In the road near where he had left him, he saw the faithful Jack still awaiting his coming.
"Noble fellow!" he exclaimed; "I will be with you in a minute," beginning his descent into the valley.
Though he found this no easy task, he soon succeeded in reaching the highway, the mail pouch safely in his hands.
Finding the outlaw had not yet moved, he went to his side, and turning him over, saw that his neck had been broken.
"I am sorry," said the postboy, "but I cannot see that I am to blame. I was in duty bound to protect——"
"Have no misgivings over what you have done, my boy," said a voice near at hand, and, turning quickly, Little Snap saw with amazement Old Solitaire at his elbow.
"I witnessed the whole affair," declared the hermit, "but I was powerless to help you, though in another moment I should have fired a shot at whatever risk. You should thank Heaven that your life was spared."
"It was a narrow escape, Uncle Solitaire, and at one time I felt that it was all over with me."
"So thought I. But now that you are safe, I advise you to ride on to Greenbrier and tell Mr. Renders what has happened. The authorities will look after the body of the wretch."
Little Snap would fain have said more to the strange man, but the old man started back toward the Narrows as fast as he could walk.