ney, or to recount how they first bathed their hands in kangaroo blood, or what petty privations they submitted to when they were not fortunate in falling in with a bush hut. We lose sight of them till they arrive on the shores of the bay of Westerport, ten days after leaving Melbourne. Here it was considered advisable to dismiss their guide, as he was anxious to find some of his tribe, upon whose trail they had fallen. Benbo was accordingly told he could leave, and being presented with a little tobacco, took his departure, and he and his wife (whom he had named Kitty, as being more convenient and euphonious than her original designation, Montgurryburruckuck), were soon hidden by the trees.
"And now," said Slinger, "here we are dependent upon ourselves and a small pocket compass to point our way back again. I think we may venture to take a few days' shooting on the borders of the bay; there are lots of swans in a lagoon to the southward, so Benbo told me, and there is a cattle station beyond it, where we can get provisions if we run short."
"We may as well have all the fun we can, now we are out," chimed in Hugh, who had recovered his wonted spirits.
They travelled all that day, meeting with indifferent sport, as one swan and a duck were the only trophies they carried with them when they arrived in the evening at the bank of a creek, near which they determined to sleep.
"There's a snug-looking hollow tree," said Slinger, "and roomy, so we shall be comfortable enough;" and he advanced to the opening, but sprung back several paces, and raised his gun, as a man advanced from the hollow and cried, "stand!" after regarding them for a moment, he said, "What are you after here? "
"Anything which comes in the way," said Slinger.—"We are out for sport."
