rate, which, in his cooler moments, he would have pronounced
absolutely ruinous to his carefully preserved establishment. The fact
that said establishment comprised all the earthly possessions of
honest Jacob, was of itself a sufficient guarantee for the safe
transportation of his employers. But when added to this was a natural
cautiousness and benevolence of disposition, which could not but be
observed on the most casual acquaintance, few could have lost their
assurance, even on the verge of a precipice, when he held the reins.

His extreme caution made him a favorite teamster, not only overland,
but especially on the Mississippi; when at certain seasons there was
danger in travelling on the ice. At such times, Squire Tinknor and Dr.
DeWolf had taken some pains to secure his services, when exchanging
family visits, and he had frequently been entrusted with the sole
charge of Little Wolf, when she was but a child, and delighted with
the long icy trip.

In those days, the little lady had completely won the heart of her
protector, and he had never before had occasion to be jealous of
attentions which she was pleased to receive from any of her friends,
except, indeed, when Daddy would sometimes infringe upon his rights,
by officiously lifting her in and out of his sleigh. Nor could he be
said to be jealous now. It was only the same disagreeable sensation
which affectionate sisters sometimes experience on the occasion of
the marriage of a favorite brother. Had Jacob been questioned on the
subject, he would have stoutly declared that he was glad of it; for
that was just what he tried to say to himself, when he saw Edward put
his dearly beloved pet into the wagon. But even his fine horses, which
he hurried off with such unseemly haste, ought to have known it was
not so.

"Why, what has got into the man? he has almost taken your breath
away," said Edward tenderly.

"A little more careful, sir," he said, as Jacob turned his head at his
loud exclamation.

"Yes, yes; I beg pardon, I was careless."

The speaker was evidently ashamed of his freak. A second look at the
happy couple, and a kind word from his pet, "Dear Jacob, I believe old
Grey and Bill remember how I used to want to go fast when we went so
much together," soothed his turbulent feelings and he went on quite
slowly, picking up some crumbs of comfort in default of the whole
loaf.

The loaf, be it remembered, had fallen into the hands of the voracious
couple j