'Do!' Repeated the widow in a voice that had grown almost shrill.
'There's a horse an' saddle an' bridle in McMahon's stable.'

Harry turned and ran from the house; and the little widow, standing at
the door flushed and tearful, looking after him, murmured to herself:

'An' if you lose her, Harry Hardy, you're not the man I took you for, an'
I'll never forgive you--never.'

She looked down and encountered Dick's eyes--seeming very much larger and
graver than usual--regarding her with solemn admiration. The boy had
conceived a new respect for his mother within the last two minutes, and
had discovered in her a kindred spirit hitherto unsuspected.

'My colonial! that was rippin', mum!' he said.


CHAPTER XXV.

HARRY took French leave in McMahon's stable. He saddled Click, Mac's
favourite hack, mounted him, and started down the dusty Yarraman road at
a gallop. To Harry that ride was ever afterwards a complete blank. He
started out with his mind full of one thought, an overpowering
resolution. He would seek Chris, he would take her in his arms and defy
every fear or scheme or power that might be directed against their love
and happiness to part them again. That was his determination, and, having
made it, he rode on blindly, pushing the horse to his best pace.

After passing the Bo Peep the road ran out into treeless open country,
slightly undulating. There were a few trickling rock-strewn creeks to