The bright prospects he had so ardently indulged in, became clouded over; and fears for the future once more harassed him.

He would only waste his time in this wilderness.

His children would live without books, without education, without society.

Were he to be suddenly called away, what would become of them?
His pretty Gertrude would be no better off than a little savage--his sons would become not in sport, as he was wont to call them, but in reality a trio of "Bush-boys." Once more these thoughts filled the heart of the father with pain.

Oh! what would he not have given at that moment for a pair of horses, of any sort whatever?
The field-cornet, while making these reflections, was seated in the great nwana-tree, upon the platform, that had been built on the side towards the lake, and from which a full view could be obtained of the water.