ole I think the arrangement is good."

Timothy had been absent during the events of the morning--when he
returned, I communicated to him what had passed, and was about to take
place.

"Well, Japhet, I don't know--I do not dislike our present life, yet I am
not sorry to change it; but what are we to do?"

"That remains to be considered: we have a good stock of money,
fortunately, and we must husband it till we find what can be done."

We took our suppers all together for the last time, Melchior telling us
that he had determined to set off the next day. Nattee looked very
melancholy, but resigned; on the contrary, little Fleta was so
overjoyed, that her face, generally so mournful, was illuminated with
smiles whenever our eyes met. It was delightful to see her so happy.
The whole of the people in the camp had retired, and Melchior was busy
making his arrangements in the tent. I did not feel inclined to sleep;
I was thinking and revolving in my mind my prospects for the future;
sitting, or rather lying down, for I was leaning on my elbow, at a short
distance from the tents. The night was dark but clear, and the stars
were brilliant. I had been watching them, and I thought upon Melchior's
ideas of destiny, and dwelling on the futile wish that I could read
mine, when I perceived the approach of Nattee.

"Japhet," said she, "you are to take the little girl with you, I find--
will you be careful of her? for it would be on my conscience if she were
left to the mercy of the world. She departs rejoicing, let not her joy
end in tears. I depart sorrowing. I leave my people, my kin, my
habits, and customs, my influence, all--but it must be so, it is my
destiny. She is a good child, Japhet--promise me that you will be a
friend to her--and give her this to wear in remembrance of me, but--not
yet--not till we are gone--" She hesitated. "Japhet, do not let
Melchior see it in your possession; he may not like me having given it
away." I took the piece of paper containing the present, and having
promised all she required, "This is the last--yes--the very last time
that I may behold this scene," continued Nattee, surveying the common,
the tents, and the animals browsing. "Be it so; Japhet, good night, may
you prosper!" She then turned away and entered her tent; and soon
afterwards I followed her example.

The next day, Melchior was all ready. What he had packed up was
contained in two small bundles. He addressed the peo