r father will not forgive
him. He has left us without giving any information of his destination.
We hope you will find him in New Brunswick, and this is your errand.
You must seek him and bring him back to us".

John had been absent at the time of Mr. Somers's departure, and,
without making definite inquiries, supposed him to be away on ordinary
business.

After his first surprise at his mother's announcement, he was quite
silent for a few moments.

Then he said, firmly, "If he is there, I will find him".

Mrs. Lansdowne did not explain to him the nature of her brother's
offence, but simply communicated her earnest desire for his return.
Then going together to the library they consulted the map of Maine
and New Brunswick. Mr. Lansdowne joined them,--the route was fully
discussed, and John retired to dream of the delights of a life
untrammelled by college, or city walls.

CHAPTER VII.

A JOURNEY THROUGH THE WILDERNESS.

Two days after the arrival of Mr. Norton at the Dubois House, on the
banks of the Miramichi, John Lansdowne, on a brilliant September
morning, started on his memorable journey to that region.

He was up betimes, and made his appearance at the stables just as
James, the stout little coachman, was completing Caesar's elaborate
toilet.

Caesar was a noble-looking, black animal, whose strength and capacity
for endurance had been well tested. This morning he was in high
spirits and looked good for months of rough-and-tumble service.

"Here's yer rifle, Mister John. I put it in trim for ye yesterday. I
s'pose ye'll be a squintin' reound sharp for bears and wolves and
other livin' wild beasts when ye git inter the woods".

"Certainly, James. I expect to set the savage old monsters scattering
in every direction".

"Well, but lookeout, Mister John and keep number one eout o' fire and
water and sech".

"Trust me for doing that, James".

After many affectionate counsels and adieus from his parents, John,
mounted on the gallant Caesar, with his rifle and portmanteau, posted
on at a rapid rate, soon leaving the city far behind.

The position of one who sits confidently upon the back of a brave and
spirited horse, is surely enviable. The mastery of a creature of such
strength and capacity--whose neck is clothed with thunder--the glory
of whose nostrils is terrible, gives to the rider a sense of freedom
and power not often felt amidst the common conditions of life. No
wonder that the Bedouin