I--I shall be strong again, in a minute."
"You must be," I whispered, "for their lives may depend on us."
It was a short path before us and became more clearly defined as we
advanced. A sharp turn brought us into full view of the cabin, which
stood in a small opening, built against the sidehill, and so overhung
with trees as to be invisible, except from the direction of our
approach. We could see only the side wall, which contained one open
window, and was a one-room affair, low and flat-roofed, built of logs.
Its outward appearance was peaceful enough, and the swift beat of my
pulse quieted as I took rapid survey of the surroundings.
"Sam," I commanded, "you are to remain here with Rene, while I learn
the truth yonder. Yes," to her quick protest, "that will be the better
way--there is no danger and I shall not be gone but for a moment."
I seated her on a low stump and left them there together, Sam's eyes
rolling about in a frightened effort to perceive every covert in the
woods, but the girl satisfied to watch me intently as I moved
cautiously forward. A dozen steps brought me within view of the front
of the cabin. The door had been smashed in and hung dangling from one
hinge. Another step, now with a pistol gripped in my hand, enabled me
to obtain a glimpse within. Across the puncheon threshold, his feet
even protruding without, lay a man's body; beyond him, half concealed
by the shadows of the interior, appeared the outlines of another, with
face upturned to the roof, plainly distinguishable because of a
snow-white beard.
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