THE COUNTRY BOY 167 



of which were concealed by a clean linen table- 

 cloth over the top. I lifted the cloth, and 

 could perceive that it was a most bountiful 

 dinner. I felt faint and weak and grabbed 

 the buggy wheel. Then I called Patton, and 

 when he looked, his countenance changed from 

 that of the humiliated athlete to that of a 

 victor. We thought it belonged to someone 

 on the ground, so we lost no time in driving 

 away with it. 



We drove for a mile and a half to where the 

 country road crossed, by way of an old, covered 

 bridge, a beautiful stream called Butte Creek. 

 We halted at the side of the stream, and there 

 spread out this royal lunch. 'Twas the most 

 luxurious affair I have ever seen. There was 

 fully enough for twenty people, — six roast 

 chickens, the most sumptuous pies and cakes 

 imaginable; biscuits buttered, some with 

 preserves between, others with slices of 

 cheese and pickles, and there were several 

 loaves of salt rising bread. There were tarts 

 and cookies, sliced tongue, pickled pigs' feet, 

 radishes, and about ten dozen hard-boiled eggs. 

 We spread it all out on a grassy peninsula, 

 and proceeded to devour it until we fell into a 



