It is always awkward to enter your own private cave and find it occupied by strangers.
"You mustn't mind," said Maud, smiling upon them, "if we share the fire. It's really our cave and our fire-wood."
"Sorry, miss," said one of the men gruffly, "but when it comes on to rain like this a man makes bold of any shelter that offers."
"Of course," said Maud. "I'm glad you did. We'll just dry ourselves and go."
She seated herself with a Carolinian on either side, and their clothes began to send up clouds of steam.
The young woman with the old face, having devoured Maud with hungry, sad eyes, spoke in a shy, colorless voice.
"It would be better, miss, if you was to let the boys go outside. I could lend you my blanket while your clothes dried."
"That's very good of you," said Maud, "but I'm very warm and comfortable and drying out nicely."
One of the men rose, grinned awkwardly, and said:
"I'll just have a look at the weather." With affected carelessness he caught up one of the Winchesters and passed from sight toward the entrance of the cave. This manœuvre seemed to have a cheering effect upon the other three.