"
"That's civil, at all events, and candid," replied Frank; "and it's
consolatory, too, for I can fancy no greater reproach to a man, than to
be set store on by you. I do not comprehend at all, how A--- bears up
under it. But come, do make that egg-nog that you're chattering about."
"How will I make it, Harry--with beer, or milk, or cider?"
"All three! now be off, and don't jaw any more!" answered Archer--
"asking such silly questions, as if you did not know better than any of
us."
In a few minutes the delicious compound was prepared, and, with a plate
of toasted crackers and some right good Orange County butter, was set on
a small round stand before the fire; while from the neighboring kitchen
rich fumes began to load the air, indicative of the approaching supper.
In the mean time, the wagon was unloaded; Timothy bustled to and fro;
the parlor was arranged; the bed-rooms were selected by that worthy; and
everything set out in its own place, so that they could not possibly
have been more comfortable in their own houses. The horses had been duly
cleaned, and clothed, and fed; the dogs provided with abundance of dry
straw, and a hot mess of milk and meal; and now, in the far corner of
the bar-room, the indefatigable varlet was cleaning the three double
guns, as scientifically as though he had served his apprenticeship to a
gunsmith.
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