1815.
Rug had been at "The Landing" for several hours awaiting the arrival of the Colombo, which was unusually late. His father had written from Quebec to have someone meet him and Abbie with a double-seated waggon on that evening.
The night was extremely dark. A high wind was blowing from the west when the lights of the boat were seen as it rounded the headland on its way to the wharf.
"We have two trunks," said the Chief, after a mutual exchange of greetings. "You had better make them secure to the rack with ropes, for we could ill afford to lose the small one."
"Or the large one either," added Abbie, "for it contains a number of very valuable purchases."
"Abbie contemplates beginning housekeeping soon," said the Chief, as they drove off together.
"The longer she postpones the evil day the better for all parties concerned," muttered Rug, who alighted from the waggon to lead the horses over a treacherous place in the road, which was unsafe enough even in daylight. In addition to the deep ruts worn by vehicles, the road was obstructed by boulders too large to be easily removed, while deep ditches bounded it on either side. Here and there the branches of trees swept their hats off or scratched their faces. It was well that the horses knew the road and that they had a careful driver.
Chilled by her brother's remark, Abbie retorted:
"Is it necessary for me to be constantly bored with such remarks?"
"Yes, it is necessary—unfortunately—if you would be saved from lifelong association with a bore," responded her brother.