"I have been talking, Mr Campbell, with Captain Sinclair, and find you have much to do before the short summer is over, to be ready to meet the coming winter; more than you can well do with your limited means. I am happy that my instructions from the Governor will permit me to be of service to you. I propose that the ladies shall remain here, while you, with such assistance as I can give, proceed to your allotment, and prepare for their reception." "A thousand thanks for your kind offer, Colonel--but no, no, we will all go together," interrupted Mrs Campbell; "we can be useful, and we will remain in the tents till the house is built. Do not say a word more, Colonel Forster, that is decided; although I again return you many thanks for your kind offer." "If such is the case, I have only to observe that I shall send a fatigue party of twelve men, which I can well spare for a few weeks, to assist you in your labours," replied Colonel Forster. "Their remuneration will not put you to a very great expense. Captain Sinclair has volunteered to take charge of it." "Many thanks, sir," replied Mr Campbell; "and as you observe that we have no time to lose, with your permission we will start to-morrow morning." "I certainly shall not dissuade you," replied the commandant, "although I did hope that I should have had the pleasure of your company a little longer. You are aware that I have the Governor's directions to supply you with cattle from our own stock, at a fair price. I hardly need say that you may select as you please." "And I," said Captain Sinclair, who had been in conversation with Mary Percival, and who now addressed Mr Campbell, "have been making another collection for you from my brother-officers, which you were not provided with, and will find very useful--I may say absolutely necessary." "What may that be, Captain Sinclair?" said Mr Campbell. "A variety of dogs of every description. I have a pack of five; and although not quite so handsome as your pet dogs in England, you will find them well acquainted with the country, and do their duty well. I have a pointer, a bull-dog, two terriers, and a fox-hound--all of them of good courage, and ready to attack catamount, wolf, lynx, or even a bear, if required." "It is, indeed, a very valuable present," replied Mr Campbell, "and you have our sincere thanks." "The cows you had better select before you go, unless you prefer that I should do it for you," observed Colonel Forster. "They shall be driven over in a day or two, as I presume the ladies will wish to have milk. By-the-bye, Mr Campbell, I must let you into a secret. The wild onions which grow so plentifully in this country, and which the cattle are very fond of, give a very unpleasant taste to the milk. You may remove it by heating the milk as soon as it has been drawn from the cows."