.

The two boys returned towards evening, reporting all well. Paul was
much missed; even Hector complained that he had not now a companion to
talk to. Although Harry and Reggy were merry fellows, it was generally
acknowledged that they were not equal to Paul.

"I trust we shall have him back soon," said his mother, after he had
been gone some time; "although I wish that tidings of him had reached
us."

CHAPTER EIGHT.

A KANGAROO HUNT--CHASING EMUS--A PACK OF DINGOES PUT TO FLIGHT.

Reggy had by this time learned to make himself almost as useful as
Harry. Their great delight was riding after stray cattle and horses,
which afforded them constant occupation.

Occasionally they visited the sheep-stations, to see that all was right,
or to give directions to the shepherds.

Sometimes they drove one of the drays carrying provisions and stores, a
task which was not so pleasant as galloping over the country. Now and
then Hector was persuaded to join them in the former duty, but he would
never even attempt to learn to drive a dray.

"If I could manage to get hold of a well-built dogcart from London, I
should have no objection to turn out a tandem," he said, as he
contemptuously surveyed the dray.

As the captain was convinced that "all work and no play makes Jack a
dull boy," he occasionally allowed all hands who could be spared to go
out hunting, the game being kangaroos or emus, when Bruce and the other
dogs at the station had an active part to play. Hector, who rode pretty
well, had no objection to join in it. Even Rob and Edgar were at times
allowed to go out.

The damage caused by the storm having been repaired, about a week after
Paul left home a hunting party was organised, the captain and Mr Haward
joining it, with all the boys. Sandy, on such occasions, always
remained at home, although he had learned to stick to the saddle as well
as any man. Hunting was not to his taste; besides which, he considered
it his duty to look after the ladies at the house and the cattle at the
station.

It was a lovely morning; not a cloud was in the sky. The air was so
pure, and so fine a breeze was blowing, that no one felt the heat. The
boys were in high spirits as they rode along on their sturdy little
horses, with the dogs barking and frisking around them. They had not
gone far before a large kangaroo was sighted--an "old man," as the big
kangaroos are called by the settlers. He was employed in plucking the