Four miles was a short walk to me, and when we reached Leavenworth, I was as fresh as when we started. The town, then in the third year of its existence, had a population of two thousand, and some substantial buildings had already been erected.
"Where is the landing-place?" I asked, as we entered the town.
"It is not far from here," replied Mr. Lynchpinne. "But that boat won't be here for an hour or two yet."
"But I would rather go there at once."
"There is no hurry; but we will go down in a few minutes. I want to inquire at what time the prayer-meeting commences."
"I will go directly to the landing, if you will tell me the way. I won't keep you waiting, and I will see you at the meeting."
"Don't be in a hurry. It is only a little past six, and the boat won't arrive for an hour, certainly. I will go down with you in five minutes," persisted my companion.
"I would not have my friends wait for me a moment," I added.
"We shall have to wait an hour for them. We will go up to the hotel, and engage a room, for we may not find one after the meeting."
He conducted me through the principal street of the town, and I gazed with interest at the shops, houses, and people.