as like what he was when at my age as two peas, and that he had no fear
but that I should do him credit; so that I need not say any more about
myself.

I must say something, however, about my sister Clarice, who was my
junior by rather more than a year. Fair as a lily she was, in spite of
summer suns, from which she took but little pains to shelter herself;
but they had failed even to freckle her clear skin, or darken her light
hair--except, it might be, that from them it obtained the golden hue
which tinged it. Delicate as she looked, she took an active part in all
household duties, and was now busy about some of them at the further end
of the big hall, which served as our common sitting-room, workshop,
kitchen, and often as a sleeping-room, when guests were numerous. She
was assisted by Rachel Prentiss, a middle-aged negress, the only other
woman in the establishment; who took upon herself the out-door work and
rougher duties, with the exception of tending the poultry and milking
the cows, in which Clarice also engaged.

[Illustration: "ROARING WATER" FARM]

I have not yet described the rest of the party round the fire. There was
Bartle Won, a faithful follower, for many years, of Uncle Jeff; but as
unlike him as it was possible that any two human beings could be. Bartle
was a wiry little fellow, with bow legs, broad shoulders (one rather
higher than the other), and a big head, out of which shone a pair of
gray eyes, keen as those of a hawk--the only point in which he resembled
Uncle Jeff. He was wonderfully active and strong, notwithstanding his
figure; and as for fatigue, he did not know what it meant. He could go
days without eating or drinking; although, when he did get food, he
certainly made ample amends for his abstinence. He was no great runner;
but when once on the back of a horse, no animal, however vicious and up
to tricks, had been able to dislodge him.

Gideon Tuttle was another faithful follower of Uncle Jeff: he was a
hardy backwoodsman, whose gleaming axe had laid many monarchs of the
forest low. Though only of moderate height, few men could equal him in
strength. He could fell an ox with his fist, and hold down by the horns
a young bull, however furious. He had had several encounters with bears;
and although on two occasions only armed with a knife, he had come off
victorious. His nerve and activity equalled his strength. He was no
great talker, and he was frequently morose and ill-tempered; but h