Wrecked but not Ruined | Page 7

get at the truth of the matter that had brought him there, induced him very soon to forsake the society of the three plump little daughters and retire to the plump little father's work-room.
"It is my opinion," said Mr Gambart, as he carefully unfolded the plan, "that you may find the McLeods have trespassed somewhat on your reserves, for, if my memory serves me rightly, there is a small islet-- as you see here--just in the centre of the creek, half of which belongs to you."
"I see it," said the fur-trader, earnestly gazing on the dot which represented the said island.
"Well," continued the surveyor, "that islet is a mere rock just above the waterfall, and I am of opinion that it would be almost impossible for any one to erect a mill there without encroaching to some extent on your half of it."
"Good," replied the fur-trader, "can you let me have a copy of the plan to-morrow?"
"To-night if you please. I have one by me."
"Then I'll be off by daybreak the day after to-morrow," said Redding, with much decision.
"Why such haste?" asked the surveyor, "the McLeods are not likely to run away from you. I know them well, for they dwelt long in this settlement, and were ever regarded as men of firm purpose--quite immovable indeed when once they had made up their minds on any point, so you'll be sure to find them at Jenkins Creek carrying out their plans, even though you should delay your return for a month. Come, make up your mind to stay with us at least a few days. It will do you as well as me good, and will send you back to banishment in a better frame of mind."
Redding, although strongly tempted by the comforts of civilised life and the hospitality of his host--not to mention the attractions of the plump little daughters--sternly resolved not to swerve an inch, from the path of what he believed to be his duty. He entertained a strong suspicion that these McLeods had penetrated into the wilderness to the neighbourhood of the Cliff Fort, not so much for the purpose of cutting timber, as for secret opposition in the fur-trade, of which the company he represented had for many years enjoyed almost a monopoly. His pride was touched, his spirit was fired. Perhaps the peaceful and secluded life he had led rendered this little opportunity of warfare more a pleasure than a pain to him. At all events the thing was not to be tolerated. The saw-mill, which the McLeods had an undoubted right to erect on the unoccupied lands, was being planted on the very border of the Company's reserve lands, which they had purchased, and which were clearly laid down in plans. He would see to it that these interlopers did not trespass by an inch--no, not by an eighth of an inch--if he had power to prevent it! The fact that the McLeods were said to be resolute men made him more determined to assert his rights. He therefore declined Mr Gambart's invitation firmly.
"I will stay," said he, "only one day, to look out for a house, and then return."
"Look out for a house!" exclaimed the surveyor, in surprise, "what mean you? Do you think of settling down here?"
"Indeed I do," replied Redding, with a smile. "I have long been brooding over that subject. The fact is, Mr Gambart, that I am tired of solitude. I am a sociable being, and find it hard to endure the society of only five or six men in a place where there are no women, no children, and no end of bears! I intend to leave the Fur Company's service,--indeed my resignation is already sent in,--purchase a small farm here, and get--"
"Get a wife, a horse, a dog, and a gun, and settle down to enjoy yourself, eh?" interrupted the surveyor.
"Well, I had not gone quite so much into details," answered Redding, with a laugh, "but you are right in so far as settling down goes. My only fear is that it won't be easy to find a place that will at once suit my fancy and my purse. The small sum of money left me by my father at his death two years ago will not purchase a very extensive place, but--"
"I know the very thing to suit you," interrupted the surveyor with emphasis, "a splendid little cottage--quite a mansion in miniature--with garden, fences, fields, outhouses, etcetera, all complete and going literally for an old song. Come, we'll `go visit it by the pale moonlight' just now, return to have tea with the ladies, and to-morrow we'll go see it by daylight. It is close at hand, the name is Loch Dhu, and it has only one objection."
"What may that be?" asked Redding, much amused