d all become
familiar with each other, as plain "Thompson." It was only long after,
and by accident, that I became acquainted with his rank and title; some
of our companions do not know it to this day, but that is of no
consequence. I mention the circumstance here to aid me in illustrating
the character of our travelling companion, who was "close" and modest
almost to a fault.

His costume was characteristic. A "tweed" shooting jacket, of course,
with eight pockets--a vest of the same material with four--tweed
browsers, and a tweed cap. In the waggon was _the hat-box_; of strong
yellow leather, with straps and padlock. This was supposed to contain
the dress hat; and some of the party were merry about it. But no--Mr
Thompson was a more experienced traveller than his companions thought
him at first. The contents of the hat-case were sundry brushes--
including one for the teeth--combs, razors, and pieces of soap. The hat
had been left at Saint Louis.

But the umbrella had _not_. It was then under Thompson's arm, with its
full proportions of whalebone and gingham. Under that umbrella he had
hunted tigers in the jungles of India--under that umbrella he had chased
the lion upon the plains of Africa--under that umbrella he had pursued
the ostrich and the vicuna over the pampas of South America; and now
under that same hemisphere of blue gingham he was about to carry terror
and destruction among the wild buffaloes of the prairies.

Besides the umbrella--strictly a weapon of defence--Mr Thompson carried
another, a heavy double-barrelled gun, marked "Bishop, of Bond Street,"
no bad weapon with a loading of buck-shot, and with this both barrels
were habitually loaded.

So much for Mr Thompson, who may pass for Number 1 of the hunting
party. He was mounted on a strong bay cob, with tail cut short, and
English saddle, both of which objects--the short tail and the saddle--
were curiosities to all of the party except Mr Thompson and myself.

Number 2 was as unlike Number 1 as two animals of the same species could
possibly be. He was a Kentuckian, full six inches taller than Thompson,
or indeed than any of the party. His features were marked, prominent
and irregular, and this irregularity was increased by a "cheekful" of
half-chewed tobacco. His complexion was dark, almost olive, and the
face quite naked, without either moustache or whisker; but long straight
hair, black as an Indian's, hung down to his shoulders. I