Thinking that Bendigo might be useful in learning from any blacks they might meet if Paul’s drays had been seen, he asked whether he would go.
Bendigo replied that he was quite ready. Harry, also, to his great satisfaction got leave to accompany his tutor.
As the horses were quite fresh, and the saddles had been saved, they agreed to start immediately; though they would have to trust to their guns for provisions, except when they could fall in with any sheep-stations, where beef and mutton could be procured.
Everywhere as they rode along were signs of the destruction caused by the flood.
“It must be a lesson to us and others not to build near one of these rivers, liable to such inundations,” said Mr Hayward. “Had not your father possessed cattle and sheep, he would have been ruined; as it is, he has suffered severe loss. But how admirably does he and your mother bear it, as they do the prolonged absence of Paul. It raises them more than ever in my estimation. I hope we shall be fortunate in finding a satisfactory spot for a new location, as he will not be again tempted to build in his old one. I believe if Paul is restored to them safe, they will look upon their losses as trifles.”
This conversation occurred on the second day of their journey. They had just mounted a slight ridge, and before them spread out a wide extent of level land.
“I think I see something very like a dray, with two horsemen near it,” said Harry.
Mr Hayward could not make out the objects which his young companion’s sharp eyes had detected; still they both instinctively increased their speed.
“I’m sure it is a dray, with a man on horseback. The dray is very like ours, and the rider like Paul. Hurrah!” cried Harry, and putting spurs to his horse he dashed forward.
Mr Hayward followed, although not quite as fast, and saw Harry shaking hands with the stranger; and even he was soon convinced that the first of the two was Paul.