KANSAS CiTY. 149 



observed to be an accomplice of the card-sharpers, go up 

 and win the best lot on the lottery table, and then, when 

 the presiding fool and rogue bid him a considerable sum 

 for the prize to be returned, answer his bosom friend 

 rudely as to " not taking twice the sum named for the 

 treasure the dice had given him." "Oh," I thought to 

 myself, " these American Boh-hoys will be the death of 

 me !" but I refrained from any just interference, and let 

 the farce go on. 



But hark ! the band strikes up a lively air ; there is an 

 unusual bustle aboard; people crowd the upper deck, and 

 we are close in on Kansas city. Men and boys run from 

 the houses to the quay ; we shorten speed, and the 

 steamer brings her bluff bows alongside the land ; we 

 collect our luggage, and strangers board us to welcome 

 friends, and learn the latest news. 



I had gathered together my trunks and boxes, and had 

 piled them one above the other, a favourite little black shin- 

 ingvalise of mine, containing my hunting materials and any 

 little loved remembrance of home that I had with me, on 

 the deck at my feet, and my dogs still safe in their kennel, 

 when several Americans, and one young Englishman, 

 came to me and expressed their compliments and kind 

 congratulations on my arrival. The first suggestions that 

 reached me were as to the two hotels, then offers of service 

 and advice became so general, that I stood in doubtful 

 silence, simply on guard over my property, resolved to 

 take no step of any sort till the conflicting speakers had 

 tired themselves and left me more alone. While thus 

 stationary, the crowd seemed to give way to an important 

 personage, and a finish-looking, half-cast, Indian-eyed 

 man came to the front with rather a theatrical air, and 

 somewhat to the following effect delivered himself: "I, 



