The
natives, after staring and giggling for some time, took this letter
out of my hand, with many exclamations, which, Deborah tells me, are
at the rapidity and minuteness of my writing. I told them the
letter was to my sister, and they asked if I had your picture. They
are delighted with it, and it is going round a large circle
assembled without. They see very few foreign women here, and are
surprised that I have not brought a foreign man with me.
There was quite a bustle of small preparations before we left
Onomea. Deborah was much excited, and I was not less so, for it is
such a complete novelty to take a five days' ride alone with
natives. D. is a very nice native girl of seventeen, who speaks
English tolerably, having been brought up by Mr. and Mrs. Austin.
She was lately married to a white man employed on the plantation.
Mr. A. most kindly lent me a favourite mule, but declined to state
that she would not kick, or buck, or turn obstinate, or lie down in
the water, all which performances are characteristic of mules. She
has, however, as he expected, behaved as the most righteous of her
species. Our equipment was a matter for some consideration, as I
had no waterproof; but eventually I wore my flannel riding dress,
and carried my plaid in front of the saddle.
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