The appearance of the beautiful Lamora was the occasion of no little wonder and interest to the two hunters; they had heard of her so often, and always in such a way, that they had come to look upon her as something almost supernatural, as invulnerable, in some respects, as the dreaded animal that had caused them so much terror.
Yet they were naturally gallant at heart, and gave no indication, of what was almost awe, that agitated them, as they gazed upon her wonderfully beautiful face and figure, as she sat quietly upon her fiery little pony and awaited the action of her cavaliers.
While Hammond was within the cavern, making his breakfast, she chatted with the rough prairie men in a way that delighted them. They forgot the ever-present and increasing danger from the Blackfeet and the unknown animal; they failed to think upon the immense wealth that had so suddenly come into their hands. They only saw and heard the wonderful girl, as she sat on her horse, and held them spell-bound by the charm of her words and manner.
The precious nuggets that had been taken from the cavern on the preceding night, had been secured in different sacks, and were ready to be placed upon the backs of the animals, as soon as they should come. As their work in that line was now finished, they decided to leave their picks, shovels, and implements behind, so as not to be incumbered with any thing that was not really necessary.
Soon Hammond came out and stood beside his horse, and joined in the conversation.
“Do you feel any alarm about Teddy?” he inquired.
“No,” was the somewhat hesitating response of Tom.
“But if he don’t come powerful soon,” added old Stebbins, “I’m gwine to start on a hunt for him.”
“Perhaps the horses have wandered some distance away,” suggested Hammond.
“That’s jest the trouble; thar’s so many hundred things that might keep him, that thar ain’t no guessin’ the right one.”