p his mind to go to Darien, and quite ano

, and Donalblane knew well enough that for him to make a direct request meant its being turned down both promptly and finally. Strategy was therefore n

and so to wise William Laidlaw he went with his scheme. Now, as it happened, no man in Scotland had been more fired by Paterson's daring project than this school-teacher of Leit

gs in the stock, and he had by tongue and pen done all in his power to promote the interest of the enterprise. It was

ain gang tae Darien? I dinna blame ye. Glad wad I be to gang myself, if I were na too auld for sic a far-going.

he replied; "but I'm verra strong, and big for my age;" which was true enough, as he looked full two years older than

or the adventure took strong hold upon him, and the upshot of their talk together that summer evening was that Dona

s needed for a friendly visit, in the course of which the talk naturally enou

e, heaving a huge sigh of regret, "and if it were na fo

turing to face the perils and privations on sea and land that were sure to be

ponded, "and were I only twenty instead of six

ur stead?" inquired the dominie, as innoc

of it, but I've not made up

ature without putting any strain upon his conscience, at last succeeded not only in filling Mr. Blane's mind with the idea of Donald being s

ald into his own room, and began asking him some q

eagerly he desired to go to Darien, but to seem simply willing to do whatever he was told. He

tell me, lad," began Mr. Blane, with a keen

OR THE SEA. THEY TELL ME

answered Donal

away altogether on a

ply; and then, in a sly, apologetic tone,

school and of town life, and did not take at all amiss the readiness he expressed to leave the r

merica, if he'll let you?" was the next question; and Donald

steady voice, that touched no chord of opposition, said

'll think about it-we'll think about it. Ye're owre young, maybe, to be leavin' your friends to gang among strangers; but ye

of hope. Only to the dominie did he mention the interview, an

red by him that he would take a kindly interest in the boy, and allow him t

-o'-shanter to the ceiling, but by an heroic effort he kept himself in hand, and, after expressing his gratitude to his uncle, h

rson had at first intended. Nor was this the only difficulty he had to encounter. If the funds were somewhat deficient, there was no lack of enthusiasm. The chivalry of Scotland had be

man, who would have been a valuable addition. If only Mr. Paterson had been able to inspire those associated with him with his own unselfish zeal and high integrity, there might have been a different story to tell. Unhappily, he stood almost alone in seeking no advantage or profit. Everybody else had a keen eye to number one

rry them, the arms, provisions, goods, and entire equipment, were all contracted for in a manner that greatly

rovisions adulterated so shamefully as to be hardly fit for human food, and the merchandise taken for traffic with the nativ

and caring little for the authority of the council. But Donalblane knew nothing of this, and, beyond warning him to be

ls, a sword, and a small quantity of beads and trinkets wherewith to do a little trafficking with the natives on hi