he persecuted victim
of a pair of ungrateful fellows, who are never satisfied with anything
that is done for them, and I know which of us they will believe. But,
Willie, Mr. Wigton tells us the blacks are very troublesome down where
you are going: will there be any danger in living there?"

"Not the slightest, my dear: it is all nonsense the way in which
croakers talk about the blacks. Some of our imperious settlers, by their
own conduct, encourage them to commit depredations and to revenge
wrongs; but, for my part, I never knew a black fellow make an unprovoked
aggression, whereas Mr. Wigton merely speaks from what he has been told
by the squatters."

"Well, but, Willie, you say the country is quite unoccupied: will not
the natives be dreadfully wild, and easily provoked to commit some
horrible act? Would it not be better to avoid any risk, by getting a
station in some more settled part of the country?"

"Believe me, my pet, your fears are perfectly groundless; I have had
more experience with the blacks than most people, and I have no
unpleasant apprehensions from our squattage. However, our speculations
are all in precedence of our plans, and your objections are only
advanced on conjecture; it will be quite time for you to disparage our
home when we have formed one, and I can assure you, my dear Kate,
neither John nor I would wish you to leave the security of our parents'
roof for our protection, if by so doing you would imperil your precious
little self. But, even if there were any danger to us, to you, I
believe, there would be none; unless indeed it were to be carried off by
some bold, adventurous, and enthusiastic son of the soil to receive the
homage of his illustrious countrymen as their tutelary angel. But to
prevent any such predatory outrage, we will form ourselves into a
body-guard and enlist the services of all the knights-errant of the
neighbourhood."

"You are an impudent fellow, and I have a good mind to give at once my
refusal to go; but if you do settle there, I hope you will cultivate the
acquaintance of some nice people, if there are any near you."

"Nice gentlemen you mean, I know. Oh, yes! I will try and oblige you on
that point; but good-bye, Kate, I must be off."

With this remark concluded the colloquy of William Ferguson and his
sister, Kate; and after a mutual embrace, the young man bounded from the
room, and in a few minutes might have been seen riding through the bush
at a sharp cante