He sat down before the stove in an upright position, breathed with his mouth open, and bestowed on the visitors such cheerful and animated looks that they talked to and patted him.

Their own dogs had been shut into the empty ox-shed for the sake of peace, and the house-dog was very much master of the situation.
Of the party, the two surveyors--one older and one younger--were men of refinement and education.

British they were, or of such Canadian birth and training as makes a good imitation.

Five of the others were evidently of humbler position--axe-men and carriers.

The eighth man, who completed the party, was a young American, a singularly handsome young fellow--tall and lithe.