John is an honest boy, and does not say what he does not
mean."

"Well, my dear, if you have no objection, I'm sure I will not raise any
more."

"I think I shall gain more by John's affection than by compulsion, my
dear husband. He says he will always come when he can, and I believe
him; I have, therefore, no objection to let him stay with Malachi Bone,
at all events, for a week or so at a time."

"But his education, my dear."

"He is certain to learn nothing now that this fever for the woods, if I
may so call it, is upon him. He will, perhaps, be more teachable a year
or two hence. You must be aware that we have no common disposition to
deal with in that child; and however my maternal feelings may oppose my
judgment, it is still strong enough to make me feel that my decision is
for his benefit. We must not here put the value upon a finished
education which we used to do. Let us give him every advantage which
the peculiarity of his position will allow us to do; but we are now in
the woods, to a certain degree returned to a state of nature, and the
first and most important knowledge is to learn to gain our livelihoods."

"Well, my dear, I think you are correct in your views on the subject,
and therefore, John, you may go to school with Malachi Bone; come to see
us when you can, and I expect you to turn out the Nimrod of the west."

Old Malachi stared at the conclusion of this speech; Alfred observed his
surprise, and burst into a fit of laughter. He then said, "The English
of all that is, Malachi, that my brother John has my father's leave to
go with you, and you're to make a man of him."

"He who made him must make a man of him," replied Bone: "I can only make
him a good hunter, and that I will, if he and I are spared. Now,
master, if Martin will give me the powder and lead, I'll be off again.
Is the boy to go?"

"Yes, if you desire it," replied Mrs Campbell; "come, John, and wish me
good-bye, and remember your promise." John bade farewell to the whole
party with all due decorum, and then trotted off after his schoolmaster.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN.

CAPTAIN SINCLAIR'S WARNING.

In the course of a week or two, things found their places, and the
family began to feel more comfortable; there was, also, a degree of
regularity and order established, which could not be effected during the
time that the soldiers were employed. Mrs Campbell and Percival took
upon them all the work inside and round the house d