l-bird, then, I see: you may come in; but you'll
give me that bow and arrows if you please."

"Certainly," replied I, "if you wish it."

"Why, there's nothing like making sure in this world; and although you
look a very peaceable, good-looking sort of personage, notwithstanding
your Indian set-out, still I've known just as amiable people as you, in
appearance, very mischievous at times. Now come in, and let us hear
what you have to say for yourself. Jeykell, get some more wood."

One man went out to obey her orders; the other sat by the fire with his
musket between his knees. I sat down by the fire, at the request of the
woman, who had seated herself by the side of the man, and then, on her
repeating her question, I gave her a narrative of my adventures, from
the time that I left Rio.

"Well," says she, "we seldom hear stories like them; it's all the world
like a book; and pray what's that thing (pointing to the diamond in its
case) you have hanging to your neck there? You have left that out in
your history."

"That's a charm given me by my Indian wife, to preserve me from
disasters from wild animals; no panther, wolf, or bear will ever attack
me."

"Well," said she, "if so be it has that power, all I can say is, it's
not a bad charm to wear in these parts, for there are animals enough in
the woods in summer, and round the house all night in winter; but I
don't believe a bit in the charm, and that's the truth; however, if it
does no good, it can't do no harm, so you may keep it on, and welcome."

"May I ask how far it is to James Town?" said I. "What, going to James
Town already? I suppose you expect to be there to-night?"

"Not exactly, my good woman," replied I. "I must trespass upon your
kindness to give me something to eat, for I am hungry."

"Good woman! Bah! And pray how dare you call me good woman? Call me
mistress, if you want anything."

"I beg your pardon," said I. "Well, then, mistress; will you give me
something to eat?"

"Yes, I will. James, fetch the meal-cake and a bit of salt pork, and
give him to eat, while I call the cows from the bush."

The mistress, as I shall in future call her, then put down her musket
and left the cabin. During her absence I entered into conversation with
the man called James, for the other had gone out. To my inquiry how far
it was to James Town, he replied that he really did not know; that he
was sent out a convict, and sold for ten years to the husb