“When we were near the end of our meal, one of the stockmen came in and said something in a low tone to Mr. Syme.
“The latter nodded briefly, and said, ‘All right,’ and then the stockman went away.
“Then Mr. Syme remarked, turning to us:—
“‘On our way back to the station we’ll go by a different road, and I think I can show you something that will be new to you.’
“He said nothing more, and left us to wonder what the new sight would be.
“I forgot to mention that when we started from the station we were accompanied by several dogs. They had a good time ranging around over the plain and through the forest after the manner of dogs when let loose, and seemed to enjoy themselves thoroughly. They were large and rather lank animals, and capable of making high speed when necessary. We asked our entertainer what they were specially used for, and were told that the animals were kangaroo dogs.
“‘We use them for hunting kangaroos,’ said the young man who accompanied me; ‘and a well-trained kangaroo dog is a valuable piece of property to have. The kangaroo is an ungainly looking creature, but he can get over the ground with wonderful rapidity. He goes fourteen or sixteen feet at a jump, and he can jump at a very lively rate. Ordinary fences are nothing to him, as he can clear a six-foot fence at a single bound.’
“While we were at luncheon the dogs were close about us on a keen lookout for any scraps or slices of meat that came in their way.
“The remains of the luncheon were given to them after the black fellow Jack had been duly cared for, but there wasn’t enough of the provisions remaining to give the animals an overdose.
“When all was ready we mounted our horses, and our host led the way, first announcing that he would show us some wild kangaroos. We came out on the plain, and after riding three or four miles, approached a clump of low trees and bushes, which was pointed out by the stockman whom I mentioned.