Some moments passed, when Uncle Jim arose,

Nudged Dad McGuire, who seemed inclined to doze,

And as he started up and rubbed his eyes

Addressed him and the Russian in this wise:

"Two days ago the three of us confessed

The reasons, that impelled us to come West;

Now if it please your brethren to relate

The strange caprice of fortune or of fate,

Which led them hither,—after all these years,

The boys will listen with attentive ears."