"I don't want you all, but Mike may go," was the brief reply.
"Glory to God! we'll lick thunder out of all the bloody bushrangers that iver dared to show their homely faces this side of the Loddon. I'm off;" and Mike, who feared that the order for his going would be revoked, snatched a long spear that stood in the entry, and rushed out of the house hatless and shoeless, and full of fight.
"Take good care of the house, Jackson," Mr. Wright said, addressing his servant, who stood near him.
"You don't wish me to accompany you, sir?" he asked.
"No, no. Stay here and take care of the house, and mind that you defend it against all odds, in case of an attack."
"Bushrangers move quick," muttered Kala.
"I'm coming. Now, gentlemen, we will try the speed of your limbs;" and out of the house we sallied, and stood in the driving storm for a few minutes, completely blinded by the sudden transition from light to pitchy darkness.
"Follow Kala," muttered the native; but the request was an impossibility, because Kala was invisible even a foot from where we stood.
"Give the strangers your arms, and lead them until their eyes get accustomed to the darkness," Mr. Wright said, addressing the natives.
"That is a good arrangement for us, but how are you to find the way?" cried Mr. Brown.