uncle wouldn't over-drive the horse." "No, he doesn't drive fast enough for me. If I had gone, I would have asked him to let me drive." "Then perhaps it's just as well that you didn't go, Dean." They reached the point where it was necessary to decide whether to go by the creek road or through the woods. "I declare, Dean, it puzzles me to decide which way to go." "If anything happened to uncle on the creek road somebody would be sure to pass and see him." "That's a very sensible suggestion. On the woods road, on the contrary, there are but few passengers, and he might be overlooked. So be it! We'll go by the woods road." Not far from the place where Adin Dunham was waylaid, Dean pointed eagerly to an advancing figure. "Isn't that Uncle Adin?" he asked eagerly pointing with his whip. "Yes, it is, I declare." Adin Dunham was walking with his head drooping, and seemed to drag one leg after the other in a weary way. He did not seem at all like himself. "Uncle Adin," called Dean, when they were within hearing, "what's the matter? What has happened to you?" Adin Dunham looked up, and sighed heavily. "Dean," he said hoarsely, "I've been robbed!" "Robbed, neighbor Dunham?" said Mr. Gould in surprise. "What have you been robbed of?"