In the snuggest corner of the cove stood a stout double log cabin and, in the open space around, great fires were roaring and sending up lofty flames, a welcome sight to the stiff and cold horsemen.

Fully twenty mountaineers, long and lank like Reed, were gathered around them, and were feeding them constantly.
"What's this I see ?" exclaimed Warner.

"A little section of heaven ?" "Not heaven, perhaps," said Dick, "but the next door to it." "This wuz Dick Snyder's home an' place, colonel," said Reed.

"On account uv the gorillers he found it convenient to light out with his folks three or four days ago, but he's come back hisself, an' he's here to he'p welcome you.

Thar's room in the house, an' the stable, which you can't see 'cause uv the trees, fur all the officers, an' they're buildin' lean-tos here to protect the soldiers an' the hosses.