, as well as of our
flour and other stores. On our return journey we shot merely what we
required for food.

On the evening of the first day, when we were on our homeward march,
Rochford did not make his appearance in camp. "He'll soon be up to us,"
observed Carlos in an unconcerned tone; "though it may be as well to
fire a shot or two to show him where we are encamped, should he fail to
catch sight of our fire."

We soon had two fires blazing up, round which we gathered to cook our
provisions, and to shield ourselves from the attacks of mosquitoes,
which were kept at a distance by the smoke. Supper was over, and we
were preparing to lie down. Still Rochford did not appear. I began to
grow anxious about him. As it was not likely that he would be
discovered should we set off to search for him in the dark, we settled
to wait till the following morning, hoping that in the meantime he might
come into camp.

The night passed away, and he did not appear. At daybreak, leaving two
of the blacks to look after the animals, we divided into three parties:
Tim going with me; and Lejoillie and Carlos, each having a black with
him. We traversed the country in the direction from which we had come,
but no trace could we discover of our missing friend. I wished that we
had had Indians with us, or more experienced woodmen, who might have
perceived traces which we failed to observe.

Tim and I returned late in the evening to the camp, where Lejoillie and
Carlos had shortly before arrived, as unsuccessful as we had been. If
Rochford had met with any accident, we should, we thought, have
discovered some traces of him. On inquiring, however, of the blacks
what had happened at the camp during our absence, one of them presented
me with a small piece of paper, saying that an Indian had left it to be
delivered to the young white stranger. I eagerly held it to the light
of the fire, and I read the words:--

"Farewell! I have too long neglected my duty. I must endeavour to
carry out the object for which I came to this country. I trust that
justice will be done to the children of the soil, and peace be
maintained. Hoping to meet you again,--yours sincerely--

"MuR."

Though this paper showed that our friend had not met with any accident,
I regretted that he had not returned, as I feared that he contemplated
engaging in some hopeless enterprise, which could not benefit the
Indians, while he himself would be exposed to conside