Barry looked at the trainer, who smiled as he replied-- "If Mr. Redland will risk being thrown off there can be no objection; but it is only fair he should be warned what sort of a horse he is." "As bad as that, is it?" laughed Jack. "Let me try my hand. I have ridden some nasty horses in my time; if he throws me he's welcome to any satisfaction he may get out of it." Dongara was brought up, and when the lads saw the new chum was going to ride him they grinned at his expense in anticipation of some exciting fun. It was exciting enough while it lasted, but could hardly be called fun; it was a battle in grim earnest, and the youngsters looked on in amazement. Dongara first tried to bolt, and Jack let him have his head for a couple of miles, but did not allow him to forget who was master. This did not exactly suit the horse, who generally had his own way with the lads. "He's holding him," said Joe. "That's more than I expected he would do." At the end of a stiff gallop Dongara gave in, but he was not at the end of his experiment. He lashed out suddenly, then stood up and pawed the air; but a blow between the ears brought him down to a less exalted attitude. Then he tried to savage his rider, and got his nose kicked for his trouble. At the end of half-an-hour Dongara consented to gallop like a well mannered thoroughbred, and it was evident Jack had him under control. "You handled him splendidly," said Barry approvingly. "He's a good horse," said Jack, "but, as you say, he has a very bad temper. It will take more than I have given him to cure him; but I could tame him in time. Where did you say he came from?" "Sydney. Joel Kenley bought him for me." "Joel Kenley!" exclaimed Jack. "That's very strange; his brother trained Topsy Turvy, the last horse I rode before I left England. I am going to look him up if ever I get as far as Sydney." "You'll find Joel a decent sort, and well up in his business," said Barry. Jack enjoyed the change thoroughly, and went back with Barry, eager to hear what he had to propose about racing. Barry Tuxford was not long in coming to the point. "There is not much to be won here," he said, "and after our meeting next month I thought of taking a trip to Sydney. Will you go with me?" "With pleasure," replied Jack. "It is just what I should like." "Harry Marton can go back with the pearling fleet, and you can have a share of the plunder. By the time we have finished our jaunt, Silas may have captured the black pearl for you." "I hope so," said Jack. "I have set my heart on getting it." "It's not much use taking any horses, they are too good for us there, although I should like to take them down on their own ground with a nag from West Australia." "Why not take Lucky Boy? He ought to be good enough to win a long distance race, and he would get a light weight."