A NEW LIFE.


Tide was fortunately high, and the boat containing the Hardys and
the lighter portion of their luggage was able to get up to the
landing place without the carts being called into use. As they
approached the land they were hailed in a hearty voice, and
greetings were exchanged between Mr. Hardy and his friend Mr.
Thompson--a sunburnt-looking man with a great beard--in a Panama
hat and in a suit of spotless white.

"Why, Mrs. Hardy," he said as they landed, "you hardly look a day
older than you did when I last saw you--let me see--fourteen years
ago, just as this big fellow was beginning to walk. And now, if you
please, we will be off as soon as we can, for my estancia is
fifteen miles away. I have made the best arrangements I could for
getting out; but roads are not a strong point in this country, and
we seldom trust ourselves in wheeled vehicles far out of the town.
You told me in your letters, Hardy, that the young people could all
ride. I have horses in any number, and have got in two very quiet
ones, with side-saddles, which I borrowed from some neighbors for
your girls; but if they prefer it, they can ride in the trap with
Mrs. Hardy."

"Oh, no, please," Maud said; "I had much rather ride."

Ethel said nothing, and her mamma saw that she would rather go with
her. Accordingly, Mrs. Hardy, Ethel. Sarah, and some of the lighter
bags were packed into a light carriage, Mr. Thompson himself taking
the reins, as he said he could not trust them to any one but