Sketches From Oldest America 



talking. He was particularly interested to learn that 

 in the south the sun was never lost in winter and the 

 days were warm and balmy, just the same as in sum- 

 mer. He was growing tired of his bachelorship, and 

 therefore he decided to seek a bride outside of his 

 own people, one that would be willing to travel with 

 him. Meeting one of the young ladies of the Bar- 

 nacle Goose family, he proposed that she should be- 

 come his wife, lauding himself by saying what a 

 sweet voice he had, and what a good husband he 

 would make. Miss Goose hung her head and de- 

 murred a little, nevertheless she accepted the offer, 

 and they began their wedding tour together. 



The goose, knowing the route, took the lead 

 straight out over the ocean, while the raven fol- 

 lowed, trying to keep pace with his bride. As the 

 day waned, the raven began to feel the effects of 

 the long flight, while hunger was admonishing him 

 that he had partaken of only a light breakfast that 

 morning. So addressing his wife, he said, "My 

 dear, don't you think it is about time for us to take 

 a rest while we try to find something to eat ?" 



"All right, husband," was her reply, as she settled 

 lightly down on the waves. But there was no place 

 for the raven to alight, unless upon his wife's back. 

 143 



