Not a light was to be seen at Daring's Diamond, but quite unexpectedly a dim blaze shone from Hollow Tree, though he had not supposed the postmaster had had time to get home from Six Roads.
But every moment was of value to him, so he dashed past the lonely place without slackening his pace, until he reached the homely village of Greenbrier.
Even then he was rushing on at the same headlong pace he had followed since leaving home, when suddenly a familiar voice arrested his flight.
"What in the name of George Washington are you riding like that for, Dix Lewis?"
The speaker was a Mr. Renders, whom Little Snap had always considered friendly to him, so he reined in Fairy and quickly explained the object of his long ride.
"I am afraid it will prove a wild-goose ride, Dix, but I wish you success. Say, I'll tell you how I can help you. I have a brother living at the corner of the Blue Stone and Mountain roads, and he has a horse you can get to finish your journey with, and leave yours there to rest till you come back. I think it is about ten miles from my brother's to Volney. A shift of horses will come in mighty handy about that time. Let me write a line to Joe, which will make your chances doubly sure."
Mr. Renders wasn't long in carrying out his intentions, and, thanking him for his kindness, the postboy again urged Fairy on, the trusty Jack keeping beside his mate without attention from his master.
The Little Kanawha road was an extremely lonely one, but being nearly level, Little Snap sped on with unabated speed.
Thus he had swung around a sharp bend in the highway, when he was surprised by a beseeching voice calling out:
"Hold up, mister, a minute! Don't be scart, for I ain't a highwayman, but I want a ride!"