The house nearest to the mountain appeared to be that of a comfortable farmer.

We entered it trembling, and found our expectations not disappointed.

But the housewife peremptorily refused our first request, evidently suspecting there was something wrong, and unable to reconcile our appearance with the idea of hunger or distress.

She bestowed a peculiarly sinister scrutiny on my poor sister.

After some parley, we said we should have something to eat, either for love or money, and while saying so, we began to examine the locks of our pistols.