The examiner. [volume] (Louisville, Ky.) 1847-1849, 1847-10-16

But to the smash" was the good seed des
patched, ingloriously hampeled with the
privilege Of munching wild grass in the
rain, alter his days journey.
Then came the question of lodging for
his master. The lady, who had by this
tune drawn out trundle-bed, and packed il
full of children, said there was no bed for
him, unless he could sleep "up chamber
with the boys.
Mr.. Willoughby declared thai he should
make out very well with blanket by the
fire.
swell Just as you like" said his host
''but Solomon sleeps there, and If you like
to sleep by Solomon, it is more than !
should"
This was the name of the old Indian,
and Mr.. Willoughby once more cast woful
glances toward the ladder.
But now the schoolmaster, who seemed
rather disposed to be civil, declared that
he could sleep very well in the long
cradle, and would relinquish his place
beside the shoemaker to the guest, who
was obliged to content himself with this ar
rangement, which was such as was most
usual in these times.
The storm continued through the night,
and many a crash in the woods attested
its power. The sound of storm in the
dense forest is almost precisely similar to
that Of a heavy surge breaking on a
rocky beach; and when our traveller
slept, it was only to dream of wreck and
disaster at sea, and TO wake in horror and
alright. The wild rain drove in at every
crevice, and wet the poor children in the
loft so thoroughly, that they crawled shiv-
ering down the ladder, and stretched them
selves Oh the hearth, regardless of Solomon,
who had returned after the others were in
bed.
But morning came at last and om friend
who had no desire farther to test the vaunt-
ed hospitality Of western settler, was not
among the latest astir. The storm had par
TALLY subsidized; and although the clouds
still lowered ansrily, and his saddle had en-
ioyed the benefit of leak in the roof du,
ring the night, Mr.. Willoughby resolved to
push on as far as the next clearing, at least.
hoping for something for breakfast besides
potatoes and salt 1t took him a weary
while to find his horse, and when he saddled
him, and strapped on his various accoutre-
msnts, he entered the house, and enquired
what he was to pay for his entertainment
laying somewhat of stress on the last
word.
His host, nothing daunted, replied that he
guessed he would let him of for dollar.
Mr.. Willoughby took out his purse, and
as he placed silver dollar in the leahern
palm outspread to receive it, happened to
look toward the hearth, and perceiving the
preparations for very substantial breakfast,
the long pentup vexation burst forth.
al really must say, Mr.. Pepper he
began: his tone was certainly that Of an
angry man, but it only made his host laugh.
''lf this is your boosted western hospital
ty, can tell you"
YOU'D better tell me what the dickens
you are peppe;ing me up this fashion for !
My name isn't Pepper, no more than yours
is May be that is your name, you seem
pretty warm"
"Your name not Pepper Pray, what is
it then?'
"Ah there's The thing now You land
hunters ought to know SIGH things without
asking"
'Land-hunter! I'm no land-hunter a"
"Well. you're land-shsrk, then--swal-
lowin' up poor mems farms. The less |
see of such cattle, the better I'm pleased -
"Confound you said MIR. Willoughby,
who waxed warm, 81 tell you I've nothing
TO do with land. | wouldn't take your
whole state for a gift
"What did you tell my woman you was
land-hunter for, them"
And now the whole matter became clear
in a moment; and it was found that Mr.
Willoughby's equipment, with the mention
of hunting party" had completely mis-
led both host and hostess. And to do them
justice, never were regret and veIation more
heartily expressed.
''You needn't Judge our new country folks
by me, said Mr.. Handy, for such proved
to be his name ''any man in these parts |
would as soon bite of his own nose, as to
snub civil traveller thar wanted supper
and nights lodging. But somehow or
other, your lots o 6xin', and your askin'
after that ere Pepper--one of the worst
we've ever had here-made me |
mad; and know treated you worse than
an Indian"
"Humph " said Solomon.
"But," continued the host, ''yoa shall see
whether my old woman can't set a good
breakfast, when she's mind to. Come,
you shan't stir step till you've had break
fast; and just take back this plaguey dol
lar. wonder it didn't burn my fingers
when took it.
Mrs. Handy set forth her very best, and
famous breakfast it was, considering the
times. And before it was finished, the
hunting party made their appearance, hav.
ing had some difficulty in finding their COM
panion, who had made no very uncommon
mis- axe as to section corners and town.
lines.
s'l'll tell ye what" said Mr.. Handy,
as the cavalcade with its
ponies, loaded with tents, gun-casss,
and hampers Of provisions, was getting into
order for march to the prairies, "Ill tell ye
what; if you've occasion to stop anywhere
n the Bush, you'd better tell 'em at the
first gon' off that you amt land-hunters
But Mr.. Willoughby had already had ga
caution"