rned to find his
father applauding him.

"Bravo! Good!" cried the doctor, with his eyes flashing. "I like that
pluck, Nic. Why, boy, you did wonderfully well. You are as rough as
can be in the saddle. But really, you only want confidence: you can
ride."

"Can I, father?" said Nic dubiously.

"Can you? yes. You must have had some practice."

"Only playing tricks on the donkeys, father, down in Kent."

"Of course. That's it! Why, Nic, I have only got to polish you.
Ready?"

"Yes, father."

"Then let's canter on."

Oddly enough--paradoxically as it may seem--that tumble on to the
elastic bush took away all Nic's nervousness, and now he began to enjoy
the delightful motion of the easy-paced nag, with the wind fanning his
cheeks, the sun seeming to flash by him, and the soreness about the
knees forgotten.

Everything about looked bright and glorious; and when, about eleven
o'clock, they cantered up to the midday halting-place in a clump of
gums, where the oxen had just been unyoked, Brookes and Leather stopped
from their tasks to stare, and the black was so surprised that he forgot
to stand on one leg, but watched the horsemen with wide-open eyes,
standing upon two.

CHAPTER TWELVE.

A BLACK PERIL.

At the end of six days, though a long way from being a horseman, Nic had
reached a pitch when he could mount without fear, and enjoy thoroughly a
trot, canter, or gallop; and his father used laughingly to say that now
he would not be ashamed to show him to his mother and sisters.

"It's a long, slow, monotonous journey, Nic," said the doctor, at the
end of that sixth day; "but I don't think we've been idle."

"Idle? oh no, father," said Nic; "and I've enjoyed it thoroughly."

"In spite of the rough way of living?"

"I haven't thought of that," replied Nic. "It has all been so fresh and
interesting, and there has been so much to see."

"Well, you have been well introduced to the country, my boy, and you
have mastered riding--a strong part of a settler's education, for you
will have to help me hunt up the sheep and cattle, and save me many a
long round. Feel ready to see your mother and sisters?"

"Ready? I'm longing to see them, father. Are we getting near?"

"Yes; all being well, we shall sleep under our own roof to-morrow night,
and have the waggon-load of stores and treasures under cover."

That last night in the waggon was the most uncomfortable Nic had passed.
It was hot; there was a