"Stand aside now, Mr. Shag; there is more important matter on hand than your business. I will talk with you about this mail matter when I have more leisure."
With these words, Mr. Rimmon, leading Jack by the bridle, started toward the home of the Lewises.
"Great guns!" exclaimed Shag, as soon as he could speak; "wot in creation do ye mean? Foolin' with me, a United States officer, in thet way! Where's Judge Claverton? I'll hev him tear this ol' shebang o' a post offis down, but I'll hev thet mail bag!"
A few of the spectators cheered him, but the majority followed the postmaster toward the more exciting scene around the besieged house.
At least that is what it looked to Mr. Rimmon, as he approached, with Jack walking by his side.
Foremost in the excited throng that had surrounded the home of the postboy, was Sheriff Brady, who was speaking to Mrs. Lewis and the crowd at his heels in almost the same breath.
"Wait a minute longer, boys! Tell us where he has gone, Mary Lewis, and we won't molest you."
The overwrought woman was standing in the doorway with one of her children on either side. Her inflamed eyes told that she had been weeping. It had been a night she would never forget.
"I repeat, Mr. Brady," she said, for the twentieth time, "that he has gone to Volney to see Mr. Calvert, and that he will be back at six!"
"Tell us something else; it will at least make a change, Mrs. Lewis. Of course, we know better than that. You are knowing to where he has hid himself."