226

LIFE OX THE MISSISSIPPI.

adjusted to begin the preparatory services. Why this new and simple
method of handling the stages was not thought of when the first
steamboat was built, is a mystery whieh helps one to realise what a
dull-witted slug the average human being is.

We finally got away at two in the morning, and when I turned
out at STV, we were rounding to at a rocky point where there was an
old stone warehouse—at any rate, the ruins of it; two or three

A LANDING.

decayed dwelling-houses were near by, in the shelter of the leafy
Mils; bat there were no evidences of human or other animal life to
be seen. I wandered if I had forgotten the river; for I had no
recolLection whatever of this place; the shape of the river, too, was
TTTvform1i»T- • there was nothing in sight, anywhere, that I could re-
member ever having seen before. I was surprised, disappointed,
and annoyed.
We put ashore & well-dressed lady aad gentleman, and two well-
, lady-like young giris, together with sundry Bussia-leather