of "Lake
Drummond." We did not have to wait long. By the glow of light that
began to show just under the eastern horizon, we were satisfied that
our anticipations would soon be realized.

The morning was misty, just enough so as to hide the dense woods which
stood on the eastern shore of the Lake, and at the same time served as
a back ground to the grand display of nature, and make it appear as if
the sun actually came up out of the water as it were. The mist in
front was dispelled, and the rays of sun playing on the rippling water
would cause you to think that it was one vast cluster of diamonds. The
sight was grand beyond my power to describe it, and I never expect to
behold such a scene again. Everything was lovely on that May
morning--the balmy breeze, the air filled with perfume of the wild
flowers, which grew around the Lake: birds carrolled forth sweet music
as they flitted from limb to limb; squirrels could be seen and heard
chattering among the trees. The shore of the Lake was spread with a
velvety green, and you would think that nature had done her best to
make that morning lovely. Meditating on the beauty and grandeur that
surrounded us on the broad bosom of the Lake, suddenly we were
awakened from our reverie by the hoarse growl and lapping of the
bears, and horrid cries of the wild cats, which would cause the blood
to curdle in the veins. Thus with the sweet some sour always will be
found. Occasionally, at the Lake, a noble stag will emerge from the
trees, showing a stately head of horns, approach to the water and
survey the prospect, then plunge in the Lake to swim to the other
shore. He settles very low, and if you did not know you would take it
for a floating bush. They are frequently caught when attempting to
cross the Lake. Having reached a good place for fishing, my father
stopped at the place known as the "Apple Trees," where he caught some
very pretty fish. His bait getting scarce, he moved around the Lake to
"Draper's Landing." Running the bow of the canoe upon the wharf log,
which was nearly on a level with the water, left her, without tying,
to look for some angle worms. It being rough on the Lake at the time,
the rolling of the waves caused the boat to work off, and before he
could return she had drifted well out on the broad waters of the Lake.
We were too small to realize our situation. Not knowing how to paddle,
we were left to the mercy of the waves. On the return of my father,
seeing the