tufts of tall
tussock-grass, like waving plumes growing out of the earth, while the
ground itself was tolerably smooth. We went on till we reached a rocky
knoll rising like an island amidst the sea of waving grass that
surrounded it. We climbed to the top, that we might discover where the
cattle were to be found in greatest numbers. As yet, a few only had
been seen, which scampered off before a shot at them could be obtained.
Three or four herds were discovered in the distance. The mate, with
half the men, agreed to go in one direction and to stalk them down,
while Dick and the rest went in another. Miss Kitty said she was tired,
and that she would remain on the top of the rock with me till their
return. The mate begged to leave with her a flask of water and some
biscuits, which he had brought, I suspect, on her account. Not knowing
what sort of scenery she might meet with, she had brought her
sketch-book, for she was a well-educated girl, and understood music, and
a number of other things besides. She laughingly observed that a few
strokes would quickly picture the surrounding scenery. She amused
herself with copying a huge tuft of the tussock-grass which grew near,
and then made me stand and sit, now in one position, now in another,
while she took my portrait. Then telling me to play about near her, and
to take care not to tumble off the rock, she sat down to meditate. What
her thoughts were about I cannot say, but she certainly very often
looked in the direction Edward Falconer had gone.

Several shots were heard from time to time. They grew fainter and
fainter, as if the cattle had headed off away from the harbour.

The day wore on. The sun was already sinking in the sky.

"I wonder when they will come back?" she said once or twice. "Can you
see any one, Charley?"

I looked, but could not distinguish any objects amid the expanse of
grass.

A dull booming sound of a ship's gun came from the direction of the
harbour, then another and another.

"That is, I suspect, to recall the boats," said Kitty to me. "I could
find my way there with you, Charley; but I don't like to leave this
spot, lest those who have gone after the cattle on returning might
wonder what has become of us."

We waited some time longer--the sun set--the shades of evening drew on.
Kitty became very anxious. It was too late now to attempt alone to get
back to the boats; and it was evident that we should have to spend the
night o