.

When the Scotch settlers were banished from the colony, pity, as well as
friendship for their deceased parents, induced the Davidson family to
adopt the boys, and now, in exile, they were out hunting by themselves
to aid in replenishing the general store of provisions.

It need scarcely be said that at this period of the year the exiled
colonists were not subjected to severe hardships, for the air was alive
with wild-fowl returning south from their breeding-grounds, and the
rivers and lakes were swarming with fish, many of them of excellent
quality.

"This will do--won't it?" said Archie, pointing with his paddle to an
islet about a hundred yards in diameter.

"Yes, famously," responded Little Bill, as he steered towards a shelving
rock which formed a convenient landing-place.

The trees and shrubs covered the islet to the water's edge with dense
foliage, that glowed with all the gorgeous colouring for which North
American woods in autumn are celebrated. An open grassy space just
beyond the landing-place seemed to have been formed by nature for the
express purpose of accommodating picnic parties.

"Nothing could have been better," said Archie, drawing up the bow of the
canoe, and stooping to lift his brother out.

"I think I'll try to walk--it's such a short bit," said Billie.

"D'ye think so? well, I've no doubt you can do it, Little Bill, for
you've got a brave spirit of your own, but there's a wet bit o' moss
you'll have to cross which you mayn't have noticed. Would you like to
be lifted over that, and so keep your moccasins dry?"

"Archie, you're a humbug. You're always trying to make me give you
needless trouble."

"Well, have it your own way, Little Bill. I'll help you to walk up."

"No, carry me," said Billie, stretching out his arms; "I've changed my
mind."

"I will, if you prefer it, Little Bill," said Archie, lifting his
brother in his strong arms and setting him down on the convenient spot
before referred to.

Billie was not altogether helpless. He could stand on his weak legs and
even walk a little without support, but to tramp through the woods, or
clamber up a hill, was to him an absolute impossibility. He had to
content himself with enjoyments of a milder type. And, to do him
justice, he seemed to have no difficulty in doing so. Perhaps he owed
it to his mother, who had been a singularly contented woman and had
taught Billie from his earliest years the truth that, "contentment,