the spot where the old hut stood, they built a hut
which they could inhabit till their new residence could be erected,
leaving Craven in charge of that up the stream. This change enabled
them to leave their own abode early in the morning, and to reach that of
Mr Prentiss before sunset. There was the house of a new settler about
half-way, and several huts where refreshment could be obtained, so that
their visits became still more frequent and expected. Even in the bush
gossip is not impossible, and it became pretty generally reported that
the two Mr Gilpins were about to marry the two daughters of Mr Henry
Prentiss.

CHAPTER SIX.

The Gilpins had not attained to the prosperous condition they enjoyed
without persevering toil and constant exertion both of mind and body.
Some stirring incidents had occurred; but, at the same time months
passed by in a comparatively monotonous manner. Every day they were in
the saddle, sometimes from morning till night; but however delightful
that style of life may be--and that it has its attractions to most men
there can be no doubt--men of educated minds must at times feel an
almost insupportable weariness, and earnestly long for a change. There
can be but little social intercourse; some suffer materially from the
want of public worship and religious instruction, and all must feel its
absence. Still, those who are fitted for a life in the bush, and have
led it for any length of time, quit it generally with regret, and return
to it with satisfaction.

Never had the Gilpins been more busy. Their house was nearly finished.
It was rather large for two bachelors, to be sure; but their ideas must
have expanded of late. They had much more assistance than formerly
rendered by Craven, their most efficient and active overseer, and his
assistant, Larry. No one would have recognised the dispirited, almost
broken-hearted hut-keeper in the fine, active, intelligent man he had
now become. Gentlemanly even in his poverty, he had always been. He
now looked more fit to set a squadron in order, and lead them against
the foe, than to keep sheep; yet to superintend the keeping of sheep he
was well content. He had greatly enlarged and improved the old hut,
having converted it indeed into a comfortable house, with a
flower-garden in front and one for vegetables in the rear.

One of the greatest matters of interest to the bushman, who has loved
relations in the old country, is the arrival of