CHAPTER XXII.
NARROW ESCAPE OF A SMUGGLER.
From the time I first settled in Wilberforce, my house had ever been open to travelers and strangers; but a conversation I happened to overhear, led me to take a course different from what I had at first intended.

I was at a public house about twenty miles from home, when I heard the landlord advising his guest to eat heartily, for, said he, "you will find nothing more worthy of your attention, until you reach Wilberforce.

When you arrive at that settlement, inquire for A.Steward, from the States, and he will give you a meal fit for a prince." I began to reflect on the subject and concluded, inasmuch as people would send company to me, it would be better to make some preparation for entertaining them.

I had plenty of furniture, and all I needed was a larger supply of food, to commence keeping a tavern.

This was easily obtained, and I opened a public house which was well patronized.
One day while I was absent from home, a man drove to the door the finest span of horses, I think I ever saw,--black as jet, with proudly arched necks, and glossy tails that nearly swept the ground.