He even pointed out the fact that there was no provision, nor means of making a camp.

But, unluckily, the Innocent met this objection by assuring the party that he was provided with an extra mule loaded with provisions and by the discovery of a rude attempt at a log house near the trail.

"Piney can stay with Mrs.Oakhurst," said the Innocent, pointing to the Duchess, "and I can shift for myself." Nothing but Mr.Oakhurst's admonishing foot saved Uncle Billy from bursting into a roar of laughter.

As it was, he felt compelled to retire up the canyon until he could recover his gravity.

There he confided the joke to the tall pine trees, with many slaps of his leg, contortions of his face, and the usual profanity.