"Mam, wouldn't you like to know how the old folks are at the fort to-day?"
"Yes, indeed; that I would!"
"And wouldn't you like for me to go and see how they are?"
"And wear your red moccasins?" added his mother, with a mocking smile.
"I could carry the moccasins in my hands."
"And who would carry your feet?"
"Shank's mare can carry my feet, for Shank's mare can carry double."
"But Shank's mare is tenderfooted, and there are twenty miles of stony hills and shaggy woods between here and the fort. Besides, Shank's mare could never find the way."
"Yes, but I can! You first go by the hunting camp, then by the Lick, then by the sugar camp, and the next thing you know you are there."