It
would appear that the two fortunate mortals, to whose happy lot it
fell to enjoy a meal in which health and appetite lent so keen a
relish to the exquisite food of the American deserts, were far from
being insensible of the advantage they possessed.
The one, to whose knowledge in the culinary art the other was indebted
for his banquet, seemed the least disposed of the two to profit by his
own skill. He ate, it is true, and with a relish; but it was always
with the moderation with which age is apt to temper the appetite. No
such restraint, however, was imposed on the inclination of his
companion. In the very flower of his days and in the vigour of
manhood, the homage that he paid to the work of his more aged friend's
hands was of the most profound and engrossing character. As one
delicious morsel succeeded another he rolled his eyes towards his
companion, and seemed to express that gratitude which he had not
speech to utter, in looks of the most benignant nature.
"Cut more into the heart of it, lad," said the trapper, for it was the
venerable inhabitant of those vast wastes, who had served the bee-
hunter with the banquet in question; "cut more into the centre of the
piece; there you will find the genuine riches of natur'; and that
without need from spices, or any of your biting mustard to give it a
foreign relish.
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