"My name is Knox, and I have been about the island for a few weeks.

I believe you are Judge Beaucaire of Missouri ?" He was a splendidly proportioned man, with deep chest, great breadth of shoulders, and strong individual face, yet bearing unmistakable signs of dissipation, together with numerous marks of both care and age.
"I feel the honor of your recognition, sir," he said with dignity.
"Knox, I believe you said?
Of the Knox family at Cape Girardeau, may I inquire ?" "No connection to my knowledge; my home was at Wheeling." "Ah! I have never been so far east; indeed the extent of my travels along the beautiful Ohio has only been to the Falls.

The Beaucaires were originally from Louisiana." "You must have been among the earlier settlers of Missouri ?" "Before the Americans came, sir," proudly.

"My grandfather arrived at Beaucaire Landing during the old French regime; but doubtless you know all this ?" "No, Judge," I answered, recognizing the egotism of the man, but believing frankness to be the best policy.

"This happens to be my first trip on the upper river, and I merely chanced to know your name because you had been pointed out to me by Captain Thockmorton.