to get it into the thick heads of these two boys
that there is an agreeable conspiracy on foot for their mutual
consolation and edification, but for the life of me I believe they are
as much in the dark as when I began."

"Chist!" ("Look!") cried Big Tom. "Akota wigwam!" ("There is the
tent!")

These words of Big Tom caused everything else to be forgotten, and so
even Mr Ross, who was vastly amused that Sam had been so observant, did
not make any reply to the lad's remarks.

Rapidly they sped along, and now soon to all was visible a large tent
and a number of persons on the distant sandy beach. Sam keenly watched
his comrades, and saw their cheeks flush, and their eyes get moist, as
they caught the sight of white handkerchiefs, waving from the hands of
those to whom they had become so deeply attached.

"It is too good to be true," said Frank, as he gripped Alec one hand,
while with the other he was waving his handkerchief wildly in response
to those of the loved ones on the shore.

Onward sped the boat, and soon all were recognised. Here they found all
who had left early in the morning--Mrs Ross and the children and all
the mission friends. What a delightful surprise, and how happy they all
were that it had been such a success! Poor Sam, the only one to see
through it, was the only one to come to grief. He had not patience
enough to wait until three or four of the big oars were lashed together,
to serve as a rude gangway on which to walk safely to the shore but,
seeing the ease with which some of the agile Indians ran out on a single
oar, in spite of the rocking of the boat, he boldly tried to do the
same, and ere he knew where he was he was down in the water, and nearly
drowned by a retreating wave under the boat. Quickly he was rescued,
but he was completely drenched to the skin. He was somewhat bruised,
but was not long the worse for the accident. But as he was quickly
hurried off to the shelter of the tent and dry clothes secured for him
he admitted that he deserved the ducking, as he had purposely hurried
ashore to make a few remarks when the young lovers should meet again.

And so Frank had the joy of again meeting his Rachel, and Alec his sweet
Winnie, and a delightful visit they had with them while Sam was having
his bruised body well rubbed in sturgeon oil by a stalwart Indian. This
is the Indian's drastic remedy for such a mishap, and a good one it is.
Very delightfully passed that long June