"Yes," said the red-bearded stranger. "My friend here and myself, during the last eight years have been travellers. We have been in Brazil and other American countries. That is why I remember the cases of the _Charming Betsey_ and Williams. The decision of the United States in those cases still rankles in the hearts of the people of the southern continent." The raftsmen and school-master were eager for tales of adventure and strange countries, when the supper bell rang, and the two gentlemen disappeared into the long dining-room. After supper they retired, being thoroughly tired with the travel of the day. "Who air those fellows?" asked one of the raftsmen. The question was voiced by all in the public room. The tavern keeper, obsequiously handed the record book to Bill, who read out for the benefit of all the following: "Andrew Trembath, Esq., New Orleans." "Richard Thomas, New Orleans." "The one must be a lawyer," said Professor Bill, with a good bit of respect in his tones. "Did you notice the silent one? What a giant in size he is? He'd make an oar fly, I'll wager, eh, Hugh?" said one of the raftsmen. "Aye," said Hugh, meditatively. "The one fellow is a Cornishman," said Bill. "Whas that, Bill?" said the tavern keeper. "A native of the southwest of England, a section noted for its minerals and seamen." "How do ye ken that, Bill?" asked Hugh Lark. "Because," said Bill, "By Tre, Tri, and Pen, Ye may know the Cornishmen." CHAPTER XXII THE LYCAMAHONING The sun arose o'er the eastern hills of Lycamahoning, a great disc of flame, fretted with the great solemn pines and oaks of the hilltops, and driving before it the opaline radiance of early twilight. Pine needles lost the sombre hue of night and glistened and gleamed with a richer emerald where the ever-shifting sunbeams touched and gloried them with light. Trees of oak and pine, a hundred and fifty feet in height, enveloped with interlacing branches hill and lowland, except where, oasis-like, the fields and cabin of some squatter dappled the general surface of woodland. A few clouds still remained on the western horizon, dark and threatening, but the day was propitious for fine weather.