licatory lamentations, the effect is one of the most dismal that
can be conceived.

To society such as this the young men had a decided objection; and
concluding, that if they did not take steps to disperse their nocturnal
visitors (who treated them to numerous appeals which were anything but
euphonic), they would stand a very poor chance of enjoying any rest.
Besides the probability that a keen appetite might induce the dogs to
extend their favours to the horses, it was also a matter of prudence to
insist upon their removing themselves to some more distant location; and
to support this with a forcible argument, the travellers got their guns
in readiness, and moved away in silence into the darkness.

Our friends were not left long to ascertain in what direction to expect
a recontre, for a fresh eructation of the metrical whine gave them
sufficient notice. The black boy soon descried the disturbers of their
peace by the glitter of a host of canine optics, and directed his
masters and their friend where to fire. This they did; and the effect of
their shots was instantly apparent, from the excessive yelping that
greeted their ears, and satisfied them that some, at least, of their
annoyers had got something to remember; while they were gratified to
listen to the fast receding sounds of these "mercurial inhabitants of
the plain." The dogs quickly "made themselves scarce," nor did they
afterwards attempt to reduce the distance they had placed between
themselves and the travellers; who, upon the establishment of quiet, and
after supplying fresh material to their fire, nestled themselves in
their blankets around the cheerful blaze, and stretched themselves to
sleep under the "starlit canopy of heaven."

Early on the next morning the journey was resumed; and for three days,
with very little variety, they traversed the run, of which we need say
nothing; except that the country answered the expectations of the
Fergusons, who were pleased with its appearance, and returned with Bob
Smithers to complete the purchase at Brompton. Here preliminaries were
soon effected. Mr. Ferguson's agents in Sydney had been instructed by
him to honour any drafts drawn by his son, and to transact any business
he might require; therefore John at once drew upon them for the amount
of this purchase, and placed himself in communication respecting the
other arrangements; forwarding the note of sale from Smithers, and an
obligation from him to sign the ne