The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1878-06-22

rapidly. Frequently in the long twilight
we would have boat races among ourselves
and then pass the rest of the evening sit.
ting under the trees, relating anecdotes,
singing, or watching the smouldering logs
of our dying camp fire. One Saturday
night, as we were louuging about the tent,
and thinking of going to bed, we were
aroused by the grating of a boat on our
shore and the shout of "boat ahoy." We
all started to our feet and ran down to the
beach, where was a large boat filled with
gentlemen and ladies'. They said they
were camping out on the other side of the
lake -four miles away and had seen our
fire, and had heard that some of US were
ministers. They wanted Us to come over
and hold service at their camp the next
day (Sabbath). But being engaged for the
morning, at the church on the other shore
of the lake, we promise to go in the even
ing. After we had talked awhile with
them, they rowed off towards their camp
We had some fine singers among our party
and they struck up some serenade, which
sounded very sweetiy. The visitors then
stopped their boat and answered us with
another, and then both parties turned
towards their camps The next evening,
after we had cleared up our supper things,
we manned our two boats and started for
their camp. They were quite large party
from New \ ork. They had commodious
club house built, and very comfortable
camp. They brought camp chairs out I'M
der the trees, and hung lanterns up on the
branches, and gathered decorously for the
service of God. 1t was rather a strange
sight. The preacher stood on the porch
by lantern, with his blue shirt and collar,
reminding one more of the field than the
pulpit. Many of the audience were in their
shirt sleeves, and otherw Use dressed in camp
style. The lanterns, of course, gave but
dim light, but we used no books, and so
did not need more than we had. 1t re
minded one of the time when our perse-
cuted ancestry met in some sheltered wood
at night to hold those services that were
interdicted. After church they invited us
into their shanty" and spread cold
lunch, which we very heartily enjoyed.
When we were ready to go, they came
down to the landing with US and saw US off
When we had gotten about quarter of a
mile out into the lake, we struck up that
familiar hymn, "Shall we gather at the
river" and sang verse, with the chorus,
when the party on the shore struck up the
second verse, singing it through with the
chorus. AS far as we could hear, the sound
of their sweet singing came to us on the
water. This was a pleasant little episode
which We will never forget
But the time was nearing when our pleas
ant party must break up, and we were
soon retracing our steps and seeking each
his own place in the busy whirL of life's
duties. That trip will never be forgotten.
We returned to our work stronger and
better than we had been for months.
In closing these letters, Mr.. Editor, let
me wish for you and your readers a Sum-
mer iaunt or Summers camp somewhere
among the islands which are sprinkle in
great profusion over this beautiful lake.
Not speaking of my travelling expenses, my
camping out of about twelve days cost me
but ten dollars. W,