ur horses so that they require a day's
rest before proceeding further; and we must therefore impose ourselves
on you as guests, unless you turn us out."

"My dear sir, you and your men and horses are perfectly welcome to
remain as long as you please," answered Mr Twigg; "and so you would be
if you'd brought your whole regiment, though we might, in that case,
have found some difficulty in housing you."

Of course Major Malcolm and the lieutenant heard of the proposed
expedition. Mr Ferris suggested that it could be put off, but the
major begged that that should on no account be done, and that if steeds
could be found for him and Lieutenant Belt, they might accompany the
party.

"With great pleasure, my dear sir; we can mount you without difficulty,"
said Mr Twigg; and turning round, he gave the order to old Martin, who
was standing behind his chair. Supper was still proceeding when Miss
Pemberton and her brother Jack arrived and were heartily welcomed. She
was a Creole, but with far more life and animation than the generality
of her fair countrywomen; still, her cheek, pure as alabaster, was
colourless; but her figure was good, and her features remarkably
handsome. Altogether, she fully merited the encomiums Ellen had passed
on her. She had been sent to school in England, and was thoroughly well
educated and accomplished. Her brother Jack had had the same advantage,
though he spoke, unless when excited, with the usual Creole drawl. From
the few remarks he made--for he was not much addicted to talking--he
was, however, not destitute of spirit; and, among his other good
qualities, he evidently looked upon his lovely sister with the most
devoted admiration. The two young people promised to be a pleasant
addition to the party.

The family retired earlier than usual, that they might be ready to start
at the hour fixed on. The gallant major and the young subaltern were
escorted to their room by Mr Twigg.

"I little expected to find two such houris in this out-of-the-way spot,"
observed the major, as he was throwing off his uniform.

"Nor did I," exclaimed the lieutenant. "It is difficult to decide which
of the two is the most charming, but I am most inclined to lose my heart
to the young lady with the roses in her cheeks. She hasn't been long in
this burning clime, I suspect, or they would have faded ere this."

"We shall not be rivals, then," observed the major, standing up in his
shirt and trousers, and st