is pretty good thar, I reckon; and, strannger, after we've taken a sup,
we'll eat a bite, and then lie down. It's high time, I reckon, that we
do so."

It was in his progress to the branch that Ralph Colleton came upon this
member of the family.

Nick Snell was no genius, and did not readily reply to the passing
inquiry which was put to him by the youth, who advanced upon the main
party while the dialogue between the pedler and the wagoner was in full
gust. They started, as if by common consent, to their feet, as his
horse's tread smote upon their ears; but, satisfied with the appearance
of a single man, and witnessing the jaded condition of his steed, they
were content to invite him to partake with them of the rude cheer which
the good-woman was now busied in setting before him.

The hoe-cakes and bacon were smoking finely, and the fatigue of the
youth engaged his senses, with no unwillingness on their part, to detect
a most savory attraction in the assault which they made upon his sight
and nostrils alike. He waited not for a second invitation, but in a few
moments--having first stripped his horse, and put the saddle, by
direction of the emigrant, into his wagon--he threw himself beside them
upon the ground, and joined readily and heartily in the consumption of
the goodly edibles which were spread out before them.

They had not been long at this game, when a couple of fine watch-dogs
which were in the camp, guarding the baggage, gave the alarm, and the
whole party was on the alert, with sharp eye and cocked rifle. They
commenced a survey, and at some distance could hear the tread of
horsemen, seemingly on the approach. The banditti, of which we have
already spoken, were well known to the emigrant, and he had already to
complain of divers injuries at their hands. It is not, therefore, matter
of surprise, that he should place his sentinels, and prepare even for
the most audacious attack.

He had scarcely made this disposition of his forces, which exhibited
them to the best advantage, when the strangers made their appearance.
They rode cautiously around, without approaching the defences
sufficiently nigh to occasion strife, but evidently having for their
object originally an attack upon the wayfarer. At length, one of the
party, which consisted of six persons, now came forward, and, with a
friendly tone of voice, bade them good-evening in a manner which seemed
to indicate a desire to be upon a footing of the most