e evidences, from their
facial delineations, of their Billing paternity.

John Ferguson, in a few words, explained the nature of the mishap which
had occasioned his visit, and begged Mr. Rainsfield to supply his wants,
until such time as he could receive a further supply. The required
accommodation was willingly acceded to; and Mr. Rainsfield remarked that
he would give instructions to Mr. Billing to send it over to Fern Vale,
the first time that he sent out the rations; and as that would be on the
following day, he had no doubt that the arrangement would suit his
neighbour.

John replied to Mr. Rainsfield, that he was exceedingly obliged to him
for his kind offer; but stated that as he would be returning to the
station at once, he would save him the trouble by taking a bag with him
on his horse.

"Nonsense," cried his entertainer, "I can never think of letting you
leave us in such a hurry; you have nothing that requires your immediate
return, and you may as well favour us with your company for a few days,
at any rate until you hear of the approach of your sheep; by which time
I expect Tom will have returned, and no doubt we may manage to give you
a hand to get them over the river. Besides, the ladies are always
complaining of _ennui_, and will be happy of your society in the
disposal of a few leisure hours. I am sure I need not appeal to my wife,
to confirm my welcome; for though she now preserves a strict silence, I
know she is desirous for you to remain."

"Indeed, my dear," replied the lady, "you are perfectly correct in your
conjectures. I should indeed be pleased if Mr. Ferguson would remain
with us for a few days; not to make a convenience of him in the manner
which you describe, but to impress him with a favourable idea of the
neighbours amongst whom he has settled. So, if he will allow himself to
be persuaded, we will arrange his domestication in as short a time as
possible."

"I am exceedingly indebted to you, Mrs. Rainsfield, for your expression
of kind feeling," exclaimed John; "and, if not putting you to too great
inconvenience, I will accept the hospitality of your worthy husband and
yourself, to await the approach of my brother."

"Inconvenience?" replied Mrs. Rainsfield; "who ever heard of
inconvenience in the bush? I have long forgotten the application of the
word; and at any rate, if I could call to mind its meaning, I never
could think of allowing it to influence me, when the wishes of my
husb