taken, nothing would shake it, and the day was
fixed for his departure. He and I were badly suited I fear to work
together, and had he had some other chum perhaps he might have agreed
with the new life better, and turned out a successful colonist; for most
certainly, although we were not able to see it at the time, he had
eminent opportunities open to him for becoming one.

I rode twenty miles with him on his way to Christchurch. He was to stay
the first night at a station twenty-five miles from Highfield. On the
bank of the Waiou river we parted--we two chums who had come all the way
from the Old Country to work and stick together. I thought it then hard
of C----, although I had no right to expect him to stay in New Zealand
in opposition to his own wishes and judgment to please me. As I watched
him cross the river and presently disappear between the hills further
on, a feeling of strange loneliness came over me. Well, I was not much
more than a child!

I must have sat there ruminating for a considerable time, for when I
came to myself it was dark, and I remembered that I was in an almost
trackless region which I had passed through only once before in
daylight, and in company, when we had a view of the hills to guide us,
and that I was at least seven miles from the nearest station
(Rutherford's), but of the exact direction of which I was not certain.
However, I had been long enough in the country to have passed more than
one night in the open air, and at the worst this could only happen
again, and I was provided with a blanket strapped to my saddle. I was
not, however, to be without bed or supper. I mounted my mare, which had
been browsing beside me, and gave her her head--the wisest course I
could have taken. After an hour's sharp walk I discovered lights in the
distance, which soon after proved to be those of Rutherford's station,
where I was most hospitably received.

Considerable astonishment was expressed at C----'s--to them--
unaccountably foolish action in throwing over, after two months' trial,
an opportunity which most men situated as he was would have worked for
years to obtain.

C---- reached the Old Country in due time, resumed his small farm,
married, had a large family, and died a poor man.

The following morning I returned to Highfield feeling myself a better
man and more independent now that I had myself only to depend on.

CHAPTER VI.

SHEPHERD'S LIFE--DRIVING SHEEP TO CHRISTCHURCH--