there for two years, and know the
wants of the country. Active surveyors are especially required, and I
can assure you that you will be able to obtain a sufficient knowledge of
surveying, for all practical purposes, before we start. All your
expenses will be paid, and you will receive a small salary to commence
with. Say that you will accompany me, and I will not look elsewhere for
an assistant.' I told him I could not say yes till I had asked you,
Janet, and talked to Margaret and David. I do not like to leave you
all, but you see I may make my fortune, and have a home for you all to
come to some day; and if I stay in Scotland it may be long before I can
obtain a situation, and longer still before I can have a house of my
own."

Janet remained silent for some minutes, gazing fondly at Donald,
revolving the matter in her mind, with her lips apart as if the
announcement had taken away her breath. David, with his pen still on
the paper, looked up eagerly at his brother, participating in his
feelings. A sigh which burst from Janet's bosom broke the silence.

"Ye maun go my bairn, as it seems to me that the Lord in His goodness
points out the way. We will ask Him to guide and direct us. Ye should
not go forth into the world without feeling sure that ye are under His
protection, and that He will gie ye, my bairn, if ye ask Him with
faith."

"I know He will, and may be it was He who sent Mr Todd on to the links
this afternoon to meet with me," answered Donald, who, in his eagerness,
was perfectly ready to agree with Janet.

"He orders the steps aright of all who serve Him," observed Janet.

"Janet speaks the truth," said David firmly. "I wish that I could go
with you."

"Na! na! my bairn, you are not old eno' or hardy eno' to bear the rough
life which Donald will ha' to lead in that strange country," exclaimed
Janet, who was not prepared to lose both of her boys at once. "And oh,
it is that terrible sea you will ha' to cross which troubles me to think
of. Is there no other way of getting there?"

"I should be sorry if there was, for I have often longed to sail over
the ocean, and I look forward to the voyage with delight," answered
Donald. "You must not think of the danger. Nothing worth having is to
be gained without that, in my opinion, and we shall be having you safe
on the other side of the ocean before long, I hope, Janet."

"Na, na, my bairn, you maun come back to me, but that terrible ocean I
co