I need not describe my own early days; indeed, several years passed without the occurrence of any incidents which would be especially interesting to others.  Gradually the border-village grew into a town, although even then the country continued in almost its original wild state within a mile or two of us.  Both Lily and I got a fair amount of schooling; and in the holidays I was able to indulge my taste, by rambling into the forest and increasing my knowledge of the habits of its denizens.  Occasionally I got leave for Lily to accompany me, although Aunt Hannah did not much approve of her going so far from home.