Cheerful Americans (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1903. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... Veritable Quidors IWAS a stranger in that part of the country and yet I had managed to have extra- good luck at both shooting and fishing, and that without a guide. I had shipped my spoils to Boston and was walking to Panscot in order to see what was said to be one of the best examples of ecclesiastical architecture of the Colonial type to be found in New England. Thanksgiving Day was but a few days distant, and the air was redolent of autumnal spices. A more than ordinarily moist summer had kept many of the trees in full leafage, and maples and hickories looked proud to be flaunting their red and yellow banners so late in November. My way, which had run along a wood road, suddenly opened upon a highway in good repair for that section of the country, and yet the tufts of grass between the ruts gave evidence that it was not traveled overmuch. My chance of obtaining a lift to Panscot was not a good one. I consulted my pocket compass and turned to the right, breaking into a long stride that I might reach my journey's end before nightfall. As I walked I heard the crunch of heavy wheels behind me, and, looking back, I saw an old-fashioned and very dilapidated omnibus lumbering down upon me. It was drawn by two "rat-tailed, ewe-necked bays" and was driven by Michael Angelo's Moses. Ah, but he was a patriarchal fellow, and looked like a leader in Israel, and yet he was Yankee clear through. As he came alongside he reined up and said, " Going to Panscot?" "If I don't get lost," said I. "I can take you there for a half a dollar," said he, and then added in an apologetic tone: "Y' see, this is reg'ler stage rowte, or I'd carry ye fer nuthin'." "I shouldn't think it would pay if you don't have any more passengers than you have to-day," said I, glancing at the empty 'bus an...