74 THE mVE OF THE BEE-HUNTEK. 



discussing such subjects as suited their humors best, 

 we were most unexpectedly startled by a loud Indian 

 whoop, uttered in the "social hall," that part of the 

 cabin fitted off for a bar ; then was to be heard a loud 

 crowing, which would not have continued to interest us 

 — such sounds being tjuite common in that place of 

 spirits — had not the hero of these windy accomplish- 

 ments stuck his head into the cabin, and hallooed out, 

 " Hurra for the Big Bear of Arkansaw ! " 



Then might be heard a confused hum of voices, un- 

 intelligible, save in such broken sentences as " horse," 

 " screamer," " lightning is slow," &c. 



As might have been expected, this continued inter- 

 ruption, attracted the attention of every one in the cabin ; 

 all conversation ceased, and in the midst of this surprise, 

 the " Big Bear " walked into the cabin, took a chair, put 

 his feet on the stove, and looking back over his shoul- 

 der, passed the general and familiar salute — " Strangers, 

 how are you?" 



He then expressed himself as much at home as if he 

 had been at " the Forks of Cypress," and " prehaps a 

 little more so." 



Some of the company at this familiarity looked a 

 little angry, and some astonished ; but in a moment 

 every face was wreathed in a smile. There was some- 

 thing about the intruder that won the heart on sight. 

 He appeared to be a man enjoying perfect health and 

 contentment ; his eyes were as sparkling as diamonds. 



