the barrel of a
musket. Good-bye; God bless you, my dear fellow."

"Good-bye," replied Alfred, as the boats pulled from the shore.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN.

LETTERS FROM ENGLAND.

After Alfred's return from the fort, a few days passed away without any
incident: Martin had paid a visit to Malachi Bone, who had promised that
he would be on the look-out and would give immediate information and
assistance in case of any hostile measures on the part of the Indians.
He told Martin, that in a few days he would discover what had taken
place and what might be looked forward to. When Martin returned with
this communication, Alfred was satisfied, and did not acquaint anybody
except his brother Henry with the information which he had received from
Captain Sinclair.

The monotony of their life was, however, broken in upon by the arrival
of a corporal from the fort, who was the bearer of the first dispatches
which they had received since their arrival at the settlement. Letters,
yes, letters, not only from Quebec but from England, were announced.
The whole house was in confusion, all crowding round Mr Campbell while
he unsealed the large packet. First a bundle of English newspapers from
the Governor of Quebec--these were laid aside; a letter from Mr
Campbell's agent at Quebec--this was on business and could wait his
leisure; then the letters from England--two long well-filled double
letters from Miss Paterson to Mary and Emma; another from Mr Campbell's
agent in England, and a large one on foolscap paper with "On His
Majesty's Service," directed to Mr Alfred Campbell. Each party seized
upon their letters, and hastened on one side with them. Mrs Campbell
being the only one who had no correspondent, anxiously watched the
countenance of Alfred, who, after a hasty glance, cried out, "I am
confirmed to my rank, my dear mother; I am a lieutenant in his Majesty's
service--huzza! Here's a letter inclosed from Captain Lumley; I know
his handwriting." Alfred received the congratulations of the whole
party, handed the official letter to his mother, and then commenced the
perusal of the one from Captain Lumley. After a short silence, during
which they were all occupied with their correspondence, Mr Campbell
said, "I also have good news to communicate to you; Mr H. writes to me
to say, that Mr Douglas Campbell, on finding the green-houses and
hot-houses so well stocked, considers that he was bound to pay for the
plants; that they ha