While telling their companions of the mountaineer's wife and family and the appearance of the woman and children, a figure rose up from behind a bush and stood curiously regarding the Overland party.
Washington discovered the newcomer and began to chatter and point.
"Don't shoot.

It's a woman," cried Emma.
"No one is going to shoot," retorted Hippy hopelessly.
By this time all the girls were on their feet, gazing at the head and shoulders of a young woman showing above the bush.

Her full cheeks and lips were red, and the black, straight hair hanging down her back reminded the Overlanders of Indian squaws they had seen in their journey over the Old Apache Trail.

It was the caller's eyes, however, that attracted the most attention.

They were large, black and full, and one felt that they were capable of blazing.
"Won't you come in, Miss ?" urged Miss Briggs.