"Quit your joking, Sandy, these are real visitors. Regular company."
"Best bib-and-tucker folk?" demanded Tom.
"That's what. Better fry up some more bacon and get ready an extra supply of other grub."
"Say, kindly have the goodness to explain what you are driving at, won't you?" pleaded Tom.
"Just this. Two regular wild west customers are coming down the trail. I kind of guess they'll be glad to accept any invitation we might be inclined to give them."
Jack knew that in the wild places the hospitality of any camp is gladly extended to the stranger, and that the news that visitors were approaching would be a pleasant surprise to these sojourners in the far north. It was long since they had seen strange faces.
"Of course they are welcome to the best the camp affords," said Mr. Chillingworth heartily.
"You say that they are rather tough-looking customers, Jack?" asked Tom rather anxiously.
Mr. Dacre set the lad's question aside with a laugh.
"Pshaw! You would hardly expect to find visitors in correct regalia for calling in this section of the country," he said.