The cottage, of which we have given a picture, is situated in a secluded spot, on the eastern bank of the Hudson river, a considerable distance above New York. The place is called Sleepy Hollow, and is the scene of one of Mr. Irving’s best stories. The building is a curious one, seeming to partake partly of the English and partly of the Dutch style of architecture.
The place is remarkable for the quiet and tranquillity that reign around. The whistle of the quail and the tapping of the woodpecker are almost the only sounds that are heard.
In this delightful spot Mr. Irving fixed his residence some years ago. But, about two years since, he was appointed minister to Spain, and in this capacity he is now living at Madrid.
Jumping Rabbit’s Story.
CHAPTER VI.
If I were to give a minute account of all that happened while I was with the Indians, it would fill a large book. Perhaps I may, some time or other, give a more particular account of my adventures; but I must now condense my narrative, and give only the leading events of my life with the Indians.
I continued for nearly six years with the tribe of Kickapoos, who first made me their captive. During this period these Indians frequently shifted their abode, partly with a view to the acquisition of game, and partly to escape the neighborhood of troublesome enemies. We had occasional skirmishes with other tribes, and once a serious war with the Osages.
Small companies of white hunters and fur traders sometimes visited our camp, taking our furs, and giving us powder, ball and trinkets in return. The trade in furs became more and more an object to the tribe, and, finally, it was a part of their system to despatch some of the men every winter to the mountainous country at the west, for the purpose of killing foxes, wild-cats, and other animals, in order to obtain their skins.
I accompanied one of these parties, which consisted of eleven men. We proceeded, early in the autumn, to the Rocky Mountains, and, hearing that game was very abundant on the other side, we traversed that immense range, and found ourselves upon its western slope. We came to a river, which, it was said, emptied its waters into a great salt lake. Impelled by curiosity, we continued our ramble to the westward, and, at last, reached the shores of the Pacific.
Novelty strikes even the imagination of the savage. Our party were, therefore, not a little excited when they gazed at the boundless sea, and noticed the greenish tinge of its waters. When they tasted it, and perceived its salt and bitter flavor, they spit violently, and uttered a great many exclamations of astonishment. It was here that I first saw a ship. This was one of the American vessels, going to trade with the Indians on the north-west coast, and obtain their furs. She passed near us, and I could easily distinguish her sails, her ropes, and some of the men. I had often heard of the white people, since I had been with the Indians, but nothing I had ever seen had given me such an idea of their skill and power as did this vessel.