The Settlers in Canada | Page 9

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," said Alfred, "presume that I can be of no use here; therefore I
propose that I should start for Liverpool this afternoon by the coach, for
it is from Liverpool that we had better embark. I shall first write to our
purser for what information he can procure, and obtain all I can at
Liverpool from other people. As soon as I have any thing to
communicate, I will write."
"Write as soon as you arrive, Alfred, whether you have any thing to
communicate or not; at all events, we shall know of your safe arrival."
"I will, my dear mother."
"Have you money, Alfred?"
"Yes, quite sufficient, father. I don't travel with four horses."
"Well, then, we will remain here to pack up, Alfred; and you must look
out for some moderate lodging for us to go into as soon as we arrive at
Liverpool. At what time do the ships sail for Quebec?"
"Just about this time, father. This is March, and they will now sail
every week almost. The sooner we are off the better, that we may be
comfortably housed in before the winter."
A few hours after this conversation, Henry and Alfred left the Hall
upon their several destinations. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell and the two
girls had plenty of employment for three or four days in packing up. It

was soon spread through the neighborhood that they were going to
emigrate to Canada; and the tenants who had held their farms under Mr.
Campbell, all came forward and proffered their wagons and horses to
transport the effects to Liverpool, without his being put to any expense.
In the meantime a letter had been received from Alfred, who had not
been idle. He had made acquaintance with some merchants who traded
to Canada, and by them had been introduced to two or three persons
who had settled there a few years before, and who were able to give
him every information. They informed him what was most advisable to
take out; how they were to proceed upon their landing; and, what was
of more importance, the merchants gave him letters of introduction to
English merchants at Quebec, who would afford them every assistance
in the selecting and purchasing of land, and in their transport up the
country. Alfred had also examined a fine timber-ship, which was to sail
in three weeks; and had bargained for the price of their passage, in case
they could get ready in time to go by her. He wrote all these particulars
to his father, waiting for his reply to act upon his wishes.
Henry returned from Oxford, having settled his accounts, and with the
produce of the sale of his classics and other books in his pocket. He
was full of spirits, and of the greatest assistance to his father and
mother.
Alfred had shown so much judgment in all he had undertaken, that his
father wrote to him stating that they would be ready for the ship which
he named, and that he might engage the cabins, and also at once
procure the various articles which they were advised to take out with
them, and draw upon him for the amount, if the people would not wait
for the money. In a fortnight they were all ready; the wagons had left
with their effects some days before. Mr. Campbell wrote a letter to Mr.
Douglas Campbell, thanking him for his kindness and consideration to
them, and informing him that they would leave Wexton Hall on the
following day. He only begged, as a favor, that the schoolmaster and
schoolmistress of the village school should be continued on, as it was
of great importance that the instruction of the poor should not be
neglected; and added, that perceiving by the newspapers that Mr.

Douglas Campbell had lately married, Mrs. Campbell and he wished
him and his wife every happiness, etc., etc.
Having dispatched this letter, there was nothing more to be done,
previous to their departure from the Hall, except to pay and dismiss the
few servants who