te Representatives, had attended that
great national convention; and, after an exciting week, was returning
home, having a long and difficult journey before him.

A pair of magnificent horses, attached to a light buggy, flew merrily
enough over a rough-country for a while; but toward evening stormy
weather reduced the roads to a dangerous condition, and compelled the
Colonel to relinquish his purpose of reaching home that night, and to
stop at a small wayside tavern, whose interior, illuminated by blazing
wood-fires, spread a glowing halo among the dripping trees as he
approached it, and gave promise of warmth and shelter at least.

Drawing up to this modest dwelling, Colonel Demarion saw through its
uncurtained windows that there was no lack of company within. Beneath
the trees, too, an entanglement of rustic vehicles, giving forth red
gleams from every dripping angle, told him that beasts as well as men
were cared for. At the open door appeared the form of a man, who, at the
sound of wheels, but not seeing in the outside darkness whom he
addressed, called out, "'Tain't no earthly use a-stoppin' here."

Caring more for his chattels than for himself, the Colonel paid no
further regard to this address than to call loudly for the landlord.

At the tone of authority, the man in outline more civilly announced
himself to be the host; yet so far from inviting the traveller to
alight, insisted that the house was "as full as it could pack;" but that
there was a place a little farther down the road where the gentleman
would be certain to find excellent accommodation.

"What stables have you here?" demanded the traveller, giving no more
heed to this than to the former announcement; but bidding his servant to
alight, and preparing to do so himself.

"Stables!" repeated the baffled host, shading his eyes so as to
scrutinize the newcomer, "_stables_, Cap'n?"

"Yes, _stables_. I want you to take care of my horses; _I_ can take care
of myself. Some shelter for cattle you must have by the look of these
traps," pointing to the wagons. "I don't want my horses to be kept
standing out in this storm, you know."

"No, Major. Why no, cert'n'y; Marion's ain't over a mile, and----"

"Conf--!" muttered the Colonel; "but it's over the _river_, which I
don't intend to ford to-night under any consideration."

So saying, the Colonel leaped to the ground, directing his servant to
cover the horses and then get out his valise; while the host,