The Dingo Boys; or, The Squatters of Wallaby Range, by George ManvilleFenn. 

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A family from England arrive in Australia, where they acquire the cartsand other material needed to set forth and find suitable land to squaton. The family consists of several adults, two young daughters ofaround twenty, and three boys of around sixteen, cousins. There is alsoan old English gardener who has agreed to come out with them. 

On the way up-country they acquire somehow an aboriginal hanger-on, who, however, proves a tower of strength in all sorts of vicissitudes inwhich they find themselves. Because he's black they call him Ashanteeat first, shorten this to Shanter, and then refer to Tam o' Shanter oncertain occasions. 

The adults keep saying they distrust Shanter, but time after time heproves them wrong, and gets them out of situations which appearhopeless, in the typical George Manville Fenn style. 

An interesting read, but you will have to get used to the speech formsused by Shanter, which are in a sort of pidgin cum aboriginal form. Nothing too difficult, though, as plenty of guidance is provided in thetext. 

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THE DINGO BOYS; OR, THE SQUATTERS OF WALLABY RANGE, BY GEORGE MANVILLEFENN. 

CHAPTER ONE. 

"HAVE I DONE RIGHT?"

"Better stay here, squire. Aren't the land good enough for you?"

"Oh yes; the land's good enough, sir. "

"Stop and take up a run close by. If you go yonder, the piggers'll eatyou without salt. "

Here followed a roar of laughter from the party of idlers who were busydoing nothing with all their might, as they lounged about the wharvesand warehouses of Port Haven. 

Emigrants' guide-books said that Port Haven was a busy rising town wellinside the Barrier Reef on the east coast of Northern Australia, andoffered abundant opportunities for intending settlers. 

On this particular sunny morning Port Haven was certainly not "busy, "and if "rising, " it had not risen enough for much of it to be visible. There were a few wooden buildings of a very rough description; there wasa warehouse or two; and an erection sporting a flagstaff and a raggedUnion Jack, whose front edge looked as if the rats had been trying whichtasted best, the red, white, or blue; and upon a rough board nailed overthe door was painted in white letters, about as badly as possible, "Jennings' Hotel;" but the painter had given so much space to"Jennings', " that "Hotel" was rather squeezed, like the accommodationinside; and consequently from a distance, that is to say, from the deckof the ship _Ann Eliza_ of London, Norman Bedford could only make out"Jennings' Hot, " and he drew his brother and cousin's attention to thefact--the `el' being almost invisible. 

"Well, who cares?" cried his brother Raphael. 

"So's everybody else, " said their cousin, Artemus Lake. "I'm melting, and feel as if I was standing in a puddle. But I say, Man, what a placeto call a port!"

"Oh, it doesn't matter, " said Norman. "Of course we're not going tostop here. Are we going to anchor close up to that pier thing?"

"Pier, Master Norman?" said a hard-faced man in a glazed straw hat, "that's the wharf. "

"Gammon! why, it's only a few piles and planks. --I say, Rifle, lookthere. That's a native;" and the boy pointed to a very glossy black, who had been squatting on his heels at the edge of the primitive wharf, but who now rose up, planted the sole of his right foot against the calfof his left leg, and kept himself perpendicular by means of what lookedlike a very thin clothes-prop. 

"If that's a native, " said Raphael, "he has come out of his shell, eh, Tim?"

"Yes, " said Artemus, solemnly. "Australian chief magnificently attiredin a small piece of dirty cotton. "

Captain Bedford, retired officer of the Royal Engineers, a bluff, slightly grey man of fifty, who was answerable as father and godfatherfor the rather formidable names of the three bright, sun-burned, manlylads of fifteen to seventeen--names which the boys had shortened into"Man", "Tim, " and "Rifle"--overheard the conversation and laughed. 

"Yes, that's a native, boys, " he said; "and it is a primitive place, andno mistake, but you're right: we shall only stop here long enough toload up, and then off we go inland, pioneers of the new land. "

Man tossed up his straw hat, and cried "hooray!" his brother joined in, and the sailors forward, who were waiting to warp the great vesselalongside the rough wharf, joined in the cheer, supposing the shout tobe given because, after months of bad weather, they were all safe in asunny port. 

At the cheer three ladies came out of the companionway, followed by ashort, grey, fierce-looking man, who walked eagerly to the group ofboys. 

"Here, what's the matter?" he cried. "Anything wrong?"

"No, uncle, " said Norman. "I only said `Hooray!' because we have gothere safe. "

"Did mamma and the girls come out because we cheered?" said Rifle. "Hallo, here's Aunt Georgie too!"

He ran to the cabin entrance, from which now appeared an elderly lady offifty-five or sixty, busily tying a white handkerchief over her cap, andthis done as the boy reached her, she took out her spectacle-case. 

"What's the matter, Rifle?" she said excitedly. "Is the ship goingdown?"

"No, aunt, going up the river. We're all safe in port. "

"Thank goodness, " said the lady, fervently. "Oh, what a voyage!"

She joined the ladies who had previously come on deck--a tall, grave-looking, refined woman of forty, and two handsome girls of abouttwenty, both very plainly dressed, but whose costume showed the manylittle touches of refinement peculiar to a lady. 

"Well, Marian, I hope Edward is happy now. "

The lady smiled and laid her hand upon Aunt Georgina's arm. 

"Of course he is, dear, and so are we all. Safe in port after all thoselong weeks. "

"I don't see much safety, " said Aunt Georgie, as she carefully arrangedher spectacles, and looked about her. "Bless my heart! what aramshackle place. Surely this isn't Port Haven. "

"Yes; this is Port Haven, good folks, " said Captain Bedford, joiningthem and smiling at the wondering looks of all. 

"Then the man who wrote that book, Edward, ought to be hanged. "

"What's the matter, aunt?" said Norman, who hurried up with his cousin. 

"Matter, my dear? Why, that man writing his rubbish and deluding yourpoor father into bringing us to this horrible, forsaken-looking place!"

"Forsaken?" cried Captain Bedford, "not at all. We've just come to it. Why, what more do you want? Bright sunshine, a glittering river, wavingtrees, a glorious atmosphere, and dear old Dame Nature smiling awelcome. --What do you say, Jack?"

The sharp, irritable-looking man had joined them, and his face lookedperplexed, the more so as he noted that the girls were watching him, andevidently hanging upon his answer. 

"Eh?" he cried; "yes; a welcome, of course. She's glad to see ourbonnie lassies fresh from Old England. Here, Ned, give me a cigar. "

"Thank you, Jack, old fellow, " whispered the captain, as he took out hiscase. "For Heaven's sake help me to keep up the poor women's spirits. I'm afraid it will be very rough for them at first. "

"Rough? Scarifying, " said Uncle John Munday, puffing away at his cigar. "No business to have come. "

"Jack! And you promised to help me and make the best of things. "

"Going to, " said Uncle Jack; "but I didn't say I wouldn't pitch into youfor dragging us all away from--"

"Bloomsbury Square, my dears, " said Aunt Georgie just then. "Yes, if Ihad known, you would not have made me move from Bloomsbury Square. "

"Where you said you should die of asthma, you ungrateful old woman. This climate is glorious. "

"Humph!" said Aunt Georgie. 

"Well, girls, " cried the captain, passing his arms round his daughterand niece's waists, "what do you think of it?"

"Well, papa, I hardly know, " said Ida. 

"This can't be all of it, uncle?" said the other girl. 

"Every bit of it, my pet, at present; but it will grow like a mushroom. Why, there's an hotel already. We had better get ashore, Jack, andsecure rooms. "

"No, " said Uncle Jack, decisively, as he watched a party ofrough-looking idlers loafing out of the place, "we'll arrange with thecaptain to let us stay on board till we go up-country. Rather a shabbylot here, Ned. "

"Um! yes, " said Captain Bedford, smiling at the appearance of some ofthe men as they gathered on the wharf. 

"Better stay here, I say; the women will be more comfortable. As we aregoing up the country, the sooner we load up and get off the better. German and I and the boys will camp ashore so as to look after thetackle. "

"Yes, and I'll come too. "

"No, " said Uncle Jack; "your place is with your wife and the girls. "

"Perhaps you are right, " said the captain, as he stood watching thesailors busily lowering a boat to help to moor the great, tall-mastedship now sitting like a duck on the smooth waters of the river, aftermonths of a stormy voyage from England, when for days the passengerscould hardly leave the deck. And as he watched the men, and his eyeswandered inland toward where he could see faint blue mountains beyonddark green forests, he asked himself whether he had done right inrealising the wreck of his property left after he had been nearly ruinedby the proceedings of a bankrupt company, and making up his mind atfifty to start afresh in the Antipodes, bringing his wife, daughter, andniece out to what must prove to be a very rough life. 

"Have I done right?" he said softly; "have I done right?"

"Yes, " said a voice close to him; and his brother's hand was laid uponhis arm. "Yes, Ned, and we are going to make the best of it. "

"You think so, Jack?" said the captain, eagerly. 

"Yes. I was dead against it at first. "

"You were. "

"Horribly. It meant giving up my club--our clubs, and at our time oflife working like niggers, plunging into all kinds of discomforts andworries; but, please God, Ned, it's right. It will be a healthy, natural life for us all, and the making of those three boys in this newland. "

Captain Bedford grasped his brother's hand; but he could not speak. Thecomfort given by those words, though, was delightful and his face lit updirectly with a happy smile, as he saw the excitement of the three boys, all eager to begin the new life. 

He looked a little more serious though, as his eyes lit on the party ofladies fresh from a life of ease; but his countenance brightened againas he thought of how they would lighten the loads of those ill able tobear them. "And it will be a happy, natural life for us all. Free fromcare, and with only the troubles of labour in making the new home. "

But Captain Bedford was letting his imagination run. More troubles wereahead than his mind conceived, and directly after he began making plansfor their start. 

CHAPTER TWO. 

"WE'RE OFF NOW. "

Busy days succeeded during which every one worked hard, except thepeople of Port Haven. The captain of the ship hurried on his people asmuch as was possible, but the sailors obtained little assistance fromthe shore. They landed, however, the consignments of goods intended forthe speculative merchant, who had started in business in what he calledsundries; two great chests for the young doctor, who had begun lifewhere he had no patients, and passed his time in fishing; and sundryhuge packages intended for a gentleman who had taken up land justoutside the town, as it was called, where he meant to startsugar-planting. 

But the chief task of the crew was the getting up from the hold andlanding of Captain Bedford's goods; and these were so varied andextensive that the inhabitants came down to the wharf every day to lookon as if it were an exhibition. 

Certainly they had some excuse, for the captain had gone to work inrather a wholesale way, and the ship promised to be certainly a littlelighter when she started on her way to her destination, a port a hundredmiles farther along the coast. 

For, setting aside chests and packing-cases sufficient to make quite astack which was nightly covered with a great wagon cloth, there were awagon and two carts of a light peculiar make, bought from a famousEnglish manufacturer. Then there were tubs of various sizes, allheavily laden, bundles of tent and wagon cloths, bales of sacking andcoarse canvas, and crates of agricultural machinery and tools, on all ofwhich, where they could see them, the little crowd made comments, and atlast began to make offers for different things, evidently imbued withthe idea that they were brought out on speculation. 

The refusals, oft repeated, to part with anything, excited at last nolittle resentment, one particularly shabby, dirty-looking man, who hadbeen pointed out as a squatter--though that term ought certainly to havebeen applied to the black, who was the most regular and patient of thewatchers--going so far as to say angrily that if stores were broughtthere they ought to be for sale. 

These heavy goods were the last to be landed, for after making a bargainwith the gentleman whose name appeared in such large letters on thefront of his great wooden shanty, four horses, as many bullocks, all ofcolonial breed, bought at Sydney where the vessel touched, half a dozenpigs, as many sheep, and a couple of cows brought from England, werelanded and driven into an ill-fenced enclosure which Mr Jennings calledhis "medder, " and regularly fed there, for the landlord's meadow wasmarked by an almost entire absence of grass. 

Day by day, these various necessaries for a gentleman farmer's homeup-country were landed and stacked on the wharf, the boys, Uncle John, and Samuel German--"Sourkrout, " Norman had christened him--under theadvice of the captain seeing to everything, and toiling away in the hotsunshine from morning to night. 

At last all the captain's belongings were landed, and the nextproceeding was to obtain half a dozen more bullocks for draughtpurposes, and two or three more horses. 

These were found at last by means of the young doctor, who seemed readyto be very civil and attentive, but met with little encouragement. After the landlord had declared that neither horse nor ox could beobtained there, the doctor took Captain Bedford about a couple of milesup the river, and introduced him to the young sugar-planter, who eagerlysupplied what was required, not for the sake of profit, but, as he said, to do a stranger a kindly turn. 

"Going up the country, then, are you?" he said. "Hadn't you better takeup land where you can get help if you want it?"

"No, " said the captain, shortly. "I have made my plans. "

"Well, perhaps you are right, sir, " said the sugar-planter, who was, inspite of his rough colonial aspect and his wild-looking home, thoroughlygentlemanly. "You will have the pick of the land, and can select asgood a piece as you like. I shall look you up some day. "

"Thank you, " said the captain, coldly; "but I daresay I shall be manymiles up the river. "

"Oh, we think nothing of fifty or a hundred miles out here, sir, " saidthe young squatter, merrily. "Your boys will not either, when you'vebeen up yonder a month. Come and see me, lads, when you like. One'sglad of a bit of company sometimes. "

They parted and walked back, driving their new acquisitions, and weregetting on very badly, from the disposition on the part of the bullocksto return to their old home, when the black already described suddenlymade his appearance from where he had been squatting amongst somelow-growing bushes; and as soon as he stepped out into the track withhis long stick, which was supposed to be a spear, bullocks and horsesmoved on at once in the right direction, and perhaps a little too fast. 

"The cattle don't like the blacks as a rule. They are afraid of thespears, " said the doctor. 

"Why?" asked Norman. 

"The blacks spear them--hurl spears at the poor brutes. "

"Black fellow, " said the shiny, unclothed native sharply, "spear umbullockum. "

"Why, he can speak English, " said Rifle, sharply. 

"Oh yes, he has hung about here for a long time now, and picked it upwonderfully. --You can talk English, can't you, Ashantee?"

The black showed his teeth to the gums. 

"What's his name?" asked Artemus, otherwise Tim. 

"Oh, that's only the name I gave him, because he is so black--Ashantee. "

"Eh, you want Shanter?" cried the black sharply. 

"No; but mind and drive those bullocks and horses down to Jennings', andthe gentleman will give you sixpence. "

"You give Shanter tickpence?" he cried eagerly, as he lowered his roughshock-head and peered in the captain's face. 

"Yes, if you drive them carefully. "

"Hoo!" shouted the black, leaping from the ground, and then bursting outwith a strange noise something between a rapid repetition of the wordwallah and the gobbling of a turkey-cock; and then seeing that the boyslaughed he repeated the performance, waved his clumsy spear over hishead, and made a dash at the bullocks, prodding them in the ribs, administering a poke or two to the horses, and sending them off at agallop toward the port. 

"No, no, no, stop him!" cried the captain; and the three boys rushed offafter the black, who stopped for them to overtake him. 

"What a matter--what a matter?" he said coolly, as they caught andsecured him. 

"Mind he don't come off black, Tim, " cried Norman. 

"Black? All black, " cried the Australian. "White, all white. Notwhite many. "

"That's not the way to drive cattle, " cried the young doctor, as he cameup with the captain. 

"Not give tickpence drive bullockum?"

"Yes, if you are careful. Go slowly. "

"Go slowly. "

"No. Bullockum 'top eat grass. Never get along. "

"You'll make them too hot, " said Rifle. 

"No, no, " shouted the black; "no can get too hot. No clothes. "

"Send the fellow about his business, " said the captain; "we'll drive thecattle ourselves. Good lesson for you, boys. --Here you are, Shanter. "

He took out a bright little silver coin, and held it out to the black, who made a snatch at it, but suddenly altered his mind. 

"No, not done drive bullockum. Wait bit. "

He started off after the cattle again, but evidently grasped what wasmeant, and moved steadily along with the three boys beside him, and hekept on turning his shiny, bearded, good-humoured face from one to theother, and displaying a perfect set of the whitest of teeth. 

"Seems ruin, doesn't it?" said Tim, after they had gone steadily on forsome time in silence--a silence only broken by a bellow from one of thebullocks. 

"Hear um 'peak?" cried the black. 

"What, the bullock?" said Rifle. 

The black nodded. 

"Say don't want to go along. Shanter make um go. "

"No, no, don't hunt them. "

"No, " cried the black, volubly; "hunt wallaby--hunt ole man kangaroo. "

He grinned, and holding his hands before him, began to leap along thetrack in a wonderfully clever imitation of that singular animal lastnamed, with the result that the horses snorted, and the bullocks set uptheir tails, and increased their pace. 

"Be quiet!" cried Norman, whose eyes ran tears with laughter. "Yes, youare right, Tim. He is a rum one. "

"I meant it seems rum to be walking along here with a real black fellow, and only the other day at Harrow. "

"Black fellow?" cried their companion. "Hi! black fellow. "

He threw himself into an attitude that would have delighted a sculptor, holding back his head, raising his spear till it was horizontal, andthen pretending to throw it; after which he handed it quickly to Norman, and snatched a short knobbed stick from where it was stuck through theback of the piece of kangaroo skin he wore. 

With this in his hand he rushed forward, and went through the pantomimeof a fierce fight with an enemy, whom he seemed to chase and then caughtand killed by repeated blows with the nulla-nulla he held in his hand, finishing off by taking a run and hurling it at another retreatingenemy, the club flying through the air with such accuracy that he hitone of the horses by the tail, sending it off at a gallop. 

"Norman! Rifle!" cried the captain from far behind; "don't let thatfellow frighten those horses. "

"I--I--can't help it, father, " cried the boy, who was roaring withlaughter. 

"Tink Shanter funny?" cried the black; and he gave vent to thewallah-wallah noise again. 

"Yes, you're a rum beggar, " said Rifle, who looked upon him as if hewere a big black child. 

"Yes; Shanter rum beggar, " said the black, with a satisfied smile, as ifpleased with the new title; but he turned round fiercely directly after, having in his way grasped the meaning of the words but incorrectly. 

"No, no, " he said eagerly; "Shanter no rum beggar. No drunkum rum. Bah! ugh! Bad, bad, bad!"

He went through an excited pantomime expressive of horror and disgust, and shook his head furiously. "Shanter no rum beggar. "

"I meant funny, " said Rifle. 

"Eh? Funny? Yes, lot o' fun. "

"You make me laugh, " continued Rifle. 

"Eh? make um laugh? No make black fellow laugh. Break um head dreffle, dreffle. No like black fellow. "

In due time they were close up to the hotel, where, the boys havingtaken down the rails, the new purchases made no scruple about allowingthemselves to be driven in to join the rest of the live-stock, afterwhich Shanter went up to the captain. 

"Get tickpence, " he cried, holding out his hand. 

The coin was given, and thrust into the black's cheek. 

"Just like a monkey at the zoological, " said Norman, as he watched theblack, who now went to the wharf, squatted down, and stared at thestern, sour-looking man--the captain's old servant--who was keepingguard over the stack of chests, crates, and bales. 

The next thing was the arranging for the loan of a wagon from thelandlord, upon the understanding that it was to be sent back as soon aspossible. After which the loading up commenced, the new arrivalsperforming all themselves, the inhabitants of the busy place watching, not the least interested spectator being the black, who seemed to bewondering why white men took so much trouble and made themselves so hot. 

One wagon was already packed by dusk, and in the course of the next daythe other and the carts were piled high, the captain, from his oldsapper-and-miner experience, being full of clever expedients for movingand raising weights with rollers, levers, block and fall, very much tothe gratification of the dirty-looking man, who smoked and gave it ashis opinion that the squire was downright clever. 

"Your father was quite right, boys, " said Uncle Jack, as the sheets weretightened over the last wagon. "We could not stop anywhere near suchneighbours as these. "

Then came the time when all was declared ready. Seats had beencontrived behind the wagons; saddles, ordinary and side, unpacked forthe horses; the tent placed in the care which bore the provisions, everything, in short, thought of by the captain, who had had some littleexperience of expeditions in India when with an army; and at last onemorning the horses were put to cart and wagon, one of which was drawn bythree yoke of oxen; every one had his or her duty to perform inconnection with the long caravan, and after farewells had been said totheir late companions on board ship and to the young doctor and thesugar-planter, all stood waiting for the captain to give the word tostart. 

Just then the doctor came up with his friend of the plantation. 

"You will not think me impertinent, Captain Bedford, if I say thatHenley here advises that you should keep near to the river valley, justaway from the wood, so as to get good level land for your wagons. "

"Certainly not; I am obliged, " said the captain quietly. 

"He thinks, too, that you will find the best land in the river bottom. "

"Of course, of course, " said the captain. "Good-day, gentlemen; I ammuch obliged. "

"If you want any little service performed, pray send, " said the doctor;"we will execute any commission with pleasure. "

"I will ask you if I do, " said the captain; and the two young men raisedtheir hats and drew back. 

"Father doesn't like men to be so civil, " said Man. 

"No; he doesn't like strangers, " whispered back Rifle. 

"Of course he doesn't, " said Tim, in the same low voice. "It wasn'tgenuine friendliness. "

"What do you mean?" said Man. 

"Why, they wouldn't have been so full of wanting to do things for us ifit had not been for the girls. They couldn't keep their eyes off them. "

"Like their impudence, " said Rifle, indignantly. 

"Of course. Never thought of that, " cried Man. 

Just then the captain, a double-barrelled rifle in his hand, and wellmounted, was giving a final look round, when the dirty-looking fellowlounged up with about a dozen more, and addressed him as duly set downat the beginning of the first chapter. 

But the laughter was drowned by the sound of wheels and the trampling ofhoofs; the wagons and carts moved off, each with a boy for driver, andUncle Munday came last, mounted like his brother, to act the part ofherdsman, an easy enough task, for the cattle and spare horses followedthe wagons quietly enough after the fashion of gregarious beasts. 

The little caravan had gone on like this for about a mile along a trackwhich was growing fainter every hundred yards, when Man Bedford gave hiswhip a crack, and turned to look back toward the sea. 

"We're off now, and no mistake, " he said to himself. "What fun to seeUncle John driving cattle like that! why, we ought to have had MasterAshantee--Tam o' Shanter--to do that job. I wonder whether we shall seeany fellows up the country as black as he. "

His brother and cousin were musing in a similar way, and all ended bythinking that they were off on an adventure that ought to proveexciting, since it was right away west into an almost unknown land. 

CHAPTER THREE. 

"ARE YOU AFRAID?"

After the first few miles the tracks formed by cattle belonging to thesettlers at Port Haven disappeared, and the boys, though still full ofexcited anticipations, gazed with something like awe at thefar-spreading park-like land which grew more beautiful at every step. To their left lay the winding trough-like hollow along which the riverran toward the sea; away to their right the land rose and rose till itformed hills, and beyond them mountains, while higher mountains rose faraway in front toward which they made their way. 

For the first hour or two the task of driving was irksome, but once wellstarted the little caravan went on easily enough, for it soon becameevident that if one of the laden carts was driven steadily on in front, the horses and bullocks would follow so exactly that they would almosttread in their leader's feet-marks, and keep the wheels of cart and wainpretty well in the ruts made by those before. As to the cattle UncleMunday drove, they all followed as a matter of course, till a pleasantglade was reached close by the river, where it was decided to stop forthe mid-day halt. Here carts and wagons were drawn up in a row, thecattle taken out, and after making their way to a convenient drinkingplace, they settled down to graze on the rich grass with perfectcontent. 

Meanwhile, to Norman's great disgust, he and Artemus were planted at adistance in front and rear to act as sentries. 

"But there isn't anything to keep watch over, " said the elder boy inremonstrance. 

"How do you know, sir?" cried the captain, sharply. "Recollect this--both of you--safety depends upon our keeping a good look-out. I do notthink the blacks will molest us, but I have been a soldier, Man, and asoldier always behaves in peace as he would in war. "

"More blacks in London, " said Tim, as they moved off to take up theirpositions on a couple of eminences, each about a quarter of a mile away. 

"Yes, " replied Man, who was somewhat mollified on finding that he was tokeep guard with a loaded gun over his shoulder. "I say, though, doesn'tit seem queer that nobody lives out here, and that father can come andpick out quite a big estate, and then apply to the government and haveit almost for nothing?"

"It does, " said Tim; "but I should have liked to stop in camp to havedinner. "

"Oh, they'll send us something, and--look, look--what are those?"

A flock of great white cockatoos flew nearly over their heads, shriekingat them hoarsely, and went on toward the trees beyond the camp. 

"I say, doesn't it seem rum? They're cockatoos. "

"Wild, and never saw a cage in their lives. "

"And we never fired and brought them down, and all the time with guns onour shoulders. Look!"

"Father's waving to us to separate. I daresay they'll send us somethingto eat. "

The boys separated and went off to their posts, while smoke began torise in the little camp, the tin kettle was filled and suspended overthe wood fire, and Aunt Georgie brought out of their baggage thecanister of tea and bag of sugar set apart for the journey. 

Bread they had brought with them, and a fair amount of butter, but acask of flour was so packed that it could be got at when wanted forforming into damper, in the making of which the girls had taken lessonsof a settler's wife at the port. 

In making his preparations Captain Bedford had, as hinted, been governeda good deal by old campaigning experience, and this he brought to bearon the journey. 

"Many things may seem absurd, " he said, "and out of place to you women, such for instance as my planting sentries. "

"Well, yes, " said Aunt Georgie, "it's like playing at soldiers. Let theboys come and have some lunch. "

"No, " said the captain; "it is not playing: we are invaders of a hostilecountry, and must be on our guard. "

"Good gracious!" cried Aunt Georgic, looking nervously round; "you don'tmean that we shall meet with enemies?"

"I hope not, " said the captain; "but we must be prepared in case we do. "

"Yes; nothing like being prepared, " said Uncle Munday. "Here, give mesomething to eat, and I'll go on minding my beasts. "

"They will not stray, " said the captain, "so you may rest in peace. "

It was, all declared, a delightful _alfresco_ meal under the shade ofthe great tree they had selected, and ten times preferable to one onboard the ship, whose cabin had of late been unbearably hot and pervadedby an unpleasant odour of molten pitch. 

To the girls it was like the beginning of a delightful picnic, for theyhad ridden so far on a couple of well-broken horses, their path had beensoft grass, and on every side nature looked beautiful in the extreme. 

Their faces shone with the pleasure they felt so far, but Mrs Bedford'scountenance looked sad, for she fully grasped now the step that had beentaken in cutting themselves adrift from the settlers at the port. Shehad heard the bantering words of the man when they started, and theysent a chill through her as she pictured endless dangers, though at thesame time she mentally agreed with her husband that solitude would befar preferable to living among such neighbours as the people at theport. 

She tried to be cheerful under the circumstances, arguing that therewere three able and brave men to defend her and her niece and daughter, while the boys were rapidly growing up; but, all the same, her facewould show that she felt the risks of the bold step her husband wastaking, and his precautions added to her feeling of in security andalarm. 

In a very short time Rifle had finished his meal, and looked at theirman German, who was seated a little way apart munching away at bread andcheese like a two-legged ruminant. He caught the boy's eye, grunted, and rose at once. 

"Shall we relieve guard, father?" said Rifle. 

"No, but you may carry a jug of tea to the outposts, " was the reply; andafter this had been well-sweetened by Aunt Georgie, the boy went off tohis cousin Tim, not because he was the elder, but on account of hisbeing a visitor in their family, though one of very old standing. 

"Well, " he cried, as he approached Tim, who was gazing intently at apatch of low scrubby trees a short distance off; "seen the enemy?"

"Yes, " said the boy, in a low earnest whisper. "I was just going togive warning when I saw you comma. "

Rifle nearly dropped the jug, and his heart beat heavily. 

"I say, you don't mean it?" he whispered. 

"Yes, I do. First of all I heard something rustle close by me, and Isaw the grass move, and there was a snake. "

"How big?" cried Rifle, excitedly; "twenty feet?"

"No. Not eight, but it looked thick, and I watched it, meaning to shootif it showed fight, but it went away as hard as ever it could go. "

"A snake--eight feet long!" cried Rifle, breathlessly. "I say, we areabroad now, Tim. Why didn't you shoot it?"

"Didn't try to do me any harm, " replied Tim, "and there was somethingelse to look at. "

"Eh? What?"

"Don't look at the wood, Rifle, or they may rush out and throw spears atus. "

"Who?--savages?" whispered Rifle. 

"Yes; there are some of them hiding in that patch of trees. "

"Nonsense! there isn't room. "

"But I saw something black quite plainly. Shall I fire?"

"No, " said Rifle, stoutly. "It would look so stupid if it was a falsealarm. I was scared at first, but I believe now that it's all fancy. "

"It isn't, " said Tim in a tone full of conviction; "and it would be everso much more stupid to be posted here as sentry and to let the enemycome on us without giving the alarm. "

"Rubbish! There is no enemy, " cried Rifle. 

"Then why did my uncle post sentries?"

"Because he's a soldier, " cried the other. "Here, have some tea. Itisn't too hot now, and old Man's signalling for his dose. "

"I can't drink tea now, " said Tim, huskily. "I'm sure there's somebodythere. "

"Then let's go and see. "

Tim was silent. 

"What, are you afraid?" said his cousin. 

"No. Are you?"

"Don't ask impertinent questions, " replied Rifle shortly. "Will youcome?"

For answer Tim cocked his piece, and the two boys advanced over thethick grass toward the patch of dense scrub, their hearts beatingheavily as they drew nearer, and each feeling that, if he had beenalone, he would have turned and run back as hard as ever he could. 

But neither could show himself a coward in the other's eyes, and theywalked on step by step, more and more slowly, in the full expectation ofseeing a dozen or so of hostile blacks spring to their feet from theirhiding-place, and charge out spear in hand. 

The distance was short, but it seemed to them very long, and with eyesroving from bush to bush, they went on till they were close to the firstpatch of trees, the rest looking more scattered as they drew nearer, when all at once there was a hideous cry, which paralysed them for themoment, and Tim stood with his gun half raised to his shoulder, searching among the trees for the savage who had uttered the yell. 

Another followed, with this time a beating of wings, and an ugly-lookingblack cockatoo flew off, while Rifle burst into a roar of laughter. 

"Why didn't you shoot the savage?" he cried. "Here, let's go rightthrough the bushes and back. Perhaps we shall see some more. "

Tim drew a deep breath full of relief, and walked forward without aword, passing through the patch and back to where the tea-jug had beenleft. 

Here he drank heartily, and wiped his brow, while Rifle filled the mug asecond time. 

"You may laugh, " he said, "but it was a horrible sensation to feel thatthere were enemies. "

"Poll parrots, " interrupted Rifle. 

"Enemies watching you, " said Tim with a sigh. "I say, Rifle, don't youfeel nervous coming right out here where there isn't a soul?"

"I don't know--perhaps. It does seem lonely. But not half so lonely asstanding on deck looking over the bulwarks on a dark night far out atsea. "

"Yes; that did seem terrible, " said Tim. 

"But we got used to it, and we _must_ get used to this. More tea?"

"No, thank you. "

"Then I'm off. "

With the jug partly emptied, Rifle was able to run to the open part, where Man greeted him with:

"I say, what a while you've been. See some game over yonder?"

"No; but Tim thought there were savages in that bit of wood. "

"What! and you two went to see?"

"Yes. "

"You were stupid. Why, they might have speared you. "

"Yes; but being a sentry, Tim thought we ought to search the trees andsee, and being so brave we went to search the place. "

He was pouring out some tea in the mug as he said the above, and hisbrother looked at him curiously. 

"You're both so what?" cried Man, with a mocking laugh. "Why, I'll bebound to say--" _glug_, _glug_, _glug_, _glug_--"Oh, I was so thirsty. That was good, " he sighed holding out the mug for more. 

"What are you bound to say?" said Rifle, refilling the mug. 

"That you both of you never felt so frightened before in your life. Come now, didn't you?"

"Well, I did feel a bit uneasy, " said Rifle, importantly; but he avoidedhis brother's eye. 

"Uneasy, eh?" said Man; "well, I call it frightened. "

"You would have been if it had been you. "

"Of course I should, " replied Man. "I should have run for camp like ashot. "

Rifle looked at him curiously. 

"No; you wouldn't, " he said. 

"Oh, shouldn't I. Catch me stopping to let the blacks make a target ofme. I should have run as hard as I could. "

"That's what I thought, " said Rifle, after a pause; "but I couldn'tturn. I was too much frightened. "

"What, did your knees feel all shivery-wiggle?"

"No; it wasn't that. I was afraid of Tim thinking I was a coward, andso I went on with him, and found it was only a black cockatoo that hadfrightened him, but I was glad when it was all over. You'd have donethe same, Man. "

"Would I?" said the lad, dubiously. "I don't know. Aren't you going tohave a drop yourself?"

Rifle poured the remains of the tea into the mug, and gave it a twistround. 

"I say, " he said, to change the conversation, which was not pleasant tohim, "as soon as we get settled down at the farm, I shall vote for ourhaving milk with our tea. "

"Cream, " cried Man. "I'm tired of ship tea and nothing in it but sugar. Hist! look there. "

His brother swung round and followed the direction of Man's pointingfinger, to where in the distance they could see some animals feedingamong the grass. 

"Rabbits!" cried the boy eagerly. 

"Nonsense!" said Man; "they're too big. Who ever saw rabbits thatsize?"

"Well, hares then, " said Rifle, excitedly. "I say, why not shoot one?"

Norman made no answer, but stood watching the animals as, with long earserect, they loped about among the long grass, taking a bite here and abite there. 

Just then a shrill whistle came from the camp, and at the sound theanimals sat up, and then in a party of about a dozen, went bounding overthe tall grass and bushes at a rapid rate, which kept the boys watchingthem, till they caught sight of Tim making for the party beneath thetree, packing up, and preparing to continue the journey. 

"Now, boys, saddle up, " cried the captain. "See the kangaroos?"

"Of course, cried Norman; we ought to have known, but the grass hidtheir legs. I thought their ears were not long enough for rabbits. "

"Rabbits six feet high!" said the captain, smiling. 

"Six what, father?" cried Norman. 

"Feet high, " said the captain; "some of the males are, when they sit upon their hind-legs, and people say that they are sometimes dangerouswhen hunted. I daresay we shall know more about them by-and-by. --Whatmade you go forward, Tim, when Rifle came to you--to look at thekangaroos?"

"No, uncle; I thought I saw blacks amongst the bushes. "

"Well, next time, don't advance, but retire. They are clever with theirspears, and I don't want you to be hit. "

He turned quickly, for he heard a sharp drawing of the breath behindhim, and there was Mrs Bedford, with a look of agony on her face, forshe had heard every word. 

"But the blacks will not meddle with us if we do not meddle with them, "he continued quickly; though he was conscious that his words had notconvinced his wife. 

He went close up to her. 

"Come, " he whispered, "is this being brave and setting the boys a goodexample?"

"I am trying, dear, " she whispered back, "so hard you cannot tell. "

"Yes, I can, " he replied tenderly; "I know all you suffer, but try andbe stout-hearted. Some one must act as a pioneer in a new country. Iam trying to be one, and I want your help. Don't discourage me by beingfaint-hearted about trifles, and fancying dangers that may never come. "

Mrs Bedford pressed her husband's hand, and half an hour later, and allin the same order, the little caravan was once more in motion, slowlybut very surely, the country growing still more beautiful, and allfeeling, when they halted in a beautiful glade that evening, and in themidst of quite a little scene of excitement the new tent was put up forthe first time, that they had entered into possession of a new Eden, where all was to be happiness and peace. 

A fire was soon lit, and mutton steaks being frizzled, water wasfetched; the cattle driven to the river, and then to pasture, after thewagons and carts had been disposed in a square about the tent. Then adelicious meal was eaten, watch set, and the tired travellers watchedthe creeping on of the dark shadows, till all the woodland about themwas intensely black, and the sky seemed to be one blaze of starsglittering like diamonds, or the sea-path leading up to the moon. 

It had been decided that all would go to rest in good time, so that theymight breakfast at dawn, and get well on in the morning before the sungrew hot; but the night was so balmy, and everything so peaceful andnew, that the time went on, and no one stirred. 

The fire had been made up so that it might smoulder all through thenight, and the great kettle had been filled and placed over it ready forthe morning; and then they all sat upon box, basket, and rug spread uponthe grass, talking in a low voice, listening to the _crop_, _crop_ ofthe cattle, and watching the stars or the trees lit up now and then bythe flickering flames of the wood fire; till all at once, unasked, as ifmoved by the rippling stream hard by, Ida began to sing in a low voicethe beautiful old melody of "Flow on, thou Shining River, " and Hestertook up the second part of the duet till about half through, the musicsounding wonderfully sweet and solemn out in those primeval groves, whensuddenly Hester ceased singing, and sat with lips apart gazing straightbefore her. 

"Hetty, " cried Ida, ceasing, "what is it?" Then, as if she had caughtsight of that which had checked her Cousin's singing, she uttered a wildand piercing shriek, and the men and boys sprang to their feet, thecaptain making a dash for the nearest gun. 

CHAPTER FOUR. 

"WHITE MARY 'GIN TO SING. "

"What is it--what did you see?" was whispered by more than one in themidst of the intense excitement; and just then German, who had beencollecting dry fuel ready to use for the smouldering embers in themorning, did what might have proved fatal to the emigrants. 

He threw half an armful of dry brushwood on the fire, with the resultthat there was a loud crackling sound, and a burst of brilliant flamewhich lit up a large circle round, throwing up the figures of the littleparty clearly against the darkness, ready for the spears of the blackswho might be about to attack them. 

"Ah!" shouted Uncle Jack, and seizing a blanket which had been spreadover the grass, where the girls had been seated, he threw it right overthe fire, and in an instant all was darkness. 

But the light had spread out long enough for the object which hadstartled Hetty to be plainly seen. For there, twenty yards away infront of a great gum-tree, stood a tall black figure with its gleamingeyes fixed upon the group, and beneath those flaming eyes a set of whiteteeth glistened, as if savagely, in the glow made by the blaze. 

"Why, it's Ashantee, " cried Norman, excitedly; and he made a rush at thespot where he had seen the strange-looking figure, and came upon itwhere it stood motionless with one foot against the opposite leg, andthe tall stick or spear planted firmly upon the ground. 

_Click_, _click_! came from the captain's gun, as he ran forwardshouting, "Quick, all of you, into the tent!"

"What are you doing here?" cried Norman, as he grasped the black's arm. 

"Tickpence. Got tickpence, " was the reply. 

Norman burst into a roar of laughter, and dragged the black forward. 

"Hi! father. I've taken a prisoner, " he cried. --"But I say, uncle, thatblanket's burning. What a smell!"

"No, no, don't take it off, " said the captain; "let it burn now. "

Uncle Munday stirred the burning blanket about with a stick, and itblazed up furiously, the whole glade being lit up again, and thetrembling women tried hard to suppress the hysterical sobs whichstruggled for utterance in cries. 

"Why, you ugly scoundrel!" cried the captain fiercely, as hanging backin a half-bashful manner the black allowed himself to be dragged rightup to the light, "what do you mean? How dare you come here?"

"Tick pence, " said the black. "You gib tickpence. "

"Gib tickpence, you sable-looking unclothed rascal!" cried the captain, whose stern face relaxed. "Thank your stars that I didn't give you acharge of heavy shot. "

"Tickpence. Look!"

"Why, it's like a conjuring trick, " cried Norman, as the native joinedthem. "Look at him. "

To produce a little silver coin out of one's pockets is an easy feat;but Ashantee brought out his sixpence apparently from nowhere, held itout between his black finger and thumb in the light for a minute, sothat all could see, and then in an instant it had disappeared again, andhe clapped his foot with quite a smack up against his leg again, andshowed his teeth as he went on. 

"White Mary 'gin to sing. Wee-eak!" he cried, with a perfect imitationof the cry the poor girl had uttered. "Pipum crow 'gin to sing morrowmornum. "

He let his spear fall into the hollow of his arm, and placing both handsto his mouth, produced a peculiarly deep, sweet-toned whistle, whichsounded as if somebody were incorrectly running up the notes of a chord. 

"Why, I heard some one whistling like that this morning early, " criedTim. 

"Pipum crow, " said the black again, and he repeated the notes, butchanged directly with another imitation, that of a peculiarly harshbraying laugh, which sounded weird and strange in the still night air. 

"Most accomplished being!" said Uncle Munday, sarcastically. 

"Laughum Jackamarass, " said the black; and he uttered the absurd cryagain. 

"Why, I heard that this morning!" cried Rifle. "It was you that madethe row?"

"Laughum Jackamarass, " said the black importantly. "Sung in um bush. You gib Shanter tickpence. You gib damper?"

"What does he mean?" said Uncle Jack. "Hang him, he gave us a damper. "

"Hey? Damper?" cried the black, and he smacked his lips and began torub the lower part of his chest in a satisfied way. 

"He wants a piece of bread, " said the captain. --"Here, aunt, cut him alump and let's get rid of him. There is no cause for alarm. I supposehe followed us to beg, but I don't want any of his tribe. "

"Oh, my dear Edward, no, " cried Aunt Georgie. "I don't want to see anymore of the dreadful black creatures. --Here, chimney-sweep, come here. "

As she spoke, she opened the lid of a basket, and drew from its sheath abroad-bladed kitchen knife hung to a thin leather belt, which bore aclasped bag on the other side. 

"Hi crikey!" shouted the black in alarm, his _repertoire_ of Englishwords being apparently stored with choice selections taught him by thesettlers. "Big white Mary going killancookaneatum. "

"What does the creature mean?" said Aunt Georgie, who had not caught theblack's last compound word. 

"No, no, " said Norman, laughing. "She's going to cut you some damper, Shanter. "

"Ho! mind a knife--mind a knife, " said the black; and he approachedwarily. 

"He thought you were going to kill and cook him, aunt, " said the boy, who was in high glee at the lady's disgust. 

"I thought as much, " cried Aunt Georgie; "then the wretch is a cannibal, or he would never have had such nasty ideas. --Ob, Edward, what were youthinking about to bring us into such a country!"

"Bio white Mary gib damper?" asked the black insinuatingly. 

"Not a bit, " said Aunt Georgie, making a menacing chop with the knife, which made the black leap back into a picturesque attitude, with hisrough spear poised as if he were about to hurl it. 

"Quick, Edward!--John!" cried Aunt Georgie, sheltering her face with herarms. "Shoot the wretch; he's going to spear me. "

"Nonsense! Cut him some bread and let him go. You threatened him firstwith the knife. "

The whole party were roaring with laughter now at the puzzled faces ofAunt Georgina and the black, who now lowered his spear. 

"Big white Mary want to kill Shanter?" he said to Rifle. 

"No; what nonsense!" cried Aunt Georgie indignantly; "but I will not cuthim a bit if he dares to call me big white Mary. Such impudence!"

"My dear aunt!" said the captain, wiping his eyes, "you are too absurd. "

"And you laughing too?" she cried indignantly. "I came out into thisheathen land out of pure affection for you all, thinking I might beuseful, and help to protect the girls, and you let that wretch insultand threaten me. Big white Mary, indeed! I believe you'd be happy ifyou saw him thrust that horrid, great skewer through me, and I layweltering in my gore. "

"Stuff, auntie!" cried Uncle Jack. 

"Why, he threatened me. "

"Big white Mary got a lot o' hot damper. Gib Shanter bit. "

"There he goes again!" cried the old lady. 

"He doesn't mean any harm. The blacks call all the women who come whiteMarys. "

"And their wives too?"

"Oh no; they call them their gins. Come, cut him a big piece of bread, and I'll start him off. I want for us to get to rest. "

"Am I to cut it in slices and butter it?"

"No, no. Cut him one great lump. "

Aunt Georgie sighed, opened a white napkin, took out a large loaf, andcut off about a third, which she impaled on the point of the knife, andheld out at arm's length, while another roar of laughter rose at thescene which ensued. 

For the black looked at the bread, then at Aunt Georgie, then at thebread again suspiciously. There was the gleaming point of that knifehidden within the soft crumb; and as his mental capacity was nearly asdark as his skin, and his faith in the whites, unfortunately--from theclass he had encountered and from whom he had received more than onepiece of cruel ill-usage--far from perfect, he saw in imagination thatsharp point suddenly thrust right through and into his black flesh assoon as he tried to take the piece of loaf. 

The boys literally shrieked as the black stretched out a hand, made afeint to take it, and snatched it back again. 

"Take it, you stupid!" cried Aunt Georgie, with a menacing gesture. 

"Hetty--Ida--look!" whispered Tim, as the black advanced a hand again, but more cautiously. 

"Mind!" shouted Rifle; and the black bounded back, turned to look at theboy, and then showed his white teeth. 

"Are you going to take this bread?" cried Aunt Georgie, authoritatively. 

"No tick a knifum in Shanter?" said the black in reply. 

"Nonsense! No. "

"Shanter all soff in frontum. "

"Take the bread. "

Every one was laughing and watching the little scone with intenseenjoyment as, full of doubt and suspicion, the black advanced his handagain very cautiously, and nearly touched the bread, when Aunt Georgieuttered a contemptuous "pish!" whose effect was to make the man boundback a couple of yards, to the lady's great disgust. 

"I've a great mind to throw it at his stupid, cowardly head, " she criedangrily. 

"Don't do that, " said the captain, wiping his eyes. "Poor fellow! hehas been tricked before. A burned child fears the fire. --Hi! Ashantee, take the bread, " said the captain, and he wiped his eyes again. 

"Make um all cry, " said the black, apostrophising Aunt Georgie; then, turning to the captain, "Big white Mary won't tick knifum in poorShanter?"

"No, no, she will not. --Here, auntie, give him the bread with yourhand. "

"I won't, " said Aunt Georgie, emphatically. "I will not encourage hisnasty, suspicious thoughts. He must be taught better. As if I, anEnglish lady, would do such a thing as behave like a murderous bravo ofVenice. --Come here, sir, directly, and take that bread off the point ofthe knife, " and she accompanied her words with an unmistakable piece ofpantomime, holding the bread out, and pointing with one finger. 

"Don't, pray, don't stop the fun, uncle, " whispered Tim. 

"No; let 'em alone, " growled Uncle Jack, whose face was puckered up intoa broad laugh. 

"Do you hear me, sir?"

"No tick a knifum in?"

"No; of course not. No--No. "

"All right, " said the black; and he stretched out his hand again, andwith his eyes fixed upon Aunt Georgie, he slowly approached till henearly touched the bread. 

"That's right; take it, " said the old lady, giving it a sharp pushforward at the same moment, and the black leaped back once more with alook of disgust upon his face which gave way to another grin. 

"What shame!" he cried in a tone of remonstrance. "'Tick knife in, makeum bleed. Damper no good no more. "

"Well, of all the horrible creatures!" cried Aunt Georgie, who stoodthere full in the firelight in happy unconsciousness of the fact thatthe scene was double, for the shadows of the two performers were throwngrotesquely but distinctly upon the wall of verdure by their side. 

Just then a happy thought struck the black, who advanced again nearlywithin reach of the bread, planted his spear behind him as a support, holding it with both hands, and then, grinning mightily at his owncunning in keeping his body leaning back out of reach, he lifted oneleg, and with his long elastic foot working, stretched it out and triedto take the piece of bread with his toes. 

A perfect shriek of laughter arose from the boys at this, and the blackturned sharply to give them a self-satisfied nod, as if to say, "Shecan't get at me now, " while the mirth increased as Aunt Georgie snatchedthe bread back. 

"That you don't, sir, " she cried. "Such impudence! You take that breadproperly, or not a bit do you have. "

As she spoke she shook the knife at him, and the black again leapedback, looked serious, and then scratched his head as if for a freshthought. 

The idea came as Aunt Georgie stretched out the bread again. 

"Now, sir, " she cried, "come and take it this instant. "

The black hesitated, then, slowly lowering the spear, he brought thepoint down to the bread and made a sudden poke at it; but thefire-hardened point glanced off the crust, and two more attempts failed. 

"No, " said Aunt Georgie; "you don't have it like that, sir. I couldturn the crumb round and let you get it, but you shall take it properlyin your hand. Now then, take it correctly. "

She made another menacing gesture, which caused the black to shrink; buthe was evidently hungry, and returned to get the bread; so this time headvanced with lowered spear, and as he drew near he laid the weapon onthe bread, and slowly advanced nearer and nearer, the spear passing overthe bread till, as the black's left hand touched the loaf, the point ofthe spear was within an inch of Aunt Georgie's breast. But the old ladydid not shrink. She stood her ground bravely, her eyes fixed on theblack's and her lips going all the time. 

"Oh, you suspicious wretch!" she cried. "How dare you doubt me! Yes;you had better! Why, if you so much as scratched me with the point ofyour nasty stick, they would shoot you dead. There, take it. "

The captain felt startled, for just then she made a sharp gesture whenthe black was in the act of snatching the bread. But the alarm wasneedless; the savage's idea was to protect himself, not to resist her, and as the quick movement she made caused the bread to drop from thepoint of the knife, he bobbed down, secured it almost as it touched theground, caught it up, and darted back. 

"Shanter got a damper, " he cried; and tearing off a piece, he thrust itinto his mouth. "Hah, nice, good. Soff damper. No tick knifum inShanter dis once. "

"There, " said the captain, advancing, "you have your damper, and there'sanother sixpence for you. Now go. "

The black ceased eating, and looked at the little piece of silver. 

"What for tickpence?" he said. 

"For you--for your gin. "

"Hey, Shanter no got gin. Gin not have tickpence. " He shook his head, and went on eating. 

"Very well then; good-night. Now go. "

"Go 'long?"

"Yes. Be off!"

The black nodded and laughed. 

"Got tickpence--got damper. No couldn't tick a knifum in Shanter. Go'long--be off!"

He turned sharply, made a terrible grimace at Aunt Georgie, shook hisspear, struck an attitude, as if about to throw his spear at her, raisedit again, and then threw the bread high up, caught it as it came down onthe point, shouldered his weapon, and marched away into the darkness, which seemed to swallow him up directly. 

"There, good people, " said the captain merrily, "now time for bed. "

Ten minutes later the embers had been raked together, watch set, and forthe most part the little party dropped asleep at once, to be awakened bythe chiming notes of birds, the peculiar whistle of the piping crows, and the shrieks of a flock of gloriously painted parrots that were busyover the fruit in a neighbouring tree. 

CHAPTER FIVE. 

"HOW MANY DID YOU SEE?"

It was only dawn, but German had seen that the great kettle was boilingwhere it hung over the wood fire, and that the cattle were all safe, andenjoying their morning repast of rich, green, dewy grass. The boys wereup and off at once, full of the life and vigour given by a night's restin the pure fresh air, and away down to the river side to have a bathbefore breakfast. 

Then, just as flecks of orange were beginning to appear, Aunt Georgiecame out of the tent tying on an apron before picking up a basket, andin a businesslike way going to the fire, where she opened the canister, poured some tea into a bit of muslin, and tied it up loosely, as if shewere about to make a tea-pudding. 

"Too much water, Samuel, " she said; "pour half away. "

Sam German lifted down the boiling kettle, and poured half away. 

"Set it down, Samuel. "

"Yes, mum, " said the man obediently; and as it was placed by the fire, Aunt Georgie plunged her tea-bag in, and held it beneath the boilingwater with a piece of stick. 

Just then the captain and Uncle Jack appeared from where they had beeninspecting the horses. 

"Morning, auntie, " said the former, going up and kissing thesturdy-looking old lady. 

"Good-morning, my dear, " she replied; "you needn't ask me. I sleptdeliciously, and only dreamed once about that dreadful black man. --Good-morning, John, my dear, " she continued, kissing Uncle Jack. "Why, you have not shaved, my dear. "

"No, " he said gruffly, "I'm going to let my beard grow. "

"John!" exclaimed Aunt Georgie. 

"Time those girls were up, " said the captain. 

"They'll be here directly, Edward, " said the old lady; "they are onlypacking up the blankets. "

"Oh!" said the captain; "that's right. Why, where are the boys gone?"

"Down to the river for a bathe, sir, " said German. 

"What! Which way?" roared the captain. 

"Straight down yonder, sir, by the low trees. "

"Quick, Jack, your gun!" cried the captain, running to the wagon, getting his, and then turning to run in the direction pointed out; hisbrother, who was accustomed to the captain's quick military ways, andknowing that he would not give an order like that if there were not direneed, following him directly, armed with a double gun, and getting closeup before he asked what was the matter. 

"Matter?" panted the captain. "Cock your piece--both barrels--and beready to fire when I do. The boys are gone down to the river. "

"What, are there really savages there?"

"Yes, " said the captain, hoarsely; "savages indeed. Heaven grant we maybe there in time. They have gone to bathe, and the river swarms for along way up with reptiles. "

Uncle Jack drew a deep breath as, with his gun at the trail, he trottedon beside his brother, both increasing their pace as they heard thesound of a splash and shouting. 

"Faster!" roared the captain, and they ran on till they got out fromamong the trees on to a clearing, beautifully green now, but showingplain by several signs that it was sometimes covered by the glitteringriver which ran deep down now below its banks. 

There before them were Rifle and Tim, just in the act of taking offtheir last garments, and the former was first and about to take a runand a header off the bank into the deep waters below, when, quick asthought, the captain raised his gun, and without putting it to hisshoulder, held it pistol way, and fired in the air. 

"Now you can shoot!" cried the captain; and again, without stopping toask questions, Uncle Jack obeyed, the two shots sounding almostdeafening in the mist that hung over the ravine. 

As the captain had anticipated, the sound of the shots stopped Rifle atthe very edge of the river, and made him make for his clothes, and whatwas of even greater importance, as he reached the bank where the rivercurved round in quite a deep eddy beneath them, there was Norman twentyyards away swimming rapidly toward a shallow place where he could land. 

Words would not have produced such an effect. 

"Now, " said the captain, panting for breath from exertion andexcitement, "watch the water. Keep your gun to your shoulder, and firethe moment there is even a ripple anywhere near the boy. "

Uncle Jack obeyed, while as Norman looked up, he saw himself apparentlycovered by the two guns, and at once dived like a dabchick. 

"Madness! madness!" groaned the captain; "has he gone down to meet hisfate. What are you loaded with?"

"Ball, " said Uncle Jack, laconically. 

"Better lie down and rest your piece on the edge of the bank. You mustnot miss. "

As they both knelt and rested the guns, Norman's head appeared. 

"I say, don't, " he shouted. "I see you. Don't do that. "

"Ashore, quick!" roared the captain, so fiercely that the boy swamharder. 

"No, " roared the captain again; "slowly and steadily. "

"Yes, father, but don't, don't shoot at me. I'm only bathing. "

"Don't talk; swim!" cried the captain in a voice of thunder; and the boyswam on, but he did not make rapid way, for the tide, which reached upto where they were, was running fast, and as he swam obliquely acrossit, he was carried rapidly down. 

"What have I done--what does it mean?" he thought, as he swam on, growing so much excited now by the novelty of his position that hislimbs grew heavy, and it was not without effort that he neared the bank, still covered by the two guns; and at last touched bottom, waded a fewpaces, and climbed out to where he was able to mount the slope and standin safety upon the grass. 

"Ned, old fellow, what is it?" whispered Uncle Jack, catching hisbrother's arm, for he saw his face turn of a ghastly hue. 

"Hush! don't take any notice. I shall be better directly. Load thatempty barrel. "

Uncle John Munday Bedford obeyed in silence, but kept an eye upon hisbrother as he poured in powder, rammed down a wad, and then sent acharge of big shot rattling into the gun before thrusting in another wadand ramming it home. 

As he did all this, and then prised open the pan of the lock to see thatit was well filled with the fine powder--for there were no breechloadersin those days, and the captain had decided to take their old flint-lockfowling-pieces for fear that they might be stranded some day up-countryfor want of percussion caps--the deadly sickness passed off, and CaptainBedford sighed deeply, and began to reload in turn. 

Meanwhile, Norman, after glancing at his father, naturally enough ran towhere he had left his clothes, hurried into shirt and trousers, and assoon as he was, like his companions, half-dressed, came toward the twomen, Rifle and Tim following him, after the trio had had a whisperedconsultation. 

"I'm very sorry, father, " faltered Norman, as he saw the stern, frowningface before him, while Uncle Jack looked almost equally solemn. 

Then, as the captain remained silent, the lad continued: "I know yousaid that we were to journey up the country quite in military fashion, and obey orders in everything; but I did not think it would be doinganything wrong for us all to go and have a morning swim. "

"Was it your doing?" said the captain, coldly. 

"Yes, father. I know it was wrong now, but I said there would be timefor us all to bathe, as the river was so near. I didn't think that--"

"No, " said the captain, sternly, "you did not think--you did not stop tothink, Norman. That is one of the differences between a boy and a man. Remember it, my lad. A boy does not stop to think: as a rule a mandoes. Now, tell me this, do I ever refuse to grant you boys anyreasonable enjoyment?"

"No, father. "

"And I told you before we started that you must be very careful to actaccording to my rules and regulations, for an infringement might bringperil to us all. "

"Yes, father. "

"And yet you took upon yourself to go down there to bathe in that swift, strange river, and took your brother and cousin. "

"Yes, father. I see it was wrong now, but it seemed a very innocentthing to do. "

"Innocent? You could not have been guilty of a more wild and mad act. Why would not the captain allow bathing when we were in the tropics?"

"Because of the sharks; but there would not be sharks up here in thisriver. "

"Are there no other dangerous creatures infesting water, sir?"

A horrified look came into Norman's eyes, and the colour faded out ofhis cheeks. 

"What!" he said at last, in a husky voice, "are there crocodiles in theriver?"

"I had it on good authority that the place swarmed with them, sir; andyou may thank God in your heart that my enterprise has not been darkenedat the start by a tragedy. "

"Oh, father!" cried the boy, catching at the captain's hand. 

"There, it has passed, Man, " said the captain, pressing the boy's handand laying the other on his shoulder; "but spare me such another shock. Think of what I must have felt when German told me you boys had comedown to bathe. I ought to have warned you last night; but I cannotthink of everything, try as I may. There, it is our secret, boys. Yourmother is anxious enough, so not a word about this. Quick, get on yourclothes, and come on to breakfast. --Jack, old fellow, " he continued, ashe walked slowly back, "it made me feel faint as a woman. But mindabout the firing. We did not hit anything. They will very likely ask. "

As it happened, no questions were asked about the firing, and after ahearty breakfast, which, in the bright morning, was declared to beexactly like a picnic, they started once more on what was a gloriousexcursion, without a difficulty in their way. There was no road, not somuch as a faint track, but they travelled on through scenery like anEnglish park, and the leader had only to turn aside a little from timeto time to avoid some huge tree, no other obstacles presentingthemselves in their way. 

German, the captain's old servant, a peculiarly crabbed man in his way, drove the cart containing the tent, provisions, and other immediatenecessaries; Uncle Munday came last on horseback with his gun instead ofa riding-whip, driving the cattle and spare horses, which followed thelead willingly enough, only stopping now and then to crop the richgrass. 

The progress was naturally very slow, but none the less pleasant, and solong as the leader went right, and Uncle Munday took care that nostragglers were left behind, there was very little need for the otherdrivers to trouble about their charges; while the girls, both with theirfaces radiant with enjoyment, cantered about quite at home on theirside-saddles, now with the captain, who played the part of scout inadvance and escort guard, now behind with Uncle Jack, whose severe facerelaxed whenever they came to keep him company. 

Hence it was that, the incident of the morning almost forgotten, Normanleft the horses by whose side he trudged, to go forward to Rifle, whowas also playing carter. 

"How are you getting on?" he said. 

"Slowly. I want to get there. Let's go and talk to Tim. "

Norman was ready enough, and they went on to where their cousin wasseated on the shaft of one of the carts whistling, and practisingfly-fishing with his whip. 

"Caught any?" said Rifle. 

"Eh? Oh, I see, " said the boy, laughing. "No; but I say there are someflies out here, and can't they frighten the horses!"

"Wouldn't you like to go right forward?" said Norman, "and see what thecountry's like?"

"No: you can see from here without any trouble. "

"Can you?" said Rifle; and catching his cousin by the shoulder, he gavehim a sharp pull, and made him leap to the ground. 

"What did you do that for?" said Tim resentfully. 

"To make you walk. Think the horse hasn't got enough to drag withoutyou? Let's go and talk to Sourkrout. "

"If old Sam hears you call him that, he'll complain to father, " saidNorman quietly. 

"Not he. Wouldn't be such an old sneak. Come on. "

The three boys went forward to where Sam German sat up high in front ofthe cart looking straight before him, and though he seemed to know thatthe lads were there by him, he did not turn his eyes to right or left. 

"What can you see, Sam?" cried Rifle eagerly. 

"Nought, " was the gruff reply. 

"Well, what are you looking at?"

"Yon tree right away there. "

"What for?"

"That's where the master said I was to make for, and if I don't keep myeye on it, how am I to get there. "

He nodded his head toward a tree which stood up alone miles and milesaway, but perfectly distinct in the clear air, and for a few minutesnothing more was said, for there were flies, birds, and flowers on everyhand to take the attention of the boys. 

"How do you like Australia, Sam?" said Norman, at last. 

"Not at all, " grumbled the man. 

"Well, you are hard to please. Why, the place is lovely. "

"Tchah! I don't see nothing lovely about it. I want to know why themaster couldn't take a farm in England instead of coming here. What arewe going to do for neighbours when we get there?"

"Be our own neighbours, Sam, " said Rifle. 

"Tchah! You can't. "

"But see how beautiful the place is, " said Tim, enthusiastically. 

"What's the good of flowers, sir? I want taters. "

"Well, we are going to grow some soon, and everything else too. "

"Oh! are we?" growled Sam. "Get on, will yer?"--this to the horse. "Strikes me as the captain's going to find out something out here. "

"Of course he is--find a beautiful estate, and make a grand farm andgarden. "

"Oh! is he?" growled Sam. "Strikes me no he won't. Grow taters, willhe? How does he know as they'll grow?"

"Because it's such beautiful soil, you can grow Indian corn, sugar, tobacco, grapes, anything. "

"Injun corn, eh? English corn's good enough for me. Why, I grew someInjun corn once in the hothouse at home, and pretty stuff it was. "

"Why, it was very handsome, Sam, " said Rifle. 

"Hansum? Tchah. What's the good o' being hansum if you ain't useful?"

"Well, _you're_ not handsome, Sam, " said Norman, laughing. 

"Who said I was, sir? Don't want to be. That's good enough for womenfolk. But I am useful. Come now. "

"So you are, Sam, " said Tim; "the jolliest, usefullest fellow that everwas. "

"Useful, Master 'Temus, but I don't know about jolly. Who's going to bejolly, transported for life out here like a convick? And as for thatInjun corn, it was a great flop-leaved, striped thing as grew a ear withthe stuff in it hard as pebbles on the sea-saw--seashore, I mean. "

"Sam's got his tongue in a knot, " said Norman. "What are you eating, Sam?"

"Ain't eating--chewing. "

"What are you chewing, then. India-rubber?"

"Tchah! Think I want to make a schoolboy's pop-patch? Inger-rubber?No; bacco. "

"Ugh! nasty, " said Rifle. "Well, father says he shall grow tobacco. "

"'Tain't to be done, Master Raffle, " said Sam, cracking his whip; norgrapes nayther. Yer can't grow proper grapes without a glass-house. 

"Not in a hot country like this?"

"No, sir. They'll all come little teeny rubbidging things big as blackcurrants, and no better. "

"Ah, you'll see, " cried Norman. 

"Oh yes, I shall see, sir. I ain't been a gardener for five-and-twentyyears without knowing which is the blade of a spade and which is thehandle. "

"Of course you haven't, " said Tim. 

"Thankye, Master 'Temus. You always was a gentleman as understood me, and when we gets there--if ever we does get there, which I don'tbelieve, for I don't think as there is any there, and master as good asowned to it hisself, no later nor yes'day, when he laughed at me, andsaid as he didn't know yet where he was a-going--I says, if ever we doesget there, and you wants to make yourself a garden, why, I'll help yer. "

"Thankye, Sam, you shall. "

"Which I will, sir, and the other young gents, too, if they wants 'emand don't scorn 'em, as they used to do. "

"Why, when did we scorn gardens?" said the other two boys in a breath. 

"Allus, sir; allus, if you had to work in 'em. But ye never scorned mybest apples and pears, Master Norman; and as for Master Raffle, the wayhe helped hisself to my strorbys, blackbuds, and throstles was nothingto 'em. "

"And will again, Sam, if you grow some, " cried Rifle. 

"Don't I tell yer it ain't to be done, sir, " said Sam, giving his whip avicious whish through the air, and making the horse toss its head, "Master grow taters? Tchah! not he. You see if they don't all run awayto tops and tater apples, and you can't eat they. "

"Don't be so prejudiced. "

"Me, sir--prejudiced?" cried the gardener indignantly. "Come, I do likethat. Can't yer see for yourselves, you young gents, as things won'tgrow here proper?"

"No!" chorused the boys. 

"Look at the flowers everywhere. Why, they're lovely, " cried Norman. 

"The flowers?" said Sam, contemptuously. "Weeds I call them. I ain'tseen a proper rose nor a love-lies-bleeding, nor a dahlia. "

"No, but there are plenty of other beautiful flowers growing wild. "

"Well, who wants wild-flowers, sir? Besides, I want to see a goodwholesome cabbage or dish o' peas. "

"Well, you must plant them first. "

"Plaint 'em? It won't be no good, sir. "

"Well, look at the trees, " said Rifle. 

"The trees? Ha! ha! ha!" cried Sam, with something he meant for ascornful laugh. "I have been looking at 'em. I don't call them trees. "

"What do you call them, then?" said Norman. 

"I d'know. I suppose they thinks they're trees, if so be as they canthink, but look at 'em. Who ever saw a tree grow with its leaves likethat. Leaves ought to be flat, and hanging down. Them's all setedgewise like butcher's broom, and pretty stuff that is. "

"But they don't all grow that way. "

"Oh yes, they do, sir. Trees can't grow proper in such syle as thishere. Look here, Master 'Temus, you always did care for your garden solong as I did all the weeding for you. You can speak fair. Now tell methis, What colour ought green trees to be?"

"Why, green, of course. "

"Werry well, then; just look at them leaves. Ye can't call them green;they're pink and laylock, and dirty, soap-suddy green. "

"Well, there then, look how beautifully the grass grows. "

"Grass? Ye-e-es; it's growing pretty thick. Got used to it, Isuppose. "

"So will our fruits and vegetables, Sam. "

"Nay, Master Norman, never. The syle won't suit, sir, nor the country, nor the time, nor nothing. "

"Nonsense!"

"Nay, sir, 'tain't nonsense. The whole place here's topsy-turvy like. Why, it's Christmas in about a fortnit's time, and are you going to tellme this is Christmas weather? Why, it's hot as Horgus. "

"Well, that's because we're so far south. "

"That we ain't, sir. We're just as far north as we are south, and youcan't get over that. "

"But it's because we've crossed the line, " cried Rifle. "Don't youremember I told you ever so long ago that we were just crossing theline?"

"Oh yes, I remember; but I knew you was gammoning me. I never see noline?"

"Of course not. It's invisible. "

"What? Then you couldn't cross it. If a thing's inwisible, it'sbecause it ain't there, and you can't cross a thing as ain't there. "

"Oh, you stubborn old mule!" cried Norman. 

"If you forgets yourself like that, Master Norman, and treats medisrespeckful, calling me a mule, I shall tell the captain. "

"No, don't; I'm not disrespectful, Sam, " cried Norman, anxiously. "Lookhere, about the line: don't you know that there's a north pole and asouth pole?"

"Yes, I've heard so, sir; and as Sir John Franklin went away from ourparts to find it, but he didn't find it, because of course it wasn'tthere, and he lost hisself instead. "

"But, look here; right round the middle of the earth there's a line. "

"Don't believe it, sir. No line couldn't ever be made big enough to goround the world; and if it could, there ain't nowheres to fasten it to. "

"But I mean an imaginary line that divides the world into two equalparts. "

Sam German chuckled. 

"'Maginary line, sir. Of course it is. "

"And this line--Oh, I can't explain it, Rifle, can you?"

"Course he can't, sir, nor you nayther. 'Tain't to be done. I knowedit were a 'maginary line when you said we war crossing it. But just youlook here, sir: 'bout our garden and farm, over which I hope the masterweant be disappointed, but I _know_ he will, for I asks you young gentsthis--serusly, mind, as gents as has had your good eddication and growedup scollards--How can a man make a garden in a country where everythingis upside down?"

"But it isn't upside down, Sam; it's only different, " said Norman. 

"That's what I say, sir. Here we are in the middle o' December, when, if the weather's open, you may put in your first crop o' broad Windsorbeans, and you've got your ground all ridged to sweeten in the frost. And now, look at this. Why, it's reg'lar harvest time and nothing else. I don't wonder at the natives being black. "

"Look, look!" cried Tim suddenly, as he pointed away to where, on anopen plain on the right, some birds were running rapidly. 

"I see them! what are they?" cried Rifle, excitedly. 

"Somebody's chickens, " said Sam, contemptuously. 

The boys looked at him and laughed. 

"Sam German has got to grow used to the place, " said Norman. And then, as his father cantered up, he pointed off. "Do you see those, father?"

"What, those birds?" said the captain, eagerly. "Comebacks, sir. Guinea fowls. A bit wild, " said Sam, quietly. 

"Guinea fowls?" replied the captain, sheltering his eyes. "No; birdstwenty times as large, you might say. Why, boys, those must be emus. "

"Emus?" said Rifle. "Oh yes, I remember. Ostrichy-looking things. Arethose what they are?"

"I do not think there's a doubt about it, " replied the captain, afteranother look at the rapidly-retiring birds, which, after a long stare atthe little train of carts and wains, literally made their legs twinklelike the spokes of a carriage wheel as they skimmed over the ground andout of sight. 

"Yes, " said the captain again, as the last one disappeared. "Emus, theAustralian ostriches. You boys ought to make notes of all the wildcreatures you see. "

"We shan't forget them, uncle, " said Tim. "Let's see; there was theblack, the snake--"

"Snake? Have you seen one?"

"Oh yes, " replied Tim. 

"Thirty feet long, wasn't it?" said Norman, giving his brother a look. 

"Thirty? More likely three, uncle. I think it was nearer six though. "

"Did you kill it?"

"No; it wouldn't stop, but crawled into the bush, and I don't think Ishould have tried. "

"Well, be on your guard all of you. I suppose they are prettyplentiful, and some are very dangerous, but I believe they will all getout of our way if they can. What birds are those?"

A couple of dusky-green birds, with their feathers barred across likethose of a hawk or cuckoo, with lines of a darker green, started up fromsome grass and flew off, their long, pointed tails and rounded heads andbeaks showing plainly what they were. 

"Ground parrots, " said the captain. "It's curious, in a country towhich one kind of bird is peculiar, what a variety one sees. "

"Is one kind of bird peculiar to this country, then?" asked Norman. 

"Well, it is not fair to say peculiar, but one kind is abundant--theparrot--and there are several kinds here. "

"Are cockatoos?" said Rifle, eagerly. 

"A cockatoo, you might say, is a parrot. The only difference seems tobe that it has a crest. --But how much farther do you make it to thetree, German?"

"Miles, " said that worthy, rather gruffly. "Keeps getting farther off'stead o' nigher, sir. "

"The air is so wonderfully clear that distance is deceiving. Nevermind, keep on slowly, so as not to distress the cattle and the horseswith their heavier loads. "

"Needn't ha' said that, sir; this horse'll go slow enough, " grumbledGerman. "I get thinking sometimes as he ain't moving at all. "

The captain laughed, and as he rode a few yards in advance to carefullyscan the country in front, a great deal of whispering and gesticulationwent on between the gardener and Norman, while the other boys looked onfull of mischievous glee, and egged the lad on. 

"No, no, Master Norman; don't, sir. It'd make him cross. "

"Yes, and he'd discharge you if I told him how you threw cold water onhis plans. "

"I ain't a bit afraid o' that, sir, " said German, with a grin. "Hecan't send me back. But I don't want to rile him. I say, don't tellhim, sir. "

"But you laughed at everything he meant to do. "

"That I didn't, sir. Precious little laughing I've done lately. "

"Well, then, say you're sorry, and that you think father's plans aresplendid. "

"What, tell a couple o' big thumpers like that?" whispered German, withvirtuous indignation; "no, that I won't. I wonder at you, MasterNorman; that I do. "

"Oh, very well, then, " cried the boy. "Here goes. I say, father--" Heran forward, and as he joined the captain, taking hold of the mane ofhis horse, and walking on beside him, Sam's face was so full of pitiableconsternation that the other two boys laughed. 

Sam turned upon them fiercely. 

"Ah, it's all very well for you two to grin, " he growled. "Think o'what it's going to be for me. "

"Serve you right for saying what you did, " cried Rifle, by way ofconsolation. 

"Oh, Master Raffle, don't you turn again me, too. --He's too hard, ain'the, Master 'Temus?"

"Not a bit, " cried the latter. "You grumble at everything. You're aregular old Sourkrout, always grumbling. "

"Well! of all!" gasped the gardener, taking off his hat and wiping hisbrow. 

"Look here, " cried Rifle; "father will be back here directly, so you hadbetter go down on your knees and say you're very sorry. "

"That I won't, " said German, sturdily. 

"And say you believe that the place is beautiful, and that you'll make abetter garden than we had in the country, and grow everything. "

"No; you won't ketch me saying such a word as that, sir, for I don'tbelieve the place is any good at all. I say, see them chaps yonder?"

The boys looked in the direction pointed out by Sam with his whip, andRifle exclaimed, "Blacks!"

"Yes; I saw one too. "

"I seed three or four dodging in and out among the trees, " said Sam. 

Rifle ran on to join his father. 

"Stop a moment, Master Raffle, " cried Sam, imploringly. "Oh, he's gone!Go on too, Master 'Temus, and say that I didn't mean it. The captainwould be so put out if I found fault, after promising to stand by himthrough thick and thin. "

"Then will the land grow potatoes?" said Tim mischievously. 

"If I don't make it grow some as is twice as big as those at home, I'm aDutchman. Oh dear! Here he comes. "

For the captain had turned his horse's head and returned. 

"Did you both see blacks?" he said anxiously. 

"Yes, both of us, uncle, going from tree to tree along there toward theriver. "

"How many did you see, Tim?"

"I think it was two, uncle; but I'm not sure, for they darted from bushto bush, and were in sight and out again directly. "

"And you, German?"

"Oh, I saw 'em first, sir, just as Master 'Temus says, running anddodging from bush to tree, so as to keep out of sight. "

"But how many did you see?"

Can't say for certain, sir; but I don't think there was more'n six. 

The captain hesitated for a few moments, then, as if decided what to do, he spoke. 

"Keep on, and make for the tree. Have you the gun handy?"

"Yes, sir, close to my elber. "

"Loaded. "

"That she is, sir. Double dose o' big shot. "

"That's right. But I don't think there is any danger. The blacks willnot meddle with us if we leave them alone. Look here, boys, we shall goarmed for the sake of precaution, but I fervently hope that we shall notbe called upon to fire upon the poor wretches. I daresay we shallencounter some of them, and if we do, you must keep them at a distance. Let them know that we are their masters, with firmness, but no cruelty. "

"Look, there they go again!" cried Norman, pointing to a patch ofwoodland, a quarter of a mile forward, to their left. 

"Yes, I saw one dart in amongst the scrub, " said the captain. "There, keep on as if nothing had happened. It is not worth while to startleyour mother and the girls. Now, each of you to his duty, and let thepeople see that we mean business, and not to take any notice of or tomolest them. "

Each boy returned to his driving duties, and, on the plea of MrsBedford looking dull, the captain made the two girls ride close to thewagon, where she sat with Aunt Georgie, after which he went back towhere Uncle Jack was steadily driving his flocks and herds, and warnedhim of what he had seen. 

"Humph not pleasant, " said the captain's brother. "Think they'redangerous?"

"I think that the farther we get away from civilisation the less likelythey are to interfere with us, so long as we do not molest them. "

"Not going to turn back, then?"

"What, because we have seen a few blacks? Hardly likely, is it?"

"No, " said the other; and, keeping a sharp look-out, they went on attheir slow crawl for nearly three hours before the landmark was reached, all pretty well exhausted, for the heat had been growing intense. Butthe great tree was one of many standing out of quite a shady grove, andthis was cautiously approached by the captain, who scouted forward infront to find it apparently quite free from any appearance of everhaving been occupied, and here in a very short time the little caravanwas arranged so that they had some protection in case of an attack; afire was lit by German, while the boys turned the horses loose to graze;and water being near in a creek, the customary kettle was soon on toboil, and Aunt Georgie was unpacking the store of food, when Germanshouted, "Hi! quick! look out!" and there was a glimpse of a blackfigure passing rapidly among the trees. 

CHAPTER SIX. 

"COO-EE! COO-EE!"

A run was made for the wagons, in whose shelter the ladies were placed, while with quite military precision, the result of the captain'steaching, men and boys stood to their arms, so that an inimical tribewould have had to face six double guns, whose discharge had been soarranged, that two would always be loading, two firing, and the othertwo ready to pour in their shots in case of a rush. 

It was just at the edge of the grove at one end, where a glimpse of theblack figure had been seen, and every eye was strained on the watch forthe next appearance of danger. 

"I'm glad we were warned in time, " said the captain in a low voice. Then, after a painful pause, "Mind this; not a shot must be wasted. Ifwe are to fire on the poor wretches, I should prefer for them to be at adistance, so that the charges of buck-shot may scatter and wound as manyas possible, so as to give them a lesson. A close shot means death. Noone fires till I give the word. "

The moments grew into minutes, and as Norman looked back over hisshoulder, he could see the anxious faces of the four ladies peering outat him from their shelter, but not a word was spoken. 

"Think they will get round to the back to try and drive off thebullocks?"

"I was thinking of going to see, and--Look out!"

For all at once there was a loud rustling of the bushes in front ofthem, as if something was making a rush, and the next moment a blackfigure bounded into the open space where the fire was burning. 

"Why, it's old Shanter, " cried Rifle, bursting into a hearty laugh, inwhich the black joined, showing his white teeth with childish delight ashe came close up, holding out something hung on the end of his spear, and carrying what appeared to be a bag made of bark in his left hand, incompany with his boomerang, his war-club being stuck in the skinloin-cloth which was the only garment he wore. 

"White Mary--big white Mary, " he cried, while every eye scanned thetrees behind him, but only for a moment or two, as all felt now that itwas another false alarm. 

"What do you want?" said the captain rather angrily, for he was vexed atthe black's arrival. 

"Shanter want big white Mary, " cried the black; and he shook the objectson his spear, which proved to be a couple of opossum-like animalsevidently freshly killed, and then held out his bark basket or bag. 

"What for?" cried Norman. 

"Good eat. Good, nice;" and then as, seeing there was no danger, theladies came forward, the black went to Aunt Georgie, and held the bag toher. "Good, cook, fire, " he said. "Big white Mary. Little whiteMarys--" Then he stopped short looking at Mrs Bedford, as if puzzledwhat to call her. But a gleam of intelligence shot across his face, andhe cried, "Other white Mary. "

"He's brought these for us to eat, " said Rifle. 

"Good eat, " said the black. "Big white Mary gib soff damper. "

He nodded and smiled triumphantly from one to the other. 

"Put away the guns, " said the captain angrily. "Here, I cannot havethis black crow haunting our camp. He'll be bringing his tribe topester us. What would you do, Jack?"

"Don't know yet, " said Uncle Jack. "What has he brought in his bag?"

"Some kind of fruit, " said Rifle, who had joined his aunt in theinspection of the contents of the bag, as she thrust in her hand, andsnatched it away again with a cry of disgust. 

"Good eat; good eat. Roastum fire, " said the black indignantly, andpouncing upon a couple of large, fat, white objects which the lady haddropped, he ran with them to the fire, and placed them close to theembers, afterwards going through a pantomime of watching them, but withgesticulations indicative of delight. 

"Why, they're big fat grubs, " cried Norman. 

"Of course, " said the captain. "I have heard that they eat them. Andthese other things?"

He turned over the two dead animals. 

"Good eat, " cried the black; and he rubbed the front of his person, andgrinned as broadly as nature would allow him to spread his extensivemouth. Then, turning to Aunt Georgie, "Big white Mary gib soff damper?"

The lady snorted loudly, and looked as if she would never give himanother piece; but she drew her knife, and cut off a goodly-sized pieceof a loaf, and held it out once more on the point of the knife. 

Shanter took the bread without hesitation. 

"No tick a knife in um, " he cried laughing. "Shanter no 'fraid. "

Then taking his bread, he went off to a short distance, and sat down toeat it, while a meal was prepared for the travellers, who then settleddown to rest till the heat of the day was past. 

But after a few minutes the boys were on their feet again, and ready toexplore about the outskirts of the patch of woodland chosen for theirresting-place; and on reaching the fire they found that the black hadcome close up, and seeing his grubs neglected, was busy roasting andeating them. 

He looked up, laughing good-humouredly, drew out three or four of thefreshly-roasted delicacies from the embers with a bit of pointed stick, and held them up to the boys. 

"Good, " he said. 

"Well, you eat 'em, " replied Norman. 

The black needed no further invitation, but devoured the nicely-brownedobjects with great gusto, and smacked his lips. 

"I say, " cried Tim; "they don't smell bad. "

"Ugh!" ejaculated Rifle. 

"Seems so nasty, " said Norman, as he watched the black attentively, while the fellow carefully arranged some more of the delicacies amongthe embers. "They're great fine caterpillars, that's what they are. "

"But they smell so good, " said Tim. "I've often eaten caterpillars incauliflower. "

"So have I, " said Norman; "but then we didn't know it. "

"And caterpillars lived on cauliflower, so that they couldn't be nasty. "

"I don't see that these things could be any worse to eat than shrimps. Old Shanter here seems to like them. "

"Old Shanter--O' Shanter--old Tam o' Shanter, " said Rifle, thoughtfully. 

"You'd better help him to eat them, " said Norman, tauntingly. 

"I'll eat one if you will, " cried Tim. "They smell delicious. "

"Very well. I will, if Rifle does too, " said Norman. 

"Then you won't, " said that young gentleman. "Ugh! the nasty-lookingthings. "

"So are oysters and mussels and cockles nasty-looking things, " criedTim, who kept on watching the black eagerly. "I never saw anything sonasty-looking as an old eel. Ugh! I'd as soon eat a snake. "

"Snakum good eat, " said Shanter, nodding. 

"You eat one, then, " cried Norman. "I'll shoot the first I see. "

"Look here, " cried Tim; "are either of you two going to taste one ofthese things?"

"No, " cried both the others; "nor you. You daren't eat one. "

"Oh, daren't I? You'll see, " replied Tim. "Here, Shanter, give me thatbrown one. "

"Good!" cried the black, raking out one looking of a delicategolden-brown, but it was too hot to hold for a time; and Tim held it ona pointed stick, looking at the morsel with his brow all puckered up. 

"Go on, Tim; take it like a pill, " cried Norman. 

"He won't eat it: he's afraid, " said Rifle. 

"It's too hot yet, " replied Tim. 

"Yes, and always will be. Look out, Rifle; he'll pitch it over hisshoulder, and pretend he swallowed it. "

"No, I shan't, " said Tim, sniffing at his delicacy, while the blackwatched him too, and kept on saying it was good. 

"There, pitch it away, " said Norman, "and come on and have a walk. I'das soon eat a worm. "

By this time Tim had sniffed again and again, after which he verycautiously bit a tiny piece off one end, hesitated, with his facelooking very peculiar before beginning to chew it, but bravely going on;and directly after his face lit up just as his cousins were about toexplode with mirth, and he popped the rest of the larva into his mouth, and held out his hand to the black for another. 

"Oh! look at the nasty savage, " cried Rifle. "You'll be ill and sickafter it. "

"Shall I?" cried Tim, as with his black face expanding with delightShanter helped him to some more, and then held out one to Norman totaste. 

"I say, " cried the latter, watching his cousin curiously, as he wasmunching away fast; "they aren't good, are they?"

"No, " said Rifle; "he's pretending, so as to cheat us into tasting thedisgusting things. "

"But, Tim, are they good?"

"Horrid!" cried the boy, beginning on another. "Don't you touch 'em. --Here, Shanter, more. "

The black turned over those he had roasting, and went on picking out thebrownest, as he squatted on his heels before the fire, and holding themout to Tim. 

"Well, of all the nasty creatures I ever did see, " said Norman, "you arethe worst, Tim. "

He looked at the grub he held with ineffable disgust, and then sniffedat it. 

"You'll have to go to the stream with a tooth-brush, and clean yourteeth and mouth with sand. "

He sniffed again, and looked at Tim, who just then popped a golden-brownfellow into his mouth. 

"Ugh!" ejaculated Rifle, but he took the one the black held out to himon the stick point, smelt it cautiously, looking at Norman the while. 

Then both smelt together, looking in each others eyes, Tim feasting awaysteadily all the time. 

"I say, " said Norman; "they don't smell so very bad. "

"No; not so very, " replied Rifle. 

"I say: I will if you will. "

"What, taste this?"

"Yes. "

"Get out. Think I'm going to turn savage because I've come toAustralia? Don't catch me feeding like a bird. You'll want to eatsnails next. "

"Well, " said Norman, "Frenchmen eat snails. "

"So they do frogs. Let 'em. "

"But this thing smells so nice. I say, Rifle, bite it and try. "

"Bite it yourself. "

Norman did, in a slow, hesitating way, looked as if he were going toeject the morsel as the corners of his lips turned down, but bit a piecemore instead, then popped the remaining half in his mouth, and smiled. 

"Horrid, ain't they?" cried Tim, while, grinning with genuine pleasure, the black held out another to Norman, who took it directly, held it infirst one hand, and then the other, blew upon it to cool it, and thenbegan to eat. 

"Oh, they are horrid, " he cried. "Give us another, blacky. "

"Look here, " cried Rifle, watching him curiously, to see if there wasany deceit. "I'm not going to be beaten by you two. I say--no games--are they really nice?"

"Find out, " cried Norman, stretching out his hand to take another fromthe pointed stick held out to him. But Rifle was too quick; he snatchedit himself, and put it in his mouth directly. 

"Oh, murder! isn't it hot, " he cried, drawing in his breath rapidly, then beginning to eat cautiously, with his features expanding. "Here, give us another, Tam o' Shanter, " and he snatched the next. 

"Oh, come, I say, play fair, " cried Norman, making sure of the next. "Ain't they good?"

"'Licious, " said Rifle. --"Come on, cookie. More for me. "

"All agone, " cried the black, springing up, slapping his legs, andindulging in a kind of triumphal dance round the fire to express hisdelight at having converted the three white boys, ending by making atremendous bound in the air, and coming down on all fours. "Eat um allup. You go 'long--come along. Shanter find a more. "

"No, not now, old chap, " said Norman. "Wait a bit. "

"Had 'nuff? Good, good!" cried the black, holding his head on one sideand peering at all in turn. "Good--corbon budgery!" (Very good!)

"Yes, splendid. We'll have a feast next time. "

The black nodded, and picked up the two little animals which he hadtossed aside, and rehung them upon his spear. 

He was evidently going to roast them, but Norman stopped him, andpointed out into the open. 

"Come along with us. "

The black understood. 

"Yes; Shanter, come along. Chop sugar-bag. "

"But, look here, " continued Norman, pointing in different directions. "Black fellow?"

"Black fellow?" cried Shanter, seizing his nulla-nulla--the short clubhe carried with a round hard knob at the end. "Black fellow?"

He dropped the dead game off his spear, dodged sharply about among thetrees, and ended by hurling his weapon at a tree twenty yards away, inwhose soft bark it stuck quivering, while the black rushed up, seizedit, dragged it out, and then treating the trunk as an enemy, he attackedit, going through the pantomime of knocking it down, beating it on thehead, jumping on the imaginary body, and then dragging it in triumph bythe heels to where the boys stood laughing. Here he made believe todrop the legs of his dead enemy, and gave him a contemptuous kick. "Nobudgery. Shanter mumkull (kill) that black fellow. "

"You seem to have found a very cheerful companion, boys, " said a voicebehind them, and Uncle Jack came up with a grim smile on hiscountenance. "Is that the way that fellow means to kill us?"

"No; that, was to show how he would kill all the black fellows who camenear us. "

"Mumkull black fellow, " cried Shanter, shaking his club threateningly. "No come along. "

Seeing the group, the captain, who had been taking a look round, andbeen speaking to German, who was seated on the top of one of the loadedwagons keeping watch, came up to them. 

"That black fellow still here?" he said sternly. 

"Black fellow come along, " cried Shanter. "Where?"

He rushed about among the bushes, dodged in and out through the trees, and went through a pantomime again of hunting for enemies, but soon cameback. 

"No black fellow. All agone. Shanter kill mumkull. "

"Very well, " said the captain; "now then, you go. "

He pointed away back in the direction they had come, and, lookingdisappointed, the black went off toward where the river lay, and soondisappeared among the trees. 

"It will not do to encourage any of those fellows about our camp, " saidthe captain decisively; and they returned to where the ladies wereseated in the shade, all looking rested and cheerful, and as if theywould soon be used to their new life. 

A couple of hours later they were on their way again, with the captainand Uncle Jack in front scouting; and as they went on, the latter keptpointing out suitable-looking pieces of land which might be taken up fortheir settlement, but the captain always shook his head. 

"No, Jack, " he said; "they will not do. "

"But the land is rich in the extreme. "

"Yes; but all one dead level. Floods come sometimes, terrible floodswhich rise in a few hours, and we must have high ground on which tobuild our station, and to which our flocks and herds can flee. "

"Right; I had not thought of that, " said Uncle Jack, and they journeyedon till night, making a grove of magnificent trees their resting-place, and then on again for two more days, their progress being of course slowin this roadless land. Everything about them was lovely, and thejourney was glorious, becoming more and more like a pleasure excursionevery day as they grew more used to the life. The girls were in robusthealth, the boys full of excitement, and not a single black was met. 

It was toward the close of the third day since Shanter had beendismissed, and they were still journeying on over the plain toward arange of mountains far away in the west, for there the captain was underthe impression that he would find the tract of land he sought. 

As before, they had marked down a clump of trees for theirresting-place, and this they reached, just as the golden sun was sinkingin a bank of glorious clouds. Here all was peaceful; water was at hand, and the bread brought from the settlement being exhausted, the flour-tubwas brought out of the wagon, and Aunt Georgie proceeded to make thecake to bake for their meal--the damper of the colonists--a good firebeing soon started by the boys, while the men quickly rigged up thetent. 

This done, Sam German came up to the boys and took off his hat andscratched his head, looking from one to the other. 

"What's the matter, Sam?" said Norman. 

"In trouble, sir. "

"What is it?"

"That there little ord'nary heifer as master brought out. "

"What the red and white Alderney?" said Rifle. 

"No, sir; that there one like a tame rat. "

"What the mouse colour?"

"Yes, sir. "

"Has she been eating some poisonous weed?"

"I dunno, sir. "

"Well; is she ill?" said Rifle. 

"Dunno that nayther, sir. She's gone. "

"Gone?" cried Tim. "Ida's favourite?"

"Yes, sir. Gone she is. I can't mind o' seeing her for a long time. "

"Then you've lost her?" cried Norman angrily. "Now, don't you be toohard on a man, Master Norman, because I ain't the only one as druv thecattle. Mr Munday Bedford's had a good many turns, and so has master, and you young gents druv 'em twiced--"

"Hi! German, " shouted the captain just then. "I can't see themouse-coloured heifer;" and he came toward them with Ida, who had beenlooking for her pet. "Where is she?"

"That's what I was talking to the young gents about, sir. I can't findher nowhere. "

"Not find her?" cried the captain angrily. "I wouldn't lose that animalfor fifty pounds. She is so choice bred. Well, saddle a couple ofhorses. You and one of the boys must go back in search of her. Shemust have hung back somewhere to-day. "

"Can't call to mind seeing her to-day, " said the gardener. 

"Not seen her to-day?"

"No, papa, " said Ida. "I looked for her this morning, but I did not seeher, nor yet yesterday, nor the day before. I thought you had tied herup somewhere. "

"Never mind, father; we'll soon find her, " said Rifle. "She will nothave strayed far from the track, will she, Sam?"

"I can't say, sir, now, as I've seen her for three days. "

"Then you have neglected your duty, sir. You ought to have known everyone of those beasts by heart, and missed one directly. It isdisgraceful. "

"Yes, sir, I'm afraid it is, but I never missed her, and I feel aboutsure now that I haven't seen the poor beast since three days ago, whenyou came to me and said you wanted to drive for a couple of hours, andsent me to mind the leading cart. Next day Mr Munday Bedford, sir, wasdriving all day at the rear. I was very careful. Shall I start back atonce?"

The captain was silent for a few minutes. Then turning to Ida: "Do youthink it is three days since you have seen the heifer?"

"Yes, papa; I am almost sure it is, " she replied. "But have you been totry and find her?"

"Yes, every morning; but I never for a moment imagined that she was goneright away. "

"I won't come back without her, sir, " said German eagerly. 

"It is of no use, " he replied sternly. "We cannot wait here, perhapssix days, for you to go back and return. No: we may find her later onwhen we are going back to the port. We can't go now. "

"Oh!" said Ida, piteously. 

"I am very sorry, my dear, but it would be madness to stop. We must goon. "

"But couldn't you get some one else to look for her?"

"Whom shall I send?" asked the captain drily; and for the first time Idarealised how far they were from all society, and that by the same timenext night they would be farther away still. 

"I forgot, " she said. "You know best. "

"Let us go, father, " said Norman. "We boys will find her. "

The captain waved his hand and turned away, evidently very much put outat the loss, for the mouse-coloured heifer was destined to be the chiefornament of the dairy out at the new farm. 

"I can't help it, Miss Ida, " said German, deprecatingly. "I took allthe care of the poor beasts I could. I get all the blame, because Ifound out she was gone, but I've been right in front driving the leadingcarts nearly all the time; haven't I, Master 'Temus?"

"Yes, Sam; but are you quite sure she has gone?"

"Now, boys!" shouted the captain; "tea!"

They were soon after seated near the fire, partaking of the eveningmeal. The last rays of the setting sun were dying out, and the sky wasfast changing its orange and ruddy gold for a dark violet and warm grey. Very few words were spoken for some time, and the silence was almostpainful, broken as it was only by the sharp crack of some burning stick. Every one glanced at the captain, who sat looking very stern, and MrsBedford made a sign to the boys not to say anything, lest he should bemore annoyed. 

But Aunt Georgie was accustomed to speak whenever she pleased. To herthe captain and Uncle Jack were only "the boys, " and Norman, Raphael, and Artemus "the children. " So, after seeing that everybody was wellsupplied with bread, damper, and cold boiled pork, she suddenly set downthe tin mug to which she was trying to accustom herself, after beingused to take her tea out of Worcester china, and exclaimed:

"I'm downright vexed about that little cow, Edward. I seemed to know byinstinct that she would give very little milk, but that it would be richas cream, while the butter would be yellow as gold. "

"And now she's gone, and there's an end of her, " said the captainshortly. 

"Such a pity! With her large soft eyes and short curly horns. Dear me, I am vexed. "

"So am I, " said the captain; "and now say no more about her. It's amisfortune, but we cannot stop to trouble ourselves about misfortunes. "

"Humph!" ejaculated Aunt Georgie; and she went on sipping her tea for atime. 

"This is a very beautiful place, Edward, " she said suddenly. "I wassaying so to Marian here. Why don't you build a house and stop withoutgoing farther?"

"For several reasons, aunt dear. But don't be uneasy. I shall selectquite as beautiful a place somewhere farther on, one that you and thegirls will like better than this. "

"I don't know so much about that, " said the old lady. "I'm rather hardto please. --Oh!"

"What's the matter?" cried those nearest, for the old lady's ejaculationwas startling. 

"I've got it!" she cried. "Oh the artfulness of the thing, Edward, thatman. "

"What man?"

"That black fellow. Depend upon it, he came here on purpose to stealour poor little cow, and he has driven it away somewhere to sell. "

The captain started and looked excited. 

"Oh no, aunt, " cried Norman; "I don't think he was a bad sort of chap. "

"See how honest he was about the `tickpence, '" said Rifle. 

"I don't think he was the sort of fellow to steal, " whispered Tim toHester. 

"I believe that you have hit the right nail on the head, aunt, " said thecaptain; and the boys looked across at one another, thought of the grubfeast, and felt hurt that the black, whose many childish ways had won akind of liking for him, should be suspected of theft. 

"Well, " said the captain; "it will act as a warning. Bought wit isbetter than taught wit. No more black fellows anywhere near our camp. It is my own fault. I was warned about them. They have none of theinstincts of a civilised man, and will kill or steal, or be guilty ofany crime. So understand here, boys, don't make friends with any more. "

"Coo-ee!"

The cry was far away, but it came clearly enough through the night air. Then again, "Coo-ee!"

"The blacks, " cried the captain. "Quick! They see the fire, and thinkit's the camp of friends. Away from it every one. Guns. "

There was a quick movement. The ladies were got under shelter, and themen and boys took refuge in the shadow cast by the bushes, all feelingthat a white in the full light of the fire would be an easy mark for aspear. 

The captain gave his orders briefly that there was to be no firingunless the blacks attacked them, and then they waited, Rifle sufferingall the time as he crouched down in the scrub from an intense desire toanswer each "coo-ee" as it came nearer and nearer, and now evidentlyfrom the track they had made in their journey that day. 

"It is not a large party, " whispered the captain to Artemus, who wasclose to him. 

"Only one, I think, uncle, for it's the same man who keeps coo-eeing. "

"Impossible to say yet, " was whispered back by his uncle. "Feelfrightened?"

"Well, I hardly know, " said the boy. "I don't feel at all comfortable, and keep on wishing they'd gone. "

"Naturally, my boy. I shall fire a shot or two over their heads whenthey come close in. That will scare them, I expect. "

"Coo-ee!" came from the darkness before them, but they could see nothingnow, for all near the ground and among the trees was almost black, though overhead the stars were coming out fast, and eight or ten feetabove the bushes it was comparatively light. 

"Coo-ee!" came again from apparently a couple of hundred yards away, butnot another sound. 

"Creeping up very cautiously. Suspicious because of the fire, andreceiving no answer, " whispered the captain. "They thought it was thecamp-fire of their tribe, but now feel sure it is a white man's fire. "

"Queer work this, " whispered Uncle Jack to Norman, who was with him onthe other side of the track, the fire lying between them and thecaptain. 

"Yes, isn't it, uncle?" was whispered back. 

"I'm beginning to ask myself why I'm here when I ought to be in Londonat my club. "

"I'm glad you are here, uncle, " whispered Norman. 

"Can you see any of them, Tim? Your eyes are younger than mine. "

"No, uncle, " came after a pause. 

"They must be crawling up, so as to hurl their spears from close by. "

"Coo-ee!" came again from very near now. "Not suspicious, then?" saidthe captain, wonderingly. 

"I can see one now, uncle, " whispered Tim. "He's high up. "

"In a tree?"

"No: moving; coming nearer; he's on horseback. "

"Nonsense! Black fellows don't ride horses out in the scrub. "

"But he is mounted, uncle. I can see plainly now. "

"You are right, " said the captain, after a short pause. 

"Coo-ee!"

This was only from a few yards away, and directly after a familiar voiceshouted:

"Why baal not call along coo-ee? Hi, white fellow! Hi, boy! Hi, bigwhite Mary!"

"Why, it's Shanter, " cried Norman, excitedly. "Hi coo-ee!"

"Coo-ee! coo-ee!" came back, and directly after a black face was seenabove the bushes full in the glare of the fire, and then the body cameinto view, as the black's steed paced very slowly and leisurely forward, and suddenly threw up its head and gave vent to a prolonged "moo, " whichwas answered by first one and then another of the cows and bullockschewing their cud close to the camp. 

"Hooray!" shouted Rifle and Tim together. "Here's a game. Look! he isriding on the little Alderney. "

"Hey!" cried the black, drumming the heifer's ribs with his bare legs, and giving her a crack near the tail with his spear to force her rightup into the light, where he sat grinning in triumph with his spear nowplanted on the ground. 

"Yes, that's the ord'nary heifer, sure enough, " grumbled German. 

"Shanter fine along this bull-cow fellow all 'lone. Yabber moo-moohard!"

He gave so excellent an imitation of the cow's lowing that it wasanswered again by the others. 

"What, you found that heifer?" cried the captain. 

"Shanter fine bull-cow fellow all 'lone. "

"Where? when?"

The black pointed with his stick. 

"Bulla (two) day. Come along bull fellow slow, Big white Mary gibShanter soff damper; no eat long time. Fine sugar-bag--kill poss? No;Shanter come along bull-cow fellow. "

"I can't make out his jargon, " said the captain, tetchily. 

"He says, father, he found the cow two days ago, and couldn't stop toeat because he wanted to bring it along. He's hungry and wants damper. "

"Soff damper, " said the black, correctively. 

"Soft bread because he's hungry. Isn't that what you mean?" criedNorman. 

"Soff damper. Big white Mary gib damper. Marmi gib Shanter tickpencebring bull-cow fellow all along. "

"That I will, " cried the captain. "Tut, tut! How I am obliged to eatmy words. You're a good fellow, Shanter, " he cried, clapping the blackon the shoulder. "Go and have some damper. --Give him some meat too. "

However badly Shanter expressed himself, he pretty well comprehended allthat was said; and at the captain's words he began to rub his front, leaped off the heifer, and followed the boys to the fire, round whichthe party gathered as soon as they found there was no danger, and whereAunt Georgie, in her satisfaction, cut the fellow so big a portion ofbread and bacon, that his eyes glistened and his teeth gleamed, as heran away with it amongst the bushes to lie down and eat. 

Half an hour later they found him fast asleep, and the first thing theboys saw the next morning, after a delightful night's rest, was theshining black face of Shanter where he was squatting down on his heels, watching them and waiting for them to wake. 

Norman lay for some minutes, still half asleep, gazing at the blackface, which seemed to be somehow connected with his dreams and with thesoft sweet piping of the magpie crows, which were apparently practisingtheir scales prior to joining in the morning outburst of song, while thegreat kingfishers--the laughing jackasses of the colonists--sat here andthere uttering their discordant sounds, like coarse, harsh laughter, atthe efforts of the crows. 

CHAPTER SEVEN. 

"I AM SATISFIED. "

Norman sprang up rested and refreshed, and then glanced round uneasily, expecting to see his father come and order the black to be off. 

But the captain was busy examining the cattle, the horses and theirharness, and the loading of the wagons; helping German to tighten a ropehere, and rearrange packages where they had broken loose, and seeinggenerally to the many little matters that have so much to do with thesuccess of an overland journey with a caravan. 

Then breakfast was announced just after the boys had returned from theriver, where they had had to content themselves with a wash, whileShanter looked on, and then followed them back, apparently supremelyproud and happy to be in their company. 

Breakfast over, and the provisions repacked, Shanter not having beenforgotten by big white Mary, as he insisted upon calling Aunt Georgie, the horses and drawing bullocks were put to, a last glance cast round tosee that nothing had been left, and then, prior to giving the word toadvance, the captain mounted with his little field-glass to the top ofthe highest load, where he carefully scanned the country, and maderemarks to his brother as to the direction to take that day. 

"Yes, " he said at last; "the river evidently makes a vast bend here, andcurves round to the north. We will go straight across from here to thathill--mountain I ought to call it. --Do you see, German?"

"Yes, sir, I see, " said the gardener, shading his eyes. 

"There can be no mistake as to your course; the plain is perfectly leveland treeless, and we ought easily to get there for our mid-day halt. How far do you think it is--eight miles?"

"Twenty, " said Uncle Jack, sturdily. 

"Nonsense!"

"Yes, twenty. The air is so clear that places look closer than theyare. "

"Well, we will not argue, " said the captain, lowering himself down. "There's your mark, German; make straight for that. "

"No, " shouted a voice; and all turned with a look of wonder to Shanter, who had evidently been listening intently, and who was now in a greatstate of excitement, gesticulating and flourishing his nulla-nullawildly. 

"What do you say?" cried the captain, frowning. 

"No go 'long, " cried Shanter, pointing across the plain. "No--no. Horse fellow--bull-cow fellow, all go puff-puff. "

And he went down on all fours, with his eyes wide and staring, mouthopen, and tongue lolling out, breathing hoarsely and heavily, snufflingabout the while at the ground. Then he threw up his head, and whinniedlike a horse in trouble, snuffled about again, and lowed like an ox, andfinally seemed to grow weaker and weaker till he fell over on his side, struggled up again, fell on his side, stretched out his head and legs, and finally gave a wonderful imitation of a horse or ox dying. 

"All go bong (dead), " he cried. "No go along. No water drink. Bigfellow horse, can't pull along. "

He pointed again and again, out over the plain, and shook his headviolently. 

"White fellow come 'long, " he continued, as he leaped up, shouldered hisspear, and started, pointing before him to the tree-spread track nearerthe river. "Bull-cow fellow eat. "

He made believe to snatch a mouthful of grass, and went on munching itas he walked slowly on as if pulling a load. 

"Much water, drinkum, drunkum, " he continued, pointing in the directionof the river. 

"He seems to be right, Ned, " said Uncle Jack, as the boys looked oneagerly. 

"Yes; I suppose he is. Perhaps it is sandy and waterless all acrossthere. "

"And if we keep by the river, we shall get grass, shelter, and water. "

"Yes; but I do not like to have my plans overset by a savage. "

"Not when the savage knows better?" said Uncle Jack, drily. 

"How do I know that he does?" said the captain. "How can I tell that heis not going to lead us into some ambush, where his tribe will murder usand seize upon our goods and stores?"

"Humph I hope not, " said Uncle Jack. "I'll shoot him dead if he does, but I think I'd trust him. "

"I want to get rid of the fellow, " said the captain; "and he is alwayscoming back. "

"He'll soon be tired, " said his brother. "These people seem to be verychildlike and simple. It is a novelty for him to be with us. One ofthese days he will be missing. I shouldn't worry about him. "

"Gee-hup, horse fellow!" shouted the black, just then. "All along. Shanter know. Baal that way. "

He pointed over the plain and shook his head. Then shouldering hisspear, he stepped off nearly due west, and the caravan started. 

Day succeeded day, and the two halts were regularly made in pleasantplaces, but the captain was never satisfied. They were good, but healways found some drawback. The progress was very slow, for it was hot, but the land was dry, and the difficulties they had with the wagons werevery few, and their few miles were got over steadily day after day, withno adventure to signify; and to make up for the slow progress, theircattle were fresh and in good condition at each morning's start, whilethe whole process seemed like a pleasant excursion of the most enjoyablekind. 

At last one day, the hottest on their journey, the draught cattle had alaborious pull, for the ground had been rising slightly during the pastforty-eight hours, and next morning had suddenly grown steep. The riverwas still close at hand, though it was now more broken and torrent-like, but beautifully wooded in places, and the soil for miles on either sidelooked wonderfully rich. To their right were plains; but in front, andto their left, hills and mountains hemmed them in; and when utterlyexhausted, the cattle slowly drew their loads into the shade cast bysome magnificent trees, just behind which a cascade of sparkling waterdashed down from the mountains beyond, while the river-glade wasglorious with ferns and verdant growth of kinds that they had not seenin the earlier part of their journey, every one seemed to be imbued withthe same idea, and no one was the least surprised when the captainlooked round with his face lit up with satisfaction. 

"There, " he cried, "was it not worth the long journey to find a placelike this. No flood can touch us here. The land is rich; the placebeautiful. Wife, girls, boys, what do you say to this for Home, sweethome?"

The answer was a hearty cheer from the boys; and, as if he comprehendedeverything, Shanter burst into a wild triumphal dance round the spear hehad stuck into the ground. 

"Hurray!" he shouted. "Make gunyah. All corbon budgery. Plentybudgery. Bull-cow eat. Plenty sheep eat. Hurray!"

There was not a dissentient voice. Uncle Jack smiled, Sam German beganto look round for a slope for a kitchen garden, while the captain, MrsBedford, and the girls began to talk about a site for a house; and, tying a handkerchief over her grey hair and pinning up her dress, AuntGeorgie beckoned severely to Shanter, who came to her like a shaggyblack dog. 

"Get some wood, sir, and make a fire. "

"Makum fire, makum damper, pot a kettle tea?" he asked. 

"Yes; dampers and roast mutton to-day, " she said. 

"Make big fire, roast mutton, " shouted Shanter, excitedly, and rushingto the side of one of the wagons, he threw down spear, boomerang, andwaddy, snatched an axe from where it was stuck in the side, and fiveminutes later he was chopping wood with all his might. 

That afternoon and evening were indeed restful, though little rest wastaken, for all were in a state of intense excitement, and examining inevery direction the site of their new home. It was fancy, of course, but to the boys it seemed that the cattle had all taken to the place, and settled down to a hearty feed of the rich grass. 

But there was work to be done that evening, though not much. The tenthad to be set up, and as the boys drove in the pegs, it was with aheartier will, for they knew that they would not be withdrawn for sometime to come. 

The position for the house was soon decided, for nature herself hadplanned it; a charming spot, sheltered to the north by a range from thescorching north wind; and in addition there was a grove of magnificentgum-trees, just far enough apart to have allowed them to grow to theirgreatest perfection, while dotted here and there were other trees withprickly leaves and pyramidal growth, their lower boughs touching theground, every one a perfect specimen that it would have been a sin tocut down. 

From this chosen spot the land sloped gradually down to the sparklingriver, with its beautiful falls and pools, while away on the other side, beyond the bed of the stream, stretched out a grand expanse of land allon a gentle slope. On the hillier side an equally beautiful expanse, extending for miles, sloped upward toward the mountains, offeringpasture that would have satisfied the most exacting. 

"We are the first settlers here, " cried the captain, "and as I have aright, Jack, to-morrow we will ride in different directions, and blazetrees for our boundaries. Then there will only be the plan anddescription to send to the crown offices in the city, and we take up agrand estate that will in due time be our own. "

"Our own!" cried Norman, excitedly. "But you will have a bit of theriver too?"

"I shall take up land on both sides--a large estate. There is plentyfor all Englishmen, but those who are enterprising enough to do as wehave done, of course, get the first choice. "

"I'm very glad you are satisfied, my dear, " said Mrs Bedford, affectionately, as they all lingered in the glorious sunset light overtheir evening meal, the whole place seeming a perfect paradise. 

"I am satisfied, " said the captain, "for here there is ample reward forthose who like to work, and we can see our boys have a grand futurebefore them in the new land. "

"I'm glad too, " said Aunt Georgie, in her matter-of-fact way. "You mayquite rely upon us all setting to work to make the best of things, whenyou men and boys have built us a house to keep off the rain--for Isuppose it does rain here sometimes, though we have not seen any. "

"Rain, aunt? Tremendously. "

"Well then, of course you will begin a house soon?"

"To-morrow, " said the captain. "Plenty of work for us, boys. "

"Of course, " said Aunt Georgie. "Well then, we shall soon begin to makethings comfortable, and we shall all be very happy and content. "

"Thank you, " said the captain. "I hope every one will take theadvantages for what they are worth, and will excuse the inconveniences. "

"I know that Marian will, " said Aunt Georgie; "and as for the girls, weshall be too busy to think of little things. I should have liked for itnot to have been quite so lonely. "

"We are too many to feel lonely, " cried the captain, cheerily. 

"But I meant about neighbours. How far do you think we are from thenearest neighbours, Edward?"

"Don't ask me, " he said, merrily. "So far that we cannot quarrel withthem. --There, girls, you will have to help and make the house snug asfast as we get it up. To-morrow we will mark it out, and then set up ashed to act as an additional shelter for our stores, which must beunpacked from the wagons. Every one must take his or her department, and as we have that black with us, and he evidently does not mean to go, he will have to work too. By the way, I have not seen him for the lasthour or two. "

"He had such a dinner, " said Tim. "Aunt feeds him so. "

"That, I'm sure, I do not, my dear, " said Aunt Georgie, shortly. 

"Well, aunt, he always goes and lies down to sleep after you've givenhim anything, " said Rifle. 

"And that's what he has gone to do now, " added Norman. "He'll come outof the woods somewhere soon. But I say, father, shan't we have time tofish and shoot?"

"Plenty, and ride too, boys. But there, we've done a good day's work, and now I suppose we shall have to do a little sentry business. Theblacks are evidently very, very scarce in the country, not a sign of onein all these many days' journey. But it would be wise to keep to alittle vigilance, though I doubt whether they will trouble us muchhere. --Jack, " he continued, rising, "we'll take the guns and have a walkround, to look at the cattle before going to roost for the night, whilethe girls get the place clear. --Coming, any of you boys?"

They all three sprang up eagerly. 

"That's right. Come along. Hallo!" he added, "here comes Tam o'Shanter. "

For at that moment the black darted out from among the trees, and ranacross the intervening space to where they were, carrying hisnulla-nulla and boomerang in one hand, his spear at the trail in theother. 

He had evidently been running fast, and was out of breath as he came upto cry in a low, hoarse voice:

"Now then all along--come quick, black fellow metancoly, come alongmumkull white. "

"What!" cried the captain, "a number of black fellows coming to killus?"

"Hum. You shoot fast, mumkull black fellow, all go bong. "

CHAPTER EIGHT. 

"LET ME GO: I CAN RUN FAST. "

The minute before, all peace, rest, and the promise of plenty; now, analarm so full of horror that every one there felt chilled. 

A rush was made to the wagons for the guns and ammunition, the ladieswere hurried into the little square formed by the vehicles, as thesafest place, and the advantage of having an experienced soldier fortheir leader was shown at once, though all the time the captain wasbitterly reproaching himself for not having spent more time in providingfor their defence, instead of giving up valuable hours to rest andplanning what they should do. 

"I ought to have known better, Norman, " he said angrily, as the boywalked by his side to obey his orders, and convey them to one or theother. "Take a lesson from it, my boy, and if ever you march in anenemy's country, wherever you halt, do as the old Romans did; entrenchyourself at once. "

"But we have entrenched ourselves, father, " said the boy, pointing tothe boxes, barrels, and cases which had hastily been dragged out of thecarts and placed outside to form a protection before the openingsbeneath the wagons, and also to fire over in case of an attack. 

"Pooh! not half enough. There, we can do no more. Now about thatblack. --Here, Jack, what do you say? Is that fellow in collusion withthe people coming on?"

"No, " said Uncle Jack, decisively. "If he had been, he is cunningenough to have lulled us into security. He need not have uttered awarning, and the blacks could have surprised us after dark. "

"Yes, there is something in that, " said the captain. "And look what hedid, father, directly he had warned us. "

"What?"

"Set to work with his boomerang covering the fire over with earth tosmother out the smoke. "

"But it might all be cunning to put us off our guard with him, and itwould be a hideous danger to have a traitor in our little stronghold. "

"For him, " said Uncle Jack, grimly. 

"Yes, " said his brother. "But there, I'll trust him. I should notdisplay all this horrible suspicion if it were not for the women. Theymake quite a coward of me. Now, can we do any more?"

"No, " said Uncle Jack; "there is no time. We can keep a good many atbay. "

"If you fire steadily, " said the captain. "No shot must be firedwithout good reason. In war, many go to one enemy the less. In thiscase every shot must tell. "

"Rather horrible, " said Uncle Jack, quietly; "eh, Norman, lad? Butthere, they can avoid it. They have only to leave us alone, and weshould never hurt a soul. "

By this the little party were crouching about their wagon and box fortwith their guns ready, and plenty of ammunition at hand; the fire onlysent up one tiny curl of smoke, and this was stopped instantly, forShanter crawled from where he had been lying flat close to Tim andRifle, and scraping up some more earth with his boomerang, he piled itover the spot where the smoke issued, and returned by rolling himselfover and over till he was back beside a large box. Their position wasin some respects good, being on an elevation, but in other respects bad, as the captain pointed out to Norman. 

"We are not far enough away from the trees in front there. Thescoundrels can creep up through the bushes, and use them for a shelterfrom which to throw spears. Listen. The first who sees a black figuregive warning by a low hiss. "

Fortunately the cattle had all strayed off grazing in the otherdirection, and were invisible from where the little party lay waitingthe expected onslaught; and just as Uncle Munday had made allusion tothe fact that if the enemy were seen in that direction, the cattle wouldgive warning, the captain said in a low voice, "I wish they'd come. "

Norman stared. 

"Before it is dark, my boy. In less than an hour we shall not be ableto see them, and our position will be ten times as bad. There, I havedone all I can for our protection. I must go and reconnoitre now. "

His words were loud enough to be heard from behind, and Mrs Bedford'svoice rose in supplication. 

"No, no, dear. Pray don't run any risks. "

"Hush!" said the captain, sternly, "we must know whether the enemy isnear. "

The danger, as far as they could make out from Shanter's broken English, lay across the little river; but instead of being in the visible slopingplain, it was away beyond the trees to their right, and hidden by thebroken mountainous range, and after glancing at the priming of hisdouble gun, the captain turned to his right. 

"Here, Shanter!" he said in a low whisper. "Come with me. Come along--show black fellow. "

There was no response for a moment or two, and then Rifle spoke. 

"He isn't here, father. "

"Not there?"

"No; he was lying down here just now, but while I was watching the treesover there, he must have crept away. "

"Crept away? But I want him to go with me to scout. Who saw him go?"

There was no reply, and feeling staggered by the ease with which thesepeople could elude observation, and applying it to the enemies' advance, the captain looked sharply round for danger, half expecting at anymoment to see a dim-looking black form emerge from behind a bush, orothers rapidly darting from tree to tree, so as to get within throwingdistance with their spears. 

"Well, " he said, "I must go alone. Keep a sharp look-out, boys. "

"What are you going to do, father?" said Norman. 

"Scout, " said the captain, laconically. 

"No; let me go: I can run fast. I'll be very careful and shelter myselfbehind trees. You can't leave here. "

"He's quite right Ned, " said Uncle Jack. 

"I can run faster than Norman, uncle, " cried Tim eagerly. "Let me go. "

"No, me, father, " cried Rifle, excitedly. 

"Silence in the ranks!" cried the captain sternly. Then, after a momentor two's pause, he said firmly, "Private Norman will go as far as theridge yonder, scouting. He will go cautiously, and keep out of sight ofthe enemy, and as soon as he has made out whether they are advancing andthe direction they will take, he will return. "

"Yes, father. "

"Silence!--Now go. --Stop!"

The captain caught the boy by the arm, as he was creeping near the box, and as all followed the direction in which the captain was gazing, theysaw a black figure darting from tree to tree some eighty or ninety yardsaway and with his back to them. 

"That's Shanter, " whispered Norman. 

"Yes: follow him, and try and keep him in sight. If he joins the enemycome back at once. There, you need not creep over the space between usand the trees; there can be no enemy there. Quick! How soon thedarkness is coming on!"

Norman stepped on to the great chest, leaped down, and ran off, as a lowpiteous sigh--almost a sob--was heard from behind; but though it had anecho in the captain's breast, he crouched there firm as a rock, andsteeling himself against tender emotions, for the sake of all whom hehad brought into peril and whom it was his duty to protect. 

There before him was his eldest son, carrying his gun at the trail, andrunning swiftly in the direction of the black, who from running boldlyfrom tree to tree was now seen to be growing very cautious, and suddenlyto drop down and disappear. 

The captain drew a long deep breath. 

"We may trust him, " he said softly; "he is evidently our friend. Nowfor Norman's news. "

Yet, though he was at rest on this point, he was uneasy about an attackon their right flank or rear, but that could not come from the rear, heknew, without some panic on the part of the cattle; while he was hopefulabout the right flank, for the ground was precipitous in the extreme, and from what they had seen so far, it was hardly possible for any oneto approach. 

But though Shanter had dropped quite out of sight of those behind thelittle barricade, he was still visible to Norman, who ran on and wasgetting near to where the black was creeping from bush to bush on allfours, looking in the dim evening light like a black dog carrying hismaster's stick, for Norman in one glimpse saw that he was drawing hisspear as he crawled, his boomerang was stuck behind him in hiswaistband, and his nulla-nulla was across his mouth tightly held by histeeth. 

When about some twenty yards away, and approaching in perfect silence ashe thought, the black looked sharply round, rose to his knees, andsigned to the boy to go down on all fours. 

Norman obeyed, and Shanter waited till he had crawled up. Then making agesture that could only mean, "Be silent and cautious, " he crawled on, with the boy following him, till, after what seemed quite a long painfulpiece of toil, they reached the foot of a steep rocky slope whosetree-fringed summit was some fifty feet above their heads. 

Shanter pointed to the top, and began to climb, mounting easily for somedistance, and then stopping by a small tree, whose gnarled roots werefixed in the crevices of the rock. Here he held on, and reached downwith his spear, by whose help Norman soon climbed to his side, where hepaused to sling his gun by its strap, so as to leave his bands atliberty. 

The rest of the ascent was made with more ease; and when Shanter reachedthe top, he raised his eyes above the level with the greatest caution, and then seemed to Norman to crawl over like some huge black slug anddisappear. 

The boy prepared to follow, when Shanter's head reappeared over thesharp ridge and his arm was stretched down with the spear, so that thefinal climb was fairly easy, though it would have been almost impossiblewithout. 

As soon as Norman was lying on the top, he found that the other side wasa gentle descent away to what appeared to be a wide valley betweenmountains, but everything was so rapidly growing dim that the distantobjects were nearly obscured by the transparent gloom. But nearer athand there was something visible which made the boy's heart begin tobeat heavily. For as Shanter drew him on all fours cautiously among thebushes to where there was an opening, there, far down the slope, but sonear that had they spoken their words would have been heard, was a greatbody rising, which directly after resolved itself into smoke; and beforemany minutes had been spent in watching, there was a bright flash offlame which had the effect of making all around suddenly seem dark, while between them and the bright blaze a number of black figures couldbe seen moving to and fro, and evidently heaping brushwood upon the firethey had just lit. 

Norman Bedford, as he lay there among the bushes, felt, at the sight ofthe blacks, as if boyhood had suddenly dropped away with all its joyoussport and fun, to leave him a thoughtful man in a terrible emergency;that he was bound to act, and that perhaps the lives of all who weredear to him depended upon his action and control of the thoughtlesssavage at his side. 

"Poor father!" he said to himself, as his courage failed and a coldperspiration broke out all over him; "you have done wrong. You oughtnot to have brought out mamma and the girls till we had come and provedthe place. It is too horrible. "

That was only a momentary weakness, though, and he nerved himself now toact, trying to come to the conclusion which it would be best to do--stopand watch, sending Shanter back with a message, or leave the black towatch while he ran with the news. 

The position was horrible. Setting aside his own danger up there on theridge, where the slightest movement might be heard by the sharp-earedblacks, there they were, evidently encamping for the night with onlythis ridge dividing them from the spot selected for the new home. 

What should he do?

Before he could decide, as he lay there watching, with dilated eyes, theblack figures passing and repassing the increasing blaze, Shanter placedhis lips close to his ear. 

"You pidney?" (understand), he whispered. "They all black fellow. "

"Yes. Go and tell them at the camp, " Norman whispered back. 

In an instant the black's hand was over his lips, and his head waspressed down amongst the grass, while he felt the black's chest acrosshis shoulders. He was so taken by surprise that he lay perfectly still, feeling that after all his father was right, and Shanter wastreacherous; but his thoughts took another direction as quickly as thefirst had come, for Shanter's lips were again at his ear. 

"Black fellow come along fetch wood. "

In effect quite unnoticed, three or four of the men had been approachingwhere they lay, and now seemed to start up suddenly from some bushestwenty feet below them. 

Retreat was impossible. The precipice was close behind, and to get awayby there meant slow careful lowering of themselves down, and this wasimpossible without making some noise, which must be heard, so that allthat could be done was to lie close and wait with weapons ready, in casethey were discovered--a fate which was apparently certain. 

Norman laid his hand upon the lock of his gun, ready to raise it andfire if they were found, and a slight rustle told him that Shanter hadtaken a fresh grip of his club. 

That was all, and they lay waiting, listening to the rustling noise madeby the black fellows as they pushed their way through the scrub, stillcoming nearer and nearer. 

They were agonising moments, and again Norman felt that his father'sdoubts might be correct, for the enemy approaching were evidently notgathering wood, but coming up there for some special purpose. Was it, after all, to surprise the camp, and was Shanter holding him down to bemade a prisoner or for death?

He was ready to heave himself up and make a brave struggle for life ashe shouted out a warning to those in camp, and as the rustling noisegrew nearer his heart seemed to beat more heavily. But his common sensetold him directly that he must be wrong, and that, too, just as he couldhear the mental agony no longer, for when the rustling was quite near, the men began jabbering quite loudly to each other, and directly afterone tripped in the darkness and fell forward on the bushes, the otherslaughing loudly at his mishap. 

That settled one thing: they could not evidently be going to surprisethe camp, or they would have been cautious, and a warm sensation of joyeven in the midst of his peril ran through the boy's breast. 

But why were they there, then?

He soon had evidence as to the meaning of their coming, but not until hehad suffered fresh agonies. For as he lay thinking that the noise andlaughter must have been heard by those in camp, the blacks came nearerand nearer in the darkness, and their next steps seemed as if they mustbe over or upon them. "And then there will be a horrible struggle, "thought the boy, one in which he would have to play his part. 

He drew in his breath, and the hand which grasped the gun-lock felt sowet that he trembled for fear it should moisten the powder in the pan, while the next instant he felt a great piece of prickly bush presseddown over his head, as if trampled and thrust sidewise by some onepushing his way by. There was loud rustling close by his feet, and thenthe blacks went a couple more steps or so, there was a sharpejaculation, and they stopped short. 

Had Norman been alone he would have sprung up; but Shanter pressed himdown, and in another instant he felt that the exclamations had not beenat the discovery of hiding enemies, but because one of them had nearlygone down the precipice. 

Then followed more talking and laughing, all in an unknown tongue toNorman; till after a few minutes the blacks continued along the ridgefor some little distance, stopped again, and ended by going leisurelyback toward the fire, with the bushes rustling as they went. 

Norman drew a deep breath of relief, and a low whisper came at his ear:"Mine think good job all black dark. Myall black fellow no see. Nearlyplenty numkull. "

"Are they gone?" whispered back Norman, as he felt the heavy weight ofthe black's chest removed from his back. 

"All agone down fire. Come for more fire all about. "

Which means they were reconnoitring, thought Norman. Then, as he raisedhimself a little and looked down at the brightly-blazing fire, aboutwhich several men were sitting, he saw other figures go up, and therewas a loud burst of chattering and laughing. 

"Hear um all yabber yabber, " whispered Shanter. "All myall blackfellow. Come 'long, tell Marmi, (the captain). "

"Yes; come quickly, " said Norman. 

"Ah!" whispered Shanter, clapping his hand over the boy's mouth. "Myallblack fellow big ear. "

He pointed downward, and Norman shivered again, for, softly as his wordshad been uttered, he saw that they had been heard, for the group aboutthe fire had sprung up and their faces seemed to be turned in theirdirection. 

Shanter placed both hands to his mouth and uttered a soft, long-drawn, plaintive, whistling sound, then paused for a few moments, and whistledagain more softly; and then once again the plaintive piping rose on theair as if it were the call of a night bird now very distant. 

The ruse had its effect, for the blacks settled down again about thefire, and were soon all talking away loudly, and evidently cooking andeating some kind of food. 

"No talk big, " whispered Shanter; and creeping close back to the edge ofthe precipice, he lowered his spear and felt about for a ledge whichpromised foothold. As soon as he had satisfied himself about this, heturned to Norman. 

"Now, down along, " he whispered; "more, come soon. "

The boy slung his gun again, and taking hold of the spear, loweredhimself over the edge of the rugged scarp, and easily reached the ledge, the black, whom nature seemed to have furnished with a second pair ofhands instead of feet, joining him directly, and then began searchingabout once more for a good place to descend. 

He was longer this time, and as Norman clung to the tough stem of somegnarled bush, he looked out anxiously in the direction of their camp;but all now below was of intense blackness, not even a star appearingabove to afford light. 

"Mine can't find, " whispered the black; and then, "Yohi (yes); now downalong. "

Norman obeyed, and once more clung to the steep face by the help of abush; and this process was repeated several times till the black uttereda low laugh. 

"Myall black fellow no see, no hear. Mine glad. Come tell Marmi. "

The captain was nearer than they thought, for they had not gone manysteps before they were challenged, and the voice was his. 

"Back safe, father, " panted Norman, who was terribly excited. 

"Why have you been so long?" said the captain shortly. "The anxiety hasbeen terrible. "

"Hush! don't talk loud. There is a party of black fellows on the otherside of that ridge;" and he rapidly told the narrative of their escape. 

"So near the camp, and quite ignorant of our being here. --Will they comethis way in the morning, Shanter?"

"Mine don't know. All go along somewhere--fine sugar-bag--fine grub--fine possum. Wait see. "

"Yes; we must wait and see, " said the captain, thoughtfully. Then tothe black, "They will not come to-night?"

"Baal come now. Eat, sleep, all full, " replied Shanter. "Big whiteMary gib Shanter damper?"

"Hungry again?" said the captain angrily. "But make haste back. Theyare in sad alarm at the camp. "

"Shall we be able to stay here, father?" said Norman, on their way backthrough the darkness. 

"Stay, boy? Yes. Only let them give us a few days or weeks' respite, and I do not care. But look here, boy, we have gone too far to retreat. We must hold the place now. It is too good to give up meekly at ascare from a gang of savages. Come, Norman, you must be a man. "

"I was not thinking of myself, father, but about mamma and the girls. "

The captain drew a sharp, hissing breath. 

"And I was too, " he said in a low voice. "But come, let's set them atrest for the night. "

Five minutes later Norman felt two soft hands seize his, and hold him inthe darkness, as a passionate voice whispered in his ear: "Oh, Norman, my boy--my boy!"

Then there was a long silent watch to keep, and there was only one whoslept in camp that night--to wit, Shanter. And Rifle said merrily, thatthe black slept loud enough for ten. 

CHAPTER NINE. 

"ALONG O' THAT THERE NIGGER?"

But Shanter, though he slept so soundly, was ready to start up if anyone even whispered, and also ready to lie down and sleep again themoment he found that all was well; and at the first grey dawning of day, when the great trees began to appear in weird fashion from out of thedarkness, and the tops of the mountains to show jagged against the sky, he sprang up from where he had slept close to the warm ashes, yawned, gave himself a rub as if he were cold, and then shook out his arms andlegs, and picked up his weapons. 

"Mine go along, see myall black fellow. Little Marmi come. "

This was to Norman, who turned to the captain. 

"Yes; go, and be very careful. Recollect it will be broad daylightdirectly. "

Norman gave a sharp nod, and caught his brother and cousin's eyes fixedupon him enviously. 

The captain noticed it. 

"Wait, " he said; "your turns will come, boys. --Now, Norman, scoutcarefully, and put us out of our misery at once. If the blacks arecoming this way, hold up your gun as high as you can reach. If they aregoing in another direction, hold it with both hands horizontally aboveyour head. "

Norman nodded and ran after Shanter, who was already on his way, andtogether they reached the precipice, and climbed the face to creep downat once among the bushes, from which place of vantage they could seeright into the blacks' camp, where a party of nineteen were squattedround the fire eating some kind of root which they were roasting on theembers. 

This went on for some time, while, knowing the anxiety at their owncamp, Norman crouched there watching them, till Shanter whisperedsoftly, "All go along. Mine glad. "

He was right, for suddenly one man sprang up and took his spear, theothers followed his example; and they stood talking together just as therising sun peered over the horizon and turned their glistening blackbodies into dark bronze. 

Then followed a good deal of talking and pointing, as if some were forclimbing over the ridge, and at first the others seemed disposed tofollow them; but another disposition came over the party, and, shouldering their spears, they went off toward the mountains, oneportion of which formed a saddle, from which at either end two lines ofeminences of nearly equal height went right away as if there was a deepvalley between. 

"Baal black fellow now. Come all along, Shanter want big damper. "

They waited a few minutes longer, till the party had disappeared in whatlooked to be the bed of a dry stream, leading up into the mountains; andthen, with a feeling of elation in his breast, Norman hurried to aprominent part of the edge of the steep escarpment, and stood holdinghis gun up on high with both hands, horizontally, as agreed upon, till, with a fierce look, Shanter ran to him and dragged it down, giving asharp look toward the place where the blacks had disappeared. 

"Little Marmi want myall black fellow come along?"

"Baal black fellow now, " said Norman; and Shanter's fierce countenancebecame mirthful. 

"Baal black fellow now!" he cried, with a hoarse chuckle. "Baal blackfellow now. You pidney?"

"Yes, I pidney--I understand, " cried Norman, laughing. 

"Come all along. Shanter want big damper. Break-fuss, " he added with agrin. 

They soon lowered themselves down the wall of rock, and ran to the camp, where the captain had just arranged that soon after breakfast Rifle andTim were to take it in turns to mount to the highest point of the ridgeto keep watch, while the rest worked at preparations for their defenceand that of the cattle. 

In the relief they all felt for their escape, a hearty meal was made, the watcher was sent out to perch himself where he could look outunseen, and the day's work began. 

The cattle were first counted, and found to be none the worse for theirjourney, and grazing contentedly on the rich feed. Just below them wasan ample supply of water, and altogether, as they showed no dispositionto stray, they could be left. 

Weapons were then placed ready for use at a moment's notice, and allhands set to work to unpack the wagons, the cases being ranged outside, barrels rolled to the corners and built up, and all being arranged underthe shadow of a great tree, whose boughs would do something towardkeeping off rain. This by degrees began to assume the character of alittle wooden fort, and lastly, over the tops of the wagons, a ridgepole was fixed formed of a small tree which fell to Uncle Jack's axe, and across this three wagon cloths were stretched, forming a fairlywaterproof roof to protect goods that would spoil, and also promising tobe strong enough to check a spear which might reach it through thebranches of the trees. 

As evening came on, this stronghold was a long way from being finished, but it promised some security if it were found necessary to take to itfor shelter, and it was decided that the women should occupy it, and forthe present give up the tent to the men. 

Every one was highly satisfied with the day's work, and, as Rifle said, they could all now devote themselves so much more easily to otherthings--this when he had been relieved in his guard by Tim, who hadstalked off to his post looking, with his shouldered piece, as importantas a grenadier, and no doubt feeling his responsibility far more. 

But matters had not gone on without a hitch, or to be correct, severalhitches, consequent upon the behaviour of Shanter, who in every wayshowed that it was his intention to stay. 

The beginning of it was a complaint made by German, who went up to Timand touched his hat. 

"Beg pardon, Master 'Temus, sir, but along o' that there nigger. "

"What about him?"

"I asked him as civilly as a man could speak, to come and help me unloadthe big wagon, and he shouldered his clothes-prop thing and marched off. Aren't he expected to do something for his wittles?"

"Of course, Sam. Here, I'll go and set him to work. "

Tim walked away to where the black was busy carrying wood to replenishthe fire. 

"Here, Shanter, " he said; "come and help me to carry some boxes. "

"Baal help boxes. Plenty mine come along wood. "

"There's enough wood now. "

"What metancoly wood, " (much, a large number). "Baal come along boxes. "

"But you must come, " cried Tim. 

Shanter seemed to think that he must not, and he took no more notice, but marched away, fetched another big armful of wood, and then took thebig kettle to fill at the spring. 

"I say, uncle, " cried Tim, "here's insubordination in the camp. "

"What's the matter?" said Uncle Jack, who was chaining up the wheels ofone of the wagons to insure its not being dragged away. 

"The black will not work. "

"Send him to me. "

Tim ran back to Shanter. 

"Here, " he cried; "Uncle Jack wants you. "

"Baal come along Uncle Jack, " said the black sharply. "Uncle Jack comealong Shanter. "

"But I say: that won't do, " cried Tim. "You must mind what's said toyou. "

"Shanter going get grub. You come along mine. "

"No; I'm going to work, and you have to help. "

Shanter got up and walked straight away in the other direction, and Timwent and told his uncle. 

"Lazy scoundrel!" cried Uncle Jack. "Well, if he doesn't work he can'tbe fed. "

"Shall I go and tell the captain?"

"No; he has plenty of worries on his mind. Let's do without the sablerascal. We never counted upon having his help. "

So the work went on without the black, and the captain did not miss him;while the ladies, finding a plentiful supply of wood and water, wereloud in Shanter's praises. 

Just before dark he walked back into camp with a bark bag hanging fromhis spear, and a pleasant grin upon his face. 

"Baal black fellow, " he cried. 

"There now, " said Aunt Georgie, who was busy preparing the evening meal, helped by Mrs Bedford; "there it is again. I was doubtful before. "

"Baal black fellow, " said Shanter once more. 

"Yes, there. You see how it is, Marian; these people must bedescendants of the old Philistines, all degenerate and turned black. "

"Nonsense!" said Uncle Jack, and he looked very sternly at the black. 

"But it is not nonsense, John, " said the old lady. "Surely you don'tmean to say that I do not know what I'm talking about. That dreadfulman is a descendant of the old Philistines. You heard him say asplainly as could be something about Baal. "

Norman burst into a roar of laughter. 

"Norman, my dear, how can you be such a rude child?" cried the old ladyreprovingly. 

"Why, aunt, baal means none, or not any. "

"Nonsense, my dear!"

"But it does, aunt. Baal black fellow means that there are none about. "

"Baal black fellow, " cried Shanter, nodding. "Mine not see plenty--allgone. "

"There, aunt. "

"Oh dear me! what a dreadful jargon. Come here, sir, and I'll give yousome damper. "

Aunt Georgie seated herself, took one of the great cakes she had made, and broke it in half, holding it out to the black. 

"He doesn't deserve it, " said Uncle Jack, sternly. 

"Big white Mary gib damper, " cried the black excitedly, taking the cakeand sticking it in his waistband, while he slipped his spear out of thehandles of his bag. "Shanter find white grub. Plenty all 'long bigwhite Mary. "

As he spoke, he emptied the contents of his bag suddenly in the oldlady's lap, laughed at the shriek she gave, and walked off to devour hiscake, while Norman and Rifle collected the curious white larvae in a tinto set them aside for a private feast of their own, no one caring toventure upon a couple that were roasted over the embers. 

Just then the captain was summoned to the evening meal, and after aglance round, he called to Shanter:

"Here, boy, " he said, as the black came up grinning, and with his mouthfull; "go up and look black fellow. --That's the best way I can think oftelling him to relieve Tim, " he said. 

The black nodded, shouldered his spear, and marched off. 

"He obeys you, " said Uncle Jack, who had looked on curiously. 

"Of course. So he does you. "

Uncle Jack shook his head. 

"No, " he said. Then the incidents of the day were related, and thecaptain looked thoughtful. 

In due time Tim came down from his perch, and took his place where theevening meal was discussed in peace, but not without an occasionalglance round, and a feeling of dread that at any moment there might bean alarm; for they felt that after all they were interlopers in anenemy's country, and on their voyage out they had heard more than oneaccount of troubles with the blacks, stories of bloodshed and massacre, which they had then been ready to laugh at as travellers' tales, butwhich now impressed them very differently, and filled them with anundefined sensation of terror, such as made all start at every shadow orsound. 

CHAPTER TEN. 

"THAT BLACK IS OF NO USE. "

Strict watch was kept, but the night passed peacefully away, and themorning dawned so brightly, everything around was so beautiful, with thebirds singing, the sky all orange, gold, and vivid blue, that in theglorious invigorating air it was simply impossible to be in low spirits. The boys had no sooner started to climb the hills and scout for danger, than they met Shanter, who came toward them laughing. 

"Black fellow all gone. No see bull-cow and big horse fellow. All goneaway. Budgery job. Shanter mumkull all lot. "

He gave then a short war-dance, and a display of his skill with hisspear, sending it flying with tremendous force and never missing thetree at which he aimed, into whose soft bark it stuck quivering, whilehe ran up, dragged it out, and belaboured the trunk with his club. 

It was an expressive piece of pantomime to show how he would kill allthe black fellows he met; and when he had ended, he stood grinning atthe boys, waiting for their praise. 

"Oh, it's all very fine, old chap, " said Norman, speaking for theothers; "but how do we know that you would not run away, or be mumkulledyourself by the black fellows?"

Shanter nodded his head, and smiled more widely. 

"Mumkull all a black fellow--all run away. Budgery nulla-nulla. Plentymine. "

He whirled his club round and hurled it at the nearest tree, which itstruck full in the centre of the trunk. Then as he picked it up--

"Shall we trust to what he said? If he is right, we needn't goscouting, " said Norman. 

"Let's go back and tell uncle, " suggested Tim. "There's no need to goon the look-out, " cried Rifle. 

"Those people are Tam o' Shanter's enemies, and he would not go on likethis if they had not gone. --I say, I want to see you use this, " hecontinued, as he touched one of the flat pieces of wood, the blackhaving two now stuck in his waistband. 

"Boomerang, " cried the black, taking out the heavy pieces of wood, oneof which was very much curved, rounded over one side, flat on the other, both having sharpened edges, such as would make them useful in times ofemergency as wooden swords. "Boomerang, " he said again. 

"Oh yes; I know what you call them, " said Rifle; "but I want to see themthrown. "

As he spoke he took hold of the straighter weapon and made believe tohurl it. 

"No budgery, " cried the man, taking the weapon. 

"Mumkull black fellow. " Then, taking the other very much curved pieceof wood, he gave it a flourish. "Mumkull boomer. "

"Who's boomer?" said Norman. "Black fellow?"

Shanter gesticulated and flourished his curved weapon, shook his head, stamped, and cried, "No black fellow. Boomer-boomer. "

"Well, who's boomer?" cried Rifle. "A black fellow?"

"No, no. Mumkull plenty boomer. "

He dropped spear, nulla, and boomerangs, stooped a little, drooped hishands before him, and bent his head down, pretending to nibble at thegrass, after which he made a little bound, then another; then a fewjumps, raised himself up and looked round over his shoulder, as if insearch of danger, and then went off in a series of wonderful leaps, returning directly grinning. 

"Boomer, " he cried; "boomer. "

"He means kangaroo, " cried Tim, excitedly. 

"Of course he does, " said Rifle. "Boomer-kangaroo. "

"Kangaroo boomer, " replied the black eagerly. "Boomer. " Then takingthe straighter weapon, he hurled it forcibly, and sent it skimming overthe ground with such unerring aim that it struck a tree fifty yards awayand fell. "Mumkull black fellow, " he cried laughing. 

Then picking up the second weapon, he threw it so that it flew skimmingalong through the air close to the ground for a considerable distance, curved upward, returned over the same ground, but high up, and fell notfar from the thrower's feet. 

"Budgery, " cried Shanter, regaining his weapon, and laughing withchildish delight. 

"Here, let's have a try, " said Norman, seizing the boomerang--literallyboomer or kangaroo stick--and imitating the black's actions, he threwit, but with such lamentable want of success, that his brother andcousin roared with laughter, and the black grinned his delight. 

"Here, I'll show you, " cried Rifle; but he turned round hurriedly, forthere was a loud hail from a distance, and in obedience to a signal theyall hurried to where the captain stood with Uncle Jack, both coming nowtoward them, and as they drew nearer the boys could read the look ofanger in the captain's face. 

"We were just coming back, father, " cried Norman. 

"Coming back, sir? How am I ever to trust you lads again. I sent youon a mission of what might mean life or death, and I find you playinglike schoolboys with that savage. "

"We were coming back, father, " said Rifle, apologetically. "We metShanter here, and he said that the black fellows were all gone. "

"And we thought he would be able to tell better than we could, " saidNorman, humbly. 

"Humph! there was some excuse, " said the captain, sternly; "but I expectmy orders to be carried out. --Here, boy. "

Shanter advanced rather shrinkingly. 

"Black fellows. Where are they?"

"Baal black fellow, " said Shanter, hastily. "All gone. Plenty no. "

"Come back into camp then, lads, " said the captain, "and help. There isplenty to do. "

The captain was right: there was plenty to do. The question was what tobegin upon first. 

They all set to work to contrive a better shelter; and released now fromdread of an immediate visit from the blacks, their little fortress wasstrengthened, and the first steps taken toward making the first room oftheir house; the captain as architect having planned it so that otherrooms could be added one by one. But on the very first day the captainhad an experience which nearly resulted in a serious quarrel and theblack being driven from the camp. 

For Shanter would not carry boxes or cut wood, or help in any way withthe building, all of which seemed to him perfectly unnecessary; but justas the captain was getting in a towering passion, the black uttered ashout and pointed to the cattle which had been grazing and shelteringthemselves beneath some trees, but now were rushing out as if seized bya panic. Heads were down, tails up, and they were evidently off for thebush, where the trouble of getting them back might be extreme. ButShanter was equal to the occasion. He saw at a glance the direction thecattle were taking; and as the sounds of their fierce lowing and thethunder of their hoofs reached his ears he darted off to run up a longslope opposite to the precipice Norman had climbed; and before thecaptain and the boys had reached their horses to saddle them and gallopafter the herd, Shanter had descended the other side and gone. 

"That black is of no use, " said the captain, angrily. "He might havehelped us to find the beasts; now I'm afraid they are gone for ever. "

"No, no. It may be a long chase, " said Uncle Munday, "but we mustovertake them, and bring them back. "

It took some time to catch and bridle and saddle all the horses, andwith the exception of Sam German all were about to gallop off along thetrail left by the cattle, when the captain drew rein. 

"No, " he said; "we must not leave the camp unprotected. We might haveunwelcome visitors, Jack. You and I must stay. Off with you, boys. Idaresay you will find the black hunting the brutes after all. "

The boys waited for no further orders, but stuck their heels into theirhorses' sides, and the animals, full of spirit from idleness, went offat a headlong gallop. There was in fact quite a race over the openground, where the beaten track could now be seen deeply marked. 

But the run was short. Two miles away they caught sight of the drove, and drew rein so as not to scare them, for they were coming steadilyalong, and there close behind was Shanter, spear in hand, running to andfro, prodding, striking, and keeping the drove together; while the boys, now dividing, rode round to join him behind, bringing the frightenedcattle back into camp panting, hot, and excited, but the panic was at anend. 

"That will do, " said the captain, pleasantly. "I give in about Tam o'Shanter;" and from that hour the black was installed as guardian of the"bull-cows and horse fellows, " to his very great delight. 

In his broken English way he explained the cause of the panic. 

"Plenty 'possum fellow up a tree, " he said. "One make jump down onbull-cow fellow back. You pidney? Kimmeroi (one) run, metancoly run. Bull-cow stupid fellow. Plenty frighten. No frighten Shanter. "

That little incident had shown the black's real value, and he washenceforth looked upon as a valuable addition to the station, being sentout at times scouting to see if there was any danger in theneighbourhood. His principal duties, though, were that of herdsman andgroom, for he soon developed a passionate attachment to the horses, andhis greatest satisfaction was displayed when he was allowed to go andfetch them in from grazing for his young masters. 

He had a great friend, too, in Aunt Georgie--"big white Mary, " as hewould persist in calling her--and oddly enough, it seemed to give himprofound satisfaction to squat down outside after he had fetched wood orwater, and be scolded for being long, or for the quality of the wood, orwant of coolness in the water. 

Meanwhile, the building had gone on merrily, for there was an intensedesire to provide a better shelter for the ladies before the gloriousweather changed and they had to do battle with the heavy rains. SamGerman gave up his first ideas of fencing in a garden, and worked mostenergetically with his axe. Then one or other of the boys helped withthe cross-cut saw, and posts were formed and shingles split--woodenslates Rifle called them--for the roofing. 

A rough sawpit was made, too, under Uncle Munday's superintendence, thetools and implements thoughtfully brought proving invaluable, so that indue time uprights were placed, a framework contrived, and, sooner eventhan they had themselves anticipated, a well-formed little house wasbuilt, was completed with windows and strong shutters, and, at thesides, tiny loopholes for purposes of defence. 

This one strong room covered in, and the boarded sides nailed on, thebuilding of a kitchen at the side became a comparatively easy task, andwas gone on with more slowly, for another job had to be commenced. 

"I consider it wonderful, boys, that they have escaped, " said thecaptain; "but we have been tempting fate. We must fence in a good spacefor the cattle, a sort of home close, where we know that they will besafe, before the enemy comes and drives them off some night while we areasleep. "

This enclosure was then made, the posts and rails on one side comingclose up to the space intended for a garden; and a further intention wasto board it closely for a defence on that side when time allowed. 

Every day saw something done, and in their busy life and immunity fromdanger all thought of peril began to die out. They even began toimagine that the weather was always going to be fine, so glorious itremained all through their building work. But they were soon undeceivedas to that, a wet season coming on, and the boys getting some fewexamples of rain which made Sam German declare that it came down inbucketfuls; while Rifle was ready to assert, one afternoon when he wascaught, that he almost swam home through it, after a visit to the lowerpart of the captain's land, to see that the sheep were all driven on tohigh ground, up to which they had laboured with their fleeces holdingwater in a perfect load. 

And hence it was that, to the astonishment of all, they found that awhole year had passed away, and the captain said, with a perplexed look, that they seemed hardly to have done anything. 

But all the same, there was the Dingo Station, as he had dubbed it, onaccount of the wild dogs which prowled about, with a substantial littlefarmhouse, some small out-buildings, paddocks enclosed with rails, andtheir farming stock looking healthy and strong. Sam German, too, hadcontrived to get something going in the way of a garden, and plansinnumerable were being made for the future in the way of beautifying theplace, though nature had done much for them before they came. 

As for the elders, they did not look a day older, and all were in robusthealth. The change was in the boys:

Norman and Rifle had grown brown and sturdy to a wonderful degree, whileTim had shot up to such an extent that his cousins laughingly declaredthat he ought to wear a leaden hat to keep him down. 

"It almost seems, " said Uncle Jack one day, "that keeping a tame blackis sufficient to drive all the others away. "

"Don't seem to me that Shanter is very tame, uncle, " cried Norman, merrily; "why, he is always wanting to go off into the scrub, and coaxesus to go with him. "

"I say, father, " cried Rifle, "when are we to go off on an expeditionand have some hunting and fishing? I thought when we came out here thatwe were going to have adventures every day, and we haven't seen a blacksince that first night. "

"Ah, you'll have adventures enough some day, boys. Have patience. "

"But we want to go farther away, uncle, " said Tim. "Are we always to belooking after the cattle and building?"

"I hope not, " said the captain, merrily. "There, we shall not be sobusy now, and we shall feel more free about several things. "

Just then Shanter was seen crossing the front, munching away at a greatpiece of damper made from the new flour Sam German had brought up fromPort Haven, it having been necessary for an expedition with a wagon andhorses to be made at intervals of two or three months to replenishstores. They had had visitors, too, upon three occasions: the youngdoctor, Mr Freeston, and the sugar-planter, Mr Henley, having foundtheir way to the station; the latter, as he said, being rather disposedto take up land in that direction, as it seemed far better than where hewas, while the doctor casually let drop a few words to the boys at theirlast visit, that he thought it would be a good part of the country forhim to settle in too. 

"But there won't be any patients for you, " said Norman. 

"No, " cried Rifle. "We never have anything the matter with us. "

"Oh, but there will soon be settlers all about, " said the doctor. "Thispart of the country is sure to be thickly settled one of these days, andit will be so advantageous to be the old-established medical man. "

"I say, " said Tim, as he and his cousins rode back after seeing thedoctor and Mr Henley some distance on the way, "Doctor Freeston hadbetter begin to doctor himself. "

"Why?" said Rifle. 

"Because it seems to me that he must be going mad. "

CHAPTER ELEVEN. 

"I SAID IT WAS A SNAKE. "

"Norman, Rifle, Tim! Help! Help!"

"What's the matter?" cried Tim. "Here, boys, quick! There's somethingwrong at the house. "

The three boys, who had heard the faint cries from a distance, set offat a run. 

"It must be aunt. The girls and mamma are down by the waterfall, " criedRifle. 

"Yes; it's aunt sure enough, " said Norman, as they saw the old ladyhurrying toward them. 

"It must be the blacks come at last, " cried Tim; "and oh, boys, we havenot got our guns!"

"Who's going about always tied to a gun?" cried Norman, angrily. --"Here, aunt, what's the matter?"

"Oh, my boy, my boy!" cried the old lady, throwing her arms about thelad's neck, as he reached her first, and with so much energy that shewould have upset him, and they would have fallen together had not hisbrother and cousin been close behind ready to give him their support. 

"But don't cling to me, auntie, " cried Norman, excitedly. "If you can'tstand, lie down. Where are they?"

"In--in the kitchen, my dear, " she panted; and then burst into ahysterical fit of sobbing, which came to an end as the boys hurriedlyseated her beneath a tree. 

"How many are there, aunt?" whispered Rifle, excitedly. 

"Only one, my boys. "

"One?" cried Norman. "I say, boys, we aren't afraid of one, are we?"

"No, " cried the others. 

"But I wish old Tam o' Shanter was here with his nulla-nulla. "

"Never mind, " said Norman, flushing up as he felt that, as eldest, hemust take the lead. "There is no chance to get the guns. We'll runround by the wood-house; there are two choppers and an axe there. Hewon't show fight if he sees we're armed. "

"I don't know, " said Rifle, grimly. "He must be a fierce one, or hewouldn't have ventured alone. "

"Perhaps there are a dozen of 'em behind, hiding, " said Tim. "Shall wecooey?"

"No, " said Norman, stoutly. "Not till we've seen. He may be onlybegging after all. Come on. "

"Stop! Stop! Don't leave me here, " cried Aunt Georgie excitedly, asthe boys began to move off. 

"But we can't take you, aunt, " said Rifle, soothingly, "with a lot ofblacks about. "

"Blacks? Where?" cried Aunt Georgie rising. 

"Where you said: in the kitchen. "

"Stuff and nonsense, boy! I never said anything of the kind. I said itwas a snake. "

"Snake!" cried the boys in chorus. 

"You didn't say anything of the kind, aunt, " cried Norman, indignantly. 

"Don't contradict, sir. I declare I never said a word about blacks. Iwent into the kitchen and heard a rustling sound between me and thedoor, and I thought it was one of the fowls come in to beg for a bit ofbread, when I looked round, and there on the floor was a monstrous greatserpent, twining and twisting about, and if I hadn't dashed out of theplace it would have seized me. "

"A big one, aunt?"

"A monster, my dear. But what are you going to do?"

Norman laughed, and looked at the others. 

"Oh, I think we shall manage to turn him out, aunt, " he said. 

"But be careful, my dears, and don't run into danger. "

"Oh no; we'll get the guns and talk to him through the window. "

"I am glad it wasn't mamma, " said Rifle. 

"Or the girls, " cried his cousin. 

"Then I'm of no consequence at all, " said the old lady, wiping herforehead and looking hurt. "Ah, well, I suppose I'm old and not of muchimportance now. There, go and kill the dreadful thing before it bitesanybody. "

They were not above eighty or ninety yards from the house, and theyhurried on, closely followed by Aunt Georgie, meaning to go in by theprincipal door, when all at once a black figure, having a very magpieishlook from the fact of his being clothed in an exceedingly short pair ofwhite drawers, came from behind the house, and seeing them, cameforward. 

"Hi! Shanter!" shouted Norman, "look out. Big snake. "

The black's hand went behind him instantly, and reappeared armed withhis nulla-nulla as he looked sharply round for the reptile. 

"No, no; in the house, " cried Norman, leading the way toward the opendoor so as to get the guns. 

Shanter bounded before him, flourishing his club, all excitement on theinstant. 

"No, no; let me come first, " said the boy, in a low husky voice. "Iwant to get the guns. The snake's in the kitchen. "

The black stopped short, and stood with his club hanging down, staringat the boy. Then a grin overspread his face as Norman reappeared withtwo loaded guns, one of which he handed to Tim, Rifle having meanwhilearmed himself with an axe, from where it hung just inside the door. 

"Now then, come on round to the back. It's a big one. "

But Shanter laughed and shook his head. 

"Ah, plenty game, " he said. "Baal play game. "

"No. There is one, really, " cried Norman, examining the pan of his gun. "It attacked aunt. "

Shanter shook his head. 

"Baal. Can't pidney. What say?"

"Big snake no budgery, bite aunt, " said Norman. 

"Snake bite big white Mary. Baal bite: all mumkull. "

"Oh, I do wish the man would speak English, " cried Aunt Georgie. "There, you boys, stand back. --Shanter, go and kill the snake. "

Shanter shook his head and tucked his nulla-nulla in his waistbandagain, laughing silently all the time. 

"But there is a terribly great one, Shanter, and I order you to go andkill it. "

"Baal mumkull snake. "

"Yes; you can kill it, sir. Go and kill it directly. Throw that thingat it, and knock it down. "

Shanter shook his head again. 

"Here, I'll soon shoot it, aunt, " said Norman; but Aunt Georgie held hisarm tightly. 

"No, sir, I shall not let you go. --Rifle, Tim, I forbid you to stir. --Shanter, do as I tell you, " she continued, with a stamp of her foot. "Go and kill that horrible snake directly, or not one bit of damper doyou ever get again from me. "

"Big white Mary gib Shanter plenty damper. "

"Yes; and will again. You are a big, strong man, and know how to killsnakes. Go and kill that one directly. "

Shanter shook his head. 

"Why, you are not afraid, sir?"

"No. Baal 'fraid snake, " said Shanter in a puzzled way, as he lookedsearchingly from one to the other. 

"Then go and do as I say. "

"He's afraid of it, " said Norman. "I don't like them, aunt, but I'll goand shoot it. "

"Mine baal 'fraid, " cried the black, angrily. "Mumkull plenty snake. Metancoly. "

"Then why don't you go and kill that one?" said Norman as his aunt stillrestrained him. 

"Baal snake bunyip, " cried Shanter, angrily, naming the imaginary demonof the blacks' dread. 

"Who said it was a bunyip?" cried Rifle. "It's a big snake that triedto bite aunt. "

Shanter laughed and shook his head again. 

"Baal mumkull snake bulla (two) time. Mumkull bunyip plenty. Comeagain. "

"What muddle are you talking?" cried Norman, angrily; "the brute willget away. Look here, Shan, are you afraid?"

"Mine baal 'fraid. "

"Then go and kill it. "

"Baal mumkull over 'gain. Shanter mumkull. Make fire, put him inkidgen. "

"What!" cried Aunt Georgie. "You put the snake in the kitchen?"

The black nodded. 

"Mine put snake in kidgen for big white Mary. "

"To bite me?"

"Baal--baal--baal bite big white Mary. Big white Mary, Marmi (captain), plenty bite snake. Good to eat. "

"Here, I see, " cried Norman, bursting out laughing, the black joiningin. "He brought the snake for you to cook, auntie. "

"What!" cried Aunt Georgie, who turned red with anger as the boy shookhimself loose and ran round to the kitchen door, closely followed byShanter and the others. 

As Norman ran into the kitchen, he stopped short and pointed the gun, for right in the middle of the floor, writhing about in a way that mighteasily have been mistaken for menace, was a large carpet-snake. 

Just as the boy realised that its head had been injured, Shanter made arush past him, seized the snake by the tail, and ran out again draggingit after him with one hand, then snatching out his club, he dropped thetail, and quick as thought gave the writhing creature a couple of heavyblows on the head. 

"Baal mumkull nuff, " he said, as the writhing nearly ceased. Then, taking hold of the tail again, he began to drag the reptile back towardthe kitchen door, but Norman stopped him. 

"No; don't do that. "

"Plenty budgery. Big white Mary. "

"He says it's beautiful, aunt, and he brought it as a present for you. Shall he put it in the kitchen?"

"What?" cried Aunt Georgie; "make the horrid fellow take it, and bury itsomewhere. I was never so frightened in my life. "

All this was explained to Shanter, who turned sulky, and lookedoffended, marching off with his prize into the scrub, his whereaboutsbeing soon after detected by a curling film of grey smoke. 

"Here, come on, boys, " cried Tim. "Shanter's having a feed of roastsnake. "

"Let's go and see, " cried Norman, and they ran to the spot where thefire was burning, to find that Tim was quite correct. Shanter had madea good fire, had skinned his snake, and was roasting it in the embers, from which it sent forth a hissing sound not unlike its naturalutterance, but now in company with a pleasantly savoury odour. 

His back was toward them, and as they approached he looked round sourly, but his black face relaxed, and he grinned good-humouredly again, as hepointed to the cooking going on. 

"Plenty budgery, " he cried. "Come eat lot 'long Shanter. "

But the boys said "No. " The grubs were tempting, but the carpet-snakewas not; so Shanter had it all to himself, eating till Rifle laughed, and said that he must be like india-rubber, else he could never haveheld so much. 

CHAPTER TWELVE. 

A REAL EXPEDITION. 

The Dingo Station never looked more beautiful than it did one gloriousJanuary morning as the boys were making their preparations for anexpedition into the scrub. The place had been chosen for itsattractiveness in the first instance, and two years hard work had madeit a home over which Uncle Munday used to smile as he gazed on hishandiwork in the shape of flowering creepers--Bougainvillea andRinkasporum--running up the front, and hiding the rough wood, or overthe fences; the garden now beginning to be wonderfully attractive, andadding to the general home-like aspect of the place; while the captainrubbed his hands as he gazed at his rapidly-growing prosperity, andasked wife and daughters whether they had not done well in coming out toso glorious a land. 

They all readily agreed, for they had grown used to their active, busylife, and were quite content, the enjoyment of vigorous health in a fineclimate compensating for the many little pleasures of civilised lifewhich they had missed at first. The timidity from which they hadsuffered had long since passed away; and though in quiet conversations, during the six early months of their sojourn, mother and daughter andniece had often talked of how much pleasanter it would have been if thecaptain had made up his mind to sell his property and go close up tosome settlement, such thoughts were rare now; and, as Aunt Georgie usedto say:

"Of course, my dears, I did at one time think it very mad to come rightout here, but I said to myself, Edward is acting for the best, and it isour duty to help him, and I'm very glad we came; for at home I usedoften to say to myself, `I'm getting quite an old woman now, and at themost I can't live above another ten years. ' While now I don't feel abit old, and I shall be very much disappointed if I don't live anothertwenty or five-and-twenty years. For you see, my dears, there is somuch to do. "

And now, on this particular morning, the boys were busy loading up asturdy, useful horse with provisions for an excursion into the scrub. Sam German had left his gardening to help to get their horses ready; andfull of importance, in a pair of clean white drawers, Shanter wasmarching up and down looking at the preparations being made, in a waythat suggested his being lord of the whole place. 

All ready at last, and mounted. Mrs Bedford, Aunt Georgie, and thegirls had come out to see them off, and the captain and Uncle Jack werestanding by the fence to which the packhorse was hitched. 

"Got everything, boys?" said the captain. 

"Yes, father; I think so. "

"Flint and steel and tinder?"

"Oh yes. "

"Stop!" cried the captain. "I'm sure you've forgotten something. "

"No, father, " said Rifle. "I went over the things too, and so did Tim. Powder, shot, bullets, knives, damper iron, hatchets, tent-cloth. "

"I know, " cried Aunt Georgie. "I thought they would. No extrablankets. "

"Yes, we have, aunt, " cried Tim, laughing. 

"Then you have no sticking-plaster. "

"That we have, aunt, and bits of linen rag, and needles and thread. Yougave them to me, " said Rifle. "I think we have everything we ought tocarry. "

"No, " said the captain; "there is something else. "

"They've forgotten the tea, " cried Hetty, merrily. 

"No. Got more than we want, " cried Rifle. 

"Sugar, then, " said Ida. "No; I mean salt. "

"Wrong again, girls, " cried Norman. "We've got plenty of everything, and only want to start off--How long can you do without us, father?"

"Oh, " said the captain, good-humouredly, "you are an idle lot. I don'twant you. Say six months. "

"Edward, my dear!" exclaimed Mrs Bedford, in alarm. 

"Well then, say a fortnight. Fourteen days, boys, and if you are notback then, we shall be uneasy, and come in search of you. "

"Come now, father, " cried Rifle, laughing. "I say, I do wish youwould. "

"Nothing I should enjoy better, my boy, " said the captain. "This placemakes me feel full of desire adventure. "

"Then come, " cried Norman. "It would be grand. You come too, UncleJack;" but that gentleman shook his head as did his brother. 

"And pray who is to protect your mother and sisters and aunt, eh?" saidthe captain. "No; go and have your jaunt, and as soon as you cross therange mark down any good site for stations. "

"Oh, Edward dear, " cried Mrs Bedford, "you will not go farther into thewilderness?"

"No, " he said, smiling; "but it would be pleasant to be able to tellsome other adventurer where to go. "

"I know what they've forgotten, " said Ida, mischievously, and onpurpose--"soap. "

"Wrong again, Miss Clever, " cried Norman. "We've got everything butsailing orders. Good-bye all. "

"You will take care, my dears, " cried Mrs Bedford, who looked pale andanxious. 

"Every care possible, mother dear, " cried the lad, affectionately; "andif Tim and Rifle don't behave themselves, I'll give 'em ramrod and kickstill they do. --Now, father, Tam o' Shanter's looking back again. Shallwe start?"

"You've forgotten something important. "

"No, father, we haven't, indeed. "

"You talked about sailing orders, and you are going to start off intothe wilds where there isn't a track. Pray, where is your compass?"

"There he is, father, " cried Rifle, merrily; "yonder in white drawers. "

"A very valuable one, but you can't go without one that you can put inyour pocket. What did we say last night about being lost in the bush?"

"Forgot!" cried Norman, after searching his pockets. "Have you got it, Tim?"

Tim put his hand in his pocket, and shook his head. 

"Have you, Rifle?"

"No. "

"Of course he has not, " said the captain; "and it is the most importantthing of your outfit. 

"Here it is, " he continued, producing a little mariner's compass; "andnow be careful. You ought to have had three. Good-bye, boys. Backwithin the fortnight, mind. "

Promises, more farewells, cheers, and twenty minutes later the boysturned their horses' heads on the top of Wallaby Range, as they hadnamed the hills behind the house, at the last point where they could geta view of home, pausing to wave their three hats; and then, as they rodeoff for the wilds, Shanter, who was driving the packhorse, uttered awild yell, as he leaped from the ground, and set all the horses caperingand plunging. 

"What did you do that for?" said Norman, as soon as he could speak forlaughing, the effects on all three having been comical in the extreme. 

"Corbon budgery. All good. Get away and no work. "

"Work?" cried Rifle. "Why, you never did any work in your life. "

"Baal work. Mine go mumkull boomer plenty hunt, find sugar-bag. Yah!"

He uttered another wild shout, which resulted in his having to trot offafter the packhorse, which took to its heels, rattling the campingequipage terribly, while the boys restrained their rather wild butwell-bred steeds. 

"Old Tam's so excited that he don't know what to do, " cried Tim. 

"Yes. Isn't he just like a big boy getting his first holidays. "

"Wonder how old he is, " said Rifle. 

"I don't know. Anyway between twenty and a hundred. He'll always bejust like a child as long as he lives, " said Norman. "He always puts mein mind of what Tim was six or seven years ago when he first came tous. "

"Well, I wasn't black anyhow, " said Tim. 

"No, but you had just such a temper; got in a passion, turned sulky, went and hid yourself, and forgot all about it in half an hour. "

"I might be worse, " said Tim, drily. "Heads!" he shouted by way ofwarning as he led the way under a group of umbrageous trees, beyondwhich they could see Shanter still trotting after the packhorse, whichdid not appear disposed to stop. 

"Well, I'm as glad we've got off as Shanter is, " said Rifle as theyambled along over the rich grass. "I thought we never were going tohave a real expedition. "

"Why, we've had lots, " said Tim. 

"Oh, they were nothing. I mean a regular real one all by ourselves. How far do you mean to go to-night?"

"As far as we can before sunset, " said Norman; "only we must be guidedby circumstances. "

"Which means wood, water, and shelter, " said Tim, sententiously. "Isay, suppose after all we were to meet a tribe of black fellows. Whatshould we do?"

"Let 'em alone, " said Rifle, "and then they'd leave us alone. "

"Yes; but suppose they showed fight and began to throw spears at us. "

"Gallop away, " suggested Tim. 

"Better make them gallop away, " said Norman. "Keep just out of reach oftheir spears and pepper them with small shot. "

After a time they overtook the black, and had to dismount to rearrangethe baggage on the packhorse, which was sadly disarranged; but this didnot seem to trouble Shanter, who stood by solemnly, leaning upon hisspear, and making an occasional remark about, "Dat fellow corbonbudgery, " or, "Dis fellow baal budgery, "--the "fellows" being tin potsor a sheet of iron for cooking damper. 

"Fellow indeed!" cried Rifle, indignantly; "you're a pretty fellow. "

"Yohi, " replied the black, smiling. "Shanter pretty fellow. Corbonbudgery. "

But if the black would not work during their excursion after the fashionof ordinary folk, he would slave in the tasks that pleased him; andduring the next few days their table--by which be it understood thegreen grass or some flat rock--was amply provided with delicacies in theshape of 'possum and grub, besides various little bulbs and roots, orwild fruits, whose habitat Shanter knew as if by instinct. Hisboomerang brought down little kangaroo-like animals--wallabies such aswere plentiful on the range--and his nulla-nulla was the death of threecarpet-snakes, which were roasted in a special fire made by the black, for he was not allowed to bring them where the bread was baked and thetea made. 

So day after day they journeyed on over the far-spreading park-likeland, now coming upon a creek well supplied with water, now toiling oversome rocky elevation where the stones were sun-baked and the vegetationparched, while at night they spread the piece of canvas they carried fora tent, hobbled the horses, and lay down to sleep or watch the starswith the constellations all upside down. 

They had so far no adventures worth calling so, but it was a glorioustime. There was the delicious sense of utter freedom from restraint. The country was before them--theirs as much as any one's--with thebright sunshine of the day, and gorgeous colours of night and morning. 

When they camped they could stay as long as they liked; when theyjourneyed they could halt in the hot part of the day in the shade ofsome large tree, and go on again in the cool delightful evening; andthere was a something about it all that is indescribable, beyond sayingthat it was coloured by the brightly vivid sight of boyhood, wheneverything is at its best. 

The stores lasted out well in spite of the frightful inroads made by thehungry party: for Shanter contributed liberally to the larder, and everyday Norman said it was a shame, and the others agreed as they thought ofcages, or perches and chains; but all the same they plucked and roastedthe lovely great cockatoos they shot, and declared them to be delicious. 

Shanter knocked down a brush pheasant or two, whose fate was the fire;and one day he came with something in his left hand just as breakfastwas ended, and with a very serious aspect told them to look on, while hevery cleverly held a tiny bee, smeared its back with a soft gum whichexuded from the tree under whose shade they sat, and then touched thegum with a bit of fluffy white cottony down. 

"Dat fellow going show sugar-bag plenty mine corbon budgery. "

"Get out with your corbon budgery, " cried Norman. "What's he going todo?"

They soon knew, for, going out again into the open, Shanter let the beefly and darted off after it, keeping the patch of white in view, till itdisappeared among some trees. 

"Dat bee fellow gunyah, " cried Shanter, as the boys ran up, and theyfollowed the direction of the black's pointing finger, to see high up ina huge branch a number of bees flying in and out, and in a very shorttime Shanter had seized the little hatchet Rifle carried in his belt, and began to cut big notches in the bark of the tree, making steps forhis toes, and by their means mounting higher and higher, till he was ona level with the hole where the bees came in and out. 

"Mind they don't sting you, Shanter, " cried Tim. 

"What six-ting?" cried Shanter. 

"Prick and poison you. "

"Bee fellow ticklum, " he cried laughing, as he began chopping away atthe bark about the hollow which held the nest, and brought out so greata cloud of insects that he descended rapidly. 

"Shanter let 'em know, " he cried; and running back to the camp he leftthe boys watching the bees, till he returned with a cooliman--a barkbowl formed by peeling the excrescence of a tree--and some sticks welllighted at the end. 

By means of these the black soon had a fire of dead grass tufts smokingtremendously, arranging it so that the clouds curled up and played roundthe bees' nest. 

"Bee fellow baal like smoke, " he cried. "Make bee go bong. "

Then seizing the hatchet and cooliman he rapidly ascended the tree, andbegan to cut out great pieces of dripping honeycomb, while the boyslaughed upon seeing that the hobbled horses, objecting to be left alonein the great wild, had trotted close up and looked as if they had comeon purpose to see the honey taken. 

It was not a particularly clean process, but the result was plentiful, and after piling his bark bowl high, Shanter came down laughing. 

"Plenty mine tickee, tickee, " he said; but it did not seem to occur tohim that it would be advantageous to have a wash. He was quite contentto follow back to the camp-fire and then sit down to eat honey and combtill Tim stared. 

"I say, Shanter, " he cried, "we didn't bring any physic. "

"Physic? What physic? Budgery?"

"Oh, very budgery indeed, " said Rifle, laughing. "You shall have somewhen we get back. "

Shanter nodded, finished his honey, and went to sleep till he was rousedup, and the party started off once more. 

CHAPTER THIRTEEN. 

"DON'T SAY HE'S DEAD. "

It was comparatively an aimless expedition the boys were making. Certainly they were to note down any good sites for stations; butotherwise they roamed about almost wherever Shanter led them. Now itwould be down some lovely creek, overhung by wide-spreading ferns, insearch of fish; now to hunt out and slay dangerous serpents, or capturethe carpet-snake, which the black looked upon as a delicacy. Twice overthey came across the lyre-tailed pheasant; but the birds escapeduninjured, so that they did not secure the wonderful tail-feathers for atrophy. 

The last time Tim had quite an easy shot with both barrels, and therewas a roar of laughter when the bird flew away amongst the dense scrub. 

"Well, you are a shot!" cried Norman. 

"Shanter plenty mumkull that fellow with boomerang, " said the black, scornfully. 

"Oh, it doesn't matter, " said Tim, reloading coolly. "The featherswould only have been a bother to carry home. "

"Sour grapes, " said Rifle, laughing. 

"Oh, all right, " replied Tim; "perhaps you'll miss next. Why--"

Tim stopped short, with the little shovel of his shot-belt in his hand, as he felt the long leathern eel-shaped case carefully. 

"What's the matter?" said Norman. 

"You feel here, " cried his cousin. 

"Well, " said Norman, running his hand along the belt, "what of it?"

"Full, isn't it?" said Tim. 

"Yes. Quite full. "

"You're sure it's quite full?"

"Oh yes. "

"Then I didn't put any shot in my gun, that's all. I loaded after Icame out this morning. "

"Well, you are a pretty fellow, " cried Rifle. "I shouldn't like to haveto depend on you if we were attacked by black fellows. "

"Black fellow, " cried Shanter, sharply. "Baal black fellow. Plentywallaby. Come along. "

That day, though, they did not encounter any of that small animal of thekangaroo family, which were plentiful about the hills at home, but wentjourneying on along through the bush, with the grass-trees rising hereand there with their mop-like heads and blossom-like spike. Even birdswere scarce, and toward evening, as they were growing hungry and tired, and were seeking a satisfactory spot for camping, Tim let fall a remarkwhich cast a damper on the whole party. 

"I say, boys, " he exclaimed, "whereabouts are we?"

Norman looked at him, and a shade of uneasiness crossed his face, as heturned in his saddle. 

"What made you say that?" he cried. 

"I was only thinking that this place is very beautiful, but it seems tome all alike; and as if you might go on wandering for years and neverget to the end. "

"Nonsense!" said Rifle. 

"But how are we going to find our way back?"

"Go by the sun, " said Norman. "It would be easy enough. Besides we'vegot the compass, and we could find our way by that. "

"Oh, could we?" said Tim; "well, I'm glad, because it seemed to me as ifwe've wandered about so that we might get lost. "

"What, with Shanter here?" cried Rifle. "Nonsense! He couldn't losehimself. "

"Want mine?" said the black, running back from where he was trudgingbeside the packhorse. 

"How are we to find our way back?" said Tim. The black stared withoutcomprehending. "Here, let me, " said Rifle. "Hi, Shanter! Mine findbig white Mary over there?" and he pointed. 

"Baal fine big white Mary, " cried the black, shaking his shock-headhard. "Big white Mary--Marmi dere. "

He pointed in a contrary direction. 

"How do you know?" said Rifle. 

The black gave him a cunning look, stooped, and began to follow thefootprints of the horses backward. Then turning, he laughed. 

"Of course, " said Norman. "How stupid of me! Follow the back track. "

"But suppose it comes on to rain heavily, and washes the footmarks out. How then?"

"Don't you croak, " cried Norman, who was himself again. "Who says it'sgoing to rain?"

"Nobody, " said Tim; "but it might. "

"Pigs might fly, " cried Rifle. 

Just then Shanter gave a triumphant cry. He had come to a largewater-hole, by which they camped for the night, and had the pleasure ofseeing their tired horses drink heartily, and then go off to crop theabundant grass. 

"Now, boys, " said Norman that night, "I've something to tell you. To-morrow we go forward half a day's journey, and then halt for twohours, and come back here to camp. "

"Why?" cried Rifle. 

"Because we have only just time to get back as father said. "

"Why, we've only--"

"Been out eight days, boys, " interrupted Norman; "and there's only justtime to get back by going steadily. "

"But we can't get back in time, " argued Rifle. "We shall only have fivedays and a half. "

"Yes we shall, if we don't make any stoppages. "

"Oh, let's go on a bit farther; we haven't had hardly any fun yet, "cried Rifle. 

But Norman took the part of leader, and was inexorable. 

"Besides, " he said, "the stores will only just last out. "

To make up for it, they started very early the next morning, so as toget as far away as possible before returning. Then came the mid-dayhalt, and the journey back to the water-hole, over what seemed to be nowthe most uninteresting piece of country they had yet traversed, andShanter appeared to think so too. 

"Baal black fellow; baal wallaby; baal snakum. Mine want big damper. "

"And mine must plenty wait till we get back to camp, " said Norman, nodding at him, when the black nodded back and hastened the pace of thepackhorse, whose load was next to nothing now, the stores having beenleft at the side of the water-hole. 

It was getting toward sundown when the ridge of rocks, at the foot ofwhich the deep pure water lay, came in sight; and Shanter, who was inadvance, checked the horse he drove and waited for the boys to come up. 

"Horse fellow stop along of you, " he said; "mine go an' stir up damperfire. "

"All right, " replied Norman, taking the horse's rein, but letting it godirectly, knowing that the patient would follow the others, while with aleap and a bound Shanter trotted off, just as if he had not been walkingall the day. 

"I am sorry it's all over, " said Rifle, who was riding with his rein onhis horse's neck and hands in his pockets. "We don't seem to have hadhalf a holiday. "

"It isn't all over, " said Tim; "we've got full five days yet, and we mayhave all sorts of adventures. I wish, though, there were some otherwild beasts here beside kangaroos and dingoes. I don't think Australiais much of a place after all. "

"Hub!" cried Norman. "Look, old Tam has caught sight of game. "

"Hurrah! Let's gallop, " cried Rifle. 

"No, no. Keep back. He's stalking something that he sees yonder. There: he has gone out of sight. I daresay it's only one of thosehorrible snakes. What taste it is, eating snake!"

"No more than eating eels, " said Rifle, drily. "They're onlywater-snakes. I say, though, come on. "

"And don't talk about eating, please, " cried Tim, plaintively; "it doesmake me feel so hungry. "

"As if you could eat carpet-snake, eh?"

"Ugh!"

"Or kangaroo?" cried Rifle, excitedly, as they reached the top of one ofthe billowy waves of land which swept across the great plain. "Look, Shanter sees kangaroo. There they go. No, they're stopping. Hurrah!kangaroo tail for supper. Get ready for a shot. "

As he spoke he unslung his gun, and they cantered forward, closelyfollowed by the packhorse, knowing that the curious creatures would seethem, however carefully they approached, and go off in a series ofwonderful leaps over bush and stone. 

As they cantered on, they caught sight of Shanter going through somepeculiar manoeuvre which they could not quite make out. But as theycame nearer they saw him hurl either his boomerang or nulla-nulla, and asmall kangaroo fell over, kicking, on its side. 

"Shan't starve to-night, boys, " cried Tim, who was in advance; and inanother minute, with the herd of kangaroos going at full speed over thebushes, they were close up, but drew rein in astonishment at that whichfollowed. 

For as the boys sat there almost petrified, but with their horsessnorting and fidgeting to gallop off to avoid what they looked upon asan enemy, and to follow the flying herd, they saw Shanter in the act ofhurling his spear at a gigantic kangaroo--one of the "old men" of whichthey had heard stories--and this great animal was evidently making forthe black, partly enraged by a blow it had received, partly, perhaps, tocover the flight of the herd. 

The spear was thrown, but it was just as the old man was making a bound, and though it struck, its power of penetration was not sufficient, in anoblique blow, to make it pierce the tough skin, and to the boys' horrorthey saw the blunt wooden weapon fall to the earth. The next instantthe kangaroo was upon Shanter, grasping him with its forepaws andhugging him tightly against its chest, in spite of the black's desperatestruggles and efforts to trip his assailant up. There he looked almostlike a child in the grasp of a strong man, and to make matters worse, the black had no weapon left, not even a knife, and he could not reachthe ground with his feet. 

Poor Shanter had heard the horses coming up, and now in his desperatestruggle to free himself, he caught sight of Raphael. 

"Boomer--mumkull!" he yelled in a half-suffocated voice. "Mumkull--shoot, shoot. "

The gun was cocked and in the boy's hands, but to fire was impossible, for fear of hitting the black; while, when Norman rode close up, threwhimself off his horse, and advanced to get a close shot, the kangaroomade vicious kicks at him, which fortunately missed, or, struck as hewould have been by the animal's terrible hind-claw, Norman Bedford'scareer would, in all probability, have been at an end. 

Then, in spite of Shanter's struggles and yells to the boys to shoot--to"mumkull" his enemy--the kangaroo began to leap as easily as if it werenot burdened with the weight of a man; and quickly clearing the distancebetween them and the water-hole, plunged right in, and with the waterflying up at every spring, shuffled at last into deep water. 

Here, knowing the fate reserved for him, Shanter made another desperatestruggle to escape; but he was wrestling with a creature nearly as heavyas a cow, and so formed by nature that it sat up looking a very pyramidof strength, being supported on the long bones of the feet, and kept inposition by its huge tail; while the black, held as he was in thatdeadly hug, and unable to get his feet down, was completely helpless. 

Without a moment's hesitation, Norman waded in after them to try to getan opportunity to fire; but the kangaroo struck out at him again withall the power of its huge leg, and though it was too far off for theblow to take effect, it drove up such a cataract of water as deluged thelad from head to foot, and sent him staggering back. 

The next moment the object of the kangaroo was plain to the boys, for, as if endowed with human instinct, it now bent down to press poorShanter beneath the water, and hold him there till he was drowned. 

Rifle saw it, and pressing the sides of his horse, and battling with itto overcome its dread of the uncanny-looking marsupial, he forced itright in to the pool, and urged it forward with voice and hand, so as toget a shot to tell upon Shanter's adversary. 

It was hard work, but it had this effect, that it took off thekangaroo's attention, so that there was a momentary respite for Shanter, the great brute rising up and raising the black's head above the water, so that he could breathe again, while, repeating its previous manoeuvre, the kangaroo kicked out at Rifle, its claw just touching the saddle. 

That was enough, the horse reared up, fought for a few moments, pawingthe air, and went over backwards. Then there was a wild splashing, andRifle reached the shore without his gun, drenched, but otherwise unhurt, and the horse followed. 

The black's fate would have been sealed, for, free of its assailants, the kangaroo plunged the poor helpless struggling fellow down beneaththe surface, attentively watching the approach the while of a thirdenemy, and ready to launch out one of those terrible kicks as soon asthe boy was sufficiently near. 

"Oh, Tim, Tim, fire--fire!" cried Norman, as he saw his cousin wade innearer and nearer: "Quick! quick! before Shanter's drowned. "

Tim had already paused four yards away, and up to his armpits in wateras he took careful aim, his hands trembling one moment, but firm thenext, as the kangaroo, bending downward with the side of its head to himand nearly on a level with the water, which rose in violent ebullitionsconsequent upon Shanter's struggles, seemed to have a peculiartriumphant leer in its eyes, as if it were saying: "Wait a bit; it isyour turn next. "

It was all the work of a minute or so, but to the two boys on shore itseemed a horrible time of long suspense, before there was a doublereport, the triggers being pulled almost simultaneously. A tremendousspring right out of the water, and then a splash, which sent it flyingin all directions, before it was being churned up by the strugglingmonster, now in its death throes; then, gun in one hand, Shanter's wristin the other, Tim waded ashore, dragging the black along the surface, set free as he had been when those two charges of small shot struck theside of the kangaroo's head like a couple of balls and crushed it in. 

Drenched as they were, the three boys got Shanter on to the grass, wherehe lay perfectly motionless, and a cold chill shot through all, as theyfelt that their efforts had been in vain, and that a famous slayer ofkangaroos had met his end from one of the race. The sun was just on thehorizon now, and the water looked red as blood, and not wholly from thesunset rays. 

"Shanter, Shanter, old fellow, can't you speak?" cried Norman, as heknelt beside the black. 

Just then there was a tremendous struggle in the water, which ceased assuddenly as it had begun. 

"Man, don't say he's dead!" whispered Tim, in awe-stricken tones. 

Norman made no reply, and Rifle bent softly over the inanimate blackfigure before him, and laid a hand upon the sufferer's breast. 

"You were too late, Tim; too late, " sighed Rifle. "I'd heard thosethings would drown people, but I didn't believe it till now. Oh, poorold Shanter! You were very black, but you were a good fellow to usall. "

"And we ought to have saved you, " groaned Norman. 

"I wish we had never come, " sighed Tim, as he bent lower. "Can't we doanything? Give him some water?"

"Water!" cried Norman, with a mocking laugh. "He's had enough of that. "

"Brandy?" said Rifle. "There is some in a flask. Father said, take itin case any one is ill. "

"Get it, " said Norman, laconically, and his brother ran to where, notfifty yards away, the saddle-bags were lying just as they had been leftearly that morning. 

The brandy was right at the bottom, but it was found at last, and Riflehurried with it to the black's side. 

Norman took the flask, unscrewed the top, drew off the cup from thebottom, and held it on one side to pour out a small quantity, but as heheld it more and more over not a drop came. The top was ill-fitting, and all had slowly leaked away. 

The lad threw the flask aside, and knowing nothing in those days of thevaluable hints for preserving life in cases of apparent drowning, theyknelt there, with one supporting the poor fellow's head, the othersholding his hands, thinking bitterly of the sad end to their trip;while, in spite of his efforts to keep it down, the selfish thoughtwould come into Norman's breast--How shall we be able to find our wayback without poor Shanter?

The sun had sunk; the water looked dark and black now. Night was comingon, and a faint curl of smoke showed where the fire left in the morningstill burned feebly. But no one stirred, and with hearts sinking lowerand lower in the solemn silence, the boys knelt there, thinking over thefrank, boyish ways of the big sturdy savage who lay there before them. 

Once or twice a piping whistle was heard from some rail, or the call ofa waterfowl, which made the horses raise their heads, look round, andthen, uttering a low sigh, go on cropping the grass again, after lookingplaintively at their masters, as if protesting against being turned outto graze with their reins about their legs and their bits in theirmouths. 

Then, all at once, just as the stars were beginning to show faintly inthe pearly-grey sky, the three boys started back in horror, for therewas a curious sound, something between a yawn and a sigh, and Shantersuddenly started up and looked round. Then he rose to his feet, as ifpuzzled and unable to make out where he was. 

Then his memory came back, and he ran to the edge of the water-hole, peered through the darkness with his hand over his eyes, and withouthesitation waded in, seized the kangaroo, as it floated, by one of itshind-legs, and dragged it ashore. 

"Marmi Rifle; chopper--chopper, " he cried. 

One was handed to him in silence, for a curious feeling of awe troubledthe boys, and they could hardly believe in the truth of what they wereseeing in the semi-darkness. But the blows they heard were real enough, and so was the wet figure of Shanter, as he approached them, bearing thegreat tail of his enemy. 

"Big boomer go bong, " said Shanter in a husky voice. 

"Want mumkull mine. Shanter mumkull big boomer. Now fire big roast anddamper. "

With a sigh of relief the boys made for the fire, threw on a few twigsto catch first, and as there were a good heap of embers, larger piecesof wood soon followed. Then after removing the horses' saddles andbridles, and hobbling them to keep them from straying, the boys gladlytook off some of their soaking garments and huddled round the fire, where the black was busily roasting the tail of the smaller kangaroo, which he had fetched, while the boys were occupied with their horses. 

"Mine wear baal clothes, " he said pityingly, as he, with his skin drydirectly, looked at their efforts to dry themselves. Then the big tinbilly was boiled and tea made, its hot aromatic draughts being verycomforting after the soaking, and by that time the tail was ready, enough cold damper being found for that evening's meal. 

But though all was satisfactory so far, Shanter did not join in. Hewould eat no damper, drink no tea, and he turned from the roast tailwith disgust, squatting down over the fire with his arms round hisknees, and soon after going off to a spot among the bushes, where hecurled up under a blanket and was seen no more that night. 

"Poor old Shanter doesn't seem well, " said Norman. 

"No wonder, " replied Tim. 

"And he thinks he killed the old man. Why didn't you speak, Tim?"

"Wasn't worth it, " was the reply. "I didn't want to kill the greatthing. "

An hour later the boys were under their canvas shelter, forgetting allthe excitement of the evening, and dreaming--of being home in Norman'scase, while Rifle dreamed that a huge black came hopping like a kangarooand carried off Aunt Georgie. 

As for Tim, he dreamed of the encounter again, but with thisdifference--the boomer had still hold of Shanter, and when he took upthe gun to fire it would not go off. 

CHAPTER FOURTEEN. 

"CAN'T FIND WAY BACK. "

It was long before sunrise when the boys rose to see after Shanter, expecting to find him still lying down, but he was up and over by thewater-hole examining the huge kangaroo. 

"Mine mumkull kangaroo, " he said, as the boys came up, and then, "Baal. "

"Didn't you kill it, Shanter?" said Norman, smiling. "Baal. Who killboomer? Big hole all along. " He pointed to the terrible wound in theanimal's head caused by the shots Tim had fired. And as the black spokehe examined the knob at the end of his nulla-nulla, comparing it withthe wound, and shook his head. 

"Baal make plenty sore place like dat. Go all along other side makehole. Baal. "

He stood shaking his head in a profound state of puzzledom as to how thewound came, while the boys enjoyed his confusion. Then all at once hisface lit up. 

"Bunyip mumkull boomer. All go bong. "

"You should say all go bong Tam. Why, can't you see? Tim shot himwhile he was holding your head under water. "

"Eh? Marmi Tim shoot? What a pity!"

"Pity?" cried Rifle, staring at the black's solemn face. "Pity that Timsaved your life. "

"Mine want mumkull big boomer. "

"Never mind: he's dead, " cried Norman. "Now come along and let's boilthe billy, and make some damper and tea. "

"Mine don't want big damper, " said Shanter, rubbing himself gently aboutthe chest and ribs. 

"What? Not want something to eat?"

"Baal, can't eat, " replied the black. "Mine got sore all along. Datboomer fellow squeezum. "

Norman laid his hand gently on the black's side, wondering whether thepoor fellow had a broken rib, when, with the most solemn of faces, Shanter uttered a loud squeak. 

Norman snatched back his hand, but placed it directly after on the otherside, when Shanter squeaked again more loudly; and at every touch, backor front, there was a loud cry, the black looking from one to the otherin the most lugubrious way. 

"Why, Shanter, you seem to be bad all over, " said Rifle. 

"Yohi. Mine bad all along, plenty mine bad. Tam go bong. "

"Nonsense!" cried Norman. "Come and have a good breakfast. Plentydamper, plenty tea, and you'll be better. "

"Baal damper--baal big tea, " said the black, rubbing himself. "Boomermumkull Tam o' Shanter. Mine go bong. "

He laid himself gently down on the grass, rolled a little and groaned, and then stretched himself out, and shut his eyes. 

"Oh, it's only his games, " said Rifle. --"Here, Shanter, old chap, jumpup and say thanky, thanky to Marmi Tim for saving your life. "

"Marmi Tim baal save Tam o' Shanter. All go along bong. "

"I'm afraid he is bad, " said Norman, going down on one knee to pass hishand over the poor fellow's ribs, with the result that he uttered aprolonged moan; "but I don't think there are any bones broken. Let'sget some breakfast ready. He'll be better after some hot tea. "

They threw a pile of wood on the embers, in which a damper was soonbaking; and as soon as the billy boiled, a handful of tea was thrown inand the tin lifted from the fire to stand and draw. But though theytook Tam a well-sweetened pannikin of the refreshing drink he would notswallow it, neither would he partake of the pleasant smelling, freshly-baked cake. 

"I say, I'm afraid the poor chap is bad, " whispered Tim. 

"Not he, " said Rifle. "His ribs are sore with the hugging the boomergave him, but he's only shamming. I'll rouse him up. "

He made a sign to Norman, who looked very anxious, and when the ladswere a few yards away, Rifle made them a sign to watch their patient, who lay quite still with his eyes shut, and then suddenly shouted:

"Quick, boys, guns--guns! Black fellows coming. "

Shanter started up into a sitting position and tried to drag out hisnulla-nulla, but his eyes closed again, and he fell back heavily. 

Norman tried to catch him, but he was too late, and a glance showed thatthere was no deceit in the matter, for the drops of agony were standingon the black's face, and it was quite evident that he had fainted away. 

He soon came to, however, and lay gazing wonderingly about him. 

"Black fellow?" he whispered anxiously, as if the effort caused him agreat deal of pain. 

"All gone along, " cried Rifle, eagerly; and the black closed his eyesagain, while the boys consulted as to what they had better do. 

"That's soon settled, " said Norman. "We can't fetch help to him, and hecan't move, so we must stop here till he gets better. Let's cut somesticks and drive them in the ground, tie them together at the tops, andspread a couple of blankets over them. "

This was done so as to shelter their invalid from the sun, and then theysaw to their own tent and prepared for a longer stay. After this Timand Rifle went off to try to shoot something, and Norman stopped towatch the black. 

It was a weary hot day, and the boys were so long that Norman began togrow anxious and full of imaginations. Suppose the lads got bushed! Hewould have to strike their trail and try to find them. Suppose poorShanter were to die before they came back! How horrible to be alonewith the dead out there in that solitary place. 

The sun rose to its full height, and then began to descend, but theblack neither moved nor spoke, and the only companionship Norman had wasthat of the two horses--his own and the one which carried the pack. These cropped the grass round about the camp, their hobble chainsrattling a little, and the peculiar snort a horse gives in blowinginsects out of the grass he eats were the principal sounds the boyheard. It was some comfort to walk to where they grazed and pat andtalk to them. 

But he was soon back by Shanter's blanket-gunyah watching the shinyblack face, which looked very hard and stern now. He had tried himagain and again with tea, water, and bread, but there was no response;and at last he had settled down to letting him rest, hoping that hispatient was asleep, and feeling that he could do nothing but leave himto nature. 

But it was a sad vigil, and not made more pleasant by the sight of thegreat kangaroo lying just at the edge of the water-hole, and towardwhich a perfect stream of insects were already hurrying over the dryground, while flies buzzed incessantly about it in the air. Then, too, again and again some great bird came circling round, but only to be keptat a distance by the sight of the watcher by the tents. 

"Will they never come back!" cried Norman at last, quite aloud, and hestarted in alarm, for there was a loud discordant laugh close at hand. 

He picked up a stone and threw it angrily into the ragged tree fromwhence the sound had come, and one of the great grotesque-lookingkingfishers of the country flew off. 

At last, after scanning the distant horizon for hours, seeing nothingbut a few kangaroos which looked like black fellows in the distance, anda couple of emus stalking slowly across the plain, Norman could bear itno longer. 

"Shanter, " he said; "must go and find Marmi Rifle and Marmi Tim. Do youhear? I'll come back as soon as I can. "

But there was not so much as a twitch at the corners of the black'slips, and the boy hesitated about leaving him. At last though he rose, caught and saddled his horse, gave one final look round, but could seenothing; and he was about to mount when a sudden thought occurred tohim, and taking a couple of halters he knotted them together, hitchedone over the kangaroo's neck, and attached the other end to the saddle. 

The horse jibbed and shied a little, but at last he made a plunge, andthe dead animal was dragged into a hollow a couple of hundred yardsaway, so that there should be no fear of its contaminating thewater-hole. Then the halters were cast off, thrown over the tent, andafter a glance at Shanter, Norman mounted to take up the trail made byRifle and Tim, but only leaped down again, and turned his horse out tograze; for there away in the distance were the two boys cantering gentlytoward the camp, and half an hour later they rode up, well supplied withclucks which they had shot right away upon a creek. 

That night passed with one of them watching, and the next two daysglided by in the same dreary way, Shanter lying as if unconscious, andnothing passed his lips. 

"Father can't be angry with us for not keeping to our time, " said Rifle, sadly. "Poor old Shanter, I wish I could do him some good. "

That night passed and still there was no change, and about mid-day theboys were dolefully examining their stock of provisions, which wasgetting very low; and it had been decided that they should watch thatnight and shoot anything which came to the water-hole to drink, thoughthe animals likely so to do were neither many nor tempting for food to aEuropean. 

There was no choosing as to whom the duty should fall upon; for alldecided to watch, and after seeing that Shanter lay unchanged, night hadabout waned, and they were gazing at the stars in silence, for fear ofstartling anything on its way to the pool, when just as they werefeeling that the case was hopeless, and that they might as well give up, Norman suddenly touched Tim, who pressed his hand, for he too had heardthe sound of some animal drinking. 

They strained their eyes in the direction, but could see nothing, onlythe bushes which dotted the edge of the water-hole on its low side, thefar end being composed of a wall of rocks going sheer down into the deepwater. 

What could it be? They had had no experience in such matters, and inthe darkness there all was so strange and weird that sounds seemed to bedifferent to what they would have been in the broad day. 

But they wanted food, and there was some animal drinking, and thoughthey supposed the country to be utterly devoid of deer, it still waspossible that such creatures might exist, and it would be a newdiscovery if they shot an antelope or stag. 

But the moments glided by, and the sound ceased without either of thembeing able to locate the position of the drinker. Their cocked gunswere ready, and if they could have made out the slightest movement theywould have fired; but there was the water gleaming with the reflectionof a star here and there; there was the black mass where the rocks roseup, and that was all. They could not distinctly make out so much as abush, and quite in despair at last, Norman was about to whisper aproposal that one of them should fire in the direction they fancied tobe the most likely, while the others took their chance of a snap shot, when there was a noise straight before them, just at the edge of thewater. Norman levelled his piece, took careful aim, and was about todraw trigger, when he distinctly caught sight of a moving figure alittle beyond where he had heard the noise, and a voice grumbled out:"What gone along big boomer?"

"Shanter!" shouted Norman, excitedly. "Oh, I nearly fired. "

"Marmi, " said the black as the boys ran up trembling with the thought ofthe mistake they had nearly made, "Baal find big boomer. "

"No, no, it's gone; but what are you doing here?"

"Mine have big drink. Go back sleep now. "

"But are you better?" said Rifle. 

"Mine all sore along. Boomer fellow squeezum. "

He spoke rather faintly, and walked slowly as they went back to theblanket-gunyah, where the black lay down directly, uttering a deepgroan, as he moved himself painfully. 

"There was plenty of water here, Shanter, " said Norman. 

"Piggi (the sun) gone sleep. Mine can't see. "

They spoke to him again, but there was no reply, his breathing told, however, that he had dropped off, and Norman elected to keep watch tillmorning, and the others went to the tent. 

It was just after daybreak when Norman heard a rustling, and lookinground there was Tam creeping out from his shelter. 

"Make big fire--make damper, " he said quietly, and to the lad's delightthe black went slowly about the task of blowing the embers, and gettinga few leaves and twigs to burn before heaping up the abundant supply ofwood close at hand. 

Breakfast was soon ready, the boys being in the highest of glee, andShanter sat and ate and smiled broadly at the friendly demonstrationswhich kept greeting him. 

"Mine been along big sleep, get well, " he said in reply to thecongratulations showered upon him, and then proved quite willing to sitstill while the packhorse was loaded--lightly now--and the otherscaught, saddled, and bridled, and a glance round given before they madea start to follow the trail back home. 

Then followed a little discussion as to the order of starting, butShanter settled it by tucking his nulla-nulla and boomerang into hiswaistband, shouldering his spear, and starting off at the head of thepackhorse which followed him like a dog. 

"All right, " said Norman. 

"Yes. What a rum fellow he is!" whispered Rifle. "But I wouldn't govery far to-day. "

The boys mounted, and gave a cheer as they said farewell to thewater-hole. 

"It almost seems as if all this had been a dream, " said Tim, as theyrode on behind the black. "You wouldn't think he had been so bad. "

"Yes, you would, " cried Norman, urging his horse forward, as he sawShanter make a snatch at the packhorse's load, and then reel. 

But Norman saved him, and the poor fellow looked at him piteously. "Bigboomer squeeze mine, " he whispered hoarsely. "Legs baal walk along. "

That was very evident, for he was streaming with perspiration, andgladly drank some water from their tubs. 

Then the difficulty was solved by Norman making Shanter mount the horsehe had himself ridden, and the journey was continued with the blackstriding the saddle and holding on by the sides of the stirrup-ironswith his toes, for he could not be induced to place his foot flat on thebar, which he declared to be plenty "prickenum, " and always placing hisfirst and second toes on either side of the outer edge of the uprightpart of the stirrup. 

The pleasure had gone out of the trip now. It had been full of hardwork before, but it was labour mingled with excitement; now it was fullof anxiety as the little party noted Shanter's weakness, and felt howentirely they depended upon him to follow the track they had made, oneoften so slight that they could not trace a sign on the short grass orhard ground. And as Norman said, if the black broke down again theymight never be able to find their way home. 

But the black kept his seat on one or other of the horses very well fortwo days, and then they had to halt for a whole day, when it seemed asif they were going to have a repetition of the former anxiety. Themorning after, though, he expressed a desire to go on, and as the boyspacked up the half-dried canvas and blankets which had formed theircover during a night of heavy rain, they looked anxiously at each other, the same thought being in each breast, though neither of them could findit in his heart to speak. 

That thought was--suppose all our horses' footprints are washed away?

And now began a wonderful display of the black's power of vision. As arule he sat perfectly upright on horseback, took the lead, and rode onover tracts of land, where to the boys not a vestige of their trail wasvisible; though, when now and then they saw the black guide leanforward, grasp the horse's neck with his arms, and place his head as lowdown as was possible, they felt that he too was evidently rather atfault. 

But no: by his wonderful perception he kept on picking up some tinytrace of a footprint, losing the trail altogether at times, finding itagain when all seemed at an end and they had heard him muttering tohimself. And so the journey went slowly on, till about noon on thefifth day, as Shanter was intently scanning the ground, he suddenlysaid:

"Baal can't go. Mine no see no more. Stop eat damper. "

The horses were turned loose to graze, a fire lit, and as usual thewater boiled for tea, just a sufficiency having been brought from thelast spring in the tub slung to the packhorse's side. But there wasvery little appetite for the cold kangaroo tail and cakebread, as theysaw that the black did not eat, but began to beat the ground in alldirections like a spaniel, till too weak to do more, when he came andthrew himself down on the grass, and said: "Mine can't find way back nomore. "

CHAPTER FIFTEEN. 

"WE SHALL RUN AGAINST THEM. "

What did it mean?

Lost in the great uninhabited plains, where by aid of their compass theymight go on day after day travelling in the direction they believed tobe homeward, but it would only be as the result of a guess. Certainly, they knew that the sea lay somewhere due east, but even if they couldreach the sea, where would they be--north or south of a settlement?

Norman felt that their case was hopeless; and in obedience to the muteprayer he read in brother and cousin's eyes, he went and sat by theblack. 

"Can't mine find the track, Shanter?"

"Baal find um, " he replied coolly. "Plenty all gone way. "

"But come and try again. "

The black shook his head. 

"Baal go no more, " he said; "mine sore. Plenty hurt all over. Gosleep, piggi jump up. "

The black turned away, and Norman returned disconsolately to the others. 

"What does he say?" whispered Tim, as if afraid that his voice would beheard out there in the great wild. 

"Says we are to go to sleep till the sun rises to-morrow. "

There was a dead silence. 

"Shall we go and try ourselves?" said Rifle, at last. 

"If he can't find it, we can't, " said Norman, despondently. 

"Never mind, boys, " cried Tim. "Never say die. When the provision'sdone, we'll eat one of the horses, if we can't shoot anything. Surelywe shall come across settlers some time during the next ten years; andif we don't, I say that if black fellows can live, we who know so muchbetter can, till we reach a settlement once more. "

"But we don't know so much better, " said Norman, sadly. "Shanter canbeat us hollow at tracking. I wouldn't care, boys, only I seem to havepoor mother's face always before me; and it will kill her if we don'tget back. "

Another deep silence followed, for neither could trust himself to speak, till all at once from where he lay, sounding incongruous at so solemn atime, there came from the black a succession of heavy snores; and sonear is laughter to tears, mirth to sadness, that the boys burst into ahearty fit of laughter, and Rifle exclaimed: "There, what's the good ofour being in the dumps. It can't be so very bad when old Tam o' Shantercan go to sleep like that. "

"No, " said Tim, taking his pitch from his cousin. 

"Let's have a good long rest, and then see what to-morrow brings; eh!Man?"

Norman smiled and nodded, joining in the preparations for their eveningmeal, and that night they all lay down as if to sleep, nothing beingheard but Shanter's deep breathing in the great solitude beneath theglittering stars, till a deep sigh escaped from Norman's breast; andrising from his blanket couch, he stole softly out to go and kneel downbeneath the great, violet, gold-spangled arch of heaven to pray forhelp, and that there might not come that terrible sorrow in his home--the tale to be told to future generations of how three happy, contentedlads went forth into the great wilderness and left their bones therebeneath some tree, or by some water-hole, bleaching in the sun. 

He was picturing it all in that solemn silence; the very scene rosebefore him, but it was swept away directly, and he was gazing in theagony-drawn face of his mother, when he heard a faint sob, and turned asRifle dropped upon his knees by his side, laid his clasped hands uponhis brother's shoulder, and bent down his head. 

But poor orphan Tim, who looked upon his cousins more as brothers thanaught else, had been as wakeful as they. It had been a mutualdeception; each had pretended that he was asleep, so as not to let theothers know how he suffered, and many seconds had not elapsed before hetoo was kneeling by Norman's side. 

And there they knelt for a long space, before Norman began repeatingaloud the old, old prayer, followed by the others, till he came to thewords, "And deliver us from--"

There he broke down, and the prayer was finished in a husky voice by Timalone. 

A few minutes after they were lying once more in the shelter of thesheet of canvas, and the next thing that happened was their starting upinto wakefulness with the sky one glow of gold and orange, and the blackface of Tam o' Shanter peering in at them with a grin upon hiscountenance, as he cried:

"Now, Marmi boys, piggi go jump up. Mine baal sore now. Go along fineway back. "

For a marvellous change seemed to have come over the black. He had beensleeping heavily for sixteen hours, and the breakfast he ate wassomething like that to which they had been accustomed, in spite of thefact that the flour was getting excessively low. 

But it was as if a black cloud had rolled away from them during thenight, and the bright sun of hope was shining warmly into their hearts. 

All at once, to their great astonishment, Tam leaped up, flourished hisnulla-nulla, and shouted:

"Mine want big boomer here. Makum sore along plenty like Tam o'Shanter. "

"But he has gone bong, " cried Rifle. 

"Yohi. Gone bong. Marmi Tim mumkull big boomer. Now, come along, minefine back big white Mary. "

"Yes: let's start, " cried Norman; but with a pang at his heart as hewondered whether they would ever reach home again, home which seemed nowthe most lovely place on earth. 

Tam refused to mount when they started. 

"Mine want see close along, " he said; and after a few casts here andthere, to the astonishment of all, they saw him suddenly point down, andthey all ran to his side. 

"Why, there's nothing there, " cried Tim. 

"Yohi. Horse fellow tick um toe along. "

"Yes; there is a faint mark of a hoof, " said Norman in delight; and withrising spirits they went on again, to sight the Wallaby Range and strikeDingo Station just at dusk on the following night, after missing thetrack again and again on the previous day; while on this, the last oftheir return journey, Shanter marked down hills and mountains which werefamiliar, so that they made extra speed, and it was necessary, for theyreached home nearly starved. 

It is needless to tell of the joy at the wanderers' return, save thatMrs Bedford's face showed the agony she must have suffered, while AuntGeorgie had a severe scolding in store. 

But all that was soon over. Shanter had gone off to a favourite nook ofhis to digest damper, and the boys had about wearied themselves outtelling of their adventures, and of how wonderfully Shanter hadrecovered during the last few days. 

"Yes, it is wonderful, " said the captain. "I suppose the way in whichthey get over dangerous wounds is more wonderful still. Poor fellow! hemust have had a horrible squeeze, and the drowning, no doubt, acted likea shock. I wish, though, you had thought to bring home the old man'sskin. "

"Yes, we ought to have done that, " said Norman, "for Tim's sake. "

"But we had enough to do to bring home Shanter. "

"Ay, that they had, " cried Uncle Jack. "I don't know what Sam Germanwould have done without him. "

"Why, he always grumbles at him for a lazy nigger, " said the captain. 

"Yes, but he likes him all the same. "

"So we all do, " chorused the boys. 

"He can't help being black, " said Tim. 

"No, " said the captain; "but you have said nothing about the camps ofblack fellows you struck. "

"Because we did not find any, father, " cried Rifle. 

"Humph!" said the captain. "Strange! There must be very few in theseparts, but I always feel that we shall run against them some day. "

CHAPTER SIXTEEN. 

"WE'LL FIND 'EM. "

The troubles of the expedition had died out to such an extent that therewas some talk of another, the captain saying that for exploring reasonshe should head this himself. 

Just then Uncle Jack kicked his foot under the table, and the captainlooked up to see such a look of agony in his wife's face that thesubject dropped. 

All was going on admirably, oxen and sheep were increasing, the gardenwas flourishing, and Dingo Station was daily growing more and more thehome of peace and plenty. 

"Ah, Jack, " said the captain to his brother, as they sat one eveningsmoking tobacco of their own growing, "if it were not for the thoughtsof the black fellows, what a paradise this would be!"

"Perhaps the blacks say something of the kind respecting the whites. "

"Why, we don't interfere with them. "

"No; but I'm afraid others do. "

But just at this time Aunt Georgie was a good deal exercised in hermind, and she confided her trouble and suspicions to the two girls, butbade them say not a word to Mrs Bedford. 

"It would only worry her, and she has plenty of troubles over thosewild, harum-scarum, neck-breaking, horse-riding boys. "

But the next morning at breakfast she let the cat out of the bag. 

"Flour? Stolen?" cried Mrs Bedford, excitedly. 

"Oh, auntie!" cried the girls, reproachfully. 

"Well, I didn't mean to say anything, but I'm quite sure that a quantityhas been taken out of the tub three times lately, " said Aunt Georgie, emphatically. 

"Nonsense, aunt!" protested Hetty; "it's your fancy, or else Ida musthave taken some without speaking. "

"No, " said Ida, quietly, "I have not touched it. If I had wanted somefor cooking, I should have asked aunt for it. "

"Of course you would, my dear, and I should not have spilled and wastedsome on the floor. "

"Had we not better tell Edward?" said Mrs Bedford. "No; don't worryhim, " said Aunt Georgie; "he has quite enough on his mind. "

"The boys must have been at it for something, " said Ida, quietly. 

"Boys have been at what?" said Norman, who was with the others in theveranda as these words were said. 

"Been taking the flour, " said Hetty. 

"What should we take the flour for?" cried Rifle, indignantly. 

"No, my dears, I do not suspect you, and I am sorry to make the charge, for I have always thought Shanter lazy, but honest. "

"Why, you don't mean to say you believe poor old Shanter would stealflour, do you, aunt?" said Rifle, indignantly. 

"I regret it very much, my dear, but the flour has been stolen, somespilled on the floor, and there were the prints of wide-toed feet in thepatch. "

"Here, hi! Shanter, Tam o'!" cried Rifle. "Coo-ee!"

The black came running up with glistening face. 

"Plenty mine come fast, " he said. 

"Here, " cried Norman; "what for you come along steal flour?"

"Mine baal teal flour, " cried the black, indignantly. 

"Aunt says you have, two or three times. "

"Baal teal flour, " cried the black again. 

"There, aunt, " said Norman; "I told you he wouldn't. "

"But I'm sure he did, my dear, for there were the marks of his blackfeet. "

"Baal teal flour, " cried Shanter again; and drawing himself up he wasturning away, but Norman caught his arm. 

"Look here, Shanter, " he said. "You brother. Baal go in storehouse. "

"Yohi, " said the black, nodding. "Big white Mary pialla. Shanter carrytub. "

"Then you have been in the storehouse sometimes. "

"Yohi. Baal teal flour. "

He wrenched himself free and walked away. 

"I don't believe he took it, aunt, " said Norman. 

"Nor I, " said the others eagerly. 

"Well, I wish I was sure, my dears, as you are, for I don't like tosuspect the poor fellow. "

"But if he had taken it, aunt, " cried Rifle, "he is such a big stupidboy of a fellow he couldn't have kept it secret. He'd have made a lotof damper at a fire in the scrub, and asked us to come and help to eatthe nasty stuff all full of ashes. "

"Well, " said Aunt Georgie, drawing her lips tight, "we shall see. Nobody else could have stolen it but the black or German. "

"What, old Sourkrout?" cried Tim, laughing. "Oh, aunt!"

"And it's oh, Artemus!" said the old lady. "For I do wish you boyswould not be so fond of nicknames. "

"All right, aunt. "

The incident passed off and so did Shanter, for he disappearedaltogether for a couple of days, and was a good deal missed. 

"Never mind, " said Norman, "he'll come back loaded with grubs, or bringhoney or 'possums. "

"I believe he is too much offended to come back, " said Tim. "No fellow, whatever his colour may be, likes to be called a thief. "

"No, " said Rifle; "and I believe aunt used her flour in her sleep. "

"Here, boys, " cried the captain just then; "take the horses and go roundand fetch up that lot of bullocks from the plain. I fancy they havegone right away some distance, or the dingoes have scared them; it willbe a good ride for you. "

"And no Shanter here, " said Norman, as they went off to catch and saddletheir horses. 

"I wonder father hasn't made a bother about it. He doesn't seem to havemissed him. "

"Too busy over getting down that big gum over yonder, " observed Rifle. "My word, what a time it seems to take!"

"Nice bit of amusement for Uncle Jack and old Sam. He is getting toofat. "

The others laughed, and then after they had caught, saddled, and bridledtheir horses, they walked them up to where the captain was examining theedge of a felling-axe, Uncle Jack and German being similarly armed. 

"Off you go, boys, " said the captain. 

"And let's see whether you'll be back before we get down the greatgum-tree, " said their uncle, smiling. 

"We shall be back, " said Rifle. "You will not get down the big gum fora week. "

German chuckled, and the boys sprang into their saddles. 

"You'll have a long ride, boys, " said the captain. "I was up on the bigrock yesterday, " he continued, nodding toward the top of the precipicewhence Norman had seen the black fellows, "and I could not see them withthe glass. "

"We'll find 'em, father, " said Norman, confidently. 

"Off then, " said the captain; and away they went, riding now withwonderful ease and skill; while, bent on getting down the great gum-treeby the creek because it impeded part of the view from the house, and inaddition its trunk being wanted for boards and its branches for fuel, the captain led his little force of axemen to the assault. 

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN. 

"BUNYIP! BUNYIP!"

That same afternoon, soon after dinner, the captain and hisfellow-wielders of the axe again went down to carry on theirwood-cutting. The boys were not back, nor expected, and in the courseof the afternoon the girls proposed that Mrs Bedford and Aunt Georgeshould go with them for a walk, and to take some refreshment to thewood-cutters. 

They refused, of course, and then gave way, and soon after the littleparty left the house, and strolled slowly away toward the creek, allenjoying the delightfully fresh breeze which came across the plains andsent the blood dancing in the young girls' veins. 

Hardly had they walked a couple of hundred yards away, when one of thecows in the fenced-in paddock raised her head from grazing, and uttereda deep-toned bellow. She ceased munching the rich grass, and whiskedher tail about, as if trying to tie it in knots, for she saw a blackapproaching the paddock, and that black was one she did not know. 

The black came cautiously on, crawling from tree to bush, and from bushto tree, and always getting nearer to the house. Finally, he reachedthe fence, and along by this he crept like a great black slug, till hewas at the end, and within a dozen yards of the store. 

Fifty yards away a couple of dozen of his fellows, all spear and clubarmed, lay hidden among the shrubs and trees which the captain and UncleJack were unwilling to cut down, and these men watched intently everymovement of their companion, and in perfect silence, till they saw himraise himself very slightly, and then almost run on all fours across thespace which divided him from the storehouse, the movement being upon hishands and toes. 

Then a low murmur of satisfaction ran through them, and they turned tolook in the other direction, where the ladies were all making their way, basket-laden, toward where the captain and Uncle Jack were continuingtheir attack upon the great tree. 

No fear of interruption in that direction; no fear of any one coming inthe other, for the boys had been seen to ride right off over the hills, as if on a long expedition. 

The black fellow disappeared from his companions' sight; and as soon ashe was well inside, he rose up, detached a bark bag from his'possum-skin waistband, and grinned with satisfaction as he ran his eyesround among the casks, packages, and tins upon the rough shelves. 

Then he stopped short, and stared at the cask before him, for there wassomething suspicious about it. That was not the cask from which he hadfilled his meal-bag last time, and carried off such a glorious haul. Itlooked wider and bigger, and he hesitated, and passing his right handbehind him, carefully drew out his club, ready for that tub if it shouldbe dangerous. 

But the tub stood there perfectly innocent-looking, and the head hadevidently lately been moved by floury fingers, which had left theirmarks. In addition, there was a dusting of flour on the top, and a tinysprinkle of the same on the rough boards in front. 

All this reassured him, and tucking his nulla-nulla back in his band, hegave the bag a shake, took a cautious look round, and then advanced tothe tub, and with one quick movement, thrust the head off, so that itfell behind upon the floor. 

Then, bag in one hand, his other resting on the edge of the barrel, hestood perfectly still, as if turned to stone. His eyes were starting, his mouth open, and his lips drawn back in a ghastly grin, as he stoodgazing at a hideous-looking face rising slowly out of the flour, red, asif covered with blood, and dashed with patches of white meal. Nearerand nearer this object approached him, till, with a yell of horror, hedragged himself away, and dashed out of the storehouse, shouting"Bunyip! bunyip!" as he ran to where his companions were waiting for hisspoil. 

Then a low whispering followed, and the result was that six of the partycrawled in the same manner as that in which the first black hadapproached. 

An observer would have said that they were evidently doubtful of thetruth of their companion's statement, and had agreed to go together andtest it. 

Their advance was exactly in every respect like that of the first man;and they reached the shelter of the fence, and paused till the last manwas close up, when all went through the same manoeuvre together, runningon their hands and feet, with their bodies close to the ground. 

At the door they paused again listening, and no doubt the slightestsound would have started them off in full retreat. But all wasperfectly still, and taking courage, they gathered themselves up, andclub in hand leaped into the storehouse, to stand gazing wildly round. 

Nothing was there to startle them--no sign of danger. The bag theircompanion had dropped lay upon the floor, but the flour-barrel wascovered; and after a couple of them had exchanged a whisper, all stoodwith their nulla-nullas ready to strike, but no one attempted to movethe cask head. 

At last two who appeared to be the leaders extended a hand each, gazedin each other's eyes, and at a signal gave the lid a thrust, and it felloff behind with a loud clatter, which made all bound out of thestorehouse. But the last man looked back as his comrades were taking toflight, and uttered a few words loudly. 

They were sufficient to arrest the flight and all stood in a stoopingposition, gazing wildly at the tub, which stood looking harmless enough, and after a little jabbering, they advanced once more, as if they allformed units of a large machine, so exactly were their steps takentogether, till they reached and once more entered the open door of thestore. 

Then, as if strung up, ready to meet anything, they bounded into theplace, when, as if worked by a spring, the horrible figure in the tubstarted upright like a monstrous jack-in-the-box. 

The black fellows literally tumbled over one another in their hurry toescape from the terrible-looking object which, in their eyes--imbued asthey were with superstitious notions--was a fearful demon of the mostunsparing nature, and a minute later, they were back in the clump oftrees and bushes, spreading news which made the whole mob of blacks takeflight. 

"Baal come teal flour. Mine make black fellow frightenum, " said thejack-in-the-box, leaping lightly out, and then rolling the empty caskaside, he replaced it by the flour-tub. 

Then, going round to the back, application was made to a bucket ofwater, from which a cooliman or native bark bowl was filled, and in afew moments Shanter's good-humoured, clean, black countenance was dryingin the sun. For his scheme to defeat the flour-thieves had been verysuccessful, and that evening he related it proudly to the boys. 

"You did that?" said Norman. 

"Yohi. All yan. Baal black fellow now. "

"What?" cried the captain, when Norman called him aside, and told him. "I don't like that, my boy. "

"But they must be a poor, cowardly lot, father, " said Norman, "or theywould not be so easily frightened by a bogey. "

"A lesson to us, " said the captain, thoughtfully. "There must be a campof the black fellows somewhere near, and while they are about, we hadbetter keep about the place. "

"But they will not come again after such a fright, will they?" saidNorman. 

"I don't know, my boy. It is impossible to say. Perhaps, as soon asthe scare is over, they may be taking each other to task for being suchcowards. We are all alone here, and far from help, so it is as well tobe upon our guard. Don't let them know indoors. "

The order came too late, for, as soon as they entered the house, MrsBedford began anxiously: "Edward, is it a fact that there have beenmyall blacks trying to rob the place?"

"Pooh! What have you heard?"

"Rifle has been telling us of the black's trick to frighten them. "

"Oh yes, a few wandering rascals tried to steal the flour. "

"And I'm very, very glad to find that I misjudged that poor fellow, Shanter, " said Aunt Georgie. "I certainly thought it was he. "

"Yes; and to clear himself of the suspicion, " said Uncle Jack, cheerily, "he hid and frightened them away. Come, people, don't look soanxious. --Why, Hetty--Ida--surely you are not going to be scared at alittle adventure like this. "

"Of course they are not, " said the captain, quickly. "There is nothingto be alarmed about. "

"Father says there's nothing to be alarmed about, " whispered Rifle thatnight, when the boys retired to the part of the house they called thebarracks. 

"Yes, I heard him, " said Norman, softly. "Talk low, Tim's asleep. "

"No, I'm not, " said that individual. "I'm awake as you are. You'regoing to talk about uncles' whispering together, and then going andloading the guns and pistols. "

Norman was silent for a few moments. 

"Yes, " he said at last. "It means that they are very uneasy about theblack fellows. "

"And a fight, " said Rifle. 

"I hope not, boys. One doesn't want to kill. "

"But one doesn't want the myall blacks to kill us, " said Rifle. "Well, they will not come to-night, will they?"

"If they do, " replied Norman, "father will soon wake us up, if it's onlyto load the guns for them. They're sure to sit up and watch in turnswith Sourkrout. Shall we dress again, and go and offer to help?"

"No, " said Tim. "Uncle would not like us to interfere without beingasked, but I shall lie and listen all night. I couldn't go to sleepfancying that black fellows were crawling up to attack us. "

"No, " said Rifle, softly; "one feels all of a fidget, and ready to fancyall sorts of things. "

"Nonsense!" said Norman. "It's because it's so hot to-night. That'sall. "

"Man don't mean it, " said Tim, quietly. "He's as fidgety as we are. "

"Yes, of course I am, but it's only the heat. "

"Call it what you like, " said Rifle; "but you don't feel as if you couldsleep to-night. "

"Well, I don't feel sleepy yet, " said Norman, carelessly. 

But a long day on horseback and the quiet of their quarters, joined tothe knowledge that their elders would be on guard, sufficed to nullifyall their declarations, and half an hour had not elapsed before theregular, steady breathing of three healthy lads told that they werepassing the night in the most satisfactory way. 

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN. 

"THAT ISN'T THUNDER. "

"Hi! Rouse up! Black fellows!" shouted Rifle, and his brother andcousin started up in bed, ready for the moment to believe him, for therewas a black face peering in at their window. 

"Get out!" cried Tim, hurling a boot at his cousin, who dodged it, whileas soon as Norman had grasped the fact that the face belonged to Shanterhe made a rush at his brother, who laughingly avoided it, and thenhurrying on their clothes, they went out to find the captain and UncleJack, each with a double gun in the hollow of his arm. 

"Seen anything, father?" cried Norman. 

"No, my boy, all peaceable, and Shanter says there are no black fellowsnear. "

"Baal black fellow, " said that gentleman. "See plenty mine bunyip, baalcome again. "

Here he burst into a roar of laughter, and began imitating the action ofa myall black creeping up to the storehouse, going close up to theflour-tub, and looking in before uttering a wild yell, darting back, tumbling, getting up, falling again, rolling over and over, and thenjumping up to run away as hard as he could. 

He came back panting and grinning in a minute or two, looking from oneto the other as if for applause. 

"I hope he is right, " said Uncle Jack; "but we shall have to be morecareful. "

"Yes, " said the captain; "we have been too confident, boys, and I mustnow declare the station in a state of siege. "

"Won't it be time enough when the black fellows come, father?"

"Will it be time enough to lock the stable door when the steed isstolen, sir?" replied the captain, sternly. 

Rifle rubbed his right ear, as if his father's words had buzzed in it, and said no more. 

"Talk about steeds, " said the captain; "let's go and have a look at thehorses. There'll be plenty of time before breakfast. "

For the captain had of late given a good deal of attention to one of hisyoung horses which promised to prove of great value. The boys werealready well mounted and provided most satisfactorily. There were thequiet mares, too, which the two girls rode, and Uncle Jack had a goodsturdy mount; but this graceful colt had thoroughly taken the captain'sattention, and he was looking forward to the day when some wealthysettler would come up the country, see it, and purchase it, or make somevaluable exchange in the shape of articles as useful to them as money. 

They reached the paddock, which was always increasing in size, when theycould find time to enclose more land with posts and rails, and thehorses came trotting up for the titbits they were accustomed to receivefrom their owner's hand; and as the pet of the little drove thrust itshead over the rail, it was patted and caressed, a halter attached andpassed round its lower jaw, Shanter watching eagerly the while. 

"Now, Norman, up with you. I want to get him used to being backed. "

Norman hesitated for a moment naturally enough, for it was mounting abare-backed unbroken colt; but the next minute he had accepted a leg up, and was in his place, with the result that the beautiful creature rearedright up, pawing the air, and threatened to fall over backwards. 

"Grip him well, boy, " shouted the captain. 

The command was needless, for Norman was already gripping the horse'ssoft sides with all his might; and he kept his seat as it now came downon all fours, and darted off at a rate which startled all the rest ofthe occupants of the paddock into a gallop. They followed theircompanion round till Norman seemed able to control his mount, andbrought it back to where the rest had been watching him with someanxiety. 

"Well done, my boy!" said the captain, as he caressed the colt. "Downwith you. Now, Raphael, you give him a turn. "

Rifle sprang into the place lately occupied by his brother, had a gallopround the great enclosure; and Tim followed and cantered up. 

"That will do for this morning, " said the captain. "I like his actionmore and more, Jack. He'll want very little breaking in. "

"Yes, " said Uncle Jack; "a martingale will soon check that habit ofthrowing up his head. "

"Hullo!" cried the captain; "what's that?"

"Oh nothing, father, " cried Rifle, laughing. "Only Shanter. He wantsto have a ride round on the colt. "

"What and scare the poor animal with his black face? Besides, he can'tride. "

"Yohi!" shouted the black, excitedly. "Plenty mine ride. Plenty mineride bull-cow horse fellow. Plenty mine ride. "

He strode toward the colt to mount but the captain laid his hand uponhis shoulder. 

Shanter started round angrily. 

"Mine go ride plenty mine, " he cried. 

"No. Don't touch the horse, " said the captain, sternly. 

White man and black stood gazing in each other's eyes for some moments, and then Shanter took his spear from where it leaned against the rails, and marched off toward the nearest patch of scrub, displaying such airsof offended dignity that the boys all laughed, with the result thatShanter turned upon them furiously--like a ridiculed child--threwhimself into an attitude, and threatened to throw his spear. But, asthe boys laughed all the more heartily, he turned and went off. 

"You have offended his majesty, father, " cried Norman. 

"Oh, he'll forget it all in a few hours, " said Rifle and they went backin to breakfast. 

Soon after the captain had a ride round, ostensibly to see the moredistant cattle; but, as he owned to Rifle, who accompanied him, reallyto see if there were any traces of blacks; but there were none. 

"I'll send Shanter out scouting, " said the captain, as they rode back;but there was no Shanter to send. He had evidently not forgotten, andnot come back. 

The next morning a visit was again paid to where the horses wereenclosed every night, the captain meaning to have the colt ridden dailynow, so as to break it in by degrees, when, to his annoyance, he foundit looking rough and out of order, but that evening it seemed to be muchbetter, and was grazing heartily as usual. 

The next morning it was the same, and so on for several more mornings. 

"I don't understand it, " said the captain. 

"Looks as if it had been galloped, father, " said Norman. 

"Yes; but the others are all right, and it would not go off and gallopalone. Flies have worried the poor beast, I suppose. "

Meanwhile there had been no sign of Shanter. He had gone off in dudgeonand stayed away, his absence being severely felt in the house, for histask of fetching wood and water had to be placed in Sam German's hands;and as this was not what he called his regular work, he did it in agrumbling, unpleasant manner, which very much raised Aunt Georgie's ire. 

"Shanter will come back soon, aunt, " Tim kept on saying. 

"But he does not come back, boy, " cried Aunt Georgie; "and you boys willhave to do his work, for I am not going to have that grumbling gardenerto bring my wood and water. I must say, though, that it does make agood deal of difference in the consumption of bread. "

And still Shanter did not come back, neither was anything seen of him bythe boys in their long stock-herding rides; while to make things moreannoying the colt grew worse, and the captain complained bitterly. 

"But I don't think father ought to grumble, " said Rifle, one night whenthey were going to bed. "Everything else has got on so well. Why, weshall soon be having a big farm. "

"Yes, " said Norman; "but the colt was a pet, and he had given so muchattention to it. "

They went to bed and all was quiet, but somehow Rifle could not sleep. It was a sultry, thunderous night, and at last he rose, opened thewindow, and stood to gaze out at the flashing lightning as it playedabout a ridge of clouds in the east. 

"Can't you sleep?" said Norman, in a whisper. 

"No; come here. It's so jolly and cool. "

There was a faint rustling sound in the darkness, and the next minuteNorman was by his brother's side, enjoying the soft, comparatively cool, night air. 

"Lovely, " he said; and then they both stood gazing at the lightning, which made the clouds look like a chain of mountains, about whosesummits the electricity played. 

All at once there was a dull, low, muttering sound, apparently at adistance. 

"Thunder, " said Norman. "We're going to have a storm. "

"Good job, " replied Rifle, in the same low tone as that adopted by hisbrother. "Things were getting precious dry. "

There was a long pause, and the lightning grew nearer and the flashesmore vivid. Then, all of a sudden as the same peculiar sound was heard, Rifle whispered:

"I say, Man; that isn't thunder. "

"No, " was the reply. "I was just thinking so. Sounds to me like ahorse galloping. "

"Of course it does. I say, it isn't the colt, is it?"

"What do you mean?"

"Our colt gone mad, and galloping about all night so as to make himselflook bad to-morrow morning. "

"Rubbish!"

"But it does come from the paddock. "

"Yes; it does come from the paddock, " said Norman, after a pause. 

"And no mistake about it. Only one horse too. "

"It's very strange, " said Norman; "let's go and see. "

"What, in the middle of the night, like this? Father would hear us andtake us for black fellows. "

"We could drop quietly out of the window. Why, Rifle, you're right;there is a horse galloping in the paddock. Let's dress and go. "

"Shall we call father and tell him first?"

"No; because we might be wrong. Let's go and see first. A 'possum musthave got on the horse's back and be scaring him into this gallop. Looksharp. "

The boys soon had on their flannel shirts and trousers, generally theirevery-day costume, and after satisfying themselves that Tim was fastasleep, they squeezed themselves out of the window and dropped one afterthe other, and then hurried along in the thick darkness, across thegarden, past the storehouse, and then along under the shelter of thefences till, perfectly satisfied now, they neared the corner of thepaddock, just as a horse galloped by at full speed. 

"No wonder he looks so bad of a morning, " whispered Norman. "Here, goon a little farther and then we can look through and see. "

They went down now on hands and knees, and crept along till they couldlook through into the great paddock, just as a flash of lightningrevealed to them a group of horses in the centre of the field all prettyclose together, and quietly cropping the grass. 

"Strange, isn't it?" whispered Norman. "Listen! here he comes roundagain. "

For the beat of hoofs approached from their left, and the next minute ahorse thundered by at full speed. 

"Why, it was!" whispered Rifle, "I saw one of those 'possums perched onits back. "

"No, " said Norman, excitedly. "I saw something distinctly; but it wastoo big to be a 'possum. I think it was one of those big things thatShanter killed. Father said it was the koala or native bear. "

"Let's wait till it comes round again. "

The time seemed long, but the horse came thundering past once more, evidently steadily coursing all round the paddock close to the rails, while its fellows clustered in the middle out of the way. 

"It is one of those things, " said Norman, triumphantly. 

"It wasn't, " said Rifle. "I saw it quite plain, and it was one of thosekangaroos as big as a man. I say, whoever would have thought of theirdoing that?"

"What shall we do? Hadn't we better go and rouse up father?"

"No, " said Rifle; "let's stop and see the end of it; and to-morrow nightwe can all come and catch or shoot the beast. If we went now andfetched him, it might be gone before we got back, and he would think wehad been dreaming. "

"Here it comes again; hish!" whispered Norman; and once more there wasthe rapid beat of the horse's feet on the dry ground, and it tore byjust as there was a brighter flash of lightning; then the flying objecthad darted by, and Norman uttered a loud ejaculation. 

"Did you see?" whispered Rifle. 

"Yes; it was a myall black. I saw him quite plainly. "

"Not quite plainly, " said Rifle. "But I saw him. It was a black on thepoor horse, but it was old Shanter. "

"What?"

"It was! I saw his face as plain as possible. Don't you see? Hewanted to mount the horse and father wouldn't let him, so he determinedto have a ride, and he must have come and had one every night, and thengone off again into the scrub. "

"But--"

"Don't say `but. ' You know how fond he has been of horses, alwayswanting to ride when he went out with us. "

"Yes, I know; but still I can't think he would like to do that. "

"But he _is_ doing it. Here he comes again. "

This time, as the horse galloped by, they both had a perfectly plainview of the black's excited face and position as, evidently in a highstate of glee, he tore by on the well-bred horse. 

"Now, " said Rifle; "was I right?"

"Oh yes, " said Norman, with a sigh. "You were quite right. But beready to shout and stop him as he comes round again. "

They waited for the sound of the warning thunder of hoofs, but thoughthey heard them grow more faint, and then sound softer as they pacedalong on the far side of the paddock, the sound did not increase, andwhile they were listening there came a distinct snort, followed by aloud neighing nearer to them; another snort, and then a flash of vividlightning illumining the paddock long enough for them to see the droveof horses in the middle all gazing in one direction toward another horsewalking in their direction. Then there was black darkness, anothersnort, an answering neigh, and silence, broken by the faintly-heardsound of grass being torn off from its roots. 

"He's gone, " said Norman, in a whisper. "Let's run and wake father. "

"What's the good now? Let's go back to bed, and tell him in themorning. No: I don't like to. Why, he'd be ready to half kill poor oldShanter. "

Norman was silent, and they tramped back to the house when, just asNorman was reaching up to get hold of the window-sill, a hand wasstretched out. 

"Hallo! you two. Where have you been?"

"Never mind, " said Norman. "Wait till we get in again. "

They both climbed in silently, and Tim began again. 

"I say, it was shabby to go without me;" and when they explained whythey had hurried off, he was no better satisfied. "I wouldn't haveserved you so, " he grumbled. "But I say, won't uncle be in a way?"

"Yes, if Norman tells him, " said Rifle. "Don't you think we had betterhold our tongues?"

A long discussion followed, with the result that Rifle found himself inthe minority, and went to sleep feeling rather unhappy about the black. 

CHAPTER NINETEEN. 

"GOOD TASTE FOR A SAVAGE. "

Rifle felt obliged in the morning to join cousin and brother in theannouncement to the captain, who looked as if he could hardly believe itat first, but ended by walking straight to the paddock, to find the coltlooking more distressed than ever; and on a closer inspection thereplainly enough, though it had remained unnoticed before, on account ofthe dry time, were the marks of the nightly gallops on the hardsun-baked soil. 

"That explains it all, eh, Jack?" he said to his brother. 

"Yes; the black scoundrel! I had noticed for some time past how fond hewas of horses. "

"Yes, " said Norman; "nothing pleased him better than petting them andgiving them bits of his damper. "

"Very good taste for a savage to appreciate how noble a beast is thehorse, but I'm not going to introduce the said noble animal for thedelectation of black savages. "

"But you will not be very hard upon him, father?"

"No, " said the captain, tightening his lips, "not very. "

"What shall you do?" said Uncle Jack. 

"Lay wait for his black lordship to-night, and give him a soundhorse-whipping. "

Rifle's face twitched a little, and the three boys exchanged glances. 

"Better be careful, Ned, " said Uncle Jack. "These fellows can be veryrevengeful. "

"I am not afraid. He must have a severe lesson, and as I am hismaster--Marmi, as he calls me--I shall give it at once. "

"But you will not sit up for him alone?" said Uncle Jack. 

"Oh no. I shall want you all to help me; and so as to make sure of him, there is to be no riding out to-day. He is, of course, hiding in thescrub somewhere, and I don't want him disturbed. "

Rifle looked very hard at Norman, who turned to his father. 

"Well, Norman?"

"We all like Shanter, father, " he said. "He is not much better than achild in some things. "

"Exactly; I know that. "

"We want you to let him off, father--forgive him. "

The captain looked more stern, and tightened his lips. 

"I appreciate your generosity, my boys, but it must not be looked over. I must punish him. Words will be of no use. I am afraid it must beblows. But look here; I will be as mild as I can. Will that satisfyyou?"

"I suppose it must, father, " said Rifle, dolefully. 

"Yes, my boy, it must; and now look here: not a word to them indoors. It would only startle mamma and the girls. Your uncle and I will begoing to keep watch to-night, and you can slip out of your window as youdid last night. "

Hence it was that about ten o'clock that night the little party were allcrouching by the palings watching, as well as the darkness would allow, and listening for the faintest sound, not a word being uttered for fearthe black's abnormally sharp ears should detect their presence, and makehim keep away. 

Time glided by, till an hour must have passed, and then they heard asharp neigh, followed by the trampling of feet, as if the horses hadbeen startled. Then came the low murmur of a voice, followed by a fewlight pats as of some one caressing a horse; and, a minute later, inspite of the darkness, Norman made out that his father had passedthrough the rails into the paddock. 

Then, just as he was in agony for fear the captain should be riddenover, or some other accident should befall him, he heard the approachingpace of a horse, but only at a walk. 

Like the others, he was crouching down, and it seemed to him that hisfather was doing the same, when, all at once, the faintly-seen figuresof man and horse towered up close by them, and what followed was thework of moments. 

There was the loud _whisk_ of a hunting-whip, the darting forward of afigure, followed by the plunge of a horse, as it galloped away, drowningthe noise of a heavy thud, though the struggle which followed was quiteplain. 

"Hold still, you dog!" roared the captain. "I have you tight. --Here, Jack, come and help to hold him. "

"Baal baal mumkull mine, " cried the black, piteously. "Give in then, you scoundrel. Take hold of his hair, Jack. I have him by hisloin-cloth. "

It was no question of giving in, for the black made no further struggle, but stood up writhing and twisting up his right shoulder, and rubbing itwith the back of his left hand passed behind him. 

"Don't hit him again, father, " cried Norman, quickly. 

"Silence, sir!--Now you--you black fellow!"

"Baal black fellow, " shouted Shanter, indignantly; "baal black fellow. "

"How dare you come stealing here in the dark and meddling with myhorses?" roared the captain. 

"Baal steal a horse fellow, Marmi, " cried the black, indignantly. "Horse fellow all along all lot. "

"Sneaking there in the darkness, to ride my poor horses to death. "

"Marmi no let Shanter ride when piggi jump up. "

"Not let you ride in the day, sir? Of course not. Do you suppose Ikeep horses for you?"

"Baal plenty mine know. "

"You don't understand?"

"Mine want ride horse fellow like white fellow. "

"Then you are not going to learn to ride on mine. Now then, I've donewith you, sir. Be off and don't show your face here again. Go!"

"Mine want damper, Marmi. Gib big soff damper. "

"I'll give you the whip, sir, if you don't go. "

Shanter flinched, and gave himself another rub, looking about in thedarkness from one to the other. 

"Let me fetch him a bit of damper, father, " whispered Rifle. 

"No, " said the captain, sternly. "The scoundrel has nearly ruined afine young horse, and he must be taught a lesson. --Now, sir, be off!"

"Baal gib mine big damper?" cried the black. 

"No; only the whip, " said the captain, giving the thong a sharp crack, and then another and another in all directions near the black's nakedshoulders, with the result that at every crack Shanter winced and leapedabout. 

"Marmi Man gib mine damper. "

"I can't, " said Norman. 

"Marmi Rifle, Marmi Tim, gib mine damper. "

"No--no--no, " shouted the captain. "Now go and never come here again. "

The black gave another writhe, as if smarting from the pain of the blowhe had received, and ended by snatching boomerang and club from hiswaistband, uttering a fiercely defiant yell as he clattered themtogether, leaped the fence and darted off straight across the paddock, shouting as he rushed on toward the horses, and sending them in panic tothe end of the enclosure. 

"The scoundrel!" shouted the captain; "those horse will cripplethemselves on the posts and rails. No; they're coming back again, " hecried, as he heard the little herd come galloping round. "Steadythere--woho--boys! Steady, woho there--woho!" he continued; and thehorses gradually ceased their headlong flight, and turned and trottedgently toward the familiar voice. 

The captain was joined by the boys, who all went toward the horses, patting and caressing them for a few minutes before leaving the paddockand going back toward the house. 

"Now, " said the captain; "who is to say that this black fellow will notcome to-morrow night, or perhaps to-night, take out a rail or two, anddrive off all our horses?"

"I can, " said Norman. 

"So can we, " cried Rifle. "I don't believe old Shanter ever couldsteal. "

"Well done, boys, for your belief in savage nature, " cried UncleJack. --"No, Ned, you are wrong. I believe that the poor fellow ishonest as the day. "

"Thank you, uncle, " whispered Tim. 

"Well, " said the captain, "we shall see. But I think I have let thepoor fellow off very easily. I came out to-night meaning to give him atremendous horse-whipping, but out of weakness and consideration for youboys' feelings, I've let him off with one cut. "

"Enough too, " said Uncle Jack, "for it was big enough for a dozen. "

"Well, it was a tidy one, " said the captain, laughing. "There, comeback to the house. But no more black pets, boys. If you want to makecompanions, try the horses. "

"And perhaps they'd run away with one. "

"Or throw us. "

"Or kick us. "

So cried the boys one after another, and the captain uttered a grunt. 

"Look here, " he said; "I'm not going to sit up and watch to-night, butif those horses are driven off by that black scoundrel, I'll hunt himdown with a gun. "

"Not you, Ned, " said Uncle Jack, with a chuckle. 

"Don't you believe him, boys. "

"We don't, uncle, " they chorused. 

"Ah, well, " said the captain, laughing; "we shall see. "

CHAPTER TWENTY. 

"WE SHALL HAVE TO TRUST HIM. "

"Whatever is the matter with that cow?" cried Aunt Georgie, as they satat their evening meal the next day. "Why is she lowing like that? It'smy poor Jersey, and--goodness gracious, what is the matter with hertail?"

"Tail!" shouted the captain, springing up as the cow came clumsilycantering up, followed by all the rest of the cattle, who added theirlowing to the Jersey's mournful bellow. "Tail! Here, quick, Jack--boys, the guns; the poor creature has been speared. "

It was plain enough. Speared, and badly, for the weapon stood firmlyjust in front of the poor animal's tail, in spite of the frantic gallopin which she had sought for relief. 

"I can't leave the poor beast like this, Jack, " cried the captain. "Cover me if you see any one stealing up. No; there is no need. I cansee it all plainly enough. "

The cow did not run away from him as he went close up, and with a sharptug dragged out the clumsy weapon, tearing his handkerchief afterward toplug the horrible wound. 

"Will she get better, father?" asked Norman. 

"I hope so, boy. I don't think the point can have reached any vitalpart. But you see, don't you?"

"Only the wound, father. What do you mean?"

"I'm afraid this is your friend Shanter's bit of revenge for my blow. "

"Oh no, father, " cried Rifle, indignantly. "Poor old Tam o' Shanterwould not be such a brute. "

The captain smiled, and shrugged his shoulders. "Here, let's get allthe beasts into the enclosure, " he said. "We do not want any more to bespeared;" and sending two of the boys forward to open the rails, the cowwas gently driven in, the rest of the stock following patiently enoughto the very last. 

"Well, " said Uncle Jack, emphatically, "I don't think I'm a vicious man, but I honestly wish that the vile wretch who threw that spear had beenwell gored by the animal in return. "

"So do I, uncle, " cried Rifle, warmly, "for I'm sure it wasn'tShanter. --What do you think, Tim?"

"I don't know, " replied the boy. "I hope it wasn't; but as Uncle Edwardsays, it does look very black. "

"Bah! You're black, " cried Rifle, fiercely. --"You don't think it wasShanter, do you, Man?"

"I don't want to think it was, " replied his brother, thoughtfully, "butit does look very bad. "

This was while the captain had walked up to the house to order theladies to stay within doors, promising in return that he would be verycareful, and not run into any danger. 

"Looks very bad!" cried Rifle, contemptuously. "I only wish I knewwhere old Shanter was. I'd go and fetch him to make him tell you thatyou ought all to be ashamed of yourselves. "

"You need not trouble, " said Uncle Jack, quietly, "for here he comes;"and as the captain's brother spoke he cocked his double gun. 

"And here comes father, " cried Norman, excitedly. "Don't fire, uncle, pray. "

"Not if I can help it, boy, but look at the fellow; he has been paintinghimself, and means war. "

In effect Shanter's black body was streaked with white, as if to imitatea skeleton, and as he came running toward them from the scrub below theprecipice, he looked as if his spear was held threateningly in one hand, his club in the other. 

As the black came running from one direction, the captain ran towardthem from the other, shouting to Uncle Jack and the boys to fall back, while just then Sam German came out of the garden armed with apitchfork, the first thing likely to act as a weapon. 

But Shanter was the swiftest of foot, and he was within twenty yards, when Uncle Jack presented his piece and shouted: "Stop! Throw down thatspear. "

Shanter hesitated for a moment, and then dug the point of his spear intothe ground, and ran up shouting: "Hi, Marmi, black fellow come along!Kimmeroi--bulla, bulla--metancoly. " (One, four, ever so many. )

The captain gazed at him suspiciously. 

"Where?" he said. 

"Black fellow all along, " cried Shanter, who seemed to have quiteforgotten the past night's quarrel and the blow, and he pointed inseveral directions across the precipitous ridge. 

"You saw them?"

"Yohi. Run tell Marmi. Black fellow come all along, spear bull-cow. "

Norman saw his father's brow contract, for the last words sounded verysuspicious, and the lad asked himself whether this was a piece ofcunning on the part of the black. 

But just then Shanter caught sight of the spear lying upon the ground, where it had been thrown by the captain after he had drawn it from thecow's back. 

The black made a dash and pounced upon it, his movement to secure theweapon putting both the captain and his brother on their guard, as theywatched the fellow's movements. 

As soon as he had the weapon in his hand, he examined the point, stillwet with blood, looked sharply from one to the other, and then excitedlypointed to the spear end. 

"How this fellow come along?" he cried. 

"Some one threw it, and speared the little cow, " cried Rifle. 

"Where little bull-cow fellow--go bong?"

"No; in the paddock. Did you throw that spear, Shanter?"

"Mine throw? Baal!" cried the black. "Plenty mine spear, " and hepointed to where his own spear stuck in the ground. 

"I can't trust him, Rifle, my boy, " said the captain, firmly. "I'mafraid it is his work, and this is a cunning way of throwing us off thescent. "

The black listened eagerly, and partly comprehended. 

"Marmi no pidney. Think mine spear bull-cow. Baal, baal throw. "

He shook his head violently, and then running back and recovering theother spear--his own--he stood attentively watching the scrub, his eyeswandering along the ridge and from place to place as if in search ofenemies. 

"What do you say, Ned?" whispered Uncle Jack; "are you going to trusthim?"

"No, I cannot yet, " said the captain. "We must be thoroughly on ourguard. "

"The poor fellow has proved himself a faithful servant, though. "

"What? That colt?"

"A boy's freak. He did not behave dishonestly. "

"Well, I do not trust him yet Jack; but I may be wrong. Let'sreconnoitre. "

"Where all white Mary?" said Shanter, turning back suddenly. 

"In the house, " said Norman. "Why?"

"Black fellow metancoly all plenty. Come mumkull. "

At that moment Mrs Bedford appeared at the door, and stepped out, butstopped as Shanter uttered a fierce yell and gesticulated, imitating thethrowing of a spear and battering of some one's head. 

"Baal white Mary come along, " he cried, running to the captain. "Marmisay go along. "

"Run and tell your mother and the rest to keep in the house, " said thecaptain sharply to Rifle, and the black nodded in satisfaction; but hegrew furious again, and seized the captain's arm as he made a movementtoward the patch of scrub and trees which had concealed the blacks, whenthe raid was made upon the flour. 

"Baal go along, " he cried. "Hah!"

He threw himself into an attitude as if about to hurl a spear, for justthen, a couple of hundred yards away, a black figure was seen to dartfrom behind a solitary patch of bushes to run to the bigger one infront. As he reached the broader shelter another followed him, andanother, and another, Shanter counting them as they ran. 

"Kimmeroi--bulla-bulla, kimmeroi-bulla, bulla--bulla, bulla, kimmeroi. "

"Five, " said Norman, excitedly. 

"Yohi, " cried the black, nodding. "Marmi baal go along?"

"No, " said the captain, quietly. "We had better retire to the house. Ithink we can give them a warm reception there. "

"Shoot! Bang, bang!" cried Shanter, grinning. "Ow--ow--ow!"

He held his bands to his head after dropping his weapons as he yelled, ran round in a circle, staggered, fell, kicked a little, and lay quitestill for a few moments as if dead. Then leaping up, he secured hisweapons, shook them threateningly at the little grove, and urged all togo up to the house. 

"We shall have to trust him, " said the captain. "Come along, Jack. --Now, boys, I'm afraid this is war in earnest, and the siege has begun. "

"Plenty black fellow, " shouted Shanter, excitedly, as he pointed in afresh direction, where three or four heads were seen for a minute beforethey disappeared among the trees. 

"And no time to be lost, " cried the captain. --"German, while we can, goup and begin filling what tubs you can with water in case the enemytries to cut off our supply. We will cover you. "

"Right, sir, " said the gardener, and he ran up to the house with hisfork over his shoulder, while the others followed more leisurely, keeping a sharp look-out. 

"Come along, " cried Shanter, as they reached the house. "Shut fass. Black fellow baal come along. Big white Mary gib mine damper now. "

Five minutes later he was eating some bread with a contented smile onhis countenance, while Tim and Norman kept watch, and the others busiedthemselves closing the shutters and carrying in blocks and slabs ofwood, reserved for such an emergency, and now used as barricades forwindows and loop-holed doors. 

All worked vigorously, provisions were rolled in from the storehouse, though that was so near that its door could be commanded if a freshsupply was required. Fence gates were closed and fastened, thewater-supply augmented, and at last the captain turned to the pale-facedwomen who had been helping with all their strength, and said:

"There, we need not fear blacks a hundred strong. All we have to do nowis to come in, shut and bar the door, roll two or three of the casksagainst it, and laugh at them. "

"But I don't feel happy about my kitchen, " said Aunt Georgie. 

"No: that is our weakest place, " said the captain; "but I'll soon setthat right. --See anything of them, boys?" he cried to the sentries. 

"No, not a sign. "

"Metancoly black fellow all along a trees, " said Shanter, jumping up, for he had finished his damper. 

"Can you see them?" cried the captain. 

"Baal see black fellow. Plenty hide. "

He illustrated his meaning by darting behind a barrel and peering at thecaptain, so that only one eye was visible. 

"Yes, I see, " cried the captain. "Get up. --Now, good folks, somedinner. I'm hungry. Cheer up. We can beat them off if they attack, which I hope they will not. "

"So do I, " said Norman in a whisper to Rifle; "but if they do come, wemust fight. "

"Yes, " said Rifle; "but they will not come fair. I'm afraid they'll tryto take us by surprise. "

"Let 'em, " said Tim, scornfully. "If they do, we must try and surprisethem. "

CHAPTER TWENTY ONE. 

"THINK YOU CAN HIT A BLACK?"

A long anxious afternoon of watching, but the blacks made no sign, andupon Shanter being referred to, he replied coolly: "Plenty come alongwhen piggi jump down, all no see. "

Tim shuddered at the black's coolness. 

"Make shoot bang. Black fellow run along holler--ow!"

"He doesn't seem to mind a bit, " whispered Tim. 

"Don't know the danger, I suppose, " said Norman. "I say, boys, how longcould we hold out?"

"Always, " said Rifle. "Or till we had eaten all the cattle. "

"If the blacks don't spear them and drive them away. "

As the afternoon wore on the conversation grew less frequent, and allwaited, wondering whether the blacks would attack them or try to driveoff the cattle. Guns were laid ready; ammunition was to hand, and thecaptain seemed to have quite thrown aside his suspicions of the black, who, on his side, had apparently forgotten the cut across his shoulder, though a great weal was plainly to be seen. 

In spite of bad appetites there had been two meals prepared. 

"Men can't fight on nothing, wife, " the captain said; and then seeingthe frightened looks of Mrs Bedford and the girls, he added with amerry laugh: "If they have to fight. Bah! if the black scoundrels comeon, it only means a few charges of swan-shot to scatter them, and givethem a lesson they will never forget. "

Soon after this the captain and Uncle Jack went outside with the glassto sweep the edge of the scrub and the ridge, as well as every patch oftrees, leaving the boys alone in the back part of the house to keepwatch there. 

"I say, " said Rifle, in a low tone, "it's all very well for father totalk like that to them, but he doesn't think a charge of swan-shot willscatter the blacks, or else he wouldn't have the bullets ready. "

"No, " replied Norman, quietly. "He looks very serious about it all. "

"Enough to make him, " said Tim; "after getting all this place sobeautiful, to have a pack of savages coming and interfering. --I say, Shanter, think the savages are gone?"

"Mine no pidney, " said Shanter, starting up from where he had beensquatting in one corner. 

"Are the black fellows gone?"

"Baal black fellow gone along. Wait till piggi jump down and can'tsee. "

"Think so? Come along all dark?" said Rifle. "Yohi. Come along, getflour, numkull chicken fellow. Make big fight. "

Norman frowned. 

"Mine glad Marmi Rifle. Mine like plenty stop along here. "

"Well, I don't, " grumbled Rifle. "I don't like it at all. I say, Man, don't you wish we were all safe somewhere else?"

"Yes. No, " said Norman, shortly; "we mustn't be cowards now. "

"'Tisn't cowardly not to want to fight like this, " grumbled Rifle. "IfI shoot, perhaps I shall kill a black fellow. I don't want to kill ablack fellow. "

Shanter nodded admiringly, for he did not quite grasp the speech. 

"Kill a black fellow, " he said. "Mumkull. Go bong. "

"Oh, bother; I wish he wouldn't muddle what a fellow means. I say, Tim, feel frightened?"

"Horribly, " replied Tim. "I say, I hope they will not come. "

"Perhaps they will not, " said Norman. "If they do, it may only mean todrive away some of the cattle. "

"Well, father don't want his cattle driven away, does he?"

"Don't talk so, " said Norman, who was standing with his face to a smallsquare window, which he reached by standing on a case. "I say, comehere, Tim. "

The boy went and stood by him. 

"Look straight along the garden fence, and see if that isn't somethingmoving; there, by those bushes. "

Tim looked intently for a few moments, and shook his head. 

"No, " he said; "it's getting too dim. What's that?"

"Only father and uncle, " said Rifle, for just then their elders enteredthe house, and closed and fastened the door before coming into the backroom. 

"It's getting so dark, boys, that we'll trust to the place now toprotect us. Close that window all but the narrow slit. Are the otherwindows fast?"

"Yes, father, " said Norman; "all but the loopholes in our bedroom andthe kitchen. Think they'll come?"

"Can't say, boy; but we think it is not wise to risk a spear from somefellow who has crawled up. "

"Black fellow crawl up, " said Shanter, as Norman secured the window. 

"They had better stay away, " said the captain, gravely. "Poor wretches, it is very horrible to have to fire at their unprotected bodies. Ifthey would only keep away. "

The captain cast an eye over the defences, and at the boys' weaponsbefore going to the girls' bedroom, which stood a little higher than theother rooms of the house, and being considered the safest spot in thestronghold, the ladies were all gathered there. 

Here the boys could hear him talking cheerily as the place grew darkerand darker, for the fire in the kitchen had been extinguished, andlights were of course forbidden. From the front room by the door camethe low murmur of voices, where Uncle Munday and Sam German sattogether, the latter now armed with a gun, though his pitchfork wasplaced beside him, as if even now he might require it for his defence. 

At last, wearied out with sitting in one position, Rifle rose and wentto the door, where his uncle and Sam German were keeping watch. 

"Think you can hit a black, Sam?" whispered Rifle, after a few wordswith his uncle. 

"Dunno, Master Rifle; but I have hit sparrers afore now, and broughtdown a rabbit. "

"Oh!" ejaculated Rifle. Then after a pause. "I say, Sam, which did youput in first, the powder or shot?"

"There, it's of no good your trying to be funny, my lad, " whispered backthe gardener, "because it won't do. You feel as unked as I do, I'msewer. What I says is, I wish it was to-morrow mornin'. "

"Or else that they would come, German, and let us get it over, " said avoice out of the darkness, which made them start. "The suspense ispainful, but keep a good heart. --Raphael, boy, you ought to be at yourpost. Mind and report every sound you hear. "

"Yes, father, " said the boy, who crept back to the room he had left, butnot without going to the bedroom door, and whispering sharply, "It's allright, mother. We'll take care of you. "

He did not wait for a reply, but crept into the backroom, where all wassilent, and he went from thence into the long lean-to kitchen, with itsbig stone fireplace and chimney. 

"Pist! you there, boys?"

"Yes; mind how you come. Your gun's standing up in the corner by thefireplace. We're going to sit here, and take it in turns for one towatch at the window slit. "

Then after making out by touch where the others were placed, and nearlyfalling over Shanter, who was squatting, enjoying the warmth which camefrom the hearthstone to his bare feet, the boy seated himself on a roughbench by his gun, and all was silent as well as dark. From time to timethe captain came round--in each case just after they had changed watchesat the window loophole--but neither Norman, his cousin, nor brother hadanything to report, and he went away again, after telling them the lasttime that all was well, and that he thought their sister and cousin hadgone off to sleep. 

Then there was the same oppressive darkness and silence once more, aheavy breathing by the still warm fireplace, suggesting that Shanter, well refreshed with damper, had gone to sleep, and the boysinstinctively shrank from disturbing him for fear he should start intowakefulness, and lay about him with his nulla-nulla. 

It must have been nearly twelve o'clock, when Norman was wishing thatthe Dutch clock in the corner had not been stopped on account of itsstriking, for the silence was growing more and more painful, and he waswondering how it would be possible to keep up for hours longer. He feltno desire for sleep; on the contrary, his nerves were strained to theirgreatest tension, and he could hear sounds outside as if they had beenmagnified--the chirp of some grasshopper-like insect, or the impatientstamp of a horse in the enclosure, being quite startling. 

But there was nothing to report. He could easily find an explanationfor every sound, even to the creaking noise which he felt sure wascaused by one of the cows rubbing itself against the rough fence. 

Rifle was watching now at the narrow slit, but there was nothing to see, "except darkness, " he whispered to his brother, "and you can't seethat. "

And then, as he sat there for another half-hour, Norman began once moreto envy the black, who seemed to be sleeping easily and well, in spiteof the danger which might be lurking so near. 

But he was misjudging the black: Shanter was never more wide awake inhis life, and the proof soon came. All at once there was a faintrustling from near the fireplace apparently, and Rifle turned sharply, but did not speak, thinking that Norman and his cousin had changedplaces. 

Norman heard the sound too, and gave the credit to Tim, who in turn madesure that his cousin had lain down to sleep. So no one spoke, and therustling was heard again, followed now sharply by a quick movement, ahorrible yell, a rushing sound, and then the sickening thud of a heavyblow. Before the boys could quite grasp what it meant, there was asharp rattling, as if a big stick was being rapidly moved in thechimney, then another yell, a fresh rattling as of another great stickagainst the stone sides of the chimney, with a heavy thumping overhead. 

Norman grasped the position now in those quick moments, and, gun inhand, dashed to the chimney, cannoning against Rifle and then againstsome one else, for he had tripped over a soft body. Before he couldrecover himself there was a deafening roar, and the sour odour of powderbegan to steal to his nostrils as he listened to a rustling sound as ofsomething rolling over the split wood slabs which roofed the place, followed by a heavy fall close under the window. 

"What is it, boys?" cried the captain at the door, for all had passed sorapidly that the episode was over before he reached the kitchen. 

"Black fellow come along, " said Shanter, quietly. "Mine mumkull. "

"Through the window?" cried the captain, reproachfully, advancing intothe kitchen. "Oh, boys! Ah!"--he stumbled and nearly fell--"wounded?Who is this?"

There was no reply. 

"Norman--Rifle--Tim?" cried the captain in horrified tones. 

"Yes, father! Yes, uncle!" cried the boys excitedly. 

"Then it's the black! But I don't understand. How was it?"

"Mine hear black fellow come down along, " said Shanter, quickly. "Minemake black fellow go up along. You pidney?"

"What, down the chimney?"

"Yohi. Make plenty fire, baal come along down. "

"Wait a minute, " said the captain quickly, and they heard him go intothe other room. Then there was the sharp striking of flint and steel, ashower of sparks, and the face of the captain was faintly visible as heblew one spark in the tinder till it glowed, and a blue fluttering lighton the end of a brimstone match now shone out. Then the splint burstinto flame as voices were heard inquiring what it all meant. 

"Back into your room!" thundered the captain. 

As he spoke, _thud_, _thud_, _thud_, came three heavy knocks at the doorin front, which were answered by Uncle Jack's gun rapidly thrust throughthe slit left for defence, out of which a long tongue of flame rushed asthere was a sharp report, and then silence. 

"Blows of clubs?" cried the captain, sheltering the light with his hand, as he looked toward his brother. 

"Spears, " said Uncle Jack, laconically; and the next moment the sound ofhis powder-flask was heard upon the muzzle of the gun, followed by theramming down of a wad. 

But the boys' eyes were not directed toward their uncle, whose figurecould be plainly seen as he loaded again, for they were fixed upon thebody of a black lying face downward on the kitchen floor, with Shanter, hideously painted, squatting beside it, showing his white teeth, andevidently supremely proud of his deed of arms. 

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO. 

"THEY'RE ON THE ROOF. "

Coming quickly into the kitchen with the candle, the captain held itdown over the prostrate black, turned him partly over, and let him fallback as he rapidly blew it out. 

"Dead, " he said, hoarsely. 

"Yohi. Gone bong, " said Shanter, quietly. "Come along mumkull Marmiand plenty white Marys. When piggi jump up, baal find dat blackfellow. "

There was a few moments' silence, and then the captain said sharply:"Norman--Tim, lift out the bar. Rifle, be ready with your piece, andfire at once if an attack is made. Don't lift out the shutter, Norman, till I say `Now!'"

Norman made no reply, for much of his training had been tinged withmilitary discipline. He lifted out the bar, and set it down, then heand Tim took hold of the shutter, while Rifle stood ready with hisfowling-piece, listening intently, though, to his father, who waswhispering to Shanter. 

"Now!" said the captain, sharply. The shutter was lifted out, the boysfelt the captain and Shanter push by them; there was a strange rustlingsound, a yell from many voices close at hand, and the shutter was thrustback in its place, but would not go home. 

_Bang_, _bang_! Two sharp reports from Rifle's piece, which was thendragged back and the shutter glided into the opening, but was drivenright in the boys' faces by what seemed to be half a dozen heavy blows. Then it was pushed in its place again, and the bar dropped across. 

"Were those club blows, father?" panted Norman. 

"No, boy, spears thrown at the window. Well done, lads; you were veryprompt. It was risky to open the shutter, but we could not keep thatpoor wretch here. Hark!"

A low muttering and groaning, then a yell or two, came from outside, chilling the boys' blood; and Rifle stood there, his face and hands wetwith cold perspiration, listening in horror. 

"Gun fellow plenty hurt, " said Shanter, with a satisfied laugh. 

"Yes, " said the captain, with a sigh; "some of those swan-shot of yours, boy, have told. But load, load! And Heaven grant that this may be alesson to them, and you will not need to fire again. "

"Ned!" cried Uncle Jack, in a low voice. 

"Yes. "

"They're stealing round here. I can just make them out. Shall I fire?"

"Not unless they are coming on. "

In an instant Uncle Jack's gun spoke out, and there was a fierce burstof yelling, followed by the familiar sound of spears striking the dooror walls of the house. 

"Mine plenty spear when piggi jump up, " said Shanter, quietly. 

"Yes, " said the captain, after listening for a few moments. --"Goingaway, Jack?" he whispered. 

"Yes; I fired while they were far off, so as to hit as many as possible. Only duck-shot. "

"Look here, Shanter, " said the captain. "Black fellow go now?"

"Baal go. Come along mumkull everybody. "

"Cheerful, boys, " said the captain; "but we shall stop that. Now then, the first thing is to close that chimney. How's it to be done?"

"I think, sir, " began Sam German slowly, but he was interrupted by UncleJack:

"Some one coming up; better look out. Hah!" Uncle Jack shrank awayfrom the loophole in the doorway just in time, for a spear was thrustthrough, grazing his cheek. Then it was withdrawn for a second thrust, but it did not pass through. 

Sam German's gun-barrel did, and he fired as he held it pistol-wise. 

There was a horrible yell following the report; then a fearful shriek ortwo, and a fresh shower of spears struck the house, while a burst of lowsobbing came from the girls' room. 

"Marian! Aunt Georgie!" cried the captain, sternly. "Silence there, for all our sakes. Is that how English ladies should encourage thosewho are fighting for their lives?"

The sobbing ceased on the instant, and a silence fell outside. 

"Gone, " whispered Norman, after a time. 

"Baal gone, " said Shanter, coolly. "Black fellow plenty come alongsoon. "

The black's words went home and sank deeply, a chill of horror runningthrough the boys as they felt how, after this reception, their enemieswould be implacable, and that if they gained the upper hand it meantdeath for them all. It was in ignorance, though, for had the receptionbeen of the kindest, the probability was that they would have run thesame chance of massacre. 

But the feeling of depression passed off quickly enough now, and theexcitement of the last hour produced a feeling of elation. It had beenhorrible, that encounter with the descending enemy, and then the firingand the shrieks and yells as they had shot at these men; and thenunconsciously, while he and his brothers were silently and thoughtfullydwelling on the same theme, Norman said aloud: "No, they are not men, but wolves, and must be treated the same. "

Then he started, for a hand from out of the darkness gripped hisshoulder, and his uncle's voice said: "Yes, boy, you are quite right;savage howling wolves, who would have no mercy upon us, I am afraid. "

"You here, uncle?"

"Yes, lad; your father has just relieved me, and I'm coming to sit downand eat some bread, and have a pannikin of water. Where's Shanter?"

"Mine all along here 'top chimney, " said the black. 

"Yes, and that's one thing I am going to do, " said Uncle Jack. "Yourfather, boys, and Shanter have talked it over. There is a square casehere in the corner that we think will about fill the chimney a littleway up. "

"Yes; here it is, " cried Rifle. 

"Let's try. "

Then, in the darkness, the chest was dragged to the front of the fire, lifted, found to go right up and block the chimney, so that when it waswedged up in its place by placing a barrel upright beneath, that way ofentrance was effectually blocked, and Uncle Jack uttered a sigh ofrelief. 

"Now for my bread and water, " he said. --"Have some damper, Shanter?"

"Hey? Damper?" cried the black, eagerly. "Gib damper. Hah! Soffdamper. "

This last was on receiving a great piece of Aunt Georgie's freshly-madebread, which kept him busily occupied for some little time. 

All were on the _qui vive_, feeling cheered and hopeful, now that theirarmour had had its first proving, the weak spot found and remedied; for, though others were contemplated for the future, the great kitchenchimney, built exactly on the principle of that in an old Englishfarmhouse, was the only one in the slowly growing home. 

An hour passed, and another, with several false alarms--now the crack ofsome dry board in the side of the house, now a noise made by some onemoving in the room, or the creaking of one of the fences outside--everything sounding strange and loud in the stillness of the night; andas the time wore on, and no fresh attack came, the boys' hopes rosehigher, and they turned to the black as the best authority on themanners and customs of the natives. 

"They must be gone now, Shanter, " Rifle said at last, after two or threedampings from that black sage. "It's over two hours since we have heardthem: all gone along, eh?"

Shanter grunted. 

"I shall ask father to let me go out and reconnoitre. "

"Mine no pidney, " said the black. 

"Get out of one of the windows and go and look round. "

"What for go along? Plenty damper--plenty water. "

"To see if the black fellows have gone. "

"Baal go see. Marmi come back tickum full spear and go bong. "

"Nonsense! the black fellows are gone. "

"Black fellow all along. Come plenty soon. "

"How do you know?"

"Mine know, " said the black, quietly; and they waited again for quite anhour, fancying every rustle they heard was the creeping up of a stealthyenemy. 

Then, all at once, there was a light, narrow, upright mark, as itseemed, on the kitchen wall. This grew plainer, and soon they werelooking on each other's dimly-seen faces; and about ten minutes laterNorman went to the chimney corner, took hold of the shovel there, andscraped together a quantity of the fine, grey wood ashes which lay onthe great hearthstone about the cask which supported the chest in thechimney, to sprinkle them about in the middle of the kitchen. 

The boys looked on, and Tim shuddered, but directly after uttered a sighof relief, just as a hideous, chuckling laugh came apparently from theridge of the house. 

"Quick!" cried Norman, dropping the fire-shovel with a clatter, andseizing his gun; "they're on the roof. "

"Baal shoot, " cried Shanter, showing his teeth. "Dat laughum jackass, "and he imitated the great, grotesque kingfisher's call so faithfullythat the bird answered. "Say piggi jump up:" his interpretation of thecurious bird's cry; and very soon after piggi, otherwise the sun, showedhis rim over the trees at the edge of the eastern plain. For it wasmorning, and Rifle shuddered as he went to the window slit to gaze outon the horrors of the night's work. 

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE. 

"HE HAS GONE. "

But though a curious, morbid fascination attracted the boy to theloophole, there were no horrors to see. Silently, and unknown to thedefenders of the happy little English home, the blacks had carried awaytheir dead and wounded, and all outside looked so beautiful andpeaceful, that the events of the past night seemed like a dream. 

On all sides of the low, wooden house, eager eyes were scanning thewooded patches, trees, and ridges, but there was no sign of an enemy. The only significant thing visible was that the rails of the greatpaddock had been taken down in one place, and the horses and cattle wereout and about grazing. 

"I can see no sign of them, " said the captain, suddenly closing hisglass; the others, after making their own inspection from the severalloopholes left for defence, now waiting to hear the captain'sannouncement after using his telescope. "No, I can see no sign ofthem. --Here, Tam. "

The black came to his side, gave himself a writhe, and said with a grin, "Baal mine ride horse fellow lass night, Marmi. "

"No, no, " said the captain, smiling; "but look here; black fellow gonealong. "

"All hide um myall scrub, " said Shanter, quietly. 

"No, no, gone--gone, " said the captain. "Plenty run away. "

"Baal plenty run away, " cried the black, who understood the mutilatedEnglish of the settlers, made for native comprehension, more easily thanordinary talk. "No, baal plenty run away. Hide. "

"How do you know. You pidney?"

The black nodded, and a cunning smile overspread his face as he led thecaptain to the loopholes at the front, side, and back of the house, pointed out at the cattle, and then said with the quiet decision of onewho has grasped a fact: "Horse fellow--bull-cow--say baal go near scrub, black fellow throw spear. "

The captain uttered an ejaculation, and the boys laughed. 

"Well done, Shanter!" cried Rifle. "Look, father, they are all keepingtogether out in the middle. "

"Oh yes there's no doubt about it, " said the captain. "I shall end byhaving quite a respect for Tam. "

"Baal whip Shanter?" said the black sharply. 

"No; never again. "

"Marmi gib Shanter plenty horse fellow ride?"

"Yes, you shall ride and herd the cattle. "

"Big white Mary gib plenty soff damper?"

"Yes, plenty. "

"How coo-ee! Big white Mary gib Shanter plenty soff damper now?" criedthe black. 

"Yes, come along, aunt; and Marian, you and the girls come and give ussome breakfast; there is no danger at present. "

"Shanter make plenty big fire, " cried the black. "Pull down big boxfellow--big tub. Black fellow no come long time. "

The boys sprang to his help, the tub and chest were removed, and a firelit, its ashes soon removing the traces which had been hidden by thecask. 

The ladies looked very pale, but their neat aspect in the dim kitchen, along with the sparkling fire, gave everything a cheerful look in spiteof the gloom. 

Shanter marched to the front door. 

"Open, " he said shortly. "Mine go eat damper. Plenty see black fellowcome and shut um. "

"Yes, we could keep watch, and close it again quickly, " said thecaptain. So bars and barricades were drawn aside, and the door thrownopen to admit the fresh, delicious, morning breeze, which blew full intheir faces, while the light darted into the interior of the shutteredrooms. 

"Hurrah!" cried the boys in chorus; and they all came out into thefront. 

"What's the matter, Shanter?" cried Rifle, as the black suddenly threwback his head, dilated his nostrils, and began to sniff. 

"Mine smell, " he cried. 

"What can you smell?"

The black was silent for a few moments, standing with his eyes closelyshut, and giving three or four long sniffs, twitching his face socomically, that the boys laughed. 

"Muttons, " said the black, decisively. "Mumkull sheep fellow. Big firewhere? Hah!"

He had been staring about him now as he spoke, and suddenly fixed hiseyes on the low bushes down by the waterfall, and pointed to a faintblue curl of smoke just rising above the trees, and which might havebeen taken for mist. 

"I can smell it now, " cried Tim. "It's like burning wool. "

"Mumkull sheep fellow. Roace plenty mutton. "

"Oh yes, one of our sheep, " cried Norman, fiercely. 

"Kimmeroi--bulla--metancoly--plenty mutton. "

"Yes, " said Rifle, "and they'll camp down there and eat all father'ssheep. Oh, if we could only drive them right away. "

"Shanter catch sheep fellow, eat mutton?"

"No, not yet, " said the captain, quietly; and very soon after, withShanter and Sam German watching, the defenders of the little fort obeyeda call, and went in to enjoy a wonderfully good breakfast consideringthe position in which they were placed. 

Then began a day of careful watching, during which, at Aunt Georgie'sdesire, Shanter sought for eggs, drove up the two cows to the door to bemilked, and assisted in bringing in more wood and water, displaying awonderful eagerness in performing any duties connected with thepreparation of food. 

Many of the little things done looked risky, but the enemy made no sign, and the sun began to set with the house much strengthened as a fort, andbetter provisioned for a siege. 

Rifle was sure, two or three times over, that the blacks must be gone, and said so, but Shanter shook his head. 

"Black fellow plenty eat. Go sleep, " he said, on one occasion. Onanother, he cried cheerfully, "Black fellow baal go along. Mumkull alla body. " While lastly, he said coolly, "Black fellow ogle eye all atime. "

Then night--with the place closely barricaded, and the arrangement madethat half of their little party should sleep while the other halfwatched, but the former had their weapons by their sides ready to springup at the first alarm, the captain having arranged where each sleeper'splace was to be. 

There was some opposition on the part of the ladies, but they yieldedupon the captain telling them that the siege might last for days; andthat not only would they be safer, but it would give their defendersconfidence to know they were out of danger. 

And then once more the anxious watch began, Shanter creeping now softlyfrom loophole guard to loophole guard, for there was no need for him towatch by the chimney, which was stopped again. 

But their precautions were necessary, for the first alarm they had camefrom the chimney, to which, spear in hand, the black ran and chuckled ashe heard the chest creak, and a crashing sound upon the cask whichsupported it notify that one of the black fellows was trying to forcehis way down. 

After that five different attacks were made, the blacks trying to forcein door and window, till a shot was fired through the loophole. Thiswas in each case followed by a desperate effort to spear the defendersthrough the hole; and being prepared now, Shanter waited for and seizedthe weapon, holding it while a charge of shot was poured through theslit. 

Then would come yells and a savage throwing of spears, which suggested aharvest to the black, which however, as in the last case, was notfulfilled, every one being afterwards collected and carried away. 

The result of all this was that very little sleep was enjoyed byanybody, and the morning broke to give the defenders an interval of restand peace, for the blacks did not show themselves by day. 

Somewhat rested, the little party prepared for the third night, hopingthat the enemy would now be disgusted at his want of success and retire, and now darkness had come and hopes had grown stronger and stronger, before there was a sudden rush and several men gained the roof and begantearing off the shingles, till a shot or two fired straight upward sentthe cowardly savages helter-skelter down once more. 

They came no more that night, and a peaceful day followed, with thecattle indicating that the black fellows were still hiding about in thescrub; while a fire showed that they were providing themselves with foodat the captain's expense. 

The ladies looked more calm and hopeful, for they were beginning tobelieve in the strength of their little fortress and the bravery oftheir defenders; but there was an anxious look in the captain's eyes, and the boys talked over the position together. 

"I expected that they would have given up before now, " Norman said. 

"So did I, " cried Rifle. "A lot of them must have been wounded and somekilled, though we don't see them. "

"Shanter says _metancoly_, " cried Tim. "I suppose that's what makesthem so fierce. Do you think they will stay till they've killed usall?"

"Hope not, " replied Rifle; "I'm getting tired of it. I wish fatherhadn't come out so far away from all neighbours. We might have had somehelp if he hadn't. "

"Hush! the girls, " whispered Norman, as, pale and anxious looking, thesister and cousin went to the front door where the captain was watching, Shanter being on duty at the back. 

It was soon agreed that it was of no use to wish, and the long irksomeday came to an end, with the door once more barricaded, and keen eyeswatching for the next approach of the enemy. 

But the blacks were too cunning to advance while there was the slightestchance of their being observed; and when they did come it was with asudden rush from somewhere close at hand, when retaliatory shots againand again forced them to retreat. It was just such a night as theothers which they had passed, and the coming of day was once more gladlyhailed with its peace and opportunities for rest and sleep. 

That afternoon the captain looked more haggard and wistful than ever. As far as he could make out, a couple of his choicest oxen were missing, and it soon became a conviction that they had been speared by the blackfellows for their feast about the fire they had established in a grove amile away. 

So far there was no fear of the garrison, as Rifle called them, beingstarved out; but at any time a nearer approach of the enemy would put astop to the successful little forays made by Shanter in search of eggsand chickens; and the task of milking the cows, which marched up slowlymorning and evening, might easily have been made too difficult orterminated by the throwing of spears. 

"Don't let's halloa before we are hurt, " Tim had said to this; and allwent on as before, the next day and the next. 

Again the sun rose after a more anxious night, for the attacks had beenexceedingly pertinacious and harassing, while the mischief done amongstthe attacking party must have been terrible. 

"They're getting more savage, " Norman said gloomily in the course of theday, after returning from the room where Mrs Bedford was lying down;"and it's wearing mamma out. "

"Yes, " said Tim; "and the girls can't keep their tears back. I say, couldn't we all make an attack upon them in their camp?"

"And be speared, " cried Rifle. "No; there are too many of 'em. They'ddrive us back and get into the house, and then--Ugh!"

The shudder he gave was echoed by his companions. 

"I was thinking whether it would be possible on horseback, " said Norman. 

"No, my boy, " said the captain, who had overheard their remarks; "itwould be too risky, I dare not. What is the matter with the black?"

"I have not seen anything, " replied Norman. 

"Nor you, boys?"

Rifle and Tim were silent. 

"Speak!" said the captain, sternly. 

"I thought as Rifle does, uncle, that Shanter seems to be getting tiredof fighting. He always wants to be asleep in the day now, and is sulkyand cross if he is woke up. "

"You have noted that, Rifle?"

"Yes, father. "

"I had similar thoughts. The man wants to get into the fresh air, andbe free once more. "

The object of their conversation was sitting listlessly upon his heelsgazing at the smoke of the fire rising in the scrub, but did not appearto notice that he was being made the object of the conversation, andsoon after they saw his head droop down as if he had gone fast asleep. 

The captain made a movement as if to go and rouse him up, but refrained, and taking the glass, he focussed it, and proceeded to count the horsesand cattle still scattered about grazing. For though they seemed to bescared away by the yelling and firing at night, they came slowly backtoward the house in the course of the day, so that by night they werefor the most part in their old quarters, the horses even going back intotheir paddock. 

The day wore on, with turns being taken in the watching, the two girlsand Aunt Georgie insisting upon aiding, their sight being sharp enoughthey declared, so that the defenders of the little fort were able to getmore sleep, and prepare for the night attacks which were sure to come. 

The sun was nearly ready to dip when the sleepers rose and prepared forthe evening meal. The cows had been milked and gone quietly away; and, trying hard to look cheerful, Mrs Bedford summoned all but German andRifle to the table, where there was no sign of diminution of the supplyas yet. 

This was the one pleasant hour of the day, for experience had taughtthem that the blacks would run no risk of coming within range of thedeadly guns till after dark, and the heat was giving place to thecoolness of eve, while soon after the door would have to be closed. 

As they gathered round, after the captain had said a few words to thesentries, Aunt Georgie, who had filled a tin with milk, cut a largepiece of damper baked that day on the wood ashes, and went to the door. 

"Here, Shanter, " she said. 

Then they heard her call again, but there was no reply. "Where'sShanter, Rifle?" she cried. 

"I don't know, aunt. I've not seen him since I had my sleep. He wassquatting just here before I went to lie down. "

German had not seen him since. Nobody had seen him since. The lastevery one had seen of him was when he was seated on his heels with hisspear across his knees. 

"Asleep somewhere, " said Uncle Jack. "Go on with your suppers, goodfolks. I'll soon find him. "

"Don't go away from round the house, Jack, " cried the captain, anxiously. 

"No. Trust me, " was the reply; and the meal went on till Uncle Jackcame back to say that Shanter was nowhere in sight. 

The announcement sent a chill through all, and the question wasdiscussed in whispers whether he had crept away to reconnoitre, and beensurprised by the enemy and speared. 

There was no more appetite that evening, and the remains of the mealwere cleared away, with the captain and Uncle Jack standing outsidereconnoitring in turns with the glass, sweeping the edge of grove andscrub, and seeing no danger, only that the cattle were quietly grazing alittle, and then, after a few mouthfuls, edging farther away. 

"Seen anything of him, father?" said Rifle, eagerly. 

"No, " was the sharp reply. 

Norman came out with Tim, each a gun in hand, to ask the same question, and look wonderingly at the captain when his reply was abrupt and stern. 

The sun sank; evening was coming on, with its dark shadows, and thosewhich were human of a far darker dye; and after a final look round atthe shutters, indented and pitted with spear holes, the captain saidsternly, "In every one: it is time this door was closed. "

"But Shanter, father; he is not here, " cried Rifle, while his brotherand cousin looked at the captain excitedly. 

"And will not be, " said the latter, in a deep stern voice. "Now, German, ready with the bars? It's getting dark enough for them to makea rush. "

"Father, you don't think he is killed?" whispered Norman, in anawe-stricken voice. 

"No; but I am sure that he has forsaken us. "

"What?" cried Rifle. "Oh no!"

"Yes, boy; his manner the last two days had taught me what to expect. He has done wonders, but the apparent hopelessness of the struggle wastoo much for a savage, and he has gone. "

"Not to the enemy, father, I'm sure, " cried Norman. 

"Well then, to provide for his own safety. "

"I fancied I saw a black making signs to him yesterday, sir, " saidGerman. 

"Then why did you not speak?" cried the captain, angrily. 

"Wasn't sure, sir, " replied German, sulkily. 

"Ugh! you stupid old Sourkrout!" muttered Tim. 

The door was closed with a sharp bang, bars and barriers put up, chestspushed against it, and with sinking hearts the boys prepared for thenight's hard toil, feeling that one of the bravest among them had gone. 

CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR. 

"HOW MANY DID YOU BRING DOWN?"

"I won't believe it, " whispered Rifle, angrily. "Father always doubtedhim. Poor old Shanter has been speared. "

There was a sob in his throat as he uttered those last words, and then aterrible silence fell upon them. 

"Have you boys placed the cask and chest in the fireplace?" said thecaptain out of the darkness. 

There was a rush to the chimney, and the dangerous spot was blocked up, each working hard to make up for what seemed to be a dangerous neglecton his part. 

"But suppose poor old Shanter comes back, " whispered Tim, "and tries toget in that way when he finds the door fastened. "

"He wouldn't come near in the dark, " said Norman with a sigh; and thento himself, "even if he was alive. "

Once more silence where the three boys were guarding the back of thepremises, and then there was a faint rustling noise, followed by thesharp _click_, _click_ of guns being cocked. 

"Who's that?" whispered Rifle. 

"Only I, my boys, " said Mrs Bedford in a low voice, and she kissed eachin turn, and clung to the sturdy lads for a few moments. "Your fatherwishes me to go now and leave you. God bless and protect you!"

She stole away again, and the two girls came in turn to say good-night, and then go away again to watch or sleep as they could. 

"I don't care, " muttered Tim, rebelliously. "I say Shanter wouldn't goand sneak away like that. "

"And so do I, my dear, " said Aunt Georgie. "He was only a savage, buthe had grown as faithful as a dog, and so we told your father, but he'sas stubborn as--"

"Aunt, " cried the captain, "what are you doing here?"

"To your room, please. You are hindering the boys from keeping properwatch. "

"Good-night; God bless you, my dears!" whispered Aunt Georgie, in ahusky whisper. "It's very dreadful, but I'm sure he is killed. "

"Look out!" whispered Norman, a short time after. "It isn't quite sodark, and I can see some one moving. Shall I fire?"

"No. It may be Shanter. "

It was not. A few minutes later Norman had a narrow escape from death, for a spear was thrust through the loophole, and a shot being fired inreply, half a dozen spears came rattling at the thick shutter; and thistime the boys distinctly heard the black fellows come softly up and dragtheir weapons out of the wood, just as they were alarmed by a freshattempt to enter by the chimney, and some one on the roof was trying totear up the shingles. 

"Fire, boys, fire!" cried the captain; while shots rang out from thefront. The boys fired, Tim directing his two charges through theceiling, where he imagined enemies to be lying, the others firingthrough the loophole. 

There was the customary rush overhead, the sound of falls, fierceyelling, as a pair of spears struck the house, and Norman uttered asharp cry. 

"Any one hurt?" cried the captain, excitedly. "Marian, aunt, go andsee. I can't leave here. "

"No: not hurt, " shouted Norman. "Spear came through the loophole, passed through my shirt and under my arm. "

"Thrust or thrown?" cried Uncle Jack. 

"Thrown, " was the reply, as the hissing of wads driving out confinedair, and the thudding of ramrods were heard. 

"They know Shanter isn't here, " whispered Rifle, as he finished hisloading. "They've killed him, and that's what makes them so fierce. "

He seemed to be right, for the defenders passed a cruel night; butmorning dawned, and the enemy had not gained a single advantage morethan before. 

That morning was devoted to nailing planks all over the roof, forfortunately they were plentiful. Others were nailed across the doors, back and front, just leaving room for people to creep in and out; andthis being done, the captain took the glass once more to scour theirsurroundings; while Sam German and the boys fetched water and wood, fulfilling Shanter's duties, till an ejaculation from the captain madethem look up. 

"The wretches! They have speared or driven off all the horses, boys; wemust get a sheep killed for provender, or we may not have anotherchance. There, work and get done. You must all have some rest beforenight. "

Norman was just going into the house as the captain spoke these words, and the boy turned away from the door to get round to the side, where hecould be alone. He had been about to join his mother and the girls, buthis father's words brought a despairing feeling upon him, and he darednot meet them for fear they should read his thoughts. 

"What's the matter, Man?" said a voice behind him. "Ill?"

It was Rifle who spoke, and Norman turned so ghastly a face to him thatthe boy was shocked. 

"Here, let me fetch father, " he said. 

"No, no; stop! I shall be better directly. "

"But what was it?"

"The horses--the horses!"

"Oh, don't make a fuss about them. We've got to think of ourselves. Wecan get some more horses, I daresay. "

"Yes, but not when we want them, " said Norman, angrily. "Can't you see:they were our last chance. "

Rifle stared. 

"What--you mean?" he faltered. 

"Of course. Father would have stayed here to the last to try to protectthe home he has made, but when things came to the worst, we should havehad to mount some morning and gallop off. "

In spite of the peril they were in, Rifle laughed. 

"Get out!" he cried. "You would never have got Aunt Georgie upon ahorse. "

"Can't you be serious for a minute, " cried Norman, angrily. "Don't yousee that our last chance has gone?"

"No, " said Rifle, sturdily. "Not a bit of it. We've only been firingduck and swan shot so far. Now, I'm going to ask father if we hadn'tbetter fire ball. Come on. Don't grump over a few horses. We don'twant to ride away and be hunted for days by black fellows. "

"Where are you going?"

"To get in that sheep while we can. Perhaps to-morrow they'll be drivenfarther away. "

Norman nodded, and looked hard at his brother, for he could not helpadmiring his sturdy courage. 

"We're going now, father, " cried Rifle. 

"Well, take care. Creep along by the fence, keeping it between you andthe scrub there. Get round the sheep, and drive all before you tillthey are close in here. Then pounce upon two and hold on. We'll comeand help you. "

The task looked risky, for the sheep were a couple of hundred yardsaway, and it was felt that the blacks were in the scrub. But they hadnot shown themselves, and might be a sleep, or so far away that the bolddash made by the boys would be unseen. But all the same the captain andUncle Jack covered their advance, ready with loaded guns to protect theboys should the blacks make any sign. 

The arrangement seemed to be unnecessary, for the two lads, carryingtheir pieces at the trail, reached the fence, under whose cover theywent out quite a hundred yards. Then halting and carefully scanning thenearest patch of scrub, they rose and walked fast, partly away from thesheep, so as to be well beyond them before they turned to their left, got behind, and drove them gently toward the house. 

All this had to be done slowly and deliberately so as not to startle theflock, but, as Rifle said, it was ticklish work. 

"Yes. I expect to see black heads starting up every moment, " whisperedNorman. "Now then, we're far enough. Quickly and steadily. Comealong. "

The boys bore round to their left so as to be between the sheep and theopen country, and the outsiders of the flock began to move before themwithout taking alarm, stopping to munch a bit of grass now and then, andcausing others to move in turn; till, as the boys walked on, they atlast had their backs to the scrub and the sheep going steadily towardthe house. 

"Wasn't so difficult after all, " said Rifle, quietly. "Couldn't we penthree or four? Why is father signalling?"

"Hi! look out!" shouted Norman, for he had seen his father waving onehand excitedly; and casting an eye back there were twenty or thirtyspear-armed savages just darting out of the scrub, and running swiftlyin pursuit. 

The sight of the enemy made the boys start forward at once; the sheepbegan to trot, then increased their pace as the boys ran faster, and, dividing into two little flocks, tore past north and south of the houseand enclosures, in front of which stood the captain and Uncle Jack, withSam German running out to their support. 

"Quick, boys!" shouted the captain. "Run on and get under cover. "

At that moment Rifle saw Tim at the door of the house waving his hands, and to the boys' horror there was the reason: another crowd of blackfigures were racing up from the trees and bushes down by the river. 

But they, like the other party, had a good distance to come, and theissue was never for a moment doubtful. 

One incident, though, made the captain shout angrily. 

Just in those exciting moments Mrs Bedford ran out of the house, andwould have gone on in her dread and horror toward where her husband andsons seemed to her to be in deadly peril; but Tim flung his arms abouther, and held her in spite of her struggles. 

It was a matter of very few moments. 

As the one part of the sheep ran by the front, and seeing the blacksadvancing, galloped off to avoid them, Norman and Rifle reached thefences, turned, and stood ready to cover the captain and Uncle Jack, shouting the while to Tim to get Mrs Bedford in. 

At the cry from Norman, Sam German too had turned, run back past thehouse door, and stood facing the blacks advancing from the otherdirection. 

"In with you all: run!" roared the captain, as he and his brother nowfell back rapidly, guarding the front as Mrs Bedford was dragged inthrough the narrow opening; the boys followed, and, thanks to theirmilitary training, each as he got through the partly nailed up doorway, took a place at the side with gun levelled to protect the next comer. 

It was close work. 

Uncle Jack was the next in; then Sam German; and four guns wereprotruding over his head as the captain dashed up with the rapid beat ofthe blacks' feet very close on either side. 

"Back!" he panted as he forced himself through, and shut to the door, which resounded with the impact of spears as the bars were thrust intotheir places. Then a tall black with wide eyes and gleaming teeth movedup to thrust his spear through the loophole, but a flash came from thenarrow opening, and he dropped, rose, turned to flee, and dropped again. 

Another ran up, and the captain's second barrel flashed out itscontents, with the result that the black turned, ran back a dozen yardsor so, and fell upon his face. 

"Load that, " said the captain hoarsely, passing back his gun, andseizing that nearest to him--the one Sam German held. For he kept tohis place at the loophole in the thick door, and thrusting out thebarrel, drew trigger twice at a party of six who dashed now to the door. 

_Click_. 

A pause. 

_Click_. 

In each case a tiny shower of sparks followed the fall of the hammer, and the captain uttered an angry roar like that of some stricken beast. 

"Back!" he cried; and all fell away from the door, to right and left. 

It was time, for three spears were thrust through the narrow slit as thegun was withdrawn, and kept on darting about as far in every directionas their holders could reach. 

"German!" cried the captain, tossing the gun to the man, "and after allI have said!"

Norman stepped forward to fire, but his father checked him. 

"Give me your piece, " he said; and taking it and cocking both locks, hedropped a bullet in each of the barrels, felt with the ramrod that theywere well home, and then going down on one knee, took careful aimthrough the darkened loophole and fired. 

There was a roar and a crash; the spears were withdrawn, and the captainrose and stepped forward, firing the second barrel from the loopholeitself. 

"Another, " he said quietly; and taking Tim's gun as the sound of loadingwent on, he suddenly cried, "Who's at the back?"

For there was a curious noise in the direction of the kitchen, followedby a shot, a yell, the sound of some one struggling, and they dashedinto the place to see, as well as the darkness and smoke would allow, the embers from the hearth scattered and burning all about the kitchen, and a black figure writhing on the floor. 

As he entered, Uncle Jack was in the act of passing his gun up the widechimney--once more temporarily opened; there was a report, a yell, andanother figure fell right on the burning fragments left on the hearth, rolled over, and lay motionless. 

"Nearly surprised me, " said Uncle Jack, coolly loading just as Riflefired twice from the loophole of the back door, when there was a rushoverhead and then silence. 

"They've drawn back about thirty yards, " said Rifle, loading as hisfather trampled out the burning embers, which were filling the placewith a stifling smoke. 

"Better pour water on the fire and put it quite out, " said the captainto his brother. 

"No: water may be scarce soon, " was the reply. "We'll tread it out. "

"Coming on again!" shouted Rifle; and as there was the customary soundof spears sticking into the woodwork, the boy fired twice, his chargesof big shot scattering and wounding far more than he ever knew. 

Just then four shots were fired quickly from the front, there was asavage yelling, and as the captain ran forward, Sam German could bedimly-seen beginning to recharge his piece. 

"She were loaded this time, master, " he said fiercely, "and some on 'emknowed it. --How many did you bring down, Master 'Temus?"

"Don't know, " said the boy huskily, as he hurriedly reloaded. 

"Yer needn't be ashamed to say, my lad, " cried the old gardener. "We'refighting for ladies, and agen savage wretches as won't let honest folkalone. There, I'm ready for another now. "

"Don't fire till they attack, " said the captain. "Do you hear, Norman:no waste. "

"I hear, father, " said the boy quietly, as he stood with his pieceresting in the opening, and his bronzed face on the watch. 

"Hurray!" came from the back, and at the same moment Norman shouted:"They're retiring, father;" and then a low sobbing came from the innerroom. 

CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE. 

TWENTY-FOUR HOURS' PEACE. 

Victory was won for the time being; and as the two groups drew backtoward the shelter of the scrub, they could be seen carrying the woundedand those who had fallen. Ten minutes later they were close up to thetrees, when a thought struck the captain. 

"Quick, Norman, unbar that door. Marian, every one there, keep close. No one is to come out. " He then called to German, who followed him intothe kitchen, and together they bore out the bodies of the two blacks whohad obtained an entrance, one of them still showing signs of life. 

They carried one at a time some distance out into the open, having thesatisfaction of seeing that the enemy had halted and were watching them, while by the time the second body was lowered on to the grass, theblacks were returning at a swift run. 

But long before they were near the besieged were back in shelter, andthe enemy, as they came up, contented themselves by yelling and makingthreatening gestures with their spears before retiring, once morebearing off their two companions. 

"And now for preparations for the night attack, " said the captain, quietly. "Why, boys, it was like regular warfare. Your advancecompelled the enemy to develop his strength and forced on a generalengagement. --Come girls, all of you, and have a little fresh air beforedark. "

And as the door was opened and the fresh evening breeze floated in towaft away the horrible dank odour of burnt gunpowder, it seemed hardlypossible to believe that so deadly an encounter could have occurredlately, and no one on their side been even scratched. 

"But I should have liked to save some of that mutton, " said Rifle, thoughtfully. "It is quite time we had a change. "

The hour came for barricading the door only too soon, and once more thewatch commenced, half of the tiny garrison lying down, while AuntGeorgie and one of the girls pressed for leave to share the watch, urging that they were not weary, and would perhaps be able to detect byeye or ear the approach of danger. 

The captain, who was nearly exhausted by his efforts, reluctantlyconsented, and lay down for a few minutes, giving orders that he shouldbe called at the slightest alarm, and a few minutes after--as hebelieved--he sprang up looking puzzled and confused. 

For the door was wide open, the morning sun shining in, and there wasthe sharp crackling of a fire, and the smell of baking bread. 

"What is the meaning of this?" he said. 

"Only that you've slept all night, father, and never moved, " criedRifle, merrily. 

"But I gave orders to be called at the slightest alarm. "

"And there never was the slightest alarm, " cried the boy, joyfully. --"Hi! Man--Tim--father's awake. "

Norman and his cousin came to the door gun in hand. 

"See anything?" cried Rifle. 

"No. --Morning, father. --I believe they've gone. "

"Impossible! But you have not heard them all night?"

"Not once. "

"But you should not have let me sleep. "

"I ordered them to, " said Mrs Bedford, quietly. "Who needed restmore?"

At that moment Uncle Jack and Sam came round from the back, where theyhad been reconnoitring. 

"Ah, Ned, " said the former, "heard the news? Too good, I'm afraid, tobe true. "

"Yes, yes; don't let's put any faith in it, " said the captain, and hewent out, glass in hand, to scan every patch of scrub. 

"Not a sign of them; no fire. But--" He looked round again beforefinishing his sentence:

"No sheep--no cattle. "

"Not a hoof left, " said Uncle Munday, grimly. "But that is the mosthopeful sign. "

"What do you mean?" said his brother. 

"They seem to have driven everything away, and gone off with them intothe bush. "

The captain did not speak, nor relax the watchfulness kept up, but asthe day wore on various little things were done to increase the strengthof the place, and one of these was to saw off a portion of a spikedharrow which Sam German had made, and force this up into the chimneysome six feet above the fire, and secure it there with big nails drivenbetween the stones of the chimney, thus guarding against danger in thatdirection. 

Cows, sheep, pigs, all were gone; but the fowls and ducks were about theplace and not likely to be driven away, so that there was no fear of afailure in the supply of food; in fact, they felt that they could holdout in that way for months. For if a fowl could not be caught from itsnight perch, it could be shot by day and caught up. The danger was thewant of water. 

So far there was plenty in the tubs, but they dare not use it forwashing purposes. It was too valuable, and the captain's brow grew darkas he thought of how they were to fetch more from the river or falls. 

"We shall have to go away from here, boys, " Tim said, towards evening. "This place will never seem safe again. "

"Father won't go, " said Rifle. "He never gives up. I wouldn't, aftergetting such an estate as this. Why, it would be worth thousands uponthousands in England. "

"And it's worth nothing here if the blacks spear us. "

"They'd better!" cried Rifle, defiantly. "They've had enough of us. You see, they will not trouble us again. "

"There!" he cried, the next morning, triumphantly, Lor they had passed aperfectly peaceful night; "the beggars are all gone. "

The captain, who was using his glass, heard the boys' words and lookedround. 

"Don't be too sure, my lad, " he said, sadly. "But thank Heaven for thisrespite. "

"Oh, we'll beat them off again, father, if they do come, " said the boy, boastfully; and then he coloured beneath his father's steadfast gaze. 

"Don't act in that spirit for all our sakes, my lad, " said the captain. "All of you mind this: the watchfulness must not be relaxed even, for amoment. Ah! I'd give something if that fellow Shanter had beenstaunch. He could have relieved our anxiety in a very short time. "

"Let me go and see if I can discover any signs of them, father, " saidNorman. 

"What would you say if I tell you I am going?" replied the captain, quietly. 

"No, no, " cried the boys in chorus. "You might be speared. "

"Exactly, " said the captain. "No, boys, we are no match for the blacksin trying to track them down. "

"They are adepts at hiding, and we might pass through a patch of scrubwithout seeing a soul, when perhaps a dozen might be in hiding. "

"I wish poor old Shanter was here, " sighed Rifle. 

"Yes: he would be invaluable, " said Uncle Jack. That night passed inpeace, and the next, giving them all such a feeling of security thateven the captain began to think that the lesson read to the enemy hadbeen sufficient to make them drive off their plunder and go; while, whenthe next day came, plans were made for a feint to prove whether theblacks were still anywhere near; and if it was without result, anattempt was to be made to refill the tubs. The next day some of thevigilance was to be relaxed, and avoiding his wife's eyes as he spoke, the captain said, aloud:

"And then we must see if it is not possible to renew our stock, for noneof the poor creatures are likely to stray back home. Not even ahorse. --Boys, " he said, suddenly, "I'm afraid your friend has to answerfor this attack. The love of the horses was too strong for him. "

Another twenty-four hours of peace followed, but at the last minute thecaptain had shrunk from sending down to the nearest point of the riverfor water, which could only be dragged up by hand after the water-tubhad been filled. 

Then night came on once more. 

CHAPTER TWENTY SIX. 

"IT WAS POOR OLD SHANTER. "

As was their custom now, the boys were outside passing the telescopefrom one to the other for a final look round, while the ladies clusteredby the open door, loth to leave it for the closeness of their room, whenthe captain came round from the back and gave orders for closing. 

"I think we will try to run down a tub to the water in the morning, boys, " he said. "There surely cannot be any danger now. I have been onthe roof trying to make out a fire anywhere in the bush, and there isnot a sign. "

He went in after the ladies, and, as Tim put it, the drawbridge waspulled up and the portcullis lowered; but just as the door was half-wayto, Norman caught hold. 

"Look!" he whispered hoarsely; "what's that?"

The others craned their necks over the stout plank which crossed thedoor, and gazed at something dark away in the lower pasture toward theriver. 

Then they drew back, Norman closed the door, and began securing it, while Tim ran to the inner room. 

"Come and help to fasten this, uncle, " he said quietly. 

"Eh? Yes, my boy, " said the captain, following him, and Tim seized hisarm. 

"Quick!" he whispered, "they're coming on again in front. "

The captain seized gun and ammunition; Uncle Jack and Sam German wereroused from sleep, which was to last till they came on duty to watch; afew imperative words were uttered to the ladies; and once more everyonewas at his post, waiting with beating heart for the attack. But it didnot come. 

An hour had passed, then another, and when the captain whisperinglyasked whether the boys were sure, and whether they might not have beendeceived, and taken the black shadows of evening or a depression of theground for an enemy, they began to think that they must have beenmistaken. So the captain went to the back to speak to Uncle Jack andSam German, who were there that night, the latter solacing himself witha pipe of tobacco, which he was smoking while his companion watched. 

"A false alarm, I think, Jack, " said the captain. "So much the better. "

"But I don't mind. It shows how thoroughly the boys are on the Alert, "he was going to whisper, but he did not speak, for at that moment therewas a faint rustling overhead; the brothers pressed each other's hands, and Sam German laid his pipe softly in the chimney, took up his gun, andlistened. 

The next minute the soft rustle continued, and a noise as of someone inpain was heard, while the listeners in the darkness knew perfectly thata black had lowered himself and stood barefooted upon the sharp spikes. 

Another attempt was made and another. The blacks, being emboldened bythe perfect silence within, tried a fresh plan, which consisted inlowering down a heavy piece of wood, and began to batter the newprotection. But a couple of shots fired up the chimney had thecustomary result, and there was silence once more. 

This was the most painful part of the attack, for every nerve was on thestrain to make out where the next attempt at entrance would be made, andafter the respite of the past peaceful days this fresh alarm seemed moredepressing than even the first coming of the enemy. For the defenderscould only feel how hopeless their case was, and as the captain thoughtof his wife's look that evening, he was fain to confess that he wouldhave to give up and settle where the help of neighbours was at hiscommand. 

All at once there were a couple of shots from the front, followed by atremendous yelling, and then silence again for a full hour, when it wasplain that the enemy were preparing for a rush at the back, where atleast a dozen shots were fired before they drew back. 

Their tactics had been the same as of old, the blacks savagely rushingup to the doors and making furious thrusts with their spears, which weremet now by large pieces of wood used as shutters and held across theloopholes, and as soon as they could be drawn aside, by the delivery ofa charge or two of swan-shot. 

This went on at intervals, hour after hour, till a feeling of despairbegan to take possession of the defenders. Hot, weak, parched withthirst, and worn by the terrible anxiety that came upon them like ablack cloud, their efforts were growing more feeble, when, in spite of astern prohibition on the part of the captain, the girls brought thembread and water just as one of the most desperate attacks had lulled. One minute there had been the sound of spears striking window and door, while a breaking and rending went on as the blacks tried to tear awaythe wooden sides of the house, and climbed upon the roof; the defendersnot daring to fire for fear of making holes through which spears mightbe thrust, and the next all was silent, and the tears started to theboys' eyes as the voice of mother or sister was heard pressing them toeat or drink. 

It was the same in every case: they could not eat, but drank withavidity, the cool water seeming to act as a stimulant, and thrill themwith new life. 

"Back, quick, girls!" said the captain, suddenly; "they're coming onagain;" and then he uttered a groan, for he had seen something whichdestroyed his last hope, and filled him the next moment with a maddeningdesire to destroy. 

If he could only hurl one of the little powder kegs he had brought socarefully right out into the wilderness--hurl it with a fuse amongst theyelling savages who sought their lives; and then he uttered a low laugh. 

"No need, " he said to himself softly. "No need. We shall die avenged. "

"What's that, father--lightning?" said Norman, sharply; but there was noreply. 

It was Rifle who spoke next, but only to utter the ejaculation: "Oh!"

But what a world of meaning there was in the word, as with a hiss ofrage the boy thrust his piece from the loophole and sent two heavycharges of shot right into the midst of a crowd of blacks who werecoming up to the house carrying fire-sticks and brushwood, with whichthey ran round and piled it up against the angle formed by the kitchenwhere it projected at the back. There was a tremendous yelling as theboy fired, and two men fell, while others ran about shrieking; but themischief was done, and in a few minutes there was a burst of flame, anda peculiar pungent odour of burning wood began to find its way in andthreaten suffocation. 

"What's to be done, father?" whispered Norman, as light began to showthrough the thin cracks or chinks of the wooden wall. 

"I'd say go out and die fighting like men, boys, " said the captain, witha groan; "but there are women. Come, we must not give up, " he added, and going to the loophole nearest to him he set the example of firingwith unerring aim, whenever he had the chance, at an enemy. 

Uncle Jack followed suit, and in obedience to orders, the boys went onsteadily reloading. 

But the side of the house was growing hot; the kitchen had caught, thecrackling of the dry wood began to increase to a roar, and that side ofthe house was rapidly growing light as day, when Uncle Jack said in awhisper, which the boys heard: "Ned, lad, it's very hard for us, butwe've had our day. Can nothing be done?"

A tremendous triumphant yelling drowned any attempt at speaking on thecaptain's part, but as it lulled for a few moments, he said, "Nothing. We have done all we could. "

"Rifle, Tim, " whispered Norman, in horror, "couldn't we get out by thefront and take them down to the scrub? The wretches are all on thisside. "

"Impossible, boys, " said the captain, sternly. "Can't you hear? theyare piling wood by the other door. "

Rifle uttered a sobbing groan, and just then there was a flash of lightin the front, and a furious burst of shouts as a tongue of flame shot uppast the loophole, accompanied by a crackling roar. 

"Your hands, boys, " said a deep low voice, that was wonderfully soft andmusical just then; "destroy no more life. God bless you all, andforgive me!"

At that moment there was a burst of sobs; then it seemed as if allemotion was at end, and the little group gathered together, feeling thatall was over, for already the smoke was forcing its way in by crack andchink, a feeling of difficulty of breathing was rapidly coming on, andthe yelling of the blacks was growing strange and unreal, when Riflesprang up from his knees. 

"Yes, yes, " he shouted; and again with all his might, "yes!"

For there was a wild shout close at hand. 

"Marmi! Marmi!"

The yelling ceased, and all now started to their feet, for there was thebeating of hoofs, and in rapid succession shot after shot, with good oldEnglish shouts of rage, as a party of mounted men galloped by, tearingon in full pursuit of the fleeing enemy. 

"Quick!" roared the captain. "Guns, boys, quick!"

As he spoke he dashed to the front, tore down bar and board, and bangedthe door back. 

A burst of flame rushed in, but the brushwood touching the woodwork wasbeing torn away, and through the flames they saw a fierce black face andtwo bare arms tossing the burning wood aside. 

"Marmi! Marmi! Rifle--'Temus! Coo-ee, coo-ee!"

"Coo-ee!" yelled Rifle; and he tried to cry again, but the word stuck inhis throat as he forced his way out over the burning twigs, his fathernext. 

"Sam! Jack!" yelled the captain, "your fork--anything. Boys--water. "

He rushed round to the back, closely followed by the black figure, onwhich the firelight glistened, and began tearing away the burningbrushwood. This was being tossed aside by Sam the next moment, and thenbuckets of water were brought, and none too soon, for the angle of thehouse was now blazing furiously. 

But the water made little impression, and the captain shouted:

"Quicker, boys! More, more!"

"There ain't no more, " growled Sam, sourly. 

"What!"

"Stand back, all of you, " cried the captain in a stern voice. "Jack!the women! get them to a distance. The place must go, and you know--"

"Look out!" shouted Norman, and he ran forward and threw something atthe bottom of the blazing wall. 

There was one sharp flash, a puff of hot flame, a great cloud of smoke, and then darkness, with the side of house and kitchen covered with dullsparks. 

"Hurrah!" rose from the boys; and the captain drew a deep breath, fullof thankfulness. 

"All the powder from the big flask, father, " cried Norman. "There musthave been a pound. "

At that moment there were shouts, as a dozen mounted men cantered up, cheering with all their might, and the task of extinguishing the stillburning wood was soon at an end. 

Amidst the congratulations that followed little was said about theblacks. 

"Come back?" cried a familiar voice, fiercely. "I only wish they would, eh, Henley?"

"My dear Freeston, " was the reply, "I never felt such a strong desire tocommit murder before. "

"God bless you all, gentlemen, " cried the captain in a broken voice. "You have saved our lives. "

There was a low murmur here from the rescuers. 

"But how--how was it?" asked the captain; "how did you know?"

"Don't you see, father?" cried Rifle, indignantly; "it was poor oldShanter. "

"What? You went for help, Tam?"

"Yohi, " said the black simply. "Baal budgery stop along. All go bong. "

"My good brave fellow, " cried the captain, seizing the black's hand in atrue English grip. 

"Wow! wow! yow!" yelled Shanter, struggling to get free, and thenblowing his fingers. "Marmi hurt mine. Burn hands, burn all downfront, put out fire. "

"Tam, I shall never forgive myself, " cried the captain. 

"Forgib mine, " cried the black eagerly; "forgib plenty soff damper--forgib mine horse fellow to ride?"

"Yes, yes, anything, " cried the captain, "and never doubt you again. "

"Yohi, " cried Shanter. "Where big white Mary? Mine want damper. "

He hurried off to where the ladies were seated, trying to recover theircalmness after the terrible shock to which they had been exposed, whilethe captain turned to the leaders of the rescue party. 

"And the black came to you for help?"

"Yes, " said Dr Freeston. "He came galloping up with a drove of horses, I don't know how many days ago, for it has been like an excited dreamever since. I ran to Henley, and we got ten stout fellows together, androde on as fast as we could, but I'm afraid that we have punished yourhorses terribly as well as our own. "

"Oh, never mind the horses, " cried Henley, "they'll come round. But wecame in time, and that's enough for us. "

The captain could not speak for a few moments. Then he was himselfagain, and after all were satisfied that there was not the slightestdanger of the fire breaking out again, proper precautions were taken tosecure the horses, watch was set, and the rescue party had quite alittle banquet in the kitchen, one which Rifle declared to be a supperat breakfast time, for morning was upon them before some of the mostweary had lain down to sleep, and slept in peace. 

CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN. 

"CAN'T YOU SEE?"

For the blacks made no further sign, and when, headed by the captain, the little party boldly took up the trail that morning, it was to findthat the enemy had fled in haste, and not until it was felt to beutterly useless to follow farther was the pursuit given up. But thatattempt to hunt them down was not without result. Shanter was with theparty, riding in high delight with the three boys, and every now andthen, in his eager scouting on his "horse fellow"--as he called therough colt he rode--he was able to show how terribly the myall blackshad been punished, and not to dwell upon horrors brought by the wretchedsavages upon themselves, the punishment they had received was terrible. 

To Shanter was due the discovery of the cattle, somewhat diminished innumbers, but safe, where they had been driven into the bush; and soexcited was the black all through that he almost forgot the terribleburns he had received on hands, arms, and chest. 

The only sign of discontent he displayed was when it was decided to turnback, the captain having halted at the end of the second day, theprovisions growing scarce. It was after due consultation and thedecision that the blacks were certainly not likely to rally for sometime to come, and the captain had said that he did not want to slaughterthe poor wretches, only keep them away. 

Then the horses' heads were turned, and Shanter rode up to the boys in agreat state of excitement. 

"Baal go back, " he cried; "plenty come along. Mumkull black fellow. "

"No, no, " said Norman. "Black fellow gone along. Come back and takecare of white Marys. "

"Yohi, " said Shanter, thoughtfully, and he looked at his burned arms. "Big white Mary gib mine soff rag an' goosum greasum make well. Soffdamper. Come along. "

It was not without some feeling of dread that the party returned towardthe station, lest another party of blacks should have visited the placein their absence; and when they reached the open place in the scrubwhere they had left the cattle grazing, the captain reluctantly saidthat another expedition must be made to bring them in. But unasked, Shanter in his quality of mounted herdsman, announced that he was goingto `'top along' and bring the cattle home, so he was left, and the partyrode on, the boys leaving Shanter unwillingly. 

"Black fellows come again, " said Rifle at parting. 

Shanter grinned. 

"No come no more. Plenty too much frighten. "

All was well when the party rode over Wallaby Range and up to DingoStation, and saving the blackened boards and shingles, and the marks ofspears, it was surprising how very little the worse the place looked. For Uncle Jack, Sam German, Mr Henley, and the doctor--both the latterhaving elected to remain behind--had worked hard to restore damagedportions; and once more the place looked wonderfully beautiful andpeaceful in the evening light. 

Three days later, after being most hospitably entertained, ten of therescue party took their leave to go back to Port Haven; the other twohad hinted that they should like to stay a few days longer, to have athorough rest; and the captain had warmly begged that they would, whileAunt Georgie laughed to herself and said in her grim way, "I smell arat. "

For the two who stayed were Mr Henley the sugar-planter, and DrFreeston. 

The captain was in the highest of spirits soon after, for Shanter, looking exceedingly important on his rough colt with his spear acrosshis knees, rode slowly up, driving the whole of the sheep, pigs, andcattle, which made for their old quarters as quietly as if they hadnever been away, even another speared cow being among them, very littlethe worse for her wound in spite of the flies. 

"Hah!" cried the captain, rubbing his hands as the party all sat at theevening meal; "and now, please Heaven, we can begin again and forget thepast. "

A dead silence fell, and as the captain looked round he saw that theeyes of wife, daughter, and niece were fixed upon him sadly, and thatAunt Georgie's countenance was very grim. 

"Shall I speak, Henley?" said the doctor. 

"If you please, " said that gentleman, with a glance at Ida. 

"Then I will. --Captain Bedford, " said the doctor, "you will forgive me, sir, I know; but I must beg of you for the sake of the ladies to give upthis out-of-the-way place, and come close, up to the settlement. Wefeel that we cannot leave you out here unprotected. Think of what wouldhave happened if we had not arrived in the nick of time. "

There was a terrible silence, and Sam German, who was having his meal inthe kitchen with Shanter, came to the door, every word having beenaudible. 

At last the captain spoke in a low hoarse voice. 

"Gentlemen, " he said, "I have thought of it all, till drawn both ways asI am, my brain seems almost on fire. I love my people as an Englishmanshould, and all my work has been for their sake. I would do anything tosave them pain, but I ask you how can I give up this lovely home I havewon from the wilderness--a place where Heaven smiles on a man's labour, and I can see, with plenty of hard work, a happy contented life andprosperity for us all. I will not appeal to my dear wife and the girls, because I know they will say, `Do what you think best, ' but I do appealto you, aunt. It is not fair to expose you to such risks. Shall I giveup? Shall I, after putting my hand to the plough, want faith and goback?"

"I _do_ wish you wouldn't ask me such things, Ned, my boy, " cried AuntGeorgie, taking out her handkerchief to wipe her glasses. "Give up, nowwe are all so settled and comfortable and happy, all for the sake of apack of savages? I'll learn how to shoot first. I say, no! boy, no!"

"Brother Jack, " continued the captain, "I have dragged you from yourclub fireside, from your London friends, and made you little better thana labourer here, tell me what shall I do?"

"Your duty, Ned, " said Uncle Jack, warmly. "The nip has been terrible, but I was never better nor happier in my life. --Don't look at mereproachfully, Marian, dear; don't turn away, girls. --Ned, lad, when Itook the other handle of the plough, I said I wouldn't look back, and Iwill not. If you ask me, I say fight it out as an Englishman should, and as Englishmen have for hundreds of years. "

"Hurrah!" shouted the three boys together. "Three cheers for UncleJack!"

"Then I need not ask you, boys?"

"No, father, " said Norman. "You've taught us how to fight, and we shallbe better able to meet the niggers if they come again. "

"Hear, hear!" cried Rifle and Tim, emphatically; and they went behindMrs Bedford's chair, as if to show how they would defend her. 

"One more, " said the captain. "Sam German, you have shared oursufferings; and it is due to you, our faithful servant of many years, that I should not leave you out. What do you say?"

"What do I say, sir?" cried the gardener, fiercely; as he strode forwardand brought his fist down heavily on the table. "I say, go and leavethat there garden, with all them young trees and plants just a-beginningto laugh at us and say what they're a-going to do? No, sir; no: not forall the black fellows in the world. "

Sam scowled round at everybody, and went back to the kitchen door. 

"That settles it, gentlemen, " said the captain, quietly. "After a lifeof disappointment and loss, I seem to have come into the promised land. I am here, and with God's help, and the help of my brother, my servant, and my three brave boys, I'll stay. "

"And Shanter, father, " shouted Rifle. 

"Yes, and the trusty black whom I so unjustly doubted. "

"Marmi want Shanter?" said the black, thrusting in his head. 

"Yes: that settles it, captain, " said the doctor. "I don't wonder atit. I wouldn't give up in your place. --Will you speak now, Henley?"

"No, no, go on. I can't talk, " said the young planter, colouring. 

"Very well then, I will. --Then the fact is, Captain Bedford, my friendHenley here is not satisfied with his land at Port Haven. He can sellit advantageously to a new settler, and he has seen that tract next toyours, one which, I agree with him, looks as if it was made for sugar. Miss Henley, his sister, is on her way out to keep house for him, so hewill get one up as quickly as possible. "

"Yes, " said Henley, "that's right. Now tell 'em about yourself. "

"Of course, " said the doctor, quietly. "My sister is coming out withMiss Henley, and I have elected to take up the tract yonder across theriver, adjoining yours. "

"You?" said the captain. "Where will you get your patients?"

"Oh, I am sure to have some. Here's one already, " he said, laughingly. "I mean to dress that poor fellow's burns. "

"Baal--no--baal, " shouted Shanter, fiercely. "Big white Mary--soff rag, plenty goosum greasum. "

"Be quiet, Shanter, " said Aunt Georgie, grimly. 

"But, " cried the captain. "Oh, it is absurd. You are throwing awayyour chances. "

"Not at all, sir. I don't see why a doctor should not have a farm. "

"But really--" began the captain. 

"One moment, sir, " cried the doctor, interrupting; "will you come andsettle near your fellow-creatures?"

"You have heard my arguments, gentlemen. It is my duty to stay. "

"Yes, " said the doctor; "and in reply, Henley here and I say that it isour duty as Englishmen to come and help to protect you and yours. "

Uncle Jack and the captain rose together, and took the young men'shands, and then the party left the table to stroll out into the garden, upon as lovely an evening as ever shone upon this beautiful earth. 

Every one looked happy, even Shanter, who was fast asleep; and asNorman, who was alone with his brother and cousin, looked round at thescene of peace and beauty, he could not help thinking that his fatherhad done well. But his thoughts were rudely interrupted by Rifle, whothrew himself on the grass, kicked up his heels, burst into a smotheredfit of laughter, and then sat up to wipe his eyes. 

"Oh, what a game!" he cried. 

"What's a game?" said Tim. "What's the matter, Man? Is there someblack on my nose?"

"No!" cried Rifle. "Why, you blind old mole, can't you see?"

"See what?"

"Why Mr Henley and the doctor want to come and live out here. Look. "

"Well, what at? They're talking to Ida and Hetty. That's all. "

"That's all!" cried Rifle, scornfully. "But it isn't all. They want tomarry 'em, and then we shall all live happily afterwards. That's it. Isn't it, Man?"

Norman nodded. 

"Yes, I think he's right, Tim. I am glad, for I think they are two goodfellows as any I ever met. "

Rifle was right. For in the future all came about as he had said, saving that all was not happiness. 

Still Dingo Station became one of the most prosperous in our greatnorth-east colony, and as fresh tracts of the rich land were taken up, the troubles with the blacks grew fewer and died away. 

One word in conclusion. Sam German declared pettishly one day thatthere never was such a hopeless savage as Shanter. 

"You couldn't teach him nought, and a lazier beggar never lived. "

It was unjust: Shanter could learn in his way, and he worked hard forMarmi (the captain), harder still for "Big white Mary, " to whom he was amost faithful servant, but only in work that took his fancy. 

"Oh, " said Norman, one day, "I am glad father wouldn't give up. "

"Give up?" cried Rifle, scornfully. "Why, he would have been mad!"

And Tim cried, "Why, we shouldn't have been called `The Dingo Boys' ifhe had. "

"Who calls us `Dingo Boys?'" cried Rifle, sharply. 

"The people at Port Haven and all about when they speak of WallabyRange, " replied Tim. 

"Like their impudence, " said Rifle importantly. 

"Don't be so cocky, Rifle, " said Norman quietly. "Let them if theylike. What's in a name?"

THE END.