"because in this country I don't feel that I can part with mine, even
for a moment."

"That is a mere detail which we will discuss with our host," said Obed.
"Perhaps, after you have eaten of the chicken and drunk of the wine at
this glorious Inn of the Panther, you will not be so particular about
the company of your rifle, Mr. Fulton."

The Panther uttered a cry of joy.

"I've got my b'arin's exactly now," he said. "It ain't more'n four miles
to a cabin that I know of, an' if raiders haven't smashed it it'll give
us all the shelter we want."

"Then lead us swiftly," said Obed. "There's no sunset or anything to
give me mystical lore, but the coming of that cabin casts its shadow
before, or at least I want it to do it."

The Panther's announcement brought new courage to every one and they
quickened their lagging footsteps. He led toward a dark line of timber
which now began to show through the driving snow, and when they passed
among the trees he announced once more and with exultation:

"Only a mile farther, boys, an' we'll be where the cabin stands, or
stood. Don't git your feelin's too high, 'cause it may have been wiped
off the face of the earth."

A little later he uttered another cry, and this was the most exultant of
all.