The Young Explorer, Or, Among the Sierras (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1880 edition. Excerpt: ...and fools answer them. I aint a fool," responded the polite hostess. "Excuse my curiosity, ma'am. I didn't know that it would be disagreeable to you to answer." "Who told you it was?" "I thought from your way of speakin'." "It's none of your business, that's all," said the hostess. Even Bradley was silenced. It was clear that their hostess was not inclined to be social. The remainder of the meal passed in silence. CHAPTER XVI. A NEW ACQUAINTANCE. After supper the two travellers emerged from the cabin and stretched themselves out under the trees once more. Bradley produced a clay pipe, filled, the bowl with tobacco, and began to smoke. "It's a pity you don't smoke, Ben," he said, his face expressing the satisfaction he felt. "Would you advise me to, Jake?" questioned our hero. "No, Ben; I guess you're better off without it; but there's nothing makes me feel so good as a smoke after a good supper." "I feel comfortable without it, Jake." "Then let well-enough alone. I wonder whether our sweet-tempered hostess is goin' to give us a bed to-night. Not that it matters much. I'd rather have a good supper, and sleep under the trees, than have the best bed in Californy without the supper." Here their attention was drawn to a man who was leisurely approaching. He was dressed roughly in a red shirt, pants tucked in his boots, and a hat with a broad flapping brim. As he strode along, his revolver and bowie-knife were carelessly exposed. His complexion was dark; he wore an abundant beard, and whatever he might be, he looked like a desperado, whom one would not care to meet in a dark night, unless well armed and on the alert. He stopped short when he caught sight of the two travellers. "Who are you?" he asked, abruptly. "We're bound for the mines," answered...