They hung their heads, and evidently wished that they could have "tarried at Jericho" for a season.

Unfortunately, there was in those days no back way by which they could steal in, unobserved.

Across the prairie, in view of the whole community, must their approach be made; and to add to their confusion, in the rarity of stirring events, it was the custom of the whole settlement to turn out and welcome the arrival of any new-comer.
As hasty a retreat as possible was beaten, amid the shouts, the jeers, and the condolences of their acquaintances; and it is on record that these three young gentlemen were in no hurry to accept, at any future time, an invitation to partake of the festivities of Hickory Creek.
* * * * * In due time the Napoleon made her appearance.

(Alas that this great name should be used in the feminine gender!) As there was at this period no harbor, vessels anchored outside the bar, or tongue of land which formed the left bank of the river, and the lading and unlading were carried on by boats, pulling in and out, through the mouth of the river, some distance below.
Of course it always was a matter of great importance to get a vessel loaded as quickly as possible, that she might be ready to take advantage of the first fair wind, and be off from such an exposed and hazardous anchoring-ground.
For this reason we had lived _packed up_ for many days, intending only to see our friends safe on board, and then commence our own journey back to Fort Winnebago.
Our heavy articles of furniture, trunks, etc.

had been sent on board the Napoleon, to be brought round to us by way of Fox River.