smiling at the boy's
enthusiasm. "It's very different from Scotland, and far more
beautiful; and if its fulfilment only equals its promise we shall have
done well to come here."

By a clever bit of strategy Donalblane managed to get into the first
boat that left the ship, and, curled up in the bow, waited until they
touched ground, when he sprang out, recking naught of wet feet so long
as he was really the first one of the expedition to set foot on the New
World.

"Hurrah!" he shouted, waving his cap as he raced up the beach. "Come
along and see the land!"

There were plenty to follow his example, and before long the little
island which lay at the mouth of the Golden River had been pretty well
explored.

It was indeed a lovely spot, but it did not afford the good harbour or
the natural facilities for defence which were necessary for the
permanent establishment of the expedition. Mr. Paterson, however,
thought it best for the _Bonnie Scotland_ to remain there until the
other ships put in an appearance. This they did in the course of the
next few weeks, one at a time straggling in, each with its own tale of
storm and stress, of baffling winds and disheartening calms, but none
of them having shared the _Bonnie Scotland's_ experience with the
buccaneers.

After all had been rested and refreshed, Mr. Paterson, who had well
employed the interval of waiting by exploring the surrounding region,
Donalblane being usually permitted to accompany him, announced that he
had decided upon the site of the city whose foundations they were to
lay, and under his directions the little fleet moved thither.

The spot was so admirably adapted for their purpose that it seemed as
if it had been destined by nature. About a cannon-shot southward from
the Golden Island a peninsula, having a deep harbour at its extremity,
stretched out into the sea. The outer arm of the harbour was lofty and
commanding, affording protection to the water within. The other arm
was low, and well fitted for the construction of forts and other
defences; while between the two lay a wide, calm, sheltered bay capable
of containing all the fleets of Europe.

The shores of the bay were of bright yellow sand that suggested gold to
the eager eyes of the new settlers; and the waters were so clear that
full five fathoms deep you could see the shells and coral fragments as
through the purest glass. In many places mangroves dropped into the
pellucid water, their b