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CHAPTER II.

THE TWO STRANGERS - THE CIRCUS COMPANY - DEPARTURE FROM SARATOGA - VENTRILOQUISM AND LEGERDEMAIN - JOURNEY TO NEW-YORK - FREE PAPERS - BROWN AND HAMILTON - THE HASTE TO REACH THE CIRCUS - ARRIVAL IN WASHINGTON - FUNERAL OF HARRISON - THE SUDDEN SICKNESS - THE TORMENT OF THIRST - THE RECEDING LIGHT - INSENSIBILITY - CHANTS AND DARKNESS.

One morning, towards the latter part of the month of March, 1841, having at that time no particular business to engage my attention, I was walking about the village of Saratoga Springs, thinking to myself where I might obtain some present employment, until the busy season should arrive. Anne, as was her usual custom, had gone over to Sandy Hill, a distance of some twenty miles, to take charge of the culinary department at Sherrill's Coffee House, during the session of the court. Elizabeth, I think, had accompanied her. Margaret and Alonzo were with their aunt at Saratoga.

On the corner of Congress street and Broadway, near the tavern, then and for aught I know to the contrary, still kept by Mr. Moon, I was met by two gentlemen of respectable appearance, both of whom were entirely unknown to me. I have the impression