," he said.

Harry smiled.

"I don't think it is likely to cure you of your love for the sea, Jack,"
he said. "Though I haven't your fondness for sea life, I confess I would
rather be on the deck of a good stanch ship than here."

"Harry," said Jack anxiously, "when do you think we shall find something
to eat? I am terribly hungry."

"So am I, Jack. It's the hard walk that has increased our appetite."

"I have often thought I might be afloat in an open boat without anything
to eat, but I never expected to be caught in such a pickle on land."

"A good many things have happened to us to-day that we didn't expect,"
said Harry. "Do you know, Jack, it seems the longest day I ever spent?"

"I can say the same."

"This morning we set out with Obed, free from care. We have been
captured by bushrangers, taken to their camp, seen the murder of their
leader, escaped, and after walking for miles through a rough wilderness
here we are, tired out and in danger of starvation."

"Don't say any more, Harry," said Jack faintly. "I can realize it
without your description."

"I wish Obed were with us," said Harry, after a pause. "Perhaps he could
think of some way out of our trouble. He is an experienced man, and is
used to roughing it. As for me, I feel helpless."

"Do you think there is likely to be any house near at hand?"

"It doesn't look like it," said Harry, shaking his head.

"I don't think I should mind much being caught and carried back by the
bushrangers, if they would give me a good supper," said Jack ruefully.

"Poor Jack!" said Harry compassionately; "I do believe you are suffering
for food."

"I told you so, Harry."

"My appetite no doubt will come later. At present I am not very
uncomfortable. Well, Jack, there is only one thing to do. We must
explore further and see if we can find any trace of a human habitation.
Suppose you go to yonder knoll, and climb the tree at the top. Then use
your eyes for all they are worth. They are better than mine, at any
rate, for you are accustomed to use them at sea. All sailors, I have
heard, are farsighted."

Jack was ready to obey Harry, feeling much more confidence in his
judgment and discretion than in his own. He accordingly followed his
advice, and with a sailor's agility mounted the tree. Then shading his
eyes with his hand, he looked earnestly, first in one direction, then in
another.

"Well, Jack?" inquired Harry anxiously, for he, too, appreciated the
gravit