owledge of Australian geography was rather vague,
and who supposed that, as the lecturer came from Sydney, he would most
probably know everyone who lived in the country known as New South
Wales.

"I can't remember him offhand, young lady, but perhaps if you tell me
his name I may recollect whether I have met him," said the lecturer,
smiling at her in a genial fashion.

"He is Dr. Plumstead, and he is very clever," said Nealie, giving her
head the proud little tilt which it always took on when she spoke of her
father. She was very much of a child, despite her nineteen years, and
she never seemed able to understand that her father was not at the top
of his profession.

"Father is very much like Rumple, only, of course, bigger," broke in
Billykins, who could never be reduced to silence for many minutes
together nor yet be thrust into the background.

But Rumple blushed furiously at being dragged into notice in such a way,
and, turning his head abruptly, gave the lecturer no chance of comparing
his face with those of possible acquaintances on the other side of the
world.

"Most likely I have met him. I see so many people, far too many to be
able to recall their names at will," said the lecturer; but then the
vicar came up to claim his attention and the seven could get no further
chance to talk to him.

They set off home then; and as it was so dark, and a drizzling rain was
falling, Nealie took Ducky on her back, while Sylvia and Rumple helped
Rupert, who was lame, leaving Don and Billykins to bring up the rear.

The nearest way was down through Boughlee Wood, but this route was not
to be thought of in the dark. It was not even wise to take the short cut
across Kennel Hill, so they tramped along the hard road, splashing
through the puddles and talking like a set of magpies about the
lecture, the lecturer, and their own determination to emigrate at once.

"No one wants us here, and there is nothing to do except get into
mischief," said Sylvia, with a sigh.

"Father will be glad to have us, of course, and we will make him so very
happy!" cried Nealie, and then Ducky leaned forward to kiss her on the
nose, hugging her so tightly that it was quite wonderful she was not
choked.

"But how are we to get to Australia?" panted Rupert, who was finding the
pace rather trying.

"We must ask Mr. Runciman to let us have the money," said Nealie. "I
should think that he would be glad to do it, for then he will get rid of
us,