Page 87 - In A New World

CHAPTER XVI.

THE SHEPHERD'S HUT.

Not feeling their fatigue so much now that they were buoyed up by the
hope of shelter and food, the two boys plodded on. The way was at times

difficult, and there was no glimpse of the light which Jack had seen from
the tree-top.

"Do you think you are on the right track, Jack?" asked Harry anxiously.

"Yes, I feel sure of it," answered the young sailor.

"It would be very unlucky if we had wandered from the right direction."

"Yes, I should feel like lying down and giving up, but I am sure I am right."

Events proved that Jack was right. They came to an open place, from which

they could distinctly see the light gleaming from a dwelling only forty rods
away.

"There, what did I tell you?" demanded Jack triumphantly.

"You are right, Jack. I am glad enough to admit it. Now the question is, will
the people who occupy the house let us in?"

"They can't be so inhuman as to refuse. Pass on, Harry."

They were not long in reaching the hut. It was one of those slab huts which
are used by shepherds. They are lonely enough, the stations being in some
instances twenty miles from the nearest dwelling. This was a single

dwelling, the home of one of the out keepers. The chief stations are usually
an aggregation of dwellings. In the yard was a pile of wood for fuel. Close

at hand was a paddock surrounded by a rail fence, over which hung a
number of sheepskins. All these evidences of habitation cheered the hearts
of the lonely boys.