ian of Madagascar," though he freely
confessed to his confidential friends that he had never seen the island
of that name.

The two boys were Harry Vane and Jack Pendleton, American boys of
sixteen. One had come to Australia as assistant to the professor, and
had been accustomed to sing one or two popular songs at the magical
entertainments which he gave, besides rendering himself generally
useful. Jack Pendleton was a young sailor, who had resolved to try his
fortune in the new country, either at the mines or in any other
employment offering fair compensation, before resuming his profession.
Harry and the professor had been passengers on board Jack's ship, and
the two boys had struck up an enduring friendship. The ship had been
wrecked, and they had spent some weeks together on an uninhabited
island, from which they were finally rescued, as related in a preceding
story, "Facing the World." It had been the professor's intention to give
a series of performances in Melbourne and other parts of Australia, but
the unexpected delay had led him to change his plans, and he now
proposed to return to America at once. Harry Vane, however, having no
near family ties, for he was an orphan, felt inclined to stay with Jack,
and try his luck for a time in the New World, which appealed strongly to
his imagination and youthful love of adventure. The day had arrived for
the professor's departure, and he and the two boys were waiting for the
lighter to take him down the Yarra Yarra River to the point of
embarkation, eight miles distant.

"Harry," said the professor kindly, "I don't like to leave you here. You
are only sixteen, and I feel that it is a great undertaking for you to
attempt to make a living so many thousand miles from your native land. I
shall feel anxious about you."

"I don't feel anxious about myself, professor," said Harry, with the
confidence natural to youth. "I am young and strong, and I mean to
succeed."

"But suppose you fall sick?"

"Then Jack will look out for me."

"You may be sure of that, Harry," said the young sailor, with a glance
of affection at Harry.

"You might both fall sick."

"Is it best to borrow trouble?" said Harry, smiling. "I think we shall
come out all right. But I am sorry you won't stay with us, professor."

Professor Hemmenway shook his head.

"I am three times your age, Harry," he said, "and am not as hopeful or
sanguine as you. Besides, I have a wife and children at home who are