rection of the village, four
miles distant from the White House, whence the family derived their
supplies. He had set out with his rod, (he never walked near the river
without his rod), intending to take a cast in what he styled the "lower
pools." By degrees he fished so near to the village that he resolved to
push forward and purchase a few books. Depositing rod and basket among
the bushes, he walked smartly along the road, having previously, as a
matter of course, taken his bearings from the village by compass. A
flock of sheep met him, gazed at him in evident surprise, and passed on.
At their heels came the collie dog, with his tongue out. It bestowed a
mild, intelligent glance on the stranger, and also passed on. Close
behind the dog came the shepherd, with plaid bonnet and thick stick.

"A fine day, friend," said Mr Sudberry.

"Oo, ay, it _is_ a fine day."

He also passed on.

Another turn in the road, and Mr Sudberry met a drove of shaggy cattle,
each cow of which looked sturdy and fierce enough for any ordinary bull;
while the bull himself was something awful to look upon. There is
nothing ladylike or at all feminine in the aspect of a Highland cow!

Mr Sudberry politely stepped to one side, and made way for them. Many
of the animals paused for an instant, and gazed at the Englishman with
profound gravity, and then went on their way with an air that showed
they evidently could make nothing of him. The drover thought otherwise,
for he stopped.

"Coot-tay to you, sir."

"Good-day, friend, good-day. Splendid weather for the--for the--"

Mr Sudberry did not know exactly for which department of agriculture
the weather was most favourable, so he said--"for the cattle."

"Oo, ay, the w'ather's no that ill. Can she tell the time o' day?"

Out came the compass.

"West-nor'-west, and by--Oh! I beg your pardon," (pulling out his watch
and replacing the compass), "a quarter-past two."

The drover passed on, and Mr Sudberry, chuckling at his mistake, took
the bearings of a tall pine that grew on a distant knoll.

On gaining the outskirts of the village, Mr Sudberry felt a sensation
of hunger, and instantly resolved to purchase a bun, which article he
had now learned to call by its native name of "cookie." At the same
instant a bright idea struck him--he would steer for the baker's shop by
compass! He knew the position of the shop exactly--the milestone gave
him the distance--he would lay his cours