166 THE HIVE OF THE BEE-HUNTER. 
On the occasion when we would particularly intro- 
duce Mike to the reader, he had bound himself for a 
while to the pursuits of trade, until a voyage from the 
head-waters of the Ohio, and down the Mississippi, 
could be completed. Heretofore he had kept himself 
exclusively to the Ohio, but a liberal reward, and some 
curiosity, prompted him to extend his business charac- 
ter beyond his ordinary habits and inclinations. 
In the accomplishment of this object, he lolled 
carelessly over the big “‘ sweep” that guided the “ flat” 
on which he officiated ;—the current of the river bore the 
boat swiftly along, and made his labor light. Wild and 
uncultivated as Mike appeared, he loved nature, and had 
a soul that sometimes felt, while admiring it, an exalted 
enthusiasm. 
The beautiful Ohio was his favorite stream. From 
where it runs no stronger than a gentle rivulet, to where 
it mixes with the muddy Mississippi, Mike was as 
familiar with its meanderings, as a child could be with 
those of a flower-garden. He could not help noticing 
with sorrow the desecrating hand of improvement as he 
passed along, and half soliloquizing, and half addressing 
his companions, he broke forth : 
“T knew these parts afore a squatter’s axe had 
blazed a tree; ’twasn’t then pulling a 

sweep to 
get a living; but pulling the trigger, did the business. 

Those were times to see;—a man might call himself 
lucky then. 
