for the
moment.

"I have been talking, Mr. Campbell, with Captain Sinclair, and find you
have much to do before the short summer is over, to be ready to meet the
coming winter; more than you can well do with your limited means. I am
happy that my instructions from the Governor will permit me to be of
service to you. I propose that the ladies shall remain here, while you,
with such assistance as I can give you, proceed to your allotment and
prepare for their reception."

"A thousand thanks for your kind offer, Colonel--but no, no, we will all
go together," interrupted Mrs. Campbell; "we can be useful, and we will
remain in the tents till the house is built. Do not say a word more,
Colonel Forster, that is decided; although I again return you many
thanks for your kind offer."

"If such is the case, I have only to observe that I shall send a fatigue
party of twelve men, which I can well spare for a few weeks, to assist
you in your labors," replied Colonel Forster. "Their remuneration will
not put you to a very great expense. Captain Sinclair has volunteered
to take charge of it."

"Many thanks, sir," replied Mr. Campbell; "and as you observe that we
have no time to lose, with your permission we will start to-morrow
morning."

"I certainly shall not dissuade you," replied the commandant, "although
I did hope that I should have had the pleasure of your company for a
little longer. You are aware that I have the Governor's directions to
supply you with cattle from our own stock, at a fair price. I hardly
need say that you may select as you please."

"And I," said Captain Sinclair, who had been in conversation with Mary
Percival, and who now addressed Mr. Campbell, "have been making another
collection for you among my brother-officers, which you were not
provided with, and will find very useful, I may say absolutely
necessary."

"What may that be, Captain Sinclair?" said Mr. Campbell.

"A variety of dogs of every description. I have a pack of five; and,
although not quite so handsome as your pet dogs in England, you will
find them well acquainted with the country, and do their duty well. I
have a pointer, a bull-dog, two terriers, and a fox-hound--all of them
of good courage, and ready to attack catamount, wolf, lynx, or even a
bear, if required."

"It is, indeed, a very valuable present," replied Mr. Campbell, "and you
have our sincere thanks."

"The cows you had better select before you go, unless you prefer tha