"Don't know; but this is awfully dry work, boss."
"Sing out then: a pint, eh?"
Ten minutes later, the boys were in conversation with the proprietor of the livery stables, if they could be called such.
"Well, all I know is that he paid me thirty pound down for the whole turn-out, and I see him driving away with an old shearer, named Joe Brown," said the owner, in answer to their questions.
"Which direction did they take?"
"Looked as if they were going to follow the river: in fact, they'll have to, as water is scarce."
"We want to overtake these fellows. Have you another trap?"
"Not to sell. I've got a fine buggy and pair here. They could prick spots off the others. I want a pound a-day for them."
"Then hitch them up as fast as you like, and put a good stock of feed in, while we go and get ready."