“Don’t say any more, Harry,” said Jack faintly. “I can realise it without your description.”
“I wish Obed were with us,” said Harry, after a pause. “Perhaps he could think of some way out of our trouble. He is an experienced man, and is used to roughing it. As for me, I feel helpless.”
“Do you think there is likely to be any house near at hand?”
“It doesn’t look like it,” said Harry, shaking his head.
“I don’t think I should mind much being caught and carried back by the bushrangers, if they would give me a good supper,” said Jack ruefully.
“Poor Jack!” said Harry compassionately; “I do believe you are suffering for food.”
“I told you so, Harry.”
“My appetite no doubt will come later. At present I am not very uncomfortable. Well, Jack, there is only one thing to do. We must explore farther and see if we can find any trace of a human habitation. Suppose you go to yonder knoll, and climb the tree at the top. Then use your eyes for all they are worth.”
Jack followed his advice, and with a sailor’s agility mounted the tree. Then, shading his eyes with his hand, he looked earnestly, first in one direction, then in another.
“Well, Jack?” inquired Harry anxiously.