FOOD, PHYSICAL AND MENTAL.
"Very well, Ayrton," said Glenarvan. "How much time do you need to make the journey and return to the encampment?"
"Fifteen hours," replied Ayrton.
"Go, then; and, while waiting for your return, we will encamp on the banks of the Wimerra."
A few moments after, the quartermaster, mounted on Wilson's horse, disappeared behind the thick curtain of mimosas.
[CHAPTER XXXIV.]
AUSTRALIAN EXPLORERS.
After the departure of Ayrton, and during this compulsory halt, promenades and conversations became the order of the day. There was an abundance of agreeable surroundings to talk about, and nature seemed dressed in one of her most attractive garbs. Birds, novel and varied in their plumage, with flowers such as they had never before gazed on, were the constant theme of the travelers' remark; and when, in addition, they had in Mr. Olbinett one who knew how to spread before them and make the best of all the culinary novelties that were within reach, a very substantial foundation was possible for the "feast of reason and the flow of soul" which followed, and for which, as usual, they were to no small extent indebted to their learned historico-geographical professor, whose stock of information was as varied as it was pleasant.