His
complexion was dark; he wore an abundant beard, and whatever he
might be, he looked like a desperado, whom one would not care to
meet on a dark night, unless well armed and on the alert.
He stopped short when he caught sight of the two travelers.
"Who are you?" he asked abruptly.
"We're bound for the mines," answered Bradley. "Your good lady, if
so be as you live there--indicating the cabin-has just provided us
with a capital supper."
The newcomer glanced toward the door of the cabin, at which the
woman now made her appearance.
"Givin' you some supper, eh? I hope she's saved some for me."
"Yes, Jack," said his wife, in a conciliatory tone; "there's plenty
for you. These strangers offered to pay well for supper and lodging,
and I thought you wouldn't object. I gave them the supper, but I
wouldn't say anything about the lodging until you came."
"Well, stir round, old gal, and get me something to eat, for I'm
dead hungry."
"Supper is ready now, Jack."
The man entered his cabin, and the next twenty minutes were consumed
in repairing the ravages of hunger.
"How do you like his looks, Jake?" asked Ben, in a low voice.
"He's just the sort of man I'd expect to find in a State prison,"
answered Bradley.
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