Following Mr. Jones' evidence, Dan Shag and two or three others were called upon the stand to testify to such circumstances as they knew in regard to the postboy's last trip.
"If it please your honor," said Mr. Rimmon at this juncture, "I think the boy should be given a chance to show why he was late and how he came in as he did."
"He shall have the opportunity to speak for himself, Mr. Rimmon. Prisoner at the bar, what have you to say to coming in here an hour after you were due on Wednesday?"
"It was unavoidable, sir."
"Was it a part of your duty to go off gunning after caves and leaving your mail unprotected for a full hour?"
"No, sir."
"I thought not."
"If it please your honor, I would like to tell how I came to do so."
"Your admission that you did so is sufficient. You acknowledge the package of Hollow Tree mail was found in your possession?"
"It was taken from the pocket I have on my saddle, but I——"