up among the
boughs would be terrible; my back aches fearfully."

Harry proved to be mistaken, for when darkness returned the water was
still too deep to allow of their making their way to the hill where they
hoped to find their family, especially as they could not tell what
channels and holes might have been formed by the torrent. They had
still enough damper and sweet potato to last them for another meal.

They were again awakened by that irrepressible fellow, the laughing
jackass, at early dawn, and on looking out from their leafy bower they
found that the ground beneath their feet was dry.

"Now let us get down and make the best of our way to the hill, to let
our fathers and mothers know we are safe," he exclaimed. They soon
reached the ground. To walk over it, however, was not very easy, as it
was thickly covered with slime. Not a vestige of the house remained,
nor a fence of any sort. The whole land had been reduced to a perfect
wilderness.

"It is ours still, however," observed Harry, "and will probably prove
twice as fruitful as it was before, and won't require manuring for years
to come. I dare say father will think of that, and it will be some
consolation to him. Now, let's move on."

This was more easily said than done. They attempted to walk steadily,
but, instead, went slipping and sliding about, and in some places they
could with difficulty make progress. They had not gone far when they
caught sight of Mr Hayward. He expressed his delight at seeing them.

"We have indeed been anxious about you, though the captain was satisfied
that you were safe," exclaimed their tutor.

On getting off the ground which had been covered with water, the boys
hurried on, and soon reached the hill, on the side of which, under a
grove of acacia-trees, they found the family encamped. The tent which
had been stowed at the station had been put up for the accommodation of
the ladies, while the rest of the party slept either in or under the
drays. They had not in reality suffered much hardship, as they were as
well off as they would have been in making a journey, with the exception
of want of bread.

Mrs Hugh and her daughters were making the best of everything, though
it was sad for them to contemplate the fruitful spot amid which their
house had stood, now a slimy wilderness.

"Any news of Paul?" asked Harry.

Captain Berrington shook his head. "I am thankful I had not started
from home when this occurred