If it comes to a hand-and-hand tussle we're
out of it, that's all there is about it. They're as tough and supple
as mountain ash, and are always in training, while we're as soft as a
lot of kids."

The sun rose above the lofty peaks and swung high in the heavens, but
still the Indians maintained their silence and showed no sign of
hostility. Midday came, and yet no signal.

"I guess they'll do nothing," suggested one. "Maybe they're afraid of
our guns."

Just then the mournful sound of an Indian drum fell upon their ears,
causing them all to start and look at one another. What did it mean?
Were they gathering for the affray?

As they listened and waited Old Pete drew near and entered the
building. He was a stranger there, and the men gazed with wonder and
admiration upon the hardy prospector. His great stature, commanding
presence, buckskin suit, hawk-like eye, and long, flowing beard
streaked with gray, would have made him a marked man in any company.
But his sudden appearance at such a time made a strong impression.

"Who is he? Where did he come from?" passed from lip to lip, as Pete
strode up to the bar and confronted Perdue, who was standing blandly at
his post.

"Any baccy?" he inquired, glancing at the array of black bottles along
the wall.

"Plenty, pard. What's yer choice?"

"Yer best, an' I guess that'll be none too good."

"Now, what'll ye have next?" and Perdue rubbed his fat hands in
anticipation of a new customer.

"A match."

"What! nothing more? What's yer brand?"

"Ain't got any, 'cept old age, an' the good Lord done that Himself.
Guess He brands us all the same way sooner or later."

"Oh, I don't mean that," retorted the saloon-keeper, somewhat nettled
at the laugh from the men at his expense. "I mean, 'What de'ye drink?'"

"Oh, I see," and Pete stroked his beard meditatively. "Wall,
t'stimerlate the heart I sometimes drink the water of Life; to freshen
up the mind a bit, I swaller a few drops from the mighty spring of
Nater; while to keep this old carcase bright I find the good Lord's
sparklin' water jist the thing. Have ye ever tried it?"

Perdue was certainly puzzled. It was impossible to take offence at the
old man's words, spoken so quietly and impressively. Neither could he
detect any sign of fun-making in his open face and kindly eyes. He
wondered if this giant were altogether sane. He had often heard
stories of men who, living so long in lonely places, had b