‘) 
» 
74 THE HIVE OF THE BEE-HUNTER. 
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 quite 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,” &e. 
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, 
