when the latter remained at home, and the grief and lamentation of some of the woman who had gathered in, left no doubt in Lindigo's mind that the missing man had been killed in a fray with some other tribe, and of which she was evidently to be kept in ignorance, as she could not by any means ascertain the facts. Matoka, her former friend and confidant, kept aloof on this occasion, and held down his head with apparent distrust and sorrow whenever she caught his eye; this added considerably to her alarm. During the night preparations were made for a speedy removal to the lakes, and at the break of day they commenced their journey, and arrived safely at their island home.
Many unsuccessful attempts were made by Lindigo to induce Matoka to divulge the secret, but the fear of punishment, and the strict discipline of his brother Bungilina, kept him silent, knowing well that any breach of the laws would be attended by fatal consequences.
Since their arrival at their island encampment, which was situated in the middle of a clump of tea tree, Lindigo sought the shade of a favourite cherry-tree near the margin of the lake, where she had often passed a quiet hour, reflecting on bygone days and happy hours, which were apparently never to return.
On this day, which was beautifully calm, her thoughts and mediations took a more affecting and mournful turn than usual, occasioned by her having lost some of the confidence of those in whose power she was, and particularly that of her kind friend Matoka, who had become daily more reserved. Her own sad fate appeared more awful to her mind, and her early happiness among those she loved, contrasted with her present situation sadly oppressed her mind.
The still and glassy lake before her carried her thoughts back to Kinnlochlinn, on whose waters she had so often gazed while waiting for Donald's pibroch, telegraphing his young master's love to her ears.
How well she remembered each note, after so many years! and how plain they sounded through her ears and imagination at that moment! Strange! her imagi-
