He stared at it without speaking.
All at once he noticed that an ear was missing from the place where it should have been.
Then Jesse understood.
The face was that of his late antagonist, Great Bear.
The desperado laughed mockingly.
Great Bear jerked aside the flap so viciously that he tore it from its fastenings, allowing it to drop slowly from his lingering grasp as he surveyed his captive with malignant eyes.
"Welcome to our home, old scarred-face," jeered Jesse.
Great Bear made no reply, standing with head erect, searching keenly for some sign of fear or weakening in the face of his captive.
After a time, the redskin squatted on the turf and with chin in hands sat holding the outlaw with a steady gaze. For an hour he sat thus, Jesse glaring back at him with menacing, challenging eyes.
"Ugh! Paleface brave man," he grunted.