on the way, and I told them all about my trip to New Orleans
on the raft.

"Is Clarence in Riverport?" asked Captain Fishley, much astonished, and
I thought troubled also.

"He is."

"What did you come back here for, after you had robbed the mail?" he
demanded.

"I came back to prove that I didn't rob the mail."

"I guess you can't prove that."

"I guess I can."

"How long has Clarence been in Riverport?"

"Three days."

"Why don't he come up to Torrentville and see the folks?"

"He's coming. We were waiting in Riverport to see a gentleman first," I
answered.

After I had told my story, they ceased questioning me, and I had an
opportunity to consider my position. Ham Fishley would not be glad to
see me. It would be more convenient for him not to have any examination
into the circumstances attending the robbing of the mail. From one or
two remarks of the post-office agent, I had come to the conclusion that
other letters than Miss Larrabee's were missing. Besides, the demeanor
of this man towards me was so considerate after I told my story, that I
was confident he had his doubts in regard to my guilt.

Captain Fishley drove up to the door of the store, and I was told to get
out. I obeyed, and went into the store. There I saw Ham Fishley. I
fancied that he looked pale, and that his lip quivered when he saw me.

"Got back--have you, Buck?" said he, with a ghastly grin.

"Yes, I've got back," I replied, with becoming dignity.

"They say the way of the transgressor is hard," he added.

"I think you will find it so, Ham, before this business is finished."

"You still lay it to me," he added, angrily.

Mrs. Fishley, hearing of my arrival, hastened into the shop to see me.

"So, you monster, you! you have come back--have you?" she began, in the
same refreshing, snarling tones which had so often enlivened my
existence in the past.

"I have come back, Mrs. Fishley; or rather I have been brought back," I
replied, pleasantly; for I felt that I could afford to be good-natured.

"Yes, mother; and he still sticks to it that I robbed the mail--that I
did!" added Ham, with the same sickly grin.

"I should like to know!" exclaimed she, placing her arms a-kimbo, and
staring me full in the face. "I should like to know! Haven't we done
enough for you, Buck Bradford, that you want to use us in this way? How
du'st you run away, and take Flora with you? You will make her as bad as
yourself byme-by."

"I hope not,"