We returned to the bank of the river—just in time to form our bivouac, before the night fell upon us—having accomplished during the day, about four miles in the direction in which we intended going!
“I am a little disgusted with hunting,” said one of my companions, whose name was Vane. “I move that in the morning we keep on to the station; and see what amusement is to be found there.”
This proposition was carried, by a majority of three. The horse, being indifferent on the subject, was permitted to remain neutral.
“What amusement shall we find at your friend’s house?” asked Vane of my other companion—who was the one acquainted with the squatter we were on the way to visit.
“Well, I suppose we can have some hunting there,” replied the individual thus interrogated; and who always answered, in a polite manner, to the name of “Cannon.”
“No, thank you!” said Vane. “We’ve had enough of that sort of thing to-day. I don’t want any more of it.”
“But at the station we shall be provided with horses,” suggested Cannon; “and, when we get sight of a kangaroo, we can run the animal down.”
“That makes a difference,” said Vane; “and I don’t mind trying it for a day. But is there no other amusement, to be had at your friend’s house?”
“Not that I know of—unless you make love to my friend’s pretty daughter.”
“Ah! that would be amusement,” exclaimed Vane, evidently a little stirred by the communication.