"The names or the men?" queried May.
"Say the men for argument's sake."
"Well, I think I rather like Reg, although both are good fellows. I felt for Reg though, awfully, when he told me his sad story."
"And Hal?"
"An awfully nice fellow and, I should say, very clever and a valuable help to Reg, I should think. While Reg is all earnestness and determination Hal seems to be quick at grasping situations and between the two, to say nothing of ourselves, Wyck is likely to have a bad time."
"Be quick and let us get out of sight, for what would Society say if I was discovered going on this errand? There are so many of the Mrs. Grundy type who would be delighted to put it in print."
"But, surely, you don't mind?"
"No, my dear, I once taught Society a lesson it will not forget. I was thinking of your father, he is propriety itself."
"Quite right, Hil, we must not be seen and, as I think we have everything now, we had better lose no time in getting on board."
Thus Hil and May, whom we shall know for the future as "the girls" went on board the Maranoa, and at two o'clock the good ship left the harbour for Brisbane.