filled him with fruits of fields and
flesh of flocks. When George was filled, however, he signified by
numerous signs, and finally by words, that he wished the servants
to leave the room. 'Polk,' said he, 'I knew you were a man with a
heart in your bosom; I told 'em so. I said no better man than Bill
Polk could be found. I told 'em so.'

''Told who so?' asked Mr. Polk, rather surprised at the sudden and
mysterious language, accompanied by the removal of the servants.

''Mr. Polk,' said Sanders, 'I want your horses and carriage for a
time.'

''Certainly, Mr. Sanders, if you wish them.'

''Mr. Polk,' said George, 'I do not appear before you in any
ordinary character to-day; I am clothed with higher authority; I
am an emissary.'

'The tone and manner indicated something fearful--perhaps to
arrest his host.

''I am an emissary,' repeated Mr. Sanders, speaking in very large
capitals, 'from the State of Kentucky, and hope to be received as
such. The fact is,' continued he, coming down to the level of
familiar conversation, 'I left the Provisional Government of
Kentucky a mile or so back, on foot, finding its way southwardly,
and I demand your horses and carriage in the name of that noble
State.'

'Of course, the carriages were harnessed up at once, and Mr.
Sanders proceeded to bring the Provisional Government to Mr.
Polk's house.

'How shall we describe this part? Hon. George W. Johnson, as much
a Clay man as the sacred soil of Tennessee could afford, but still
preserving his light and active step; McKee, late of the
_Courier_, following; Walter N. Haldeman, with all his industry
and perseverance, trying to keep up with his associate; and Willis
B. Machen, vigorous, active, slightly sullen, but in earnest, with
every boot he drew out of the snowy, muddy soil giving a groan of
fatigue. Imagine them safely ensconced at Mr. Polk's, on their
road South.

''Mr. Sanders,' said the Governor with dignified suavity, after
the walnuts and wine, 'claimed to be an acquaintance of yours, and
we were very glad to send him forward.'

'The Honorable Governor maintained throughout that easy, self
possessed manner which characterizes the gentleman.

'The emissary--for he ought to be so known--shortly after
suggested to the Provisional Government that he was 'broke,'