could scarcely have been more anxious to send assistance to
our friends than he was already. It occurred to me, indeed, that, to
save him and Mrs Hudson the anxiety of waiting for Harry's arrival, it
might be better to say nothing about him. How dreadful it would be
should any accident have happened to him in the meantime, or should all
our party have perished! Not that we dared contemplate such a
contingency for two moments together. It did, however, when I felt at
all depressed, flash across my mind; but I put it from me as too
horrible to dwell on; besides which, it seemed like ingratitude to God,
who had so far protected us.

As soon as breakfast was over, I mentioned my idea to Mudge; but he
considered that we ought to tell the captain that we had found a white
boy among the savages, apparently of the age of his son--that he had
been long with us, and had become perfectly civilised, and, from his
amiable qualities, a great favourite. Captain Hudson might thus draw
his own conclusions.

The captain soon afterwards joined us, when Mudge cautiously introduced
the subject; notwithstanding which he was almost overcome with
agitation.

"We ought not to raise your hopes too high, sir," said Mudge; "but
still, neither Captain Bracewell nor any one on board the ship had any
doubts on the subject."

"How can I thank my merciful Father in heaven for his boundless kindness
to me!" exclaimed the captain. "I will carefully prepare my dear wife,
but in her delicate state of health it will require great caution; and I
must beg you, therefore, not to utter a word to any one else."

This, of course, we promised to do; and we were surprised at the
self-command which the captain afterwards exhibited in presence of Mrs
Hudson.

We had made inquiries about our ship, but she had not visited Sydney
before Captain Hudson had been last there, and he had heard nothing of
her. This satisfied Mudge that he was not in duty bound to go there to
look for her.

Captain Hudson, notwithstanding the agitation of his mind, observed our
tattered condition, and insisted on rigging us both out in new, strong
clothes suited for our object. These were put on after a thorough bath
in the stream hard by. Mudge also had got shaved by the captain's black
cook, an African who had accompanied him on shore, and who was barber,
sheep-shearer, tailor, carpenter, and I don't know how many other trades
besides.

Captain Hudson, in the meantime, ha