A broad felt hat, several sizes too big for him, added the touch of completion to the Carolinian's transformation. He took the spare Winchester and, without a word, walked quietly toward the mouth of the cave and was lost to sight.
Maud did not breathe freely until he had returned, unhurt, carrying both Winchesters and driving an exceedingly sheepish backwoodsman before him.
He expressed the wish to resume his own clothes. This done, he and his cousin broke into good-natured, boyish laughter.
The oldest and most sheepish of the backwoods-men kept repeating, "Who would 'a' thought he'd have a pistol on him!" and seemed to find a world of comfort in the thought.
"What are you going to do with them?" Maud asked almost in a whisper. "I think I feel a little sorry for them."
"Bob!" exclaimed Colonel Meredith.
"What?"
"She feels a little sorry for them. Don't you?"
"Yes, sir!" replied Mr. Jonstone fervently.