ng him off for two or three days; hoping in
the meantime to mislead the slave-hunters and make them suppose that Dio
had escaped. We took good care during this time not to leave the house
unguarded, my father, Uncle Denis, or Mr Tidey remaining at home with
either Dan or me as well as Biddy and Peter while the windows, unless
some one was on the watch near them, were kept closed and barred. Our
guest, accompanied by one or more of the party, made excursions in the
direction my father thought he would most probably find a location, but
he could hear of no farm at all likely to answer his purpose. His
object soon became known, and the fourth morning after his arrival a
stranger was seen approaching the house. He introduced himself as Mr
Nicholas Chouse, agent for the Swampyville Land Company.

In the most glowing terms he described the new township which had been
lately formed in the north-west part of the state, advising my father
and Mr McDermont to become purchasers of the finest allotments which he
had to offer for sale. Mr Chouse was a man of great volubility of
tongue, unbounded assurance, with a look of determination which showed
that he would not have his word doubted.

"These lands, sir, will become the most valuable in the State, I may
say, with perfect confidence, in the whole Union; unrivalled water
power, magnificent pastures and arable land capable of producing crops
of corn such as the world has never seen. All that is required to
develop their resources is capital and labour, and labour will always
follow where capital leads the way. When once the country is opened up,
we shall drain Canada of her population, and the inhabitants of the
eastern states will come flocking in crowds, some to find employment,
others to purchase the lots improved by the early settlers, paying a
thousand per cent at least on the capital expended. You, sir, look like
a man who would not neglect so favourable an opportunity of realising a
fortune vastly surpassing that of the proudest duke in England," he
said, turning to Mr McDermont.

Our guest listened with eager ears. If only half what Mr Chouse said
was true, it would be well worth his while at all events to inspect the
country. If he found it even moderately answer the account given,
though contrary to his previous intention, he might wisely become a
purchaser.

The land agent, seeing that he made some impression, pressed home his
advantage. I cannot repeat all