and had become very anxious before the
appearance of the expedition sent to succour them.

Captain Hudson received our party with unbounded hospitality, having
prepared a residence for those who could not be received into his own
house. I was delighted to find that my father had arranged to take a
station within a few miles of that of Captain Hudson, who promised to
afford him that assistance which, as a new-comer, he of course greatly
required.

Mudge, who, as soon as he could communicate with England, made
arrangements for quitting the service, got a grant of land, and settled
near us. Being only a midshipman, I had simply to discharge myself,
without any other formality; as did Tommy Peck. The rest of the crew
were so enamoured of the country that they remained with us, and turned
stockmen; most of them becoming at length successful settlers.

Harry, of course, married Edith; and Lily became my wife. This event
happened a long time ago, and it might not increase the interest of my
readers if I were to say that it is long since our wives became
grandmothers.

We all flourished, as I am firmly convinced people will do who, seeking
guidance from above, act with due judgment and discretion, taking
advantage of the experience, as well as warning from the failure, of
others. We, of course, had those ups and downs which all settlers in
Australia must meet: dingos carried off our sheep, and the rot visited
them; the blacks were troublesome, and droughts and blights occurred;
bush-fires occasionally took place, and our wool brought lower prices
than we had hoped for. But, notwithstanding, in the long run we were
blessed with prosperity, and had ample reason to be thankful that we had
been preserved from the numerous dangers we had encountered, and that we
had been guided to the shores of Australia.

THE END.

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