she could recover from her astonishment, which was still further
increased on finding that he was our Uncle Michael of whom she had so
often heard. My father now took him in to see my mother, who was not
yet well enough to come out of doors. Dio quickly made his appearance,
and showed his joy at my return by bursting into tears as he exclaimed--

"Dis nigger just 'bout de happiest man in de 'ole world."

I did not fail to inform my father of the coolness and bravery the black
had displayed in overcoming his desire to remain with me, and making his
way to the fort for the sake of bringing assistance to my mother.

It was not the last time that Dio rendered us essential service, as he
ever remained faithfully attached to my father and family.

My two uncles were not only reconciled, but became as affectionate as
brothers should be, and before long set off for the settlements, from
whence they returned with two suitable wives, who proved admirable
helpmates to them, and kind aunts to us.

Lily ere long became my wife, by which time, thanks to my father's
assistance, I had a house and farm of my own.

The Dominie, to our great surprise, soon after the arrival of Uncle
Michael took his departure.

"You'll see me again," he said, with a knowing smile: and so we did, but
he did not come back alone; he was accompanied by a curious specimen of
woman-kind, at least so we thought her at first, but she proved of
sterling worth, and made the Dominie an excellent wife and became the
mother of several sturdy sons and daughters.

Other settlers pitched their tents in the neighbourhood of Smiling
Valley, and at length a large and flourishing community was gathered
round us, well able to resist any attack which hostile Indians might
have made on the settlement. Most of the tribes in the vicinity
however, had long before buried the war-hatchet, and we and they dwelt
at peace. Years have passed away since the time of which I have been
speaking, but Lily and I often talk over the adventures of our younger
days, and, as we narrate them to our children, we lift up our hearts in
gratitude to Him who preserved us from all dangers and has showered so
many blessings on our heads.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

People often ask what is the moral of the tale. As far as my narrative
is concerned I did not write it with the idea of evolving a moral, but I
can say that, if it contains one, it