"Cert. Them air Acreites hes done us one good turn, an' I feel it is our duty to pay 'em fer it." "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?" "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." "He's going to get to Congress, all the same, and it's our interest to stand by him, or pretend so, at least." "Guess I know which side my bread is buttered on. 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." "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." 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. Dan Shag was ahead, and a yell of terror left his lips, as he beheld the postboy before him. "Good-evening, Mr. Shag; you seem surprised. I am a little late to-night, but better late than never, you know." "Dix Lewis! alive and here!" gasped Morton Meiggs. "You seem surprised, Mr. Meiggs, but I am worth a dozen dead men." 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. "Hark! I hear a horseman coming," exclaimed Mr. Meiggs. "I think I will be moving on toward Six Roads." 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. "It's Jack!" he exclaimed, aloud, and even as he spoke the faithful horse dashed upon the scene. The postboy fairly wept for joy, as he caressed the head of his favorite steed, which seemed as delighted as he. "Good Jack!" said Little Snap; "I am so glad you escaped unhurt." "Mail!" said Shag, sharply, throwing the pouch at his feet. Flinging the sack over its accustomed position, the postboy swung himself into the saddle and was away before the others could speak. 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. In his anxiety to get home and thus relieve his mother 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.