the stranger maintained his position, holding on to the log with both hands, and looking his honor fixedly in the face. One of the party called another to one side, and said to him anxiously: "For Heaven's sake, call the Judge off, or we won't sleep a wink to-night." Number two approached the Judge quietly, pulled him by the sleeve, and said:
"See here, Judge, I have something that I would like to speak to you about for a few moments!"
"Presently!"
An hour passed and the manoeuvre was repeated, with the same reply—
"Presently!"
Another hour, and another member tried it on.
"Presently, sir; presently, I tell you!" was the Judge's somewhat impatient reply.
Another and another tried it with like success, or want of success, and at last all gave it up and turned into their welcome blankets. All through the weary night the party turned uneasily in their blankets from time to time, and still heard the Judge going on—and on—and on—the stream of talk flowing as steadily and remorselessly as the stream of Time, which singeth as it flows—
Morning broke over the grey mountains at last, and the party arose to prepare for breakfast. The fire had gone out, but the Judge stood there as he had been standing on the evening before, with his hands clasped behind him, his back bent towards
