We had already become pretty skilful in baking damper, which consists simply of flour and water, kneaded on a board, and baked in the form of a large biscuit under the ashes.
We saw several kangaroos, but they bounded away before we could get near enough to shoot them, and had to content ourselves as before with a couple of parrots and as many pigeons, which was an ample supply, for although the over-high kangaroo meat did not suit our palates, Toby had no objection to it.
We had been shooting for some time, and were making our way back to camp, when we caught sight in the distance of three horsemen, their heads and those of their steeds, occasionally appearing above the brushwood. They appeared to be coming towards us.
At first we thought that they must be Bracewell and two companions; but as we could make out no led horses, and they were not approaching from the direction he would appear, we concluded that they must be strangers.
“What if they should be bushrangers?” said Guy. “If they catch Toby alone they are certain to carry off our baggage and horses, and will probably shoot him to prevent him giving information.”
“The sooner we get back to camp the better,” I answered.
We hurried on, keeping ourselves concealed as much as possible. “It would be prudent to load our guns with ball,” said Guy; “the fellows won’t know that we suspect them, and may think that they can stick us up with perfect ease.”
Fortunately our horses were close to the camp, and as soon as we reached it we sent Toby to bring them in, not telling him that we suspected the character of the strangers. As they approached we anxiously examined their appearance, which was certainly not in their favour. They were savage-looking fellows with long beards, their unkempt hair hanging over their shoulders. They pulled up suddenly when they saw us standing with our backs to a couple of large trees, our baggage and saddles piled on the ground, and Toby holding our horses.
“What is your pleasure, friends?” asked Guy. The fellows examined us without answering.
“You look as if you’d know us again should we come across you,” said Guy. “Just take my advice. Ride on and leave us to cook our dinner.”