"
After waiting during the heat of the day at Mr. Percy's, the boys
rode on home, as six guests were altogether beyond Mr. Percy's
power of accommodating.
The next morning the boys were up long before daylight, and went
down to the stream, where, as day broke, they managed to shoot a
swan and five wild ducks, and with these they returned to the
house. Then they swept the place with the greatest care, spread the
table, arranged the benches, set everything off to the best
advantage, and then devoted their whole energies to cooking a very
excellent breakfast, which they were sure the travelers would be
ready for upon their arrival. This was just ready, when, from the
lookout on the tower, they saw the party approaching. The breakfast
was too important to be left, and they were therefore unable to
ride out to meet them. They were at the gate, however, as they
rode up.
"Hurrah, hurrah!" they shouted, and the girls set up a cheer in
return.
The men ran up to take the horses, and in another minute the whole
party were in their new home. The girls raced everywhere wild with
delight, ascended to the lookout, clapped their hands at the sight
of the sheep and cattle, and could hardly be persuaded to take
their things off and sit down to breakfast.
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