the appearance of a tramp; yet he may be a squatter, who
could write a cheque for twenty thousand. To a casual observer, the boys
would easily pass as shearers or men on the look-out for work, and the
girls would pass as easily for new chums. There were plenty of both
classes scattered over the country, and neither party was likely to
attract exceptional attention.

"You can only book to Dalby," said the ticket-clerk. "There has been a
break-down beyond that point."

"When?" asked Hal.

"Last night. I fancy it is due to some of the shearers, who are out on
strike, so, if you are going for a job, you had better look out and join
the union."

"We won't trouble them," answered Hal. "We are going for cattle," and he
took two second-class tickets for Dalby.

"Two second, Dalby," said Hil, following close behind him.

As the train started May laughed and said:

"Wonder where the boys are now?"

"Probably in Brisbane still. We ought to have returned good for evil,
and wired them where Wyck has gone; but I think they had better find out
for themselves, as they fancy themselves so much."

"I wonder what our lady detectives are doing," said Reg to Hal, lighting
his pipe.

"In bed, asleep, I suppose, dreaming of Wyck."

"We ought to have wired them at Sydney, and given them a hint."

"No, not at all. It would be ridiculous to think of women in this
country. But where's the stick, Reg?"

"It's in my swag. I had to cut it in two, but I reckon now that we have
that, we shall soon have the owner, and when we do, God help him."

"Yes, he'll stand in need of all the help he can get," said Hal, looking
musingly at Reg's resolute face.

The railway station at Dalby presented an unusually animated appearance
on their arrival, for the word had been given that a large number of
non-union shearers were coming to take the place of those on strike, and
the latter had collected to give the newcomers a warm welcome. As soon
as the train stopped a crowd gathered round the carriage in which the
boys and the girls travelled.

"Here they are," shouted a burly, red-headed fellow, who appeared to be
their leader.

"What's your game, gentlemen?" asked Hal, boldly stepping out, followed
by Reg and the girls.

"Are you the black-legs?"

"What do you mean?"

"Are you shearers?"

"No, decidedly not. Why?"

"Because we heard some black-legs were coming. That's all."

Two of the passengers were injudicious enough to say they we