was the increasing demand for these animals that had
originally brought into existence and exercise a company, which, by a
transition far from uncommon, passed readily from the plundering of
horses to the cutting of throats and purses; scarcely discriminating in
their reckless rapacity between the several degrees of crime in which
such a practice involved them.

Though somewhat uncouth in appearance, the new-comer seemed decidedly
harmless--nay, almost idiotic in appearance. His smile was pleasant,
though illuminating features of the ruggedest description, and the tones
of his voice were even musical in the ears of the pedler, to whom any
voice would probably have seemed so in that gloomy region. He very
sociably addressed Bunce in the _patois_ of that section; and the
ceremonial of introduction, without delay or difficulty, was overcome
duly on both sides. In the southern wilderness, indeed, it does not call
for much formality, nor does a strict adherence to the received rules of
etiquette become at all necessary, to make the traveller "hail fellow,
well met." Anything in that quarter, savoring of reserve or stiffness,
is punished with decided hostility or openly-avowed contempt; and, in
the more rude regions, the refusal to partake in the very social
employments of wrestling or whiskey-drinking, has brought the scrupulous
personage to the more questionable enjoyments of a regular gouging match
and fight. A demure habit is the most unpopular among all classes.
Freedom of manner, on the other hand, obtains confidence readily, and
the heart is won, at once, by an off-handed familiarity of demeanor,
which fails to recognise any inequalities in human condition. The
society and the continued presence of Nature, as it were, in her own
peculiar abode, put aside all merely conventional distinctions, and men
meet upon a common footing. Thus, even when perfect strangers to one
another, after the usual preliminaries of "how are you, friend," or
"strannger?"--"_whar_ from?"--"_whar_ going?"--"fair" or "foul
weather"--as the case may be--the acquaintance is established, and
familiarity well begun. Such was the case in the present instance. Bunce
knew the people well, and exhibited his most unreluctant manner. The
horses of the two, in like manner with their masters, made similar
overtures; and in a little while, their necks were drawn in parallel
lines together.

Bunce was less communicative, however, than the stranger. Still his