he fact of John preventing it from reaching its
hole; which they now discovered under the log, and close to where he had
stood. The couple now pursued their course, and after arriving at the
huts and settling with the drayman for the work he had already
performed, and giving him an order to the store-keeper in Alma, with the
necessary instructions, John took his departure for Strawberry Hill.

CHAPTER VI.

"The mistress of the mansion came,
Mature of age, a graceful dame;
And every courteous rite was paid,
That hospitality could claim."

SIR W. SCOTT.

"I believe I have the pleasure of addressing Mr. Rainsfield," said John
Ferguson, as he rode up to a gentleman at Strawberry Hill, who by his
appearance indicated himself as the proprietor of the station.

"That is my name," replied he addressed; "and I presume I have the
honour of meeting Mr. Ferguson?"

John acknowledging to his appellation, dismounted from his horse, and
shaking hands with his newly-made acquaintance, the latter remarked: "I
have to apologize, Mr. Ferguson, for not making my respects to you
before; but you will pardon me, when I tell you I have been away from
the station for some little time, and it was only yesterday when I
returned, that my people told me of your settlement. However, I am happy
that you have anticipated me in this visit; and if you are not in any
very particular hurry, let one of my fellows put your horse in the
stable, and just step into the house, that I may introduce you to the
folks inside. They will be delighted, I am sure, that you have favoured
us by introducing yourself;" saying which, he called one of the boys
about the place to look after John's steed, while he led its owner to
the dwelling. Of the mansion itself we need say nothing: it was simply a
weather-boarded verandah cottage; the like of which is to be met with so
frequently in the bush, as to give the idea of their being built to an
universal plan; it was neat, and apparently comfortable.

When John Ferguson entered with Mr. Rainsfield he was ushered at once
into the sitting-room; where, at the table, sat two ladies busily
employed on some description of needlework, whose destined use was a
mystery to the uninitiated. On the table before them, and at their feet,
were strewn their necessary paraphernalia; and so busily engaged were
they at their occupation, that they were not aware of the presence