"I would if that would end the matter, but I do not believe it would. The Burrnocks would naturally keep out of sight during that time, to begin their work as soon as I went alone, so it would only prolong the affair."
"I don't know but you are right, Dix, but it puts you in a tight box. If the Honorable Jason was in town I would call him for a consultation."
"That would do no good. He is no real friend to me, though he feels obliged to stand on my bond because Mr. Calvert says so."
"Dix Lewis, you have hit the nail right on the head! In his anxiety to get a nomination to Congress he is catering to every one, and he is getting into the hands of some that are going to wreck him; mark my words. What do you propose to do?"
"Keep on; only, I promise you, Mr. Rimmon, I won't be caught like that again."
"Good! I hope you will come out at the top of the heap."
The following morning, as the postboy was leaving the little village of Six Roads, he was accosted by a man on horseback, who was a stranger to him, and who showed by his personal appearance that he had ridden several miles.
"Young man," he said, "are you the postboy of the Kanawha?"
"I carry the mail, sir, between this place and Upper Loop."
"I thought I wasn't mistaken. I want to go to Greenbrier, and possibly to a place called Salt Works, and as the road is a strange one to me, perhaps you will have the kindness to allow me to ride with you. I can't promise that I shall be very good company, but I will at least be civil."