112 



'AN HOSPITABLE RECEPTION. 



before a large fire, a beautiful young girl, tall and slender 

 as a maid of Artois, placed upon the table some fried 

 venison, eggs, milk, and coffee. A glass of whisky in- 

 creased the pleasure of the repast. 



In this hospitable house we passed the night ; and 

 next day, after breakfast, as our hostess would not accept 

 any pay, my friend gave her sons a horn full of powder, 

 a precious gift for the pioneers of the western prairies. 

 In my turn I begged the daughter to accept a new red 

 silk handkerchief, which I had found at the bottom of 

 my knapsack. She appeared delighted with the present. 



At noon we boarded a steam-boat which ascended the 

 Ohio ; and the same evening, my friend reconducted me 

 to his father's house, where we were received as prodigal 

 sons, though no calf was killed for us. 



