On his father’s death, about three years since, he returned with his wife to Ireland, where I believe he intends to pass the remainder of his days.

I wish to make one remark before closing this chapter:  does it not speak well for Canada, when a person, who was neither an active nor a clever person, and who had suffered almost unheard-of misfortunes, was still able to gain a living and see his family settled in comparative comfort?  Under such circumstances, what would have been the fate of these people in England or Ireland?—­Abject pauperism.

CHAPTER X.

PREPARATIONS FOR MY SECOND MARRIAGE. —­ DANGEROUS ADVENTURE. —­ MY WIFE’S NOCTURNAL VISITOR. —­ WE PREPARE FOR THE RECEPTION OF OUR UNINVITED GUEST. —­ BRUIN’S UNWELCOME VISIT TO AN IRISH SHANTY. —­ OUR BEAR HUNT. —­ MAJOR ELLIOTT’S DUEL WITH BRUIN. —­ HIS WOUNDS AND VICTORY.

I spent the spring of 1827 very pleasantly in the company of my new friends.  I used to go down to my farm every morning, and return in the evening to a cheerful fire-side and agreeable society, which rewarded me for the toils of the day.  I had fenced in my fields, planted my spring crops, Indian corn, and potatoes, which looked promising; and I had my house nearly finished.  I, therefore, considered it was time I should go and reside in it, and not trespass any longer on the hospitality of my kind and generous friends.  As, however, I did not like the thought of living the life of a hermit, and my little boy; for whom I had sent, was weaned, and growing healthy and lovely under the kind hospitality of my friends, required now a watchful parental care, I proposed to, and was accepted by, my friend’s eldest daughter, in whom I found what I sought—­a faithful mother for my child, and the most devoted and affectionate wife for myself.  A better woman, indeed, never existed.  For upwards of twenty-two years she shared my various fortunes, and formed my greatest earthly blessing.  A few days before my marriage—­an event to which I naturally looked forward for an increase of happiness—­an accident occurred, which might have been attended with fatal results to myself, and actually was so to a lad who was in my service.  A kind Providence, however, watched over my life, and delivered me from this danger.

My farm was situated on the east shore of the Otonabee river, the town of Peterborough being on the west of that line; and there was no bridge communication between us and that place, so that we were obliged to cross in skiffs, canoes, or any other craft we could get.  When the river is flooded in the spring, it is dangerous for persons crossing, unless they are well acquainted with the management of a canoe.  Several fatal accidents have indeed happened to the inexperienced at that time of the year, from this cause.  Such was the state of the river, when I had to cross it to reach the store, where I wanted to purchase some articles for my intended marriage.