Perhaps I'd better offer her something to go back and leave me alone, hey ?" This was vetoed by a majority of two to one, and once more the coach started.

They plodded away on the weary, dusty journey, until the iron roofs and walls of Barcoo gleamed like a mirage in the distance, and the coach rolled up to the hotel.

A telegraph official came lounging forward.
"Anyone here the name of Charles Gordon ?" he said.
"That's me," said Charlie.
"Telegram for you," he said.

"It's been all over the country after you." Gordon tore it open, read it, and stood spellbound.

Then he silently handed it to Carew.