drear destruction, until
the spirit seizes with avidity the proffered consolation, and the
phantasmia vanishes under thy narcotic influence. The miseries of an
insatiable thirst, and the sufferings of a gnawing hunger, fatigue, and
indisposition, are all forgotten during the enjoyment of a smoke; while
in a dilemma, or danger, in a deluging discomfort, or the anxieties
consequent on being lost in the bush, the pipe is the ever ready
comforter; and one which rarely fails to bring consolation to the mind.
Well, therefore, may it be imagined that the pipe is "the friend of the
people;" and that, not only of the canaille, the "great unwashed," but
the entire nation; who in this day of general enlightenment and mental
percipiency, have not failed to distinguish its claims, and to "render
homage where homage is due." Many are the shifts, and crude the
inventions in the bush, when emergencies call forth the application of
the old proverb respecting the relationship that exists between
destitution and genius; and when to be minus the support of the
Virginian weed, is considered a greater misfortune than to be wanting
of the necessaries of life. Hence, when requested by John Ferguson to go
up to the hut, the draymen had not the remotest intention of disturbing
themselves, at least for a time; and they continued to puff in an inert
silence, while they contemplated the flames before them, and ejected an
occasional expectoration, at an imaginary pandemonium in the embers.

They had remained in this state of _statu quo_ for some time, when John
Ferguson, who had caught his horse, and returned to the hut, not finding
the men there, came down to where they lay. He then addressed himself to
the still recumbent driver, and requested that he would come up with him
and be settled with, and arrange for further loading. The independent
carrier did eventually condescend to rise, and he slowly bent his steps
to the station, accompanied by John, who gave him by the way a sketch of
his plans. He wished him to start at once with his dray for Alma, and
to bring back a quantity of shingles, window frames, and doors (for
which, he told him, he would give him an order to a store-keeper there,
who kept a supply of them); and then to return immediately, as the
things were necessary for the construction of his house. The carpenters,
whom he had on the station, were to employ themselves in cutting the
timber and planks required in the erection; which th