ancing at a brisk pace. They
had nearly reached Dobbs' Ferry as the sun disappeared in the west.

He who sat beside the driver, with his arms folded, and thoughtful, was
a tall, well-formed young man, with light hair that curled into his
neck, side whiskers, deep and intelligent blue eyes, a face that lighted
up with a smile when he spoke, and which had been fair and handsome, but
was now scorched and sun-burnt. His hands, too, were small, but hard and
weather-burnt, indicating that he had been accustomed to use them at
hard work. His dress was of blue petersham, looking neat and new, the
short coat buttoning square across his breast; and a tall hat set oddly
enough on a head evidently not accustomed to the fashion that dictated
such a covering. A broad, white shirt collar, turned carelessly down,
was tied with a black silk handkerchief, the long ends of which hung
outside his coat.

There was something mature and thoughtful in his manner, even beyond his
years. The driver, an inquisitive fellow, had several times tried to
draw him into conversation, that he might find out something concerning
him, for he seemed familiar with the names of places along the river,
and yet kept up the disguise of a stranger. But on nothing, except the
vessels passing up and down the river, did he seem inclined to be
communicative. On these he would make such remarks as showed familiarity
with the sea. Indeed his mind seemed absorbed in something of deep and
painful interest.

They drew up at the little inn with the swinging sign near Dobbs' Ferry,
for the driver said his horse was jaded, and needed feed and rest before
they proceeded further, and were met by the short, corpulent landlord,
who, after ordering the animal cared for, invited them into the house,
saying there was a good supper ready.

"It is sundown now," said the passenger, in a tone of impatience, as he
alighted from the wagon, and received the landlord's extended hand, "and
we are still six miles away. You have forfeited the inducement I offered
to quicken your speed; but it is no offset to my disappointment." This
was addressed to the driver, who muttered something, about the heavy
roads, in reply, tossed his hat into a chair on the porch, and with an
independent and half-defiant air, walked into the house and took his
seat at the supper table.

"'Tisn't the first time Sam's supped at my house," said the landlord,
bowing and inviting the stranger to walk in. "You'll wa