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 his propensity, and frequently favours the company with the "Battle of Inverlochy."
The real "Fighting Jack" has passed away at an advanced age, leaving his wealth to John Lom for having so successfully personated him at the Forbes'.
All our friends are united in their endeavours to bring up their children that they may prove not only a pleasure to their parents and friends, but also ornaments to society, and may their endeavours be crowned with the most complete success.
Donald and his wife are surrounded by a numerous family, who are uncommonly destructive to the corn-ricks, by pulling out straws for whistles. Donald plays at the castle on special occasions, and always gives great pleasure by his skilful execution.
Quandak and Maria are not quite so satisfied, and would have no objection to return to Australia, and resume the opossum cloak.
Takawarrant has become an accomplished sportsman, and is a great enemy to all kinds of game. He is also an excellent horseman, and is quite delighted with the life.
But the last, and most interesting part of our communication, was to the effect that Bella had presented her husband with twin girls, and that they had been named Pamul and Lindigo.
THE END.
WALKER, MAY AND CO., PRINTERS, 99 BOURKE STREET WEST, MELBOURNE.