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diff --git a/15524.txt b/15524.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..ad4b2ce --- /dev/null +++ b/15524.txt @@ -0,0 +1,2248 @@ +The Project Gutenberg eBook, Digger Smith, by C. J. Dennis, Illustrated by +Hal Gye + + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + + + + +Title: Digger Smith + + +Author: C. J. Dennis + +Release Date: April 2, 2005 [eBook #15524] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII) + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DIGGER SMITH*** + + +E-text prepared by Geoffrey Cowling + + + +Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this + file which includes the original illustrations. + See 15524-h.htm or 15524-h.zip: + (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/5/5/2/15524/15524-h/15524-h.htm) + or + (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/5/5/2/15524/15524-h.zip) + + + + + +DIGGER SMITH + +by + +C. J. Dennis + +1918 (rev. 1919) + + + + + + + +TO THE A.I.F. + + + + +CONTENTS + + + I. BEFORE THE WAR + "Before the war," she sighs. "Before the war"... + + II. DUMMY BRIDGE + "If I'd 'a' played me Jack on that there Ten..." + + III. DAD + "I've knowed ole Flood this last five year or more ..." + + IV. DIGGER SMITH + "'E calls me Digger; that's 'ow 'e begins ..." + + V. WEST + "I've seen so much uv dirt an' grime ..." + + VI. OVER THE FENCE + "'Taint my idea uv argument to call a man a fool ..." + + VII. A DIGGER'S TALE + "My oath!" the Duchess sez. "You'd not ixpect ..." + + VIII. JIM'S GIRL + "'Oo is that girl," sez Digger Smith . . . + + IX. THE BOYS OUT THERE + "Why do they do it? I dunno..." + + X. HALF A MAN + "I wash me 'ands uv 'im," I tells 'em, straight ... + + XI. SAWIN' WOOD + I wondered wot was doin'. First I seen ... + + XII. JIM + "Now, be the Hokey Fly!" sez Peter Begg ... + + XIII. A SQUARE DEAL + "Dreamin'?" I sez to Digger Smith . . . + + GLOSSARY + + + + + +I. BEFORE THE WAR + + +Before the War + +"BEFORE the war," she sighs. "Before the war." + Then blinks 'er eyes, an' tries to work a smile. +"Ole scenes," she sez, "don't look the same no more. + Ole ways," she sez, "seems to 'ave changed their style, + The pleasures that we 'ad don't seem worth while-- +Them simple joys that passed an hour away-- + An' troubles, that we used to so revile, +'Ow small they look," she sez. "'Ow small to-day. + +"This war!" sighs ole Mar Flood. An' when I seen + The ole girl sittin' in our parlour there, +Tellin' 'er troubles to my wife, Doreen, + As though the talkin' eased 'er load uv care, + I thinks uv mothers, 'ere an' everywhere, +Smilin' a bit while they are grievin' sore + For grown-up babies, fightin' Over There; +An' then I 'ears 'em sigh, "Before the war." + +My wife 'as took the social 'abit bad. + I ain't averse--one more new word I've learned-- +Averse to tea, when tea is to be 'ad; + An' when it comes I reckon that it's earned. + It's jist a drink, as fur as I'm concerned, +Good for a bloke that's toilin' on the land; + But when a caller comes, 'ere I am turned +Into a social butterfly, off-'and. + +Then drinkin' tea becomes an 'oly rite. + So's I won't bring the fam'ly to disgrace +I gits a bit uv coachin' overnight + On ridin' winners in this bun-fed race. + I 'ave to change me shirt, an' wash me face, +An' look reel neat, from me waist up at least, + An' sling remarks in at the proper place, +An' not makes noises drinkin', like a beast. + +"'Ave some more cake. Another slice, now do. + An' won't yeh 'ave a second cup uv tea? +'Ow is the children?" Ar, it makes me blue! + This boodoor 'abit ain't no good to me. + I likes to take me tucker plain an' free: +Tea an' a chunk out on the job for choice, + So I can stoke with no one there to see. +Besides, I 'aven't got no comp'ny voice. + +Uv course, I've 'ad it all out with the wife. + I argues that there's work that must be done, +An' tells 'er that I 'ates this tony life. + She sez there's jooties that we must not shun. + You bet that ends it; so I joins the fun, +An' puts 'em all at ease with silly grins-- + Slings bits uv repartee like "'Ave a bun," +An' passes bread an' butter, for me sins. + +Since I've been marri'd, say, I've chucked some things, + An' learned a whole lot more to fill the space. +I've slung all slang; crook words 'ave taken wings, + An' I 'ave learned to entertain with grace. + But when ole Missus Flood comes round our place +I don't object to 'er, for all 'er sighs; + Becos I likes 'er ways, I likes 'er face, +An', most uv all, she 'as them mother's eyes. + +"Before the war," she sighs, the poor ole girl. + 'Er talk it gets me thinkin' in between, +While I'm assistin' at this social whirl. . . . + She comes across for comfort to Doreen, + To talk about the things that might 'ave been +If Syd 'ad not been killed at Suvla Bay, + Or Jim not done a bunk at seventeen, +An' not been 'eard uv since 'e went away. + +They 'ave a little farm right next to us-- + 'Er an' 'er 'usband--where they live alone. +Spite uv 'er cares, she ain't the sort to fuss + Or serve up sudden tears an' sob an' moan, + An' since I've known 'er some'ow I 'ave grown +To see in 'er, an' all the grief she's bore, + A million brave ole mothers 'oo 'ave known +Deep sorrer since them days before the war. + +"Before the war," she sez. "Yeh mind our Syd? + Poor lad. . . . But then, yeh never met young Jim-- +'Im 'oo was charged with things 'e never did. + Ah, both uv you'd 'ave been reel chums with 'im. + 'Igh-spirited 'e was, a perfect limb. +It's six long years now since 'e went away + Ay, drove away." 'Er poor ole eyes git dim. +"That was," she sighs, "that was me blackest day. + +"Me blackest day! Wot am I sayin' now? + There was the day the parson come to tell +The news about our Syd. . . . An', yet, some'ow . . . . + My little Jim!" She pauses for a spell. . . . + "Your 'olly'ocks is doin' reely well," +She sez, an' battles 'ard to brighten up. + "An' them there pinks uv yours, 'ow sweet they smell. +An'--Thanks! I think I will 'ave one more cup." + +As fur as I can get the strength uv it, + Them Floods 'ave 'ad a reel tough row to hoe. +First off, young Jim, 'oo plays it 'igh a bit, + Narks the ole man a treat, an' slings the show. + Then come the war, an' Syd 'e 'as to go. +'E run 'is final up at Suvla Bay-- + One uv the Aussies I was proud to know. +An' Jim's cracked 'ardy since 'e went away. + +'Er Jim! These mothers! Lord, they're all the same. + I wonder if Doreen will be that kind.. +Syd was the son 'oo played the reel man's game; + But Jim 'oo sloped an' left no word be'ind, + His is the picter shinin' in 'er mind. +'Igh-spirited! I've 'eard that tale before. +I sometimes think she'd take it rather kind +To 'ear that 'is 'igh spirits run to war. + +"Before the war," she sez. "Ah, times was good. + The little farm out there, an' jist us four +Workin' to make a decent liveli'ood. + Our Syd an' Jim! . . . Poor Jim! It grieves me sore; + For Dad won't 'ave 'im mentioned 'ome no more. +'E's 'urt, I know, cos 'e thinks Jim 'urt me. + As if 'e could, the bonny boy I bore. . . . +But I must off 'ome now, an' git Dad's tea." + +I seen 'er to the gate. (Take it frum me, + I'm some perlite.) She sez, "Yeh mustn't mind +Me talkin' so uv Jim, but when I see + Your face it brings 'im back; 'e's jist your kind. + Not quite so 'an'some, p'r'aps, nor so refined. +I've got some toys uv 'is," she sez. "But there-- + This is ole woman's talk, an' you be'ind +With all yer work, an' little time to spare." + +She gives me 'and a squeeze an' turns away, + Sobbin', I thort; but when she looks be'ind, +Smilin', an' wavin', like she felt reel gay, + I wonders 'ow the women works that blind, + An' jist waves back; then goes inside to find +A lookin'-glass, an' takes a reel good look. . . . + "'Not quite so 'an'some, p'r'aps, nor so refined!' +Gawd 'elp yeh, Jim," I thinks. "Yeh must be crook." + + + + +II. DUMMY BRIDGE + + +Dummy Bridge + +"IF I'd 'a' played me Jack on that there Ten," + Sez Peter Begg, "I might 'a' made the lot." +"'Ow could yeh?" barks ole Poole. "'Ow' could yeh, when + I 'ad me Queen be'ind?" Sez Begg, "Wot rot! +I slung away me King to take that trick. +Which one! Say, ain't yer 'ead a trifle thick? + +"Now, don't yeh see that when I plays me King + I give yer Queen a chance, an' lost the slam." +But Poole, 'e sez 'e don't see no sich thing, + So Begg gits 'ot, an' starts to loose a "Damn." +'E twigs the missus jist in time to check, +An' makes it "Dash," an' gits red down 'is neck. + +There's me an' Peter Begg, an' ole man Poole-- + Neighbours uv mine, that farm a bit close by-- +Jist once a week or so we makes a school, + An' gives this game uv Dummy Bridge a fly. +Doreen, she 'as 'er sewin' be the fire, +The kid's in bed; an' 'ere's me 'eart's desire. + +'Ome-comfort, peace, the picter uv me wife + 'Appy at work, me neighbours gathered round +All friendly-like--wot more is there in life? + I've searched a bit, but, better I ain't found. +Doreen, she seems content, but in 'er eye +I've seen reel pity when the talk gits 'igh. + +This ev'nin' we 'ad started off reel 'ot: + Two little slams, an' Poole, without a score, +Still lookin' sore about the cards 'e'd got-- + When, sudden-like, a knock comes to the door. +"A visitor," growls Begg, "to crool our game." +An' looks at me, as though I was to blame. + +Jist as Doreen goes out, I seen 'er grin. + "Deal 'em up quick!" I whispers. "Grab yer 'and, +An' look reel occupied when they comes in. + Per'aps they'll 'ave the sense to understand. +If it's a man, maybe 'e'll make a four; +But if"--Then Missus Flood comes in the door. + +'Twas ole Mar Flood, 'er face wrapped in a smile. + "Now, boys," she sez, "don't let me spoil yer game. +I'll jist chat with Doreen a little while; + But if yeh stop I'll be ashamed I came." +An' then she waves a letter in 'er 'and. +Sez she, "Our Jim's a soldier! Ain't it grand?" + +"Good boy," sez Poole. "Let's see. I make it 'earts." + "Doubled!" shouts Begg. . . . "An' 'e's been in a fight," +Sez Missus Flood, "out in them furrin' parts. + French, I suppose. I can't pronounce it right. +'E's been once wounded, somewhere in the leg. . . ." +"'Ere, Bill! Yeh gone to sleep?" asks Peter Begg. + +I plays me Queen uv Spades; an' plays 'er bad. + Begg snorts. . . . "My boy," sighs Missus Flood. "My Jim." . . . +"King 'ere," laughs Poole. "That's the last Spade I 'ad." . . . + Doreen she smiles: "I'm glad yeh've 'eard from 'im.". . . +"We're done," groans Begg. "Why did yeh nurse yer Ace?". . . +"My Jim!" An' there was sunlight in 'er face. + +"I always thought a lot uv Jim, I did," + Sez Begg. "'E does yeh credit. 'Ere, your deal." +"That's so," sez Poole. "'E was an all-right kid. + No trumps? I'm sorry that's the way yeh feel. +'Twill take yeh all yer time to make the book." . . . +An' then Doreen sends me a wireless look. + +I gets the S.O.S.; but Begg is keen. + "My deal," 'e yaps. "Wot rotten cards I get." +Ole Missus Flood sits closer to Doreen. + "The best," she whispers, "I ain't told yeh yet." +I strains me ears, an' leads me King uv Trumps. +"Ace 'ere!" grins Begg. Poole throws 'is Queen--an' thumps. + +"That saves me Jack!" 'owls Begg. "Tough luck, ole sport." . . . + Sez Missus Flood, "Jim's won a medal too +For doin' somethin' brave at Bullycourt." . . . + "Play on, play on," growls Begg. "It's up to you." +Then I reneges, an' trumps me partner's Ace, +An' Poole gets sudden murder in 'is face. + +"I'm sick uv this 'ere game," 'e grunts. "It's tame." + "Righto," I chips. "Suppose we toss it in?" +Begg don't say nothin'; so we sling the game. + On my wife's face I twigs a tiny grin. +"Finished?" sez she, su'prised. "Well, p'r'aps it's right. +It looks to me like 'earts was trumps to-night." + +An' so they was. An', say, the game was grand. + Two hours we sat while that ole mother told +About 'er Jim, 'is letter in 'er 'and, + An', on 'er face, a glowin' look that rolled +The miles all up that lie 'twixt France an' 'ere, +An' found 'er son, an' brought 'im very near. + +A game uv Bridge it was, with 'earts for trumps. + We was the dummies, sittin' silent there. +I knoo the men, like me, was feelin' chumps: + Foolin' with cards while this was in the air. +It took Doreen to shove us in our place; + An' mother 'eld the lot, right from the Ace. + +She told us 'ow 'e said 'e'd writ before, + An' 'ow the letters must lave gone astray; +An' 'ow the stern ole father still was sore, + But looked like 'e'd be soft'nin', day by day; +'Ow pride in Jim peeps out be'ind 'is frown, +An' 'ow the ole fool 'opes to 'ide it down. + +"I knoo," she sez. "I never doubted Jim. + But wot could any mother say or do +When pryin' folks asked wot become uv 'im, + But drop 'er eyes an' say she never knoo. +Now I can lift me 'ead to that sly glance, +An' say, 'Jim's fightin', with the rest, in France.'" + +An' when she's gone, us four we don't require + No gossipin' to keep us in imploy. +Ole Poole sits starin' 'ard into the fire. + I guessed that 'e was thinkin' uv 'is boy, +'Oo's been right in it from the very start; +An' Poole was thinkin' uv a father's part. + +An' then 'e speaks: "This war 'as turned us 'ard. + Suppose, four year ago, yeh said to me +That I'd sit 'eedless, starin' at a card + While that ole mother told--Good Lord!" sez 'e +"It takes the women for to put us wise +To playin' games in war-time," an' 'e sighs. + +An' 'ere Doren sets out to put 'im right. + "There's games an' games," she sez. "When women starts +A hand at Bridge like she 'as played to-night + It's Nature teachin' 'em to make it 'earts. +The other suits are yours," she sez; "but then, +That's as it should be, seein' you are men." + +"Maybe," sez Poole; an' both gits up to go. + I stands beside the door when they are gone, +Watchin' their lantern swingin' to an' fro, + An' 'ears Begg's voice as they goes trudgin' on: +"If you 'ad led that Queen we might 'ave made. . . ." +"Rubbidge!" shouts Poole. "You mucked it with yer Spade!" + + + + +III. DAD + + +Dad + + +I've knowed ole Flood this last five year or more; +I knoo 'im when 'is Syd went to the war. + A proud ole man 'e was. But I've watched 'im, + An' seen 'is look when people spoke uv Jim: +As sour a look as most coves want to see. +It made me glad that this 'ere Jim weren't me. + +I sized up Flood the first day that we met-- +Stubborn as blazes when 'is mind is set, + Ole-fashioned in 'is looks an' in 'is ways, + Believin' it is honesty that pays; +An' still dead set, in spite uv bumps 'e's got, +To keep on honest if it pays or not. + +Poor ole Dad Flood, 'e is too old to fight +By close on thirty year; but, if I'm right + About 'is doin's an' about 'is grit, + 'E's done a fair bit over 'is fair bit. +They are too old to fight, but, all the same, +'Is kind's quite young enough to play the game. + +I've 'eard it called, this war--an' it's the truth-- +I've 'eard it called the sacrifice uv youth. + An' all this land 'as reckernized it too, + An' gives the boys the praises that is doo. +I've 'eard the cheers for ev'ry fightin' lad; +But, up to now, I ain't 'eard none for Dad. + +Ole Flood, an' all 'is kind throughout the land, +They ain't been 'eralded with no brass band, + Or been much thought about; but, take my tip, + The war 'as found 'em with a stiffened lip, +'Umpin' a load they thought they'd dropped for good, +Crackin' reel 'ardy, an'--jist sawin' wood. + +Dad Flood, 'is back is bent, 'is strength is gone; +'E'd done 'is bit before this war come on. + At sixty-five 'e thought 'is work was done; + 'E gave the farmin' over to 'is son, +An' jist sat back in peace, with 'is ole wife, +To spend content the ev'nin' uv 'is life. + +Then come the war. An' when Syd 'esitates +Between the ole folk an' 'is fightin' mates, + The ole man goes outside an' grabs a hoe. + Sez 'e, "Yeh want to, an' yeh ought to go. +Wot's stoppin' yeh?" 'E straightens 'is ole frame. +"Ain't I farmed long enough to know the game?" + +There weren't no more to say. An' Syd went--West: +Into the sunset with ole Aussie's best. + But no one ever 'eard no groans from Dad. + Though all 'is pride an' 'ope was in that lad +'E showed no sign excep' to grow more grim. +'Is son was gone--an' it was up to 'im. + +One day last month when I was down at Flood's +I seen 'im strugglin' with a bag uv spuds. + "Look 'ere," I sez, "you let me spell yeh, Dad. + You 'umpin' loads like that's a bit too bad." +'E gives a grunt that's more than 'arf a groan. +"Wot's up?" 'e snaps. "Got no work uv yer own?" + +That's 'im. But I've been tippin' that the pace +Would tell; an' when 'is wife comes to our place, + An' sez that Dad is ill an' took to bed, + Flat out with work--though that ain't wot she said-- +I ain't su'prised; an' tells 'er when I'm thro' +I'll come across an' see wot I can do. + +I went across, an'--I come back again. +Strike me! it's no use reas'nin' with some men. + Stubborn ole cows! I'm sick uv them ole fools. + The way 'e yells, "Keep yer 'ands off my tools!" +Yeh'd think I was a thief. 'Is missus said +I'd better slope, or 'e'd be out uv bed. + +'E 'eard us talkin' through the open door. +"'Oo's that?" 'e croaks, altho' 'e tries to roar. + An' when 'is wife ixplains it's only me + To 'elp a bit: "I want no charity!" +'E barks. "I'll do me work meself, yeh 'ear?" +An' then 'e gits so snarky that I clear. + +But 'e'll do me. I like the ole boy's nerve. +We don't do nothin' that 'e don't deserve; + But me an' Peter Begg an' ole man Poole, + We fairly 'as our work cut out to fool +The sly ole fox, when we sneaks down each day +An' works a while to keep things under way. + +We digs a bit, an' ploughs a bit, an' chops +The wood, an' does the needful to 'is crops. + We does it soft, an' when 'e 'ears a row + 'Is missus tells 'im it's the dog or cow. +'E sez that it's queer noises for a pup. +An'--there'll be ructions when ole Flood gits up. + +It ain't all overwork that's laid 'im out. +Ole Pride in 'im is fightin' 'ard with Doubt. + To-day 'is wife sez, "Somethin's strange in 'im, + For in 'is sleep sometimes 'e calls for Jim. +It's six long years," she sez, an' stops to shake +'Er 'ead. "But 'e don't mention 'im awake." + +Dad Flood. I thought 'im jist a stiff-necked fool +Before the war; but, as I sez to Poole, + This war 'as tested more than fightin' men. + But, say, 'e is an 'oly terror when +Friends try to 'elp 'im earn a bite an' sup. +Oh, there'll be 'Ell to pay when 'e gits up! + + + + +IV. DIGGER SMITH + + +Digger Smith + +'E CALLS me Digger; that's 'ow 'e begins. +'E sez 'e's only 'arf a man; an' grins. + Judged be 'is nerve, I'd say 'e was worth two + Uv me an' you. +Then 'e digs 'arf a fag out uv 'is vest, +Borrers me matches, an' I gives 'im best. + +The first I 'eard about it Poole told me. +"There is a bloke called Smith at Flood's," sez 'e; + Come there this mornin', sez 'e's come to stay, + An' won't go 'way. +Sez 'e was sent there be a pal named Flood; +An' talks uv contracts sealed with Flanders mud. + +"No matter wot they say, 'e only grins," +Sez Poole. "'E's rather wobbly on 'is pins. + Seems like a soldier bloke. An' Peter Begg + 'E sez one leg +Works be machinery, but I dunno. +I only know 'e's there an' 'e won't go. + +"'E grins," sez Poole, "at ev'rything they say. + Dad Flood 'as nearly 'ad a fit to-day. + 'E's cursed, an' ordered 'im clean off the place; + But this cove's face +Jist goes on grinnin', an' 'e sez, quite carm, +'E's come to do a bit around the farm." + +The tale don't sound too good to me at all. +"If 'e's a crook," I sez, "'e wants a fall. + Maybe 'e's dilly. I'll go down an' see. + 'E'll grin at me +When I 'ave done, if 'e needs dealin' with." +So I goes down to interview this Smith. + +'E 'ad a fork out in the tater patch. +Sez 'e, "Why 'ello, Digger. Got a match?" + "Digger?" I sez. "Well, you ain't digger 'ere. + You better clear. +You ought to know that you can't dig them spuds. +They don't belong to you; they're ole Dad Flood's." + +"Can't I?" 'e grins. "I'll do the best I can, +Considerin' I'm only 'arf a man. + Give us a light. I can't get none from Flood, + An' mine is dud." +I parts; an' 'e stands grinnin' at me still; +An' then 'e sez, "'Ave yeh fergot me, Bill?" + +I looks, an' seen a tough bloke, short an' thin. +Then, Lord! I recomembers that ole grin. + "It's little Smith!" I 'owls, "uv Collin'wood. + Lad, this is good! +Last time I seen yeh, you an' Ginger Mick +Was 'owling rags, out on yer final kick." + +"Yer on to it," 'e sez. "Nex' day we sailed. +Now 'arf uv me's back 'ome, an' 'arf they nailed. + An' Mick. . . . Ar, well, Fritz took me down a peg." + 'E waves 'is leg. +"It ain't too bad," 'e sez, with 'is ole smile; +"But when I starts to dig it cramps me style. + +"But I ain't grouchin'. It was worth the fun. +We 'ad some picnic stoushin' Brother 'Un-- + The only fight I've 'ad that some John 'Op + Don't come an' stop. +They pulled me leg a treat, but, all the same, +There's nothin' over 'ere to beat the game. + +"An' now," 'e sez, "I'm 'ere to do a job +I promised, if it was me luck to lob + Back 'ome before me mate," 'e sez, an' then, + 'E grins again. +"As clear as mud," I sez. "But I can't work +Me brains to 'old yer pace. Say, wot's the lurk?" + +So then 'e puts me wise. It seems that 'im +An' this 'ere Flood--I tips it must be Jim-- + Was cobbers up in France, an' things occurred. + (I got 'is word +Things did occur up there). But, anyway, +Seems Flood done somethin' good for 'im one day. + +Then Smith 'e promised if 'e came back 'ome +Before 'is cobber o'er the flamin' foam, + 'E'd see the ole folks 'ere, an' 'e agreed, + If there was need, +'E'd stay an' do a bit around the farm +So long as 'e 'ad one sound, dinkum arm. + +"So, 'ere I am," 'e sez, an' grins again. +"A promise is a promise 'mong us men." + Sez I, "You come along up to the 'ouse. + Ole Dad won't rouse +When once 'e's got yer strength, an' as for Mar, +She'll kiss yeh when she finds out 'oo yeh are." + +So we goes up, an' finds 'em both fair dazed +About this little Smith; they think 'e's crazed. + I tells the tale in words they understand; + Then it was grand +To see Dad grab Smith's 'and an' pump it good, +An' Mar, she kissed 'im, like I said she would. + +Mar sez 'e must be starved, an' right away +The kettle's on, she's busy with a tray. + An', when I left, this Digger Smith 'e looked + Like 'e was booked +For keeps, with tea an' bread an' beef inside. +"Our little Willie's 'ome," 'e grins, "an' dried." + + + + +V. WEST + + +West + +"I'VE seen so much uv dirt an' grime + I'm mad to 'ave things clean. +I've seen so much uv death," 'e said-- +"So many cobbers lyin' dead-- + You won't know wot I mean; +But, lad, I've 'ad so much uv strife +I want things straightened in my life. + +"I've seen so much uv 'ate," 'e said-- + "Mad 'ate an' silly rage-- +I'm yearnin' for clear thoughts," said 'e. +"Kindness an' love seem good to me. + I want a new, white page +To start all over, clean an' good, +An' live me life as reel men should." + +We're sittin' talkin' by the fence, + The sun's jist goin' down, +Paintin' the sky all gold an' pink. +Said 'e, "When it's like that, I think--" + An' then 'e stops to frown. +Said 'e, "I think, when it's jist so, +Uv . . . . God or somethin': I dunno. + +"I ain't seen much uv God," said 'e; + "Not 'ere nor Over There; +But, partly wot I've seen an' read, +An' partly wot the padre said, + It gits me when I stare +Out West when it's like that is now. +There must be somethin' else--some'ow. + +"I've thought a lot," said Digger Smith-- + "Out There I thought a lot. +I thought uv death, an' all the rest, +An' uv me mates, good mates gone West; + An' it ain't much I've got; +But things get movin' in me 'ead +When I look over there," 'e said. + +'E's got me beat, 'as little Smith. + I knoo 'im years ago +I knoo 'im as a reel tough boy +'Oo roughed it up with 'oly joy; + But now, well, I dunno. +An' when I ask Mar Flood she sighs-- +An' sez 'e's got the Anzac eyes. + +She sez 'e's got them soldier's eyes + That makes 'er own eyes wet. +An' we must give 'im wholesome food +An' lead 'is thoughts to somethin' good + An' never let 'im fret. +But 'e ain't frettin', seems to me; +More--puzzled, fur as I can see. + +The clouds above the hills was tore + Apart, until, some'ow, +It seemed like some big, shinin' gate. +Said 'e, "Why, lad, I tell yeh straight, + I feel like startin' now, +An' walkin' on, an' on, an' thro', +Dead game an'--Ain't it so to you? + +"I've seen enough uv pain," 'e said, + "An' cursin', killin' 'ordes. +I ain't the man to smooge with God +To get to 'Eaven on the nod, + Or 'owl 'ymns for rewards. +But this believin'? Why--Oh, 'Struth +This never 'it me in me youth. + +"They talk uv love 'twixt men," said 'e. + "That sounds dead crook to you. +But lately I 'ave come to see." . . . +"'Old on," I said; "it seems to me + There's love uv women too. +An you?" 'E turns away 'is 'ead. +"I'm only 'arf a man," 'e said. + +"I've seen so much uv death," said 'e, + "Me mind is in a whirl. +I've 'ad so many thoughts uv late." . . . +Said I, "Now, tell me, tell me straight; + Own up; ain't there a girl?" +Said 'e, "I've done the best I can. +Wot does she want with 'arf a man?" + +It weren't no use. 'E wouldn't talk + Uv nothin' but that sky. +Said 'e, "Now, dinkum, talkin' square, +When you git gazin' over there + Don't you 'arf want to cry? +I wouldn't be su'prised to see +An angel comin' out," said 'e. + +"Gone West!" said Digger Smith. "Ah, lad, + I've seen 'em goin' West, +An' often wonder, when I look, +If they 'ave 'ad it dealt 'em crook, + Or if they've got the rest +They earned twice over by the spell +They spent down in that dinkum 'Ell." + +The gold was creepin' up, the sun + Was 'arf be'ind the range. +It don't seem strange a man should cry +To see that glory in the sky + To me it don't seem strange. +"Digger!" said 'e. "Look at it now! +There must be somethin' else--some'ow." + + + + +VI. OVER THE FENCE + + +Over the Fence + +'TAINT my idea uv argument to call a man a fool, +An' I ain't lookin' round for bricks to 'eave at ole man Poole; + But when 'e gets disputin' 'e's inclined to lose 'is 'ead. + It ain't so much 'is choice uv words as 'ow the words is said. + +'E's sich a coot for takin' sides, as I sez to Doreen. +Sez she, "'Ow can 'e, by 'imself ?" Wotever that may mean. + My wife sez little things sometimes that nearly git me riled. + I knoo she meant more than she said be that soft way she smiled. + +To-day, when I was 'arrowin', Poole comes down to the fence +To get the loan uv my long spade; an' uses that pretence + To 'ave a bit uv friendly talk, an' one word leads to more, + As is the way with ole man Poole, as I've remarked before. + +The spade reminds 'im 'ow 'e done some diggin' in 'is day, +An' diggin' brings the talk to earth, an' earth leads on to clay, + Then clay quite natural reminds a thinkin' bloke uv bricks, + An' mortar brings up mud, an' then, uv course, it's politics. + +Now, Poole sticks be 'is Party, an' I don't deny 'is right; +But when 'e starts abusin' mine 'e's lookin' for a fight. + So I delivers good 'ome truths about 'is crowd; then Poole + Wags 'is ole beard across the fence an' tells me I'm a fool. + +Now, that's the dizzy limit; so I lays aside the reins, +An' starts to prove 'e's storin' mud where most blokes keeps + their brains. + 'E decorates 'is answers, an' we're goin' it ding-dong, + When this returned bloke, Digger Smith, comes sauntering along. + +Poole's gripped the fence as though 'e means to tear the rails + in two, +An' eyes my waggin' finger like 'e wants to 'ave a chew. + Then Digger Smith 'e grins at Poole, an' then 'e looks at me, + An' sez, quite soft an' friendly-like, "Winnin' the war?" sez 'e. + +Now, Poole deserves it, an' I'm pleased the lad give 'im that jolt. +'E goes fair mad in argument when once 'e gets a holt. + "Yeh make me sad," sez Digger Smith; "the both uv you," sez 'e. + "The both uv us! Gawstruth!" sez I. "You ain't includin' me?" + +"Well, it takes two to make a row," sez little Digger Smith. +"A bloke can't argue 'less 'e 'as a bloke to argue with. + I've come 'ome from a dinkum scrap to find this land uv light + Is chasin' its own tail around an' callin' it a fight. + +"We've seen a thing or two, us blokes 'oo've fought on many fronts; +An' we've 'ad time to think a bit between the fightin' stunts. + We've seen big things, an' thought big things, an' all the + silly fuss, + That used to get us rattled once, seems very small to us. + +"An' when a bloke's fought for a land an' gets laid on the shelf +It pains 'im to come 'ome an' find it scrappin' with itself; + An' scrappin' all for nothin', or for things that look so + small-- + To us, 'oo've been in bigger things, they don't seem reel at all. + +"P'r'aps we 'ave 'ad some skite knocked out, an' p'r'aps we see + more clear, +But seems to us there's plenty cleanin'-up to do round 'ere. + We've learnt a little thing or two, an' we 'ave unlearnt 'eaps, + An' silly partisans, with us, is counted out for keeps. + +"This takin' sides jist for the sake uv takin' sides--Aw, 'Struth! +I used to do them things one time, back in me foolish youth. + Out There, when I remembered things, I've kicked meself reel good. + In football days I barracked once red 'ot for Collin'wood. + +"I didn't want to see a game, nor see no justice done. +It never mattered wot occurred as long as my side won. + The other side was narks an' cows an' rotters to a man; + But mine was all reel bonzer chaps. I was a partisan. + +"It might sound like swelled-'ead," sez Smith. "But show me, if yeh can...." +"'Old 'ard," sez Poole. "Jist tell me this: wot is a partisan?" + Then Digger Smith starts to ixplain; Poole interrupts straight out; + An' I wades in to give my views, an' 'as to nearly shout. + +We battles on for one good hour. My team sleeps where it stands; +An' Poole 'as tossed the spade away to talk with both 'is 'ands; + An' Smith 'as dropped the maul 'e 'ad. Then I looks round to see + Doreen quite close. She smiles at us. "Winnin' the war?" sez she. + + + + +VII. A DIGGER'S TALE + + +A Digger's Tale + +MY oath!' the Duchess sez. 'You'd not ixpect + Sich things as that. Yeh don't mean kangaroos? +Go hon!' she sez, or words to that effect-- + (It's 'ard to imitate the speech they use) +I tells 'er, 'Straight; I drives 'em four-in-'and + 'Ome in my land.' + +"You 'ear a lot," sez little Digger Smith, + "About 'ow English swells is so stand-off. +Don't yeh believe it; it's a silly myth. + I've been reel cobbers with the British toff +While I'm on leaf; for Blighty liked our crowd, + An' done us proud. + +"Us Aussies was the goods in London town + When I was there. If they jist twigged yer 'at +The Dooks would ask yeh could yeh keep one down, + An' Earls would 'ang out 'Welcome' on the mat, +An' sling yeh invites to their stately 'alls + For fancy balls. + +"This Duchess--I ain't quite sure uv 'er rank; + She might uv been a Peeress. I dunno. +I meets 'er 'usband first. 'E owns a bank, + I 'eard, an' 'arf a dozen mints or so. +A dinkum toff. 'E sez, 'Come 'ome with me + An' 'ave some tea.' + +"That's 'ow I met this Duchess Wot's-'er-name-- + Or Countess--never mind 'er moniker; +I ain't no 'and at this 'ere title game-- + An' right away, I was reel pals with 'er. +'Now, tell me all about yer 'ome,' sez she, + An' smiles at me. + +"That knocks me out. I know it ain't no good + Paintin' word-picters uv the things I done +Out 'ome 'ere, barrackin' for Collin'wood, + Or puntin' on the flat at Flemin'ton. +I know this Baroness uv Wot-yeh-call + Wants somethin' tall. + +"I thinks reel 'ard; an' then I lets it go. + I tells 'er, out at Richmond, on me Run-- +A little place uv ten square mile or so-- + I'm breedin' boomerangs; which is reel fun, +When I ain't troubled by the wild Jonops + That eats me crops. + +"I talks about the wondrous Boshter Bird + That builds 'er nest up in the Cobber Tree, +An' 'atches out 'er young on May the third, + Stric' to the minute, jist at 'arf pas' three. +'Er eyes get big. She sez, 'Can it be true?' + 'Er eyes was blue. + +"An' then I speaks uv sport, an' tells 'er 'ow + In 'untin' our wild Wowsers we imploy +Large packs uv Barrackers, an' 'ow their row + Wakes echoes in the forests uv Fitzroy, +Where lurks the deadly Shicker Snake 'oo's breath + Is certain death. + +"I'm goin' on to talk uv kangaroos, + An' 'ow I used to drive 'em four-in-'and. +'Wot?' sez the Marchioness. 'Them things in Zoos + That 'ops about? I've seen 'em in the Strand +In double 'arness; but I ain't seen four. + Tell me some more.' + +"I baulks a bit at that; an' she sez, 'Well, + There ain't no cause at all for you to feel +Modest about the things you 'ave to tell; + An' wot yeh say sounds wonderfully reel. +Your talk'--an' 'ere I seen 'er eyelids flick-- + 'Makes me 'omesick. + +"'I reckerlect,' she sez--'Now, let me see-- + In Gippsland, long ago, when I was young, +I 'ad a little pet Corroboree,' + (I sits up in me chair like I was stung.) +'On its 'ind legs,' she sez, 'it used to stand. + Fed from me 'and.' + +"Uv course, I threw me alley in right there. + This Princess was a dinkum Aussie girl. +I can't do nothin' else but sit an' stare, + Thinkin' so rapid that me 'air roots curl. +But 'er? She sez, 'I ain't 'eard talk so good + Since my child'ood. + +"'I wish,' sez she, 'I could be back again + Beneath the wattle an' that great blue sky. +It's like a breath uv 'ome to meet you men. + You've done reel well,' she sez. 'Don't you be shy. +When yer in Blighty once again,' sez she, + 'Come an' see me.' + +"I don't see 'er no more; 'cos I stopped one. + But, 'fore I sails, I gits a billy doo +Which sez, 'Give my love to the dear ole Sun, + An' take an exile's blessin' 'ome with you. +An' if you 'ave some boomerangs to spare, + Save me a pair. + +"'I'd like to see 'em play about,' she wrote, + 'Out on me lawn, an' stroke their pretty fur. +God bless yeh, boy.' An' then she ends 'er note, + 'Yer dinkum cobber,' an' 'er moniker. +A sport? You bet! She's marri'd to an Earl-- + An Aussie girl." + + + + +VIII. JIM'S GIRL + + + +Jim's Girl + + +"'Oo is that girl," sez Digger Smith, +"That never seems to bother with + No blokes: the bint with curly 'air? + I've often seen 'er over there +Talkin' to Missus Flood, an' she +Seems like a reel ripe peach to me. + +"Not that I'm askin'" . . . 'Ere 'is eyes +Goes sort uv swiv'ly, an' 'e sighs. + "Not that I'm askin' with idears + Uv love an' marridge; 'ave no fears. +I've chucked the matrimony plan," +'E sez. "I'm only 'arf a man." + +This Digger Smith 'as fairly got +Me rampin' with 'is "'arf man" rot. + 'E 'as a timber leg, it's true; + But 'e can do the work uv two. +Besides, the things 'e's done Out There +Makes 'im one man an' some to spare. + +I knoo 'is question was jist kid. +'E'd met this girl; I know 'e did. + 'E knoo Jim Flood an' 'er was booked + For double when the 'Un was cooked. +But, seein' 'er, it used to start +'Im thinkin' uv another tart. + +"Oh, 'er?" sez I. "She is a pearl. +I've 'eard she used to be Jim's girl; + But she was jist a child when Jim + Got out. She 'as forgotten 'im." +I knows jist wot was in 'is mind, +An' sez, "Wade in, if you're inclined." + +'E give me sich a narsty look +I thought 'e meant to answer crook; + But, "I ain't out for jokes," sez 'e + "Yeh needn't sling that stuff to me. +I only was jist thinkin'--p'r'aps . . . . . +There's some," 'e sez, "that sticks to chaps. + +"Some girls," sez 'e, "keeps true to chaps, +An' wed 'em when they've done with scraps, + An' come 'ome whole. Yeh don't ixpec' + No tart to tie up to a wreck? +Besides," 'e sez. . . . "Well, any'ow, +That girl's all right; I know it now. + +"I know," sez Smith. "I got it right. +Jim used to talk to me at night + About a little girl 'e tracked. + 'Er name is Flo. Ain't that a fact? +That's 'er. I know she writes to 'im +Each mail. She ain't forgotten Jim. + +"I'd like to swap my luck for Jim's +If 'e comes 'ome with all 'is limbs. + An', if 'e don't--well, I dunno. + I've taken notice uv this Flo, +An' wonder if"--'e stares at me-- +"If there is more like 'er" sez 'e. + +Now, Digger Smith 'as learned a lot +Out fightin' there, but 'e ain't got + The cunnin' for to 'ide 'is 'eart. + 'E's too dam honest, for a start; +'Is mind's dead simple to a friend. +I've read 'im through from end to end. + +I've learned from things 'e 'asn't said +Jist wot's been runnin in 'is 'ead. + I know there is a girl, somewhere; + Some one 'oo 'ad the 'eart to care +For 'im when 'e went to the war. +I know all that, an' somethin' more. + +I know that since 'e came back 'ere +'E 'asn't seen that girl for fear + She'd turn 'im down--give 'im the bird, + An' 'and 'im out the frozen word, +Because 'e's left a leg in France; +An' 'e's afraid to take a chance. + +Well, not afraid, per'aps, but--shook. +It's jist the form 'is nerves 'ave took. + Now 'e's been watchin' Flo an' seen + 'Er style, an' 'ow she's always keen +For news uv Jim. Then 'e starts out +To 'ope, an' 'esitate, an' doubt. + +'E wonders if 'is own girl spoke +Jist this same way about 'er bloke. + 'E wonders if in 'is girl's eyes + That same look came; an' then 'e sighs, +An' dulls 'is senses with the dope +That 'arf a man ain't got no 'ope. + +'E makes me tired. But, all the same, +I tries to work a little game. + "Look 'ere," I sez. "About this Flo. + Jim mightn't come back 'ome, yeh know. +You 'ave a fly; yeh're sure to score; +Besides, all's fair in love an' war." + +"Sling that!" 'e sez; but I goes on +"Ole Jim won't blame yeh when she's gone. + 'E knows, the same as me an' you, + These silly tarts, they can't keep true." +I piles it on until I've got +'Im where I want 'im--jumpin' 'ot. + +An' then 'e sez, "'Ere, sling that talk! +I might be groggy in me walk; + But if yeh say them things to me + I'm man enough to crack yeh; see?" +"Righto," sez I. "That was me plan. +Now wot about this 'arf a man?" + +'E stares at me, an' then sez, slow, +"Wot is yer game? Wot do yeh know?" + "Nothin'," I tells 'im, "only this + When there's a waitin' tart to kiss +Yeh're only 'arf a man; but when +There's blokes to fight, yeh're twenty men." + +"Wot tart?" 'e asks. "Yeh mean this Flo?" +"P'r'aps not," I sez. "You ought to know." + I waits to let me words sink in. + An' then--'e beats me with that grin. +"Match-makin', Bill?" 'e laughs. "Oh, 'Ell! +You take up knittin' for a spell." + + + + +IX. THE BOYS OUT THERE + + +The Boys Out There + +"WHY do they do it? I dunno," + Sez Digger Smith. "Yeh got me beat. +Some uv the yarns yeh 'ear is true, +An' some is rather umptydoo, + An' some is--indiscreet. +But them that don't get to the crowd, +Them is the ones would make yeh proud." + +With Digger Smith an' other blokes + 'Oo 'ave returned it's much the same +They'll talk uv wot they've seen an' done +When they've been out to 'ave their fun; + But no word uv the game. +On fights an' all the tale uv blood +Their talk, as they remark, is dud. + +It's so with soldiers, I 'ave 'eard, + All times. The things that they 'ave done, +War-mad, with blood before their eyes, +An' in their ears wild fightin' cries, + They ever after shun. +P'r'aps they forget; or find it well +Not to recall too much uv 'Ell. + +An' when they won't loose up their talk + It's 'ard for us to understand +'Ow all those boys we used to know, +Ole Billo, Jim an' Tom an' Joe, + Done things to beat the band. +We knoo they'd fight; but they've became +'Ead ringers at the fightin' game. + +Well, wot I've 'eard from Digger Smith + An' other soldier blokes like 'im +I've put together bit by bit, +An' chewed a long time over it; + An' now I've got a dim +An' 'azy notion in me 'ead +Why they is battlers, born an' bred. + +Wot did they know uv war first off, + When they joined up? Wot did I know +When I was tossed out on me neck +As if I was a shattered wreck + The time I tried to go? +Flat feet! Me feet 'as len'th an' brea'th +Enough to kick a 'Un to death! + +They don't know nothin', bein' reared + Out 'ere where war 'as never spread-- +"A land by bloodless conquest won," +As some son uv a writin' gun + Sez in a book I read +They don't know nix but wot they're told +At school; an' that sticks till they're old. + +Yeh've got to take the kid at school, + Gettin' 'is 'ist'ry lesson learned-- +Then tales uv Nelson an' uv Drake, +Uv Wellin'ton an' Fightin' Blake. + 'Is little 'eart 'as burned +To get right out an' 'ave a go, +An' sock it into some base foe. + +Nothin' but glory fills 'is mind; + The British charge is somethin' grand; +The soldier that 'e reads about +Don't 'ave no time for fear an' doubt; + 'E's the 'eroic brand. +So, when that boy gets in the game, +'E jist wades in an' does the same. + +Not bein' old 'ands at the stunt, + They simply does as they are told; +But, bein' Aussies--Spare me days!-- +They never thinks uv other ways, + But does it brave an' bold. +That's 'arf; an' for the other part +Yeh got to go back to the start. + +Yeh've got to go right back to Dad, + To Gran'dad and the pioneers, +'Oo packed up all their bag uv tricks +An' come out 'ere in fifty-six, + An' battled thro' the years; +Our Gran'dads; _and their women, too_, +That 'ad the grit to face the new. + +It's that old stock; an', more than that, + It's Bill an' Jim an' ev'ry son +Gettin' three good meat meals a day +An' 'eaps uv chance to go an' play + Out in the bonzer sun. +It's partly that; but, don't forget, +When it's all said, there's somethin' yet. + +There's somethin' yet; an' there I'm beat. + Crowds uv these lads I've known, but then, +They 'ave got somethin' from this war, +Somethin' they never 'ad before, + That makes 'en better men. +Better? There's no word I can get +To name it right. There's somethin' yet. + +We 'ear a lot about reward; + We praise, an' sling the cheers about; +But there was debts we can't repay +Piled up on us one single day-- + When that first list come out. +There ain't no way to pay that debt. +Do wot we can--there's somethin' yet. + + + + +X. HALF A MAN + + +Half a Man + +"I WASH me 'ands uv 'im," I tells 'em, straight. + "You women can do wot yeh dash well like. +I leave this 'arf a man to 'is own fate; + I've done me bit, an' now I'm gone on strike. +Do wot yeh please; but don't arsk 'elp from me; +'E's give me nerves; so now I'll let 'im be." + +Doreen an' ole Mar Flood 'as got a scheme. + They've been conspirin' for a week or more +About this Digger Smith, an' now they dream + They've got 'is fucher waitin' in cool store +To 'and 'im out, an' fix 'im up for life. +But they've got Buckley's, as I tells me wife. + +I've seen 'em whisperin' up in our room. + Now they wants me to join in the debate; +But, "Nix," I tells 'em. "I ain't in the boom, + An' Digger Smith ain't risin' to me bait; +'E's fur too fly a fish for me to catch, +An' two designin' women ain't 'is match." + +I puts me foot down firm, an' tells 'em, No! + Their silly plan's a thing I wouldn't touch. +An' then me wife, for 'arf an hour or so, + Talks to me confident, of nothin' much; +Then, 'fore I know it, I am all red 'ot +Into the scheme, an' leader uv the plot. + +'Twas Mar Flood starts it. She got 'old uv 'im-- + You know the way they 'ave with poor, weak men-- +She drops a tear or two concernin' Jim; + Tells 'im wot women 'ave to bear; an' then +She got 'im talkin', like a woman can. +'E never would 'ave squeaked to any man. + +She leads 'im on--It's crook the way they scheme + To talk about this girl 'e's left be'ind. +Not that she's pryin'! Why, she wouldn't dream!-- + But speakin' uv it might jist ease 'is mind. +Then, 'fore 'e knows, 'e's told, to 'is su'prise, +Name an' address--an' colour uv 'er eyes! + +An' then she's off 'ere plottin' with Doreen-- + Bustin' a confidence, I tells 'em, flat. +But all me roustin' leaves 'em both serene + Women don't see a little thing like that. +An' I ain't cooled off yet before they've got +Me workin' for 'em in this crooked plot. + +Nex' day Mar Flood she takes 'er Sund'y dress + An' 'er best little bonnet up to town. +'Er game's to see the girl at this address + An' word 'er in regard to comin' down +To take Smith be su'prise. My part's to fix +A meetin' so there won't be any mix. + +I tips, some'ow, that girl won't 'esitate. + She don't. She comes right back with Mar nex' day, +All uv a fluster. When I seen 'er state + I thinks I'd best see Digger straight away; +'Cos, if I don't, 'e's bound to 'ear the row, +With 'er: "Where is 'e? Can't I see 'im now?" + +I finds 'im in the paddick down at Flood's. + I 'ums an' 'ars a bit about the crops. +'E don't say nothin': goes on baggin' spuds. + "'Ow would yeh like," I sez to 'im, an' stops. +"'Ow would it be" . . . 'E stands an' looks at me +"Now, wot the 'Ell's got into you?" sez 'e. + +That don't restore me confidence a bit. + The drarmer isn't goin' as I tipped. +I corfs, an' makes another shot at it; + While 'e looks at me like 'e thinks I'm dipped. +"Well--jist suppose," I sez; an' then I turn +An' see 'er standin' there among the fern. + +She don't want no prelimin'ries, this tart; + She's broke away before they rung the bell; +She's beat the gun, an' got a flyin' start. + Smith makes a funny noise, an' I sez, "'Ell" +Because I tumbles that I'm out uv place: +But, as I went, I caught sight uv 'er face. + +That's all I want to know. An', as I ran, + I 'ears 'er cry, "My man! Man an' a 'arf! +Don't fool me with yer talk uv 'arf a man!". . . . + An' then I 'ears ole Digger start to larf. +It was a funny larf, so 'elp me bob: +Fair in the middle uv it come a sob. . . . + +I don't see Digger till the other night. + "Well, 'Arf-a-man," I sez. "'Ow goes it now?" +"Yes, 'arf a man," sez 'e. "Yeh got it right; +I can't change that, alone, not any'ow. +But she is mendin' things." 'E starts to larf. +"Some day," 'e sez, "she'll be the better 'arf." + + + + +XI. SAWIN' WOOD + + +Sawin' Wood + +I WONDERED wot was doin'. First I seen +Ole Missus Flood wave signals to Doreen. + I'm in the paddick slashin' down some ferns; + She's comin' up the road; an' if she turns +An 'andspring I won't be su'prised a bit, +The way she's caperin', an' goin' it. + +She yells out some remark when she gets near, +Which I don't catch, I'm too fur off to 'ear. + An' then Doreen comes prancin' to our door, + An' Missus Flood she sprints, an' yells some more; +My wife runs to the gate an' waves 'er arms. . . . +But I lays low; I'm used to these alarms. + +A marri'd bloke, in time, 'e learns a bit; +An' 'e ain't over keen to throw a fit + Each time the women calls the fire-reel out. + It's jist a trifle 'e'll know all about +When things get normal. That's a point I learn; +So I saws wood, an' keeps on cuttin' fern. + +At least, I cut a few. I got to give +Reel fac's, an' own I was inquisitive; + An' these 'ere fireworks gets me fair perplexed. + I watch the 'ouse to see wot 'appens next; +But nothin's doin'. They jist goes on in, +An' leaves me wonderin' wot's caused the din. + +I stands it for a full 'arf-hour or more; +Then gets dead sick uv starin' at the door. + I goes down to the 'ouse an' 'unts about + To find some 'baccer, which I 'ave no doubt +Is in me trousers pocket all the while. +When I goes in, the talk stops, an' they smile. + +I sez I've lost me smoke, an' search a bit, +An' ask Doreen wot 'as became uv it, + An' turns the mantelshelf all upside-down, + An' looks inside the teapot, with a frown; +Then gives it up, an' owns I'd like a drink; +When Missus Flood sez, "Bill, _wot do you think_?" + +Now, ain't that like a woman? Spare me days, +I'll never get resigned to all their ways. + When they 'as news to tell they smile, an' wink, + An' bottle it, an' ask yeh wot yeh think. +It's jist a silly game uv theirs, an' so, +I gives the countersign: "Wot? I dunno." + +"Then guess," she sez. Well, I'm a patient bloke, +So I sits down an' starts to cut a smoke. + (To play this game yeh've got to persevere.) + "Couldn't," I sez, "if I guessed for a year"; +Then lights me pipe, an' waits for 'er to speak. +At last she sez, "_Jim's comin' back next week_!" + +"Go on," sez I; an' puffs away awhile +Quite unconcerned. But for to see 'er smile + Was jist a treat: 'er eyes was shinin' bright, + An' she'd grow'd ten years younger in a night. +Jist 'ere, Doreen she sez to me, "Good Lor, +Wot do yeh want _two_ plugs uv 'baccer for?" + +I takes me pipe out uv me mouth an' stares, +An' stammers, "Must 'ave found a piece--somewheres." + But, by the way she smiles--so extra sweet-- + I know she twigs me game, an' I am beat. +"Fancy," she sez. "Yeh're absent-minded, dear. +Sure there was nothin' else yeh wanted 'ere?" + +"Nothin'," I sez, an' feels a first-prize fool; +An' goes outside, an' grabs the nearest tool. + It was the crosscut; so I works like mad + To keep me self-respeck from goin' bad. +"This game," I tells meself, "will do yeh good. +You ain't proficient, yet, at sawin' wood." + + + + +XII. JIM + + +Jim + +"NOW, be the Hokey Fly!" sez Peter Begg. +"Suppose 'e comes 'ome with a wooden leg. + Suppose 'e isn't fit to darnce at all, + Then, ain't we 'asty fixin' up this ball? +A little tournament at Bridge is my +Idear," sez Peter. "Be the Hokey Fly!" + +Ole Peter Begg is gettin' on in years. +'E owns a reel good farm; an' all 'e fears + Is that some girl will land 'im, by are by, + An' share it with 'im--be the Hokey Fly. +That's 'is pet swear-word, an' I dunno wot +'E's meanin', but 'e uses it a lot. + +"Darncin'!" growls Begg. We're fixin' up the 'all +With bits uv green stuff for a little ball + To welcome Jim, 'oo's comin' 'ome nex' day. + We're 'angin' flags around to make things gay, +An' shiftin' chairs, an' candle-greasin' floors, +'As is our way when blokes come 'ome from wars. + +"A little game uv Bridge," sez Peter Begg, +"Would be more decent like, an' p'r'aps a keg + Uv somethin' if the 'ero's feelin' dry. + But this 'ere darncin'! Be the Hokey Fly, +These selfish women never thinks at all +About the guest; they only wants the ball. + +"Now, cards," sez Begg, "amuses ev'ry one. +An' then our soldier guest could 'ave 'is fun + If 'e'd lost _both_ 'is legs. It makes me sick + 'Ere! Don't yeh spread that candle-grease too thick +Yeh're wastin' it; an' us men 'as to buy +Enough for nonsense, be the Hokey Fly!" + +Begg, 'e ain't never keen on wastin' much. +"Peter," I sez, "it's you that needs a crutch. + Why don't yeh get a wife, an' settle down?" + 'E looks reel fierce, an' answers, with a frown, +"Do you think I am goin' to be rooked +For 'arf me tucker, jist to get it cooked?" + +I lets it go at that, an' does me job; +An' when a little later on I lob + Along the 'omeward track, down by Flood's gate + I meet ole Digger Smith, an' stops to state +Me views about the weather an' the war. . . . +'E tells me Jim gets 'ere nex' day, at four. + +An' as we talk, I sees along the road +A strange bloke 'umpin' some queer sort uv load. + I points 'im out to Smith an' sez; "'Oo's that? + Looks like a soldier, don't 'e, be 'is 'at?" +"Stranger," sez Digger, "be the cut uv 'im." +But, trust a mother's eyes. . . . "_It's Jim! My Jim_! + +"My Jim!" I 'ears; an', scootin' up the track +Come Missus Flood, with Flo close at 'er back. + It was a race, for lover an' for son; + They finished neck an' neck; but mother won, +For it was 'er that got the first good 'ug. +(I'm so took back I stands there like a mug.) + +_Then_ come Flo's turn; an' Jim an' Digger they +Shake 'ands without no fancy, gran'-stand play. + Yeh'd think they parted yesterd'y, them two. + For all the wild 'eroics that they do. +"Yeh done it, lad," sez Jim. "I knoo yeh would." +"You bet," sez Smith; "but I'm all to the good." + +Then, uv a sudden, all their tongues is loosed. +They finds me there an' I am intrajuiced; + An' Jim tells 'ow it was 'e come to land + So soon, while Mar an' Flo each 'olds a 'and. +But, jist as sudden, they all stop an' stare +Down to the 'ouse, at Dad Flood standin' there. + +'E's got 'is 'and up shadin' off the sun. +Then 'e starts up to them; but Dad don't run + 'E isn't 'owlin' for 'is lost boy's kiss; + 'E's got 'is own sweet way in things like this. +'E wanders up, an' stands an' looks at Jim. +An', spare me days, that look was extra grim! + +I seen the mother pluckin' at 'er dress; +I seen the girl's white face an' 'er distress. + An' Digger Smith, 'e looks reel queer to me + Grinnin' inside 'imself 'e seemed to be. +At last Dad sez--oh, 'e's a tough ole gun! +"Well, are yeh sorry now for wot yeh done?" + +Jim gives a start; but answers with a grin, +"Well, Dad, I 'ave been learnin' discipline. + An' tho' I ain't quite sure wot did occur + Way back"--'e's grinnin' worse--"I'm sorry, sir." +(It beats me, that, about these soldier blokes +They're always grinnin', like all things was jokes.) + +P'r'aps Dad is gettin' dull in 'is ole age; +But 'e don't seem to see Jim's cammyflage. + P'r'aps 'e don't want to; for, in 'is ole eye, + I seen a twinkle as 'e give reply. +"Nex' week," 'e sez, "we will begin to cart +The taters. Yeh can make another start." + +But then 'e grabs Jim's 'and. I seen the joy +In mother's eyes. "Now, welcome 'ome, me boy," + Sez Dad; an' then 'e adds, "Yeh've made me proud;" + That's all. An' 'e don't add it none too loud. +Dad don't express 'is feelin's in a shout; +It cost 'im somethin' to git that much out. + + . . . . . . . . . + + +We 'ad the darnce. An', spite uv all Begg's fears, +Jim darnced like 'e could keep it up for years; + Mostly with Flo. We don't let up till three; + An' then ole Peter Begg, Doreen an' me +We walk together 'ome, an' on the way, +Doreen 'as quite a lot uv things to say. + +"Did you see Flo?" sez she. "Don't she look grand? +That Jim's the luckiest in all the land-- + An' little Smith--that girl uv 'is, I'm sure, + She'll bring 'im 'appiness that will endure." +She 'ugs my arm, then sez, "'Usband or wife, +If it's the right one, is the wealth uv life." + +I sneaks a look at Begg, an' answers, "Yes, +Yeh're right, ole girl; that's the reel 'appiness. + An' if ole, lonely growlers was to know + The worth uv 'appy marridge 'ere below, +They'd swap their bank-books for a wife," sez I. +Sez Peter Begg, "_Well! Be the--Hokey--Fly_!" + + + + +XIII. A SQUARE DEAL + + +A Square Deal + +"DREAMIN'?" I sez to Digger Smith. + "Buck up, ole sport, an' smile. +Ain't there enough uv joy to-day +To drive the bogey man away + An' make reel things worth while? +A bloke would think, to see you stare, +There's visions on the 'ill-tops there." + +"Dreamin'," sez Digger Smith. "Why not? + An' there is visions too. +An' when I get 'em sorted out, +An' strafe that little bogey, Doubt, + I'll start me life all new. +Oh, I ain't crook; but packed in 'ere +Is thoughts: enough to last a year. + +"I'm thinkin' things," sez Digger Smith. + "I'm thinkin' big an' fine +Uv Life an' Love an' all the rest, +An' wot is right an' wot is best, + An' 'ow much will be mine. +Not that I'm wantin' overmuch +Some work, some play, an' food an' such." + +"See 'ere," I sez. "You 'ark to me. + I've done some thinkin' too. +An' this 'ere land, for wot yeh did, +Owes some few million solid quid + To fightin' blokes like you. +So don't be too dam modest or +Yeh'll git less than yeh're lookin' for." + +"Money?" sez Digger. "Loot?" sez 'e + "Aw, give that talk a rest! +I'm sick uv it. I didn't say +That I was thinkin' all uv pay, + But wot was right an' best. +An' that ain't in the crazy game +Uv grabbin' wealth an' chasin' fame. + +"Do you think us blokes Over There, + When things was goin' strong, +Was keepin' ledgers day be day +An' reck'nin' wot the crowd would pay? + Pull off! Yeh got it wrong. +Do you think all the boys gone West +Wants great swank 'ead-stones on their chest? + +"You chaps at 'ome 'as small ideer + Uv wot we think an' feel. +We done our bit an' seen it thro', +An' all that we are askin' you + Is jist a fair, square deal. +We want this land we battled for +To settle up--an' somethin' more. + +"We want the land we battled for + To be a land worth while. +We're sick uv greed, an' 'ate, an' strife, +An' all the mess that's made uv life." . . . + 'E stopped a bit to smile. +"I got these thoughts Out There becos +We learnt wot mateship reely was." + + . . . . . . . . + + +The hills be'ind the orchard trees + Was showin' misty blue. +The ev'nin' light was growin' dim; +An' down I sat 'longside uv 'im, + An' done some dreamin' too. +I dreams uv war; an' wot is paid +By blokes that went an' blokes that stayed. + +I dreams uv honour an' reward, + An' 'ow to pay a debt. +For partin' cash, an' buyin' farms, +An' fittin' chaps with legs an' arms + Ain't all--there's somethin' yet. +There's still a solid balance due; +An' now it's up to me an' you. + +There's men I know ain't yet woke up, + Or reckernized that debt-- +Proud men 'oo wouldn't take yeh down +Or owe their grocer 'arf-a-crown-- + They ain't considered, yet, +There's somethin' owin'--to the dead, +An' Diggers live for more than bread. + +"_We_ learnt wot mateship was," 'e sez. + "Us Diggers found the good +That's hid away somewhere in chaps, +An' ain't searched for enough, per'aps, + Or prized, or understood. +But all this game uv grab an' greed +An' silly 'ate--Why, where's the need?" + +The hills be'ind the orchard trees + Jist caught the settin' sun. +A bloke might easy think that there, +'Way back be'ind the range somewhere, + Where streaks uv sunlight run, +There was a land, swep' clear uv doubt, +Where men finds wot they dreams about. + + . . . . . . . . . + + +"Beauty," sez Digger, sudden-like, + "An' love, an' kindliness; +The chance to live a clean, straight life, +A dinkum deal for kids an' wife + A man needs nothin' less. . . . +Maybe they'll get it when I go +To push up daisies. I dunno." + +"Dreamin'," sez Digger Smith. "Why not? + There's visions on the hill.". . . +Then I gets up an' steals away, +An' leaves 'im with the dyin' day, + Dreamin' an' doubtin' still. . . . +Cobber, it's up to me an' you +To see that 'arf 'is dream comes true. + + + THE END + + + +GLOSSARY + +Alley, to throw in the.--To surrender. +Ar.--An exclamation expressing joy, sorrow, surprise, etc., + according to the manner of utterance. +Aussie.--Australia; an Australian. + +Bag of tricks.--All one's belongings. +Barrack.--To take sides. +Beat the band.--To amaze. +Bint.--Girl. +Bird, to give the.--To treat with derision. +Blighty.--London. +Blind.--Deception, "bluff." +Bloke.--A male adult of the genus homo. +Bluff.--Cunning practice; make-believe; to deceive; to mislead. +Bonzer,--The best. +Book.--In whist, six tricks. +Booked.--Engaged. +Buckley's (Chance)--A forlorn hope. +Buck up.--Cheer up. +Bunk, to do a.--To depart. + +Chap.--A "bloke" or "cove." +Chuck off--To chaff; to employ sarcasm. +Chuck up.--To relinquish. +Chump.--A foolish fellow. +Cobber--A boon companion. +Coot.--A person of no account (used contemptuously). +Cove--A "chap" or "bloke." q.v. (Gipsy). +Cow.--A thoroughly unworthy, not to say despicable person, + place, thing or circumstance. +Crack--To smite. +Crack hardy.--To suppress emotion; to endure patiently; + to keep a secret. +Crook.--Unwell; dishonest; spurious; fraudulent. + Superlative, dead crook. +Crook.--A dishonest or evil person. +Crool.--To frustrate; to interfere with. + +Dead.--In a superlative degree; very. +Deal.--A "hand" at cards. +Digger.--An infantryman; a comrade. +Dilly.--Foolish; half-witted. +Dinkum.--Honest; true. +Dipped.--Mentally deficient. +Dizzy limit--The utmost; the superlative degree. +Dope.--A drug. +Dud.--No good; ineffective; used up. + +Fag.--A cigarette. +Final, to run one's.--To die. +Final kick.--Final leave. +Fly.--A turn; a try. + +Game.--Occupation; scheme; design. +Grandstand play.--Playing to the gallery. +Groggy.--Unsteady. +Grouch.--To mope; to grumble. + +Hokey Fly, by the.--A mild expletive, + without any particular meaning. +Hump, to--To carry, as a swag or other burden. + +Job.--Work, occupation. +John 'Op (or Jonop)--Policeman. +Jolt.--A blow. + +Keep one down.--Take a drink. +Kick.--Leave. +Kick about.--To loaf or hang about. +Kid--A child. +Kid, to.--To deceive; to persuade with flattery. +Lob, to--To arrive. +Lurk--A plan of action; a regular occupation. +Moniker.--A name; a title; a signature. +Mug.--A simpleton. + +Nail.--Catch. +Nark.--s., a spoil--sport; a churlish fellow. +Nark, to.--To annoy; to foil. +Neck and neck.--Side by side. +Nix.--Nothing. +Nod, on the.--Without payment. + +Pal.--A friend; a mate (Gipsy). +Part.--Give; hand over. +Pins.--Legs. +Pull, to take a.--To desist; to discontinue. +Pull off.--Desist. +Pull my (or your) leg.--To deceive or get the best of. +Punter.--The natural prey of bookmakers (betting men). +Push up daisies, to.--To be interred. + +Quid.--A sovereign, or pound sterling. + +Rag.--Song in rag time. +Rattled--Excited; confused. +Recomeniber.--Remember. +Renege.--To fail to follow suit (in playing cards); to quit. +Rile--To annoy. +Riled--Roused to anger. +Ringer.--Expert. +Rook, to.--To "take down." +Rouse (or Roust).--To upbraid with many words. +Ructions.--Growling; argument. +Run 'is final.--Died. + +Sawing wood--"Bluffing;" biding one's time. +School.--A club; a clique of gamblers, or others. +Scoot.--To hurry; to scuttle. +Scrap.--Fight. +Shicker--Intoxicating liquor. +Skite.--To boast. +Slam,--Making all the tricks (in card-playing). +Sling.--Discard; throw. +Slope, to.--To leave in haste. +Smooge.--To flatter or fawn; to bill and coo. +Snarky--Angry. +Sock it into.--To administer physical punishment. +S.O.S--Signal of distress or warning, used in telegraphy. +Spare my days.--A pious ejaculation. +Spell.--Rest or change. +Sprag--To accost truculently; to convince. +Spuds.--Potatoes. +Square.--Upright; honest. +Squeak.--To give away a secret. +Stoke.--Eat. +Stop one.--To receive a blow. +Stoush--To punch with the fist. s., Violence. +Strength.--Truth; correct estimate. +Strike me!--The innocuous remnant of a hardy curse. +'Struth!--An emaciated oath. +Stunt.--A performance; a tale. [At the front: a battle, engagement] +Swank.--Affectation; ostentation. +Swap.--Exchange. +Swiv'ly--Afraid, or unable, to look straight. + +Take down.--Deceive; get the best of. +Tart.--A young woman (contraction of sweetheart). +Tater--Potato. +Throw in the alley.--To surrender. +Tip.--A warning; a prognostication; a hint. +Toff.--An exalted person. +Tony.--Stylish. +Tossed out on my neck.--Rejected. +Track with--To woo; to "go walking with." +Treat.--Very much or very good. +Tucker.--Food. +Twig.--To observe; to espy. + +Umptydoo.--Far-fetched; "crook." +Up to us.--Our duty. + +Wade in--Take your fill. +Wise, to put.--To explain; to instruct. +Wowser--A narrow-minded, intolerant person. + + +Yap--To talk volubly. + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DIGGER SMITH*** + + +******* This file should be named 15524.txt or 15524.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/5/5/2/15524 + + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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