"I do not know what to do about John. He appears so resolute in his
determination not to go with us, that I fear he will run away into the
woods at the time of our departure. He is now continually with Malachi
and Martin, and appears to have severed himself from his family."
"It is hard to decide, Campbell; I have more than once thought it would
be better to leave him here. He is our youngest son. Henry will, of
course, inherit the estate, and we shall have to provide for the others
out of our savings. Now this property, by the time John is of age, will
be of no inconsiderable value, and by no means a bad fortune for a
younger son. He appears so wedded to the woods and a life of nature,
that I fear it would only be the cause of continual regret and
discontent if we did take him to England, and if so, what comfort or
advantage should we gain by his returning? I hardly know what to
advise."
"I have serious thoughts of leaving him here, under the charge of Martin
and Malachi," replied Mr Campbell. "He would be happy; by-and-bye he
would be rich. What could he obtain more in England? But it must be
for you to decide, my dear Emily. I know a mother's feelings, and
respect them."
"I cannot decide at once, my dear husband. I will first talk with John,
and consult Alfred and Henry."
The result of Mrs Campbell's communicating with her sons was a decision
that John should remain in Canada under the charge of Martin and
Malachi, who were to superintend the farm and watch over him. Martin
was to take charge of the farm. Malachi was to be John's companion in
the woods, and old Graves, who had their mill under his care, engaged to
correspond with Mr Campbell and let them know how things went on. When
this was settled, John walked at least two inches higher, and promised
to write to his mother himself. The Colonel, when he heard the
arrangement, pledged himself that, as long as he was in command of the
fort, he would keep a watchful eye, not only over John, but the whole of
the settlement, and communicate occasionally with Mr Campbell.
A month after the receipt of the letter the whole family, with the
exception of John, embarked in two _bateaux_ and arrived at Montreal,
where they remained a day or two, and then proceeded to Quebec.
At Quebec, their agent had already taken all the cabins of one of the
finest ships for their passage, and, after a ran of six weeks, they once
more found themselves at Liverpool, from which town they posted to
Wexton Hall, Mrs Douglas Campbell having retired to a property of her
own in Scotland.
We have now finished our tale, and have only to inform our little
readers what were the after-lives of the Campbell family.
Henry did not return to college, but remained with his father and mother
at the Hall, employing himself in superintending for his father the
property to which he afterwards succeeded.
Alfred was appointed to a ship commanded by Captain Lumley. He soon
rose in the service, was highly distinguished as a gallant clever
officer, and four years after his return to England was married to his
cousin Emma--at which the reader will not be surprised.
Mary Percival was married to Captain Sinclair, who sold out, and retired
upon half-pay, to live upon his estates in Scotland.
Percival went to college, and turned out a very clever lawyer.
John remained in Canada until he was twenty years old, when he came home
to see his father and mother. He had grown six feet four inches high,
and was stout in proportion. He was a very amusing fellow, and could
talk fast enough, but his chief conversation was upon hunting and
sporting.
The farm had been well conducted; the emigrants had adhered to the
agreements, and were now cultivating for themselves.
Martin had three little papooses (as the Indians call the children) by
the Strawberry. Malachi had grown too old to go out often into the
woods, and he sat by the fire in the winter, and basked in the sun at
the door of the house during the summer. Oscar was dead, but they had
some fine puppies of his breed. Mr Campbell gave John a deed, on his
return, conveying to him the Canadian property, and shortly afterwards
John picked up a little Canadian wife at Quebec, who made him perfectly
happy.
Mr and Mrs Campbell lived to a good old age, respected as long as they
lived, and lamented when they died. They had known prosperity and
adversity, and in each state of life had acquitted themselves with
exemplary propriety, not having been elated by the one, or depressed by
the other. They knew that this world was a world of trial, and but a
preparation for another; they therefore did their duty in that state of
life to which it pleased God to call them--proving in all their actions
that they remembered their duty to their God, and their duty to their
neighbour; living and dying (as I hope all my young readers will)
sincere and good Christians.