14000 MILES 



and Hillsborough, wondering where we should find our- 

 selves at night. We referred to our map and decided to 



go to , but on making inquiries at a farmhouse, the 



woman consulted her goodman and advised us not to go 

 there, for a passing stranger had told them the hotel was 

 filled to overflowing, and the dancing hall, dining-room 

 and neighbors' houses were occupied. She was much 

 interested, and said, "If you do not wish to drive much 

 farther, there is a little village two miles on, and widow 



sometimes puts up people." We had driven far 



enough, and thought it best to make a trial of private 

 hospitality. It was a new experience, we had never been 

 "put up," and felt as if we were imposing upon the good 

 old lady as we lifted the knocker and asked if we could 

 stay there over night. She looked at us over her glasses, 

 then sent her one boarder to take care of our horse, while 

 she helped us deposit our innumerable things in the 

 "spare room." We quietly put the revolver in a safe 

 place, and glanced at each other as we thought, "What 

 would she say?" 



Widow and her boarder had supped, but soon a 



supper was prepared for us in the sitting-room, which we 

 lazily enjoyed seated in old-fashioned rocking-chairs. 

 After our cosy repast we went to the barn to see how 

 Charlie was faring. He looked at us as if he thought 

 meal a poor return for his day's service, and we went to 

 the "store" for oats. Several bystanders assured us it 

 was a bad season for oats, and advised corn; but an old 

 gentleman enlisted himself in our behalf, and said we 

 should have some oats in the morning if he had to go 



to , two miles away, for them. 



19 



