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." 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. 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. 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. "I wouldn't take any such chances," declared the worthy minion of the government, with an ominous shake of his grizzled locks. 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. "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." "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." "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." "Is father at home?" asked Little Snap. "No; I have not seen him to-day. He stays away more than ever of late. Why did you ask?" "Oh, nothing. Give Jack a good supper, Bess, and see that he is comfortable for the night. There, mother, don't be worried any more. I won't be gone long this time." 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. 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. "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?" "Nothing to be alarmed over, I am sure, mother, so be calm." In a louder tone of voice, he greeted the newcomers, saying: