He had now arrived at such an age that the of his farm were too fatiguing for his declining years ; and Hans being the eldest son, the superintendency necessarily his settlement.

affairs

devolved on him ; but so important a station could not be pro a vrouw. Hans accordingly perly filled without the assistance of looked among the fair of his acquaintances, and, with the con sent of his parents, paid his addresses to Miss Katrina Van

Vrooman, whose residence was but a mile from his own habita " Those were " matter of fact tion. days, and the girl con to become his wife. The sented, without any flirtations, wedding day was appointed, and the neighbors invited ; but before the ceremony could be performed, it was necessary to obtain a license from the governor, whose residence was in

New York. " Hans

accordingly prepared to go thither for his license, and young friends, as well as his prospective bride,

a party of his

determined to accompany him.

Katrina invited to the excursion

whom she was much attached, who was regarded by some as having intercourse with the

an old squaw named Leshee, to but

Evil One, and was often

consulted even in matters of import

ance by the superstitious Dutchmen.

The day of the departure

was marked by a severe storm, from which Leshee boded illluck ; but the party were impatient of delay, and proceeded on their journey. " The affianced pair, after three days' journey, reached the