nough to help him, he would soon be worth
ten times the money, as he would purchase more land immediately. Land
is to be bought there at a dollar an acre, and you may pick and choose.
With your money, you might buy a large property; with your children, you
might improve it fast; and in a few years, you would, at all events, be
comfortable, if not flourishing, in your circumstances. Your children
would work for you, and you would have the satisfaction of knowing that
you left them independent and happy."

"I acknowledge, my dear boy, that you have struck upon a plan which has
much to recommend it. Still there are drawbacks."

"Drawbacks!" replied Alfred; "yes, to be sure there are. If estates
were to be picked up for merely going out for them, there would not be
many left for you to choose; but, my dear father, I know no drawbacks
which cannot be surmounted. Let us see what these drawbacks are.
First, hard labour; occasional privation; a log-hut, till we can get a
better; severe winter; isolation from the world; occasional danger, even
from wild beasts and savages. I grant these are but sorry exchanges for
such a splendid mansion as this--fine furniture, excellent cooking,
polished society, and the interest one feels for what is going on in our
own country, which is daily communicated to us. Now, as to hard labour,
I and Henry will take as much of that off your hands as we can; if the
winter is severe, there is no want of firewood; if the cabin is rude, at
least we will make it comfortable; if we are shut out from the world, we
shall have society enough among ourselves; if we are in danger, we will
have firearms and stout hearts to defend ourselves; and, really, I do
not see but we may be very happy, very comfortable, and, at all events,
very independent."

"Alfred, you talk as if you were going with us," said Mrs Campbell.

"And do you think that I am not, my dear mother? Do you imagine that I
would remain here when you were there, and my presence would be useful?
No, no! I love the service, it is true, but I know my duty, which is,
to assist my father and mother: in fact, I prefer it; a midshipman's
ideas of independence are very great--and I had rather range the wilds
of America free and independent than remain in the service and have to
touch my hat to every junior lieutenant, perhaps for twenty years to
come. If you go, I go, that is certain. Why, I should be miserable if
you went without me; I should