The joy of those at his home knew no bounds, while his friends greeted him with manifestations of delight. Others shook their heads, as if there was something wrong, while still others openly avowed that they would have been better suited if he had never come, or "words to that effect."
"We have had such a terrible experience since you went away," said Mrs. Lewis. "I dread to have you carry that mail again, and I wish you would not, my son."
"I shall not have to go to-day, mother, and Mr. Rimmon says it is possible I shall not have to go to-morrow, as it is proving quite a job to clear the road at the Narrows, to say nothing of repairing Greenbrier bridge."
"I am afraid you will be killed, Dix. Sheriff Brady says the Blazed Acre folks are bound to kill you."
"Mother, I have no greater enemy or worse one than Mr. Brady, though I do not understand why he is against me. Has father been home since I started for Volney?" he asked, suddenly changing the subject.
"No. I am growing more and more anxious about him. He seems to grow more moody every day. I am so sorry for him, and I know not what can be done."
Little Snap offered such encouraging words as he could, though he could not forget the fact of his father's presence among the outlaws of Greenbrier cave. It was true he had not seen his countenance, but he was none the less certain of the truth of the situation. He trembled for the ultimate outcome of the mystery.
Another thing puzzled him not a little, and that was the mention of the names of "judge" and "colonel" by Bird Burrnock. He was at a loss to understand who these associates of the desperadoes of Blazed Acre could be. Justice Claverton was often called "judge," and Mr. Warfield in the same tone frequently spoken of as "the colonel." With all the enmity the first bore toward him, he could not think he was the one meant by the outlaw, while it seemed preposterous that Mr. Jason Warfield, the ambitious politician, could be spoken of in this connection.
Naturally enough the affairs of the past few days were the general themes of conversation at Six Roads.
Though he kept aloof from the crowds that daily collected at all of the public places, Little Snap heard sufficient for him to know he was the object of many unfavorable remarks. It was certain his enemies were improving the time to set public opinion against him as much as possible.