ships, mounted upon its battlements.
Their next proceeding was to cut a canal across the isthmus, thereby
rendering their peninsula an island; and having named the fort St.
Andrews, and the surrounding region Caledonia, they began to feel more
at home.

While they were thus occupied, and everything seemed to be going on
smoothly and prosperously, Mr. Paterson thought it well to make a
journey into the interior in order to open up friendly relations with
the natives, and by effecting treaties with them to secure a proper
title to the land upon which the expedition had settled. He
accordingly made up a party for this purpose.

It included Mr. Sutherland, and he was thoughtful enough to let
Donalblane know of the project.

"Ay; but I'd like fine to be going with you," said the boy, his face
full of eagerness. "Can ye no' tak me?"

"It's not for me to say, Donald," replied Mr. Sutherland kindly; "but
suppose you have a word with Mr. Paterson? We're starting in the
morning."

Donalblane needed no second hint. He set off at once in search of Mr.
Paterson, and, happening to find him disengaged, promptly proffered his
request.

"Can I gang wi' you to-morrow?" he said, fixing his big grey eyes upon
him, his whole frame trembling with the eagerness that possessed him.

Mr. Paterson woke from the reverie in which he had been lost, and,
regarding Donalblane with a half-puzzled, half-amused smile, asked--

"To-morrow? Where?"

"I dinna ken, sir," was the odd response. "But wherever ye're going
yersel'. Away off yonder," he added, pointing inland, where, in the
remote distance, a range of mountains, blue and vague, enclosed the
horizon. Mr. Paterson now fully understood him.

"And why do you want to go with me, Donald? Are you not content here?"
he inquired in the gentle, winning tone that was one of his many
personal charms.

"Ay, to be sure," responded the boy heartily. "But you're ganging to
see the Indians, and I'd like fine to see them too."

Mr. Paterson laughed at this frank confession of curiosity, and then
was silent for a brief space while he seemed lost in thought.

Donalblane, thrilling with anxiety, kicked a hole in the turf as he
waited.

"I think you may come with us, Donald," said Mr. Paterson presently,
laying his hand upon the other's shoulder. "But you must be a very
good boy, and do just what you are told."

"You may be sure I'll do that!" cried Donalblane, giving a jump of
delight.