its came on, with a violence that seemed to
threaten dislocation to all his joints. Ned felt that both their lives,
under God, depended on his keeping well, and being able to procure food
for, and nurse, his friend. At the same time, he knew that the rainy
season, if indeed it had not already begun, would soon set in, and
perhaps render the country impassable. There was no use, however, in
giving way to morbid fears, so Ned faced his difficulties manfully, and,
remembering the promise which he had given his old uncle at parting from
him in England, he began by offering up a short but earnest prayer at
the side of his friend's couch.

"Ned," said Tom, sadly, as his companion ceased, "I fear that you'll
have to return alone."

"Come, come, don't speak that way, Tom; it isn't right. God is able to
help us here as well as in cities. I don't think you are so ill as you
fancy--the sight of these poor emigrants has depressed you. Cheer up,
my boy, and I'll let you see that you were right when you said I could
turn my hand to anything. I'll be hunter, woodcutter, cook, and nurse
all at once, and see if I don't make you all right in a day or two. You
merely want rest, so keep quiet for a little till I make a sort of
sheltered place to put you in."

The sun broke through the clouds as he spoke and shed a warm beam down
on poor Tom, who was more revived by the sight of the cheering orb of
day than by the words of his companion.

In half-an-hour Tom was wrapped in the driest portion of the driest
blanket; his wet habiliments were hung up before a roaring fire to dry,
and a rude bower of willows, covered with turf, was erected over his
head to guard him from another attack of rain, should it come; but it
didn't come. The sun shone cheerily all day, and Ned's preparations
were completed before the next deluge came, so that when it descended on
the following morning, comparatively little found its way to Tom's
resting-place.

It was scarcely a _resting-place_, however. Tom turned and groaned on
his uneasy couch, and proved to be an uncommonly restive patient. He
complained particularly when Ned left him for a few hours each day to
procure fresh provisions; but he smiled and confessed himself
unreasonable when Ned returned, as he always did, with a dozen wild
ducks, or several geese or hares attached to his belt, or a fat deer on
his shoulders. Game of all kinds was plentiful, the weather improved,
the young hunter's