It was a beautiful morning; the air was delightfully fresh and cool, and the rays of the sun danced and glistened upon the dew-drops which sparkled upon every tree and flower.

The feathered songsters filled the air with their sweet melodies, and nature with all its gladsome beauty was spread before him.

Such a feeling of rest and thorough enjoyment came over him, that it was with an effort, he was able to shake off the pleasures of the hour, and bring himself to the disagreeable business in hand.

After a short walk they approached the general store of the little village, which was the lounging-place of all the farmers for miles around.

When they arrived they found a motley gathering assembled to witness the great event of the day in this town, the departure of the stage-coach, and Robert was speedily introduced as a relative of Mr.Bascom, who had came to McDonald to spend a few days.
The mail coach was an important institution in McDonald, and was regarded as the great medium of communication between that place and the great world outside.