The Buninyong, of the Howard Smith line, and the Maranoa, of the rival company, were both examined, and the preference given to the former.
"Sydney seems a delightful place. I am almost loth to leave it so soon," said Reg.
"We'll have plenty of time when we have caught our man," said Hal. "I'll now go to the Tasmanian Company's offices and hear all about the rescue."
There he learnt the captain's report, that he picked up Wyckliffe and four men off a raft, about six hours from Hobart. The rescued reported they had been capsized while trying to fetch Maria Island.
At twelve o'clock the Buninyong, with a full passenger list including the boys, sailed for Brisbane.
CHAPTER XVIII.
THE GIRLS.
Had Reg and Hal not been in such a great hurry when they landed at Sydney, they might have noticed a young lady not unlike May standing on the wharf scanning the passengers very closely. When she caught sight of the Goodchilds, she jumped on board and embraced both May and her father.
"I have had your wires, May, and all arrangements are made," she said, with an air of decision.