FOREST LIFE. 93 



the clever management of an old man connected with the crew. 

 They had returned to camp from the labors of the day, the fire 

 was nearly out, and nothing prepared for supper. Alike fatigued 

 and hungry, each refused, in turn, to discharge the duties of cook, 

 and the gloomy prospect presented itself of a supperless night. 

 " Uncle Nat," as we familiarly called him, was a "jolly old soul," 

 the very personification of good nature, corpulency, and quietude, 

 possessing, withal, a good share of ingenious wit ; and, from his 

 corpulency and asthmatical tendencies, reminding one of a small 

 locomotive by the puffing and blowing consequent on physical 

 exertion. Now how to settle this matter, and have even any 

 number of volunteer cooks, at once occurred to "Uncle Nat." 

 "Dear me" (his favorite expression), "what a time about cook- 

 ing. Why, it is the easiest thing in nature to get supper. Now, 

 boys, if you will all wait upon me, I'll be cook." "Agreed! 

 agreed !" was the ready response on all hands. This matter 

 being settled, "Uncle Nat" veiy deliberately deposited himself 

 on the " deacon seat," and commenced drilling the volunteer as- 

 sistants. " Now, Richard, get a little wood and kindle up the 

 fire." " Isaac, step down to the brook and fetch a pail of water ;" 

 " and you, Mac, while the fire is getting under way, wash a few 

 potatoes, and get them ready to put on when the pot boils." 

 " Now, Jake, cut a few slices of pork," continued our chief cook, 

 with much sang froid, " and put it over the fire to fry." " But 

 you were to get supper. Uncle Nat." " Yes, I was to get supper, 

 but you were to wait upon me," says he, casting a significant 

 glance toward Tom, at the same time ordering him to make the 

 dishes ready. Remonstrance was vain : they had agreed to wait 

 upon him, if he would be cook. Every thing was arranged, sup- 

 per ready, and there still sat the old gentleman — hadn't stirred 

 an inch. "Dear me" (deep breathing), "dear me," said Uncle 

 Nat, "I have got supper, and 'twas one of the easiest things in 

 the world." The " boys" are caught — it was a " good 'un ;" and 



