“I know the animal to which you refer,” replied Hammond, more seriously. “I have seen it more than once.”
“Did it ever hurt yer?”
“I don’t look dangerously hurt, do I?” laughed Hammond, as he surveyed his own person, as if searching for grievous wounds. “No; it has never harmed me, but it has killed many a one.”
“Don’t you know nothin’ ’bout it?”
“Haven’t I told you enough?”
This was evasive, but it answered the purpose for which it was uttered. Hammond knew a great deal about this anomalous creature. Indeed, had he chosen, he could have told the secret regarding it—a most wonderful secret, which the reader shall learn in due time.
But his lips were sealed. He had not the right to tell what he knew—not yet. The time might come when he could tell all, but, for the present, he must remain mute.
“It beats any thin’ I ever heard tell on,” said the trapper, as if talking to himself. “I b’lieve it’s a spook.”
“See here,” said Hammond, looking up in his frank, pleasing manner, “you seem to be a good, honest soul, and I will tell you something, confidentially. You are wondering why I am in this out-of-the-way part of the world, and I reply that I am seeking not gold, but what is far above gold and pearls—and that is the lady you saw on horseback to-night!”