"Where have you been, my son?" asked his mother. "We have been so worried about you. And Mr. Warfield has been here, acting very much put out. He wants you to come up to his house as soon as possible. Something terrible has happened, I know."
"Nothing to be alarmed about, mother. But if Bess will take care of Jack, I will go right up to Mr. Warfield's, though I cannot imagine what he is so anxious to see me for."
"He is terribly excited about something. I would go at once, if I were you, and I will have your supper warm for you when you get back."
"Is father at home?" asked Little Snap.
"No; I have not seen him to-day. He stays away more than ever of late. Why did you ask?"
"Oh, nothing. Give Jack a good supper, Bess, and see that he is comfortable for the night. There, mother, don't be worried any more. I won't be gone long this time."
It was nothing unusual, as Mrs. Lewis had inferred, for John Lewis, our hero's father, to be away from home. In fact, it was very seldom he was there, and when he was he hardly ever did any work or business. He was a man of a few words and very peculiar habits. His neglect of his family had made it necessary that Dix do something for their support.
Kissing his mother, as was his practice when leaving home, Little Snap turned away to start on his visit to Mr. Warfield's, when he saw a party of men approaching the house.
"Why, it's Mr. Warfield in front!" exclaimed his mother. "He got impatient waiting for you. And there is Mr. Meiggs and Daniel Shag, of Hollow Tree, and—and Mr. Bardy, the sheriff. Oh, Dix! what does it mean?"
"Nothing to be alarmed over, I am sure, mother, so be calm."