hast headed a night-party on the lake, to feed a half-dozen famishing families."
"I shall not dispute the matter with you, Judge Temple," said the Sheriff, with much dignity; "this night will I go-, and I invite the company to attend, and then let them decide between us."
Richard was busy, during most of the afternoon, making his preparations for the important occasion. Just as the light of the setting sun had disappeared, and a new moon had begun to cause faint shadows to be seen on the earth, the fishermen took their departure in a boat, for a point that was situated on the western shore of the lake, at the distance of rather more than half a mile from the village. The ground had become settled, and the walking was good and dry. Marmaduke, with his daughter, her friend, and young Edwards, continued on the high grassy banks, at the outlet of the placid sheet of water, watching the dark object that was moving with great rapidity across the lake, until it entered the shade of the western hills, and was lost to the eye. The distance round by land, to the point of their destination, was a mile, and he observed—
"It is time for us to be moving; the moon will be down ere we reach the point, and then the miraculous hauls of Dickon will commence."
The evening was warm, and, after the long and' dreary winter from which they had just escaped, delightfully invigorating, both to the mind and body. Inspirited by the scene, and their anticipated amusement, the youthful companions of the Judge followed his steps, as he led them along the shores of the Otsego, and through the skirts of the little village.
"See!" said young Edwards; "they are building their fire already; it glimmers for a mo-
