At any other time he would have worried over this unexpected situation, and utter violation of all his traditions.
He was past that now, and even felt a certain relief.

He knew his family were safe; it was enough.

That they were locked up securely, and incapable of interfering with HIM, seemed to enhance his new, half-conscious, half-shy enjoyment of an adventurous existence.
The ostler, who had been apparently lost in contemplation of the steep trail he had just descended, suddenly clapped his hand to his leg with an ejaculation of gratified astonishment.
"Waal, darn my skin ef that ain't Hennicker's 'slide' all the time! I heard it was somewhat about here." Rawlins briefly explained to Hale that a slide was a rude incline for the transit of heavy goods that could not be carried down a trail.
"And Hennicker's," continued the man, "ain't more nor a mile away.

Ye might try Hennicker's at a push, eh ?" By a common instinct the whole party looked dubiously at Hale.

"Who's Hennicker ?" he felt compelled to ask.
The ostler hesitated, and glanced at the others to reply.