"
CHAPTER XV.
A POLITE HOSTESS.
The cabin was a rough one, built of logs, with an adobe chimney. It
contained two rooms and a loft. The inducements to live in such a
lonely spot must have been small enough, but so many undesirable
localities are inhabited, that it is hardly worth while to feel or
express surprise at men's taste in such matters.
The approach of Ben and his companion was not observed by the inmate
or inmates of the cabin. It was only when Bradley, dismounting from
his mustang, struck the door-post with the handle of his whip-for it
is needless to say that bells were not to be found in that
neighborhood--that their presence became known.
A woman, tall, spare, and with harsh features, came to the door. She
eyed Bradley askance.
"Well, what's wanted, and who are you?" she demanded.
"We are bound for the mines, ma'am," said Bradley. "We expected to
camp out to-night, but we happened to see the smoke rising from your
chimbly, and we made bold to ride up and ask you for supper and a
night's lodging."
"We don't take in tramps," said the woman roughly.
"We're on a tramp," said Bradley, resolved not to be rebuffed, "but
we've got money to pay for our accommodations.
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