No one was astir at this place yet, neither was there any sign of life at Hollow Tree. But he hadn't gone a dozen rods beyond the Tree before a sharp voice commanded him to stop, and he suddenly found his way blocked with a body of armed men. Three or four caught upon Fairy's bit with a force which dragged her back upon her haunches, and Little Snap was nearly pulled from his seat. Realizing his desperate situation, the postboy dextrously slipped the bridle from the mare's head, at the same time shouting for her to rush on. Rallying, she made the wild attempt, and Jack, having already cleared a way through the party, she followed upon his heels. Shots rang about the fleeing postboy's head, some of the bullets flying uncomfortably near, but he fancied he was going to get away, when he dashed furiously down the descent leading to Greenbrier bridge. As he came in sight of the stream with its high, precipitous banks, a cry of dismay left his lips. Every bridge plank had been removed, and only the stringers spanned the dark chasm of foaming waters! Retreat cut off, with no possible chance to ford the stream, Little Snap saw at a glance that he was rushing into a veritable deathtrap! The cries of his pursuers rang exultantly in his ears. CHAPTER XIX. THE BUSHBINDERS' PLANS. Little Snap's first impulse, as he saw the trap into which he had been driven, was to turn at bay and meet his enemies in a hand-to-hand struggle, as hopeless as his chances were. But at that moment Jack had reached the bank of the stream, and the fleeing horse, instead of checking his speed or turning aside, sped like an arrow out over one of the bridge stringers toward the other side! The postboy was not far behind the gallant steed, but he had opportunity to see the horse rush safely the length of the timber, to reach the clear way beyond. With a snort, as if of triumph, Jack renewed his swift flight now in comparative safety. The sight of this feat caused the hopes of Little Snap to rise, and he resolved to follow the example set by his equine friend. "On, Fairy!" he cried; "it is our only chance!" The pursuers suddenly stopped, as they beheld with amazement the daring deed attempted by the fugitive. Fairy, seeming to realize the desperate part she was to act in the startling undertaking, rushed fearlessly in the steps of her mate. Sitting firmly in his saddle, the postboy felt himself carried out over the dark chasm, and he caught a gleam of the foaming waters hurling their forces madly against the rock walls of the channel. The next instant he felt a quiver run through the frame of the faithful steed, and he knew that she was falling! Under the weight of her burden the mare somehow missed her footing, her feet slipped on the treacherous way, and she tried in vain to recover her equilibrium.