'It would be a pity to touch a leaf,' Jack replied.
After a long and steady pull up stream the boat came in sight of the first signs of civilisation.
On the left bank of the river a barn-like structure, which proved to be the general dépôt for all unmarried women landed from the ships, appeared.
On a hill behind it the new settlement of Brisbane was situated, while close at hand a large square-nosed ferry-boat, which was hauled to and fro across the stream by means of a chain cable, gave access to the opposite and apparently uninhabited bank of the river.
Leaving the lifeboat in charge of the ferry-man her crew soon reached the summit of the hill. With the exception of a few houses clustered round some Government buildings, a modest church and half a dozen dwellings standing on commanding positions, the embryo capital of Queensland appeared to be chiefly composed of roads and streets marked out for future occupation.
From many of their late emigrant friends the men received the heartiest welcome, and Jack speedily discovered that some of the people had already removed farther up-country, or had taken over possession of the plots of land apportioned by the Government to those paying their full passage money.
From the members of a former Stonewell family, with whom Jack was well acquainted, the lad received much kindness. Mr. H—— had already purchased some land on what would presently be the principal street, and while building operations continued the family lived in a small bark hut.
Through their assistance Readyman was enabled to secure excellent accommodation for himself and his young charge, and each found much to interest and amuse during their brief visit.
The older settlers never ceased inquiries about 'the old country,' as England was styled.
The most striking spectacle was a small band of about thirty wretched and dirty-looking 'black fellows,' or natives of the immense continent, who had recently arrived at the settlement. They had brought with them a solitary British seaman, who for upwards of twelve years had been wandering all over the country with the savages, and had, of course, become well acquainted with the habits and strange customs of his aboriginal companions. The man appeared in fairly good condition, but had almost forgotten his mother-tongue, and even such words as he still remembered were uttered in such a guttural manner as to be almost unrecognisable.