"Ah, poor Bray! I'm afraid he'll be rather nettled about your coming, Ned. I know Katie gave him no encouragement; but the old lady there took a fancy to him; and now she has turned her coat. Fickle ever!" Just then Katie returned to take her place in the circle, seating herself by Edward Murray, with the innocent air of one who sought protection at the side of the stronger. The night was wearing on, and early hours were the rule at the Moa's Nest; so old Lee slowly rose, pipe in hand, and made his customary round, stopping here and there for a few whiffs, till he was satisfied that sheep and cattle were well folded, horses bedded down, dogs loose and watchful; though no enemies were ever dreaded there--the old settler being on the best of terms with neighbour and native. On returning, he encountered Mr Meadows a few yards from the door. "The young folks seemed as though they could well spare me, friend Lee," he said; "so I strolled out to finish my pipe with you. Youth lasts but a while: let them enjoy the happy season. We are getting older than when we first met, ten years ago, friend Lee; and things have prospered with you." "Ay," said the settler; "thank Providence, they have; for it's a sore job to work early and late, and see the toil all wasted. I've prospered well here, parson; and if things go on so, I shall die a rich man. I wish they prospered as well with you." "They prosper well enough, Martin Lee. I've my own little home, and the people in my district are kind and hospitable when I visit them; and, somehow, this half-civilised sort of existence suits me better than the life at the old home. I have never regretted my large town curacy, and I hope I never shall." They stood silent for a few moments. "Your bonnie English bud is breaking into a fair and sweet-scented rose, Martin Lee," said Mr Meadows at last. "What--Katie? Yes, yes, God bless her! But it gets to be a worrying time, parson, when the lads come wooing; and, though I took no heed to it, that young fellow Bray went out looking as if he'd like to make an end of us all." "Be charitable, friend Lee--be charitable. The young man was hot and bitter and disappointed; and no wonder. A night's rest will do him much good, poor lad. Let's pity, and not condemn." "Very well," said old Lee, smiling; "and now let's go in." They re-entered the house just as Edward Murray exclaimed: "There, I have it! Been trying to call to mind who he was for days past; but I have it now." "And pray, who was he?" said Mr Meadows dryly. "The head-clerk at Elderby's; don't you remember, Mr Lee? He was transported for life for forging a will--John Grant." "And what about him?" asked the settler. "Why, I met him at Port Caroline a few days ago, in a gang of men returning from work, I suppose; and he spoke to me by name. Strange we should meet again."