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242 mount Brownie again, and there appeared to be nothing to be done but bushing it.

"I don't quite like the idea of the young ladies being out all night without food or shelter. We men think nothing of it, but it is different with ladies, and so near Gundabook as we ale—within an hour's ride," said Mr. Lufton.

"A good hour and a half's now that it is so dar," said Allan.

"I am sure that your horse could carry you in an hour, Allan," said Mr. Lufton.

"He might perhaps, but Brownie and Prince Charlie are both tired. However, if you would venture, Amy, there is a little moonlight."

"Oh! no, don't ask me; I don't mind camping out here, but I am afraid of journeying in the dark."

"If I were not as blind as a mole in the dark," said Lufton, "I would think nothing of pushing on to Gundabook and returning with some provisions and wrappings that Mrs. Copeland would be glad to furnish me with, for it is wretched to have nothing but the damp ground to lie on. I know Copeland has a splendid wallaby rug that he would send."

"A wallaby rug ten miles off is likely to keep us very warm," said Isabel, shivering a little in the cold night air. "We will make the best of our