While supper was being made ready, the big man removed his outer
garments of wolf fur and stood in a close-fitting suit of tanned
buckskin that clearly revealed the symmetry of his massive proportions.
"If I were as strong as you look, and, as I know from experience, you
are," exclaimed Cabot, admiringly, "I don't think I would hesitate to
attack a whole tribe of Indians single handed. My! but it must be fine
to be so strong."
After supper Cabot, who generally acted as spokesman, again addressed
himself to their guest, saying:
"If you don't mind, sir, we'd like to have you know just what sort of a
predicament we've got into, and ask your advice as to how we can get
out of it." With this preamble Cabot explained the whole situation,
and ended by saying:
"Now you know just how we are fixed, and if you can guide us to the
nearest Mission Station or, if you haven't time to go with us, if you
will give us directions how to find it--we shall be under a greater
obligation to you than ever."
For a minute the stranger looked thoughtful but made no sign. Then,
dipping his finger in a bowl of water, he wrote on the table the single
word: "To-morrow." Having thus dismissed the subject for the present,
he stretched his huge frame on a transom and almost instantly fell
asleep.
Our tired lads were not long in following his example, and, though
several times during the alight one or the other of them got up to
replenish the fire, they always found their guest quietly sleeping.
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