Leon drew a long breath, and told himself that he had done a very sensible thing when he turned into the Prairie Hotel.
Here was a man who was an experienced hunter, who was recommended by the landlord as being the best fellow in the world, who knew just what they wanted, and would assist in fitting them out for the plains.
Things could not have worked more to his liking.
The hunter had by this time extinguished the light and got into bed; but he did not seem at all inclined to sleep.
He talked incessantly for three hours, and kept the boys interested in what he had to say regarding a hunter and trapper's life.
During the progress of the conversation, the boys learned that their friend's name was Eben Webster; that he had left all his outfit, except his horse, at Laramie; that he had come down to St. Joe to rest, after a hard season's work on the plains, and that, having seen enough of civilization for the present, he was going to start back on the following morning.
He said he would pick out some saddle-horses for the boys, show them the way to the fort, where he would secure the rest of their outfit for them, and then he would lead them to the mountains, where they would spend the rest of the winter together in hunting and trapping.
They were sure to have the best of luck, for he knew right where to go to find plenty of game; and if he didn't make good hunters of them before spring, so that they could start on their own hook, he would give them all the furs he caught.
Leon was highly excited over the prospect, and it was a long time after the conversation ceased before he fell asleep.