And the next moment the younger trapper made his appearance within the circle of light.
An odd-looking object he appeared, with his huge fur cap upon his head, drawn down in front, so as to cover his eyes, and an old striped cotton handkerchief fastened over his face and throat, in such a manner as to conceal the scar made by the claws of the tiger. With the cap and kerchief, the greater portion of his countenance was masked, leaving visible only his mouth, with a double row of grand teeth, that promised to perform their part upon the roast mutton.
Having reached the fire, he sat down with his back to it—so that his half-masked face was still further concealed in shadow—and being supplied, as well as his comrade, with a large cut from the joint, he at once set about satisfying the appetite of hunger.
“Are there many men of your size and strength where you come from?” inquired the Senator, addressing himself to the largest of the two hunters.
“In Canada,” answered the latter, “I should not be remarked among others; ask my comrade there!”
“He speaks true,” grumbled the other.
“But you are not both from the same country?” said Tragaduros.
“No—my comrade is a native of—”
“Of New York State,” hastily interposed the younger of the two trappers—a reply which astonished the Canadian, but which he refrained from contradicting.
“And what is your calling?” continued the Senator, interrogatively.