he next
case.

"Neither good nor bad," said the doctor, smiling.

"But I mean for the horses to draw the load?"

"There are no roads, my boy, and there will be no horses to draw the
load. We have only a rough track through the bush, and our men use
draught-oxen in yoke."

This was the first hint to Nic of the place being very wild. He said no
more for some time, but readily set to work trying to help where he
could, his father nodding approval as he noted his eagerness.

Under the master's eye and in accordance with his suggestions the
loading went on better now, though from time to time little matters kept
showing that the elder man lost no opportunity for finding fault with
the younger, who was either weak, stupid, unwilling, or clumsy in the
other's eyes. But the man worked steadily and well, and Nic began to
feel annoyed and ready to tell the elder servant that if he would only
work as well as his fellow the waggon would be laden much sooner.

"I dare say father will give it to him soon, though," said Nic to
himself; "I've no right to interfere."

The intended short visit to the waggon lasted three hours before the
doctor was satisfied to leave his men to rope everything on securely.

"And it will not be done, Nic," he said, as they walked away. "That's
where I want you, my boy, to grow up into a sort of lieutenant--to act
as my second pair of eyes, and see that the men do not shirk things.
I'm sorry to say that they will do it if I am not looking on. Now then,
I'm going to show you the horses that draw our waggon."

He led the way to a fenced-in pen, where a dozen fine, healthy-looking
bullocks were grazing; and upon Nic looking up wonderingly, his father
laughed.

"Yes," he said, "those are our draught animals. They are terribly slow,
but very sure. By the way, though, Nic--I never thought of that--can
you ride?"

"Not bullocks, father," said the lad proudly. "I'll walk."

"Rather a long walk, Nic," said the doctor quietly. "Well, I can walk
part of the way, and ride on the waggon the rest. But will it take us
more than a day?"

"Yes," said the doctor dilly; "it will take us more than a day. But
come here."

He led the way to a rough, shed-like building, entered, and a couple of
sleek, well-bred horses turned their heads from the posts to which they
were haltered, and whinnied.

"Will one of these do for your lordship to ride?" said the doctor,
smiling, as he went up to and patted th