e creek. Night was coming on.

"We cannot go farther in the dark," said Nancy.

"No; I must make a `gunyio' for you and Mary," said Bill, who had tried
hard to keep up his courage.

He cut down some boughs, and Nancy and Mary collected some long, dry
grass, and they built a rude hut, like those the natives use, and made a
bed. They then all crept in. They had no fear about being in the
forest by themselves at night, only they wished that they were at home,
as they knew their father and mother would be frightened. There were no
wild beasts to hurt them, and Joseph Rudge had taken care that his
children should have no foolish notions about ghosts and spirits.

"If such things come on earth it's only because God lets them, and He
would not let them come in shapes to frighten people, especially little
children and those He loves," he used to say to them.

The three children knelt down and said their prayers; then, without
fear, they crept into the hut, and were soon asleep.

When Joseph and Tom Wells came back from looking after the cattle, the
children had not returned. Still Sarah thought that they would come
every minute, and was looking out for them. Joseph was very tired.

"You stay quiet, mate," said Tom, "I will go and look out for the young
ones; I shall find them fast enough."

Tom rode off, and not long after Sam and Ben came in with old Mat from
herding the sheep. The lads were very eager to set off to look for
their little brother and sisters. Taking a sup of tea and a piece of
damper in their hands, away they went. Mat promised to herd the sheep
till they came back. Joseph and Sarah all this time were very anxious
for their little ones. Still she got the supper ready, hoping to have
them brought back safe to her. There were several good things--a
damper, a dish of stewed mutton, and a parrot pie, made with the birds
which Tom Wells had shot that morning and brought to her. Parrots in
that country are as common as pigeons in England, and are generally
cooked in pies.

It was quite dark when Sam and Ben came back. They had found no traces
of the children. Tom came in some time after. Not a sign of the
children.

"God's will be done!" said Joseph.

"Oh we shall find them to-morrow, mate, never fear," said Tom Wells.

The party eat their supper with sad hearts, but not in silence, for they
talked over and over what could have become of the children. They could
make no further search t