There's no pull in being outside now with all the world chevying after you and only half rations of food and sleep.' Jim was right.

As we got up to the cave we saw Starlight talking to the old man and Warrigal letting go the horse.

They'd taken their time to come in, but Warrigal knew some hole or other where they'd hid before very likely, so they could take it easier than we did the night we left Rocky Creek.
'Well, boys!' says Starlight, coming forward quite heartily, 'glad to see you again; been taking a walk and engaging yourselves this fine weather?
Rather nice country residence of ours, isn't it?
Wonder how long we shall remain in possession! What a charm there is in home! No place like home, is there, governor ?' Dad didn't smile, he very seldom did that, but I always thought he never looked so glum at Starlight as he did at most people.
'The place is well enough,' he growled, 'if we don't smother it all by letting our tracks be followed up.

We've been dashed lucky so far, but it'll take us all we know to come in and out, if we've any roadwork on hand, and no one the wiser.' 'It can be managed well enough,' says Starlight.

'Is that dinner ever going to be ready?
Jim, make the tea, there's a good fellow; I'm absolutely starving.