They came upon it unawares, as was plain from their sudden pause.

But they were white men; they were brothers in this wild land.

There was something like a sob in Humphrey's throat, which he hastily swallowed down, as he advanced with great strides to meet them.
"You are welcome," he said.

"I had thought the Indians had left no living beings behind them in all this forest save my brother and myself." No introductions were needed in this savage place; the face of every white man lit up at sight of a like countenance, and at the sound of the familiar tongue.

The men shook hands with a hearty grip, and one said to Humphrey: "You have had Indians here ?" Humphrey made an expressive gesture with his hand.
"This was a week ago as fair a holding as heart of man could wish to see in this grim forest.