Some half an hour later, a loud hallooing announced the arrival of the two Younkers with the domestic cattle—­consisting of the kine and some pet sheep which ran with them—­from their labors in a distant field, where they had been engaged in harvesting corn.  A few minutes after, the elder Younker entered the cabin, bearing upon his shoulder a rifle, from which depended a large, fat turkey that he had shot during his absence.  With a slight but friendly nod to the stranger, he proceeded to deposit his game on the hearth—­where it was presently examined and commented on at considerable length by the good dame—­and then carefully placing his rifle on a couple of horn hooks depending from the ceiling for the purpose, he seated himself on a stool, his back to the wall, with the air of one who is very much fatigued, and does not wish to mingle in conversation of any kind.

The sun by this time was already below the horizon; twilight was fast deepening into night; and the matron, having finished her remarks on the turkey, and “Wondered ef sech birds wouldn’t git to being scaser arter a while, when all on, ’em war shot?” proceeded to the cow-yard, to assist Isaac in milking; while Ella hurried hither and thither, with almost noiseless activity, to prepare the evening repast.  A bright fire was soon kindled in the chimney, over which was suspended a kettle for boiling water; while in front, nearly perpendicular, was placed a large corn loaf, whose savory odor, as it began to cook, was far from being disagreeable to the olfactory organs of the lookers on.  The table, of which we have previously given a description, was next drawn into the middle of the apartment and covered with a home-made cloth of linen; on which were placed a medley of dishes of various sizes and materials—­some of wood, some of pewter, some of earthern, and one of stone—­with knives and forks to correspond.  Three of these dishes were occupied—­one with clean, fresh butter, another with rich old cheese, and the third with a quantity of cold venison steak.  In the course of another half hour, the cake was baked and on the table—­Isaac and his mother had entered with the milk—­the announcement was made by Ella that all was ready; and the whole party, taking seats around the humble board, proceeded to do justice to the fare before them.

A light, placed in the center of the table, threw its gleams upon the faces of each, and exhibited a singular variety of expressions.  That of the stranger was downcast, sinister, and suspicious, combined with an evident desire of appearing exactly the reverse.  Occasionally, when he thought no eye was on him, he would steal a glance at Ella; and some times gaze steadily—­like one who is resolved upon a certain event, without being decided as to the exact manner of its accomplishment—­until he found himself observed, when his glance would fall to his plate, or be directed to some other object, with the seeming embarrassment of one caught in some guilty