At length he came to a small opening in the forest, very rude and uninviting in its appearance.  It embraced eight or ten acres.  One of the humblest and least tasteful of log huts stood in the centre.  It was truly a cabin, a mere shelter from the weather.  There was no yard; there were no fences.  Not the slightest effort had been made toward ornamentation.  It would be difficult to imagine a more lonely and cheerless abode.

Two men were seated on stools at the door, both in their shirt-sleeves, engaged in cleaning their rifles.  As the stranger rode up, one of the men rose and came forward to meet him.  He was dressed in very plain homespun attire, with a black fur cap upon his head.  He was a finely proportioned man, about six feet high, apparently forty-five years of age, and of very frank, pleasing, open countenance.  He held his rifle in his hand, and from his right shoulder hung a bag made of raccoon skin, to which there was a sheath attached containing a large butcher-knife.

“This is Colonel Crockett’s residence, I presume,” said the stranger.

“Yes,” was the reply, with a smile as of welcome.

“Have I the pleasure of seeing that gentleman before me?” the stranger added.

“If it be a pleasure,” was the courtly reply, “you have, sir.”

“Well, Colonel,” responded the stranger, “I have ridden much out of my way to spend a day or two with you, and take a hunt.”

“Get down, sir,” said the Colonel, cordially.  “I am delighted to see you.  I like to see strangers.  And the only care I have is that I cannot accommodate them as well as I could wish.  I have no corn, but my little boy will take your horse over to my son-in-law’s.  He is a good fellow, and will take care of him.”

Leading the stranger into his cabin, Crockett very courteously introduced him to his brother, his wife, and his daughters.  He then added: 

“You see we are mighty rough here.  I am afraid you will think it hard times.  But we have to do the best we can.  I started mighty poor, and have been rooting ’long ever since.  But I hate apologies.  What I live upon always, I think a friend can for a day or two.  I have but little, but that little is as free as the water that runs.  So make yourself at home.”

Mrs. Crockett was an intelligent and capable woman for one in her station in life.  The cabin was clean and orderly, and presented a general aspect of comfort.  Many trophies of the chase were in the house, and spread around the yard.  Several dogs, looking like war-worn veterans, were sunning themselves in various parts of the premises.