“I am not sure that they are to be found in Van Diemen’s Land,” said Frank.
“Van Diemen’s Land!” echoed Archie. “That’s a convict settlement.”
Frank nodded his head.
“Well, I am just as near the fine fellows who live there as I want to be,” said his cousin.
“Perhaps you are nearer to some of them at this minute than you imagine. What would you say if you should see four of them come on deck to-morrow morning?”
Archie raised his musket to his shoulder, and looked at his cousin. “Did Uncle Dick say that there are four of them among these strangers?”
“No, he didn’t say so, but I know he thinks so.”
“Whew!” whistled Archie; “here’s fun. I wonder if they wouldn’t be kind enough to get up some excitement for us if we should ask them?”
“Haven’t you had enough during the last few days? I have.”
“There’s too much of a sameness about these gales and cyclones. We want a change—something new.”