and some shared by both. The store being covered in with planks,
and having three stories, was the building of by far the greatest
pretensions. One of the shanties was the future hotel of the place, at
present, however, affording accommodation to neither man nor beast. The
landlord stood at the door with his arms akimbo, and the air of a man
perfectly satisfied with himself and his belongings, as he watched the
approach of the waggons. He was active enough when they stopped before
his abode, hoping that some of the party would become his customers.

"Well, strangers, you look spry after your journey. Glad to see you.
We'll become good neighbours, I guess," was his familiar but not surly
salutation. Mr Ashton took it in good part. "Thank you, my friend, we
have come along very well," he answered. "Can you tell me, Have my son
and his servant been here lately?"

"Your two young men were up here not ten minutes ago. They've gone back
to the boat, I guess. They're no great hands at liquoring. If you
shout they'll hear you."

"Philip a-hoy!" shouted Harry and Charley, their shrill voices sounding
clearly through the dark pine forest which shut in the settlement on
either side, and sweeping over the calm waters of the lake.

"Ay, ay; all right!" was the cheerful reply, and Philip, accompanied by
Peter, came rushing up in time to help his mother and sisters to unpack
from their somewhat uncomfortable conveyance. "It does not do to be
idle out here, and so, having our fishing gear, we were employing
ourselves while waiting your arrival in catching some fish for your
supper," he said, as he helped his mother to the ground. "Mr Job
Judson here did not quite approve of our proceeding, as he would rather
we had spent the time in his bar; however, I have brought him up some of
the proceeds of our sport to propitiate him, for he is an obliging,
good-natured fellow, at bottom. I wish him a better calling."

After all the family had alighted, and their affectionate greetings were
over, Philip exhibited the fine white fish he had brought for Mr
Judson, weighing some four or five pounds.

"We have half-a-dozen similar fish for our family supper, so we shall
not starve," he said, with a tone of satisfaction. "We have not
broached a cask of beef or pork since we came here."

"And we shall not, I hope, while a bird or beast remains to be shot, or
a fish to be caught," cried Harry.

As there was not a hut vacant in wh