They stood watching the grand scene with delight for a short time, and then, crossing the river by a broad, shallow ford, held their way homeward, along the eastern and more level bank, sometimes reining up their horses to gaze into the tremendous glen below them, and watch the river crawling on through many impediments, and beginning to show a golden light in its larger pools beneath the sloping, westering sun.
Just as they sighted home, on the opposite side of the river, they perceived two horsemen before them, evidently on the track between Major Buckley's and Garoopna.

They pushed on to "overhaul them," and found that it was Doctor Mulhaus, whom they received with boisterous welcome, and a tall, handsome young gentleman, a stranger.
"A young gentleman, Sam," said the Doctor, "Mr.Halbert by name, who arrived during your father's absence with letters of introduction.

I begged him to follow your father over here, and, as his own horse was knocked up, I mounted him at his own request on Jezebel, he preferring her to all the horses in the paddock on account of her beauty, after having been duly warned of her wickedness.

But Mr.Halbert seems of the Centaur species, and rather to enjoy an extra chance of getting his neck broke." Politeness to strangers was one of the first articles of faith in the Buckley and Brentwood families; so the young folks were soon on the best of terms.
"Are you from Sydney way, Mr.Halbert ?" said Sam.
"Indeed," said the young man, "I have only landed in the country six weeks.

I have got three years' leave of absence from my regiment in India, and, if I can see a chance, I shall cut the army and settle here." "Oh!" said Alice, "are you a soldier, Mr.Halbert ?" "I have that honour, Miss Brentwood.