'And you thought me dead, did you?' said Archie, when, feeling safe in his strong arms, I had sobbed out some portion of my short and simple story. 'No wonder, for the _Good Intent_ was cast away, but luckily without loss of life, on the Van Ruyter Islands, so called from some early Dutch navigator; and being out of the track of ordinary ships, we wrecked folks had trouble enough to keep alive on shell-fish and sea-fowls' eggs, until we were rescued by an American whaler. Many's the night, Alice, love, that as the wind moaned around the wave-worn rock, I have knelt and prayed, with the bright stars of the Southern Cross shining overhead, that God's mercy would lead me back to my wife and child; and here at last I am!--We are rich now,' said Archie later, when we could talk more calmly, and the first transport of my half-incredulous joy was spent; 'for poor Uncle Scott, who is dead, left me heir of all he had, land, cattle, and money; but the land is the best of it; and if you do not fear to follow me so far, Alice, we will settle in Australia.' 'Gladly and thankfully,' I answered him; and had Australia been a land of cold and barrenness, instead of one of warmth and plenty, I would have followed him cheerfully to the very ends of the earth. As it is, we are all happy and healthy in Queensland, and it is there that I write these lines; and Lilian and I, I need scarcely say, wear black no more, and can look back smilingly to the day, now long ago, when all our joy and happiness came to us with the glad New Year. SONG OF THE CARILLONEUR. Ring out, my bells, in accents clear; Ring soft and sweet, And take a message true and dear To hearts that beat. Soothe the soul with sorrow aching; Cheer the life when all's forsaking; Sing of joy to hearts now breaking; Ring on, my bells! Ring out, my bells, across the plain; Ring wild and free, And wake the echoes back again To melody. O'er the mountains waft my dreaming, Where the sunset glory's streaming, Where the purple vines are gleaming; Ring out, my bells! Ring out, my bells; ring full and strong. My soul, to-day, Upon inspiring notes of song Would float away. From the gray old minster sending Tones that, in such concord blending, Tell of harmonies unending; Ring out, my bells! Ring out upon the listening air Your silver spell; Ring out the music quaint and rare I love so well: Hope to every faint one bringing, Peace on earth for ever ringing, And of Love eternal singing; Ring on, my bells! H. K. W. * * * * *