dive in affright, the unerring shot of a rifle splashed the water on the cheek of the stranger-the body rolled slowly over-the legs stiffened—a sluggi stream of dark blood tainted the surrounding wave --and the ferryman, extending his careless hand, threw the victim to his companion, at the same time addressing a few words to her in their native language.

The guest had little difficulty, in recognising the uncouth form of the ornithorhynchus, or watermole; but he turned with yet more eagerness, towards the spot, whence that shot had proceeded. On the summit of the steep bank, leaning on his rifle, stood Sir Henry Delmé.

His form was still commanding—there was something in the air with which the cap was worn -and in the strap round his Swiss blouse-that bespoke the soldier and the gentleman: but his face was sadly attenuated-the lower jaw appeared to have fallen in-and his hair was very grey.

He received his guest with a cordial and sincere welcome. While the latter delivered his packet,

the native who had warped the punt over, came up with the dead platypus.

"Well, Boomeroo! is it a female?"

"No, massa! full grown—with large spur!" Sir Henry saw that his guest was puzzled by this dialogue, and good-naturedly showed him the distinguishing characteristic of the male ornithorhynchus the spur on the hinder foot, which is hollow, and transmits an envenomed liquid, secreted by a gland on the inner surface of the thigh.

In November, of the year preceding, a burrow of the animal had been opened on the bank of the river, which contained the dam, and three live young ones;—there were many points, yet to be determined relative to its interior organization; and it was on this account, that Sir Henry was anxious to obtain a female specimen at this particular period. As he spoke, Delmé introduced the stranger to his study, which might more aptly be styled a museum ;-applied some spirits of wine to the platypus, and placing it under a bell-glass for the morrow's examination, left him turning

over his collection of birds, while he perused his

valued home letters.

It was with unmixed pleasure, knowing as he did his melancholy history, that the stranger found Sir Henry Delmé engaged in pursuits, which it was evident he was following up with no common enthusiasm. In truth, a mere accidental circumstance, the difficulty of obtaining a vessel at one of the Indian Islands for any port,—had at first brought him to Australia, a country regarding which he had felt little curiosity. The strange varieties, however, of its animal kingdom, had interested him ;—he was struck with the rapid strides that that country has made in half a century-and he continued from month to month to occupy the house where his friend had now found him.

To the stranger's eye, the eye of a novice, the well arranged specimens of birds of the most beautiful plumage-of animals, chiefly marsupial, of the most singular developement-of glittering insects—and of deep coloured shells; were attractive wonders enough; but from the skeletons

beside these, it was quite clear, that Delmé had acquired considerable knowledge as to the internal construction of the animals themselves-that he had studied the subsisting relations, between the mechanism and the movements-the structure, and its varied functions.

After dinner, Sir Henry Delmé, who appeared to think that the bearer of his despatches had conferred on him a lasting favour, threw off his habitual reserve, and delighted and interested him with his tales of foreign travel.

As the night wore on, the conversation reverted to his sister and his home. It was evident, that what remained for the living of that crushed heart, was with Emily and Clarendon, and their children; perhaps more than all, with his young heir and god-son, Henry Delmé Gage. The very colour of that sunny lock of hair, gave rise to much speculation and it seemed as if he would never be wearied, of listening to the minutest description of the dawning of intellect, in a precocious little fellow of barely five years of age.

:

Encouraged by his evident feeling, and observing

many more comforts about him, than he had been led to expect from his previous errant habits; his guest ventured to express his hope, that Sir Henry might yet return to England.

My good friend!" replied he, "for I must call you such now, for I know not when I have experienced such unalloyed satisfaction, as you , have conferred on me this night, by conversing so freely of those I love; I certainly never can forget that I am the last male of an ancient race, and that those who are nearest and dearest to me, are divided from me by a wide waste of waters. I have learnt to suffer with more patience than I had ever hoped for; and, it may be,-although I have hardly breathed the thought to myself—it may yet be accorded me to revisit that ancient chapel, and to dwell once more in that familiar mansion."

His guest was overcome by his emotion, and pressed his hand with warmth, as he made his day's journey the excuse for an early retirement.

Sleep soon visited his eyelids, for the ride, to one fresh from a sea voyage, had brought with it