A slight interruption to our game of dodge and gammon occurred here, by the entrance of the wife to ask the old man whether the stranger would have to coffee. To which I volunteered an answer:
"Thank you, Madam; you are very kind. I will take tea."
Looking somewhat confused, she stammered out: "I am sorry we have no tea in the house; it's just out."
"No matter," said I; "either will do."
But, as if a new thought had struck her, she continued:
"O Sir, if you would like tea, John can get some down at the store. We are very well fixed now; we can get sugar, and coffee, and tea, and molasses, and nails, and spades, and axes, and almost any of the luxuries of life."
I replied:
"Madam, I dislike to give your good husband any trouble, but if he could procure me a cup of tea, it would really be a very great favor, I so seldom most with such good society where one can get a nice cup of tea."
This last compliment was irresistible, and nolens volens, John Williams was despatched for tea. This afforded me a for moments' conversation with the kind-hearted wife, who confidingly told me that her husband, Mr. John Williams, was a very clever man. It was true he had some strange ways about him, but after all, when he was n't crossed in his humor he was very kind. A pause in the conversation gave me an opportunity to observe her more slowly, and I saw clearly that there was something on her mind which she would like to communicate, and I frankly said:
"Madam, excuse the liberty, but if I am not mistaken you have some question to ask me, and it will afford me great pleasure to serve you if in my power. Is it not so?"
"Yes, Sir," she replied, but I am sure you will excuse me when I tell you that my husband is a poor man, and is saving up money to buy a piece of land just across the river, which he is afraid every day will be entered by some of those 'land-hunters,' and he has no peace оf his life. Now, Sir, I hope you don't intend to enter it. Do you, Sir?"
"Give yourself no more uneasiness on that account, my dear
