338 THE ADIRONDACK. 



around as if he owned the house. He built a fire in 

 the stove and put the tea-kettle on — he drew out the 

 rickety old table, and went to some rude shelves nailed 

 against the logs, and which served to those who owned 

 the dwelling as a pantry, and took down everything he 

 found that he wanted ; in short, made himself so free 

 and easy, that I thought the occupants must be great 

 personal friends. I saw the woman was away, but one 

 of the men, whom I noticed going into the only bed- 

 room in the house with his rifle, I supposed to be the 

 owner. I thought, however, he took it amazing coolly, 

 neither interfering nor offering any assistance. The 

 other was evidently a sportsman, though not from the 

 city. 



After we had finished our meal I asked Charlie how 

 much we ought to pay the man for giving up his house 

 so generously to us. I think I never was taken more 

 aback than when he replied, "Nothing. There hain't no- 

 body here to give anything to ; the man and his wife are 

 both away." " Away !" I exclaimed ; " well, who are 

 these men ?" " A guide and a man with him. They 

 have been hunting up the river, and, killing a couple 

 of deer, stopped here to dress them and jerk the meat." 

 " Then they are strangers to the people who live here ?" 



