“He is a queer specimen”, said Mr. Norton.  “And now I think of it, Mr. Somers, Micah told me this morning, that a good horse will be brought into the settlement, by a friend of his, in about a week.  He thinks, if you like the animal, he can make a bargain and get it for you”.

“Thank you for your trouble about it, my dear sir”, replied Mr. Somers.

“Two weeks then, Ned”, said John, “before the Doctor will let you start.  That will give me ample opportunity to explore the length of the Miramichi River.  What are the fishing privileges in this region?”

“Fine,—­remarkably good!” said the missionary.

In the course of a few minutes, John, with the assistance of Mr. Norton, arranged a plan for a fishing and hunting excursion, upon which, if Micah’s services could be obtained, he was to start the next day.

After inquiring for the most feasible way of transmitting a letter, he retired to relieve the anxiety of his parents by informing them of the success of his journey.  As might have been expected, after a somewhat detailed account of his travels, the remainder of his epistle home was filled with the effervescence of his excitement at having found Mr. Somers, and thus triumphantly accomplished the object of his expedition.

Beneath the flash and foam of John’s youthful spirit, there were depths of hidden tenderness and truth.  He was warmly attached to his uncle.  The difference in age between them was not great, and even that, was considerably diminished by the peculiar traits of each.  John possessed the hardier features of character.  He had developed a strong, determined will and other granite qualities, which promised to make him a tower of defence to those that might shelter themselves beneath his wing.  These traits, contrasting with his own, Mr. Somers appreciated and admired.  They imparted to him a strengthening influence.  John, on the other hand, was charmed with the genial disposition, the mobile and brilliant intellect of his uncle, and the ready sympathy he extended him in his pursuits.  In short, they were drawn together in that peculiar, but not uncommon bond of friendship, symbolized by the old intimacy of the ivy and the oak.

CHAPTER XVI.

THE FLOWER UNFOLDING.

There is nothing in human life more lovely than the transition of a young girl from childhood into womanhood.  It suggests the springtime of the year, when the leaf buds are partly opened and the tender blossoms wave in the genial sunshine; when the colors so airy and delicate are set and the ethereal odors are wafted gently to the senses; when earth and air are filled with sweet prophecies of the ripened splendor of summer.  It is like the moments of early morn, when the newly risen sun throws abroad his light, giving token of the majestic glories of noon-day, while the earth exhales a dewy freshness and the air is enchanted by the songs of birds, just wakened from their nests.  It recalls the overture of a grand musical drama introducing the joyous melodies, the wailing minors, the noble chords and sublime symphonies of the glorious harmony.