‘Revenge!’ said Yacka quietly. ‘How many of the black men had he killed?’
‘Blest if the fellow can’t speak English as well as I can!’ said the man in astonishment. ‘Maybe it was revenge, but we don’t allow black men to kill white men without making an example of them.’ Turning to Edgar he said: ‘I like the look of you, young fellow, and your mate. My name’s Walter Hepburn, and I’m in the Government service, and stationed at Alice Springs, where the telegraph office is. We’ve been repairing on the line, and are on our way back to the Springs. If you care to come on with us, I have no doubt we can show you some fun.’
‘How far are we from Alice Springs?’ asked Edgar.
‘A couple of days will take us there.’
‘Then we shall be very pleased to go with you, and thank you heartily for your invitation. My name is Edgar Foster.’
‘What! the young fellow who saved the skipper’s baby from the wreck of the Distant Shore?’ exclaimed Walter Hepburn.
‘Yes,’ said Edgar sadly; ‘we were the only two saved.’
‘Give me your hand, lad,’ said Walter Hepburn; ‘I’m proud to shake it. Here, lads, give three cheers for Edgar Foster!’
The men gave three ringing cheers, that echoed far and wide.
It made Edgar’s heart beat fast to hear them in this wild country.