must be observed, that our good hostess, at that early
day, was liable to the same censure of an unnatural attachment to
feather beds in summer, which may, at the present time,[1] be made
against almost every country inn in the United States,) and then
extinguishing the candle, he stretched himself upon the planks, as he
remarked to his unconscious companion, "that he was brought up on a hard
floor;" and after one or two rolls, he fell into that deep oblivion of
cares, by which nature re-summons and supplies the strength which toil,
watching and anxiety wear down.

The speed of Horse Shoe's journey through this pleasant valley of sleep
might be measured somewhat in the same manner that the route of a mail
stage may sometimes be traced through a mountain defile, by the notes of
the coachman's horn; it was defined by the succession of varying
intonations through which he ascended the gamut, beginning with a low
but audible breathing, and rising through the several stages of an
incipient snore, a short quick bark, and up to a snort that constituted
the greatest altitude of the ascent. Occasionally a half articulated
interjection escaped him, and words that showed in what current his
dreams were sailing: "No pistols! Look in the water, James! Ha ha!"
These utterings were accompanied with contortions of body that more than
once awaked the sleeper; but, at last, the huge bulk of Horse Shoe grew
motionless in a deep and strong sleep.

The next morning, at early dawn, our travellers resumed their journey,
which I will leave them to prosecute, whilst I conduct my reader to the
affairs and interests that dwell about the Dove Cote.

CHAPTER VII.

SOME ACCOUNT OF PHILIP LINDSAY--SENSIBILITY AND RETIREMENT APT TO
ENGENDER A PERNICIOUS PHILOSOPHY.

The thread which I have now to take up and weave into this history
requires that my narrative should go back for some years. It briefly
concerns the earlier fortunes of Philip Lindsay.

His father emigrated from England, and was established in Virginia about
the year 1735, as a secretary to the governor of the province. He was a
gentleman of good name and fortune. Philip was born within a year after
this emigration. As America was then comparatively a wilderness, and
afforded but few facilities for the education of youth, the son of the
secretary was sent at an early age to England, where he remained, with
the exception of an occasional visit to his parents, under the
guard