26 WESTERN INCIDENTS.

commendable desire for further information, came near
being the innocent cause of a most serious calamity to
our venerable driver and outfit. Mr. Williams had in-
timated that he would like to approach, and enter the
city, by another road from that by which we had departed,
so that he might obtain a different view of its present
extent and future resources. This induced the driver to
take a road which, unfortunately, led past his stable, on
the way to the Planter’s House, where we were to stop.
On passing the stable, the contest between the driver
and mules was most spirited and exciting; business in
town for the moment seemed to be suspended ; and every
one was anxiously awaiting the result of the driver's
efforts to reach the hotel on the next block. It was in
vain that I suggested that we had plenty of time to stop
at the stable, and exchange our outfit before proceeding
to the hotel—the driver swore that he would drive the
d—n mules to the hotel or h-Il, and he did not much care
which. And he came near succeeding in both; for, on
finally reaching the hotel, and just as our venerable friend
had taken the last article of baggage from the carriage,
the pesky animals (if they may be dignified by that re-
spectable name) started off suddenly on their own hook
for a run-away. The driver was knocked down while
closing the carriage door, but fortunately the wheels did

not pass over him. And the outfit went sailing and .

crashing down the street, among the carriages, and herds
of mules and cattle, towards the rivers.

After recovering from a most improper, but uncontrol-
lable fit of laughter, occasioned by the sudden and very
unexpected turn things had taken, I assisted our venera-
ble friend to his feet. He was covered with mud, his
countenance was pale with rage and fright, and his lips
and clenched teeth muttered curses low but deep against