money, but this Harry declined.

"We might not be able to pay it back," he said.

"I shan't miss it, lads, if you don't," urged the shepherd.

"We might be robbed of it as we were of our other money, sir. We thank
you all the same."

But they gladly accepted the basket of provisions, without which,
indeed, they might have fared badly in that uninhabited wilderness.

"How far is it to Bendigo?" Harry had asked the shepherd.

"Twenty-five miles, or thereabouts," was the answer.

"If it were a straight road and good travelling we might be there by
night."! "But it is neither. You will be fortunate if you reach there in
three or four days."

"Give us the direction, and we will try it, sir."

The two young travellers, refreshed by their night's sleep and two
substantial meals, made good progress, and by noon found themselves,
despite the difficulties of the way, seven miles distant from the
station where they had received such hospitable treatment. By this time
they were hungry, and were glad to sit down at the base of a gigantic
gum-tree and attack the provisions they had brought with them. They were
in good spirits and chatted cheerfully. Many thousands of miles away
from home, without a penny in their pockets, and with only a basket of
provisions between them and starvation, they did not allow themselves to
be depressed by their uncertain prospects, but looked forward
hopefully.

"Jack," said Harry, "it seems so lonely here, I could easily believe
that we two are alone in the world."

"It does seem so," said Jack.

"I feel a little like Robinson Crusoe on his island."

"Am I to be Friday?" asked Jack, with a smile.

Jack had read very few books, but who is there who has not read Robinson
Crusoe?

"I don't think you are of the right color, Jack, but I would a good deal
rather have you than Friday."

They were not so far away from human companionship as they supposed, as
they soon learned to their dismay. Suddenly they heard a crunching as of
steps upon the brush, and turning, they saw, with alarm, a tall muscular
man with matted locks unprotected by a hat, a long untrimmed beard, and
a suit hanging in tatters over his gaunt, bony figure. His eyes were
fixed with a famished look upon the open basket of provisions.

The boys started to their feet in affright.

"Give me food!" said the stranger in a hoarse voice.

Harry took some bread and meat from the basket, and handed them to the
stranger, who de