"I do not think I ever saw them before, though the voice of one sounded very familiar."
"Will you describe the party?"
Little Snap did so, Mr. Warfield listening intently, to say, at his conclusion:
"I do not believe we should attribute any harmful meaning to what they said. The very fact that they were strangers to both of us, and I know nearly every one in Monroe County, would seem to warrant us in believing so. By the way, do you realize the error you made in neglecting your duty to run after those worthless Raggles—I think that was the name you called those vagabonds?"
"I am aware, sir, it was a mistake. I——"
"Mistake? It was criminal neglect of duty, young man. The rules and regulations laid down by Uncle Sam are very strict. You are to keep all the mail intrusted to your hands in sight at all times, and here you went off for an hour and, according to your own story, left the mail pouch entirely unprotected. Why, that very act was enough to cost you your situation. Remember I am not upbraiding you, but speaking to you as a father would to his son."
"I know I did wrong, Mr. Warfield, but the circumstances were such that I could scarcely do different. Mrs. Raggles——"
"Don't mention their names again. From your own words, the worthless vagabonds could not have been in trouble. It seems they were safe enough when you got clear of your troubles."
"I do not understand it, Mr. Warfield. I have carried the Kanawha mail for two years without failing to do my duty, and I hope you have confidence in me to think I can fulfill my term."
"I did at the outset, or I should never have obtained the place for you. But I must feel that you are attending to your duties. My political prospects are such that I am expecting piles of mail matter, and I want to know that it is coming to me safely. My very election to Congress may depend upon it."