he meal bags in, and see that we have plenty of
flour, tea, and sugar for our ride, What's the matter, mamma dear?"

"I--I was thinking about the blacks," said Mrs Braydon nervously; and
then, in an apologetic tone; "You made me speak, dear."

"Yes, and I'm glad you have. The blacks for miles and miles are
friendly to us, for we have done them no harm. There is not the
smallest likelihood of any evil-disposed tribe coming near. If one did,
you have a brave son and trusty men to defend you till one of our own
fellows went over to Mr Dillon's for help. Now are you satisfied?"

"Yes, my dear, quite."

"And Janet and Hilda, both of them to fight for their mother, if there
is need."

"Of course," said Hilda merrily.

"Janet had better use the poker," said the doctor, taking his cue from
his younger daughter, and laughing too, so as to hide the pang he felt
at the near-at-hand parting.

"You know I can fire a gun, father," said Janet.

"To be sure: yes," said the doctor. "But, Hilda, my dear," he
continued, "if you have to shoot at a blackfellow, be sure and remember
that it is the wooden stock you hold to your shoulder, not the muzzle of
the gun."

"Oh, father, what a shame!" cried Hilda. "Did I point the stock at that
big hawk I shot for coming and stealing my beautiful little chickens?"

"No: I remember now. But bustle! those men want a good tea meal."

Two hours had not elapsed when, with the two government messengers well
refreshed, and their horses dry and ready for a long afternoon's work,
saddle-bags and blankets strapped on, guns and ammunition ready, the
doctor sprang upon his horse, and Nic moved toward Sorrel, whose rein
was thrown over a post, the boy meaning to ride a few miles of the way.

But the doctor took his hand.

"No," he said; "your place is here. Keep about the station, except when
you take your daily rides round to see to the stock. I leave you in
charge, my boy, so take care. I'll be back at the earliest moment I
can."

The next minute he had embraced Mrs Braydon, touched his horse's sides,
and cantered off after the men, turning twice to wave his hat to the
watchers by the door.

CHAPTER TWENTY SIX.

"WHEN THE CAT'S AWAY."

The girls, seeing how pale and depressed Mrs Braydon looked at
breakfast next morning, began by way of a diversion to banter their
brother by solemnly asking him for orders--whether he was going to be
very strict and severe in his rules; whethe