"I thought as much; anyway, it matters little where Shark's Bay is. I
have no doubt I shall eventually be landed, or stranded, there."
"I thought pearl fishing was about worked out in Australia," said Jack.
"It cannot be, or Barry Tuxford would not have a hand in it. He's far
too cute to tackle anything that is worked out, or likely to be, while
he is in it."
"He asked you to take a friend. Suppose I join you?"
"You!" exclaimed Harry, delighted. "You don't mean it, that would be too
much of a good thing. The 'Golden Land' is not the sort of steamer you
would care to travel in; there's none of the luxuries of a liner on her.
She's a cargo boat."
"We were at the same school and that was good enough for us. Why should
the same steamer not be equally suitable? I am looking forward to
roughing it, and may as well commence with the 'Golden Land.' At any
rate, it is worth risking in order to have your company."
"Of course, if you really mean it, I shall be very pleased, and the
passage can easily be fixed up."
"When does she sail?" asked Jack.
"At the end of the month if she has a full cargo, which she is almost
sure to have."
Jack thought of Lewes Races and his mount on Topsy Turvy. If the "Golden
Land" did not sail until then he would not miss the chance of winning
again.
"I am going to ride in a race at Lewes, one of Sir Lester Dyke's horses,
and you must come down and see it. There may be a chance of winning a
few pounds to help us on our way."
"I have seen your name in the paper," said Harry, "and often envied you.
I wish I could ride well. It will be very useful to you in the colonies.
I am afraid my funds will not allow of my travelling to Lewes."
"I'll see to that. If we go out to seek our fortunes together we will
have one common purse."