Jerry, the fat good-natured old driver, was
laughing and joking with the by-standers, as he awaited the hour for
departure. As Robert stepped upon the platform he bestowed a hasty,
though searching glance at the two men in the coach, and to his relief
found that neither of them was the man he wanted, and he quietly stepped
back and watched the proceedings that were going on around him.

The postmaster appeared at last, mail-sack in hand, which he consigned
to Jerry's care, and that burly individual clambered up to his place as
gracefully as his big body and exceedingly short legs would permit.
Seating himself upon his box, he gathered up his reins and shouted a
good-natured farewell to the crowd. A quick and vigorous application of
the whip awakened the dozing horses so suddenly that they started up
with a spasmodic jerk which nearly threw the old fellow from his perch.
By a desperate effort, however, he maintained his seat, but his
broad-brimmed hat went flying from his bald head and rolled to the
ground, scattering in its fall his snuff-box, spectacles and a monstrous
red bandanna handkerchief. This little episode called forth a peal of
laughter from the by-standers, in which the old man heartily joined.

"Stick to 'em, Jerry!" cried one, "too much oats makes them animals
frisky," while another hastened to pick up the several articles and
restore them to their owner.

Jerry wiped the great drops of perspiration from his bald, shining pate,
as he replied:

"Them hosses are a leetle too high fed, I'll admit, but I'll take some
of the vinegar out of 'em afore night, or my name ain't Jerry Hobson."

Everything being now in readiness, he again spoke to his steeds, and
this time without mishap, the lumbering old vehicle rattled away on its
journey. The little crowd gradually dispersed and soon left Robert and
the constable alone with the store-keeper.

"I didn't see old Ben Ratcliffe around this morning," said Mr. Bascom to
John Todd, the store-keeper.

"No," answered that individual; "he was here last evening, and said if
the weather was fine he was going with his nephew over to the lake,
fishing."

"That accounts for it, then," said the constable; "I don't think he has
ever missed a day for ten years before."

"No, I don't think he has; but that young Mr. Amos, who is stopping here
with him, is very fond of fishing, and the old man promised to take him
over to Pine Lake this morning, so 'Uncle Ben' missed the ma