te used in the "Dismal
Swamp." And it is a well known fact that fish eat sweeter off a
shingle than any plate on which it can be placed. The fish were very
fine and greatly enjoyed by all.

Supper being disposed of, a general conversation was indulged in about
the Lake and Swamp, but no one present could tell anything
satisfactory about the origin of the Lake. One idea was announced and
then another, throwing but little light upon the subject. "Tony" and
"Jim," the drivers of the skiff, were sitting near the embers nodding,
when Mr. Woodward, to have a little fun, said: "Tony, what is your
opinion of the origin of the Lake?"

CHAPTER IV.

ORIGIN OF THE LAKE DISCUSSED.

Old Uncle "Tony" made a rake in the embers with his pipe and said:
"Yas, sar; my 'pinion 'bout dat place, boss, am dat it was dug out."
Here Uncle Jim broke in. "What de matter wid you, Tony? How many
niggers do you 'spose 'twould take tu dig a hole big nuff tu hole all
dat water?" "Dats a fac, Jim," cried Uncle Tony, "I forgot 'bout de
water."

"Well, Jim," queried Mr. Woodward, "how do you account for it?" "Marse
James," Uncle Jim sagely replied, "it 'pears to me dat somebody got
under de groun' and dig de dirt out and de water mashed it down."

"Jim," exclaimed Tony, "you am de biggist fool dat I ebber seed. How's
anybody gwine tu git under de groun' to dig. Whar's dey gwine tu put
de dirt, and whar is de water to cum fum to mash it down?" Yah, yah,
yah. "Go 'way nigger, I 'spec you bin mole huntin'." "Dat am fac',
Tony, I didn't tink 'bout dat," said Uncle Jim, with an apologetic and
crestfallen air. Here Tony gave his pipe another rake in the embers,
took a few puffs, and fell off his log fast asleep.

It was now getting late, and preparations were being made to put me to
bed, which was done by placing some hay on the floor of the camp and
spreading some bed clothing which we had brought along. The bed was
soon ready, and I was snugly placed upon it, although I could not go
to sleep, knowing that we were to go out early in the morning to see
the sun rise on the Lake. I was called at the first dawn of day and
told to get up: we soon had eaten our breakfast and everything made
ready to leave for the Lake. We soon reached the landing, finding our
boat ready. My father placed me in and getting in himself took up his
paddle and shoved off for a position in the Lake where we might see
the great Orb of Day bathe his face in the cloudy water