166 THE HIVE OF THE BEE-HUNTEIl. 



On the occasion when we would particularly intro- 

 duce Mike to the reader, he had bound himself for a 

 while to the pursuits of trade, until a voyage from the 

 head-waters of the Ohio, and down the Mississippi, 

 could be completed. Heretofore he had kept himself 

 exclusively to the Ohio, but a liberal reward, and some 

 curiosity, prompted him to extend his business charac- 

 ter beyond his ordinary habits and inclinations. 



In the accomplishment of this object, he lolled 

 carelessly over the big " sweep" that guided the " flat " 

 on which he officiated ; — the current of the river bore the 

 boat swiftly along, and made his labor light. Wild and 

 uncultivated as Mike appeared, he loved nature, and had 

 a soul that sometimes felt, while admiring it, an exalted 

 enthusiasm. 



The beautiful Ohio was his favorite stream. From 

 where it runs no stronger than a gentle rivulet, to where 

 it mixes with the muddy Mississippi, Mike was as 

 familiar with its meanderings, as a child could be with 

 those of a flower-garden. He could not help noticing 

 with sorrow the desecrating hand of improvement as he 

 passed along, and half soliloquizing, and half addressing 

 his companions, he broke forth : 



"I knew these parts afore a squatter's axe had 

 blazed a tree ; 'twasn't then pulling a — — sweep to 

 get a living ; but pulling the trigger, did the business. 

 Those were times to see ; — a man might call himself 

 lucky then. 



