They appeared to be absorbed in some very pleasant task, and a faint odor that came to Henry's nostrils filled him with agreeable anticipations.

He stepped forward boldly and called: "Jim, save that piece for me!" Long Jim Hart halted in mid-air the large slice of venison that he had toasted on a stick.

Paul Cotter sprang joyfully to his feet, Silent Tom Ross merely looked up, but Shif'less Sol said: "Thought Henry would be here in time for breakfast." Henry walked down in the valley, and the shiftless one regarded him keenly.
"I should judge, Henry Ware, that you've been hevin' a foot race," he drawled.
"And why do you think that ?" asked Henry.
"I kin see where the briars hev been rakin' across your leggins.

Reckon that wouldn't happen, 'less you was in a pow'ful hurry." "You're right," said Henry.

"Now, Jim, you've been holding that venison in the air long enough.