"No, I dare say not. But how is it that we are indebted to you for this intrusion?—for such we feel justified in calling it, under the existing circumstances."
"I did not intend to intrude, sir, nor do I now. In riding through the mountains we accidentally stumbled into the fissure passage that leads to this gulch, and as there was nothing to hinder us, we came on through."
"True; I should have posted a strong guard in the pass. You have a female companion, I perceive; not your wife?"
"Oh, no! nor my sister, either. This is Miss Terry—an estimable young lady, who has come to the Black Hills in search of her father. Your name is—"
"Redburn—Harry Redburn; and yours, I am told, is Fearless Frank."
"Yes, that is the title I sail under. But how do you know aught of me?"
"I was told your name by a partner of mine. Now, then, concerning the present matter; what do you propose to do?"
"To do? Why, turn back, I suppose; I see nothing else to do."
Redburn leaned on his rifle and considered.
"Do you belong to that other crowd?"