68 IN THE DAYS OF AUDUBON 



had scarcely reached the age of thirteen, drew near to me, 

 and observed how pleasant it was to meet with such good 

 people. 



" To all appearance the united ages of the pair under 

 whose roof we had found shelter did not exceed two score. 

 Their means seemed barely sufficient to render them com- 

 fortable, but the generosity of their young hearts had no 

 limits. The cabin was new. The logs of which it was 

 formed were all of the tulip-tree, and were nicely pared. 

 Every part was beautifully clean. Even the coarse slabs 

 that formed the floor looked as if newly washed and dried. 

 Sundry gowns and petticoats of substantial homespun hung 

 from the logs that formed one of the sides of the cabin, 

 while the .other was covered with articles of male attire. 

 A large spinning-wheel, with rolls of wool and cotton, occu- 

 pied one corner. In another was a small cupboard, con- 

 taining the little stock of new dishes, cups, plates, and tin 

 pans. The table was small also, but quite new, and as 

 bright as polished walnut could be. The only bed that I 

 saw was of domestic manufacture, and the counterpane 

 proved how expert the young wife was at spinning and 

 weaving. 



" Supper over, we all neared the fire, and engaged in 

 conversation. At length our kind host addressed his wife 

 as follows: ' Eliza, the gentlemen would like to lie down, 

 I guess. What sort of bed can you fix for them? ' Eliza 

 looked up with a smile, and said : ' Why, Willy, we will 



