The cabin was a rough one, built of logs, with an adobe chimney. It contained two rooms and a loft. The inducements to live in such a lonely spot must have been small enough, but so many undesirable localities are inhabited, that it is hardly worth while to feel or express surprise at men's taste in such matters.
The approach of Ben and his companion was not observed by the inmate or inmates of the cabin. It was only when Bradley, dismounting from his mustang, struck the door-post with the handle of his whip-for it is needless to say that bells were not to be found in that neighborhood--that their presence became known.
A woman, tall, spare, and with harsh features, came to the door. She eyed Bradley askance.
'Well, what's wanted, and who are you?' she demanded.
'We are bound for the mines, ma'am,' said Bradley. 'We expected to camp out to-night, but we happened to see the smoke rising from your chimbly, and we made bold to ride up and ask you for supper and a night's lodging.'
'We don't take in tramps,' said the woman roughly.
'We're on a tramp,' said Bradley, resolved not to be rebuffed, 'but we've got money to pay for our accommodations.'
'This ain't a hotel,' said the woman, but less roughly.
'Of course not,' said Bradley, in a conciliatory manner; 'but I guess you won't object to get us some supper and give us a bed. We'll pay for all the trouble we make. That's fair, ain't it?'
'I don't know what my husband will say,' returned the woman, in an undecided manner.
'Won't you ask him, ma'am?'
'He's gone out just now. He won't be back for an hour.'
'While you're waitin' for him, can't you get us some supper? Then you can send us off if he ain't willin' to keep us.'
'I'll do that,' said the woman. 'You'd better stay outside till I get supper ready. There ain't much room here, and you'll be in the way.'
'Jest as you say, ma'am. I s'pose it would be too much to ask if you kin give us a hot cup of coffee. We haven't tasted any since we left 'Frisco.'
'I can give you coffee,' answered the woman. 'My husband likes it, and we always keep it on hand.'
'Good!' said Bradley, his face lighting up with satisfaction. 'We've rid far to-day, and a cup of coffee will go to the right spot.'
Bradley and Ben threw themselves on the ground near-by, and awaited with complacence the call to supper.
'We're in luck, Ben,' said his companion. 'Who'd have expected a hot supper out here in this lonely place?'
'I don't much like the looks of our landlady, Jake,' said Ben.
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Chapter 14 The Canon Hotel
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