Your father said it was time you left school to finish your education out there." "Education ?" faltered Nic.
"Oh yes; but not book learning, boy: hunting, and shooting, and riding, and stock-keeping, and farming, and helping to make Australia a big young England for John Bull's sons and daughters, who want room to move." "Yes, I see," cried Nic.
"To be sure you do.

Well, then, the ship sails in a month from to-day: so what's the good of your stopping here for a month ?" "But I've nowhere else to go," said Nic.
"Oh! yes, you have.

You and I have got to be great friends--there, something more than that.

I shall just borrow you of your father and mother till I have to give you up at Port Jackson.

So, what do you say to my taking you away with me at once ?" "Lady O'Hara!" "Don't shout, boy: this isn't the bush.