it were not his wish that she should hear him, but taking good care, at
the same time, that nothing should escape her ears.

"Shplendid figger, Keewaygooshturkumkankangewock has got. No wonder
all te braves of te Shawnee tribe should love her, and dat Hans
Vanderbum gots her at last. Jis' look at _dat_ foot! long and flat
like a board, and she's de same shape all de way down from her head to
her heels. Ishn't dat breakfast ready, my dear wife?"

The wife gave a spiteful nod, and Hans Vanderbum shambled up beside
her, where the food, consisting of meat and a few simple vegetables,
was spread upon a rude table which had no legs. Quanonshet and
Madokawandock were not behind-hand in their movements, and the whole
four fell to with such voracity, that, in a very short time, their
hunger was satisfied.

"Now, you two fellers come out doors and learn your lessons," said the
father, lighting his pipe, and putting on a very stern and dignified
look.

The boys tumbled over each other in their eagerness to get into the
open air. Hans followed them, while Keewaygooshturkumkankangewock
busied herself about her household duties. Quanonshet and
Madokawandock rollicked and frisked awhile before they were "called to
order." After repeated commands, they approached their father, and
standing side by side, awaited his instructions.

Hans Vanderbum had provided himself with a long pole, and stood by a
sandy portion of ground, upon which he had no difficulty in tracing
what letters and characters he wished. With due preparation and