The Land Claim — page 36: what you’re looking at

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

32 THE LAND-CLAIM. “Just as you please; hope it won't be long,” answered Flag, good-humoredly. “ Wher, did you get that pony ?” “ Bought him.” “He’s a fine, stout fellow. What did you pay for him ?” “Traded my gun to one of the Omahas for him.” “Did you get any game this morning ?” “No. I made up my mind to go and look at a claim down on the Platte; and that’s where I found this animal.” “Hope Doc has supper ready,” said Flag, as they came in sight of the shanty. ‘“ But Renee eee een no supper, and I’m as hungry as a starved wolf,” he added. Flag went into the shanty and threw down his kit, while Ed remained outside to picket his pony. “TI don’t see what keeps Doc and Squire out so late, this evening,” Flag remarked, coming up behind Ed so unexpect- edly as to cause him to jump aside as he was driving a stake in the ground. “I believe I shall go up to the village and get my supper. What do you say to going along ?” “Tm not hungry ; but I’m tired, and I shall stay at home and go to bed.” “Very well; I wish you a good night's rest;” and Flag turned away, half amused and half provoked at his mess- mate’s surly humor. It was near midnight when Flag returned, accompanied by Allen—other friends and citizens having volunteered to take charge of the body of Dr. Edwards. The night was beauti- fully light and warm. As the young men walked home- ward, conversing on the events of the day, their imaginations became very naturally much excited, and enabled them to recall each and every past circumstance of their association with the deceased. ‘These reminiscences had quite scared away all sleepfulmess, and when they threw themselves upon the bed which they occupied in common, it was not to close* their eyes, but only to relax their limbs, while they continued their talk. “We ought to waken Ed, I suppose, and tell him about this affair,” said Flag. “No, not to-night,” answered Squire, wearily. “I have commicloooks.aconn