They were still talking about the arrest of Budd Grass, when they came in sight of Hollow Tree, to see a dozen mounted men in front of the place.
"I sent some of the boys on ahead, for we have got to pay Blazed Acre a visit. Hello! what is up?"
Ab Raggles had suddenly appeared upon the scene, looking more uncouth and haggard than ever. His clothing was torn almost in shreds, and his hands and face were bleeding from several scratches and cuts.
He seemed to see no one but Little Snap, to whom he cried:
"Come with me, Dix Lewis, to Greenbrier Cave."
"What is it?" asked the postboy.
"Oh, such doings! They have got 'em all fast in th' cave. You must come to once—you an' the rest."
"But what is wanted?"
"I can't tell you. Your father sent me. It's 'em Raggles-Burrnocks, an' yer father's there with the rest!"
Little Snap afterward declared that was the most terrible moment of his life. In an instant his discovery in the cave flashed through his mind. The brief rejoicing he had felt the moment before to think that his troubles were near an end, were now more than counterbalanced by the feeling of dread that crept over his soul.