,
though in itself was but ordinary, had an influence, in the
circumstances under which they were assembled, in directing their minds
into a pleased and contented channel. Besides, there was a novelty in
such scenery in Australia; and humble as the pretensions of the falls
might have been to the picturesque, in the eyes of an English tourist,
John Ferguson, who had rarely, and Eleanor Rainsfield, who had never
seen anything like it, could not help admiring the beauty of the
landscape. Our friends soon selected a spot for their camp; in fact, the
spot had already been chosen by their harbingers, who had fixed upon a
little rising knoll on the bank of the creek, a short distance below the
falls; of which they commanded an excellent view. Here the party
dismounted, and leaving the horses to the care of the men, they
discussed the nature of their further proceedings; while the ladies
arranged their equestrian habiliments, so as not to incommode them in
their walking. Then putting all things in order for their luncheon, and
requesting the men to boil some water (on a fire the fellows had
kindled), for the purpose of making that universal beverage in the bush,
without which no meal would be considered complete; Mrs. Rainsfield
proposed to the gentlemen that they should take a walk up to the falls,
and see if the ascent of the range was practicable, and if so, what sort
of a prospect there was from the summit.

The suggestion was instantly acted upon; and after thoroughly surveying
the falls, from every point of view at its foot, Tom was despatched to
attempt the ascent; while the rest in the meantime sat down on the
grass, to await his return. This, however, was not until some time had
elapsed; and when he did make his appearance, he stated that the range
could be mounted; but he would not advise them to try it, as the hill
abounded with snakes. He then hurriedly informed them, that he had come
down for a gun, which he had noticed one of the men had brought with
him; and was going to return to shoot a reptile that had impeded his
progress. Mrs. Rainsfield desired him to stay, saying she was sure the
snake would not have waited for his return; but he only laughed and
assured her that he would certainly find it upon his return, and bring
it to her as a trophy. He then dashed away, and was seen in a few
minutes, posting up the acclivity with the gun in his hand ready for
execution.

"What a stupid fellow that is," remarked Mrs