---

Such are the aspects of the wild west; such is the scenery of our drama.

Let us raise the curtain, and bring on the characters.

CHAPTER TWO.

THE PRAIRIE MERCHANTS.

"New Orleans, _April 3rd_, 18--

"Dear Saint Vrain--Our young friend, Monsieur Henry Haller, goes to
Saint Louis in `search of the picturesque.' See that he be put through
a `regular course of sprouts.'

"Yours,--

"Luis Walton.

"Charles Saint Vrain, Esquire, Planters' Hotel, Saint Louis."

With this laconic epistle in my waistcoat pocket, I debarked at Saint
Louis on the 10th of April, and drove to the "Planters'."

After getting my baggage stowed and my horse (a favourite I had brought
with me) stabled, I put on a clean shirt, and, descending to the office,
inquired for Monsieur Saint Vrain.

He was not there. He had gone up the Missouri river several days
before.

This was a disappointment, as I had brought no other introduction to
Saint Louis. But I endeavoured to wait with patience the return of
Monsieur Saint Vrain. He was expected back in less than a week.

Day after day I mounted my horse, I rode up to the "Mounds" and out upon
the prairies. I lounged about the hotel, and smoked my cigar in its
fine piazza. I drank sherry cobblers in the saloon, and read the
journals in the reading-room.

With these and such like occupations, I killed time for three whole
days.

There was a party of gentlemen stopping at the hotel, who seemed to know
each other well. I might call them a clique; but that is not a good
word, and does not express what I mean. They appeared rather a band of
friendly, jovial fellows. They strolled together through the streets,
and sat side by side at the table-d'hote, where they usually remained
long after the regular diners had retired. I noticed that they drank
the most expensive wines, and smoked the finest cigars the house
afforded.

My attention was attracted to these men. I was struck with their
peculiar bearing; their erect, Indian-like carriage in the streets,
combined with a boyish gaiety, so characteristic of the western
American.

They dressed nearly alike: in fine black cloth, white linen, satin
waistcoats, and diamond pins. They wore the whisker full, but smoothly
trimmed; and several of them sported moustaches. Their hair fell
curling over their shoulders; and most of them wore their collars turned
down, displaying healthy-looking, sun-tanned throats. I was struck with
a r