"I don't do this, Dix, from choice," said the officer, laying his hand on the postboy's shoulder. "I think myself Judge Claverton is a little severe on you. By the way, I can save you the disgrace of this going to jail if you will listen to reason. Resign this mail route without further opposition, and I guarantee the matter shall rest here. I know what I am saying, though I don't care for the mob to hear it. You will resign and save all farther trouble?" The sheriff had lowered his voice to a tone a little above a whisper, but Little Snap's ringing reply was loud enough for every person to hear. "Never, Mr. Brady! Take me to jail if you wish, but I will not betray the slightest trust reposed in me. I am innocent of the charges you bring against me, and there can be no disgrace until you have proved me guilty." CHAPTER XXV. STARTLING SURPRISES. "Bravo!" Sheriff Brady stopped suddenly in his movement to put the handcuffs on his prisoner, and every person in the crowd of spectators uttered an exclamation of surprise at the unexpected word spoken so sharply and with the ring of admiration in it. Turning abruptly around, the spectators were amazed to see a horseman nearby, he having ridden upon the scene unobserved by all. "Bravo for you, Dix Lewis!" cried the newcomer. "Upon second thought I concluded that I did not give you the answer I ought, so I have come up to see you, and help settle your trouble. What's up here, anyway?" "Marion Calvert, as I live!" exclaimed Jason Warfield. Little Snap had already seen the horseman, and his countenance had taken on a brighter look. "I am glad to see you, Mr. Calvert. They have accused me of doing that of which I am innocent, and there don't seem to be any one able to help me out." "Don't, eh? Well, let me see what I can do," urging his horse forward through the crowd to the post office door as he spoke. "Mr. Brady, what do you think you are doing?" "I—the fact is, Mr. Calvert, there has been a little irregularity in the boy's business, and we thought it was time to look into it. We didn't mean him any harm, only we did it as a matter of self-protection." "I see," replied the mail contractor, in a tone which puzzled his hearers. "The boy was down to see me about it, but I answered him rather hastily at the time. Luckily I saw my duty before it was too late, and at the sacrifice of some business obligations I am here. I think I came at a good time, too. "I learned at Greenbrier that the road had not been fully cleared at Kanawha Narrows yet. The bridge across the Greenbrier is not in passable shape. But I have left word that if the post road is not passable to-morrow morning I will have every official indicted. I should like to know what you have been doing." "Attending to our own business," retorted Claverton, showing his displeasure.