the man who thus engrosses her attention. There is
perhaps no friendship which produces so fond a recollection as this;
and no feeling so likely to favourably impress a youthful and
ardent-minded creature as that which induces her to pour her thoughts,
without restraint, into the ear of him with whom she converses; even
though they be the merest platitudes. That confidence, with which she is
led on to unveil her soul, carries with it a regard which is indelibly
impressed on her mind; and such was the feeling with which Eleanor
regarded John Ferguson, though she too was unacquainted with the
presence of any sentiment other than mere friendship; but we are
anticipating.

As we have said, time was not stationary at Strawberry Hill, nor on the
road; for on the day our narrative continues with, Tom Rainsfield made
his appearance, with the intelligence that he had only a short time
previously left William Ferguson on the road with his sheep; so that he
might be expected to be at the crossing-place on the Wombi, within an
hour or so. Tom was instantly introduced to John Ferguson; and
volunteered, as soon as he had satisfied the calls of hunger, to return
with him to the river, and assist in getting the sheep over.

The offer was thankfully declined by John, who assured the other, that
he and his brother, with the assistance of their men, were perfectly
adequate to the task; but it was generously persisted in by young
Rainsfield; and, in a short time afterwards, the two were to be seen
bending their steps to the crossing-place, which they reached about the
same time that William and his flocks slowly wended their way to the
river.

We have stated, at the first mention of his name to the reader, that Tom
Rainsfield was a fine generous-minded young fellow. At the time of his
arrival at Strawberry Hill, he had just finished a long equestrian
journey, and was necessarily tired and fatigued; so that the readiness
with which he proffered his assistance to the Fergusons was an instance
of kindness, and an obliging disposition, which was his general
character. He was dressed in the usual bush costume, viz, jumper,
breeches and belt, riding boots, spurs, and cabbage-tree hat; and in his
frank open countenance could at once be read the genuineness of his
friendship. He was in truth a noble fellow; high-spirited and
warm-hearted; bold and daring, though, perhaps, a little thoughtless and
impetuous. His figure, though not decidedly tall