As they slowly neared the quay, a band on shore struck up, “See, the conquering Hero comes!” whilst the people cheered again and again on catching sight of the tall figures of our foresters.
“Well, this is coming it rather strong,” remarked Mat with a smile. “Lucky that we’ve come a bit gradually into civilization, and know a few things, and how to handle a knife and fork properly. I almost wish I was back in the bush again.”
As the steamer sheered alongside, many of the more active of the spectators sprang on board, whilst more of the crowd poured in as soon as the gangway was available.
The brothers were almost overwhelmed by the army of reporters who besieged them, note-book and pencil in hand, whilst volleys of questions were poured in from every side. However, much to their relief for they found it impossible to reply to the numerous and varied questions, and their arms were aching from the continued handshaking, an orderly forced his way up, and told them that he had a carriage ashore to convey them to Government House.
All four shortly found themselves seated in the vehicle, and, accompanied by an enthusiastic portion of the inhabitants running alongside, drove off.
The Governor, who stood on the steps of his house to receive them, was a spare-built, shrewd-looking man, between fifty and sixty years of age.
After welcoming our travellers to Sydney, he ushered them into the house, and continued,—
“You may have been surprised at the reception you have met with, but you must remember that the citizens are aware that you are the two sole survivors of the ship Young Austral, in which ill-fated vessel they had many relatives; at least, we have quite lately been told that you were the only two who came ashore; but that which also adds an intense interest to your presence here is the fact that you are the only two men ever known in this country who have lived for years amongst the wild northern blacks and survived; and, judging from your appearance, you have evidently been well treated during your captivity.
“When the news of your escape arrived from Brisbane, the townspeople, the squatters also from up country, inundated me with letters and special messengers, begging me to get you down to Sydney. The Government was appealed to, and—here you are. We will make you as comfortable as possible whilst you stay in this town; and now I will introduce you to my aide-de-camp. And your two blacks,—would they like a tent, or where shall we put them?”
On being appealed to, our dark friends said that they would prefer to erect a “gunyah” out of doors, if they might cut down a few branches; so a suitable spot was found, and strict orders given that they were not to be molested.