was introduced to Mrs Sykes, who lived over the coach-house, and
numerous Masters and Misses Sykes, thin, sallow, and remarkably
precocious young people, the eldest not being more than ten. Among this
hopeful family Sam in a few minutes made himself a great favourite.

The young immigrants waited the arrival of their host with no little
curiosity, for they knew less of him than Sam had contrived to learn.
In a short time, however, the servant, placing a tray with meat, bread,
fruit, and light wine, begged them to refresh themselves. This occupied
their time till the arrival of Mr Prentiss. Perhaps James was
disappointed at not seeing the young lady when her father entered the
room. Mr Prentiss put out his hand, cordially welcoming them to
Australia and to his house; and, begging them to make it their home
during their stay, he quickly drew out from them a statement of their
plans and wishes. "You can make a fair start," he observed. "You have
the five hundred pounds I promised, very nobly won, too; and I may give
you a few hints besides as to the purchase of stock. You will, of
course, become squatters--by far the best business for young men of
enterprise and activity. What do you say to it?"

"We should like nothing better, sir," answered James. "But--I speak
again for my brother as well as for myself--we cannot accept payment for
performing a mere act of duty; your advice and assistance may be of the
greatest value to us, and of that we will gladly avail ourselves. The
young man who helped us to stop the horses must, of course, speak for
himself."

"Well, well, I admire your independence and high feeling," answered Mr
Prentiss. "I doubt, however, that you will find many in this country to
consider that you are right; but perhaps I may be of service to you in
the way you desire. You, of course, will make my house your home while
you remain in Sydney; when you wish to commence your life in the bush, I
will send you up the country to my father and some brothers of mine, who
will put you in the way of a fair start. Your young shipmate fairly
earned a portion of the reward; he also deserves my gratitude. He looks
as if there was work in him, and to such a person I can be permanently
of use. Unhappily, numbers of men come out here--they may be counted by
hundreds or thousands--who will not work, or who cannot work; nothing
suits them. They come with pockets full of letters, expecting
first-rate situation