and
Jane, and very soon were waving in spotless purity from the bushes
where they had been hung to dry, giving the scenery around the
encampment a home-like appearance.

The place of their encampment was a lovely spot; but truly refreshing
after their tiresome journey over the prairie; and though their first
night was exceedingly uncomfortable, it was owing to the warring
elements, and not to any fault of the place. Before the night again set
in, busy hands had been at the tent, and once more it reared its
conical shaped head among the forest trees, but bearing marks in its
numerous patches, of the tempest that had raged so fiercely through the
past night.

Day after day wore away, and still the cattle exhibited a great deal of
lassitude, so much so, as to preclude the possibility of moving on.
This was no great annoyance to the travelers, as it was early in the
summer, and their only object was to find a place that would suit them
for a permanent settlement, before cold weather set in, which they were
sure of not effecting, should they be detained a month in their present
encampment. Besides, their camp being in a lovely valley, on the
borders of a clear stream, surrounded by everything that could make the
lordly groves enchanting, game of almost every kind abounded, to which
they paid particular attention, as their stock of dried meat and
roasted ribs, broiled steaks, and savory soups, could testify.

Howe's time was spent, when not following game, in giving the boys
lessons in distinguishing one kind of game from another by signs before
they were near enough to see it; and then the best mode of bringing it
down and disposing of it. They practised shooting at a target, with
both gun and bow, hurling a knife or tomahawk, and handling the
Indian's war club daily. Mrs. Duncan's tent bore more the semblance of
a large room in a thriving farmer's house, than a temporary camp in the
wilderness, so homelike was its appearance. A cupboard made by standing
two boards perpendicular, with cleats nailed across, in which were laid
the shelves, held her crockery and tinware; a temporary table, made in
equally as primitive a style, but now covered with a table cloth, stood
at one side, while at the left, was a barrel covered also by a white
cloth, on which was set a dressing glass, the top wreathed with
mountain laurel, and wild flowers, and placed in that post of honor by
little Anne, who was sure to renew it every day. Camp st