The Land Claim — page 124: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

120 THE LAND-CLAIM. kinder went across the grain. But, bein’ every thing has come out right, I reckon ye can forgive me.’ The forgiveness accorded was very hearty and sincere. When Allen went home that night he found Flag waiting for him at his office. What the young men talked about, it is not relevant to relate; but the “ wee sma’ hours” of morn- ing had passed before slumber descended upon their eyelids. CHAPTER XVI. HOME AGAIN! Ir is seyen years since the hasty and happy wedding at Mrs. Wyman’s. Flag is rich, popular, married, and, what he deserves to be—a Congressman. His wife is one of the fair Western ladies in Washington, distinguished for good sense and good taste. It is Christmas week ; and the “ distinguished member” is promenading Pennsylvania Avenue of a fine afternoon, with his wife upon his arm. “What a handsome couple!” murmured the lady to her husband, as they came nearly face to face with another gentle- man and lady, bent, like themselyes, on enjoying the beautiful December weather. Our Congressman had unconsciously fallen into a study concerning the Territorial question, and did not observe the strangers until the exclamation of his wife opened his eyes ‘ to the present and visible world—the glance that followed was one of immediate recognition on both sides. “Flag, my old friend, ’m enraptured to meet you,” said the gentleman, with warmth. “And I you. Did Santa Claus drop you out of his basket ? Where in the world haye you come from ?” ““T’ve come across the sea, I’ve braved every danger,” answered Allen, laughing. “ But let me introduce you to my wife—and please make us acquainted with the lady on your arm.” ; comiclooks. com