"To my mind we had better break our fast before commencing such labor.

It may happen we shall have no other chance to eat, and it would go hard against my nature to waste that pickled meat on naked savages.

Ecod! it would try Job himself to stand by helpless, watching a clouted heathen gorge himself on what should be lying comfortable in our own stomachs.

What say ye, Master Benteen ?" "That our first effort be with the stones," I returned with decision.
"After that, we can partake of food.

The latter can be made ready while we work, if Madame will spread it here at the mouth of the cave--a bit farther back would prove better, under the protection of that slab of rock." Rejoicing at thus inducing our fair companion to seek safety under shelter, the three of us fell to work with energy.