The action of the man reminded Alden that he had the watch and papers of Dick Lightfoot in his possession. He took them out and explaining the matter, handed them to Jenkins.
Had the youth been given his choice, he would have resumed his ride without another minute’s delay, but to refuse the invitation might offend. Moreover, he was hungry.
“Your advice is good and I am thankful to eat with you.”
Four men made their quarters at this lonely cabin. One of them was an extra rider for emergencies, while all, as has been said, could perform the duty if required. Such supplies as they needed were sent to them by their employers. Russell, Majors & Waddell were the proprietors, who made their headquarters in the east, while Bolivar Roberts was superintendent of the western division. In Carson City, Nevada, he engaged the fifty or sixty riders needed, and he and the firm looked carefully after their employees.
Since nearly all the stations were in the midst of superb hunting grounds, the men at the remote posts obtained a large part of their food by means of their guns. It was a pleasant variation of the monotony, and the spice of danger from prowling redskins gave zest to their enjoyment.
Dick having been unsaddled was turned out to graze with three others. In the inclosure at the rear of the cabin, these were gathered at night or during stormy weather, and one or two were always in readiness for the regular riders. The horse which Alden was to ride for the next station was allowed to wait, saddled and bridled, and ready to start the moment called upon.
Alden followed his friend into the cabin, with Harper and Altman at his heels. Leaning his rifle against the logs by the door, he glanced around.
The dwelling could not have been of simpler structure. The single room was some twenty feet square. At one end was an old fashioned fireplace, in the middle of which stood a small cooking stove, a single joint of pipe pushing up into the chimney. A few simple utensils hung around on spikes, and a goodly pile of wood was always at hand. A barrel of flour, a big can of coffee, another of sugar and smaller boxes of spices and condiments were disposed of with more regard for convenience than appearance. At one side of the room were four bunks, with blankets and several buffalo robes. There were a bench, a table made of planks, four stools and clothing hanging on nails driven into the logs. The only picture on the walls was a woodcut from a newspaper, showing the homely features of Abraham Lincoln who had been nominated a short time before by the newly-born Republican party, for the presidency of the United States.
Although the weather now was balmy, there were times when it raged like a hurricane from the Arctic regions. Therefore the logs were thick and the crevices between them filled with clay. The heavy planking on the floor was wedged closely with a view of shutting off uncomfortable drafts.