94 ADVENTURES IN THE WILDERNESS. 



dance, and several others had been gone through, 

 the floor was cleared for individual exhibitions 

 of skill. Then was the double-shuffle executed 

 with an energy never excelled. Gentlemen and 

 guides contended in friendly rivalry. Everitt 

 was in prime condition, and drew the bow with 

 a vehemence which, if long continued, would 

 liave sent him out of the woods lighter in flesh 

 by several pounds than when he came in. At last 

 the floor was again cleared, partners cliosen, and 

 with every rule of etiquette observed, good old 

 money-musk was honored, — partners gallantly 

 saluted as if they were ladies, jewelled and fair, 

 and the company seated. 



At this point the proceedings assumed a new 

 character. The conversation might be reported 

 thus : — 



Guide. " I suppose you folks down in the settle- 

 ments don't dance as we do ? " 



Everitt. "Well, no, not exactly. Our dances 

 are largely French." 



Guide. " Do tell ! Well, now, how is that ? " 



Everitt. " I do not think I could give you a cor- 

 rect idea of them ; they are very peculiar." 



Guide. " Come, now, could n't some of you give 

 us a notion about it ? We would like to see how 

 you dance down in the cities." 



Everitt. " The fact is, we have more action in 

 our dancing than you have in yours. It would 



