"I have to fight my own battles, and this trip has been for nothing. No; not for nothing, for I know just what to do now. You needn't crowd on quite so hard, Jack; we have plenty of time."
Shifting from one animal to the other when he thought best, Little Snap rode on through the night, unmindful of the gathering stormclouds, though he kept a sharp gaze as he drew near the lonesome spot where he had been accosted by the stranger.
Not a sound broke the deathlike silence, save the dull tramp of his horses' feet, and with a feeling of relief he had soon left the place a mile behind.
At Greenbrier the postboy shifted steeds, giving Jack another rest, intending to return to him at Daring's Diamond.
No one was astir at this place yet, neither was there any sign of life at Hollow Tree. But he hadn't gone a dozen rods beyond the Tree before a sharp voice commanded him to stop, and he suddenly found his way blocked with a body of armed men.
Three or four caught upon Fairy's bit with a force which dragged her back upon her haunches, and Little Snap was nearly pulled from his seat.
Realizing his desperate situation, the postboy dextrously slipped the bridle from the mare's head, at the same time shouting for her to rush on. Rallying, she made the wild attempt, and Jack, having already cleared a way through the party, she followed upon his heels.
Shots rang about the fleeing postboy's head, some of the bullets flying uncomfortably near, but he fancied he was going to get away, when he dashed furiously down the descent leading to Greenbrier bridge.
As he came in sight of the stream with its high, precipitous banks, a cry of dismay left his lips. Every bridge plank had been removed, and only the stringers spanned the dark chasm of foaming waters!
Retreat cut off, with no possible chance to ford the stream, Little Snap saw at a glance that he was rushing into a veritable deathtrap!