s. They were disappointed, however,
for the horses had already been sent to bring up two travellers from
Gallina, and who had taken the precaution of securing a rapid transit.

"We are here, then, for the night," said old Layton, with a faint sigh,
as he endeavored to resign himself to the delay.

"Here they come!" said the host of the log-hut, as the rattle of a heavy
wagon was heard from the dense wood. "Our sheriff don't let the moss
grow under his feet Listen to the pace he 's coming."

Seated, with his son beside him, on the wooden bench before the door,
the old man watched the arrival of the newcomers. The first to descend
from the wagon was a man somewhat advanced in life, but hale and stout,
with a well-bronzed face, and every semblance of a vigorous health. He
saluted the host cordially, and was received with a sort of deference
only accorded to men of official station. He was followed by a younger
man, but who displayed, as he moved, evident signs of being fatigued by
the journey.

"Come, Seth," said the elder, "let us see what you have got for our
supper, for we must be a-moving briskly."

"Well, sheriff, there ain't much," said the host; "and what there is you
'll have to share with the two gentlemen yonder; they've just come East,
and are waitin' for you to get a morsel to eat."

"Always glad to chance on good company," said the sheriff, saluting
the strangers as he spoke; and while they were interchanging their
greetings, the host laid the table, and made preparation for the meal.
"I must look after my fellow-traveller," said the sheriff; "he seems so
tired and jaded. I half fear he will be unable to go on to-night."

He speedily returned with good tidings of his friend, and soon
afterwards the party took their places at the supper-table.

The sheriff, like his countrymen generally, was frank and outspoken;
he talked freely of the new-settled country, its advantages and its
difficulties, and at last, as the night closed in, he made another visit
to his friend.

"All right, Seth," said he, as he came back; "we shall be able to push
on. Let them 'hitch' the nags as soon as may be, for we 've a long
journey before us."

"You're for the Lakes, I reckon?" said Seth, inquiringly.

"Farther than that."

"Up to Saratoga and the Springs, maybe?"

"Farther still."

"Well, you ain't a-goin' to New York at this time of year, sheriff?"

"That am I, and farther still, Seth; I am going to the old countr