Wisconsin tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1847-1854, 1849-01-05
CHAPTER ii.
THE INN.

seen ploddisg his way along the sloping banks
of the Des PLANES. His gun was upon his
/ shoulder and his gaIle-bag filled with a doz-
en- fat grouse, was strapped upon his back
A faithful pointer, fasnt and weary, followed
close behind aim, stopping occasionally to
battle his buTning tongue In the waters OF the
/ stream.
The hunter was nc other than Clinton Gro
yer. In the middle Of the afternoon he had
wandered forth 70 enjpy his favorite sport, and
/ giving way ito the excitement of the hunt, had
carelessly proceeded several miles from home
! Hunger now became pressing, and having left
/ the prairie for the bank of the stream, he be-
gan to look forward in hopes of seeing the
well-known roof of tavern which was sltua-
ted on the river Des PLANES. At length, after
proceeding sonic distance down the stream,
the inn of the fsWhste Rabbit" appeared in
view. This was fldely constructed build
ing, designed for the accommodation of hum
tiers and travellers in that portion of the west;
and it well carried out its design, as we our
selves can witness, having more than once
had OCCASION to test the skill of the good land
lord, and to taste histwines, his venison and
| wild fowls.
Clinton entered without ceremony, and CIV
| ing his gun and bag Of game into the hands
of Boniface, threw himself carelessly upon a
| lounge.
on dle always sure Vi uidhiHS SOOO
haul you are said che landlord, casting
glance of admiration at the heavy game-bag.
8 If should hunk week, I'm sure couldn't
kill dozen such fat chickens as you have got
to-day
And not only to-day returned Clinton,
but during Just two hours time this afternoon.
But this is nothing; have killed twice the
number before now IN half the time
Lucky fe5lown sighed the landlord.
Lucky Why, every man has his gifts,
as my grandfather used to say. L have the
| good fortune of being a toerable good shot,
| while you, old fellow. are blessed with the ia
Guilty which enaeles you to get up the most
tempting supper in the world. By the way,
| am little faint IN the regions of the stomach,
and the memory of the fat venson steaks I've
| had the honor of eating at your table before
now, makes meimpaiient; so serve me dish
as soon as possible, and in addition to the
usual fee, you shall take your choice of the
| chickens In my bag.
| sGood!' exclaimed the landlord and if
you've no objections, | will take the rest at
the usual price
! sImpossibEe,' replied Grover, Il have kill
ed them expressly to give to my neighbors.
But the supper.
I'm eleven minutes and a quarter said
Boniface, looking at his watch.
Left to hinsef, Clinton Grover took his
dogs head upon1his fnees, and stroking his
neck mechanically, Gas soon lost IN media
! ton.
He had remained but a short time in this
position, when two travellers arrived at the
door of the inn. The waiter fastened to take
care of their horse an,l carriage, and to invite
them to supper.
/ Water him in half an hour, and give him
four quarts of oaas,' sid the elder of the two,
who was appareatly enc of those who, at that
time in case of necessity, helped travellers on
their way by pfivates conveyance. Do not
unharness him, he continued, for although
he has been driven from Chicago to-day, he
has got some. half dozen miles farther to GO
tonight
Is it not more than half dozen miles ?
asked the younger fageller.
1t is not more thar eight, at the farthest,
replied his comF!inioft
| Then it seems to me, 1t is scarcely worth
the while to STOP.
you can do us yos like about it, said the
elder traveller, somewhat sharply, but as for
my horse he shall go no farther until he has
been fed
Il beg your pitrdons' returned the other. 81
had forgotten the horse in my impotence to
get along.
The two now entered the tavern, and Gin
ton Grover had !. fair view of the countenance
and figure of each. The younger alone attrac-
ted his atteation. He was year or two
Younger than himself, and possessed of fine
dark eve, lofty brow, and slight but we'll
proportioned frame. He entered, and sat
down at short distance from the huntsman.
Clinton, who was somewhat vexed TO think
that his supper was delayed, continued to pa
the head of bis dog, without appearing to no.
tice the strangers.
; AS is oftels the case, when we least wish
! for companys tw additional travellers arrived
lust at the tine that the landlord was coming
to announce lhat supper for three was ready
: As il was his ctstoni to make all his guest:
sup together. he hastened to order few add
tional preparations, thus causing a second de
Law, to the gteat annoyance OF Clinton.
The newcomers advanced to the BARRON
: and seemed greatly rejoiced at beholding the
Young traveller, who sat opposite Clinton. L
: appeared thas they had become acquainted a
: least ON the IDad between that place and Chi
cago.
Clinton, yvhawas of a taciturn disposition
; remained SILENT, while the four newcomer
engaged in a.lively conversation. At lengtl
supper was snnf'unced.
|. The table5va3 plentifully spread, but NV
g excellent apsetites served greatly to relieve
: of its burdea. The repast ended, and tn
company reSarnsed tosthe bar-room, In which
the horse bcq had in the mean time, been re
: glling FidoS Ciintor's dog, with scraps c
!. venison and .poultry.'
: :: CHATTER III.
1.-THE goMBAT.
> sDogs arCzcuIlous snimals,' said the young