CHAPTER XXIX.
A GENERAL MUSTER.
Our tale is now drawing to a close, but before we drop the curtain, we will give the reader another peep at the different characters.
It will, therefore, be necessary to mention that, after Charlie Stuart's departure from Australia, vague rumours of the captivity of a white woman being among the Warrigal tribe, daily increased. These surmises first gained ground from some hints dropped by Takawarrant, when Charles and Quandak were away on their expedition, and also from a few Warrigals, who were mixing with the civilized natives. Consequently an expedition was set on foot by some philanthrophic and chivalric colonists for her rescue.
After a great deal of fatigue and expense, this was abandoned, little expecting that she was settled comfortably at home with her husband. The band of natives who witnessed the rescue of Lindigo, and the death of their leaders, became so alarmed that a similar fate awaited them, that they sought the security of the snowy mountains, never afterwards holding intercourse with other tribes. They sometimes visited the 90-mile beach, but always kept aloof from civilized society.
Our last budget from the Highlands contained the gratifying intelligence that the Lochlinn estate is progressing favourably, under the able management of Charlie, assisted by George, who occupies both farms, the latter's wife declares that she has quite weaned her husband from taking a spree, ever since the day he was caught.
Major Campbell and his friend, Captain John McDonnell (John Lom) have both succeeded to their parents' estates after having distinguished themselves in the Crimea. They, with their families, annually visit the Lochlinn estate. On these occasions the Major indulges freely in his whiskey toddy, while John Lom, who has not forgotten his tricks, never fails to gratify
