"What does this mean, Dix Lewis? Here is a letter directed to 'Old Solitaire, care of Dix Lewis.'"
Unable to credit his ears, Little Snap leaned forward so he could read the address. There was no mistake, though he could hardly believe it.
"It's for the old man, sure," said the postmaster. "At last his long-looked-for letter has come."
"Yes, and I am so glad. I will take it to him, Mr. Rawson."
Never had Little Snap watched for the old hermit as he did that day, while he climbed the ascent leading to the live oak.
"He is there! I wonder what he will say? I hope he will let me know the message it brings.
"Hurrah, Uncle Solitaire!" he cried, the next moment, rising in his seat and waving the missive over his head; "it has come at last!"
Somehow, he was disappointed at the calm manner in which the other took the letter.
"All things come to the patient, and I knew it would come some time. Please accept my thanks, Postboy of the Kanawha, and if you do not find me at my post to-morrow, you shall meet me elsewhere."
With these words he turned away, and Little Snap had nothing to do but to ride on.