consequence of the violence of the storm, and had raised their tents
at the edge of the woods, preferring to repose thus until the
following morning than to venture into the frail ferry-boat while the
waves yet ran so high.

There was no habitation in the immediate vicinity, save a rude hovel
occupied by Jasper Roughgrove and his ferrymen, which was on the
opposite shore in a narrow valley that cleft asunder the otherwise
uniform cliff of rocks.

The creaking of the wheels, when the vehicle approached within a few
hundred paces of the encampment, attracted the watch-dogs, and their
fierce and continued barking drew the attention of the emigrants in
the direction indicated. Several men with guns in their hands came out
to meet the young travellers.

"We are white men, friends, strangers, lost, benighted, and hungry!"
exclaimed Joe, stopping the horses, and addressing the men before he
was accosted.

"Come on, then, and eat and rest with us," said they, amused at Joe's
exclamations, and leading the way to the encampment.

When they arrived at the edge of the camp, Glenn dismounted from the
wagon, and directing Joe to follow when he had taken care of the
horses, drew near the huge log fire in company with those who had gone
out to meet him. Several tall and spreading elms towered in majesty
above, and their clustering leaves, yet partially green,
notwithstanding the autumn was midway advanced, were beautifully
tinged by the bright light thrown upward from the glaring flames. The