year, if you have
funds sufficient; and as you may have plenty of stock, you will be able
to supply the fort with flour, beef, pork, and mutton, at a good profit
to yourself, and at one-half the price which government pays at present.
I have written to the Governor on the subject, stating that we have not
the means of keeping our stock, and pointing out to him what I now point
out to you. I expect an answer in a few days, and should he authorise
me, I may make arrangements with you even now, which will be
satisfactory, I have no doubt."

Mr Campbell returned the Colonel many thanks for his kindness, and of
course expressed himself willing to be guided by his advice. He stated
that he had funds not only sufficient to erect a mill, but also, if he
were permitted, to pay for the labour of any party of men which the
Commandant would spare during the summer season.

"That is the very point which I wished to ascertain; but I felt some
delicacy about making the inquiry. Now I consider that there will be no
difficulty in our arrangements."

The Colonel remained for some time looking over the farm and conversing
with Mr Campbell, and then took his leave.

In the meantime, Alfred and his cousins went out to walk; the weather
was now beautifully clear, and in the afternoon the heat was not too
oppressive. As they sauntered by the side of the stream, Mary said,
"Well, Alfred, what do you think of the Colonel's proposition?"

"Yes," observed Emma, "you are a party deeply concerned in it."

"How so, dear coz?"

"Why, don't you perceive that if the mill is erected, you will be the
proper person to have charge of it? What a change of professions, from
a sailor to a miller. I think I see you in your coat, all white with
flour, coming in to dinner."

"My dear Emma, you don't intend it, I am sure, but you do not know that
you are inflicting pain upon me. When the Colonel made the proposition,
I felt the importance of it, as it would be a source of great profit to
my father; but at the same time, I don't know how it is, I have always
indulged the idea that we may not stay here for ever, and this plan
appeared so like decidedly settling down to a residence for life, that
it made me low-spirited. I know that it is foolish, and that we have no
chance of ever removing--but still I cannot, even with this almost
certainty before my eyes, keep my mind from thinking upon one day
returning to my profession, and the idea of becomin