A few rods along the brook brought into view a grassy spot
under the shade of a large maple tree. As the three strangers looked,
their eyes opened wide with surprise, for there before them was a
tempting repast spread upon a fair white linen cloth.
"Sit down, gentlemen," the captain ordered, "while I make tea."
"This is great!" the Governor exclaimed, as he seated himself upon the
ground, and leaned back against the bole of the tree.
"It certainly is," the Judge assented. "It reminds me of my boyhood
days. This is good of you," and he turned to the captain, "to take all
this trouble for us."
"It's only a pleasure, I assure yez," the captain returned. "Much
nicer than the steamer, eh? Fall to, now. Ye'll find them trout
rather good. Caught them myself in the brook. Betsey'll be right
pleased if ye'll try her biscuit and pie. She was afraid they wouldn't
be good. Have some tea, sir?" and he held the tea-pot over the
Governor's cup. "Not too strong, eh? That's good. Ye'll find cream
and sugar right there. Help yerselves, now, and don't be backward."
"Well, that's the best meal I've had in a long time," the Senator
remarked, as he finished, and drew forth his cigar case and passed it
around.
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