He was tall, gaunt and raw-boned, a typical Kentucky mountaineer, and, as he stood there surveying the Overland Riders from beneath his broad-brimmed hat, not a word was spoken on either side.

The mountaineer was studying the members of the Overland party, and the Overland Riders were regarding him inquiringly.
"Why, where is--" began Emma Dean, but a gesture from Grace checked her.
Not so with Washington Washington, however.
"Whar dat man ?" he cried, referring to their first visitor.
A quick glance about the camp revealed to the amazed Overlanders that Jeremiah Long, the Mystery Man, had suddenly and mysteriously disappeared.

No one had seen or heard him go.

He had simply melted away..