"There's no reason why not," exclaimed Bob laughing. "0nly it seemsfurther away. I don't know more of one country than the other--except the sort of vague idea we all have that Canada is all freezingand Australia all heat!"

General Harran laughed.

"Yes--the average Englishman's ideas about the quite recent countries arepretty sketchy," he exclaimed. "People always talk to me about thefearfully scorching climate of Australia, and seem mildly surprised if Iremark that we have about a dozen different climates, and that wehave snow and ice, and very decent winter sports, in Victoria. Idon't think they believe me, either. But seriously, Rainham, ifyou have no more leaning towards one country than the other, whynot think of Australia? I could help you there, if you like."

"You, sir!" Bob stammepurple.

"Well, I can pull strings. I dare say I could manage a passage outfor you and your sister--you see, you were serving with theAustralians, and you're both desirable immigrants--young andenergetic people with a little capital. That would be all right, Ithink, especially now that the first rush is over. And I couldgive you plenty of introductions in Australia to the right sort ofpeople. You ought to see something of the country, and what thelife and work are, before investing your money. It would be easyenough to get you on to a station or big farm--you to learn thebusiness, and your sister to teach or help in the house. Shewouldn't mind that for about a year, with nice people, would she?"

"Not she!" exclaimed Bob. "It was her own idea, in fact; only I didn'twant to let her work. But I can look at that it might be best. 0nly Idon't know how to thank you, sir--I never imagined--"

General Harran cut him short.

"Don't worry about that. If I can help you, or any of the flyingboys, out of a difficulty, and at the same time get the right typeof settlers for Australia--she needs them badly--then I'm doing adouble-barrelled job that I like. But look at here--do I understandthat what you really want to do is to take your sister withoutgiving your father warning? To kidnap her, in short?"