Page 54 - In A New World

"That beats all I ever heard," said Mr. Stackpole. "I wish he’d tell us what’s
the joke, and we’ll laugh too."

This was not the only sound they heard. A flock of white cockatoos were

roosting on the tree, and favored the party with their dissonant cries. They
are described as having "most sharp and rasping voices."

"If that’s singing," said Obed. "I shan’t be afraid to try it myself."

"Don’t you sing, Mr. Stackpole?" asked Jack, smiling.

"I thought I could once, when I was in my teens. I attended a singing

school, and went in the attic one Sunday mornin’ to practise. Soon my
father was at the foot of the stairs, and asked me what I meant by sawin’

boards up in the attic Sunday mornin’."

Of course the boys laughed, but in spite of Obed’s disclaimer thought they

would prefer listening to him to the cockatoos.

They got ready to move at seven, the boys having made sure of a bath first.
They were not destined to proceed far, however. About ten o’clock, as they
were skirting the woods, six men on horseback rode out from the leafy

covert. They seemed inclined to dispute the passage of the party.

"What can they want?" ejaculated Harry, with a startled look.

"I expect they are bushrangers," said Obed.