y side of them.

"This is very beautiful, is it not?" said Mrs Campbell; "surely it
cannot be so great a hardship to live in a spot like this?"

"Not if it were always so, perhaps, Madam," said Colonel Forster, who
had joined the party as Mrs Campbell made the observation. "But Canada
in the month of June is very different from Canada in January. That we
find our life monotonous in this fort, separated as we are from the rest
of the world, I admit, and the winters are so long and severe as to tire
out our patience; but soldiers must do their duty whether burning under
the tropics, or freezing in the wilds of Canada. It cannot be a very
agreeable life, when even the report of danger near to us becomes a
pleasurable feeling from the excitement it causes for the moment.

"I have been talking, Mr Campbell, with Captain Sinclair, and find you
have much to do before the short summer is over, to be ready to meet the
coming winter; more than you can well do with your limited means. I am
happy that my instructions from the Governor will permit me to be of
service to you. I propose that the ladies shall remain here, while you,
with such assistance as I can give, proceed to your allotment, and
prepare for their reception."

"A thousand thanks for your kind offer, Colonel--but no, no, we will all
go together," interrupted Mrs Campbell; "we can be useful, and we will
remain in the tents till the house is built. Do not say a word more,
Colonel Forster, that is decided; although I again return you many
thanks for your kind offer."

"If such is the case, I have only to observe that I shall send a fatigue
party of twelve men, which I can well spare for a few weeks, to assist
you in your labours," replied Colonel Forster. "Their remuneration will
not put you to a very great expense. Captain Sinclair has volunteered
to take charge of it."

"Many thanks, sir," replied Mr Campbell; "and as you observe that we
have no time to lose, with your permission we will start to-morrow
morning."

"I certainly shall not dissuade you," replied the commandant, "although
I did hope that I should have had the pleasure of your company a little
longer. You are aware that I have the Governor's directions to supply
you with cattle from our own stock, at a fair price. I hardly need say
that you may select as you please."

"And I," said Captain Sinclair, who had been in conversation with Mary
Percival, and who now addressed Mr Campbell, "have