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. 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. 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 _terra firma_. The postboy then sprang to the ground, while Jack shook the water from his dripping sides. 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. 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. "The road will have to be cleared before I can get back," said our hero. "It must be completely blocked by the rock." "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." Leaving Jack here, Little Snap continued his journey with his relief horse, making his trip to Upper Loop and return without adventure. To his disappointment here, however, he learned that the rocky _débris_ had not been cleared away at the Narrows. "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." 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 to carry the mail through, he was anxious to get home on his mother's account. "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. 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. 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. 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. Uncle Solitaire was not at his post!