looking into the matter--for Mr
Humphreys, in order to avoid questioning and the constant inquiries
about his wife's health, which would be made, did he announce that he
was leaving for that reason, did not think it necessary to inform people
that it was in the hopes of staving off the danger which threatened her
that he was making a move.

A great many of the neighbouring labourers would gladly have gone with
him; but he found by his reading that Kaffir labour was to be obtained
out there very cheaply. He determined, however, to take with him two of
his own hands; the one a strong active young fellow named Bill Harrison,
the other a middle-aged man named Johnson, who had been with him from a
boy. He was a married man with two girls, aged fifteen and sixteen, the
eldest of whom was already employed by Mrs Humphreys in the house.
Johnson's wife was a superior woman of her class, and Mr Humphreys
thought that it would be pleasant for his wife, having a woman at hand,
whom she could speak to. The girls were to act as servants--indeed Mr
Humphreys thought it probable that the whole party would live under one
roof.

Among those whom Mr Humphreys' decision to emigrate had much moved was
Mr Jackson. He was not in so good a position, as he did not farm his
own land; but he had sufficient capital to start him well in the colony,
where a farm can be bought outright at a few shillings an acre. He
talked the matter over with his friend on several occasions, and at last
said--

"Well, I think I have pretty well made up my mind; the doctor is telling
me that my poor little chap is not likely to live long; his mother is
wrapped up in him, and will never like the place again;--so I think on
all grounds a change will be good. I can't come out with you, because I
have got a lease of the farm; but I fancy that it is worth more than it
was when I took it, and if I can get a good tenant to take it off my
hands I don't suppose the landlord will make any objections. I shall
look about at once, and, when my poor little chap is gone, I shan't be
long before I come after you. You will let me know how you find the
place, and whether these book-accounts are true?--I have heard that many
of these chaps who write books are awful liars. I should like to get a
farm as near you as may be."

It was early in the spring when Mr Humphreys and his party embarked at
Plymouth in the _Dunster Castle_, The farm had sold well, and Mr
Humphreys pos