Page:Australian Emigrant 1854.djvu/96

 their graceful forms and giving a tropical character to the scene.

"Is not this an earthly paradise?" said Hugh.

"No:" replied the stranger solemnly, "for it has been stained with human blood."

"I had forgotten that" said Hugh; "why did you call it to my mind? Methought it was a spot whereon a man could dwell for his life, willingly resigning all thoughts of the busy world, and hold converse with the God who made it.—It is most lovely—I never remember experiencing such a feeling of happiness as I do now."

"Happiness!" said the stranger; "I would that I could feel like you.—I did once, but years of——" and here he burst into a rough laugh, and concluded "don't you think I preach well at times?"

"If you can regard a scene like this with indifference," said Hugh, "I do not envy you, and should be inclined to think that the life you appear to have led must have tended to destroy your nobler self."

"I have," said the other, looking up, "been used to such scenes of late years. I felt as you do once; but have wandered long in the woods, and it takes more violent excitements to move me now." He rose, and putting on his knapsack, said, "You have been so kind already to a stranger, that I am emboldened to ask a favor of you; will you spare a little of your flour and ammunition? for I intend leaving this part to day."

Hugh, taking his little store out, put it into his hand, saying, they should reach a station soon, belonging to a Mr. Dodge;" and here," he said, "is a little tobacco, powder, and shot." The stranger preferred bullets, if they could be spared, and received a few in addition. "You should have more," said Hugh, "but our stock is low."