"Indeed, uncle, I do not know," admitted Little Snap, frankly, surprised nearly as much as his companion at this interference. "He asked my company this morning, and we rode to Salt Works together. He has appeared friendly."
"You do wrong to trust any man at this time. Stranger, you will tarry with me while the boy rides on."
An exclamation of displeasure left Austin Goings' lips, and he struck his horse smartly, intending to break the animal from the old man's grasp.
But the hermit's hold proved stronger than might have been expected, for the struggling horse failed to clear itself from the hand laid on its bit.
"Let go that rein, old man!" cried the aroused rider, "or I shall forget your years and lay violent hands on you."
"Ride on, Dix!" ordered Old Solitaire. "I will look after this man."
Fearing that the opposition might end in more serious trouble, the postboy hesitated. If the two men should come to blows, he felt certain this Austin Goings would handle the old hermit roughly.
"I do not think he means me any harm, uncle. I will look out for myself."
"He has no business here with you," said the hermit. "Man, if you are honest, go back the way whence you have come."
"Who are you who dares to interfere with my conduct?" demanded the other, sharply.