itude. Hans wiped the
perspiration from his forehead and, hardly conscious of what he was
doing, replied:

"B'lieves I didn't feel very much well--kinder empty in de stomach as
dough I'd like to have dinner."

"You shall have it at once."

Now, to insure the success of Hans Vanderbum's plans, it was necessary
that he should cook the fish, in order that he might find opportunity
to mix the gum with it; but the wife, out of pure kindness refused to
allow this. He was taken all aback at this unfortunate slip in his
programme. By resorting again to intense thought, he hit upon an
ingenious plan to outwit her, even at this disadvantage. The children
needed no commands to remain out doors.

The food was nicely cooking, when Hans started up as if alarmed.

"What's the matter?" inquired his wife.

"I t'inks I hears some noise outside. Hadn't you better goes out, my
dear, good, kind Keewaygooshturkumkankangewock, and see vot it is?"

The obliging woman instantly darted forward, and Hans proceeded to his
task with such trembling eagerness that there was danger of its
failure. First flattening the gum between his thumb and finger, he
dropped it upon one of the fish, where it instantly dissolved like
butter. He was busy stirring this, when his partner entered.

"Good man," said she; "kind to Keewaygooshturkumkankangewock."

Hans Vanderbum felt as if he were the greatest monster upon earth thus
to deceive his trusting wife, and there was a perceptible tremor in his
voice, as he replied:

"I will tends to de fish."

He saw that the gum had united thoroughly with the food, and then with
a flushed face, he resigned his place to his wife. The dinner, or more
properly the supper, was soon completed, when Hans concluded that he
was too unwell to eat anything. The squaw was somewhat surprised when
Miss Prescott, after being awakened from a feigned sleep, turned her
head away from the tempting food in disgust.

"You sick too?" she asked.

"No--no--no," shutting her eyes and turning her back upon her.

"I wouldn't coax her to eat, my good, dear frow," said Hans. "Let de
little Dutchmen eat it; dey're hungry enough."

In answer to a shrill call, Quanonshet and Madokawandock came tumbling
in, and fell upon the food like a couple of wolves. After two or three
mouthfuls they stopped and smacked their lips as if there was something
peculiar in the taste of their fish, and Hans' heart thumped as he saw
the mother do t