ike land which grew more beautiful at every step.
To their left lay the winding trough-like hollow along which the river
ran toward the sea; away to their right the land rose and rose till it
formed hills, and beyond them mountains, while higher mountains rose far
away in front toward which they made their way.

For the first hour or two the task of driving was irksome, but once well
started the little caravan went on easily enough, for it soon became
evident that if one of the laden carts was driven steadily on in front,
the horses and bullocks would follow so exactly that they would almost
tread in their leader's feet-marks, and keep the wheels of cart and wain
pretty well in the ruts made by those before. As to the cattle Uncle
Munday drove, they all followed as a matter of course, till a pleasant
glade was reached close by the river, where it was decided to stop for
the mid-day halt. Here carts and wagons were drawn up in a row, the
cattle taken out, and after making their way to a convenient drinking
place, they settled down to graze on the rich grass with perfect
content.

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

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

"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 not
think the blacks will molest us, but I have been a soldier, Man, and a
soldier always behaves in peace as he would in war."

"More blacks in London," said Tim, as they moved off to take up their
positions 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 to
keep guard with a loaded gun over his shoulder. "I say, though, doesn't
it seem queer that nobody lives out here, and that father can come and
pick out quite a big estate, and then apply to the government and have
it almost for nothing?"

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

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

A flock of great white cockatoos flew nearly over their heads, shrieking
at 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