ou had lived as long as I have, and seen as
much of the world and its ways, you wouldn't be quite so sanguine about
the thriving population or the speedy development. You see, hitches are
apt to occur in the affairs of men which cause wonderful delays, and
tanglements come about that take years to unravel."

If Captain Trench had been a professional prophet he could hardly have
hit the nail more fairly on the head, for he indicated exactly what bad
government has actually done for Newfoundland--only he might have said
centuries instead of years--for its internal resources, even at the
present time, remain to a very great extent undeveloped. However, not
being a professional prophet, but merely an ancient mariner, the captain
wound up his remark with a recommendation to hoist all sail and lay
their course, as there was no saying how long the mild weather would
last.

For several days after this they plodded steadily onward, sometimes over
the mountains or across the grassy plains, where migrating reindeer
supplied them with abundant venison; at other times among lakelets and
streams, whose excellent fish and innumerable wildfowl provided them
with variety for the table and music for the ear. Now and then they saw
the great moose-deer, which rivals the horse in size, and once Hendrick
shot one, at a time when they chanced to have consumed their last
caribou steak, and happened to enter a great forest without anything for
supper in their wallets. For, occasionally, circumstances may render
men supperless even when surrounded by plenty.

At last they reached the great lake, with its beautiful islands, where
Hendrick had set up his home.

The hunter became very silent as they drew near to its shores.

"You seem anxious," remarked Paul, as they approached the lake. "Have
you reason to fear aught?"

"None--none," replied his friend quickly; "but I never return after a
long absence without feeling anxious."

A loud halloo soon brought the echoing answer in the shrill voice of
little Oscar, whose canoe quickly shot out from the creek. It was
speedily followed by the deerskin boat, and, when near enough to be
heard, the reply to Hendrick's anxious inquiry was the gratifying
assurance--"All's well!"

CHAPTER FIFTEEN.

GRUMMIDGE ASSERTS HIMSELF--GREAT DISCOVERIES ARE MADE AND THE CREW
FLITS.

We must turn aside now for a time to inquire into the doings of the crew
of the _Water Wagtail_, whom we left on the l