hing we do as soon as we get out, will be for me
to rig the missus up a bit of a kitchen, and we shall take a few pots
and pans in a box."

"Oh, I shall go well provided with necessaries," said my father.

"Then pray don't forget a frying-pan, sir. It's wonderful what the
missus here can do with a frying-pan."

"Do be quiet, Morgan Johns," said Sarah.

"Shan't," he growled. "I'm a-telling of the truth. It's wonderful,
sir, that it is. Give her a frying-pan and a bit o' fire, and we shan't
never hurt for a bit o' well-cooked victuals."

"But--" began my father, when Morgan rushed in again.

"Washin', sir, I forgot all about the washing. We shall want a tub and
a line. Trees 'll do for tying up to, and you'll see we shall none of
us ever want for clean clothes."

"Do be quiet, Morgan."

"I shan't, Sarah. It's only fair as the master should know what you can
do, look you."

"But I wish you people to think seriously now, while there is yet time,"
said my father.

"Seriously, sir? Oh yes, we've been thinking of it seriously enough,
and--I say, missus, do try and do without flat-irons; they're very heavy
kind o' traps for a man to take in his kit."

"Come, come," said my father; "you had better think better of it, and
not embrace such a rough life."

"We have thought better on it, sir, and the very best too. We're
coming, and if you won't take us, we'll come without. And look you,
sir, of course you'll take some guns, and swords, and powder and shot."

"Of course."

"Then don't forget some tools: spades, and hoes, and seeds, and some
carpenter's things and nails. You can't think what a deal can be done
with a hammer, a saw, and a few nails."

"Then you mean to come?"

"Mean to come, sir?" cried Morgan, in astonishment. "Why we got married
o' purpose; didn't we, Sarah?"

"Oh yes, sir; that's the very truth."

"And we shall be obliged to go now."

I did not see where the obligation came in, but I supposed it was all
right.

"Then I can only say thank you heartily," cried my father, warmly; "and
for my part, I'll do my duty by you both."

"Of course we know that, don't we, Sarah? Or else we shouldn't go."

"My dear master!" said Sarah, and she bent forward and kissed his hand
before clapping her handkerchief to her eyes, and rushing out of the
room.

"She'll be all right, sir, soon," whispered Morgan. "And look you, I'll
begin getting together all sorts of little tackle, sir, as I thi