It was clear that their hostess was not
inclined to be social. The remainder of the meal passed in silence.
CHAPTER XVI.
A NEW ACQUAINTANCE.
After supper the two travelers emerged from, the cabin and stretched
themselves out under the trees once more. Bradley produced a clay
pipe, filled the bowl with tobacco, and began to smoke.
"It's a pity you don't smoke, Ben," he said, his face expressing the
satisfaction he felt.
"Would you advise me to, Jake?" questioned our hero.
"No, Ben; I guess you're better off without it; but there's nothing
makes me feel so good as a smoke after a good supper."
"I feel comfortable without it, Jake."
"Then let well enough alone. I wonder whether our sweet-tempered
hostess is goin' to give us a bed to-night. Not that it matters
much. I'd rather have a good supper, and sleep under the trees, than
have the best bed in Californy without the supper."
Here their attention was drawn to a man who was leisurely
approaching. He was dressed roughly in a red shirt, trousers tucked
in his boots, and a hat with a broad flapping brim. As he strode
along, his revolver and bowie-knife were carelessly exposed.
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