ENCAMPMENT OF TEAMSTERS. 73 



I need not say I was much chagrined, and for a 

 moment I almost thought I would once more turn 

 my course towards the south-west. 



The sun was about an hour high when we came 

 up with the teamsters, who had already halted and 

 released their cattle to feed. Consequently the 

 whole cavalcade were in a comparative state of idle- 

 ness, excepting those engaged in preparing the 

 evening meal. Our advent naturally drew all the 

 idlers together, to hear who we were and where we 

 came from. When within speaking distance a volley 

 of questions greeted us, and before I could edge in 

 an answer, even sideways, a volley of laughter woke 

 the echoes from the neighbouring hill-sides, repeated 

 so often that I at last was constrained to join in ; 

 for, although it was at my own expense, I could 

 not help seeing that the situation was intensely 

 ludicrous. 



Such proof of my good temper was fortunately in 

 my favour, for they one and all came forward and 

 gave me a hearty welcome. My animals were 

 stripped of their trappings and provided with food, 

 while I was received as the guest of the chief, Tom 

 Morris by name. A bottle of choice old Bourbon- 

 county whiskey was uncorked, and its contents dis- 

 posed of in honour of my arrival. 



That night, after enjoying a capital meal a 

 sumptuous one, when compared with my late primi- 

 tive diet we sat late. Tobacco and whiskey com- 

 bined loosened my tongue, and all the principal 



