She heard the mice scamper and rustle and she smelled the musty, old, woody odor of a long-unused cabin.
"Hello, Ellen!" came a voice she recognized as her uncle's, yet it was strange.

"Yes.

I'm heah--bad luck to me! ...

How 're y'u buckin' up, girl ?" "I'm all right, Uncle Tad--only tired an' worried.

I--" "Tad, how's your hurt ?" interrupted Colter.
"Reckon I'm easier," replied Jorth, wearily, "but shore I'm in bad shape.