t the
four figures as those of Kate, Mary Rayner, Jim, and a white stockman.
All were busied about the tent, and as yet had not seen the boat. Then
Gerrard gave a loud hail.

"Hallo there, you people!"

An answering yell from Jim and a shriek of delight from Mary, and as the
boat's bows cut into the soft sand, they rushed towards it, followed by
Kate. Disengaging himself from their frantic embraces he met Kate, and
drew her to him.

"All well, Kate?"

"Yes, Tom," she whispered.

"What brought you here?"

"Your letter, of course! Waterboy and the other horse came home this
afternoon, and Lizzie said that if we liked we could come and camp here
until you came. And just after dark, as we got here, we fancied we heard
the sound of the vessel anchoring, and so Jim _coo-e-e-d_."

Gerrard bent towards her again.

"Mary and Jim, run along and help poor Harry with the tent." Then in a
whisper: "Tom, keep quiet--we are right in the light of the fire."

"Yes, run along," added Gerrard; "we'll be with you in a minute. Oh,
Jim, stop a moment! Would you and Mary like to go on board the vessel
to-morrow morning, and see Captain Lowry's curios?"

"Oh, yes, Uncle," was the unsuspecting reply.

"Then you and Harry can camp here tonight, and have a good time on board
in the morning. I'm in no end of a hurry to get home, and see your Aunt
Lizzie. But I'll be back before breakfast to-morrow."

"Are you staying with us too, Miss Fraser?" asked Jim.

"No, I think I had better go on with your uncle. It wouldn't be fair to
let him ride home alone, would it?"

"No, I suppose not," observed Jim with unnecessary dryness in his voice;
"he might get lost."

Gerrard laughed, and tried to seize the lad by his arm, but he was too
quick for him.

"How are you, Harry?" he said to the stockman, as he held out his hand.
"Cattle all right?"

"Right as rain, boss. How's yourself?"

"Bully. Oh, I say, Harry; the youngsters want very much to have a look
at the ship to-morrow. I daresay you would too."

"I would, boss, seein' 'as I never was on board a real sailin' boat."

"Well, you can all go on board to-morrow. Miss Fraser and I will push
on home, so if you'll saddle our horses for us, I'll finish the tent for
you."

A quarter of an hour later everything had been finished--the tent set
up, and the horses saddled and in readiness.

"Good-night, youngsters," cried Gerrard, swinging himself into his
saddle, and then with Kate by hi