Nic had longed to get specimens of the great dark green eggs, and he heard the announcement with delight.
“Just what I wanted,” he cried; “but I meant for us to explore the cavern next time I came.”
“If we soon find the nest, we shall have time to do some exploring as well,” replied Mayne; “so bring your candles, and I’ll get some of the bunya wood and dry it in the sun. It burns well, and it will help to light up some of the dark parts. When will you come over?”
“Day after to-morrow.”
“If your father has not returned,” said the convict sadly.
“Well, if he does, on the next day. I say, don’t look so downhearted. You see that was all fancy about Brookes suspecting anything.”
“I don’t know,” said the convict thoughtfully.
“I think I do,” said Nic, laughing. “He has been as nervous as can be for fear of your coming back to punish him for laying information about you with Mr Dillon. If he felt that you were anywhere near, he would soon go over to the Wattles again. Sam says you’ve gone right away a hundred miles up in the myall scrub to join the Gunalong tribe, and married and settled.”
“Indeed!”
“Yes, he said we should never see you again. Good-bye.”