etter."

After an hour's conversation, Martin Super was dismissed; the whole of
the family (except Alfred, who was not at home) very much pleased with
what they had seen of him.

A few days after this, Martin Super, who had now entered upon service,
and was very busy with Alfred, with whom he had already become a
favourite, was sent for by Mr Campbell, who read over to him the
inventory of the articles which they had, and inquired of him if there
was anything else which might be necessary or advisable to take with
them.

"You said something about guns," replied Martin, "what sort of guns did
you mean?"

"We have three fowling-pieces and three muskets, besides pistols."

"Fowling-pieces--they are bird-guns, I believe--no use at all; muskets
are soldiers' tools--no use; pistols are pops, and nothing better. You
have no rifles; you can't go into the woods without rifles. I have got
mine, but you must have some."

"Well, I believe you are right, Martin; it never occurred to me. How
many ought we to have?"

"Well, that's according--how many be you in family?"

"We are five males and three females."

"Well, then, sir, say ten rifles; that will be quite sufficient. Two
spare ones in case of accident," replied Martin.

"Why, Martin," said Mrs Campbell, "you do not mean that the children
and these young ladies and I are to fire off rifles?"

"I do mean to say, ma'am, that before I was as old as that little boy,"
pointing to John, "I could hit a mark well; and a woman ought at least
to know how to prime and load a rifle, even if she does not fire it
herself. It is a deadly weapon, ma'am, and the greatest leveller in
creation, for the trigger pulled by a child will settle the business of
the stoutest man. I don't mean to say that we may be called to use them
in that way, but it's always better to have them, and to let other
people know that you have them, and all ready loaded too, if required."

"Well, Martin," said Mr Campbell, "I agree with you, it is better to be
well prepared. We will have the ten rifles, if we can afford to
purchase them. What will they cost?"

"About sixteen dollars will purchase the best, sir; but I think I had
better choose them for you, and try them before you purchase."

"Do so, then, Super. Alfred will go with you as soon as he comes back,
and you and he can settle the matter."

"Why, Super," observed Mrs Campbell, "you have quite frightened us at
the idea of so many firearms