"I should think you had been doing little else than to make war upon this boy. You seem to forget that if there is any fault to be found I am the one to complain to. I am under bonds to the United States Government to see that the mail is carried on the Kanawha route in a proper manner." "You can't stand between us and justice," replied Claverton. "My court has found the youngster guilty of high misdemeanors, and if you wish to father them, all right. Otherwise he goes to jail inside of——" "Go to jail yourself and take your court along with you!" cried the imperturbable Calvert. "I will see the boy through now." "Defy the law, do you?" demanded Claverton, sharply. "Your law, yes! I forgot more last night than you ever knew. I want to see you at your home, Mr. Lewis." "I give you warning, sir," said Claverton, as a last desperate resort, "that the boy's bondsmen have thrown him over. He stands without any backing." "Is that so? How is it, Mr. Warfield? I believe your name was first on his paper." "Yes, sir, I—I——" "That's all right. How is it with the others?" "I have asked to have my name taken off," said Meiggs. "But I am on Mr. Shag's bond." "I am off young Lewis' paper, but on Mr. Shag's," said Clevis Claverton. "Very well. I don't care a picayune about you two, or this Shag. You will sign a new bond for the boy, Mr. Warfield?" To the surprise of Mr. Rimmon and Little Snap, the politician replied, after a moment's hesitation: "Certainly, Mr. Calvert; anything I can do for him I will. I hope I may have a little talk with you before you leave the town." "Yes. Now, Mr. Lewis, I would like to see you alone a little while. I will see that that bond is fixed up all satisfactory, Mr. Claverton." "You can come right into my office," said Mr. Rimmon. "I will send my man to take care of your horse, Mr. Calvert." Notwithstanding the bold utterances of Marion Calvert, the majority of the spectators looked with favor upon him, and there were many outspoken words in admiration of him. The crowd generally falls in with him who shows a fearless attitude, even if he slightly oversteps the line drawn for him, rather than the one who is weak and vacillating, though he represents the cause they intended to espouse. Mr. Warfield had recently acted in a manner disliked by several, and not understood by any. While the outsiders were discussing the situation _pro_ and _con_, Little Snap and his two friends were trying to decide upon the best course of action. Finally, when he had been made acquainted with the true state of affairs, Mr. Calvert said: