FROM THE KINGSTON SPRINGS TO SAN BERNARDINO. 177 



feel keenly the effects of short allowance. We essayed the 

 expedient of tightening our belts in order to neutralize the 

 effects brought on by the aching void within ; but we found 

 this plan was better in theory than in practice. Another 

 mode we had for making a little go a great way was to 

 drink plentifully of our weak coffee, under the impression 

 that it would expand the more solid food until it filled up 

 that vacuum which man, as well as nature, so much abhors. 

 During the first part of the time we were on allowance we had 

 our jokes about the predicament we were in, as we endeavored 

 to drive away the impressions brought on by the gloomy 

 future that was hanging over us. Having devoured our re- 

 spective allowances of dry bread, we would lay siege to the 

 camp-kettle of coffee, and with tincups brimming with the 

 unsugared, uncreamed and alkaline decoction, we would com- 

 mence " filling up," as we jestingl}^ termed it, after which 

 we would tighten our belts another hole and bid defiance to 

 gaunt famine. These jokes, however, soon became old and 

 stale, and wearied looks, irritable tempers and listlessness 

 abounded amid our half-starved company. As may be sur- 

 mised, our campfires were no longer redolent with the up- 

 roarious merriment and practical joking which characterized 

 those of the forepart of our journey. 



Travelers on short allowance are full of selfishness, some 

 fine writing to the contrary notwithstanding. AVith us there 

 was suspicion, accusation and recrimination. One or two 

 were accused of stealing from the daily allowance, as we 

 took our turns riding, when there were chances for those 

 lacking consciences to purloin the bread, which was all we 

 had and which we would bake to last twenty-four hours. 

 The most pitiable sight was Bently and his dog. There 

 was but little sentiment about me; but when I saw the 

 master secretly getting food for his pet, I had a feeling 

 which prevented me from interfering. I believe Bently 



