which stretched almost from their threshold for so many miles, all
would have been gladly exchanged for a dusty high street in any
country town-ship. Her last words were, "Can't you send me a paper
or hany thing printed, mam?" I faithfully promised to do my best,
and carried out my share of the bargain by despatching to her a
large packet of miscellaneous periodicals and newspapers; but
whether she ever received them is more than I can say.

We were afraid of lingering too long, lest another nor'-wester
should become due; and we therefore started as soon as F--- had
decided that it was of no use exploring our wretched purchase any
further. We had a stiff breeze from the north-west all the way down
the lake; but as it was right a-stern it helped us along to such
good purpose, that one day's sailing before it brought us back to
Mr. Johnson's homestead and comparative civilization. The little
parlour and the tiny bed-room beyond, into which I could only get
access by climbing through a window (for the architect had forgotten
to put a door), appeared like apartments in a spacious palace, so
great was the contrast between their snug comfort and the desolate
misery of our hut life. Of course nothing else was talked of except
our disappointment at our new run; and although Mr. Johnson had
indulged in forebodings, which were only too literally fulfilled, he
had the good taste never to remind us of his prophecies.
"Of all the forms of human woe,
Defend me from that dread, 'I told you so.'"

After a day's halt and rest we mounted our much refreshed horses,
and set our faces straight across country for Dunedin. This is very
easy to write, but it was not quite so easy to do. We could only
ride for the first fifty-two miles, which we accomplished in two