Page:Rowland--The Mountain of Fears.djvu/104

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page needs to be proofread.

THE MOUNTAIN OF FEARS

I knew what was going on two of the boys had me up the bank.

"'Permit me to introduce Dr. Leyden; I am Mr. Lynch,' said this extraordinary lieutenant of mine; 'and now, sir, if you will lead the way——'

" 'Ye're takin' a deal for granted,' began the man in a surly voice.

" 'I'm taking it for granted that you are the missionary,' said Lynch, calmly. 'If you are not, it really makes no difference. No white man could help being glad to accommodate two other white men in a place like this, and, although you do not keep a tavern, perhaps we can render you some service in return for your hospitality. We have more firearms than we will need——'

"'Ye're verra kind,' growled the man, but I saw his pale, swinish eye lighten a bit, and guessed that Lynch, with his usual tact, had touched him. 'Of course, I'll gie ye a lodgin' for the night, though I've little to offer strangers.' He walked sullenly ahead, Lynch fol-

[ 88 ]