"I am coming," replied Little Snap, quickly. "Mr. Rimmon, I thank you for your kindness; and you, Mr. Warfield, I do not wish to have you do anything for me against your wishes.
"Sheriff Brady, I am ready to go with you, though I am going to tell you at the outset that somebody is going to suffer for this."
"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?"