ON THE ROAD. 85 



so I spread the gingham, and prayed for passing 

 clouds. 



And now the summit of Zurkin comes into view, 

 is seen for an hour, then fades and disappears be- 

 hind the many lesser hills which border our path- 

 way ; we cross the Androscoggin again, and Rum- 

 ford greets our sight ; and we regret to hear, as we 

 leave the hotel where we change horses, that our 

 female friend, she of the eloquent tongue, has been 

 ingulfed in a torrent of her own eloquence, and 

 perchance now in other lands beyond the stars is to 

 coming strangers unveiling the glories that await 

 them. 



But we must not allow sober thoughts to detract 

 from the pleasure of this glorious ride ; and, to tell 

 the truth, she didn't die, had merely returned to 

 her home as we were doing let us hope, with a 

 soul as fully satisfied as ours. 



"That there plant which you see, that little 

 patch down yonder, on that sidehill, is terbacker. 

 The chap that lives there come from Connecticut : 

 he's trying to raise it, but I guess it won't come to 

 much." 



This from the Deacon, to party in the family 

 circle. 



" Well, Deacon, let us hope he will succeed ; for, 

 if it is a curse, it is a most fascinating and enjoya- 



