ncle Tom and Mary. Gerrard, who of course knew of
Aulain's rejection by Kate, was at that moment wondering whether his
friend meant to again "try his luck" or had quite got over the affair,
and joined heartily in the general laugh that followed Jim's remark.

"I think she is a delightful girl, Mr Aulain," said Mrs Westonley; "and
I am looking forward to her next visit. She spent a fortnight with us
the last time, and we felt quite dull and humdrum after she had gone
home to her father."

Aulain raised his brows slightly, and enquired if Miss Fraser had come
all that distance alone. Surely she would not be so rash!

"Oh, no! She knows how bad these Cape York blacks are, and would not be
so reckless of her life as to come alone. Mr Fraser came with her the
first time, then one of her father's mates was her next escort, and the
last time Tom and Jim went to the Bluff for her, and also went back with
her."

A fleeting shadow crossed the dark handsome face, but beyond saying
that the blacks were now not so bold as they were two years ago, he
apparently did not take much interest in Miss Fraser's visits to Ocho
Rios. But already his ever suspicious mind was at work about her and
Gerrard.

After lunch, as there was more branding to be done, Gerrard went back to
the stockyard. Aulain wished to come and help.

"Indeed you shall not, Aulain. I'll tell you what you ought to do. You
were saying that you felt inclined for a sea bathe when you camped last
night and heard the surf beating on the beach. Now, you and Jim go and
have a jolly good swim in the surf. Jim will show you a place safe from
sharks."

"I can't resist that," said Aulain eagerly. It was just the very thing
he wished--to have a talk with Jim. "But I know the place you mean,
Gerrard. My troopers and I have often bathed there when I was in charge
of the N.P. Camp at Red Beach."

Jim ran off to catch and saddle a couple of horses, for although the
bathing place was only three miles distant, no Australian would walk so
far (except to catch a horse) when he could ride.

"Take your fishing-line, Jim," said Mrs Westonley, when he returned
leading the horses, "and catch some bream for supper. No, Mary,
certainly not--you cannot go. No, not even to help Jim to catch and
clean the fish. This is a terrible girl, Mr Aulain," and with a smile
she drew Mary to her, "I know exactly what she wants to do--ride into
the surf and get wet through."

"Aunt, you _are_ a wond