ied Esau,
coming to my help.

"Means that I am a fool!" said our host, sharply, as he turned on Esau.
"Here, you hold your tongue, sir, till your turn comes."

I saw Esau shrink, and Mr Raydon went on--

"I sent for my sister to come, because I believed the journey would be
her salvation, as to her health, and because I wanted to end her sad
life of penury. Your best friend, Mr Gordon, has not behaved well to
her."

"Why they are as happy and affectionate as can be," I said. "You don't
know."

"I knew that for twenty years he has been a dreamer, growing poorer, and
wearing out her life with anxiety, my lad, and I wanted to get them
here, where I can start them in a new life. He is a good fellow in his
way, but weak and helpless as to getting on in the world. If I lead
him, I believe it will be different. But enough of that. Here is my
complaint. As soon as, after long and careful thought, I decided to
bring them here, and send them the funds for the purpose, my thoughtful
brother-in-law writes me word that they are coming, and that he has sent
me two lads, friends of his, to take under my charge, and do the best I
can for them. Why, sir, it came upon me like a thunderclap."

All the high spirits and hopefulness at our journey being successfully
ended, oozed away, and a despairing sensation came over me that was
horrible. Then my pride came to my help, and I spoke out.

"I am very sorry, sir," I cried, "and I will not impose on your
kindness. To-morrow morning Esau Dean and I will make a fresh start."

"What start?" he said, harshly.

"Perhaps go with Mr Gunson, prospecting."

"Out of the question, sir. More madness."

"Then we'll go to work."

"What at?"

"For some settler. We are both young, and willing."

"I should just think we are," cried Esau, sharply.

"Silence! Hold your tongue, please."

Esau subsided.

"Where are you going to find your settler? Those here have only enough
work for themselves."

"But other people have got on."

"Where you two could not, sir. You two boys think it all easy enough,
but you are not beasts of the field, to be able to pick up a living in
this wild solitary land. Do you think you can join some tribe, and
become young Indian chiefs? Rubbish. Find gold? What's the use of it
hundreds of miles away from places where it can be sold. Play Robinson
Crusoe in the woods? Bah! Where is your ship to go to for stores?
Why, you pair of silly ignorant