“On the shores of Gitche Gumee,
Westward by the Big-Sea Water.
? ? ? ?*? ? ? ?*? ? ? ?*? ? ? ?*? ? ? ?*
Can it be the sun descending,
Sinking down into the water?
All the sky is stain’d with purple,
All the water flush’d with crimson!”

Lake Superior, the mighty lake, fed by two hundred rivers and streams, plunging down falls and rapids to mingle their waters with those of this inland ocean; with its stern rocky walls, and overhanging crags; with its rich mines of copper, silver, and iron; with its abundant fisheries of trout, pickerel, pike, carp, black fish, and white fish; and with its grand pictured rocks, presenting columns, towers, arches, and ruins, and hollowed out into vast caverns, echoing with tremendous roar to the dash of the waves. An excursion 209proposed to this lake offered great attractions, and Mrs. Lester was tempted to go on the fine steamer that was to take a party thither.

Norman supplied himself with trolling-hook and fishing tackle, as the steamer was to stop frequently to allow the passengers to fish in those cold, clear, transparent waters. Charley Percy and his friend, Alfred Scarborough, somewhat older than himself, were going in the steamer to Collingwood, on their way to Niagara; so in the evening they went to the boat, accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Percy, and Alfred’s father and mother. The saloon was gayly lighted up, the band playing; the state-rooms were very comfortable, and the beginning of the voyage at least was very promising.

Good-by was said to their kind friends, and the steamer moved slowly down the river, past the warehouses, and through the bridges, in the darkness, amid the 210gleaming lights here and there, and to the sound of music, and it all seemed very dream-like. At length they reached the lake, and the regular lines of light on Michigan Avenue sparkled as they sailed away. It was very late, near eleven o’clock, and the travelers soon sought the repose of their berths. Mrs. Lester only wakened in the morning in time to see the graceful spires of Racine, sleeping in the early morning light.

About ten o’clock they sailed into the harbor of Milwaukee, built on both sides of the Milwaukee River, on a high bluff overlooking the lake. Most of the town is built of the Milwaukee brick, which is of a light straw-color; and though this brick is a very fine building material, yet it harmonizes too much with the color of the sandy streets and sandy bluff to give a fine effect to the town. A stronger contrast would be better. There are some very fine buildings; a hotel of beautiful 211and elaborate design, and a custom-house of fine architecture, built of white stone.

Until one o’clock “The Planet” remained at Milwaukee, awaiting the arrival of a party who wished to go on the excursion, and who had telegraphed them from Chicago, and this delay enabled the passengers to ride and walk about the town.

A sad sight met the eyes of those who remained on the boat. The steamboat Traveler was just passing them, on its way out of the harbor, when the mate, who had given some orders not followed to his satisfaction, let himself down from the upper deck, by catching hold of the middle rail of the balustrade. The rail broke, and the man was thrown into the water, probably receiving some mortal blow on the way, as he never rose. Truly there is but a step between us and death. In that calm water, on that still, sunny day, the hardy seaman who had braved 212death in the darkness and tempest, found a grave.

It was very warm, and all were glad when the steamer was once more in motion, and the fresh breezes of the lake came with their cooling for heated brows. It was rather too fresh after a while, and there was more motion than was consistent with the enjoyment of some of the passengers. There was a shower, too, dimpling the lake, and driving most of the people into the saloon.

Norman had his first experience of seasickness, and retiring to his berth at five o’clock, he slept th............