They started, as if by common consent, to their feet, as his horse's tread smote upon their ears; but, satisfied with the appearance of a single man, and witnessing the jaded condition of his steed, they were content to invite him to partake with them of the rude cheer which the good-woman was now busied in setting before him.
The hoe-cakes and bacon were smoking finely, and the fatigue of the youth engaged his senses, with no unwillingness on their part, to detect a most savory attraction in the assault which they made upon his sight and nostrils alike.

He waited not for a second invitation, but in a few moments--having first stripped his horse, and put the saddle, by direction of the emigrant, into his wagon--he threw himself beside them upon the ground, and joined readily and heartily in the consumption of the goodly edibles which were spread out before them.
They had not been long at this game, when a couple of fine watch-dogs which were in the camp, guarding the baggage, gave the alarm, and the whole party was on the alert, with sharp eye and cocked rifle.

They commenced a survey, and at some distance could hear the tread of horsemen, seemingly on the approach.

The banditti, of which we have already spoken, were well known to the emigrant, and he had already to complain of divers injuries at their hands.

It is not, therefore, matter of surprise, that he should place his sentinels, and prepare even for the most audacious attack.
He had scarcely made this disposition of his forces, which exhibited them to the best advantage, when the strangers made their appearance.
They rode cautiously around, without approaching the defences sufficiently nigh to occasion strife, but evidently having for their object originally an attack upon the wayfarer.