When they wished food it was merely to go a little distance and take it as one walks to a cupboard for a certain dish.
Now, the aspect of the country began to change.

The hills sank.

The streams ceased to sparkle and dash helter-skelter over the stones; instead they flowed with a deep sluggish current and always to the west.
In some the water was so nearly still that they might be called lagoons.
Marshes spread out for great distances, and they were thronged with millions of wild fowl.

The air grew heavier, hotter and damper.
"We must be approaching the Mississippi," said Henry, who was quick to draw an inference from these new conditions.
"It can't be very far," replied Ross, "because we are in low country now, and when we get into the lowest the Mississippi will be there." All were eager for a sight of the great river.

Its name was full of magic for those who came first into the wilderness of Kentucky.