“With great pleasure, sir. Come along, Jack.”
The driver put the professor’s trunk on the carriage, and they set out. It was a new trunk, bought in Melbourne, for the professor’s trunk and clothing had been lost at the time of the shipwreck. His first care had been to get a complete outfit in Melbourne, and he was now as well provided as when he left home.
The two boys found the trip down the river a pleasant one. The trip by land would have been considerably shorter, but the professor preferred the river. The distance to the mouth is nine miles. The city of Melbourne is situated chiefly on the north bank, and is a handsomely built and prosperous town. The country bordering the river is not particularly inviting, but it was new, and the two boys regarded it with interest. The soil was barren and sandy, and the trees, which were numerous, were eucalyptus or gum trees, which do not require a rich soil, but grow with great rapidity on sterile soil.
Harry could not help feeling sad as he bade farewell to his good friend the professor.
“I have only you now, Jack,” he said. “I don’t know what lies before us, but we must stick fast to each other in sunshine and in storm.”
Jack’s only answer was to seize Harry’s hand and press it warmly. Nothing more was needed.
The two boys returned to the Crown Hotel in time for dinner, of which they partook with the zest to be expected of boys thoroughly healthy. When the meal was over they repaired to the public room.
“Now, Jack,” said Harry, “it is necessary for us to settle on our plans.”
“All right,” said Jack.
“Have you anything to propose?”