was so laughable--I was getting tired and cross, reader--when down came our good horse to the very chin in a bog-hole, green as Erin on the top, but giving way on a touch, and seeming deep enough to have engulfed us entirely if its width had been proportionate. Down came the horse--and this was not all--down came the driver; and I could not do less than follow, though at a little distance--our good steed kicking and floundering--covering us with hieroglyphics, which would be readily decyphered by any Wolverine we should meet, though perchance strange to the eyes of our friends at home. This mishap was soon amended. Tufts of long marsh grass served to assoilize our habiliments a little, and a clear stream which rippled through the marsh aided in removing the eclipse from our faces. We journeyed on cheerily, watching the splendid changes in the west, but keeping a bright look-out for bog-holes.

CHAPTER II

Think us no churls, nor measure our good minds
By this rude place we live in.
--Shakespeare, Cymbeline

THE SUN had just set when we stopped at the tavern, and I then read the cause of my companion's quizzical look. My Hotel was a log-house of diminutive size, with corresponding appurtenances; and from the moment we entered its door I was in a fidget to know where we could possibly sleep. I was then new in Michigan. Our good hostess rose at once with a nod of welcome.
    "Well! is this Miss Clavers?" (my husband had been there before.) "well! I want to know! why do tell if you've been upsot in the mash? why, I want to know!--and didn't ye hurt ye none? Come, gals! fly round, and let's git some supper."
    "But you'll not be able to lodge us, Mrs. Danforth," said I, glancing at three young men and some boys, who appeared to have come in from their work, and who were lounging on one side of the immense open chimney.
    "Why, bless your heart! yes I shall; don't you fret yourself. I'll give you as good a bed as any-body need want." I cast an exploring look, and now discovered a door opposite the fire.