prevent
it. Before the raft was half way to Riverport, I had acquired the needed
skill, and she indulged in no more gyrations while I had the helm.

As we approached the steeples of Riverport, I heard the clock strike
one. Flora still sat in her chair by the platform, wondering how I could
see to steer the raft, and asked me a thousand questions. I tried to
have her go to bed, but she was not willing to do so till we had reached
the Wisconsin River, which she desired to see.

We were all excited, and did not feel sleepy. Sim took a luncheon, and
declared he never felt better in his life. It was the best fun he had
ever known, and he enjoyed every moment of it. Flora said she liked it
very much, but thought it would be pleasanter in the daytime, when the
ever-changing scene could be viewed in the sunshine.

"I'm sure I shall be happy on the raft for a month," she added. "There
will be something new to be seen every day."

"And we shall pass ever so many towns and cities, and the river will be
full of steamers and flat-boats," I continued, as the raft glided round
the bend into the great river. "Now we are in the Wisconsin, Flora; and
this is Riverport on the right of us."

"We can't see much of it."

"No; but you will find enough in the daytime to amuse you. I hope you
will sleep all night after this."

"I will go to bed now, Buckland," said she. "Good night."

"Good night, Flora."

She went into the house, and I heard nothing more from her till morning.
I know that she prayed for me that night, as she always did; and I
looked up to the shining stars, and commended her to the good Father.
More than ever before did I love her then, when her life and happiness
were more directly the care and study of my existence.

We were now on the broad river--broad compared with the creek, but small
in contrast with the mighty Mississippi, which we were yet to see. Sim
was forward, watching the dark outlines of the shores. Everything was
quiet without, though my bosom still bounded with excitement. I could
not forget that I was navigating the clumsy craft in which I had
embarked my fortunes, and which held the being most dear to me on earth.
I felt that a heavy responsibility rested upon me. Not a sound was to be
heard except the gentle ripple of the waters against the sides of the
raft; and the season was favorable to reflection.

But if the season was, Sim was not. He began to be weary of the solemn
silence and the deep