would be sufficient. Captain Sinclair, who would willingly have
remained in society which he so much valued, and who had now become
almost one of the family, found that he could make no more excuses. He
reported that he would be ready to return on the 1st of September, and
on the morning of that day the _bateaux_ arrived to take back the
soldiers, and bring the pigs and fowls which had been promised. Mr
Campbell settled his account with Captain Sinclair, by a draft upon his
banker at Quebec, for the pay of the soldiers, the cows, and the pigs.

The Captain then took leave of his friends with mutual regret, and many
kind adieux, and, accompanied by the whole of the family to the beach,
embarked with all his men and pulled away for the fort.

CHAPTER TWELVE.

JOHN'S EDUCATION.

The Campbells remained for some time on the shore of the lake watching
the receding _bateaux_ until they turned round the point and were hidden
from their sight, and then they walked back to the house. But few words
were exchanged as they returned, for they felt a sensation of loneliness
from having parted with so many of their own countrymen; not that they
were, with the exception of Captain Sinclair, companions, but that,
accustomed to the sight of the soldiers at their labour, the spot now
appeared depopulated by their departure. Martin, too, and John, were
both absent; the latter had been two days away, and Martin, who had not
yet found time to ascertain where old Malachi Bone had fixed his new
abode, had gone out in search of it, and to mention to him Mr
Campbell's wishes as to John's visits to him, which were becoming more
frequent and more lengthened than Mr Campbell wished them to be.

When they entered the house, they all sat down, and Mr Campbell then
first spoke.

"Well, my dearest wife, here we are at last, left to ourselves and to
our own resources. I am not at all doubtful of our doing well, if we
exert ourselves, as it is our duty to do. I grant that we may have
hardship to combat, difficulties to overcome, occasional
disappointments, and losses to bear up against; but let us recollect how
greatly we have, through Providence, been already assisted and
encouraged, how much help we have received, and how much kindness we
have experienced. Surely we ought to feel most grateful to Heaven for
blessings already vouchsafed to us, and ought to have a firm and lively
faith in Him who has hitherto so kindly watched over us.