is it that I can offer on this hungry prairie."

As the old man was speaking, he raised his heavy rifle to his
shoulder, with a facility a little remarkable for his years and
appearance, and without further words led the way over the acclivity
to the adjacent bottom.



CHAPTER II

Up with my tent: here will I lie to-night,
But where, to-morrow?--Well, all's one for that
--Richard the Third.

The travellers soon discovered the usual and unerring evidences that
the several articles necessary to their situation were not far
distant. A clear and gurgling spring burst out of the side of the
declivity, and joining its waters to those of other similar little
fountains in its vicinity, their united contributions formed a run,
which was easily to be traced, for miles along the prairie, by the
scattering foliage and verdure which occasionally grew within the
influence of its moisture. Hither, then, the stranger held his way,
eagerly followed by the willing teams, whose instinct gave them a
prescience of refreshment and rest.

On reaching what he deemed a suitable spot, the old man halted, and
with an enquiring look, he seemed to demand if it possessed the needed
conveniences. The leader of the emigrants cast his eyes,
understandingly, about him, and examined the place with the keenness