He went into the great dining-room with the other Congressmen, but alone and unknown.

The colored waiters laughed at him as he took his seat at the table.
The other people at the table were served, but no one came near him.

At last he turned and faced a hurrying colored man, and, in a voice that silenced the room, said: "Waiter, come here!" The waiter rolled up his eyes and said, "Sir ?" "Have you any big meat to-day ?" "Yes, sir." "Any bear ?" "Any bear?
bear?
No, sir." "Any buffalo ?" "Any buffalo--buffalo?
Where did you come from?
No, sir." "Well, waiter you may bring me what you have." The waiter went away with white teeth, and a smile and titter passed around the table.

The waiter returned with the usual first course of the meal, and was about to hurry away, when the old pioneer took out his pistol and laid it down on the table, saying: "Waiter, you stand there, I may want you; and if anybody wants to know who I am, tell him I am Hon.

Joseph Meek, the delegate of the people of Oregon." When it was known who Mr.Meek was, he was met by Mr.Dallas, the courtly Vice-President.
"I will attend you to the reception this afternoon, where you will meet the wives of the Congressmen," said he.