this entire life is but a
pilgrimage; that if, during its course, we should meet with affliction
or distress, it is His appointment, and designed undoubtedly for our
good. It is our wisdom, as well as our duty, to submit patiently to
whatever may befall us, never losing our courage or becoming
disheartened by suffering, but trusting to the mercy and power of Him
who can and will, at his own good time, deliver us from evil."

Mr Campbell knelt down, surrounded by his family, and, in a fervent and
feeling address, poured forth his thanksgiving for past mercies, and
humble solicitation for further assistance. So powerful and so eloquent
were his words, that the tears coursed down the cheeks of his wife and
nieces; and when he had finished, all their hearts were so full, that
they retired to their beds without further exchange of words than
receiving his blessing, and wishing each other good night.

CHAPTER NINE.

AT THE SETTLEMENT.

The party were so refreshed by once more sleeping upon good beds, that
they were up and dressed very early, and shortly after seven o'clock
were all collected upon the rampart of the fort, surveying the land
which was indeed very picturesque and beautiful. Before them, to their
left, the lake was spread, an inland sea, lost in the horizon, now quite
calm, and near to the shores studded with small islands covered with
verdant foliage, and appearing as if they floated upon the transparent
water. To the westward, and in front of them, were the clearings
belonging to the fort, backed with the distant woods: a herd of cattle
were grazing on a portion of the cleared land; the other was divided off
by a snake-fence, as it is termed, and was under cultivation. Here and
there a log building was raised as a shelter for the animals during the
winter, and at half a mile's distance was a small fort, surrounded by
high palisades, intended as a place of retreat and security for those
who might be in charge of the cattle in case of danger or surprise.
Close to the fort, a rapid stream, now from the freshets overflowing its
banks, poured down its waters into the lake, running its course through
a variety of shrubs and larches and occasional elms which lined its
banks. The sun shone bright--the woodpeckers flew from tree to tree, or
clung to the rails of the fences--the belted kingfisher darted up and
down over the running stream--and the chirping and wild notes of various
birds were heard on ever