erry were locked in each other's arms, in a loving embrace.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote D: This crusher is said to have been the first introduced
into the Black Hills]

CHAPTER XIII.

AT THE CABIN.

What did it mean?

Had the old hump-backed, bow-legged mine-locater gone crazy, or was he
purposely insulting the beautiful maiden? Fearless Frank stood aside,
apparently offering no objections to the hugging, and the Indians did
likewise.

At least Miss Terry made no serious attempts to free herself from the
"General's" bear-like embrace.

A few bounds brought Redburn to the spot, panting, breathless,
perspiring. "What is the meaning of this disgraceful scene?" he
demanded, angrily.

"Disgraceful!" The old "General" set Miss Terry down on her feet,
after giving her a resounding smack, and turned to stare at the young
miner, in astonishment. "Disgraceful! Waal, young man, ter tell the
solid Old Testament truth, more or less--consider'bly less o' more 'n
more o' less--I admire yer cheek, hard an' unblushin' as et ar'. Ye
call my givin' this pretty piece o' feminine gander a squar', fatherly
sort o' a hug, _disgraceful_, do ye? Think et's all out o' ther bounds
o' propriety, do ye?"

"I look at it in that light, yes," Redburn replied.

"Haw! haw! haw!" and the General shook his fat sides with immoderate
laughter. "Why, pilgrim-tender-fut, this 'ere hundred an' twenty-six
pounds o' feminine gender b'longs to me--ter yours, truly, Walsingham
Nix--an' I have a parfec' indervidual right ter hug an' kiss her as
much as I please, wi'out brookin' enny interference frum you. Alice,
dear, this ar' Harry Redburn, ginerall sup'intendent o' ther Flower
Pocket gold-mines, an' 'bout as fair specimen as they make, nowadays.
Mr. Redburn, I'll formally present you to Miss Alice Terry, _my
darter!_"

Redburn colored, and was not a little disconcerted on account of his
blunder; but he rallied in a moment, and acknowledged the introduction
with becoming grace and dignity.

"You must excuse my interference," he said, earnestly. "I saw the old
'General' here taking liberties that no stranger should take, and
knowing nothing of the relationship existing between you, I was
naturally inclined to think that he was either drunk or crazy;
therefore I deemed it necessary to investigate. No offense, I hope."

"Of course not." and Alice smiled one of her sweetest smiles. "You did
perfectly right and are deserving of no censure, whatev