The postmaster cast a last, anxious gaze down the road before he replied, and then a cry of great relief left his lips. "He is coming!" Eagerly the spectators looked down the road, and a murmur of joy arose on the air, as they saw the figure of a horse galloping rapidly toward the town. But the look of relief on the faces of all turned to one of dread expectancy, as they discovered that the creature was riderless! It was Jack, the postboy's favorite steed, his sides covered with foam, and his breath coming in quick, short gasps, as he sped like the wind toward his home, but Little Snap was not on his back! CHAPTER XVI. A LONELY NIGHT RIDE. During this long, anxious night how has it fared with Little Snap? Is the return of Jack without him a good or an evil omen? Let us see. His most direct course to Volney was by the post road to Greenbrier, after which he must take a more southerly direction by following the left bank of the Little Kanawha to the Blue Stone River. From this junction he was to ride ten miles within sound of this stream, when he must leave the river road for one leading over the hills to the east. Though there was no moon, the night was made pleasant by a myriad of stars in the mellow autumn sky, so he rode on with a hopeful heart that he should have no trouble in finding his way. Not a light was to be seen at Daring's Diamond, but quite unexpectedly a dim blaze shone from Hollow Tree, though he had not supposed the postmaster had had time to get home from Six Roads. But every moment was of value to him, so he dashed past the lonely place without slackening his pace, until he reached the homely village of Greenbrier. Even then he was rushing on at the same headlong pace he had followed since leaving home, when suddenly a familiar voice arrested his flight. "What in the name of George Washington are you riding like that for, Dix Lewis?" The speaker was a Mr. Renders, whom Little Snap had always considered friendly to him, so he reined in Fairy and quickly explained the object of his long ride. "I am afraid it will prove a wild-goose ride, Dix, but I wish you success. Say, I'll tell you how I can help you. I have a brother living at the corner of the Blue Stone and Mountain roads, and he has a horse you can get to finish your journey with, and leave yours there to rest till you come back. I think it is about ten miles from my brother's to Volney. A shift of horses will come in mighty handy about that time. Let me write a line to Joe, which will make your chances doubly sure." Mr. Renders wasn't long in carrying out his intentions, and, thanking him for his kindness, the postboy again urged Fairy on, the trusty Jack keeping beside his mate without attention from his master. The Little Kanawha road was an extremely lonely one, but being nearly level, Little Snap sped on with unabated speed.