An hour later the whole caravan took its way in the direction of the defile, preceded by a dozen of the hired men and others with hatchets, to act as pioneers. Though he declared his health was quite restored, Samuel Dickson, instead of riding on horseback, clambered into a waggon with his sister-in-law and niece, with whom he gaily discoursed. Every now and then the old farmer looked sideways at the countenance of his pale and thoughtful niece, smiled to himself, and rubbed his hands with intense satisfaction. Neither mother nor daughter could make out his pantomime, but after a few trials they knew it was useless to question him, and so let him chuckle to himself. Joshua Dickson, without allowing it to be seen, had been very much struck by what his brother had said. Instead, therefore, of riding beside the caravan as usual, he had gone on in front. Presently, as if no longer able to resist the impulse of curiosity which was devouring him, he signed to his three sons to follow, and next minute the four men were off at a hard gallop and were soon lost in the defile. "The fish is in the net," said Samuel Dickson, with a hearty laugh. "Is the valley so beautiful as you say?" asked Mrs. Dickson. "Much more so. It is simply a terrestrial paradise. If you were to hunt for months you would never find a more agreeable or advantageous position. Everything is to be found in abundance, wood, water, pasture, and above all, game." "If Joshua would only settle." "A good deal depends on you." "I have not the influence you suppose over my husband. You know his vagabond humour." "He will remain here if you wish him to." "I hope you are right," replied the wife, with a sigh. "Chut! Here he comes. Attention, this is the decisive moment," whispered Samuel, as Joshua came up. "Holloa!" he cried, "I have come from the valley." "Did you find the deerskin I left behind?" "Deerskin be--" was the excited answer; "I had no time to think of it. But what a delicious valley! I never saw anything so beautiful in all my life." "It is certainly pretty fair, but not worthy of such frantic eulogy," said Samuel. "What a man you are!" cried Joshua; "You must always disagree with me. The moment I like a thing you must depreciate it." "Do you then mean to make some stay in the valley?" asked Mrs. Dickson, innocently enough. "Some stay, mistress!" cried the husband; "What are you dreaming about? I mean to take the whole valley. It belongs to no one now. It shall therefore be ours--that is, mine and my brother's." "I want very little," said Samuel. "You shall have your right share, no more and no less. Do you think I would cheat you?" "Far from me be such a thought." "But, my dear," said the wife, "pray think." "I have thought," he replied, abruptly; "and my resolution is irrevocable. So thoroughly have I made up my mind that I have come back alone, leaving the children at work." "At work!" cried Samuel.