32 WILD SPORTS IK THE FAR WEST. 



been so long deprived of, a stranger came into our room, 

 but as he addressed us in German, we -vvere soon on a foot- 

 ing of old acquaintance ; he was a baker, who had been 

 about thirty years in America, and had realized a hand- 

 some fortune ; he came with the praiseworthy intention 

 of giving us good advice. The good man might have 

 saved his trouble, for, wise in our own conceits, like all 

 new comers, we knew better than he did. He had 

 lived principally in Pennsylvania, and, like all the 

 people of that State, he addi-essed each as " Thou." He 

 cautioned us against the Americans, telling us that they 

 would cheat us whenever they could; "but," said he, 

 "if you must trust to any one, trust an American 

 sooner than a German. It is a disgrace to the Ger- 

 mans, but it is too true : beware of them, for they are 

 much worse towards their own countrymen than any 

 others ; because," added he, confidentially, " they are 

 the simplest. When you land at New York, don't go 

 into any of the low public-houses, near the landing-place 

 — ' William Tell ' — and such like — they are all dens 

 of thieves ; and now if you do — you have been warne'd, 

 — it will be your o^^rD. faults and you can't complain." 

 He continued for some time giving us advice on this 

 subject, and although, at that time, I made no exception 

 to the general rule of knowing better, disbelieving his 

 calumnious warnings because they did not agree with 

 my preconceived fixed opinions, I found afterwards that 

 his words were unfortunately but too true. 



A second examination of the baggage exposed more 

 dirt ; sick of remaining longer in disagreeable contact 

 with it, we five took the steamer that starts at 'nine 

 o'clock for New York, making the passage of nine 



