annot be said. They certainly disappeared before sunset, and no more was ever seen of them. For once at least

continued her course, and on the first day of November came in sight of the lo

en sward, from which rose lofty trees laden with fruit, and surrounded by still waters of crystalline purity, this island stood

bonnie-it's verra bonnie!" he exclaimed, grasping Mr. Su

iasm. "It's very different from Scotland, and far more beautiful; and if it

d, curled up in the bow, waited until they touched ground, when he sprang out, recking naught of

s cap as he raced up the beach.

re long the little island which lay at the mouth

terson, however, thought it best for the Bonnie Scotland to remain there until the other ships put in an appearance. This they did in the course of the next few weeks, one at a time st

the surrounding region, Donalblane being usually permitted to accompany him, announced that he had decided upon

ng a deep harbour at its extremity, stretched out into the sea. The outer arm of the harbour was lofty and commanding, affording protection to the water within. The other arm

ls and coral fragments as through the purest glass. In many places mangroves dropped into the pellucid water, their boughs laden with a strange kind of fruit, for they bore oysters that w

nalblane expressed the feelings of the rest

bide, for there can surely be no

ry. This was William Paterson, the founder of the expedition; and so at

s the first to land. His first action was to fall on his knees and offer up fervent thanksgiving for their safe arrival. Each Scotsman as he landed fo

tion. Every heart beat high with hope; and that night there was not a single member of the

s at her best in every way, and they made haste to get out of their cramped quarters on shipboard and put up

the ship or ashore just according to his fancy, so he was a gentleman of l

the forest; they fished in the neighbouring streams and surrounding seas; they threaded the woods

re guns, taken from the ships, mounted upon its battlements. Their next proceeding was to cut a canal across the isthmus, thereby renderin

o make a journey into the interior in order to open up friendly relations with the natives, and by effecting treaties with th

he was thoughtful enough to le

ith you," said the boy, his face ful

therland kindly; "but suppose you have a word wi

ce in search of Mr. Paterson, and, happening to fi

g his big grey eyes upon him, his whole frame

he had been lost, and, regarding Donalblane

rrow?

ff yonder," he added, pointing inland, where, in the remote distance, a range of mo

u not content here?" he inquired in the gentle, wi

tily. "But you're ganging to see the Ind

on of curiosity, and then was silent for a

h anxiety, kicked a hole

resently, laying his hand upon the other's shoulder. "But y

Donalblane, giving a jump of delight.

sfaction, but to the great envy of other

ured; these latter serving in the double capacity of guides and bearers of the presents intended to be given to the Indian chieftains. They were all in high spirits, the hard

most part their route lay through shadowy forests, into whose dim recesses the hot rays of the sun never penetrated, with here and there a grassy glade that brought them into