While they were yet eating their breakfast they were saluted by a strange voice, shouting:
"Hello! Who in thunder has tuck possession uv my domicil?"
They all sprung to their feet, and, grasping their weapons, stood ready to receive the new-comer, whoever he might be.
"Put up yer shooters, yer little nubbins; I won't hurt yer, seein' 'at yer mostly white," and as they did so the stranger advanced to the fire.
He was, to all appearances, an aged man, as his hair and beard, which were both long and flowing, were as white as the driven snow; but his straight, athletic form belied his age.
His dress and arms were such as are usually worn by the mountain trapper, though he wore one very singular ornament. This was no less than a necklace, consisting of a double row of bear claws.
This, the reader will understand, if he is conversant with Indian character, was a badge of distinguished bravery, and one of which any hunter might well be proud.
The stranger stood before the fire, silently regarding them for several minutes, then he broke out—"Why don't yer say suthin? Yer a doggoned purty set, to come inter a feller's house in this way, without even askin' the owner. Ef I was a leetle better 'quainted I'd take yer 'cross my knee an' spank ther hull caboodle uv yer!"
"I was not aware, sir," said the scout, "that we were intruding on any man's domain. I accidentally discovered this cave about a week ago, and made use of it this morning in effecting our escape from a party of Sioux who were on our trail."
"Sioux? Ther devil! Ther' ain't a Sioux in ther kentry what dare kem' a nigh here!" exclaimed the stranger.