hen I
caught sight of John near the bank, waving his hat, while just beyond
him was a montaria, with a number of people in her, among whom I
distinguished the tall figure of the recluse standing up and waving in
return. The canoe approached the bank just as I reached it; and
directly afterwards two other persons jumped up and waved to us, while a
dog put his paws on the gunwale and uttered a loud bark. True, who had
followed me, barked in return. What was my joy to recognise my two old
school-fellows Houlston and Tony. In a couple of minutes they were on
shore, and we were warmly shaking hands; while True and Faithful were
rubbing noses with equal cordiality.

"Where is my boy?" exclaimed the recluse--or rather Mr Mallet, for so I
should properly call him.

"He is with us. He has been sadly hurt. If any one can do him good, I
am sure you can, sir," I said.

"Oh, take me to him--show me where he is!" exclaimed Mr Mallet, in an
anxious tone. "Hand me out that box there! It contains the few
medicines I possess--it may be of use."

"Is it Arthur Mallet he is speaking of?" asked Houlston, following with
the chest. "What is the matter with him?"

I told him briefly what had occurred. There were several other persons
in the canoe, but I was too much interested in my friends to observe
them. We hurried back to the hut where Arthur was lying. The recluse
had hastened on before us, and was now kneeling by the side of his young
son. He was perfectly calm, but I saw how much he felt, by the
expression of his anxious countenance. Arthur opened his eyes and
recognised his father.

"This is what I was praying for," he whispered. "I have been very ill,
and was afraid of leaving the world without once again seeing you. I am
so thankful. If it is God's will, I am now ready to die."

"Oh, but I pray it may not be his will, my boy," said Mr Mallet. "You
must live for my sake, to be a comfort and support to me."

"You will not go back, then, and live in the woods by yourself, my dear
father?" said Arthur.

"No; I hope to live wherever you do, my boy," he answered.

Arthur's pale countenance brightened, and he pressed his father's hand.

"You must not talk, however, Arthur," said Mr Mallet. "You require
rest, and I may find some remedies which may benefit you."

He eagerly looked over the contents of his medicine-chest; and desiring
to have some fresh-water brought him, he quickly compounded a draught,
which