'I like to be certain of that.'
"'A dollar a day. My time and labour upon my farm, at this busy
season, is worth more than that.'
"'True,' said he. 'Well, I'll give you what you ask. At what time
will you be ready to start?'
"'By daybreak, if you wish it.'
"Away he went; and by daylight next morning he was at my door,
mounted upon a stout French pony. 'What are you going to do with
that beast?' said I. 'Horses are of no use on the road that you
and I are to travel. You had better leave him in my stable.'
"'I want him to carry my traps,' said he; 'it may be some days that
we shall be absent.'
"I assured him that he must be his own beast of burthen, and carry
his axe, and blanket, and wallet of food upon his own back. The
little body did not much relish this arrangement; but as there was
no help for it, he very good-naturedly complied. Off we set, and
soon climbed the steep ridge at the back of your farm, and got upon
- - lake plains. The woods were flush with flowers; and the little
man grew into such an ecstacy, that at every fresh specimen he
uttered a yell of joy, cut a caper in the air, and flung himself
down upon them, as if he was drunk with delight.
