We need hardly say that this tender epistle drew many tears from Alexis. For a time he was almost overcome with a yearning for home, but this feeling subsided, and he was able to direct his attention to other matters. The streets of Yakoutsk presented many objects of curiosity. There were parties of Kamtschadales, in the town, muffled in skins, and drawn on sledges by dogs; and there were Samoiedes—short copper-colored fellows, dressed in sealskins, and drawn by reindeer. These, and hunters and trappers of many other tribes, were to be seen in the streets, all of them seeking a market for their furs. And there were merchants here to buy them from Russia, and Tartary, and Japan, and other countries. Nothing could be more curious than the contrasts furnished by these different people.
Linsk had been here before, and understood the manners and business of the place. He was a good judge of furs, and having some spare cash, he bought a few skins, remarkable for their fineness, knowing that he could make a large profit on them on his return to Tobolsk. These he deposited, for safekeeping, in the hands of a merchant.
After a few days, having made provision for their wants, the hunters left Yakoutsk, and taking a northern course along the banks of the Lena, pursued their way to the hunting-ground, where they hoped to gather a rich harvest of sable-skins.
It was now mid-winter, and it is hardly possible to conceive of anything more dreary than the country through which they passed. It was a rolling plain, covered deep with snow, over which the wind was driving in its swift and unbroken career. Not a house or hut was visible for leagues; there was no path; and the travellers were obliged to guide themselves, as they proceeded on the hard snow-crust, like the voyager upon the sea, by the heavenly bodies, or occasional landmarks.
Pursuing their weary and lonely way—seeming, in the vast expanse, like insects creeping slowly on—they reached at night a small uninhabited hut, situated in a wooded ravine, and designed for the shelter of travellers.
Here the party made preparations for rest, and soon fell asleep. Early the next morning, Linsk went forth, leaving Alexis and his sons to their repose; his object being to see if he could not find some game, for he was now becoming eager to enter upon business. Scarcely had he proceeded two hundred yards when a bear sprung suddenly from a thicket of fur trees, and rearing on his hind legs, was about clasping the old hunter in his arms! But Linsk was like a weasel—always on the watch. Quick as thought, he seized the bear by the throat, and drawing his dirk, plunged it into his bowels. He fell with a fearful growl to the earth, and Linsk, drawing back, levelled his rifle at his head, and letting go the ball, killed him in an instant.
Fruits of Industry.—Franklin, the greatest philosopher and statesman of America, was once a printer’s boy. Simpson, the great mathematician, and author of many learned works, was at first a poor weaver. Herschel, one of the most eminent of astronomers, rose from the low station of a fifer boy in the army. These examples show us the happy effects of industry and perseverance.
Dr. Watts.—It was so natural for Dr. Watts, when a child, to speak in rhyme, that even at the very time he wished to avoid it, he could not. His father was displeased with the propensity, and threatened to whip him if he did not leave off making verses. One day, when he was about to put his threat into execution, the child burst into tears, and on his knees said,—