Edward S. Ellis

“ The strong, hardy, bronzed trapper, powerful in all that goes to make up the physical man, looked upon the pale, sweet-faced boy, with his misshapen body, as an affectionate father would look upon an afflicted child.
On the other hand, the brusque, outspoken manner of the hunter pleased the appreciative mind of the boy, who saw much to admire, both in his appearance and manner. ”

“ It required the boy but a short time to generate a sufficient quantity of steam to set the legs going at a terrific rate, varying the proceedings by letting some of the vapor through the whistle which composed the steam man's nose.
Baldy Bicknell stood for some minutes with a surprise too great to allow him to speak. Wonderful as was the mechanism, yet the boy who had constructed it was still more worthy of wonder. When the steam had given out, the hunter placed his big hand upon the head of the little fellow, and said:
'You'se a mighty smart chap, that be you. ”

“ Besides, it isn't finished yet.'
'It ain't,' exclaimed Baldy, in surprise. 'Why, it works—what more do you want?'
'I've got to make a wagon to run behind it.'
'That's it, eh? I thought you war goin' to ride on its back. How much will it draw?'
'As much as four horses, and as fast as they can run.'
The hunter was half wild with excitement. The boy's delight was never equal to one-half of his.
'Skulp me ag'in, ef that don't beat all! It's jest the thing for the West; we'll walk through the Injins in the tallest kind of style, and skear 'em beautiful. ”