QUEER LINGO. 87 
as it may appear), and joined in our merry laugh at so funny 
a coincidence. . ' 
I proposed a race for a bottle of whiskey, when, to our 
surprise, they assented, and started off up the road, whilst 
we, dying with laughter, were obliged to ride off, being 
behind the train some distance. — 
A more absurdly ridiculous sight cannot be imagined, 
than the six crutches and three legs scampering off in the 
moonlight. Long and loud were our shouts of laughter and 
those of our camp companions, when we related the scene, 
and Gainesville remains the one-legged settlement, from 
that date, in our memories. 
In an hour, we arrived at the last nea’ in Texas, and 
entering a piece of timber which crossed our road—-a spur 
of the Cross Timbers—found it impracticable on account of 
the late storm, and consequently were obliged to encamp 
until a road could be cut through. 
_ We retraced our steps to a clear spring, near the house, 
and despite musquitoes,—which abounded in thousands,-~ 
camped for the night, 
During our detention, I visited the house to make pur- 
chases, if possible, of eggs, chickens, milk, &c., for our mess, 
and was much amused—as I had been before—at the pecu- 
liar parlance of the settlers, as for instance—“ Will you sell 
me some eggs?” “We ha’nt got nar an eggs.” “ Any 
chickens?” “We ha'nt got nara chickens.” “ Any milk ?” 
