I'll stick by you if you ever want help." In the evening the camp presented a lively appearance.
When it was chilly, logs would be brought from the woods, and a bright fire would be lighted, around which the miners would sit and talk of home and their personal adventures and experiences.

One evening Mr.Bickford and Joe were returning from a walk, when, as they approached the camp-fire, they heard a voice that sounded familiar, and caught these words: "I'm from Pike County, Missouri, gentlemen.

They call me the Rip-tail Roarer.

I can whip my weight in wildcats." "By gosh!" exclaimed Joshua, "if it ain't that skunk from Pike.

I mean to tackle him.".