ILLS OF PIONEER LIFE. 
75 
yet feeling sofer in view of remaining all night with the prairie 
wolves, in such a place as this, sat demurely in the carriage. 
Finally I said, “ Shall I get out of the carriage ? ” And the im¬ 
age of patience came forward, saying “ Yes,” andassisted me out. 
I knew then that in some corner of his brain there was a plan for 
new shafts, and a sure prospect for our return to Lawrence. 
Within two miles of Lawrence we called at the place where we 
got our weekly supply of butter, which is of the best quality. 
While the lady of the little log cabin was weighing it out, her 
husband came to the carriage, and, after talking a moment, went 
in again to play us some tunes. His fondness for music amounts 
to a passion, and while living in Ohio he often taught music. He 
has a large dairy here. 
About a mile further on our way home, two gentlemen on horse¬ 
back, coming from the direction of Lawrence, rode hastily up, and, 
with a good deal of excitement in their manner, informed us that 
a large body of Missourians were encamped near Hickory Point; 
that they threatened to drive ofl* the free-state settlers; and, lastly, 
that a fight was expected. They desired the doctor to use his 
influence with the people of Lawrence, to have a force sent out 
immediately to aid their neighbors at Hickory Point. He said to 
them he “ thought it was a ruse,” and promised to do nothing until 
more reliable information should come. One of the gentlemen, 
who has always been famous here for his words of bravado, and 
want of bravery in action, said, on parting, “ I will send an express 
every hour.” 
22 d, — The military companies are on drill to-day. A friend 
sent us a basket of mandrakes. They have a pleasant flavor, but 
are quite medicinal. The gentleman’s “express” is not yet heard 
from. 
A gentleman, living nine miles distant, sent to the doctor this 
morning to come and see him. He found him quite il with fever, 
in a little cabin, alone, with no one to take care of him. So, 
placing the bed in the carriage, he brought him home with him. 
23d. — The patient was not injured by his ride, but his ner¬ 
vousness exceeded all bounds. We had a quantity of delicious 
apples. Apples were first brought into market here on the fourth 
