Page:The Homes of the New World- Vol. III.djvu/291

Rh lady a deal to do in the way of reproof and command, and we had to lie still for a good hour to repair our damage. Molly of the Sand-hills was always in our way, and when we by any chance stood in hers, we had nothing to expect but a good slap. Our dominant lady's educational management became more strict, but we began to lose all hope of the power of cultivation on this daughter of the wilderness. We had all sorts of droll scenes, and the gay young Miss Mac I. amused both herself and us, by her observations on Molly and her ways.

The pair of turtle-doves No. 1 and No. 2 were landed at the little colony of Pulatki, which is in the midst of a hot sandy plain; and which, probably, was on that account more healthy than other situations surrounded by luxuriant vegetation. The turtle-doves No. 3 would accompany us to Lake Munroe.

We refreshed ourselves at Pulatki by a grand washing and good milk. We are in Pulatki in the region where frost has power—where it is occasionally felt, though it does little damage. Somewhat more to the north in the district of St. Augustin, a large plantation of sweet oranges was entirely destroyed about two years ago by frost, and the only wealth of several thousand persons thus perished. At Pulatki, however, I recognise the climate of that balmy atmosphere and soft, fanning airs which I breathed in Cuba. This air can only exist where frost cannot come.

Amid this enchanting air there lay at this time in Pulatki, far from his relations and friends, a youth who was dying of consumption. He was from Philadelphia, had journeyed to Florida for the recovery of his health; but the disease had overpowered him. The balmy winds of Florida sported in through the window of his room; a faithful negro sate and fanned the sick youth with a fan—in vain! Fever consumed him, and he could not have many days to live. He was handsome, with large blue