"Good-day, mates," called out one, as they came near.
"Good-day to you," said May. "Have a cup of tea, the water's just boiling."
It sounded more like an invitation in a lady's boudoir than from the bush, but putting them down as new chums, the pair dismounted and accepted the offer.
"Where are you young fellows making for?" asked one.
"Going along the river. Did you come that way?"
"Yes, we've come in from Condamine station."
"See anything of a buggy along the road?"
"We are trying to catch up to one," said Hil.
"We camped alongside two fellows with a buggy last night, and they told me they were after two other fellows, and now I suppose you fellows are after them?" said the stranger, with a laugh.
"Yes, one is broken-down at Campbell Camp, and the other ought to be there by this time. Are you policemen after them?"
"No, not at all. They are friends. We have missed one another. That's all."
"Well, come along, matey," said the younger of the two to his companion. "Good-day to you, and much obliged," and they mounted and disappeared.
"Yes, I think so," and a few minutes later they were on the track of the fugitives once more.
The roads now became rough and hilly, and the travelling much slower. About three o'clock they reached Campbell Camp crossing, and there they found the buggy, broken-down as described. An old man was camped close by, and seemed in possession of the turn-out, as he had the horses tied up close at hand.
"Yes, axle bent," said he, coming towards them.
"Yes, one drove across to the station this morning, with two men in it. They drove a pair of bay horses."
"We may as well camp here for the night," said Hil, "the feed seems pretty good, and water's scarce ahead they tell us."
"Are you coves going to camp here?" asked the man.
"That's the style, it's a bit lonely here all day."
"It belongs to a young chap going to Chinchilla. He's gone on ahead."
"What sort of a fellow is he?" asked Hil.
"A youngish chap. Seemed like as he was in trouble, for he sweared a lot when we broke down."
"About eight o'clock this morning: but what do you want to know for?"
"That's just what them other coves said who drove up in a buggy, only they was more inquisitive."
"Could they be the boys?" said Hil, turning to May.