In their turn they carefully judged Joe.

A newcomer from the East was always regarded with some doubt.

If they expected to hear Joe talk much they were mistaken.

He appeared good-natured, but not too friendly.
"Fine weather we're havin'," said Dick Metzar.
"Fine," agreed Joe, laconically.
"Like frontier life ?" "Sure." A silence ensued after this breaking of the ice.

The boys were awaiting their turn at a little wooden bench upon which stood a bucket of water and a basin.
"Hear ye got ketched by some Shawnees ?" remarked another youth, as he rolled up his shirt-sleeves.