. You may
think it strange, Mr Campbell, that I should recommend a man who
appears to be so unruly a character; but the fact is, that the trappers,
who go in pursuit of game for their skins, after having been out for
months, undergoing every privation that can be imagined, return home
with their packages of skins, which they dispose of to the merchants of
this town; and as soon as they have their money, they never cease their
revelry of every description until their earnings are all gone, and then
they set off again on their wild and venturous pursuit. Now Martin
Super, like all the rest, must have his fun when he comes back, and
being a very wild fellow, he is often in scrapes when he has drank too
much, so that he is occasionally put into prison for being riotous; but
I know him well, he has been with me surveying for months, and when he
is on service, a more steady, active, and brave man I do not know."

"I believe you are right in recommending him," observed the Governor,
"he will not be sorry to get out of gaol, and I have no doubt but that
he will conduct himself well if he once agrees to take your service, Mr
Campbell, for one or two years. As for the Canadians, they are very
harmless, but at the same time very useless. There are exceptions, no
doubt; but their general character is anything but that of activity and
courage. As I said before, you will require stout hearts, and Martin
Super is one, that is certain. Perhaps you can arrange this for Mr
Campbell?"

The Surveyor-General promised to do so; shortly after which, Mr
Campbell, with many thanks, took his leave of the Governor.

Mr Campbell, who had gained every possible information relative to what
would be most necessary for him to take with him, was actively employed
for a fortnight in making his purchases. During this time much
attention was shown to them both by the English and French residents at
Quebec.

Alfred, whose wound was now nearly healed, was as active as usual, and
Henry was of great assistance to his father in taking inventories and
making out lists, etcetera. Nor were Mrs Campbell and the two girls
unemployed; they had purchased the coarse manufactures of the country,
and were very busy making dresses for themselves and for the children.
Mr Campbell had been one morning at Mr Farquhar's, the merchant's, to
make inquiries about a conveyance up to his new purchase (for he had
concluded his arrangements with the Surveyor-General), w