"We leave for Brisbane to-day," said May.
"So you are going to leave your old dad again," he asked, sorrowfully.
"Yes, father, duty calls us and we must obey."
"Uncle," said Hil, coming to him and taking his arm, caressingly. "Your daughter was saved by two Australians from the clutches of one of England's gentlemen. If you were young and strong it would be your duty to avenge your daughter's wrongs; if you had a son the duty would fall on her brother, but you are too old for work of that kind and consequently the duty falls on her."
"But, my dear girl, I—"
"Stay, uncle, hear me out. She does not go alone, for I go with her. She is my cousin, for her mother was my mother's sister, so we are of the same blood, and our blood calls out for revenge."
"Really, you are—"
"We are going, yes; I'll tell you why. An Australian girl has been wronged by an Englishman and, though we may be proud to count England as our mother-country, we are not going to allow her sons to insult us with impunity. We Australians are made of as good grit, and one day we shall put Australia in its true place, when we have Australia for the Australians."
"Hear, hear, Hil! That's the true Australian sentiment."
"My dear children, you are young and foolish and do not know what you are talking of," said Goody, becoming annoyed.