Chapter 18 - Page 2

the milking."

"Softly, Ensign;" returned the timid equestrian, laying the emphasis on
the final syllable of his companion's title, and pronouncing the first as
if it were spelt with the third instead of the second vowel.

"Thy courage is meet for one set apart for deeds of valor, but it would be
a sorrowful day when the ailing of the valley should knock at my door, and
a broken limb be made the apology for want of succor. Thy efforts will
not avail thee, man; for the mare hath had schooling, as well as her
master. I have trained the beast to methodical habits, and she hath come
to have a rooted dislike to all irregularities of movement. So, cease
tugging at the rein, as if thou wouldst compel her to pass the pile in
spite of her teeth, and throw down the upper bar altogether."

"A doctor in these rugged parts should be mounted on one of these ambling
birds of which we read," said the other, removing the obstacle to the
secure passage of his friend; "for truly a journey at night, in the paths
of these clearings, is not always as safe moving as that which is said to
be enjoyed by the settlers nearer sea."

"And where hast found mention of a bird of a size and velocity fit to be
the bearer of the weight of a man?" demanded he who was mounted, with a
vivacity that betrayed some jealousy on the subject of a monopoly of
learning. I had thought there was never a book in the valley, out of mine
own closet, that dealeth in these abstrusities!"

"Dost think the scriptures are strangers to us? There--thou art now in the
public path, and thy journey is without danger. It is matter of marvel to
many in this settlement, how thou movest about at midnight, amongst
upturned roots of trees, holes, logs and stumps, without falling--"

"I have told thee, Ensign, it is by virtue of much training given to the
beast. Certain am I, that neither whip nor spur would compel the animal to
pass the bounds of discretion. Often have I travelled this bridle-path,
without fear as in truth without danger, when sight was a sense of as
little use as that of smelling."

"I was about to say, falling into thine own hands, which would be a
tumble of little less jeopardy than even that of the wicked spirits."

The medical man affected to laugh at his companion's joke; but,
remembering the dignity suited to one of his calling, he immediately
resumed the discourse with gravity--

"These may be matters of levity, with those who know little of the
hardships that are endured in the practice of the settlements. Here have I
been on yonder mountain, guided by the instinct of my horse--"

"Ha! hath there been a call at the