All of the four were strangers to Little Snap, who was listening intently for the next utterance.
The following speaker was a short, thickset man, with a closely-trimmed gray beard, who said:
"That won't be a big job."
"I ain't so sure o' it," remarked a third, younger than the others, and smaller of stature. "Shag says——"
A warning gesture from the first spokesman caused him to stop with his sentence unfinished.
"No names are allowed to be spoken here," growled he who was evidently leader of the party. "Don't fergit yourself again, man."
"I reckon we air safe 'nough here," retorted the other. "I'll warrant there ain't a soul nearer'n Hollow Tree."
"Never can be too careful; rocks have ears sometimes. I could have sworn I heard a man's voice not ten minutes ago. But it's you we came here to hear talk," nodding his head toward the last person of the quartet, who had remained quiet so far. "What have you learned?"
"Much that is mighty pleasing," replied the last, in a tone which caused the concealed postboy to start with surprise.
"Hark! I thought I heard some move!" exclaimed the chief, half starting to his feet.