Niger

A “I He lived with her in complete and unbroken
J- happiness for five long years. However she
impressed others of that time and region, sober
folk, un-gay, with heavy souls, as little fit to com¬
panion the explorer in his exploration of the
mysteries of life, she remained for Mungo the
shelter and salvation final and complete. There
was seldom he could not find ease and peace under
the touch of her hands. She loved him and
cherished him and bore him children in great
gladness and listened to him uncomprehendingly
through those five years.
But they were long years. Fowlshiels had soon
begun to pall upon him : and as that first year
waned Ailie was with child. The little whinstone
house could not much longer contain them.
Mungo, who had rejected the Government twice,
now wrote and asked for employment in New South
Wales. The reply was curt. The employment had
been given elsewhere.
Brother Archibald was a tenant farmer in
Buccleugh. He came on a visit to Fowlshiels, a
giant of a man, tall as Mungo, but red-cheeked and
powerful, reeking of strength and rude health.
He reeked of advice as well. New South Wales ?
Let Mungo start farming at home. There was some
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