The Settlers in Canada | Page 8

a large property; with your children, you might improve it fast; and in a few years, you would at all events be comfortable, if not flourishing, in your circumstances. Your children would work for you, and you would have the satisfaction of knowing that you left them independent and happy."
"I acknowledge, my dear boy, that you have struck upon a plan which has much to recommend it. Still there are drawbacks."
"Drawbacks!" replied Alfred, "yes, to be sure, there are; if estates were to be picked up for merely going out for them, there would not be many left for you to choose; but, my dear father, I know no drawbacks which can not be surmounted. Let us see what these drawbacks are. First, hard labor; occasional privation; a log hut, till we can get a better; severe winter; isolation from the world; occasional danger, even from wild beasts and savages. I grant these are but sorry exchanges for such a splendid mansion as this--fine furniture, excellent cooking, polished society, and the interest one feels for what is going on in our own country, which is daily communicated to us. Now, as to hard labor, I and Henry will take as much of that off your hands as we can: if the winter is severe, there is no want of firewood; if the cabin is rude, at least we will make it comfortable; if we are shut out from the world, we shall have society enough among ourselves; if we are in danger, we will have firearms and stout hearts to defend ourselves; and, really, I do not see but we may be very happy, very comfortable, and, at all events, very independent."
"Alfred, you talk as if you were going with us," said Mrs. Campbell.
"And do you think that I am not, my dear mother? Do you imagine that I would remain here when you were there, and my presence would be useful? No--no--I love the service, it is true, but I know my duty, which is, to assist my father and mother: in fact, I prefer it; a midshipman's ideas of independence are very great; and I had rather range the wilds of America free and independent, than remain in the service, and have to touch my hat to every junior lieutenant, perhaps for twenty years to come. If you go, I go, that is certain. Why, I should be miserable if you went without me; I should dream every night that an Indian had run away with Mary, or that a bear had eaten up my little Emma."
"Well, I'll take my chance of the Indian," replied Mary Percival.
"And I of the bear," said Emma. "Perhaps he'll only hug me as tight as Alfred did when he came home."
"Thank you, miss, for the comparison," replied Alfred, laughing.
"I certainly consider that your proposal, Alfred, merits due reflection," observed Mrs. Campbell. "Your father and I will consult, and perhaps by to-morrow morning we may have come to a decision. Now we had better all go to bed."
"I shall dream of the Indian, I am sure," said Mary.
"And I shall dream of the bear," added Emma, looking archly at Alfred.
"And I shall dream of a very pretty girl--that I saw at Portsmouth," said Alfred.
"I don't believe you," replied Emma.
Shortly afterward Mr. Campbell rang the bell for the servants; family prayers were read, and all retired in good spirits.
The next morning they all met at an early hour; and after Mr. Campbell had, as was his invariable rule, read a portion of the Bible, and a prayer of thankfulness, they sat down to breakfast. After breakfast was over, Mr. Campbell said--
"My dear children, last night, after you had left us, your mother and I had a long consultation, and we have decided that we have no alternative left us but to follow the advice which Alfred has given: if, then, you are all of the same opinion as we are, we have resolved that we will try our fortunes in the Canadas."
"I am certainly of that opinion," replied Henry.
"And you, my girls?" said Mr. Campbell.
"We will follow you to the end of the world, uncle," replied Mary, "and try if we can by any means in our power repay your kindness to two poor orphans."
Mr. and Mrs. Campbell embraced their nieces, for they were much affected by Mary's reply.
After a pause, Mrs. Campbell said--
"And now that we have come to a decision, we must commence our arrangements immediately. How shall we dispose of ourselves? Come, Alfred and Henry, what do you propose doing?"
"I must return immediately to Oxford, to settle my affairs, and dispose of my books and other property."
"Shall you have sufficient money, my dear boy, to pay every thing?" said Mr. Campbell.
"Yes, my dear father," replied Henry, coloring up a little.
"And I,"