d.
There, too, were the young nut-gatherers, coming home of an evening with
their well-filled satchels. There was to be peace and plenty at the
settlers' fireside this winter, for an all-wise Providence had so
ordained it in an abundant harvest.

It was a custom with Hanz Toodleburg, as it was also with many other of
the settlers, to entertain his friends and neighbors with a merry-making
when the harvest was gathered. Hanz had invited his neighbors on the
evening of the day I have described, and notwithstanding the cold and
cheerless character of the night, the little house was full ere it was
dark. The bright, happy faces of the women, and the jolly, ringing laugh
of the men, all dressed in their neat new homespun, presented a pleasant
picture of rustic life. Each man came armed with a long pipe, while his
good vrow had some little present for Angeline. Hanz had a warm, hearty
shake of the hand for each of his guests. Indeed, he welcomed each of
the good vrows with a kiss and an admonition to be happy while they were
under his roof. And these good vrows put their hands to the wheel, and
assisted Angeline in preparing the feast. Indeed, she soon had her table
spread with as good and well-cooked fare as could be found in the
county.

There was the cold boar's head, decorated with flowers; the fattest
turkey, roasted before the great fire; boiled beef, bathed in odorous
krout, and declared delicacies by every sturdy Dutchman; a spiced ham,
decorated with vegetables. Then there were apple and pumpkin pies just
baked, cuddled apples, and jam, and fresh cranberry sauce. And these
were backed up with new cider and home-brewed ale, and coffee. Such was
the supper Hanz had prepared for his friends, and which he invited them
to eat and be happy.

The good-natured Dominie was there, and so was Doctor Critchel and the
school-master. Nor was Titus Bright, the inn-keeper, forgotten. They
were equally important characters in the settlement, and no honest
Dutchman, who had any regard for his reputation for hospitality, would
think of giving a merry-making without them. The good Dominie was fond
of puddings and pies, and preached that the three highest objects a man
had to live for were peace, contentment, and a good dinner. The Dutch
regarded this as good enough religion for them--better, perhaps, than
that preached by the man of the church of progressive ideas. The
school-master could sing a good song, and, although an idle, shif