Ayrton took charge of the ox, and Mulready of the horse, and the party returned along the winding banks of the river. Half an hour after, Paganel, MacNabb, Lady Helena, and Miss Grant were told the state of affairs.
"By my faith," the major could not help exclaiming, "it is a pity, Ayrton, that you did not shoe all our animals on crossing the Wimerra."
"Because of all our horses only the one you put into the hands of the farrier has escaped the common fate."
"That is true," said Captain Mangles; "and it is a singular coincidence!"
[Sidenote: MISTAKES AND MISAPPREHENSIONS.]
"A coincidence, and nothing more," replied the quartermaster, gazing fixedly at the major.
MacNabb compressed his lips, as if he would repress the words ready to burst from them. Glenarvan, the captain, and Lady Helena seemed to expect that he would finish his sentence; but he remained silent, and walked towards the cart, which Ayrton was now examining.
"What did he mean?" inquired Glenarvan of Captain Mangles.
"I do not know," replied the young captain. "However, the major is not the man to speak without cause."
"No," said Lady Helena; "Major MacNabb must have suspicions of Ayrton."
"What suspicions?" asked Glenarvan. "Does he suppose him capable of killing our horses and oxen? For what purpose, pray? Are not Ayrton's interests identical with ours?"
"You are right, my dear Edward," said Lady Helena. "Besides, the quartermaster has given us, ever since the beginning of the journey, indubitable proofs of his devotion to our comfort."
"True," replied Captain Mangles. "But, then, what does the major's remark mean? I must have an understanding."
"Perhaps he thinks he is in league with these convicts?" remarked Paganel, imprudently.
"Monsieur Paganel is mistaken," said Captain Mangles quickly: "he knows that there are no convicts in the province of Victoria."
"Yes, yes, that is so," eagerly replied Paganel, who would fain have retracted his words. "What could I have been thinking of? Convicts? Who ever heard of convicts in Australia? Moreover, as soon as they land, they make very honest people. The climate, you know, Miss Mary, the moral effect of the climate----"
In his desire to correct his blunder, the poor geographer became hopelessly involved. Lady Helena looked at him, wondering what had deprived him of his usual coolness; but, not wishing to embarrass him further, she retired with Mary to the tent, where Mr. Olbinett was engaged in preparing breakfast.
