some kind to carry you up," volunteered
Fred.

"Never mind that," answered his uncle shortly. "It isn't far, and I
don't want to wait. Bring that valise that you'll find in the coach
along with you. I want to get into some dry things as soon as possible.
Lucky it isn't a shroud, instead of regular clothes," and he shot a
glance at Teddy that made that youth shudder.

"As to the damage done to the coach and horses," Mr. Rushton said,
turning to Jed, who had been watching Teddy's ordeal with great
satisfaction and gloating over what was still coming to him when he
should reach home, "you need not worry about that. Either my brother or
I will see you to-morrow and fix things up all right."

"Thank yer, Mr. Rushton," mumbled Jed, as he mentally tried to reach the
very highest figure he would dare to charge, with any hope of getting
it. "I knowed you would do the right thing. I'm only sorry that you
should have so much trouble with that there young imp," and he shook his
head sorrowfully and heaved a sigh, as though he already saw ahead of
Teddy nothing but the gallows or the electric chair.

Nor could he forbear one parting shot at that dejected youth.

"Don't forget, young man, thet you may have to reckon with Uncle Sam
yet," he hinted, with evident relish, as the party prepared to move
away. "It ain't no joke to interfere with the United States mail and
them thet's carryin' it. The padlock on that mailbag was all bent and
bunged up when the stage smashed up against that tree. Course, I ain't
sayin' what may come of it, but them gover'ment folks is mighty tetchy
on them p'ints. They've got a big prison at Leavenworth and another at
Atlanta where they puts fellers that interferes with the mails in any
way, shape or manner. Oh, I know all about them places. I've traveled a
good deal in my time, and----"

But by this time, the uncle and nephews were well on their way up the
hill, and Jed had to save the rest of his discourse for his cronies that
evening at the general store.

The Rushton home stood on a beautiful elm-shaded street just beyond the
field where the boys had been playing ball. It was a charming,
up-to-date house, capacious and well arranged, and furnished with every
comfort. A broad, velvety lawn stretched out in front, and towering elms
threw their cool shadows over the roadway.

Around three sides of the house ran a hospitable veranda, with rugs and
rattan furniture that made of it one large outside r