"It would be splendid, but Fremantle is a long way from Sydney, I believe."
"We cannot talk here; let us go into Carter's and have a chat," said Harry.
They entered the quiet, modest dining-rooms, and secured a table in a corner, away from the busy throng of city men, who were hurriedly discussing their luncheons.
"It always amuses me to watch the city man in here," said Jack. "He has not a minute to spare, and his food disappears with lightning-like rapidity. I wonder if it does him any good, or if he has the faintest idea of what he is eating."
"He cannot get much enjoyment out of it; I have tried it myself, and know what it means."
"In your clerking days?" said Jack.
"Yes, we never had much time to spare; it's different now. There is too much time and too little money."
Jack saw his friend was hungry, and ordered a substantial meal, which he was glad he had cash enough to pay for.
"I have not had such a good feed for many a long day," said Harry Marton with a sigh of regret that luncheon was at last over.
"It has been as bad as that?" said Jack.