Upon one occasion, in
reply to some of his self upbraidings, she said, "I think, Robert,
you're ow're hard on yoursel' now, when ye tak the blame o' puir Susie's
death; ye surely canna think itherwise than the dear bairn's time had
come; an' had we bided at hame it would ha' been a' the same; for we
dinna leeve an' dee by chance, and the bounds o' our lives are set by
Him who kens a' things." These consoling words from his sympathising
wife tended to lighten, in some measure, the burden of sorrow which
oppressed his heart. The weather during the latter part of their voyage
was stormy and uncomfortable, and they were truly glad when they at
length reached the Canadian port. At the city of Montreal they parted
with all those who had been their fellow passengers, as all except
themselves were bound for the Upper Province, while they intended
joining their friends in Lower Canada.
In the days of which I am speaking the emigrant's journey from the
city of Montreal to the townships was toilsome in the extreme; and the
same journey, which is now accomplished in a few hours by railway, was
then the work of several days; and the only mode of conveyance for
themselves and their luggage, were the horse-carts hired for the
occasion.
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