His greeting was very casual, and he followed it with a fishing inquiry intended to discover if the young man knew anything of Christina's whereabouts.
'Never mind, Dick, old man,' said Harry kindly, 'it's all UP.' 'All up ?' cried Dick.
'Yes, I know why you went to Yarraman; but it's been a wasted journey, Dick.

Shine was arrested a couple of hours ago, an' she's broken hearted.' Dick received the news in silence, and they walked homewards together.
'What'll I do with this ?' asked Dick at Hardy's gate, producing a parcel from under his vest.
'Hide it away, an' keep it dark.

Not a word must be said to hurt her.' 'Good,' answered the boy.

'I know a cunnin' holler tree.

So long, Harry.' 'So long, mate.' Dick liked the word mate; it touched him nearly with its fine hint of equality and community of interests; it seemed to suit their romantic conspiracy, too, and sent him away with a little glow of pride in his heart.
When Harry re-entered his own home he found his mother seated as he had left her.