In a moment the dripping branches were parted near the ground, and a man, emerging from the bushes on his hands and knees, stood up, shook himself like a Newfoundland dog, and advanced towards the open door.

He was a large man with long hair and a bushy beard.

He was clad in flannel, jeans, and cowhide boots, and was evidently of a different class from Mr.Gilder, who appeared to be a gentleman, and was dressed as one.

"What's up, Plater ?" asked the latter.
"Big raft, three shanties on it, in false channel, saddle-bagged on the reef pretty nigh abreast of camp.

Can't see nobody aboard.