Mr Alfred, that has given
me great content, and more than anything, perhaps, reconciled me to my
new way of living; and that is, that the Strawberry, by the blessing of
God and the labour of your mother and cousins, has become a good
Christian; you don't know how pleased I am at that."

"She's an excellent little creature, Malachi; everyone is fond of her,
and I believe Martin is very strongly attached to her."

"Yes, sir, she's a good wife, for she never uses her tongue, and obeys
her husband in all things. I think Martin has now become quite steady,
and you might send him to Montreal, or anywhere else, without fear of
his getting into the prison for making a disturbance... I see that a
bear has been over into the maize-field last night."

"What! did he climb the snake-fence?"

"Yes, sir, they climb anything; but I have got his tracks, and this
night I think that I shall get hold of him, for I shall lay a trap for
him."

Malachi and Alfred continued to work for two or three hours, when they
were summoned by Emma to go in to dinner. "I cannot find John," said
Emma, as they walked home; "Strawberry says that he left her some time
back, and went to fish; have you seen him pass by the river's, side?"

"No," replied Alfred; "but, Malachi, you said that he was going to fish
in the punt, did you not?"

"Yes, sir."

"Do you see the punt on the beach, Emma?"

"No, I do not," replied Emma; "but it may be behind the point."

"Nor can I; I hope he has not been carried away by the wind, for it
blows very hard; I'll run down, and see if he is there."

Alfred ran down to the beach; the punt was gone from the shore, and
after looking for some time to leeward, which was to the eastward, in
the direction of the rapids, Alfred thought that he perceived something
like a boat at a distance of three or four miles; but the water of the
lake was much raffled by the strong wind, and it was not easy to
distinguish.

Alfred hastened back, and said to Emma, "I really am afraid that John is
adrift. I think I see the boat, but am not sure. Emma, go in quietly
and bring out my telescope, which is over my bed-place. Do not let them
see you, or they will be asking questions, and your aunt may be
alarmed."

Emma went to the house, and soon returned with the telescope. Alfred
and Malachi then went down to the beach, and the former distinctly made
out that what he had seen was the punt adrift, with John in it.

"Now, what is to b