They journeyed on without mishap or adventure, and late in the afternoon came to a two story log dwelling standing a little back from the road, or rather trail, for it was nothing more.
There was nothing attractive about the aspect of the house or its surroundings, but the sun was near his setting, the next human habitation was in all probability ten or fifteen miles further on, and the way to it lay through a dense forest where, doubtless, panthers, bears and wolves abounded.
A moment's consultation led to the decision that they would pass the night here if they could get lodging in the house.
An elderly woman of slatternly appearance, hair unkempt, clothing torn and soiled, had come to the door.
"What's wanted?" she asked in a harsh voice.
"Shelter for the night for men and beasts," returned Clendenin, who had been unanimously chosen leader of the party.
"Well, I dunno 'bout it, I haven't no man about, but if ye'll 'tend to yer beasts yerselves, yer can stay."
They agreed to the conditions. She pointed out the stable, and they led their horses thither, curried and fed them, remarking to each other, meanwhile, that they did not like the woman's looks; she had a bad countenance.
She had gone back into the house, and as she moved here and there about her work, muttered discontentedly to herself,
"There's too many o' 'em. Bill, he won't like it. But I wonder if the right one's among 'em. Wish I knowed."