here are clean hard rocks on the bottom. Why
could we not sink the quarters of venison on these rocks, and make them
fast, by placing great stones on them?'

"`Ha, ha!' laughed Frank, `trust the wolves for finding them there.
These gentry would soon empty your famous pickle barrel.'

"`Look yar, Massa,' said Cudjo; `this nigga sees no difficulty 'bout
dat. He soon make a place for de meat.'

"`How, Cudjo?' inquired Mary.

"`Why, Missa, same's dey make de ole dug-out in Vaginny--by hollering
out de log.'

"This was the very thing itself. A log hollowed out after the manner of
a canoe, or `dug-out,'--as Cudjo used to designate that species of
craft--would answer the purpose admirably; and Cudjo, having chosen a
section of a large tulip-tree, went to work. By the time we had got our
last load to the house, he had made a cavity in the tree, that was
capable of containing the three black-tails at once. A valuable idea
was also suggested by this operation. We remembered the wooden trays,
dishes, and other utensils--made in this way--that we had often seen
among the negroes on our plantation. These, however rude, we saw
answered the purpose well; and we might hereafter supply ourselves in a
similar manner.

"After breakfast the next morning, we started for the salt stream. We
all went together, Mary riding the horse, while Cudjo and I carried the
children in our arms. Frank and Harry took the kettle upon a long pole
between them--each, at the same time, having his rifle in the other
hand. The dogs of course followed us, and our house was left to take
care of itself. We had hung the venison up on high branches, lest the
wolves might take a fancy to it in our absence.

"Mary was charmed with the scenery as we passed along, particularly
where the woods began to open, as they did, towards the upper end of the
valley. She noticed the various kind of trees as we advanced, and at
one time uttered a joyous exclamation, as though she had seen something
that pleased her more than common.

"We questioned her as to what it was; but she would satisfy us no
farther than by telling us, that she had made a discovery of nearly as
much importance as our salt river. We were curious to know what it was,
but my wife checked our curiosity by observing, very justly, that as we
were happy enough at that time, she might make us too happy; and she
should therefore reserve her secret until we got back to our house in
the evening.