320 ALL ABOARD FOR SUNRISE LANDS.

“Ralph, where is Ballarat ? Unde Nat says he is to oe us
up there to see the gold mines.”

“Oh,” exclaimed Ralph, disliking to confess ae he knew as little
about Ballaarat as Rick; ‘“ Bal— Balrat is — ;

“ Ballaa-rat,” interrupted Rick. “That is the way!”

“Well, what difference does it make what kind of rat it is? It is
up in the country somewhere—a country-rat; and it must be worth
seeing.” :

Having received this important information, Rick began to think
over various preparations for the trip. “A bag I must have ready,
‘cause if I should find any gold lying round loose I should want
something in which to put it. Wouldn’t it be nice to get it full?
~ And to-morrow we start. Good!”

To-morrow came fast enough, at least for Uncle Nat who was busy
with all kinds of work. He found time in the morning, though, to
show his inquisitive nephews the beautiful Government House, whose
tower rises up into the air one hundred and forty-five feet. From its
top there is a far-reaching, magnificent view. After this visit, Uncle
Nat and the boys took the cars for Ballarat.

“Who’s that?” whispered Rick to Uncle Nat, as they looked out
of the car window. It was a dark-faced, thick-haired, roughly-dressed
sort of a savage that they saw.

“That's one of me natives of the country. Il hunt up a picture
of them when I can.’

That day the boys saw a_ picture of the natives of Australia.
‘There were about twenty in the group. They had dark faces, an
abundance of black hair, wide mouths, flat noses, sharp little eyes, and,
as Ralph said, were “clothed variously.” One at least sported a shirt-
collar, and three wore hats or caps.

“They like to live out-doors in summer,’ seal Uncle Nat, “and in