Could you call your bank and have a stop payment put on the check you
mailed, at least that way even if the seller has not got it, they cannot
cash it and say you still haven't paid them.  PayPal really is safe, I
use it a lot, just make sure that before you log out, you delete your
credit card from your account, that way even if someone does get a hold
of your log in information, there really isn't much they can do with your
account.  Then, each time you wish to use PayPal, just re add your credit
card and then delete it again.
 
If you don't want to use PayPal, maybe make arrangements with the seller
to send another check after you put a stop-pay on the one you've already
sent.  If it's already been cashed, get the information from your bank
(copy of the signed and cashed check) and get it to EBay.  They should
be able to help you out from there.
 
Good luck and keep us posted!
 
~Tammy - a.k.a. Kesrael
 
"All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wonder are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.
From the ashes a fire shall be woken,
A light from the shadows shall spring;
Renewed shall be the blade that was broken,
The crownless again shall be king."
 
"May it be you journey on
To light the day;
When the night is overcome
You may rise to find the sun"
[Posted in FML issue 4988]