for
the lady, and to tell her that the boy's injury was not very severe,
and "that there was a gentleman there who was well acquainted with
General ----." I observed, hanging in a little black frame over the
fire-place, a miniature engraved portrait of the general, which was the
only specimen of the fine arts in the house--perhaps in the settlement.
It was my recognition of this likeness that led, I fear, to the weary
night ride of the good lady.

In less than an hour the broad light of the hearth--for the apartment
was only lit up by blazing pine faggots, which, from time to time, were
thrown upon the fire--fell upon a goodly figure. There was first a sound
of hoofs coming through the dark--a halt at the door--a full, round,
clear voice heard on the porch--and then the entrance into the apartment
of a woodland hero. That fine rich voice again, in salutation, so gentle
and so manly! This was our expected counsellor, Horse-Shoe Robinson.
What a man I saw! With near seventy years upon his poll, time seemed to
have broken its billows over his front only as the ocean breaks over a
rock. There he stood--tall, broad, brawny, and erect. The sharp light
gilded his massive frame and weather-beaten face with a pictorial effect
that would have rejoiced an artist. His homely dress, his free stride,
as he advanced to the fire; his face radiant with kindness; the natural
gracefulness of his motion; all afforded a ready index to his character.
Horse Shoe, it was evident, was a man to confide in.

"I hear your boy's got flung from his horse, Colonel," he said, as he
advanced to the bed-side. "Do you think he is much hurt?" "Not so badly
as we thought at first, Mr. Robinson," was the reply. "I am much obliged
to you for coming over to-night. It is a great comfort to have your
advice in such times."

"These little shavers are so venturesome--with horses in particular,"
said the visitor; "it's Providence, Colonel, takes care of 'em. Let me
look at you, my son," he continued, as he removed the bed-clothes, and
began to handle the shoulder of the boy. "He's got it out of joint," he
added, after a moment. "Get me a basin of hot water and a cloth,
Colonel. I think I can soon set matters right."

It was not long before the water was placed beside him, and Robinson
went to work with the earnestness of a practised surgeon. After applying
wet cloths for some time to the injured part, he took the shoulder in
his broad hand, and with a sudden m