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- float: left; - margin-right: 1em } - -.align-right { clear: right; - float: right; - margin-left: 1em } - -.align-center { margin-left: auto; - margin-right: auto } - -div.shrinkwrap { display: table; } - -/* SECTIONS */ - -body { margin: 5% 10% 5% 10% } - -/* compact list items containing just one p */ -li p.pfirst { margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0 } - -.first { margin-top: 0 !important; - text-indent: 0 !important } -.last { margin-bottom: 0 !important } - -span.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.1em 0 0; line-height: 1 } -img.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.5em 0 0; max-width: 25% } -span.dropspan { font-variant: small-caps } - -.no-page-break { page-break-before: avoid !important } - -/* PAGINATION */ - -.pageno { position: absolute; right: 95%; font: medium sans-serif; text-indent: 0 } -.pageno:after { color: gray; content: '[' attr(title) ']' } -.lineno { position: absolute; left: 95%; font: medium sans-serif; text-indent: 0 } -.lineno:after { color: gray; content: '[' attr(title) ']' } -.toc-pageref { float: right } - -@media screen { - .coverpage, .frontispiece, .titlepage, .verso, .dedication, .plainpage - { margin: 10% 0; } - - div.clearpage, div.cleardoublepage - { margin: 10% 0; border: none; border-top: 1px solid gray; } - - .vfill { margin: 5% 10% } -} - -@media print { - div.clearpage { page-break-before: always; padding-top: 10% } - div.cleardoublepage { page-break-before: right; padding-top: 10% } - - .vfill { margin-top: 20% } - h2.title { margin-top: 20% } -} - -/* DIV */ -pre { font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.9em; white-space: pre-wrap } - -</style> -<title>PALS</title> -<meta name="PG.Rights" content="Public Domain" /> -<meta name="PG.Title" content="Pals" /> -<meta name="PG.Producer" content="Al Haines" /> -<link rel="coverpage" href="images/img-cover.jpg" /> -<meta name="DC.Creator" content="Joseph Bowes" /> -<meta name="DC.Created" content="1910" /> -<meta name="MARCREL.ill" content="John Macfarlane" /> -<meta name="PG.Id" content="44369" /> -<meta name="PG.Released" content="2013-12-08" /> -<meta name="DC.Language" content="en" /> -<meta name="DC.Title" content="Pals Young Australians in Sport and Adventure" /> - -<link href="http://purl.org/dc/terms/" rel="schema.DCTERMS" /> -<link href="http://id.loc.gov/vocabulary/relators" rel="schema.MARCREL" /> -<meta content="Pals Young Australians in Sport and Adventure" name="DCTERMS.title" /> -<meta content="pals.rst" name="DCTERMS.source" /> -<meta content="en" scheme="DCTERMS.RFC4646" name="DCTERMS.language" /> -<meta content="2013-12-09T05:42:36.228724+00:00" scheme="DCTERMS.W3CDTF" name="DCTERMS.modified" /> -<meta content="Project Gutenberg" name="DCTERMS.publisher" /> -<meta content="Public Domain in the USA." name="DCTERMS.rights" /> -<link href="http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/44369" rel="DCTERMS.isFormatOf" /> -<meta content="Joseph Bowes" name="DCTERMS.creator" /> -<meta content="John Macfarlane" name="MARCREL.ill" /> -<meta content="2013-12-08" scheme="DCTERMS.W3CDTF" name="DCTERMS.created" /> -<meta content="width=device-width" name="viewport" /> -<meta content="EpubMaker 0.3.20a7 by Marcello Perathoner <webmaster@gutenberg.org>" name="generator" /> -</head> -<body> -<div class="document" id="pals"> -<h1 class="center document-title level-1 pfirst title"><span class="x-large">PALS</span></h1> - -<!-- this is the default PG-RST stylesheet --> -<!-- figure and image styles for non-image formats --> -<!-- default transition --> -<!-- default attribution --> -<!-- -*- encoding: utf-8 -*- --> -<div class="clearpage"> -</div> -<!-- -*- encoding: utf-8 -*- --> -<div class="align-None container language-en pgheader" id="pg-header" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span>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 </span><a class="reference internal" href="#project-gutenberg-license">Project Gutenberg License</a><span> -included with this eBook or online at -</span><a class="reference external" href="http://www.gutenberg.org/license">http://www.gutenberg.org/license</a><span>.</span></p> -<p class="noindent pnext"></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<div class="align-None container" id="pg-machine-header"> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span>Title: Pals -<br /> Young Australians in Sport and Adventure -<br /> -<br />Author: Joseph Bowes -<br /> -<br />Release Date: December 08, 2013 [EBook #44369] -<br /> -<br />Language: English -<br /> -<br />Character set encoding: UTF-8</span></p> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst" id="pg-start-line"><span>*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK </span><span>PALS</span><span> ***</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst" id="pg-produced-by"><span>Produced by Al Haines.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span></span></p> -</div> -<div class="align-None container coverpage"> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure margin" style="width: 67%" id="figure-64"> -<img class="align-center block" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt="Cover art" src="images/img-cover.jpg" /> -<div class="caption centerleft figure-caption margin"> -<span class="italics">Cover art</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -</div> -<div class="align-None container frontispiece"> -<p class="center pfirst" id="with-incredible-difficulty-yellow-billy-managed-to-pass-his-whip-thong-twice-round-the-brute-s-neck"><span class="bold">[Frontispiece: With incredible difficulty Yellow Billy -<br />managed to pass his whip thong twice round the brute's -<br />neck—</span><em class="bold italics">See p.</em><span class="bold"> </span><a class="bold reference internal" href="#id4">188</a><span class="bold">. (missing from book)]</span></p> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<div class="align-None container titlepage"> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="x-large">PALS</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="large">YOUNG AUSTRALIANS -<br />IN SPORT AND ADVENTURE</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">BY</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="large">JOSEPH BOWES</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><em class="italics medium">WITH EIGHT FULL-PAGE COLOURED ILLUSTRATIONS -<br />BY JOHN MACFARLANE</em></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">LONDON: JAMES GLASS -<br />28 NEWGATE STREET -<br />1910</span></p> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="bold large">CONTENTS</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">CHAP.</span></p> -<ol class="upperroman simple"> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#by-way-of-introduction">By Way of Introduction</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-bushrangers">The Bushrangers</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#a-desperate-encounter">A Desperate Encounter</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-great-match">The Great Match</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-big-flood">The Big Flood</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#on-the-face-of-the-waters">On the Face of the Waters</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-death-of-the-forest-monarch">The Death of the Forest Monarch</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#what-the-tree-held">What the Tree held</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-rescue">The Rescue</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-return">The Return</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-breaking-up">The Breaking Up</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#down-the-river">Down the River</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#off-for-the-holidays">Off for the Holidays</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#christmas-fun-and-frolic">Christmas Fun and Frolic</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#a-bush-ride-and-its-consequences">A Bush Ride and its Consequences</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-dingo-raid">The Dingo Raid</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#dingo-v-emu-a-fight-to-a-finish">Dingo *v.* Emu: A Fight to a Finish</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-chase-and-its-sequel">The Chase and its Sequel</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#concerning-wild-horses">Concerning Wild Horses</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-brumby-hunt">The Brumby Hunt</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-warrigal-s-strategy">The Warrigal's Strategy</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#how-yellow-billy-broke-the-warrigal">How Yellow Billy broke the Warrigal</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#a-day-s-shoot">A Day's Shoot</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-corrobberie">The Corrobberie</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#in-the-bushrangers-caves">In the Bushrangers' Caves</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-explorers">The Explorers</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#a-respite">A Respite</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-camp-by-the-sea">The Camp by the Sea</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#at-the-mercy-of-the-sea-tiger">At the Mercy of the Sea-Tiger</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#in-and-about-the-camp">In and About the Camp</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#off-to-the-gold-diggings">Off to the Gold Diggings</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#how-they-struck-gold">How they struck Gold</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#bullion-and-bushranger">Bullion and Bushranger</a></p> -</li> -</ol> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="bold large">LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#with-incredible-difficulty-yellow-billy-managed-to-pass-his-whip-thong-twice-round-the-brute-s-neck">With incredible difficulty Yellow Billy managed to pass his whip -thong twice round the brute's neck</a><span> (missing from -book) . . . </span><em class="italics">Frontispiece</em></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#suddenly-the-forest-monarch-topples-lurches-staggers-and-falls-with-a-mighty-crash">Suddenly the Forest Monarch topples, lurches, staggers and falls -with a mighty crash</a></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-neighbours-saw-far-out-on-the-wild-wreckage-strewn-waters-a-tiny-boat-with-four-slight-figures">The neighbours saw, far out on the wild, wreckage-strewn waters, -a tiny boat with four slight figures</a></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-emu-failed-to-elude-the-panther-like-spring">The emu failed to elude the panther-like spring</a></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#retreating-one-moment-and-advancing-the-following-uttering-war-cries">Retreating one moment and advancing the following, uttering -war-cries</a></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-huge-brute-lashed-the-water-into-foam-and-swam-round-and-round-in-a-circle">The huge brute lashed the water into foam, and swam round -and round in a circle</a></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#we-ve-struck-it-rich-i-do-believe-cried-the-stockman">"We've struck it rich, I do believe," cried the stockman</a></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#behind-the-lantern-came-a-voice-that-more-than-the-lantern-or-even-pistol-cowed-them-stop-hands-up">Behind the lantern came a voice that more than the lantern, or -even pistol, cowed them: "*Stop! Hands up!*"</a><span> (missing from book)</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<!-- --> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>The grey gums by the lonely creek</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>The star-crowned height,</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>The wind-swept plain, the dim blue peak,</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>The cold white light,</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>The solitude spread near and far</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Around the camp-fire's tiny star,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The horse-bell's melody remote,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The curlew's melancholy note,</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>Across the night.</span></div> -<div class="line"> </div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>GEORGE ESSEX EVANS</span></div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="by-way-of-introduction"><span class="bold x-large">PALS</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER I</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">BY WAY OF INTRODUCTION</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span class="small">"Happy season of virtuous youth, when shame is still an impassable -barrier, and the sacred air cities of hope have not shrunk into the mean -clay hamlets of reality; and man by his nature is yet infinite and -free."—CARLYLE.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"Comin' over to-night, Tom?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By jings! I'd like to, Joe, but dad said this morning -he was going to shell corn to-night. You know what that -means. What's on?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh! Sandy's stayin' in for the night; so I thought of -gettin' Jimmy Flynn an' Yellow Billy so's we could have -bushrangers, an' stick up the coach by moonlight. If -they can't come, Sandy an' I'll go 'possumin' in the -slaughter-house paddock."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I say! what a jolly lark the bushranging'd be. How'd -you manage it, Joe?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We've planned that out all right. We'd get Jimmy -Flynn's billy-goat cart an' the billies. He'd be mailman, -an' it'd be gold-escort day. Yellow Billy'd be the trooper; -he's got a pistol, you know. He'd ride the roan steer -he's broken in. Then you, Sandy, an' I'd be Ben Bolt's -gang. We'd do a plant in a lonely spot along the road -an' surprise 'em. I'd tackle Billy, you'd look after -Jimmy, Sandy 'd collar the mailbags and gold boxes, and -then scoot with the loot. I think it'd be better to shoot -Billy, so's to make it a bit more real; that's what Ben -Bolt'd do."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But, Joe, where'd we get the guns?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'd get father's. You'd have to make believe with a -nulla-nulla. We could stick a boomerang in our belts, it'd -look like pistols in the dark."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But I say, Joe, ole chap, you wouldn't really shoot -Billy?" said Tom in a tone that savoured both of fear -and scepticism.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You're a precious muff, Hawkins! I was just kidding -you. No, you stupid, it's all gammon. The noise the -powder 'll make 'll scare the seven senses outer Billy."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By golly! it'll be crummie enough. Put it off till -to-morrow, Joe, an' I'll come."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Can't be done, my boy. Sandy'll not be here, for one -thing. Besides, I have to pull father down to Yallaroi -Bend to-morrow. It's his service night there. Sorry you -can't come, Tom. We'll have to do our best without you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh Moses! to think that I can't join!" groaned Tom. -"Look here, Joe, I—I'll do a sneak. I'll be here somehow, -you may bet your Sunday breeks," continued the eager -lad, as he stepped into the little "flat-bottom" boat which -had brought him over.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Joe!" he shouted when he had rowed some distance -from the shore. "I'll give a cooee if I can get, an' two -cooees if the way's blocked. So don't start till you hear."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Right-o!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The place where these boys lived, moved, and had their -being was a district famed for its fertility, on one of the -northern rivers in New South Wales.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The river itself had many of the elements of nobility -and beauty as, taking its rise in the snowy heights of the -New England ranges, it clove its way eastward, finally -debouching into the blue waters of the Pacific. The -river-flats formed magnificent stretches of arable lands; too -rich, indeed, for such cereals as wheat and oats, for -their rank growth rendered them liable to the fatal rust.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Here, however, was the home of the maize, the -pumpkin, the sweet potato, the orange, the lemon, the -plantain. Here too, the natural sequence, in a way, of -the prolific corn and the multitudinous pumpkin, were -reared and flourished the unromantic pig.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Fed on pumpkins, with skim milk for beverage, topped -off with corn, the Australian grunter—whether as -delicious, crisp bacon, or posing as aristocratic -ham—produces flesh with a flavour fit to set before a king.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Away from the river-flats the land becomes undulating -and ridgy, and well grassed for cattle runs. In the scrub -belts, running back from the river and its affluents into -the hilly country, are to be found valuable timbers, hard -and soft; especially that forest noble, the red cedar.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Cattle runs of large extent exist in the back-blocks, -formed in the early days by that class of men to whom -Australia owes so much; the men who to-day are vilified -by those not worthy to black their boots: the hardy, -adventurous, courageous, indomitable pioneer, who more -often than not laid down his life and his fortune in the -interest of Colonial expansion and occupation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At intervals along the river-banks are small settlements, -dignified by the name of townships. Tareela, the -principal village, skirted both sides of the river, and was -connected by a ferry. Here were located the Government -offices for the district, together with the stores, hotels, -school, etc.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Joe Blain, the minister's son, was the leader of the -village lads. He had two pals, who were inseparable from -him: Sandy M'Intyre, the squatter's son, whose father -owned Bullaroi, a cattle station situated a few miles from -the town, and Tom Hawkins, a farmer's son, the youngest -of the trio. These boys gave tone and direction to the -fun and frolic of the settlement. Of them it is sufficient -to say at present that they were not pedestal lads.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At this time a noted bushranger and his mate were -raiding the settlements. All police pursuit was futile, -owing to the resourcefulness of the 'rangers. They had a -keen knowledge of the open country and the mountain -ranges. Furthermore, they were generally mounted on -blood horses, usually "borrowed" from the surrounding -station studs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>These men had many sympathisers among the lawlessly -inclined, and, strange to say, among law-abiding settlers. -The "bush-telegraph" was an institution in those days. -Certain friends of the 'rangers kept them posted up in -the movements of the police, sometimes by word of mouth, -at others by writings on paper or bark, which were -deposited in rock crevices or in tree hollows, known only -to the initiated. Sometimes a young lad, or even a girl, -would ride scores of miles across country to give them -warning.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The police were not wanting in bush lore or courage, -and in the end invariably ran their quarry to earth. But -an outlaw often had a long career in crime, owing to the -aid given, ere he was trapped. Thanks to closer -settlement, the advance of education, and the general use of -the electric telegraph, bushranging has become a matter -of history. The species is now to be found only in the -stage melodrama, the itinerating waxwork show, or -embalmed in literature.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-bushrangers"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER II</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">"THE BUSHRANGERS</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">"</span><em class="italics small">Poins</em><span class="small">: Tut! our horses they shall not see. I'll tie them in the -wood; our visors we will change after we leave them; and, sirrah, I -have cases of buckram for the nonce to immask our noted outward -garments.</span></p> -<p class="noindent pnext"><span class="small">"</span><em class="italics small">Prince</em><span class="small">: But I doubt they will be too hard for us."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span class="small">SHAKESPEARE, Henry IV.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>After leaving Tom Hawkins, or, to put it more correctly, -after Tom had paddled away in his punt, Joe Blain -proceeded to look up Jimmy Flynn, the blacksmith's -apprentice, and Yellow Billy, a half-caste youth, whose -father followed the occupation of a timber-getter in the -ranges. Yellow Billy was generally employed as yard -boy at the Travellers' Best Inn, and a rough time he -often had, especially when the timber-getters were -dissolving their hard-earned gold in alcohol.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>One of Billy's duties was to milk the cows and tend the -calves. Among the latter was a yearling steer, which he -broke in and rode on the quiet. Many an hour's frolic -the boys had in the moonlight in riding the steer. This -animal had a good slice of the rogue in its composition, -with a propensity for buck-jumping. When in a certain -mood it would be as stubborn as a donkey and as savage -as a mule.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After standing, say for some minutes, never budging, in -spite of thwackings and tail-twistings, it would suddenly -take to buck-jumping. Oh, my, couldn't it buck! Woe -betide the unlucky rider when it was in this mood. Torn -from his hold—a rope round its brisket—one moment -behold him sprawling over its back, the next whirling through -space, finally deposited with more force than elegance on -the turf. All this, however, was great fun for the boys, -who encouraged the brute in its bucking moods, each -mounting in turns, to lie prone sooner or later on mother -earth, amid the uproarious laughter of his fellows.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Billy was the exception. He was a born rider. Unable -to shift him from its back, the brute became quite docile -in his hands, and kept its tricks for the others.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jimmy and Billy were ready and willing to fill their -parts in the bill. The former, at "knock off," went out to -the town common to round his goats, and Billy promised -to be ready, "steered," so to speak, by the time appointed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The road fixed upon was the track that led out from the -township to a large sawmill, distant about six miles. It -was a solitary road, passing through a scrub-belt, crossing -several minor creeks, threading its way over a rocky -ridge, winding through a rather wild defile, and ending at -the mill; the sort of place, indeed, to present numerous -opportunities for the criminal enterprise on hand. A -spot where one could get "nice and creepy," as Joe said to -Yellow Billy, much to that young man's disquiet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The plan of campaign was simple enough. Joe, Tom, -and Sandy were to set out as soon as possible after -sundown and choose their spot for attack; while Jimmy was -to drive the Royal Billy-goat Mailcart, with Trooper Yellow -Billy a little in advance, as per custom.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The embryo bushrangers, unfortunately, had only one -horse between them; the one Sandy rode to school. Mr. Blain's -horse, on which the boys counted, was being used by -the minister to take him to a moonlight service some -distance out from the river. It was settled, therefore, that -the three boys should bestride Sandy's stout cob, which was -well able to carry these juvenile desperadoes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Mother!" shouted Joe, as he strode into the house in -the late afternoon, from the wood-pile, where he had been -chopping the next day's supply, "we're going to have -grand fun to-night."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What sort of fun, my son?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Bushranging along the sawmill road. Can I go -mother? We've got such a grand plot."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, I don't mind; but don't be out late."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"S'pose I can have the gun?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The g-u-n!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, mother. No need to fear. It's all play."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, don't load it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Only with powder to make a bang."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I don't like the idea, my boy. Gun accidents often -happen in play. You remember Jim Andrews——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh yes, mother, but that's different! It was loaded."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the end, owing to the boy's importunity, Mrs. Blain -reluctantly consented.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Early tea being duly dispatched, the boys made the -necessary preparations for their dark deed. Joe produced -a pair of knee-boots, the some time property of his -father. He made them fit by sticking rags into the toes. -He thrust his trousers' legs into the boot-tops, and wound -a red scarf round his waist, through which he stuck a -boomerang and nulla-nulla. A 'possum-skin cap adorned -his head. His final act was to fasten on a corn-tassel -moustache, and to strap his gun across his back. The -broad effect of the costume was to make this youthful -outlaw a cross, as it were, between Robinson Crusoe and -a Greek brigand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Indeed he quite terrified his two sisters, as he suddenly -entered the sitting-room to the accompaniment of a -blood-curdling yell. This the girls match with a shriek that -wakes up the sleeping baby, bringing the mother in with -a rush.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For a moment Mrs. Blain, seeing Joe in the half-light, -thought some ruffian had entered.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's very thoughtless and wrong of you, Joe, to frighten -your sisters. I—I—I'm quite angry with you——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very sorry, mater," said Joe, with a serio-comic air. "I -only meant to give them a start."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The girls, however, began to laugh, Joe looked such an -oddity. They turned the tables on him by quizzing him -most unmercifully. At last our young hero was very glad -to beat a retreat to the backyard, where he found Sandy -busy in saddling the horse.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Joe's confederate had roughened himself as much as -circumstances permitted. In lieu of a skin cap he tied a -big handkerchief round his hat, and stuck a couple of -turkey-tail feathers through it. He had manufactured a -brace of pistols out of short lengths of bamboo, with -corn-cobs, stuck in bored holes at an angle, to form the stocks. -These, with a boomerang and nulla-nulla slung at either -side, and a short spear fixed in his belt at the back and -standing over his head, made him in appearance more -like a red Indian than a Colonial free-booter.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All ready, Hawkeye?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, ole pal. The mustang is waiting, and the brave -will vault into the saddle at Thundercloud's word of -command," answered Hawkeye in bastard Cooperese. -Fenimore of that ilk was Sandy's favourite author.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hast thou heard the signal of Red Murphy?" said -Joe, falling into the strain of speech.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, Thundercloud. No sound from our brither of -the hither shore hath been borne on the wings of the wind -across the——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, stow that rot, Sand—Hawkeye! I wonder?——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yon's the cry of the chiel," broke in the would-be -brave, as at that moment the cooee of Tom Hawkins, -alias Red Murphy, rose in the still air, faint from the -distance, but distinct.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A single cooee! Rippin! he's comin'. Let's mount -and wait at the landing."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hardly had the boys reached the river-bank ere Red -Murphy appeared, attired much as the others, with the -addition of an old blunderbuss belonging to his father.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's all right, boys! Hurroar! Dad broke the handle -of the corn-sheller this evening, and sent me over with -it to the blacksmith's. I'm to wait till it's mended. -Wait a jiff an' I'll be with you," cried he, as he ran to the -smithy, returning as fast as his legs could bring him, with -the news that the broken handle could not be repaired -under three hours owing to other urgent work.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Joe rapidly detailed the plan, informing Tom, at the -same time, that his name and character were to be that -of Red Murphy, one of the blood-thirstiest and most -rapacious cut-throats in the Colonies.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="a-desperate-encounter"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER III</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">A DESPERATE ENCOUNTER</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span class="small">"</span><em class="italics small">Falstaff</em><span class="small">: I am a rogue if I were not -at half-sword with a dozen of them -two hours together. I have 'scaped by miracle. -I am eight times thrust -through the doublet; four through the hose; my buckler cut through; -my sword hacked like a handsaw </span><em class="italics small">ecce signum</em><span class="small">. -I never dealt better since -I was a man; all would not do."—SHAKESPEARE, </span><em class="italics small">Henry IV</em><span class="small">.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Joe had barely made his explanations before the -rumbling of the approaching cart was heard. It was the -Royal Mail starting on its adventurous trip.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Time to be off, pals!" cried the leader. "Now then, -Hawkeye, whip 'em up."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Off started the trio, Thundercloud, Hawkeye, and Red -Murphy; each delivering a blood-curdling yell which -rang up and down the street, as they passed through it -at a smart canter. It had never fallen to the lot of horse, -before, to bear upon its back at the same time three -such ferocious outlaws, bent on so diabolical an errand. -Behind them, and at a slower pace, came the Royal Mail -goatcart, drawn by four strong billies, skilfully driven -by coachman Jimmy, and attended by Trooper Billy -astride his cud-chewing steed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After leaving the township the road skirted the river -for a mile or so, then, crossing a plank bridge, bore away -to the hills. The silver moon shone from the clear sky -through the pure air, making the tree shadows as they -lay across the road to resemble fallen timber. The -nocturnal 'possum, having ventured to the ground to feed -upon the tender grass, scudded up the trees, frightened -by the rumbling vehicle and the baaing steeds. The -thud of paddy-melon[#] and wallaby could be distinctly -heard, as they smote the earth in their jumping -movements; while from the heights of some lofty tree the -mopoke[#] tolled his mournful cry.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">[#] "Paddy-melon," a small marsupial or pouch-bearing mammal.</span></p> -<p class="noindent pnext"><span class="small">[#] "Mopoke," the Australian crested goat-sucker.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The coach had now passed the three-mile creek, and -still there was no sound of disturbing element. The -coachman and trooper, having intelligence to the effect -that the 'rangers were "out," and had threatened to "stick" -up the gold-escort, were on the </span><em class="italics">qui vive</em><span>. They surmised -that the attack would come in the scrub-belt, and about -the spot where the creek intersected. Here the tall, -overhanging trees, interlaced as they were with a thick -vinous growth, effectually barred the moon's rays.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was the ideal spot for ambush, and the hearts of the -boys beat faster, and a nervous apprehension amounting -to fear seized them, as they passed among the shadows. -Everything had a distorted appearance, and again and -again they trembled, as it were, on the verge of attack. -They had chatted freely until the darkness of the -scrub closed in upon them. Under its oppression, and -by reason of the dread uncertainty, what had before -seemed to be only a prime lark now presented itself as -a grim reality.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They drove on slowly now, conversing only in whispers, -for the night silences, the deepening shadows, and the -unseen before them, all contributed to the mental mood -which affected the boys. The creek banks and bed, save -for a solitary moon-ray which silvered the rippling water, -were enwrapped in thick darkness. Pulling up at the -brink, the boys held a short conversation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Goin' ter cross, Jimmy?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I—I—s'pose so, Billy. Measly black ahead, ain't it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You're not frightened, are you?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Wot! me? No fear! Y'are yourself!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I like that! Wot's to be frightened of?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Yet the boys, if truth be told, were a good deal alarmed -by the unwonted darkness and stillness.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, s'pose we'd better be gettin' on. Don't care how -soon we git outer this hole. You cross ahead, Billy, an' do -a bit o' scoutin'. I'll wait here till you git up the bank -on the other side."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Yellow Billy didn't like the prospect, and would have -proposed turning back, but was afraid of being called a -coward. Therefore, despite an apprehension of the -darkness, accentuated by his aboriginal strain, and very much -against his will, the half-caste plunged down the creek -bed, and mounted the other side without let or hindrance, -greatly to his surprise and relief.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But where are the 'rangers?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Of them the darkness gave no token and the silence is -unbroken. Jimmy had some difficulty in getting his -leaders to tackle the creek. It was only after he left the -cart, seized their heads, and half-dragged them into the -water that he effected his purpose. The scrub thinned -out shortly after passing the creek, and the spirits of the -boys rose with the increasing moonlight.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"They missed a grand charnce at the crick, Billy!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By dad, they did that! I wonder where they are. -P'raps they've given us the slip."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The road took a sudden turn just here, leading over a -rocky ridge. At a farther sharp turn, under the lee of a -bank, a big log lay across the road.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hello, here's a go, Jimmy! You'll have to drive -round. No! you can't do that. Wait a moment an' -I'll——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Bail up!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The cry, crisp and startling, rang out, as three figures -darted from the shadow of a huge tree which stood near. -Thundercloud, the leader of the band of bushrangers, -pointed his gun at the driver. Hawkeye made a dash at -the trooper, while Red Murphy seized hold of the leading -billies.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hands up!" cried Thundercloud in the highest style -of bushranging. "Your money or your life!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Trooper Billy was not disposed to yield without a -struggle, and at the first cry he whipped out his pistol, -firing at his aggressor point blank, missing the leader but -hitting his confederate, Hawkeye, who tumbled down with -a loud squeal, as unlike an Indian war-whoop as it is -possible to imagine. Simultaneously, Thundercloud -discharged his gun at Jimmy the coachman, who, instead of -putting his hands up at the challenge, began to lash the -billies, and had just turned them off the log, when—pop, -crash! went the two weapons.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And now the unforeseen occurred. The steer and the -billies bolted! Down the ridge and along the road they -dashed at breakneck speed; the steer roaring and kicking, -the four strong billies baaing, and neither driver nor -rider could control the brutes. Away they scurried along -the rough bush-track, the cart bumping and rocking over -the ruts; every jump of the trap bringing a fresh bleat -from the fear-stricken goats.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After racing along for nearly a mile and finding his -steed unmanageable, getting frightened too, Yellow Billy -slipped over the stern, and by good luck dropped upon -his feet. It was different with Jimmy, who gallantly hung -on to the billies. The creek was what he most feared, and -it was very close now. He had, however, got a pull on -the beasts, and they were slackening a little, but, as -ill-luck would have it, on going down a gully one of the -wheels caught a tree root, and in a jiffy capsized the cart, -sending the driver head over heels into a clump of -bracken.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The incident gave fresh impetus to the runaways, who -rushed on baaing; dashing at length down the steep -incline of the creek, the cart righted itself as it tumbled -adown the gradient. They tore over the stream and up -the bank, finally leaving the track, and getting boxed up -in the scrub.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After lying in a stunned condition for a few minutes, -Jimmy scrambled up. But the moment he put his weight -on his right foot he let out a yell, caused by the terrific -pain that shot through his ankle. It was unbearable, and -he tumbled down in an almost fainting condition.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meanwhile the outlaws stood aghast at the unexpected -and startling turn of events. Thundercloud was the first -to recover his speech.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Great Cæsar! who would have dreamt of a bolt? -Just listen to the brutes!" as the animals tore along, -baaing and roaring in a way possible only to frightened -billies and calves.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I—I—didn't know he'd loaded his pistol. I—I—I -thought for sure I was a goon coon," gasped Hawkeye, who, -after lying for a minute under the impression that he was -mortally wounded, got up, rubbing his face and head, -half terrified as his hands became wet with flowing blood, -and only reassured after Joe had declared that the blood -was from his nose. As a matter of fact, he had sustained -a smart blow upon his prominent feature with the pistol -wad; his cheeks, also, were scorched with the powder -flare.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Red Murphy, who had just grasped the billies' heads -when the guns were fired, was thrown down in their mad -rush, and had his shins severely barked on the rocky -ground.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Drat the brutes! Oh, I say, here's a go! Listen to -the beggars! Ain't they footin' it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"To horse! to horse, pals!" cried Thundercloud, making -hasty strides to a patch of scrub where they had tied up -the horse. In a few seconds the three were mounted and -away with a swinging canter, adding their yells to the -cries of the beasts. They were soon up to the spot where -Jimmy had come to grief, when, thundering down the -gully, the horse made a shy at the prostrate coachman, -shooting off Thundercloud and Red Murphy. They -scrambled up quickly, none the worse for their spill. -Hawkeye immediately reined in his steed and rejoined -his dismounted companions.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boys were greatly concerned to find Jimmy in this -condition. The affair began to assume a serious aspect. -They were no longer outlaws and police: they were pals, -and Jimmy was suffering intense pain from his sprained -ankle. After a short consultation the boy was placed on -the horse, which was led by Sandy. The others followed -behind, making a somewhat mournful spectacle. In due -course they reached the goatcart, now in possession of -Yellow Billy, who had disentangled the team and was -waiting for the others to come along. The steer -meanwhile continued his career at headlong speed, until he -pulled up at the milking yards in an exhausted condition. -Mrs. Blain, as the hours sped by, began to get concerned -at the non-return of the boys. Concern deepened -into anxiety. She became a prey to evil imaginings, as -do all our dear mothers. They are lost! ... Some dreadful -accident has happened! ... That gun! ... Their legs, arms, -necks, are broken! And so on and on, running over the -whole gamut of catastrophy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She goes out to scan the streets, and listens with -strained ears for some enheartening sound of footsteps. -Lights are out in the village. Even the dogs are sleeping. -No shuffle of advancing feet; no rattle of wheels as they -grind in the ruts: no sound, indeed, is borne upon the -night wind save the mystic noises of the flowing river, -which fill the air with a deep undertone. Above this, at -intervals, come the splashing sounds of the jumping fish; -the smooth splash of the falling mullet, the tail flutter of -the rising perch. The wood-duck's soft quack-quack, and -the red-bill's chuckle, are to be heard as they move among -the sedges. No landward sound!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Stay! a dark shadow swiftly steals along the earth like -a spirit of evil omen, and passes through the house, across -the street, as it strikes the walls. While from above -comes a wail as that of a lost soul.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The poor woman quivers and shivers at the unwonted -sight and sound. She knows not that the apparition is -the shadow of a black swan, which is sailing high up in -the heavens; it crosses the moon, and utters its melancholy -note as it wings its flight to the feeding grounds. The -mother is now on the outskirts of the town, under the -shadows of the trees. Every leaf is a tongue; every -tongue whispers—Something! which dries the throat and -fills the ears with heart-thumps. "Why did I? ... That -gun! ... What will father? ... Why don't they -come? ... Which track? ... Hark! Yes, 'tis the -galloping hoofs ... Oh, God! it is the steer! ... -Riderless! ... This way, then.... On, on, on! ... At -last! ..."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Cheer up, mother ... no harm done ... Jimmy had -a bit of a buster an' sprained his ankle.... Scold us, -mother, but—don't cry!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The hour is verging on midnight as five weary lads, -four billies, one horse, and one thankful woman straggled -into the silent township. All romance, for the moment, -had gone out of bushranging.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-great-match"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER IV</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">THE GREAT MATCH</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<!-- --> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>"God bless the grilling days of cricket!</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>They're gone but I shall bless them ever,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>For good it is to guard a wicket</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>By sudden wrist and big endeavour."</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>NORMAN GALE.</span></div> -<div class="line"> </div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>"There's a breathless hush in the close to night,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Ten to make and the match to win,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>A bumping pitch and a blinding light,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>An hour to play and the last man in."</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>HENRY NEWBOLT.</span></div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"Hawkins, stand out!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Please, sir, I wasn't doin' nothin'!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, you wasn't doin' nothin', but you have been -talking all morning, you tiresome boy! Write out -'disobedient' three hundred times after school."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The fact is, Tom was relating the bushranging episode -to a schoolmate, and, like Tom Sawyer, he "laid over" -considerably in his recital. While in the act of enlarging -he was brought to book in this peremptory fashion by the -master, and had to do penance with as little relish as -most boys.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Sorry you can't come out and play, Tom," said Joe -Blain, poking his head into the empty schoolhouse after -dismissal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's a beastly shame! What are you fellows up to?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Goin' to practise for the Dingdongla match. After -that we'll have a swim."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, rot it!" grunted the chagrined prisoner.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Say, Tom, don't forget to come along to-night an' help -pick the team."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll be there, never fret."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, so-long. Wire in, and keep your pecker up."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dingdongla was an up-river settlement; Tareela a -down-river town. The latter named was the older and -more substantial place, being the headquarters of the -shipping. As a consequence it was instinct with the -superior air generally to be met with in places of -metropolitan pretensions. In schools, too, the down-river -town had the advantage. Its school building was of sawn -timber, with a shingle roof. Furthermore, it possessed two -teachers, and pine desks. While, on the other hand, the -up-river academy was constructed of roughly adzed slabs -and a bark roof.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For the Dingdonglas to be thrashed in cricket by the -Tareelians was not considered to be a disgrace. </span><em class="italics">Per -contra</em><span>, their victory was a splendid achievement, and a -great humiliation to their opponents. The latter was fairly -beaten by the former last season, and naught would restore -their prestige save the administration of an unmitigated -licking. So, at least, thought the match Committee, as they -conned names, and analysed the merits of the candidates -on the name list.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Needless to say, Joe, Tom, and Sandy headed the list of -certainties. Yellow Billy came next; for though a very -irregular attendant at school, he was a tremendous swiper -when he got his eye in. Billy had dragged more than -one match out of the fire.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Saturday morning broke fair. Shortly after an early -breakfast a cavalcade of about twenty youthful horsemen, -followed by two teachers in a gig, were scampering along -the bush road to Dingdongla, distant about nine miles up -the river. Oh, the merry, merry days of youth! Those -are the days of the superlative mood.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was a merry, roaring, romping, racing crowd of -youngsters that tore along the bush track. They jumped -fallen timber and gullies; chased the flying marsupial; -and spurted in couples for short lengths. There were -minor accidents, 'tis true. Pincher Putnan's horse, in a -fit of pig-jumping, broke a girth, sending Pincher and -saddle to mother earth. Yellow Billy's half-broken -brumby fairly bolted in a race, cleared off the road, and -rushed through a belt of timber at breakneck speed, -towards his native haunts in the Nulla ranges. It was -only the superb horsemanship of the half-caste that saved -him from being dashed against the trees in the headlong -flight.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In due time Dingdongla is reached. The horses are -turned out in a maize stubble paddock, where is a fine -picking, and the boys stroll on to the ground to have -a look at the pitch.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Whatyer think of the pitch, Joe?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You'll have to keep your eye skinned for shooters -Rody. The ball'll keep very low. Must keep a straight -bat and forward play."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The stumps, like much of the material, were home-made. -The Dingdonglas had only one "spring handle"; the others -were chopped out of beech boards. The Tareelians were -not much better off for material. They, it is true, had -two "spring handles,"—more or less battered,—and -could boast a pair of wicket gloves, but for the rest -were like their opponents, sans leggings and gloves. -That, however, was a small item; for every boy who -possessed boots doffed them, rolling his trouser legs to -the knees and his shirt sleeves to the elbows.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Got all your men, Wilson?" said Joe to the -Dingdonglas' captain.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, they're all here. May as well toss for innin's, Joe."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Right you are," responds Joe, ejecting a jet of saliva -on a piece of flat wood. "Shall I toss, or you?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You toss, Joe."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Call you!" cried Blain, tossing the board with a twirl -skywards. "Wet or dry?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Wet!" called Wilson, as the wood spun in the air.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Dry!" exclaimed Joe, as it lay on the ground with its -dry side uppermost. "We've won, and go in."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Tom," said he a moment later, "you and Yellow Billy -go in first, an' you take the strike."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The batsmen were soon in their places, and the Dingdongs -in the field. The innings opened fairly well for the -Tareelians. Yellow Billy got quickly to work, and laid -on the wood to some purpose; Tom playing carefully -the while.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Facing the Dingdonglas' swift bowler, after a smart -short-hit run Billy sent a well-pitched ball for four, -a rattling, straight-hit drive. But in trying to repeat -the stroke off the next ball he misjudged, and, skying the -sphere, was easily caught.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"One wicket for twenty!" of which the half-caste -contributed fifteen.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After this the troubles of the batsmen set in. The -Dingdongs were strong in bowling talent, and possessed -a local Spofforth, whose lightning deliveries shot and -kicked in a marvellous fashion. Joe, going in fifth man, -stayed the "rot" for a while, but was foolishly run out -by his mate.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Tareelians were all out in an hour for the small -total of forty-seven. If the down-river boys were -despondent over this score, the up-rivers were correspondingly -jubilant. Going to the wickets with plenty of -confidence, they rattled up ninety-nine before the last -wicket fell; the captain carrying out his bat for a -well-earned forty-two.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Adjournment for lunch was now made. We call -it lunch by courtesy. It was a big bush feed. This -repast was served in the schoolhouse, the rough desks -being converted into tables, which were literally covered -with good things.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Dingdonglas' mothers were determined that, whoever -won, the boys of both sides should have a rippin' feed. -A stuffed sucking-pig, whose savoury odour filled the -room, lay at one end. Roast wild duck and a cold -pigeon-pie balanced it at the other. An immense round of -spiced beef, standing in the centre of the long table, -seemed to say: "You may cut and come again." Potatoes -and pumpkins smoked in big tin bowls, and -all the available space was filled with cakes, puddings, -and pies. Needless to say, the onslaught was terrific. -They were all sloggers at tuck. Meats, puddings, cakes, -tea, and ginger-beer disappeared like magic.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>All good things mundane, however, come to an end; -especially when the good thing happens to be a dinner. -And now, after divers whisperings and nudgings, up stood -Captain Joe, amid the cheers of his side.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Joe was silent a moment, nervously looking up and -down the board, and heartily wishing himself at the -bottom of the deep blue sea. "Mr. Chairman" (addressing -the local schoolmaster), "I—we—that is—us fellows -from Tareela asked me to tell you—I mean to say, -that—that—that—a—it gives us much pleasure—er—er—oh, -hang it all!—I—I mean—er—this is the jolliest blow in the -way of tuck we've ever had." Joe subsided to the rattle -of the knives on the bare board. As soon as the noise -ceased, Tom Hawkins jumped up and called: "Three -cheers for the Dingdonglas!" which were heartily given.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Half an hour's lounge, and the battle began afresh.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We've got fifty-two to wipe out before we start even, -boys. We can do it, and score plenty more to win the -game, if we keep our heads. Anyway, we must have -a big try. Billy an' I'll go in first; Tom next, and then -Pincher. The order of the rest of you depends on the -way things turn out."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Look here, Billy," continued the captain, as the two -batsmen walked to the wickets. "They've got two -slashing bowlers, but if we can manage to knock 'em out -they've no one else of much account. Get your eye well -in before you do any slogging."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All right, Joe! Do me best."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Your best means steady play and a big score. I'll -take the strike."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>If Joe was nervous in public speech it was not -observable in action. He played Ginger Smith's fast -deliveries with confidence, punishing the loose balls and -blocking the straight ones. Billy, too, was playing with -unwonted caution, and the score, though slowly, was -surely mounting up; until after half an hour's play it -stood at twenty-five, with no wickets down. There were -no boundaries, and every hit was run out.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, glory, what a swipe!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Yellow Billy had got hold of one of Ginger's leg balls -with a mighty lunge. The ball seemed as if it would -go on for ever, and finally rolled into a gutter. They ran -six for it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was great cheering among the Tareelians. -Mr. Simpson, who umpired, forgot for a moment his -impartial office. Flinging his hat into the air, he cried, -"Bravo, Billy!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thirty-one an' none out. Only twenty-one to get level!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boys were now scoring faster; singles, twos, threes -were coming with great rapidity. Joe made his first -four, a sweet, square cut.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Forty-nine an' no wickets down!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Joe faced the new bowler. The local demon had -begun to bowl wildly, and was relieved.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"They'll never bowl them!" cried young Ben Wilde, as -Joe took block for the new-comer—a lad with a reputation -for slow left-hand twisters. The first ball was pitched on -the leg stump; just the ball for Joe's favourite leg glance.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It went for two.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Only one to make us even!" shouted Tom to his -captain. The second ball was pitched in exactly the -same spot, and Joe proceeded to treat it in the same -fashion. The sphere, however, had a little more twist on -it than its predecessor, and, breaking on to the left bail, -flicked it off.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was a great chorus of disappointment among the -Tareelians, and hearty cheers from their opponents, as -the captain's wicket fell. His twenty-one, got by true -cricket, was worth twice that number by reason of the -spirit of confidence he had infused.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Billy and Tom carried the score to seventy-three, when -the latter was caught for ten. Pincher fell a victim to a -very simple ball from an under-hand lob bowler, after -making seven. Sandy gave the bowlers some trouble, -and got into double figures before he retired. All this -while Billy was scoring well, and, when Sandy's wicket -fell, had made fifty runs. All the boys scored less or -more; and when the innings closed had compiled a total -of one hundred and thirty-seven, of which Billy made -seventy-one and not out. This was a grand achievement, -and the half-caste was carried off the ground amid great -applause.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This left the Dingdongs eighty-six runs to win, which -they failed to do by seventeen runs, Sleepy Sam stumping -no less than three off young Ben's slow lobs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was great cheering as the victorious cricketers -rode in the dusk of the evening through the main street -of Tareela, after a grand day's fun.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-big-flood"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER V</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">THE BIG FLOOD</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<!-- --> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>"The day is cold and dark and dreary;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>It rains, and the wind is never weary;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The vine still clings to the mouldering wall;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>But at every gust the dead leaves fall,</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>And the day is dark and dreary."</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>LONGFELLOW.</span></div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Drip, drip, drip!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Croak, croak, c-r-o-a-k!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Quack-quack, quack-quack!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Heigho!" grunted Tom Hawkins, as he turned over -sleepily in bed. "Is it ever goin' to stop rainin'?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For some days a steady rain had been falling, soaking -the ground. Every gully was a rivulet, and every -depression a lake.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Tom!" cried a feminine voice from an interior room. -"Get up!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Bother those frogs an' ducks!" muttered the lad, full -of sleep in the grey of the early morning. "Like ter -choke 'em! waking fler——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Tom!" cried a masculine voice, as a hand rattled the -door of the lad's bedroom, and a boot gave a drum-like -accompaniment on the lower panel. "Git up this minit -an' run the cows in, or I'll——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But Tom had jumped out of bed as nimbly as one of -the frogs, between whose croak and his father's bass -voice he seemed unable, in his sleepy condition, to -discriminate.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All right, father! I'm dressing," shouted Tom, as the -word "dowsing" fell on his ear. There had been times in -master Tom's past when a sudden application of cold -water was deemed necessary to expedite his slow movements.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Dad's too mighty smart! Thought I'd nick him with -that button," growled Tom, as he stuck his legs into his -pants; said button being an iron tee snip, fastened so as -to act as a bolt.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Jemima! ain't it dark! Must be very early," muttered -the reluctant boy, as he strove to lace his boots. -"Drat it! Shan't wear 'em; too wet."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My crikey!" cried he as he stood outside. "Must -have been rainin' cats an' dogs, an' lakes an' seas."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>His moleskins were rolled up to his thighs, while a -cornsack, hooded at the bottom, and stuck on to his head -like a nun's veil, gave him fair protection from the -driving showers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I wonder if it's goin' to be a flood?" The thought -was not unpleasant to the lad. It produced, indeed, a -certain exaltation of spirits, forcibly expressed in Tom's -vernacular by, "Ge-willikins! but won't we have fun!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Heavily laden clouds, in interminable succession, were -drifting from the sea, forming, as they swung overhead -in batches, an endless series of smart showers. It had -been an exceptionally wet week, and for the preceding -twenty-four hours had rained without ceasing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The cows depastured in a paddock that ran back from -a creek to the timbered country. The creek itself was -bank high and running strongly. It was only by climbing -along the branches of a dead limb, which spanned the -water, that Tom managed to reach the kine.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was no small task to get them to face the stream. -Small as was the creek in width, it was deep enough to -make a swim, and the roaring, turbid, and muddy stream -frightened the creatures. But for the fact that the -calves were in a pen at the milking yard all Tom's -efforts would have been futile. Their mooing and baaing, -however, made a loud appeal to the maternal breast. -Finally, when the old red poley, the mother of twins, -made a plunge, the rest followed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>During the morning the river rose steadily, and large -quantities of drift-wood passed down the stream. With -the rubbish was a good deal of heavy timber, and—what -Tom had predicted—pumpkins. This was an indication -that the river up-stream had overflowed its banks in -places, and was sweeping the low-lying farm lands. Tom -spent the morning in fishing out the floating vegetables -that came within reach of his hooked pole. Meanwhile -the rain continued, and looked as though it might last for -forty days and nights.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll pull over to the township this afternoon," -remarked Mr. Hawkins at the midday meal. "I'm anxious -about this rise. Looks as if we're goin' to have an old -man flood. Might get some information about the state -of things up-river. If I leave it till to-morrow 'twill be -a tough job gettin' acrost, as the timber's comin' down -pretty thick now, an'll be worse by an' by."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Be sure'n bring tea and flour back with you. No -knowing how long the rise'll last."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Can I go with you, father?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes; I'll require you to steer. It'll be a pretty stiff -job, I reckon."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The crossing was not without peril. The current ran -fierce and strong. The landing-place on the other side -was protected, in a measure, by a headland up-stream. -Out from the influence of that, however, the boatmen -felt the full force of the current. The water seethed and -foamed. The violence of its rush created great -whirlpools, which accentuated the difficulty of keeping the -boat's head up-stream. Logs and driftwood patches had -to be dodged, and, what with fighting the current and -outflanking the timber, by the time the river was crossed -the boat had drifted quite half a mile down-stream. On -gaining the other side they found a shore eddy, in which -they were able to paddle up-stream with ease, until they -came to a point of land about two hundred yards below -the town wharf. As they lost the eddy here, and would -have to encounter the full force of the flood when round -the point, Mr. Hawkins wisely determined to tie up the -boat in the slack water.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When Hawkins arrived at the store, where many of -the townsfolk had congregated, he was informed that -news had been brought down by the mailman that -morning to the effect that heavy rains were falling at -the head of the river, and that when the New England -waters came down in full force the river might rise to -the "high flood" marks.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Cooees could now be heard from the settlers in the -low-lying portions, adjacent to the township. They -proceeded from those who had neglected to move before -being surrounded, and who were without boats. The -police were busily engaged in rescuing families by boat. -Many townsfolk were engaged on the same merciful -errand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>All through the day the waters, fed by the flooded -creeks, continued to rise, and as evening approached -anxiety deepened. Things were so serious that -Mr. Hawkins, whose farm, be it said, was situated on -comparatively low-lying lands, acting upon the advice of his -friends, returned home almost at once. After hoisting -the most valuable of his possessions to the rafters, and -securing them there, he returned to the township with -his family; gaining it as dusk was deepening into dark. -The family was distributed among neighbours, Tom and -one of his sisters being quartered at Mr. Blain's.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A group of men and boys throughout the day had lined -the bank of the river, in the vicinity of the Government -wharf, which was submerged. They were engaged in -gauging its rate of advance by pine laths scaled to -inches.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Towards evening the wind, veering from east to south-east, -increased in violence. Laden with torrential showers, -it smote the earth in great gusts, streaming through roofs -and walls, and taxing the ingenuity of housekeepers to -find dry spots for beds.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The wind and flood waters, travelling in opposite -directions, conflicted with great violence. The roaring, -boastful wind, as it lashed the racing, defiant waters into -angry waves, and the universe-filling sounds of the -seething, surging flood-waters, as they wrestled with -and overbore all opposing forces, made storm music, -compared with which the artifices of man touch the -infinitely puny. Darkness and the blinding rain had -driven most of the river watchers indoors. A few, -however, braved the elements, among them the minister -and the lads.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Whatever effect the flood may have had on others, the -dominant feeling in Mr. Blain's mind was that of solicitude. -As the rain continued, deep concern merged into alarm. -There were few on the river who knew as intimately as -he the general havoc of a flood. The executive head of -the Flood-relief Committee for many years, he had been -the chief instrument in administering doles to flood -victims. In many cases the utmost relief was as a drop -of succour in the ocean of need.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If the rise continues for another twenty-four hours, as -it is doing now, it will beat the 'sixty-four flood, and, if so, -God help our down-river friends," remarked the minister -after examining Joe's gauge by the aid of a lantern.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The '64 flood was the highest known to white men up -to the present. The settlers still retained a vivid -recollection of its disastrous effects. Luckily, the township -covered a piece of high ground, and though the low -parts were covered in a moderate flood, the higher -portions were some feet above the highest flood-mark. It -was in the farming settlements that danger lurked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If this yere flood beats 'sixty-four, it'll be as you -say, Parson; good-bye to many up-river an' down-river folk."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mr. Blain's words had impressed both men and boys. -Suddenly Joe, who was in the midst of the group, sang -out lustily—</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hurrah! wind's changed!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What's that?" shouted back Mr. Blain excitedly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't you feel it?" cried the boy, as he swung his -arms windmill fashion.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes; thank God! The lad's right," continued he. -"The wind's chopping. Don't you feel it, men? -Ah! there's a decided puff from the north-east."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Take my word for it," said the ferryman, an old sailor, -"the wind'll be blowing west afore morning."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Pray God it may!" ejaculated the minister, and many -a silent prayer was uttered.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now, boys, let us return home. We can do no good -standing here. We'll come back in an hour or so."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Listen!" exclaimed Tom, as the boys splashed through -the water on their way home. Laying his hand on Joe's -shoulder, he cried, "Do you hear that?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't hear anything but the roar of the river," replied -Joe, as he stood in a listening attitude. "What was it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hark! there it is again. A cooee. Seems to come -from up the river, near the Bend. Some un's in trouble."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now, boys, make haste and get in out of the rain," -cried Mr. Blain, who had hurried along.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Some one's crying out for help at the Bend," shouted Joe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The minister paused on hearing this. A moment later -the cry came out of the night: faint, because of the -distance and the turmoil of sounds, yet clear and convincing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Great God! some poor soul in dire straits, and no -help possible before morning!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It would have been worse than madness to attempt -any rescue till daylight. To traverse the flood, even in -daytime, anywhere near the Bend, were a hazardous -experiment, owing to the enormous vortices caused by -the current striking a high bluff on the near side, at -the elbow. The waters whirled like a merry-go-round -under full steam, and boiled with an upward heave, in -a fashion similar to the mud springs of Tiketere. None -but the stoutest boat and most experienced rowers could -dodge these seething cauldrons, which caught into their -cold and cruel embrace trees, fencing, stock; anything -material, in fact. The heaviest logs and tree-lengths -were as wisps of straw under the influence of the mighty -suction. To attempt the traverse at night were as -foolhardy and impossible as that of shooting Niagara in an -open boat.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A little group stood with the Blains, listening to the -weird cry.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Who d'yer think it c'd be, sir?" said one of the -men, turning to the minister.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not any of the Bend families. We had word this -afternoon saying that they had retreated to the high -land before the waters reached them. God help the -poor soul, whoever it is, for vain is the help of man!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Throughout the live-long night the cry went up at -intervals, like that of the minute-gun of a distressed -vessel. Shortly before daybreak it ceased.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>No man or woman in the township slept that night. -A strict watch was kept on the river, so as to be ready -for any emergency. The waters continued to advance, -but at a much slower rate. Men and women cudgelled -their brains to individualise the wailing cry. Most were -agreed that it was a woman's cry, though some held it -to be that of a child. Sometimes the voice was ghoulish, -and made the flesh to creep and the heart to flutter. -Then an intensely human note would prevail, full of -anguish and terror, and women wept and stopped their -ears, while strong men choked in the throat.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They would go out at intervals and send back a -heartening cry; it was all that could be done. There -were many others throughout that fearful night who -were engulfed in the flood, in various parts of the river, -and, swan-like, wailed their death-song in the wild waste.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Shortly after midnight the rain ceased, and the wind, -which had been chopping and changing for the past few -hours, settled finally in the west. This proved a -conspicuous advantage. It no longer checked the -flood-waters as when in the east, and there was now good -hope that they would recede ere long, as the rise was -almost imperceptible.</span></p> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure margin" style="width: 61%" id="figure-65"> -<span id="suddenly-the-forest-monarch-topples-lurches-staggers-and-falls-with-a-mighty-crash"></span><img class="align-center block" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt=""Suddenly the Forest Monarch topples, lurches, staggers and falls with mighty crash."" src="images/img-032.jpg" /> -<div class="caption centerleft figure-caption margin"> -<span class="italics">"Suddenly the Forest Monarch topples, lurches, staggers and falls with mighty crash."—</span><em class="italics">See p.</em><span class="italics"> </span><a class="italics reference internal" href="#id1">43</a><span class="italics">.</span></div> -</div> -<p class="pnext"><span>When day had dawned a wild, weird scene was revealed. -The town had become an island. On all sides the -flood-waters stretched out, covering gardens and farms, and -completely blotting out the fair landscape. On the -riverside the turgid stream tore along in its hurry, bearing -on its dirty, foam-crested bosom, as its spoils, the -household gods, farm stock, and produce of many a settler. -Horses, cattle, pigs, goats, dogs, fowls: these, swept off -by the encroaching waters, and carried over fences into -the stream, struggled, vainly for the most part, in the -rapid, death-dealing current. Haystacks, barns, -wood-frame buildings intact, floated in the torrential waters, -sooner or later crashing into the great trees that bore -down-stream, making utter shipwreck.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="on-the-face-of-the-waters"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER VI</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">ON THE FACE OF THE WATERS</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span class="small">"The floods have lifted up, O Lord, -the floods have lifted up their -voice; the floods lift up their waves."—Ps. xciii. 3.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"Where's the dad, girls?" shouted Joe Blain early in the -morning, after the events recorded in the previous chapter, -dashing into the room as he yelled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Here!" came a voice from the back verandah. -Running to the spot indicated by the monosyllable, -the lad in breathless accents delivered himself to his -paternal relative in this fashion—</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Please, dad, can Tom, Billy, Jimmy, and I have the -boat to paddle out on the back-water?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Um—er—well, as long as you keep in the slack -water I suppose you may; but be very careful, my boy."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, dad; we'll be careful enough. It's all slack -water you know, 'cept where the river water comes in; -but that's a long way up, an' we'll be paddlin' mostly -about this end of the slack."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>An explanation is needed here in order that the reader -may intelligently follow the course of events (some of -them dramatic enough, and even tragic) which transpired -in the course of this eventful cruise.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It has already been stated that the flood waters so -surrounded Tareela as to convert the township into an -island. It was so practically. Accurately speaking it -formed a peninsula, with the narrowest of necks. On -the river side there was a broad expanse of boiling, -foaming, hurrying waters, narrowing here and there, -where the banks rose above their usual height, but -stretching far and wide where the river-flats intervened; -sometimes touching the horizon, as it were. On the other -side lay a body of water, as far removed from motion as -the tumultuous stream was instinct with it. There it -lay, a wide extent of placid, coffee-coloured water, broken -at its surface by fence tops, belts of trees, and partially -submerged houses. This great stretch was almost currentless, -and the débris that floated on its bosom appeared -stationary; though, as a matter of fact, there was a -slight outward drift.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The secret of its placidity lay in the fact that the -river waters, when they reached a certain height, backed -up a blind gully that ran almost parallel with the stream -for some distance, then swerved from the river, and -widened out till it became a depression of considerable -magnitude. This, in turn, merged into a swamp, -contiguous to the township on its western side. Low-lying -and occupied lands surrounded the swamp for some -distance. The town end of these flats, which the river -water backing up through the gully had submerged, -making a long reach of stagnant waters, formed the area -of the boys' row.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The minister's boat was a light yet staunchly built -vessel, and belonged to the skiff variety. Her capabilities -were to be put to the utmost test. Several of the town -boats were moving on the face of the still waters, their -occupants busily engaged in capturing the flotsam. The -owners of houses, in particular, were anxiously conning -their submerged property, or gathering together floating -domestic articles. In this way a good deal of house -property was recovered.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boys found enjoyment in the novelty of the cruise. -They pulled two oars, taking turns at the rowing. Of the -non-rowers, one acted as steersman and the other as -bowman for the capture of the flood spoils. Several -melons and pumpkins were picked up, but they were not -troubling about these. For one reason, they did not want -to be encumbered with spoil of that kind, and for another -they were keen on pulling about the flooded houses. -Their chief and most interesting rescue was a cat and -two kittens, which had found an ark of refuge on a barn -door.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I say, boys, we'll have a go at these oranges," said Joe, -who was steering, as they were passing a small orangery -which was half submerged. This proposal received hearty -and unanimous assent. Accordingly Joe selected the -most promising tree, and deftly ran alongside its outer -branches.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Look out for snakes!" cried he.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was abundant cause for warning, for each tree -contained a number of serpents, some of which are very -deadly. These reptiles were flooded out of their holes in -the ground, and from hollow logs and stumps, and made -for the trees or any floating timber that offered refuge. -Fortunately the snakes were more or less benumbed with -the cold, consequently they were the reverse of lively. -Had it been otherwise, to have made fast to the tree -would have been foolhardy to a degree.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Agreeably to Joe's warning, every eye was skinned and -on the look out. Indeed, the tree was fairly swarming -with snakes of many sorts and sizes; though for the most -part they consisted of "tree" and "carpet" varieties; -one of the latter, lying across the top, being fully ten feet -in length. These two mentioned varieties are not venomous. -The farmers, for the most part, look with a friendly -eye upon the carpet species; so called by reason of its -tawny and black markings. The carpet snake in summer -time is the best of all mousers and ratters. It winds its -sinuous way into places impossible to even puss or terrier; -and is always a welcome visitor to settlers' barns. There -it becomes a pet, and will live on terms of friendship with -its primal foe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There were snakes of a very different order in the -orange tree. Among them the "tiger," most aggressive -and poisonous of all the genus. There were also specimens -of the black and the brown snakes. All these are cobras, -and therefore very deadly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The snakes, as related, were all more or less torpid -with cold, and not pugnaciously inclined. The boys, -however, were very careful not to disturb them. There -was plenty of golden fruit upon the tree, and it was -in prime condition. The fruit was neatly cut off the -stems by strokes of the paddle blade. When a sufficient -quantity was thus plucked, and lay bobbing in the water, -they were poked out from the tree by the same means, -and secured. The boat lay off a little distance from -the tree while the crew indulged in a feed of the -luscious fruit. A visit was then paid to a plantain -grove, and a quantity, both of green and ripe fruit, was -secured.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Where away now, Joe?" said Tom Hawkins, who was -crouched in the bow.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I vote," replied the one addressed, who in this, as in -everything else, was leader of the band,—"I vote we -pull up opposite Commodore Hill and have a look at the -river." The boy forgot for the moment the promise made -to his father to keep mainly about the town end of the -back-water.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Commodore Hill was well up the river, and on the other -side. The flooded gully by which the water obtained -entrance, it has been explained, ran parallel with the -river for some distance; in some places being not more -than a few yards therefrom. The boys were curious to -see the river stretch above the Bend; also to note the -numbers of flooded-out settlers who might be camped in -that vicinity. Accordingly the boat's bow is turned, and -her course shaped in that direction. By this time the -river had fallen several feet, and, as a consequence, there -was an outward drift of the slack waters, making a gentle -current.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'Member, Joe, what your dad said about takin' the -boat into the stream."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Think I've forgot, stupid!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thought I'd remind you, anyhow," replied the -bowman. As a matter of fact, Tom had an uneasy feeling -that his mate would not be content when they got to -the mouth to remain there without having a dash at the -stream.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Listen to me; I ain't goin' to run any risks. We -won't go to the mouth entrance. What we'll do is this: -work up to the swamp end, have a look round, and come -back again."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With this defined object in view the boat continued -its voyage, helped by the current, which, the farther -up they proceeded, became stronger, as was to be -expected.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But one thing had happened of which the boys were -in entire ignorance. And this particular happening was -to produce startling and unexpected effects. At a certain -spot in the gully, and at a point where it began to -deviate from the general stream, there was a branch -gully, which bore inwards to within a few yards of the -river's brink. When the water was at its highest in -the river, that in the lagoon was much higher at this -point, inasmuch as the back-water was at the same -level as at the entrance, some two miles higher up; -the difference in height being the river's fall in that -distance. Roughly speaking, the water there was about -ten feet higher than that in the river.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The rush of the stream on the river side had caused -the bank to give way about this point during the night, -and the lagoon, or back-waters, forced themselves into -the river through the new channel, which widened -considerably as a consequence. On nearing this place the -boys became conscious of a quickening of the current.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My golly, Joe! this big current," said Yellow Billy, -who, with Jimmy, was at the oars. "Must be goin' twenty -mile."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Twenty mile! you goose. We're goin' six or seven -and that's mighty fast."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I say, Joe," called Jimmy a second later, the boys -having ceased rowing, for there was no further need, -"bes' run her ashore, or we'll be carried out. By gosh, -she's tearing away!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All right, mates, keep cool. There's the old mahogany -ahead, we'll tie up there; we'll be there in a minute."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Yes, the boys would need all their coolness, for Joe -was reckoning without up-to-date knowledge, and that -made all the difference in the world. Rounding a clump -of trees at this moment, or ever they were aware the -boat fairly sucked into the channel of furiously rushing -and tumultuously heaping waters that were finding their -level by the newly made short-cut.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh! oh! I—I say!" shouted Tom. "We're being -swept into the river! Back water!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Joe, quicker than the others, had hit the situation, -and turned the boat's nose to a clump of bushes, but -before the rowers could pick up their oars to help him -the boat had swept past. Tom, it is true, made a frantic -grasp at the bough, but the way on the boat was so strong -that the branch, when the full force of the current bore -on her at her momentary check, snapped like a pipe-stem, -and the little craft was fair in the turgid stream, which -had now the velocity of a water-race. The incident of -the half-arrest, however, had turned her head up-stream, -which was a providential thing. The river break-away -was at most three hundred yards away. To turn the -boat into the perpendicular sides of the channel was -to court destruction; for, be it said, the maddened waters -had excavated the banks until they rose sheer from the -water's edge.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The necessities of the case came like an inspiration -to Joe. The boat was drifting, as we have said, stern -first, the advantage of which will be seen. Save Joe, -whom the sense of responsibility braced to immediate -action, the boys were speechless with consternation. -One look at their blanched faces was sufficient. They -were certainly alive to the dangers of the situation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Pull, boys! pull with all your might! We'll keep -her head up. This'll check her speed a bit. It'll give -her steerage way too, and save her gettin' broadside on."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The pullers put every ounce of strength into their -strokes, and this was very helpful. The final rush into -the cross-current was a most critical moment, and might -easily have resulted in disaster. This was averted only -by Joe's coolness and dexterity.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oars out!" cried he as the boat swept into the angry -and turbulent river. Save for shipping some water, and -drenching the crew with spray, the little craft weathered -the river plunge. An involuntary "Oh!" came from -the boys as the boat shot the rapids and soused into -the river. Immediately she came under the influence -of two currents; that going outward from the chute, -and the swift down-river stream.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This effect was to take them instantly well out -toward the centre of the flood, with a strong drift which -carried the boat into the vicinity of the Bend. The -river bend gave the current a direction which set across -to the other side. This diagonal movement was accelerated -by the chute waters, which retained their impetus, -in a measure, for a considerable distance.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Downward then, and cross-wise to the northern bank, -the frail craft sped, the sport and play of the watery -element. Dangers stood, or rather, drifted thick around -the adventurers. Picture for a moment a tiny vessel, -some fifteen feet over all, whose timbers are of the -proverbial egg-shell thickness, shot into an angry, bubbling -cauldron, whose tumultuous waters heaved and swirled, -hissed and roared, in inarticulate sound and motion.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>That, in itself, were an experience of sufficient -magnitude to quicken the blood, test the nerves, and try the -courage of the hardiest waterman. Add to the perils -of that situation a thousand floating dangers, any one of -which might crush that tiny, drifting cockle-shell out of -existence, and you have the position which faced and -surrounded the affrighted lads on the demon-ridden waters.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-death-of-the-forest-monarch"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER VII</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">THE DEATH OF THE FOREST MONARCH</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<!-- --> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>"There's the white-box and pine on the ridges afar,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Where the iron-bark, blue-gum, and peppermint are;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>There's many another, but dearest to me,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And king of them all is the stringy-bark tree."</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>HENRY LAWSON.</span></div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>As several years had intervened between the present and -the last flood of considerable dimension, every creek, gully, -and river-flat of the upper reaches were contributing -their quota of fallen timber, which in the interval had -encumbered the earth. In addition, the flood-waters had -torn many a giant eucalyptus, roots and all, from its -earthhold, and had borne it on its heaving and rebellious -bosom, a mere plaything of its vengeful humour.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Up to the present a monarch of the forest, whose -rugged bole bears indubitable evidence of its antiquity, -stands skywards with its head in the clouds. The -Philistines are upon it. Its innumerable roots, lateral -and vertical, hold with frantic clutch to mother earth, as -it grimly wrestles with its Gargantuan foe. But the -earth, which for years innumerable has mothered the -forest lord, furnishing his daily portion of meat and drink, -nourishing and cherishing him till he bulks in girth and -height as Saul among the prophets, proving faithful in -every tussle with wind and flood heretofore, now turns -traitor. The soil dissolves in the swirling waters as they -ravish the earth. Above and underneath the roots it -melts, and is carried away in the thickening stream. The -hold of the old monarch is weakening. His limbs are -trembling. His strong body, that has withstood the -pressure of a thousand fights with the hereditary foe, -vibrates and sways now, as his remorseless antagonist -grips him in cruel embrace.</span></p> -<p class="pnext" id="id1"><span>His old comrades higher up, who have fallen earlier in -this battle of giants, come drifting along, battered and -torn; veritable shipwrecks, dismantled and broken. One -floating leviathan, flood-driven, sweeps onward full upon -his writhing form ... a violent shock and shudder that -runs from root to topmost leaf ... a last wrestle, strong, -heroic, and pitiful! ... Then, betrayed and spent, -under the last straw, as it were, of the fateful impact of -his wrecked mate—now converted into a battering-ram—the -grand old hero-king yields. His foe has sought and -found, like one in the olden time, his vulnerability in his -heel. Overborne at last, but not yet broken, he shakes -his lofty head in the quiver of mortal spasm. Suddenly -he topples, lurches, staggers, and falls with a mighty -crash, which is, indeed, a resounding death-cry. Striking -the enemy with a last, concentrated, savage blow, he -splits her bosom, and sends great spurts of her muddy -blood, spray-like, a hundred feet in air. But the wound -heals as speedily as delivered, and from thence he passes -quickly, in company with his defeated brothers, an inert -mass of strewn wreckage, to form, farther down upon the -skurrying waters, a floating barricade of death-dealing -timbers. And so on and on, till the blue sea is reached, -where it is heaved to and fro, a rudderless hulk upon the -bosom of the ocean; until it is stranded at last as flotsam -and jetsam upon the beach.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>By skilful manipulation of oars and rudder the boys -managed to evade the timber masses. The numerous -whirlpools constituted a great danger. Once or twice -they were almost sucked under as they circled in a -vortex. Their position was extremely perilous. The -greatest danger lay from contact with the isolated logs -and tree-trunks that sped down with great velocity, -appearing and disappearing in the vicious eddies, rotating -with the swirling stream, and popping up porpoise-like in -unexpected quarters. On one occasion, in dodging a mass -of driftwood, they ran right on to a big tree. Fortunately -the tree was sinking at the time of impact under the -influence of an under-current, and, at Joe's sharp -command, the rowers rushed the boat across the submerged -tree-bole. Scarcely had they crossed the line ere the -submarine monster rolled upward, till at least half its -length was out of the water. It was a narrow squeak. -To have been caught on its rising movement would have -meant utter shipwreck.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It has been stated that owing to the river bend, and -from other causes, the current set diagonally across to the -other side. Drawing thus towards the farther shore, the -boat's crew neared a timbered point, below which the -water expanded over the low-lying country for miles. -So far only the thickly fringed timber belts could be -seen. It was questionable if they could find any dry -earth. In all likelihood, however, even should there not -be any landing-place, they would find protection from the -current behind the thick wood. As they got close in to -the scrubby portion the boys saw, to their great -disappointment, that the land was still submerged. They -had hoped to find a patch of earth. All they can do now -is to shelter behind the timber.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Pull, boys, pull hard!" cried Joe, the while he turned -the boat's nose towards a rear clump. His quick eye -discerned an eddy formed by a point higher up. Rowing -into this, the boat was eased in its downward track, and -after getting well in behind the clump they were able -to make headway against the stream, finally fastening to -a big she-oak almost in still water. Here they were -out of the tract of the current and the perils of the -driftwood.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>What a relief to the half-dazed and frightened boys!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Captain Joe, be it said, though fearful enough while in -the roaring waters, kept all his wits about him. Often as -his heart jumped into his mouth he as quickly swallowed -it again. More than once his resourcefulness saved the -boat from certain disaster.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thank God!" exclaimed he, as Tom tied the painter -to a strong limb, and the boat rode easy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It was a touch and go, lads. Don't cry, Jimmy!" as -that lad, yielding to a feeling of reaction, burst into tears. -Tom was not much better, and furtively wiped his eyes -under the pretence of blowing his nose. In a few minutes -the boys were themselves again. The roar and rush of -the waters filled their oars and souls as they lay at anchor. -So deafening were the sounds that it was only by shouting -they could hear one another.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Stretching inland, and reaching to the distant hills, -nothing was to be seen but a waste of waters, with here -and there a bushy hillock, a miniature island. What -remained of the settlers' houses looked like so many -Noah's arks. Moving figures could be seen on one which -lay a long way off. They were the unfortunate owners, -who, by delaying their retreat until too late, were driven -on to the very ridge pole for safety. Fortunately they -were in still water; so at least it seemed from the -distance; consequently their position was not alarming. -Tree marks showed the river to be falling at a fairly rapid -rate.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now then, boys, let's hold a council of war!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Wot's that, Joe?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's what they say in soldiering when the generals get -into a fix," chipped in Tom.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, gollies! let us get home as quick as possible. If we -don't they'll think we're drownded an'——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Look here, Jimmy, stow that rot! If we start talking -in that fashion, we'll get unnerved. Billy, you first! Tell -us what you think about the situation."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Long's we're here we're safe. There's a 'possum -in the spout above us. I'll climb up and get 'im for tucka."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We can't cook 'possum in the boat, Billy. No dry -wood; no matches. You're right enough about safety, -though. These trees have borne the brunt of the flood -stream at its highest, and things are getting easier. -Jimmy, what do you think of it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I—I—I dunno. Oh, my poor m-other!" cried Jimmy, -whose emotions again overpowered him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Didn't I tell you to stow that water-cart business? -Dry up, or I'll jolly well tan your hide for you, you soft -milksop!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Joe's severity was partly assumed. He was fighting -himself about home thoughts. He knew the folly of -giving way at this crisis to such a natural sentiment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You, Tom! You've a notion, I'm sure," said Joe to his -chum.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My opinion, chaps, is that we ought to be very thankful -for bein' where we are, an' stay here a bit anyways. -It'd be madness to attempt to recross the river. What's -to prevent us pullin' over there?" pointing to a hillock -nearly a mile away inland.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Tom's right, boys. We must make up our minds, -hard as it is, to camp on this side to-day. It'd be easy -enough to do as Tom says, row over to that island. -Supposin', though, the water went down a lot during the -night; we might have to drag the boat over a lot of mud -to get to the river-bank to-morrow. Bes' stay where -we——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"S-s-h! Listen a moment, Joe," interjected Tom from -the bow of the boat. "What noise's that?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't hear anythin' 'cept the river. What sort o' -noise, Tom?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I heered it, Joe," said Yellow Billy. "Bear cryin', -I bin thinkin'. Heer it now."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>All the boys could hear the sounds now, faint enough, -yet distinct above the flood roar.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Bear, I 'speck! Have a good look round, boys."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>All eyes were bent in the direction of the sound. They -scanned the trees for that strange, pouch-bearing—half -bear, half sloth—animal called the native bear. Strictly -speaking, it is neither bear nor sloth, being a perfectly -harmless, tailless marsupial of the koala genus. Its cry -is intensely, and often pathetically, human.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For some time the search was unrewarded; while ever -and anon a cry, strangely like an infant's wail, came to -the ears of the searchers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"P'r'aps, after all, it's only the wind in the river oaks; -or is it a——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Look, boys! look, look!" cried Tom excitedly. "What's -that over at the edge of the timber, up there in a fork?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Whereaway, Tom?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"See the clump beyond the back-water, out in the -stream?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"M—y-e-s, I see. Why, yes, my word! I do believe -it's a——"</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="what-the-tree-held"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER VIII</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">WHAT THE TREE HELD</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<!-- --> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>"Thereafter grew the wind; and chafing deaths</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>In distant waters, sent a troubled cry</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Across the slumbrous forest; and the chill</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Of coming rain was on the sleeper's brow."</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>HENRY KENDALL.</span></div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"James!" exclaimed Mrs. Blain to her husband during -this eventful morning, "it's dinner-time and those lads -are not back. I hope nothing has happened."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What do you expect could have happened, you dear -old fidget? I'm going to the post, however, and I'll have a -look round."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Could Mr. Blain have beheld the lads at this particular -time, the calm of his deep nature would have been broken -up in a fashion rare to his experience; for at this moment -the boat and its occupants are being borne on the rapids, -presently to be flung upon the riotous and foam-crested -waves of the river.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In moving along the street the minister met several -persons who had been out on the back-water during the -morning. All had seen the boys at one time or another. -One of the latest in, who had been farther up than most -of the others, had passed the boys on his return not long -before. They were then heading up the swamp way.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't fear, Mr. Blain, the boys know how to take -care of themselves. Dinner's calling 'em loudly enough -by this time, I wager ye."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dinner-time came and went, but no boys. As the -afternoon wore on the mother's fears deepened until they -became well-nigh unendurable. The minister, rowed by two -of the neighbours, set out to find the truants and fetch -them back.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't lose faith, dear! They're up to some prank, -the thoughtless scamps! I'll fetch them home none the -worse, to laugh at your fears."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Following Tom's index-finger, the boys fastened their -eyes upon a clump of river oaks that stood on the edge -of the woods.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>High up in a fork of one of the largest trees, they -could see what looked at first like a huge bundle of -clothes fluttering in the wind. After a short while the -bundle seemed to take a somewhat definite shape.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What in the name of goodness is it all? Seems like -a lot of old clothes jammed in the tree forks. Are you -sure that the squall, or squeak, or squeal, or whatever it -was, came from that direction?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, I think so," replied Tom. "Listen, there it's -again!" A thin, treble cry rose faintly above the din of -the flood waters.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"See a woman's foot!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The speaker was the half-caste, whose eyesight, owing -to his half-wild nature, was much keener than his fellows'.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A woman's foot, Billy! What do you mean? You -don't mean to say really, that——!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"See hand too! Look along bark. See fingers!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Thus directed, the three boys looked, and saw, though -but indistinctly, what appeared to be a hand grasping -the tree-trunk, a foot, also, was revealed at intervals by -the fluttering garment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After a short, staring silence, a flood of mental light -broke upon Joe. "I see now. Why, it's the poor soul we -heard cooeeing last night!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Yes, there had been plenty of speculation in the village -as to who it could be, and exactly where the voice came -from. None of those who heard the piteous wail that was -borne across the floods in the black and wild darkness of -that night would forget it for many a long day to come.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The mystery is now solved. The boys are horror-stricken -at the sight and its sequent thought. They are now -convinced that a woman is fixed in the tree. Without -reasoning the matter out, they identify her as the one -whose cry over night produced such a sensation in the -township, and to locate which the police boat with a strong -crew had started out at daybreak, but without success.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><em class="italics">Is she alive or dead</em><span>? The strange cry did not -seem to be that of a woman. There was something so -eerie, so shocking in the thought, that the lads were -fear-possessed for some moments. Joe, as usual, recovered -himself first.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's a woman sure enough! It's a human being, at -any rate. An', boys, we've got to rescue her if she is alive. -The cry can only come from her, I'm sure, so that there -must be some life left still. How to do it I can't just -see at this moment. We must think a bit."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Think a bit they did. Camped as they were at the -lower end of the timber, it would be a matter of -comparative ease to work up through the trees in the slack -water, till they arrived opposite to the clump that stood -out in the stream. There the real difficulties would -begin. The rush of waters was still so strong, and the -space for the play of the boat so small, that it became -evident the rescue would be accompanied by some -alarming risks.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>One of two things must be done: either wait until the -waters receded sufficiently to enable the rescuers to wade -to the clump, or make an immediate dash.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How long d'you think it'd be before we could wade -across, Joe?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Dunno, Billy. Beckon there's eight or nine foot of -water out there. Might be less. At any rate it'd be -hours."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hours!" cried Tom. "An' s'posin' that poor creature's -still alive?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That settles it!" exclaimed Joe, rising in his seat in -excitement. "Boys, what's to be done must be done -quickly."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Seemingly all were agreed. At least no objection was -offered to this proposal, or, rather, mandate. So it was -resolved, after some cogitation, to pull the boat through -the timber to a point some distance higher up than the -isolated clump. From thence the course would be -outwards until the river current was met; an estimated -distance of a hundred yards. The boat was to be headed -against the current when in the stream influence. A -vigorous row would be necessary to neutralise the current, -to be modified so as to allow the craft to drift slowly -down-stream. Then, when opposite the clump, a dash for -the tree whereon the unfortunate woman was lying was -to be made.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Inasmuch as this tree was almost in the centre of the -group, and the stream still ran with violence, it was easy -to see that without skilful management, and some luck, -the boat might be stove in against a tree-bole; or, worse -still, might be impaled upon a submerged snag. Any -accident, such as missing way at a critical moment, or the -snapping of an oar blade, might be fraught with the most -disastrous consequences.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>During the short conference Jimmy Flynn had kept -silence. Towards the end, as Joe set forth the attendant -dangers, he became considerably perturbed. After sundry -wrigglings and contortions, rubbing of hands and licking -of lips, these visual twistings found voice.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I say, Joe! don't—er—yer think that—er—we'd better -wait a bit?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why?" chorused the boys.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh—I—I dunno. Well—er—p'raps some other boat'll -come over from the township d'reckly an'—an'——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And s'pose no boat comes along?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, then, I—I—er—vote—that we—er——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By jing! Jimmy," interposed Tom, with a jeer, -"who'd 'a' thought you'd 'a' showed the white feather!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"White feather yourself, Hawkins!" returned the -fearful but now angry boy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Jimmy!" broke in Yellow Billy unexpectedly, for as -a rule the half-caste was taciturn—the taciturnity of -modesty in his case. Billy, while carrying some of the -defects of aboriginal descent, was a kind-hearted and -easily contented lad. "Jimmy!" said he, in a soft, quiet -tone, "s'pose your mother was over there?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jimmy Flynn, who was sitting with a sullen, hang-dog -expression, quivered as though he had received an -electric shock. There was within him a consciousness of -the truth of Tom's term. He was a coward, and the very -notion of it angered him, and at the same time made him -resentful. He shrank from the undertaking. None of -the boys were in love with it, for that matter. Jimmy -only, among the four, allowed his fear to overmaster him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>These few words of Billy, uttered in a quiet, even tone, -went straight to the boy's heart. His sullen brows lifted. -The angry resentment which had disfigured his face -vanished. Straightening his bent figure, he seized the -oar lying by his side. Then, squaring his shoulders, as he -inclined forward to grip the water, he said quietly, "Let -her go."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Immediately on releasing the boat Joe steered her in a -semicircular course, keeping out back where the standing -timber was thinnest. The boys pulled slowly, for there -was always the danger of snags. They were in fairly -slack water, and so had no need to exert themselves; -besides which, it were wise to husband their strength for -the supreme moment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Tom and Jimmy, both expert oarsmen, were the rowers. -Yellow Billy was stationed in the bow, with instructions -to keep a keen look out for snags. He was armed with -a stout pole in order that he might fend the boat on any -critical occasion, or when the rudder might be inoperative. -It formed a very useful instrument in Billy's practised -hands, and enabled him to ward off the craft from many -dangers that did not appear until the boat was almost -upon them. As it was there were several ominous -scrapes, as the boat rasped over submerged branches. -Fortunately they reached the point determined upon -without any accident.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They paused here a moment before leaving the slack -water for the swiftly running stream.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now, boys," said Joe, after a brief survey, "sit steady, -and pull for all you're worth. Mind you, no flurry. -Keep an even stroke. Got the painter coiled, Billy?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All right, Joe."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Pull then, boys, and stick to it like grim death to a -diseased nigger."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boat having got good way on, Joe headed her -out a little, when she immediately encountered the -current.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Lay to it, my lads, lay to it!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boys "lay to" with such vigour that the rapid -current was counterbalanced, and she hung in the stream, -neither making headway nor drifting.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Easy a little, my hearties! We must let her drift -down gradually. Mustn't let her get out of hand, -though."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In swinging the boat into the channel Joe kept her -nose up-stream, and as near the slack water as possible. -The boys easing a trifle at Joe's command, the current -became the stronger of the two forces, and the little craft -drifted slowly. Blain eagerly scanned the clump for an -opening. This cluster, it may be remarked, was about -two hundred yards long and fifty or so wide. In some -parts the timber was thickly scattered, in others the trees -were bunched together.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boat is now about fifty yards above the tree -containing the supposed woman.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's right, chaps, keep up as you're doin'! We -must drift very slowly lest we miss the chance of popping -in. It's too thick to venture in here. It's thinnin' out, -though," exclaimed Joe, as the boat neared the point -abreast the tree.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Here's an opening, I do believe. Be ready, Billy! -Pull, lads! pull, pull! Look out all!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boat lay anglewise, so that the current worked -upon her quarter. Seeing a fair opening, Joe urged the -rowers to do their utmost. So hard did they pull that -the current, playing upon her quarter as she hung a few -minutes stationary, forced her through the gap and -towards the tree. The manoeuvre was splendidly executed. -The boat was now within five yards or so of the tree, the -boys putting every ounce of strength into their strokes. -A minute or less now and they will either be fast to the -tree or drifting down on to a solid block of timber just -below.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Yellow Billy, who had crouched in the bow, now rose -up quietly, rope in hand, ready to act promptly in the -decisive moment. By good fortune a limb projected -about five feet above the water, and branched out some -distance from the tree. Joe worked the boat straight -up-stream, and then called on the rowers to ease the -barest trifle. The craft swung very slowly down, until -she was fairly under the limb.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Sling the painter over the branch an' make fast, -Billy!" cried Joe, as the stern drifted under. "Pull now, -you beggars, a last spurt!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Billy whipped the rope round the limb, and made fast -in a flash; the rowers, by a few desperate strokes, keeping -the boat stationary.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hold her there a second. Let the loop lie loose an' -edge it to the trunk, Billy!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Joe thus worked the boat over until she was just at the -rear of the tree.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ease her off gently now, boys. Steady still! A -wrench might snap the painter."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boys accordingly eased off gradually, and finally -stopped.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Two of you come aft, it'll ease the strain."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This done, the boat, which by burying her nose deep in -the water was straining heavily on the rope, trimmed -herself, and offered but the minimum resistance to the -racing waters.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The tree-bole, which presented a somewhat broad -surface, divided the waters, creating a narrow zone of -neutral water in its wake. In this eddying area the boat -rode securely, making it an easy matter for the bowman -to keep her nose up against the tree.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And now each boy bent an upward glance to the fork.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-rescue"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER IX</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">THE RESCUE</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<!-- --> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>"Souls that have toil'd, and wrought, and thought with me—</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Death closes all: but something ere the end,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Some work of noble note, may yet be done,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Not unbecoming men that strove with Gods."</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>TENNYSON'S </span><em class="italics">Ulysses</em><span>.</span></div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Fortunately the she-oak was one of the largest of its -kind, and forked out into four branches twenty feet or so -from the ground. This formed a rough cage, in which -one could be held very securely if not comfortably.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In this fork, partially covered with a blanket, was -huddled the form of a human creature, presumably a -woman; one hand stretched along the trunk as in -a painful grip, the legs hanging loosely. There was no -movement of limb or body. What if she were dead?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A sudden chill accompanied this thought. The situation -was decidedly uncanny, and bred awesome, not to -say fearsome, feelings.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Four boys in a boat! Out on the flood-wastes, and in -a particularly perilous position! The insistent noises of -the rushing tide; the hollow moan of the wind in the -foliage of the she-oaks; shut out from all help; missed -now at home, and </span><em class="italics">that thing above</em><span>!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>All these combined to create a creeping chill in each -boy, which in a manner half-paralysed them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Joe, as usual, recovered more quickly than the others. -Gazing at the object above awhile, and then examining -the trunk of the tree with his eyes, he broke the spell of -silence.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Take my place, Tom. Some un's got to go at once to -that poor soul aloft. Pray God we're in time to save her. -Keep her up tight against the trunk, Jimmy, an' I'll -swing on to the limb."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suiting his action to the word, Joe clambered on to the -limb, and from thence proceeded to climb the tree.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The woman was fixed at the junction of the forks, and -her feet and legs hung loosely down on each side of a -minor fork. One arm, as before described, was wound -round the main limb, while the other firmly grasped her -breast. Her head was supported in the V of a branch.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On mounting to the spot, Joe raised himself higher by -grasping two of the tree-forks, and, twisting his legs -round the trunk, steadied himself while he gazed into the -face of the dead. It was the first time in his life that he -had looked upon death. The set expression that met his -gaze, so full of anguish, so pitifully pleading, fairly -shocked him out of his self-possession. Little wonder at -his turning sick and faint. He clutched the branch -frantically as he swayed a moment, and beads of cold -sweat stood thick upon his forehead. Indeed, so near -fainting was he that his sight began to fade, and the -whole world receded from him. Strange noises buzzed in -his ears. Bringing all the reserve forces of his will to the -front, he was beginning to gain the ascendency over his -weakness, when a strange cry startled him into full -consciousness.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why! she's not dead after all, thank God!" The -thought of life made all the difference to Joe. In a -moment his vision is as clear as ever, and his spirits rise -high at the sounds of life. "Yes, see!" whispered the -lad, "there's a movement of the breast. Hurrah, boys!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>cried he to his comrades, looking down and waving with -one hand at the same time. "She's not dead after all!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boys at this set up a hearty shout indicative of -their relief and joy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh yes!" he muttered reassuringly to himself as he -took the second look, "the poor creature's alive. Her -eyes are half open. Her chest is heaving. Wake up, -ma'am! Rescue is at hand. Me an' the boys in the -boat below are goin' to take you down an' row you across -to the township."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The woman made no response to this appeal and plan -of salvation. "Is she really alive?" The eyes are half -closed and seemingly peering; the form is rigid, the face -immobile. There was naught of that expression in this -countenance that Joe, from hearsay, was wont to associate -with death—the peace that passeth understanding. Yet -as the lad gazed at this apparently inanimate object there -was a movement of the body. The blanket, bunched into -many folds across the breast, stirred visibly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Again that eerie, inarticulate cry!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Disengaging one hand from the tree, the boy stretched -it forth to the woman's breast, which, covered as it was -with the clothes, had all the seeming of life and -movement.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Joe was in the very act of removing a fold of the -blanket, when suddenly, and without the slightest warning, -there rose up into the lad's face an angry, hissing, -venomous snake, the deadliest of its kind. Its beady -eyes glittered; its forked tongue shot in and out with -inconceivable rapidity; its sibilant hiss was accompanied -with a musky odour, sickening in the extreme; its head -and body for half its length were erect, and bent forward -from the neck, vibrating and swaying in a rhythmic -movement. The reptile was within striking distance. In -another second that almost invisible death-stroke will be -dealt; invisible, that is, by reason of its lightning-like -speed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But this deadly intention is defeated by an involuntary -movement on Joe's part. This young man, for the -briefest of brief moments, clung to the tree with a rigid -grasp; eyes staring in amazement and terror, with mouth -wide open in automatic gape. Any attempt to defend -himself were useless in the most absolute sense of that -term. In another tick, before he can move a hand, these -poison fangs will be deep buried in his horror-stricken -face, so temptingly near. The only hope for the lad lay -in doing a disappearing trick. And this happened. Had -it been premeditated, however swiftly, the time taken to -make up his mind, and to telegraph the resolution formed -in the brain to the nerve cells and muscles, would have -been sufficient for the lightning stroke to fall.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>What really happened was this: the apparition of the -red-bellied, black snake simply petrified Joe. An awful, -blood-curdling, hair-raising, galvanic shock of abject -terror, contradictory as it may seem, paralysed the lad. -Simultaneously with that he is falling through space, an -inert mass, to be soused into the water with a splash that -sent the spray flying over the boat's crew.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the moment of the splash, Joe's mind, will, and -nerve were restored to their normal activity. The -instinct of self-preservation, so strong in all healthy -natures, especially boys', did for the lad in an infinitesimal -fraction of time as much and as effectively as though he -had taken, say, half an hour to plan his procedure.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He had, however, in escaping Scylla fallen into -Charybdis. As soon as Joe reached the water he made -for the boat. Fortunately he did not fall into it, or this -story might never have been told. He fell into the -stream, some two or three yards away from the skiff. -Quickly as he was carried down-stream he managed by -violent efforts to reach the boat at the stern. Tom -clutched him frantically by the shirt collar, enabling the -swimmer to get his hands on the gunwale. Joe, thus -helped, clambered into the boat or ever the boat's crew -had recovered from their consternation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, Moses!" exclaimed, or rather gasped, he, -"that—was—a go. Whew!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My goodness! How'd yer come to fall kersplosh like -that?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why!" pointing up. "See! there's the beast. See -him crawling out there?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boys, looking up, descried the snake winding its -sinuous way along a lateral bough that grew up above -the forks. The disturbed and excited snake, having -reached the limb, wound its course till it reached a -clump of bushy branches on the limb's extremity. On -this it coiled itself, save the head and neck, which stood -erect in vigilant attitude.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, crikey! was that </span><em class="italics">there</em><span> on—in the body's—the -woman's body?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, Jimmy; right in the blanket on her breast. -'Twas that brute moving under the blanket that I thought -was </span><em class="italics">her</em><span> breathing. Oh, my!" again exclaimed the youth, -with a shudder, as he thought of the imminence of the -danger which confronted him a moment before.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Is—it—her—dead, Joe?" asked Tom after an interval -of silence.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No doubt of it, boys."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Wonder if the snake bit her?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"May have. Anyway the poor thing is dead all right."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What's bes' thing to do now?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"W-e-ll, I d-o-n't know——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Again that shrill wailing cry!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"</span><em class="italics">Can't</em><span> be the woman!" said Joe excitedly. "Why, -she's as dead as a herrin'!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I have it, boys!" shouted Tom, as he jumped up -excitedly and cut a caper. "It's the darned ole cat!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A look of great relief passed over each countenance -at the thought.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Tom, meanwhile, lifted up the locker lid, disclosing -the rescued cat, which, together with her two bairns, -were stowed in the locker shortly after being saved from -the flood. The animals were snuggled together on a -cornsack, and looked the very picture of contentment. -The kittens were dining baby fashion, and the mother's -purr declared the very excess of maternal rapture.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On seeing the boys, pussy gave a low, affectionate -miaow, and made a sympathetic movement of the tail, -as if to say: "Thank you a thousand times, young -gentlemen, for the good deed which we never, never -shall forget." And then, motherlike, proceeded to "lick" -her offspring.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's not the cat, Tom."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, what on earth, water, or air is it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The mystery is insoluble. As the boys look down -upon the happy and contented felines, they one and all -reject Tom's confident affirmation of a moment before. -If not the cat, what then?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Again the tiny, shrill cry arose, but not from the cat's -mouth. It came from the tree above, and as the startled -youths looked up they saw the overhanging end of the -blanket agitated.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why, why—the poor thing must really be alive after -all, chaps. There's something more up there than I've -discovered; so here's up again!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Acting on this impulse, Joe again ascended the tree. -Those below watched intently, their feelings strained to -the utmost tension. As soon as our hero got to his -former position in the forks, he received another shock. -It was sudden as the other, but not so disastrous. An -inarticulate and involuntary cry brought fresh alarm to -his pals, who all the while were staring up, too frightened -to ask any questions. The boy, despite the second shock, -still clung to the tree. The woman was dead beyond all -doubt, but death is counterbalanced by life. A brief -and astonished survey, and the boy leans over the limb -and speaks quietly to those below—</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The woman's dead, boys, but </span><em class="italics">there's a baby here</em><span>. It's -tied to her breast. It's alive!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Just then, as if to demonstrate the truthfulness of -the statement, the babe lifted up its voice once more -in a feeble cry. The scene in that tree Joe never will -forget; the like he will not see again though he rival -Methuselah in age. The only thing he can yet see is a -little hand and arm, which have wriggled from the -covering. Moving cautiously along the branch to the -converging point, leaning on one fork, and placing his -feet against another so as to stiffen himself, the boy was -able to use his two hands. He first, and not without an -inward tremor, removed the dead hand which lay upon -the blanket, the stiffened fingers still clutching the -clothes and holding them to the breast. The last thought -and the last act of the exhausted and dying woman was -to succour and to defend her little one.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Straightening the arm so that it lay by her side, Joe -opened the blanket from where the little hand stuck -up. There, on the breast of the dead, she lay, a -sweet-faced baby girl! The little one's face was puckered up, -'tis true, and there were tears upon her pale cheeks. -The cries and tears were not the symbols of pain, they -were those of hunger. Joe could plainly see that all -the mother's thoughts were for the child. It was snugly -folded in the blanket end; then tied to her waist by a -handkerchief passed round the body. The remainder of -the blanket was then arranged so as to thoroughly -protect the child from the inclement weather.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Untying the handkerchief, the lad folded it in a -peculiar fashion like as he had seen the black gins do. -Carefully lifting the babe, he laid it in the widest part, -made it secure to the body under the arms, and placed it -on his back, bringing the ends of the wrapper together. -round his neck.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This done, he prepared for the descent. It was easily -accomplished, even with the incumbrance of the child. -Landing safely in the boat, which was kept well up to -the tree, Joe placed her in the stern on the locker seat, -where the little one lay squirming and crying piteously.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The news of the baby variously affected the boys. -Jimmy Flynn, whose baby sister had died a few -months before, looked very tenderly upon this nameless -waif.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Make a place on the floor for it, Joe," said he. "It'll -lie there more comfortably, an' it'll be more like a cradle."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The advice was good. The coats, which the boys shed -soon as they entered upon the expedition in the -morning, made a soft bed for the little one. The wee -mite was evidently about nine months old. For all its -adventure and exposure it seemed to have suffered little, -and now in its cry is only voicing the pleadings of its -empty stomach. It was adequately, though very plainly -dressed, and through all the rain of the preceding night -had kept dry. Fortunately, too, the snake which had -been curled up in one of the blanket folds had not come -into actual contact with the child. There were only two -things required to bring it to a condition of happy -contentment: nursing and feeding.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Capable as this quartet of Australian lads were in -many ways, in this they were novices. So it was with a -look of ashamed helplessness that they gazed at the new -passenger, as she lay in the bottom of the boat on her -back, kicking her heels in the air at a great rate, and -doubling her dimpled hands first into her eyes and then -into her mouth. The cry went forth without ceasing, its -only variation being the peculiar noise caused by an -intermittent sucking of her diminutive fists.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>By a happy thought of Jimmy the hunger difficulty was -overcome. The boys had picked up a fine lot of oranges, -as well as some dozens of plantains, in the back-water. -After they had eaten a quantity they stowed the balance -away in the bow locker, and completely forgot them in -the exciting events which followed. Jimmy suddenly -remembered the fruit. Selecting a fine specimen, he -quickly peeled and quartered it. Then, seeding some of -the quarters, he put one in baby's fist, guiding the same -to her mouth. The sweet, juicy orange was simply -nectar to the famished child. It sucked as only a -hunger-bitten baby can. The boys were highly amused at the -way in which she mouthed the skin, and the difficulty -Jimmy encountered in unlocking her little fingers -order to substitute a full for an empty quarter. It -indeed a happy solution; an admirable recipe for tears -and squalls. As long as baby had an orange quarter it -was peaceful. After a little while Jimmy took the little -one on his knee, giving furtive glances towards the -others as he did so. The boys, however, under all -the sad circumstances forebore to chaff. Substituting, -at length, a ripe plantain for an orange section, the -babe was taken to the seventh heaven of gastronomic -bliss.</span></p> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure margin" style="width: 61%" id="figure-66"> -<span id="the-neighbours-saw-far-out-on-the-wild-wreckage-strewn-waters-a-tiny-boat-with-four-slight-figures"></span><img class="align-center block" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt=""The neighbours saw, far out on the wild, wreckage-strewn waters, a tiny boat with four slight figures."" src="images/img-064.jpg" /> -<div class="caption centerleft figure-caption margin"> -<span class="italics">"The neighbours saw, far out on the wild, wreckage-strewn waters, a tiny boat with four slight figures."—</span><em class="italics">See p.</em><span class="italics"> </span><a class="italics reference internal" href="#id2">69</a></div> -</div> -<p class="pnext"><span>And the while above them in the she-oak, whose -thread-like leaves make mournful music to the wind, lies -the mother who has sacrificed her life for that of the babe. -There is no doubt of this. The poor woman must have -been exposed to the winds and waves long before she -reached the tree refuge. How she got there was never -known. She had almost denuded herself to protect the -babe. Little wonder that at some moment of that awful -night vigil the vital spark should have quitted its -terror-haunted tenement.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-return"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER X</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">THE RETURN</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<!-- --> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>"See the conquering hero comes!</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Sound the trumpet, beat the drums."</span></div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>After baby's hunger was satisfied the boys' attention was -given to their immediate surroundings.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What are we goin' to do about </span><em class="italics">her</em><span>?" asked Tom, -pointing upward as he spoke.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's simply impossible for us to do anything. If she -were alive we would take any risk. But as things are it -is beyond our power to shift the body, it is jammed so -tightly. The only thing left for us to do is to inform the -police when we get to the other side."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What'll we do now, Joe?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Get back to our former anchorage first. River's goin' -down pretty fast, I reckon; and it'll be all dry about here -before morning if it recedes at the same rate. The current -is not nearly so strong as it was when we came over, and -that will make it easier for us to get out of the clump. -There's no need for us to go back by the same course. -We can take a slant across to that red gum, and when -we're there we're out of the stream."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The exit from the cluster of trees was very well managed, -and in a few minutes from the time of casting adrift from -the she-oak the boat was out of the clump and across the -narrow stream into the slack water. They continued on -to their former camping place, and hitched on to the tree.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This gallant attempt at rescue, though not -accomplishing what was in the minds of the boys, was not -altogether a failure. Indeed, it was the reverse of that. -Though but little time is consumed in reading the account -of this episode, it covered a goodly portion of the day. By -the time the boys had made fast to their former anchorage, -the slanting sun-rays proclaimed the advance of eventide.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Let's have a confab, chaps, on what's best to be done. -I don't s'pose any of us is wanting to stick here all night. -What d'you say, Tom?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I say pull over to the hillock on the other side of the -slack. See! the water's retreated from the high ground. -We could camp there, I dare say, easy enough, and get -home early to-morrow morning. I don't think we ought -to tackle the river to-night. I bet you it'd be a measly, -tricky trip. So I vote to do as I said."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What d'you say, Billy?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I say same as Tom. Plenty dry land over there. -Might get matches in that house behind the hill. I'll pull -'possum outa spout, an' we'll roast 'im an' make bully -feed."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Billy, as indeed were all the boys, was beginning to feel -desperately hungry.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What have you got to say, Jimmy?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jimmy Flynn, who had been gazing wistfully across -the flood waters, turned round slowly as Joe put the -question to him. "Oh, Joe! can't we get home to-night? -The river isn't so bad as when we crost up at the Bend. -There's not nearly so much timber goin' down now. 'Sides, -it's easier crossing down here to what it was above. I -give a straight vote for—home!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Bravo! Well done, Jimmy! You're a brick. It's -just the word, an' we're the coves to do it. It's my vote -too, my hearties. We've half an hour of sun left: say -an hour before it's right dark. I reckon 'twill be about -two mile an' a half from here to Tareela. It won't be -near as difficult as up by the Bend. Yes, we'll do it, boys; -an' the sooner the better. Then there's the blessed little -baby, you know! Some of us would have to mind her in -the night, an' what about your beauty sleep then? I -reckon the kiddie would be too much for the whole boilin' -of us. And I've a notion that too much fruit'll be worse -for her than none at all. S'pose she gets the jim-jams! -And, lastly, as father says when he's preaching, what -about the old folks at home?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was no need to say anything further.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm game, for one," said Tom.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm game, for two," said Billy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm game, for three," said Jimmy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Put me down for the fourth," said Joe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now, boys, that's settled. We'll tackle the river -straight away; for better or for worse, as dad says in the -marriage ceremony. And I say, chaps, let's ask God to -help us."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Though there was no audible form of expression, the -spirit of prayer was in each boy's heart. He who sat -above the floods heard and answered.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Billy and Jimmy are to take the oars. We want the -best men at the paddles. Now then, Tom, let the painter -go an' keep the pole handy for driftwood."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The painter is slipped, and the boat's head is turned -riverwards. She is soon out of the slack, and feels the -full force of the flood. The starting-point was nearly a -mile and a half above the township, so that there was a -liberal margin for drift. The river was quite a mile wide. -There was still a quantity of driftwood, and many -difficulties beset them which made delicate steering and -skilful management incumbent. When they had travelled -about half the distance, Tom, who was eagerly conning the -other shore, gave a shout, pointing at the same time to -a headland above the village.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Some 'un's waving! See 'em, over there!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mrs. Blain was the first to spy the advancing boat. -The boys' mothers had been trapsing the lagoon shore and -river-side for hours, in a semi-demented manner. The -minister and the others had returned after a fruitless -errand. The police, with a strong crew in the Government -whale-boat, were scouring the shores in the vicinity of the -Bend, and had not returned. The disappearance of the -boys had seemed most mysterious until the break-away -was discovered. Then the accident as it really happened -was immediately conjectured. The profoundest sensation -was created in the village, for the boys were dearly loved -by all.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The feelings of the poor parents may be but faintly -imagined. Great was the relief, therefore, when Mrs. Blain, -whose eyes were devouring the flood waters in her -frantic eagerness to discover some hopeful sign, suddenly -screamed out in an alarming manner, gesticulating wildly -as she did so, and acting to outward seeming in a frenzied -fashion. Other searchers, scattered along the river-bank, -hearing the piercing cry, and seeing the untoward gestures -of the joy-possessed woman, came running towards her, -thinking for the moment that she had lost her reason.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"See, see!" screamed she, pointing to a distant spot on -the waters. "They're saved, they're saved! God be -praised, our lovely boys are returning all safe; yes, one, -two, three, four—the darlings."</span></p> -<p class="pnext" id="id2"><span>Looking in the direction indicated, the neighbours saw, -far out on the wild, impetuous, wreckage-strewn waters, -a tiny boat with four slight figures running the blockade; -threading their course between the thousand objects which -intervene and threaten destruction.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The good news is now shouted from end to end of the -township, and in a few minutes the river-bank is lined -with exultant and yet anxious spectators. For the joy of -the discovery of the lads is almost quenched at times by -sights of the perils of the passage.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The mothers of Joe, Tom, and Jimmy are grouped -together, wrought up to such a pitch of anxiety as to be -well-nigh silent. They noted every danger and counted -every oar-stroke. The gallant rowers lifted their blades -in the twilight, as the last rays sparkled on the flowing -waters. Beyond a landward look the boys had no time -to bestow upon the excited spectators. Eye and mind, in -close conjunction, are continuously engaged in evading -danger and maintaining the boat's position.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We'll make the point," exclaimed Joe, after an -interval of silence. "We'll make the point, all right. -Keep her steady, lads," turning the boat's nose, as he -spoke, well up stream, at an angle inclining shorewards. -"Now, pull like a prize crew for five minutes an' we're -there. We're out of the driftwood as it is."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The rowers needed no further stimulus. They bent to -the oars like old salts.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Capital! just the stroke! Keep it up! Hear 'em -cheering!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The cheering spurred on the boys, and in less than five -minutes they landed in the midst of a wildly excited and -loud-cheering crowd. And wasn't there a hugging and -kissing, and hand-shaking and back-slapping!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Just as the women were up to their necks in it, to use -a homely figure, some one happened to glance at the boat. -The glance extorted a scream.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A baby, a darling baby! See, see, see! a little baby -in the boat!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A moment's dazed surprise, and every one crowded to -the boat. Joe, who had not moved far from the boat's -nose, and who only waited for the violence of the -welcome to abate a little that he might call attention to -the precious freight, waved the jostling crowd back, and -in a few words related the incident of the rescue.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A great wave of feeling passed over the crowd as he -spoke. The women wept copiously as the scene was -conjured us, and strong men unconsciously shed briny -tears as the story reached its culminating point of the -discovery of the helpless and orphaned babe, bound to -the dead breast of her who had thus made the great -sacrifice of motherhood.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>While Joe was reciting the story of the rescue, Jimmy -Flynn held on to his mother's arm and whispered excitedly -into her ear. The narrator had hardly finished ere -Mrs. Flynn stepped forward to his side and faced the crowd. -Ordinarily, this woman was undemonstrative and shy. -Now she is unconscious of any timidity. The moment -was an inspired one; to produce which Jimmy's whisperings -had played an important part.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Mr. Blain, and friends all, give me the darling baby. -It'll take the place of the one God took from me last -month. The clothes'll fit——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The bereft mother could get no further. Any woman -who has lost a child will tell you why.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My friends, you all know Mrs. Flynn, as I know her. -If it were a matter of choosing between you, I should -still say that no one in the town is better fitted for the -sacred duty of mothering this little flood-driven stranger. -None of us can say to whom the child belongs; whether -there is a father or near relations. But until it is claimed -by those who can prove the right to do so, the very best -of all possible arrangements, and one I regard as -providential, will be for Mrs. Flynn to take this baby to -nourish and cherish it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The murmurs of assent were unanimous. Joe, without -any more delay, stepped into the boat, and, picking up -the child—which all this time looked round, wondering in -its baby way at this ado—put the little one into its -foster-mother's hands.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The river baby was evidently delighted beyond measure -to receive a warm motherly embrace; judging, at any rate, -by the way it gooed and crowed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As soon as she could get through the admiring throng, -Mrs. Flynn hastened home, and before long the baby, -washed and dressed anew, was filling its "little Mary" -with sweet new milk.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-breaking-up"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XI</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">THE BREAKING-UP</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<!-- --> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>"With trumping horn and juvenile huzzas,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>At going home to spend their Christmas days,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And changing Learning's pains for Pleasure's toys."</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>TOM HOOD.</span></div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Out through the gateway of the National School, on one -sultry afternoon in late December, tumbled a pack of noisy -boys and scarcely less noisy girls; the while they kicked -up a fine dust, yelling in an uproarious fashion. Were -you, a stranger, to ask the cause of this demonstration -of voice and capering limbs, you would be answered by a -score of voices in rousing chorus—</span></p> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>"Hip, hip, hurray for Christmas Day!</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>School's broke up, hip, hip, hurray!"</span></div> -<div class="line"> </div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<p class="pfirst"><span>However strongly one might be disposed to question -the quality of the couplet as he listened to the trumpetings -of this cluster of children, he would cheerfully admit -the gusto of the proceedings as the juveniles issued -pell-mell.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>If truth be told, the master was no less pleased than the -youngsters when the actual moment of dismissal came. -Like all schools, this particular one was infected for weeks -previously with a spirit of restlessness, which made it -well-nigh impossible to secure the undivided attention of -the children. There was no disposition for serious study, -and Simpson, who was a wise teacher, attempted no -coercive measures. Natural history was presented in its -most attractive forms. Grammar and arithmetic were for -the most part tabooed, and instead of puzzling refractory -brains with arithmetical and grammatical abstractions, the -children lived in the jungles of India, crossed Sahara, took -a trip to the Booties, wandered into Arctic circles, or, -what was equally exciting, made transcontinental trips in -company with Sturt, Burke and Wills, Leichhardt, and -other great Australian explorers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Many were the schemes unfolded and plans laid by the -boys during the last schooldays. The holidays would not -be an undiluted playtime to any one of the boys. Many -of the lads would work hard on the farms; their parents, -bearing in mind the old adage of Satan and idle hands, -will take good care to anticipate the sinister designs of -that interfering old gentleman. The wood pile stood as -an unfailing object of labour. Sheds were awaiting the -whitewash brush. Fowl houses loomed expectant. -Fences demanded attention. These, and many other -duties about house and farm, were put off till the -"holidays."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There were other anticipations, however, far more -highly coloured and bewitching than these. Charm the -schoolboy never so wisely, his thoughts, with a dogged -obstinacy or triumphant breakaway, return to the -delectable things of the groves, streams, mountains, and -plains. Horse, gun, dog, rod, bat, duck, quail, pigeon; -perch, bream, mullet; kangaroo, wallaby, dingo, brumby, -scrubber! These are the sources and instruments of -pleasure; things that people the imagination, and make an -earthly paradise.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Sobering down, after an unusual indulgence in larks to -mark the auspicious event, Joe, Tom, and Sandy, separating -from the others, sauntered to the slip-rail entrance of -the school horse-paddock. Joe and Tom, at the express -request of Mrs. M'Intyre, are to spend the holidays with -Sandy on the station. Here all kinds of fun and alluring -adventure are promised the lads. How well that promise -was redeemed let the sequel bear witness.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now then, you fellows, don't forget that you are to be -at Bullaroi on the morning of Christmas Eve without fail."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I say, ole boss, what does eve mean?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Eve! Why, a—er—short for evening, I s'pose. What -makes you ask, Joe?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, if Christmas Eve is evening, how can we be -there in the mornin'?—you savee?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You're mighty smart, Blain, but did you ever know -an evening that didn't have a morning to it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh—ah—yes, I see. We're to come out on the -morning of the evening. Sure it's an Irishie ye ought -to be instead of a Scotchie."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Scotchie or no Scotchie," replied Sandy, who was -the essence of good-humour, "ye're not to be later than -ten o'clock of the forenoon of the day before Christmas. -There! Will that fit you, you pumpkin-headed son of -a bald-bellied turnip?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thanks, M'Intyre; I'm sure my father'll be delighted -when I tell him the respectful titles you've given him," -returned Joe, with mock sarcasm.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He'll no dispute the title of his son's head, anyhow," -flung back the Scotch lad, as, bridle in hand, he strolled -on to round up his steed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This parthian shot nettled Joe, but the answer he -would have given remained unuttered, for at this -moment his eldest sister appeared and beckoned to him -in an emphatic manner, at the same time calling upon -him to hurry. So, contenting himself with levelling -Midshipman Easy's masonic sign at the retreating lad, he -hurried along towards his sister.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Father wants you to go down the river with him in -the boat."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Where's it to?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Down to Beacon Point. Tom Tyler's had a bad -accident, and they've sent for the doctor; but he's away. -He was called out to a bad case at Dingo Creek head -station, and is not expected to be back till midday -to-morrow. So they've asked father to go down, and -you've to hurry along. Father's waiting down at the -boat for you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mr. Blain was waiting at the boat with everything -that was required for the trip. As soon as the lad was -in, he pushed off, and, taking the stern oar, with Joe at -the bow, father and son started on their twelve-mile -pull.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In answer to the boy's question the minister gave some -details of the accident, and, further, informed the lad that -it was his intention to call at Mrs. Robinson's, distant -about five miles from Tareela.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They had now settled down to a steady stroke, and as -the sun was on its westering wheel, and the sting out -of its slanting rays, the row became enjoyable. Mr. Blain -was a sort of newsletter to the settlers, and in his -trips up-stream and down-stream was frequently hailed -and made the target of questioning from the riverbank.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Robinsons' was reached a little before sunset, where -they were made abundantly welcome. Some years -previously Mr. Robinson met his death by one of those -accidents all too common in new settlements. Felling -scrub timber is a risky performance. It so happened -that in felling a stout fig tree, Robinson failed to notice -some lawyer vines that, hanging from the high branches, -had attached themselves to the bare limbs of an adjacent -dead tree.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Standing at the base and watching the toppling fig -tree, as it slowly swayed preparatory to its final crash, -he was unaware that the cable-like vines were retarding -its progress. Gathering way, however, the falling tree -brought a strain upon the vine, and tore away a heavy -limb of the dead tree. This falling upon the axe-man, -killed him instantly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The widow was blest with a family of boys and girls -who were true grit. Misfortune breaks some people—it -makes others. The latter was the truth in this case.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In all the trying times Mrs. Robinson underwent, the -minister was her friend and counsellor.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="down-the-river"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XII</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">DOWN THE RIVER</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<!-- --> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>"When the full moon flirts with the perigee tide,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>On a track of silver away we ride,—</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Oh, glorious times we have together,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>My boat and I in the summer weather."</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>ELLA WHEELER WILCOX.</span></div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The boat was sighted from Robinsons' some time before -its nose grated on the shingle at the landing-place.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Isaac, the younger son, a giant in stature and a prime -favourite with Joe, was at the landing-stage. Seizing -the bow what time it touched land, he half lifted, half -dragged the boat two-thirds of her length out of the -water, and made her fast to an old stump.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Mother's so glad you've come, sir. She wants to talk -with you about that boy of Maguire's, who's bin givin' us -a lot of trouble."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Won't be able to stay long, Ike. We've got to be -at Beacon Point to night. We just put in for a cup of tea -and a bite. Mother's inside, I suppose? I'll go in and -have a chat with her."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You'll find her in the kitchen, sir. When we saw -you roundin' Piccaniny Point we knew you'd be here for -tea, and mother's lookin' after things."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I hope she won't go to any trouble. A mouthful is -all we want."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, you know mother, sir. She feels that nothin' -is near good enough."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Any pancakes for tea, Ike?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Pancakes! Why, of course. That's what mother's -makin' now. She knew that'd be the first thing you'd be -askin' fur, Joe."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Rather, Ike!" said Joe, pursing his mouth and drawing -in his breath with the peculiar, half-whistling, unwriteable -sound which boys instinctively make when visions of -goodies arise. More especially when such goodies come -within measurable distance of consumption.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Master Joe had a healthy boy's appetite. The rowing -exercise gave additional spice to his hunger. Pancake -was at that moment the gate of entry to the boy's very -material heaven.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Tea won't be ready fur a few minutes, Joe. Let's go -down to the barn. I was just goin' to rub some more -mixture inter the skins when I seen your boat roundin' -the point. Sorry you're goin' on, my son. When I seen -you on the river I ses to meself, ses I, 'By George! Joey -an' I'll have a great night at the 'possums.' I wish to -goodness you'd been stayin'. There'll be a grand moon ter -night, an it's very temptin'."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By gum, ain't it just! It'd be simply, rippin'. -'Member last time I was down? That was a grand bit -of sport we had. Forty-seven was it, or forty-nine? I -know it took a dashed long time to skin 'em."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Forty-seven it was. We'd do over fifty to-night."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, as mother says, 'What can't be cured must be -endured.' By dad! that's a grand wallaby skin! Where'd -you get it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Got it larst night." Ike had the Colonial drawl to -perfection. "I was up at the top end of the scrub -cultivation paddick, mooseying around after some cockatoos -that'd bin skinnin' the corn. It was just about dusk, -an' I was waitin' in the corner for the cockies, as I knew -they'd soon be leavin' fur their roosts, an' my bes' charnse -at 'em was on the wing. They're so 'tarnal cute, yer know, -yer carn't git 'em on the corn."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I know. Didn't I try my best to stalk 'em the last -time I was down, Ike! I got three altogether, you -'member, an' you said it'd be a crest apiece to take home -to the girls."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Waal, as I was sayin', I'd sarcumvented the ole boss -cockie, which was keeping watch in the dead gum-tree -that stood in the middle of the patch, an' was posted in -the middle of the corner expectin' them ter fly over every -minit. But ole Pincher, who was chevyin' about, starts -this ere boss outer the pumpkin vines; they're death on -pumpkins, yer know. The dorg made a dash at 'im, an', -by jings! he did streak. Greased lightnin' wasn't in it -with 'im. I tried to draw a bead on 'im, but, what with -the dusk an' the bushes an' stumps, I couldn't get a good -line. I banged away one barril, but was yards off, I -reckon.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Pincher, he disappeared in a brace of shakes, an' I -made sure the vermin ud get through a 'ole in the fence. -I was makin' for 'ome, 'cause the cockies, yer know, 'ad -all gone. All of a suddent I heers a yelp, an' knew ole -Pinch 'ad somehow 'eaded 'im. Reckon 'e missed the 'ole, -or the dorg'd never got near 'im. Anyhow, 'e was -a-streakin' a bit now, an' Pinch at 'is 'eels. He was makin' -fur the maize agen. I lined 'im this time all right, though -it was a longish shot; about sixty-five I reckon; an' -dropped 'im clean at the very edge."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's a prime pelt, anyway."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yaas, 'e was a grand ole buck fur a wally; about the -biggest I've got this season."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How many skins have you taken, Ike?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Two more'n I'd 'ave six dozen."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Gettin' a good price for 'em?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Waal, Jack Croft, 'e offered me nine shillin' a dozen -fur 'em. There are about twenty kangaroos among 'em. -Jack reckoned it was a stiff price, an' 'e sed 'e'd not offer -anythin' near it but fur the kangaroo skins, which 'e 'ad -a fancy fur."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Old Jack can put it on, you know."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, I know Jack all right! Me an' 'im's 'ad dealin' -afore. Jacky's not too bad, but 'e knows 'ow to draw -the long bow. Anyway, ole Eb Dowse's boat'll be along -nex' week. He's sent word ter say as 'e'd do a deal -with me fur 'em."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Better wait an' see what Eb'll shell out for 'em, Ike, I -reckon. German Harry, up the river, says he can always -knock a shillin' a dozen more out of Eb than Jack."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I ain't hurryin', Joe."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Just then the welcome supper cooee reached their ears. -The boys lost no time in getting to the supper-table. -Joe instinctively eyed the contents. Cold streaky bacon; -a big dish of fried pumpkin and potatoes; a mountain -of home-made bread, sliced; a basin of prime butter; -Cape gooseberry jam galore, and amber-tinted honey in -the comb. What more could any hungry lad desire?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mary Robinson, a great tease, caught Joe's glance, -and said, with an amused smile, "No pancakes to-night, Joe."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Joe was abashed for the fraction of a second. Quickly -rallying, he laughingly said, "Tell another, Mary, while -your mouth's hot."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very well, my boy! If you don't believe me ask -our black tom-cat. He chased a mouse into the batter -and upset the bowl; so there!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Mary, Mary!" remonstrated Mrs. Robinson. "There's -only a grain of truth in the pound of fiction she's giving -you, Joe. The cat, it is true, did chase a mouse; but -it did not jump into the batter, nor was the bowl -upset. The pancakes are cooked, with currans in 'em; -just the sort you like; and they're keeping hot by the fire."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thanks awfully, Mrs. Robinson; I believe </span><em class="italics">you</em><span> anyway. -As for Mary, she's like Sandy M'Intyre's old, -toothless sheep-dog."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How's that, Joe?" interjected Ike.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Bark's worse than her bite."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My stars! what originality, what refinement! -Sandy's razor is not in it with master Joe Blain for -sharpness. I'll remember this, though, the next time you -ask me to go out to the scrub with you for passion fruit. -Anyhow, there's no resemblance between you and Sandy's -wonderful barker."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"</span><em class="italics">Indeed!</em><span>"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No; your bark's noisy enough, but your bite's a -hundred times worse—especially when pancakes are -about."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With this "Roland" Mary ran out to the kitchen -to get the teapot.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Joe made a royal repast, topping off with the hot -pancakes at a rate which caused his father to dryly -remark: "Too much pancake won't help the boat along, -my boy."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Tea finished, the visitors prepare to continue their -voyage. With Ike's powerful assistance the boat is -shoved into the water, and her nose pointed down-stream. -In due time Beacon Point is reached.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="off-for-the-holidays"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XIII</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">OFF FOR THE HOLIDAYS!</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span class="small">"Boyhood is the natural time for abundant play and laughter, without -which rarely does high health touch young cheeks with its rose-bloom, -or knit bones strongly for the fighting and the toiling that awaits -them."—JOSEPH H. FLETCHER.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"Now then, Norah, look slippy with breakfast! It's -half-past six, an' Sandy's to be here at seven. Said he'd -leave the station at five with the spare horse for me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Begorrah! at the rate breakfast's cookin' it'll be -midnight before it's ready. 'Tis the bastliest wood that -niwer was."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Time the fish was fryin', Norah."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Fish, bedad! For two pins ye wuddent have anny -fish. The thrubble Oi've had wid thim! Phwat for did -youse lave thim in the bag all night? If ye'd put thim -out on the dish, ye spalpeen, Oi'd have seen thim and -claned thim long ba-fore Oi wint to bed. 'Sted of which -it's tuk me two morchial hours to scale the brutes, they -was that dry and hard. Be Saint Pathrick, they scales -was loike porky-pine's pricklies!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Sorry, Norah; my fault as usual," remarked Joe -good-humouredly. "Father called out to turn the horse from -the lucerne just as I reached the back door. So I threw -the bag down on the steps to chase the moke, an' clean -forgot 'em when I came back."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, Oi'll forgive ye wanst more, which makes about -a million tousandth toime; but, moind ye, 'tis——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All serene, Norah! Oh, I say, Norry, I'd nearly -forgotten it! Paddy Lacey asked me yesterday to tell -you that they want you to go to the Hibernian picnic on -Boxing Day. They've chartered the </span><em class="italics">Firefly</em><span>, an' are goin' -down to the Bar."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"God's truth! 'tis only gammoning me ye are, Masther -Joe. It's a young thrick ye be, indade, with yure -Hayburnion picnacs."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's as true as true, Norah. No make-up this time. -An' oh! I say, d'you know what Jimmy Flynn tole Tom -Hawkins?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nawthin' good, bedad!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ain't it! Well, opinions differ. At any rate he was -goin' to set a line on Friday night, an' as he was roundin' -the point he hears somewheres ahead of him a noise -between a smack an' a crack. Then comes a bit of -a squeal, an' a woman's voice sings out: 'Don't, -stop it!' Then there was another smack-crack, an' -just as he got round the corner he sees a couple, -for all the world like you and Paddy, sittin' on a log. -No, 'twas Paddy that was on the log, an' you were on -Paddy's——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ye loi-in spalpeen! Oi'll pull yure tongue from -betune yure teeth," screamed Norah, as, blushing furiously, -she chased the nimble Joe out of the kitchen right into -the arms of Sandy M'Intyre, as he was coming up the -back doorstep.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hello, Sandy!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hello, Joe! What's row inside? Norah givin' you -the rounds of the kitchen as usual, eh?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Only jiggin' her about Paddy Lacey, an' got her </span><em class="italics">paddy</em><span> -up a bit. You're up to time, Sandy, ole man. By jing! -I see you've brought Curlew in. Am I to ride him? My -word! it is good of your governor to let me. I thought -you'd a brought the piebald."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So I intended, but he was limpin' when he was run -into the stockyard; so father says, 'Take Curlew.'"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Curlew was Mr. M'Intyre's favourite horse, and Joe -was highly honoured in being allowed to ride this -mettlesome but lovely paced steed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Just then breakfast appeared. After a substantial meal -Joe brought out his father's valise and strapped it to the -saddle.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All ready, Sandy? Good-bye, mother. Good-bye, -father. Good-bye, girls!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And so, with kisses and cautions from the family, the -boys mounted their steeds and cantered down the street -to the punt, on their way to Bullaroi, as Mr. M'Intyre's -station was called.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Across the river the boys were joined by Tom Hawkins, -who was to accompany them. Tom, who was mounted -on a brisk pony, greeted them with a cheery cry as the -punt reached the shore. A jollier trio of young -Australians could not be found than this chattering, capering -band, who on that brilliant morning raced along the bush -track.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Plans of fun and frolic were projected during the ride, -including astounding adventures that would have taken -half a year to carry out. In anticipation the lads were -already having tip-top fun. Tom's riotous imagination, -especially, made the spoils of the gun, the rod, and the -chase to assume brobdingnagian proportions.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In due course they pulled up at the slip-rails marking -the Bullaroi boundary line. Thence to the white gate -seen in the distance, and which fronted the homestead, -a mad race ensued. In this Curlew was first, the rest -nowhere. Indeed, Curlew became so excited by the gallop -and the shrill shoutings of the riders that Joe, who had -made no attempt to pull him till the horse was almost on -the gate, found it impossible to stop his steed, which was -full of running. Before the boy fully realised it, Curlew -was soaring through the air, clearing the gate by at least -a couple of feet. Joe, parting from the "pigskin," was -sailing through space on his own account, leaving a foot -or two between his sit-down and the saddle seat.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Joe, though a fair rider, was not a practised -steeple-chaser. He was not a horseman, as were Sandy and Tom, -who were to the manner born. Little wonder, then, that -his heart rose with the horse and his rider, and for some -brief moments palpitated furiously in his mouth. That -mysterious and natural law of the universe called -gravitation was on hand, however, and saved the situation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Curlew's hoofs struck the ground on the descending -curve as lightly as a cat. Joe's legs, which in this aerial -flight had assumed the shape of an inverted V, came plop -into the saddle at the right moment. But his body was -thrown forward, his hands clutching frantically at the -horse's neck and mane. In this condition, unable to -recover his equilibrium, with but the loss of his hat, the -rider is carried over the intervening distance to the -stables, amid loud laughter from the station people, who -had been attracted by the shouting of the boys.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Sandy cleared the gate in pursuit of Joe, but failed -to catch him. Tom was obliged to haul up and open the -gates, as the jump was too high for his pony. Thus the rider -of Curlew came in a winner, and all three dismounted -amid laughter and teasings.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Weel, Joseph, my lad," said Mr. M'Intyre, who -possessed a pawky humour, "Johnny Gilpin couldna hae -done the trick better. You kep' up wi' Curlew, anyway. -I thocht he was goin' to leave ye behind. Ma certie -it's deeficult to say which is the winner, you or the horse. -We'll juist ca' it neck an' neck."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Take no heed to him, Joe," said Mrs. M'Intyre. She -saw through the lad's apparent good-humour a sense of -humiliation at his unhorsemanlike entry. "You did well -to stick to him, not knowing his intention. But come -away in, boys; ye'll be ready for something to eat after -that ride. We're right glad to see you. Sandy was so -excited last night at the prospect of your coming that I -am sure he didn't sleep a wink. Why, he had the horses -saddled at dawn, and was off without a bite if I hadn't -stopped him and made him drink a cup of coffee."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The day was a busy one on the station. Every one -was engaged in finishing off jobs and cleaning up. For -during Christmas week, and until after New Year's Day, -only that which was absolutely necessary in the way of -work was expected.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>During the previous week drafting and mustering had -been the all absorbing work on the run. That finished, -and a mob of "fats" despatched overland to Maitland to -catch the Christmas market, the last few days were -occupied in culling "boilers" and in branding calves. -On this particular day all the available hands were -engaged in tidying up; the whitewash bucket being in -great request.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Willy and Jacky, the aboriginal boys, together with an -Irish lad,—Norah's brother, in fact,—were enrolled as -whitewash artists. Their special work consisted in converting -dingy looking hen-roosts, dog-kennels, pigsties, milking -sheds, and the like into a brilliant white. Meanwhile two -of the men, with rough brooms made of stiff brushes, were -sweeping the ground within a fair radius of the house.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Inside, the housework was prosecuted with great vigour. -Two gins were set to work with the scrubbing brush; -while in the kitchen, where Mrs. Mac and the two elder -daughters were domiciled, Christmas cooking went on -apace. There was, indeed, such a weighing of flour and -raisins, such a slicing of candied peel, such a dressing -of flesh and fowl as to make Ah Fat, the cook, fairly -amazed, and to wonder how in the name of Confucius the -oven was to stand the cooking strain that was being -brought upon it. While from the kitchen an odoriferous -perfume was wafted across the yard, assaulting all noses, -and breeding high anticipation, most pleasurable from -the standpoint of creature comforts.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mr. M'Intyre, no patron of idleness either in man or boy, -took the lads early in the day into the harness room, and -set them to the task of cleaning the saddle and harness -ware. Saddles, girths, bridles, various sets of light and -heavy harness, required attention. All leather was to be -well cleaned and oiled, stirrups and bits to be burnished, -and broken straps to be repaired.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The pals threw themselves, </span><em class="italics">con amore</em><span>, into the work. -It was hard to say which moved the more briskly, tongues -or hands. The afternoon was well advanced before the -last piece of steel and electro silver was polished, the last -girth and surcingle refitted, and the whole placed on their -respective brackets. This task finished, the boys felt that -they had earned the promised reward—a glorious swim. -Within a couple of hours of sunset the whole of the -outside work was accomplished, and, for the time being, each -employé was a free agent.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The homestead faced a large affluent of the river, which -was known as Crocodile Creek. Why the creek was so -named was a sort of a mystery. No species of the saurian -tribe was ever known to infest its waters. The name may -have been given to it through some fancied resemblance -in its course to the aforesaid reptile.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Crocodile Creek formed a fine frontage to Bullaroi run, -being distant from the homestead about a quarter of a -mile. Immediately opposite, the creek widened out into -a fine sheet of water some three miles long, and varying -in width from one hundred to one hundred and fifty -yards. There was a particular spot which stood about seven -or eight feet above the water. Here Mr. M'Intyre had a -spring-board constructed. The water was fully twelve feet -deep at the jump off, and, added to other advantages, -formed an ideal spot for bathing purposes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Having finished their allotted tasks, the lads came -bounding out of the harness-room and across the yard to -the house, shouting, as they capered, "Who's for a swim?" The -stockmen certainly looked, and no doubt felt, that the -one thing above all others necessary for their ease and -comfort after the stable and the house-yard cleaning -operations was a plunge into the cool, sweet waters of -the creek. If they were semi-black by reason of their -employment, it was no less true that the black boys, -Willy and Jacky, were semi-white.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dennis Kineavy, the Irish lad, was the "broth of a -bhoy," and all three were cram full of impishness. No -sooner were the finishing touches of whitewash decoration -given, than Denny, sneaking up behind Willy and Jacky, -who stood off a little from the hen-roost admiring their -artistic handicraft—with capacious brush well charged -with the sediment of his bucket—smote them in quick -succession across the bare shoulders and breech, and then, -with an Irish yell, darted round the stable.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Surprised for the moment, but nothing loath, the black -boys snatched their buckets, wielded their brushes, and, -shouting their native war-cry, dashed off in hot pursuit; -Denny dodged them successfully for a while, but was at -length outflanked, and then ensued a battle royal which -only ceased when the supplies of ammunition (whitewash) -were exhausted.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was at the tail-end of the fray that Sandy and his mates -came racing along with the cry of, "Swim O! Swim O!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Boys and men, black and white, were all ready and -willing, nay, eager, for a jolly bogey.[#] There was a rush -by the whites for towels; then, in quick procession, the -motley band made for the water.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">[#] "Bogey," native name for bathe.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>After a plunge and a short swim to get rid of the dust -and muck, an impromptu carnival was arranged. First -of all came the long dive. This meant a run along the -spring-board and a dive straight out. The diver in -each case, when reaching the surface, had to tread -water, keeping as nearly as possible to the spot of -emergence.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Tom Hawkins led off, the others followed in order at -twenty seconds' interval. The blacks, by reason of their -native abilities in this direction, were made to do the -dive with arms interlocked, Siamese twin fashion. The -darkies were the whippers-in of this diving procession. -Tom, who led off, faltered in his stride when leaving the -spring-board. He rose to the surface at about thirty feet -from the bank. Joe, who followed, dived a good ten feet -farther out than Tom. Sandy, however, when he shot up -through the water, was fully fifty feet from the shore. -Both of the stockmen beat Joe, but were behind Sandy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then came the blacks, side by side. With an even, -measured, and springy stride they raced down the board, -which was wide enough to admit of this manoeuvre. They -took the water without a splash, like a pair of frogs, -leaving scarce a ripple. It was naturally thought that by -being coupled in this way matters would be evened. It -was the general opinion that they would fail to reach -Sandy's limit, and probably not get beyond Joe's. The -boys eagerly awaited their reappearance, watching the -water closely for some sign. After what appeared to be -an interminable period they were startled by a double -cooee, and, lo! the twins, so to speak, had risen at least -twenty feet beyond Sandy, or seventy feet from the shore.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Somersault diving followed the long distance trial. -In thia Harry the stockman, who had been a circus -rider and acrobat in his youthful days, outshone all the -others.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then came the exciting game of "catch the devil." Willy -was chosen devil. It was his business to dive off -the spring-board and run the gauntlet, the others being -scattered in the water. To catch the aboriginal seemed -a comparatively easy matter, all things considered. He -was, however, a superb swimmer and trickster, diving -and dodging like a cormorant. A dozen times -surrounded, he marvellously eluded his pursuers. The game -was at its height, and there was no knowing how long -the "devil" would remain at large, when the station bell -rang out a lusty summons to supper.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This brought the carnival to an instant conclusion. -And now each swimmer scrambled for the shore, and -soon the whole company, with clean bodies and healthy -appetites, were hieing along the track. When the boys -reached home they found a new arrival in the person of a -young Englishman. This gentleman was out on a business -tour, and, being anxious to see something of station -life, was recommended to Mr. M'Intyre by a mutual friend. -Mrs. M'Intyre's hospitality was proverbial, and Neville, -for such was the "new chum's" name, was heartily made -welcome.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The day had been a long one, and, supper ended, the -boys were quite resigned to go to bed, or at least to the -bedroom. The noises therefrom, after their retirement, -were very suggestive of prime larks, and continued long -after lights were out. The pals were domiciled, to their -great delight, in a big spare room, which contained a -double bed and a single one. Joe and Tom shared the -former, while Sandy camped on the latter, which was, -indeed, his stretcher brought in for the occasion.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Silence reigned supreme at length within, and without -was broken only by the hoarse croaking of the frogs, an -occasional call from a night owl, and the weird wail of -the curlew.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="christmas-fun-and-frolic"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XIV</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">CHRISTMAS FUN AND FROLIC</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<!-- --> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>"It was the time when geese despond</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>And turkeys make their wills;</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>The time when Christians to a man</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>Forgive each other's bills.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>It was the time when Christmas glee</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>The heart of childhood fills."</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>BRUNTON STEPHENS.</span></div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Daylight had barely broken. The only stir in the -household is that produced by Joe, whose slumber had -been disturbed by the persistent crawling of flies across -his face.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There are three things in animated nature which run -each other very closely for the supremacy in downright -tenacity to purposeful cussedness. Pig, Hen, Fly—these -three! And of the three, the cussedest and most -exasperatingly tenacious to its rooted purpose of squeezing -in between one's eyelids, sinking a well in the corner -of one's eye, or climbing the inside walls of one's nose, is -the Australian species of the common house-fly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It is possible at times to circumvent the "gintilman -wot pays the rint," and persuade him to return through -the same hole in the fence which gave him escape, by -appearing to be anxious to drive him out on to the plain. -That is pig strategy; or rather, strategy with a pig. He -is beaten, so to speak, by the law of contrairy. When all -resources fail in persuading the hen that the flour-bin, or -the linen basket, is not specially constructed to suit her -convenience in the daily duty of egg producing, one can -at the last resort requisition the services of Madame la -Guillotine.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But neither strategy nor tactics, neither force nor fraud, -avail anything when the early fly, with recruited energies -and fiendish intent, starts on her mission of seeking whom -and what she may annoy. She—it is quite safe to put -the insect in the feminine gender—can be neither coaxed, -persuaded, shoo'd, deceived, frightened, nor driven from -her prey. The fly always wins—in the end.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Driven from Blanket Bay on this eventful Christinas -morning by the incorrigible fly, Joe proceeded at once to -reverse the Golden Rule, and promptly made war upon -his mates on that morning which, of all the days in the -year, makes for peace and goodwill among men.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Tom had sought refuge from the fly in the bed-clothes, -and muffled nasal monotones made a sonorous chorale. -On the other hand, Sandy, impervious to all impious fly -assaults, lay on his back, mouth wide open, breathing -heavily and steadily. Sandy was of the pachydermatous -order. Neither mosquito nor fly troubled him. The -flies evidently found his eyes to be a dry patch, while -they were unable to obtain a permanent foothold at his -nostrils owing to the intermittent, horse-like snorts which -blew them as from the mouth of a blunderbuss. But they -heavily fringed his mouth, eating with manifest relish -their bacilli breakfast.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In a jiffy the bed-clothes are whipped off the slumbering -lads, and in less than no time the latter, pillows in hand, -make common cause against the aggressor. Joe puts -up a gallant fight, but the odds are too much for him; -he is driven into a corner at last and unmercifully -pelted.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This prelude to the day's enjoyment concluded, the -pals jump into their clothes and proceed to execute the -second item on the day's programme, namely, a horseback -scamper through the bush before breakfast.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Oh, the glory of it! Out from the confines of four -walls into the open spaces of the world when night is -merging into day; to move in the dawn of a new day; -to stand enwrapped in its pearl-grey mantle ere the -mounting sun has turned its soft shades to rosy brilliance; -to inhale the spicy breeze which, during the night watches, -having extracted the perfumes of the forest flowers, comes -heavily freighted o'er gully and range, and diffuses the -sweet odours as the reward of the early riser. And then—to -watch the daily miracle of sunrise!</span></p> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>"See! the dapple-grey coursers of the morn</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Beat up the light with their bright silver hoofs</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>And chase it through the sky."</span></div> -<div class="line"> </div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Sandy, on old Rufus, kept for that work, soon -rounds-up and yards several steeds from the horse-paddock. -From these three are picked and saddled; and ere the -rising sun has walked "o'er the dew of yon high eastern -hills," the lads are scampering through bush and brake, -o'er dale and hill. They chivy the silent kangaroo -through the lush grass; have a glorious burst after a -belated dingo; rouse screaming parrots and paroquets -from their matutinal meal off the honey blossoms of box -and apple trees; pulling up at last on the summit of a -dome-shaped, treeless hill, from whence, with the bloom -of the morning still upon it, the landscape extends in a -vast stretch of undulation, broken at irregular intervals -by silver ribbons of creek and river.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Belts of scrub and forest, rich pasturages and arable -lands, are dotted here and there, with minute spots from -which rise slender threads of smoke indicating settlers' -houses; while away in the background are the purple -hills and the blue mountains.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Boys are not usually considered to be impressionable -creatures on the æsthetic side of things. Herein we -wrong them. They may not attitudinise, nor spout -poetry when under the supreme touches of nature, for -the boy is too natural to be theatrical. But, without -doubt, the morning and evening glories of dear old -mother earth do touch their sense of beauty; and though -these impressions may seem to be effaced by other and -more sordid things, nevertheless they linger through the -long years, called up from time to time in sweet -association with days that are no more.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The lads, while they rested their steeds, stood in silent -and wondering gaze, broken at last by Tom, who, pointing -across the intervening spaces to the broadest of the -many silver threads, exclaimed, "Tender's Tareela!" Many -miles away, as the crow flies, lay the river village, -a small cluster of dots, a few of which glistened in the -sunlight. These shining spots indicated the "superior" -houses that sported corrugated iron roofs, new in those -days. For the most part the "roof-trees" were shingle -or bark.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And now, homeward bound, the horsemen slither down -the hillside, plunge into a pine scrub, to emerge therefrom -on the border of a small plain, and chase a mob of -brumbies grazing thereon. They, with snorting nostrils -and waving manes, headed by a notorious grey stallion—of -whom more anon—dash up a ravine into the fastnesses -of the scrub, and, though followed some distance by the -reckless riders, vanish from sight with a celerity possible -only to wild bush-horses.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Skirting now the banks of the Crocodile, they disturb -flocks of teal, widgeon, water-hen, and other aquatic -birds. At length they give a view halloo, for the old -homestead is in sight. This scares a flock of cockatoos -that are camping in the river gums, after an early -morning's poaching expedition to the adjacent maize-fields, -and brings out the station dogs with a babble of -barking, as they pound up the track with a final spurt.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Breakfast ready, Ah Fat?" sings out Sandy, as the -boys come rushing into the kitchen from the stables.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Leddy? Tes, allee globble upee! Missee say no kleep -anyling for bad boy. Lockee allee glub." Ah Fat's -twinkling, humorous eyes redeemed his hatchet face and -stolid countenance.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's all right, fellows. He's only pokin' borak at us," -said Sandy, giving the Celestial a familiar slap. "Come -along, I'm as hungry as a hunter. They've only started, -I know."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The family were seated, heads were bent, and -Mr. M'Intyre was saying the long Scotch grace, when the -boys burst into the room with a fine clatter. The rude -intrusion brought a severe remonstrance from that -gentleman when the exercise was concluded. -Mrs. M'Intyre—always ready to defend the boys and to -champion them, to condone their faults and to extol -their virtues, in which she was wise or otherwise, as the -reader may decide—broke in with a Christmas greeting. -For a minute there was a fusillade of "Merry Christmas -to you and many of them!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now, boys, take your seats before breakfast's cold."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On proceeding to their places the boys stood stock still, -for there, resting against their respective chairs, stood -three brand-new, double-barrel shot-guns.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Weel, bairns!" exclaimed Mr. M'Intyre, with quiet -amusement, surveying the amazed boys as they gazed at -the weapons. "What are ye frichtened at? Is it -snakes y're lukin' upon? Why dinna ye sit doon to -yure food?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, father! mother!" cried Sandy at last, picking up -his gun, pleasure beaming from his face. "This is what -Harry meant when he said last night he'd brought out a -parcel from the town that'd come by steamer." Then -with a rush, Joe and Tom at his heels, he danced round -the abashed Scotchman, and gave him a hug, repeating the -dose with interest on Mrs. M'Intyre. It was hard for -the boys to settle down to breakfast and dislodge their -eyes from the weapons. What their souls coveted most -was a gun. The clamant claims of hunger, however, are -not to be disregarded; so, stacking their guns in a corner, -the boys did ample justice to a generous meal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Did you have a pleasant ride this morning, boys?" -inquired Mrs. M'Intyre. "You've not been out on the -run before, Tom, have you?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, ma'am. We'd a good time, though!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How far did you go, Sandy?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"To the top of Bald Hummock, mother."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Splendid view from the top, is it not, Joe?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not bad, Mrs. M'Intyre."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's a negative descreeption o' ane o' the graundest -sichts the hale deestric' can boast," said Mr. M'Intyre, -with emphasis.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Joe became conscious of the banality.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"An' why did ye no' tak' Mr. Neville wi' you, boys? -Ye did wrang no' to invite him to ride wi' you. I think -ye owe him an apologee, Saundy."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm very sorry," said the lad, turning in some confusion -to Mr. Neville. "If I'd thought——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, I shouldn't have dreamed of going out at such -an early hour, my lad," replied Neville loftily. He had a -somewhat affected accent and a superior air. "I nevvah -exert myself before breakfast. Besides, I am not sure -that I should find a safe escort in a parcel of—er—schoolboys. -With the young ladies, now," he continued, fixing -his monocle and bestowing a patronising stare upon -Sandy's sisters, Maggie and Jessie, "I—I—should be -delighted to go for a bush ride, as I think these equestrian -expeditions are called in Awestralia, in the cool of the -afternoon."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We don't call them even bush rides out here, -Mr. Neville," answered Jessie saucily. She resented -patronage. "We call 'em spins. Boys, I vote we all go for a -spin this afternoon. Let's ride as far as Ben Bolt's cave. -It'll be something interesting to show Mr. Neville. -Ben Bolt's a famous bushranger hereabouts, you know, -and the cave is a favourite rendezvous for his gang, as -well as a safe hiding-place. At least, it was so until a -few months ago, when the police and black trackers -discovered it, and nearly nabbed him. Fancy having a -bushranger's camp on the Bullaroi boundary! But Ben -never uses it now. So let's ride out to it. Are you -game, boys?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Game!" snorted Sandy. "What's to be game about? -The main thing is, will Mr. Neville care for an -eighteen-mile spin? If not, we could go for a short ride down -the Crocodile."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Please don't question my ability, boy!" retorted the -new chum, who resented the implication contained in -Sandy's remark. "I find," continued he, addressing his -host, "you good people out heah seem to think that -Awestralia is the only place where horseback riding is -indulged in——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We ride steers also, an' billies too," slyly interjected -Joe, with a wink at the girls.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And we read that they ride donkeys and—er—hobby-horses -in England," chipped in Jessie, whose eyes -sparkled with mischief.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good for you, ole Jess! Let 'em bring out their -English fox-hunters an' steeple-chasers that they brag -so much about, and we'll give 'em a dingo run, or a go at -cutting out scrubbers,[#] an' see how they'd be with their -pretty coats an' breeches, at the tail of the hunt!"</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">[#] Wild, unbranded cattle, frequenting scrub country,</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"Are ye addressing the English nation or oor guest, -Saundy?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>M'Intyre could be caustic when he willed. He had -no liking for Australian blow, and hit at it as he would hit -at a snake, whenever occasion arose. He now turned the -laugh against his son, Jess laughing loudest of all.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's settled, then, that we ride out to the cave this -afternoon?" said Maggie, with an inquiring eye on -Neville.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm shore 'twill be a pleasant jaunt, Miss M'Intyre," -replied the Englishman. "I shall have pleasure in acting -as your escort. But this—er—famous—er—notorious—er—highwayman, -is it—er—safe? I mean—er—I'm -thinking of the—er—ladies, you know."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What's to be afraid of?" quoth Jessie. To her, risk -meant spice, an added zest. Her whole heart went out -to the life of the open air and the pleasures of the chase. -Her greatest delight was in a mad scamper through the -bush behind the dogs, in the kangaroo hunt.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't be alarmed, Mr. Neville; Mag and I'll protect -you should the—er—famous—notorious—bushranger—highwayman -turn up," went on the audacious minx. "I'd -dearly love to see Ben Bolt. I think he's a lot better -than many who run him down. Oh my! wouldn't it -be fun if we surprised him in the cave? I'd——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Stop, Jess; cease your blether!" said Mr. M'Intyre -sternly. "The mon may no' be as black as he's pented, -but he's no' an honest mon. Misguided he may be to an -extent, and no' a'thegither answerable for some of the -steps in his doonward career, but a creeminal for a' that, -whom the country were weel rid o'. But as for the -reesk, there's na reesk in ridin' to the cave. The -Sub-Inspector telt me a few days ago that Ben Bolt's gone -o'er the border. News is to hand to the effect that he -stuck up a Chinaman on the Brisbane road. So the -cave's safe enough."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's settled, then," broke in Maggie. "If we leave -here about four o'clock 'twill be early enough, and will -give us plenty of time to get back by dark."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Maidie, my pet," said Mrs. M'Intyre to her little -three-year-old, a dainty, precocious miss, "what are -you staring at? It's rude to stare at any one like that."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, muzzer!" exclaimed the child, turning her bright -eyes mother-wards for a moment and then fixing them -with a fascinated gaze upon the Englishman.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What is it that interests you, little girl?" remarked -Neville in a patronising tone. "Is it the colour of my -tie?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Maidie shook her curly head, and, without removing -her eyes from Mr. Neville's face, leaned towards Jessie, -who sat next to her, and whispered, "The genkilmun's -got somesin' on his fevvers."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suspended from the tip of one of Neville's incipient -moustaches was a yellow string of egg-yolk. Jess had -observed this for some time, with a tendency to hilarity -whenever it caught her eye. Maidie's comical description -added fuel to the fire of the girl's merriment, sending -her into convulsive laughter. She answered looks of -interrogation by pointing to the dangling egg thread, -and saying as well as circumstances permitted, "Maidie -says—ha—ha—ha!—that Mr. Fevv—he—he—he!—Mr. Neville's -got egg on his—fev—feathers." This explanatory -and ludicrous mixture created a general explosion -among the young folk. The situation, however, was -promptly ended by Mrs. M'Intyre, who discreetly rose on -seeing that the guest did not join in the general laugh.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was nothing much for the men-folk to do; but -the boys were burning to try their new fowling-pieces, -The squatter, seeing their intent, directed them to use -their skill on the cockatoos and king parrots that were -devastating the maize crop.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>These birds, especially the former, proved wily customers, -so that not many opportunities offered for testing the -guns. Enough was done, though, to prove that the guns -were no "slouches," and great things were predicted -when the lads should "know" their respective weapons.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Whatyer think of the new chum, Joe?" said Sandy -to Blain, as they sat on a log under a low-spreading -wattle tree, on the look out for a flying shot.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Goes thirteen to the dozen, ole man, don't he? -Knows a lot more'n us, he reckons, and can't help -showin' it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, he can't stand us chaps at no price. By George! -Jess's got his measure, and Mag too, for that matter. -They'll take his nibs down a peg or two before he goes, -I bet tuppence."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Little Maidie fitted him all right," chipped in Tom. -"Fevvers—ha—ha!—yes, goose feathers."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was evident that the visitor was not in favour with -the young people. He had struck a false note. No one -can be quicker than boys to detect superciliousness and -to resent it. The patronising air is to them the -unforgivable sin. Henceforth Neville went by the name -of "Fevvers" among the boys, to the great amusement -of the girls, who, unfortunately for the Englishman, had -assigned him a place in prig-dom.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Neville, it must be confessed, was a bit of a prig; but -at heart he was not at all a bad fellow, and there came -a time not far ahead when respect supplanted contempt -in the pals, and the ridiculous nickname was dropped; -while he on his part discontinued the use of the irritating -comparison, "the way we do things in England," which -at the beginning he was for ever introducing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The household was enjoying a siesta after the typical -Christmas dinner which was partaken of at midday. Stillness -reigned within the house, save the cracking of house -timbers under the influence of the heat. This seductive -calm and the sweet sleep of the girls was at length -rudely broken by Sandy, who in the exercise of a -brother's privilege shook the door violently as he -shouted, "Now then, lazies, get up and dress! It's -half-past three."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Bother you, Sandy, you </span><em class="italics">are</em><span> a nuisance!" sleepily -complained Jessie. "I—I—was having </span><em class="italics">such</em><span> a lovely -dream. Neptune was just on the heels of a blue flyer,[#] -and I was galloping alongside him. The chase led us -to Blind-fall Gully, and we three took the jump together, -and were almost landed on the other side when you -thumped the door. I thought at first it was the thud of -Kangie's tail, but no! there she was flying through——"</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">[#] Maiden kangaroo, a very fast runner.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"That comes of eating too much plum-duff an' mince-pie, -my girl. But I say, you two, look slippy, or you'll -be too late. I told Jacky to saddle Nigger for you, Jess. -What'll you take, Mag? Rainbow or Sultan? They're -both up."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't care, Sandy. I'll take Sultan, I think. No, -I'll take Rainbow. Wait a moment, p'r'aps——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh! stop your silly nonsense. I'll put the saddle on -Sultan," shouted the impatient boy, as he made off -through the house to the stockyard.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Say, Sandy!" cried out Jess, who was now wide -awake. "Have you roused Mr.—er—Fevvers yet?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'Ssh! mother'll hear you," exclaimed the boy warningly, -as he returned to the door. "He didn't have a snooze. -Says it's unbusinesslike to sleep in the daytime. Says -they never do that in England. England be blowed, say -I. An' whatyer think? Harry offered him the loan -of his leggin's, but he wouldn't have 'em. Says they -smell of the stockyard, ha—ha! Says they don't wear -'em in England. Listen! He's got on a pair of white -duck britches, an' my crikey! they won't be white any -longer. He asked Harry for his fourteen-foot stockwhip. -Says he was told an 'Awestralian' horse would never -budge without one. Only dad was there I'd 'a' put his -saddle on Dick Swiveller, an' by jing! we'd 'a' had some -sport. We'll knock fun out of him as it is, I reckon. -But look alive, girls, or y'll be left behind."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="a-bush-ride-and-its-consequences"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XV</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">A BUSH RIDE AND ITS CONSEQUENCES</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<!-- --> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>"Then hey for boot and horse, lad!</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>And round the world away;</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>Young blood will have its course, lad!</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And every dog his day."</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>KINGSLEY.</span></div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The weather in Australia at Christmas is not ideal for -riding parties. Midsummer heat and dust, together with -hordes of flies, largely countervail the delights of the -saddle.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The enthusiastic party that cantered along the tracks -leading from the Bullaroi homestead on this particular -Christmas, with one exception, made small bones about -either dust or heat. Neville, however, was irritated by -the dust which the horses' feet knocked up. Nor would -he seek alleviation as did the others by leaving the track -at every opportunity. The victim of prejudice and -conventionality, expressed in terms of cussedness, he -obstinately stuck to the dusty track. The boys and Jessie -frisked here and there, making short cuts, jumping -gullies and logs, and generally enjoying themselves. -They raised, it is true, clouds of dust, to the annoyance -of the new chum, as they pounded along the track on -their return to the others, after having forged ahead -some distance; behaving, in short, like gambolling dogs. -Mag would have dearly loved the frolic, but hospitality's -demands made it imperative that she—the eldest—should -partner the guest.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Neville was no rider. His knowledge of the ways of the -horse was of the most elementary kind. Had he had the -common sense to have admitted that palpable fact, many -of his painful experiences, and indeed tortures, would -have been minimised, if not altogether avoided.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Like all inexperienced riders, he responded to every -movement of the horse. He had no sense of balance. -He held the reins shoulder high, and was for ever -jerking them. When his body was not stiffly straight it -inclined forward. The inevitable result was made -abundantly manifest in chafed limbs and aching bones. With -Neville, as with most new-chum riders, the trousers legs -</span><em class="italics">would</em><span> work up from the bottom, displaying a section of -calf, to the great amusement of the boys, who baa'd most -vehemently at such times.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This, however, must be reckoned for grace in Neville: -he made no complaint, nor admitted any discomfort. He -was forward in his criticisms of the boys' style of riding: -their seats were un-English and cowboy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>No greater contrast between the riders could well -be imagined than that which the new chum and the -pals presented. Theirs was to the manner born, to be -confounded neither with cowboy nor military. While -there is an utter absence of stiffness in the Australian -style, there is at the same time nothing bordering on -the truculent as affected by the cowboy. The movements -are willowy and rhythmic. Horse and man are one and -indivisible. This means to both the minimum of work -with the maximum of ease.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>How far removed from this attainment was poor -Neville! His figure was of the ramrod pattern for the -first few miles—ultra military, so to speak. His feet, -well through the stirrups, inclined outwards at a sharp -angle; his left arm, held at right angle as rigid as a -semaphore, gripped the reins; while his right clutched -the stockwhip with tenacious grasp. The steed, a fair -pacer in experienced hands, in his became a veritable -jogger. He rose and fell in springless fashion with every -motion of the horse.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was not in Neville's power to maintain that iron -rigidity, and so he gradually inclined forward. His back -became bowed, and his nose at times was in imminent -danger of the horse's head. His arms, too, hung listlessly -at either side, until at last his appearance resembled -nothing so much as a doubled-up Guy Fawkes perched -on a rail. Yet his dogged spirit, essentially British, half -courage, half cussedness, bore him up.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nearing the caves, the party, with the exception of -Neville and his companion, raced ahead, and by the time -that the latter arrived were cooling off beneath the shade -of some coolibahs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And now disaster of such a character as to shake from -him the last remains of superiority and propriety, -overwhelming him in the depths of humiliation, overtook -poor Neville. These mortifying results were brought -about by his attempted gallantry.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The selected camp, as related, was beneath the grateful -shade of a cluster of coolibah[#] trees that grew on the -banks of a mountain stream, close to the mouth of the -caves. Seeing that Maggie was about to dismount -unassisted, the youth exclaimed in eager tones, "Wait -a moment, Miss M'Intyre!" and so saying, threw -himself from his horse in order to do the gallant by -helping his companion down, "as they do in England."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">[#] Water gum trees.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Sad to say, however, so cramped and stiff were his -limbs, especially his nether extremities, that the instant -he touched ground his legs doubled in a powerless -condition, and he fell prone to the earth. Unfortunately, -the ground at the spot where he tumbled down began -to slope towards the creek. In his frantic efforts to rise -quickly to his feet he overbalanced himself, and began -to roll down the incline. He saved himself for a second, -and the impending disaster might have been averted -but for the confounded stockwhip, which led to his -undoing in a most effectual way. This weapon, which -he still held in his clenched right hand, got entangled -with his legs by some means, lasso fashion, bringing -him smartly to the ground again in a fresh attempt to -rise. The sloping bank at this point became almost -precipitous: with a rapid turn over-and-over, he rolled -down the steep gradient, crashed through an undergrowth -of bushes and bracken that fringed the perpendicular -bank of the creek, and shot out into its clear, deep -waters.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This unrehearsed performance, taking less time to -act than to relate, brought a powerful shriek from -Maggie, who, arrested in her intention to dismount -unaided by Neville's proffered aid, beheld from her -horse the undignified collapse of her escort, with its -quickly succeeding acts of comedy and tragedy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The others, who were witnesses of this performance, -hugely enjoyed it, giving a loud hurrah as the new chum -splashed into the creek. There was one exception. -Sandy, who was on his way to the creek with the billy -can, and who realised in a moment that the discomfited -Englishman had fallen into a deep pool,—the very spot -where he had often fished for big perch,—threw away the -billy and rushed to the spot where the unfortunate man -had fallen in. Only that day had Neville declared that -"my water exercises have been confined to the house bath."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Beyond the agitated surface there were no signs of -their visitor in the water. Without pause, the lad took a -header to the bottom, which was at least ten feet from the -top, discerned the sunken man kicking and clawing, -hauled him to the surface, and towed him to the bank. -Here willing hands were ready to grip the victim of this -misadventure and pull him to land.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As soon as he was dragged to safety, the cause of his -abject helplessness in the water was revealed. The -stockwhip had so encircled his legs as to prevent the free use -of them, besides which the shock of the whole accident -had to an extent numbed his senses.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In sooth he was a sorry sight as he lay on the turf. -The immersion did not cover more than half a minute; -it was long enough, though, to take him to the verge -of unconsciousness and to fill his lungs and stomach -with water. The boys speedily unwound the whip, and -subjected Neville to some rough but wholesome treatment, -during which process the water was rapidly ejected -from his interior regions.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The girls, as soon as Neville was landed, discreetly -withdrew. Merriment had dissolved into pity.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Poor Mr. Neville! I'm </span><em class="italics">so</em><span> sorry. Isn't it a shame, Mag?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Seems like a dream; it all happened so quickly and -unexpectedly. I'm afraid father'll be very angry about it. -The poor fellow was going to be so gallant, too. 'Permit -me to assist you,' he said, and the next moment——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Here the whole scene comes up so vividly and comically -that, strive as she may, Maggie cannot withhold laughter -of a somewhat hysterical kind. And so, between laughter -and tears, the two girls superintended the billy-boiling -and tea-making business.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meanwhile the lads, stripping Neville under the lee -of the bank, wrung his clothes, and then re-dressed him, -bringing him up to the fire little the worse for his cold -douche. The girls quickly recognised the finer qualities -of Neville's character, which broke through the crust of -his artificiality in the hour of adversity.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm very sorry to have caused this trouble, Miss -M'Intyre. No one's to blame but myself. Your brother -and his mates have been exceedingly kind to me. Indeed, I -owe a debt to your brother that I can never repay, for -without doubt he saved my life. I was utterly helpless -with that wretched whip curled around me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Indeed, it was true. The accident might easily have -had a fatal termination, and the thought of it (for all that -Neville cut such a grotesque figure in his shrunken -clothes) drove the last remains of latent hilarity away. -Maggie assured the forlorn-looking youth that no thanks -were due to any one; that all deplored the accident, -and were thankful that the finale inclined rather to -the comic than the tragic.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Take this pannikin of hot tea, Mr. Neville. Father -says that whisky's not in it with tea for recruiting one's -jaded energies."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As there was no need for starting on the return ride -awhile, the three boys, leaving the girls and Neville at -the camp, proceeded to the caves.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The caves, three in number, were connected with one -another by narrow entrances. The outermost one had -an inlet through a narrow crevice. This opening was -concealed from the casual eye by a sentinel-like boulder -which stood directly opposite, and about eighteen inches -in advance of the wall of rock. It was a squeeze -for any one above the average size to get through.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Before its occupation by the bushrangers the outer -cave, by evident signs, formed a favourite wallaby -haunt. These had been disturbed and hunted by the -bushrangers, who from time to time, according to -police report, used it as a hiding-place. They had often -lain there when the district was filled with troopers. -On one occasion, as was afterwards known, Ben Bolt -and his mate, a youth of eighteen years, lay concealed -for weeks. The boy had been badly wounded in the -thigh during a brush with the police in the New -England ranges. Ben Bolt, who was passionately -attached to him, by incredible labour and consummate -skill—for the pursuing police were on their tracks -all the time—brought his wounded mate to the caves -in order that he might lie in safety until his sores -were healed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Sandy was the only one of the lads who knew anything -about the caves. In company with his father he had -visited them a few weeks previously. He therefore -acted as a guide to the party.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The fissure, a mere crack in the limestone rock, -extended in tortuous fashion for some distance. -Lengthening out and making a curve, it suddenly -broadened into a chamber of respectable dimensions. -At the entrance of the crevice Sandy had lit a candle, -one being sufficient for the cramped passage. Before -entering the cave proper, all three candles brought for -that purpose were lit.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The cave was bat-inhabited. Large numbers of these -uncanny creatures, which were clinging to the roof and -sides, disturbed and dazzled by the light, flew about -in aimless fashion, often striking the boys in their -uncertain flight. Numbers of them fastened on to -their clothes and limbs with their claw-like pinions.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Joe and Tom, to whom this was a new experience, -were uneasy and a good bit scared. Their nervousness -increased when the fluttering nocturnals more than once -extinguished the lights.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You must do as I do, boys!" sang out Sandy, -who was in advance, as they walked cautiously over -the uneven and stone-littered floor. Sandy had -removed his hat and held it over the candle. This, -while it darkened all above, gave ample light on the -floor space, and protected the candle from the nocturnals. -The others thereupon followed suit, and soon reached -the opening on the opposite side that led to the second -chamber.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This narrow passage made a stiff ascent for some -yards, inclining to the left, and then extending like -a funnel. Sandy was proceeding very cautiously, for -the opening into the interior cave was made at about -ten feet from its floor. A rough ladder of lawyer -vines hung from the opening in the wall to the -basement. Down this the boys speedily slipped, and -found themselves in a dome-like space, bigger by far -than any room, barn, or church that they had seen. -The atmosphere was very chill, and the continual -drip of falling water made a monotonous sound. A -narrow, clear stream of running water flowed along -one side, disappearing in a floor crack near the far -corner.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Contrary to what one would have expected, the -lime crystals were few, and for the most part small; -not to be mentioned in the same breath with the -matchless statuary of the far-famed Jenolan Caves. -On the ground, however, were some interesting -stalagmites, whose grotesque figures highly amused the -boys. At the first sight, though, a fearsome feeling -possessed them. They were children of the sun, and -this new and cryptic experience in the cold, dark, vaulted -chamber quickened their pulses and shortened their -breaths.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Everything seemed to have a ghostly appearance to -the pals. It was a fitting abode for spectral creatures, -and they had a feeling that at any moment such might -appear. This sensation, however, was of short duration. -A few minutes' familiarity with their surroundings -dissipated it, and the lads moved freely in their -investigations.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Didn't you say there was another cave adjoining this, -Sandy?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, I'll show it to you in a few minutes."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>While the question was being asked and answered, -Sandy was peering into a crevice immediately behind a -huge stalagmite, and in a dark corner of the cave.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"This looks as if it might open out somewhere, but the -opening's jammed with a big limestone boulder."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Let's have a pull at it," said Tom, as he leaned forward -to take hold of a projecting point.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No go, Tom. Look at its weight! See how tightly -it's wedged! You'll never budge that. It'll need a -crowbar to shift it. Come along, boys, and we'll take a -peep at the other cave, just to say we've seen it; then -we must make tracks back."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Sandy, however, bore in mind this sealed chamber -which was destined later to yield important and -far-reaching results. He made for a low, narrow aperture in -the wall, at a far corner, which opened directly into a -vault-like ceil—a small bedroom or pantry, as the case -might be.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Here's where the rangers camped," said Sandy, when -the boys had struggled through. "Here's their beds, an' -there's where they had their fire."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A couple of sheets of stringy-bark, placed stretcher-fashion -on crossed sapling frames, formed the sleeping-bunks -of the outlaws. On these were placed a quantity -of bracken which made a comfortable resting-place for -men who more often than not slept upon the ground.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I say, Sandy," remarked Joe, after standing a moment -in deep thought, "this is an all-right place for hidin' in, -but where'd they keep the mokes? That's what beats me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It beats more'n you. It beats father. It beats the -police. Yes, they can't get a clue. Must have had the -horses handy, too; for when the police got into the cave -the time they tracked 'em here, the rangers couldn't have -been gone more'n a few minutes, 'cause a fire was still -burning in Ben Bolt's room, as they call it. The bobbies -have searched inside and outside and all over the ridge -for another opening, but can't find it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"They've clean bunged the p'lice, the cute beggars!" -exclaimed Tom, with a grin. "Wonder if they'll ever -come back again. Ole Ben's a game un. They say he -wears a reversible suit of different colours. An' -sometimes he straps up a leg an' fastens a wooden peg on it -an' stumps along, led by a dog on a string like a blind -beggar."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He's always bluffin' the police, anyway," said Joe. -"The Sub-Inspector was at our place about a month ago, -telling father how he an' the others were fooled not so -long ago."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Tell us, Joe."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, 'twas like this. A bushman on a piebald horse -rode up to the police camp out Kean's swamp way, -bearing a note from Sub-Inspector Garvie, ordering them to -cross the ranges an' get into Walcha secretly, as he -possessed reliable information to the effect that Ben Bolt -intended to stick up the bank two days later.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It appears this same man called at the Sub's quarters -earlier in the day, who was laid up with a sprained leg. -This chap told how he'd been in Ben Bolt's company -two nights previously. The ranger and his mate—the -same boy as was wounded—came upon him as he -lay by his fire in the evening, and asked permission to -camp alongside. They pretended to be stockmen in -search of strayed heifers, and made out that they had -come across their tracks just at nightfall. As it was a -goodish way to the station, they would be glad to sleep -by his fire and get after the cattle at dawn.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The man said that as soon as he spotted 'em he knew -'em, but he was too frightened to let on. He gave 'em -some grub, an' then lay down in his blanket. As soon as -they had scoffed the prog they lay down too, on the off -side of the fire.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The man didn't go to sleep, though he pretended -to. By an' by the two men began to talk in low tones. -He could hear 'em, though, pretty well, and found out -that they were goin' to stick up the Walcha bank. The -date they named was four days from that night. -Although the chap lay as if he were dead he didn't sleep -a wink. Just before daylight the coves saddled their -horses, which had been short-hobbled, and singing out, -'So-long,' they galloped off.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'And what prompted you to bring this information?' -said the Sub.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'Well, if you cop the rangers,' he answered, 'I shall -expect something substantial for supplying these particulars.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'As for that, you'll get your share. And now you -can do something further that'll help you in the matter -of reward. Take this note to Sergeant Henessey, who is -camping with four police and a tracker in the foothills, -at the head of Kean's swamp.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The Sub-Inspector, who had hastily written a note -of instruction to the Sergeant, handed it to the man, -who said his name was Sam Kelly. Sam promised to -deliver it by daybreak; which he did. As soon as the -Sergeant read it, he roused up the men, and after a hasty -meal it was 'Saddle up.' A few minutes later the -troopers were on their way to cop the rangers. Now -listen: that very day, towards evening, the Port -Macquarie mail was stuck up!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My eye!" said Sandy, "weren't the p'lice sold! Fancy -ole Ben goin' into the lion's den with his information -an' then takin' the letter out to the camp, an' none of -'em cute enough to twig 'im! He's a downy cove is Ben. -Ain't he, Joe?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"They say," concluded Joe, "that the piebald he -rode was his favourite horse, the blood-bay he calls -Samson."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But how was it he turned him piebald?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"</span><em class="italics">Painted patches of pipeclay on him!</em><span>"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now, then," exclaimed Sandy, pulling out his watch, -"we've only a few minutes left, an' we mustn't be late, -as Mr. Neville won't be able to ride fast."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Poor old Fevvers!" exclaimed Tom reminiscently. -"This hasn't been much of a treat for him."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-dingo-raid"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XVI</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">THE DINGO RAID</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<!-- --> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>"What's up, old horse? Your ears you prick,</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>And your eager eyeballs glisten.</span></div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>'Tis the wild dog's note, in the tea-tree thick,</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>By the river to which you listen.</span></div> -<div class="line"> </div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>* * * * *</span></div> -<div class="line"> </div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>Let the dingo rest, 'tis all for the best;</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>In this world there's room enough</span></div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>For him and you and me and the rest,</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>And the country is awful rough."</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>ADAM LINDSAY GORDON.</span></div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"Here's a fine how-d'ye-do!" exclaimed Mr. M'Intyre -wrathfully, as he strode into the house, one hot morning -shortly after the events recorded in the previous chapter. -"Why sic rubbish were ever created passes -understanding!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The irate squatter, contrary to his usual habit, clattered -through the hall and out on to the front verandah, -slamming the door most vigorously as he made his -exit.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Whatever's stung dad this morning, Jess?" remarked -Maggie to her sister, as their excited parent made his -noisy intrusion.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Something bad, you may be sure, to cause dad to -parade in that fashion. I expect the blacks have been -performing. They madden father at times by their 'want -o' intellect,' as he calls it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll—I'll cut the livers out o' them, the sneakin' -hounds! Rot 'em, I'll pizen every faither's son o' the -dirty vermin!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, father!" cried Jessie, "you surely are not going -to poison the poor things?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Pizen 'em, that am I! Pizen's ower guid for them, -thieving brutes that they are! 'Puir things,' as you -ca' the wretches," continued he sarcastically, "I'll hae the -life o' the hale o' them, if it tak's a' the pizen in Tareela!" -barked the exasperated man.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then you're no father of mine!" blazed out Jessie. -"What have the poor boys done that you should -threaten such dreadful——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"W-h-a-t!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why, poor Willy and Jacky: what have they done -that you should——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What on earth is the lassie haverin' aboot?" roared -Mr. M'Intyre to Maggie.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The blacks, father. Didn't you say that you were -going to poison them? But I don't believe it for a——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The blacks! Wha's talkin' o' blacks? It's the -reds, the blessed dingoes, wha've been playin' havoc wi' -the calves. The blacks? Ma certie!" continued he, as -the humour of the situation seized him, forcing a smile. -Turning to his daughter, he exclaimed, "Ye're a fine -bairn, I maun say, to be accusin' yer ain faither o' </span><em class="italics">black</em><span> -murder!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Forgive me, dad!" cried the impulsive girl, as she -threw her arms round his neck; "I never thought of the -dingoes. I—I—I made sure the black boys had been up -to tricks, and never dreamed——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There, there, that's enough, my lassie! It's a case of -'misunderconstumbling,' as Denny Kineavy would say. -But it's enough to make ane feel wild and gingery. Eleeven -fine yearlin's killed! It's the wantonness mair than the -actual loss that vexes me: though the latter is bad -enough, for some o' the best, of course, are sacrificeed to -their slaughterin' instincts."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>That evening, in conference with his chief stockman, -Mr. M'Intyre laid his plans for the extermination of the -pack of dingoes which had just given an exhibition of -their destructive powers. In this particular instance the -brutes had driven a number of yearling calves, weaners, -into a blind gully. Having boxed them up in this </span><em class="italics">cul de -sac</em><span>, the rapacious dogs found them an easy prey.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Australian wild dog is a combination of several -very excellent qualities—from the canine standpoint, -that is. He possesses more sagacity than any other wild -thing of the bush. Keen of sight, quick at scent, subtle -of wit, noiseless in tread and bark, tenacious to rooted -purpose, he pursues and stalks his quarry, whether bird -or beast, with all the odds in his favour.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There he stands, this indigenous dog, with a great, -broad forehead, his eyes narrowing in sinister expression; -well set in body, showing big sinews and a good muscular -development; strong jaws, with teeth like ivory needles; -white in paw and tail-tip, bright yellow everywhere else, -save the chocolate-coloured streak running along the spine -from neck to tail. There he stands: but that is a figure -of speech, for a more restless animal than this same dog -does not exist.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Australian cattle-dogs have a world reputation, and -the very best are they which by crossing inherit a strain -of dingo nature. That which makes the dingo so hated -by stock owners—who pursue him relentlessly—is the -killing lust which possesses him. Were he to simply kill -for food, and be satisfied with a victim that would furnish -enough for present needs, settlers would be far more -tolerant of him. The plain truth about him is that his -predatory instinct is so strong as to practically intoxicate -him. The sight of a flock of sheep or a bunch of calves -makes him "see red," and then he simply runs amok. -One snap—he does not bite in the ordinary sense—of his -steel-like jaws is enough. The mouthful of flesh and -muscle is torn out in an instant, and the victim -invariably dies of shock. One dingo in a sheepfold will kill -fifty sheep in a few minutes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>These dogs are more troublesome in bad than in good -seasons. When the cattle get low in condition and -weak, they become a comparatively easy prey, then the -cunning of the dingoes becomes manifest. They will -select their victim and drive it towards a water-hole or -swamp. In dry times these are mere puddles and -exceedingly boggy. The object of the canine drovers is to -reduce the bullock to helplessness by bogging it. The -drive will sometimes take hours, and no experienced -drover could do the work more cleverly. Finally, when -their quarry is down in the mire and practically helpless, -he is tackled and bitten to death. In good seasons, when -the cattle are strong, Mr. Dingo, save for an occasional -foray on the calves, has to content himself with his -natural diet—kangaroos, 'possums, and emus.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Fortunately, there was at the station at this time an -eccentric bushman who combined the work of horse-breaking -and dingo-trapping. Nosey George was reputed -to have a sense of smell equal to that of the dingo itself. -Certainly, his slouching gait made it often appear as if he -were "nosing" the tracks of the game. But in truth he -owed his prowess as a trapper to a pair of eyes that -knew no dimness. At first sight of Nosey, one saw -nothing but his nose. But when you noticed his eyes -you forgot the nose, and lived in the presence of a pair of -eyes that sparkled like diamonds, or as searchlights that -permitted nothing to escape their scrutiny.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nosey's feats of tracking were really marvellous. On -one occasion he got on to the trail of a dingo bitch which -had raided his hen-roost, and followed it for twelve miles, -mostly through scrubby and rocky country that was -criss-crossed with innumerable tracks of bush vermin. -For all that, this human sleuth-hound tracked Mrs. Dingo -to a cave in the mountains where she had five pups, -and returned with six scalps.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The dingo trapper rode out early the next morning in -company with Harry the stockman and the boys to the -scene of the slaughter, there to devise means, for which -he had received </span><em class="italics">carte blanche</em><span> from Mr. M'Intyre, for the -capture of the raiders.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The weaners' paddock was about three miles from the -house, and had an area of five thousand acres. Most of -the enclosure consisted of plain, but a corner of it -contained a belt of scrub; and it was in this corner, where -the weaners camped for warmth in the night-time, that -the drive and slaughter had been made. The beasts, -most of them, lay huddled, showing evidence of mangling; -others had struggled out of the gully into the scrub. -After gazing awhile at the slain, Tom Hawkins broke the -silence—</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I say, Nosey, ain't this a go? Poor brutes!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Here, you kid," cried the trapper, turning sharply on -Tom, "who gave you leave to call me names? Like -yer blessed cheek! How'd yer like me ter call yer -monkey-face? If yer had a decent nose, I'd tweak it fer yer."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nosey, who was very sensitive on this question of -nickname, and had had many a fight over the same, made -such a menacing move towards Tom that the lad shrank -back in fear.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That'll do, George," said Sandy. "Leave the boy -alone. He didn't mean anything. It's what everybody -calls you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm not goin' to let brats of boys miscall me, anyhow. -Don't know why the boss sent you blokes, for all the -good y'are!" growled the grumpy, cross-grained, but not -really bad-hearted old man. "Youse better be keepin' -quiet, anyways, till me an' Harry has a look round."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Let him be," whispered Harry. "If you get his -dander up he's as likely as not to chuck the whole blame -thing. He always jibs at that name; carn't stand it -from kids nohow."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nosey, or to be respectful, George, now proceeded to -examine the surroundings of the carcasses. Bending -forward until his protuberant nose almost touched the -earth, the trapper moved his eyes swiftly, now concentrating -on twig or grass-blades, now wildly roving and -all-comprehensive. The rest of the party were following at -his heels, when he turned round and fiercely waved them -back.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All right, Nos—George!" sang out Joe. "I see; you -want to keep the tracks clear. We'll stay here till you've -finished."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Drawing on one side, the group watched the proceedings -with great interest. The ground was hard and stony; -quite unimpressionable and barren of sign to the pals' -untutored sight, yet to this man of the woods, who was -ignorant of the alphabet, the rough earth surface was -all-revealing, and made known to him in unmistakable -characters the story of the attack.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Having at length concluded his investigations, the -trapper straightened his back and moved to where the -others stood. Producing his knife and a plug of tobacco, -he began to shred a pipeful, making no remark to the -expectant onlookers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Reckon we'll have to drag it out o' the old un," said -Harry to Joe in a low tone. Then raising his voice, the -stockman began to question the man.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Had a good look round, George?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nod.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ain't missed anything worth seeing, I bet?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Head-shake.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Whatyer make of it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Razorback pack," replied the old man of frugal -speech, as he cleaned out his pipe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Razorback pack? You surely don't mean it! Why, -that is a matter of twelve mile or so!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Suppose it is; what of that?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, I say!" exclaimed Harry dubiously, yet not -wishful to offend the old man's susceptibilities. "Of -course you know best, George. How many of 'em do -you consider they'd be?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Five dorgs an' two bitches."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good gracious, Nosey!" cried Tom the unlucky, the -next moment beating a rapid retreat as the dog-trapper -made a vicious dart at his caudal appendage, finally -coming to grief over a fallen log which lay in the line of -retreat. The pursuing foe, even, had to stop and join in -the laugh raised at the ludicrous figure which Tom cut as -he lay, head down, heels up.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Beg pardon, George!" he cried breathlessly the next -moment, as he recovered his original position. "It slipped -out, old fellow. I—I didn't mean it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come, now, George, that's handsome. You must -accept the apology," interjected Joe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The trapper nodded assent, and the incident passed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How </span><em class="italics">do</em><span> you know what pack it is, George? Blest if -I can understand how you find out all these things! First -you tell us the sex an' then where they come from."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Tell it by their paws."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By their paws! How on earth can you tell they've -come all the way from Razorback by their paw marks? -Mightn't it be the turkey scrub lot?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It carn't be, an' isn't, 'cause I knows the pack."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How's that?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Got two of the vermin in the traps six months ago -over at the mountains, an' a cove wot got away left two -toe nails of his near hind-foot in the trap."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Too fly for poison, eh?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'Twould be a waste of good strychnine over the -rubbage," replied the trapper, waxing more communicative. -"They know a bait better than a Christun. -'Sides, I tried them over at Razorback. Got plenty o' -cats, gohanners, an' crows; an', be gosh! laid out one of -my own cattle puppies, but ne'er a dingo."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The traps'll fetch 'em, won't they, George?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>George returned no answer, but "smoled" a cryptic -smile. Mounting their steeds, the party turned in the -direction of home. Mr. M'Intyre received the trapper's -report without interruption, and then consulted as to the -best way to work their destruction.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hunting them is out of the question," said the -squatter in reply to a remark of his son that it would -be grand sport hunting them. "We'd only ruin the -horses in that country and miss most o' the dingoes. -Na! the traps are the best an' safest. If ony ane can catch -'em in that fashion, George is the mon. I leave the hale -matter in his hands. He kens best what to do to -circumvent the brutes; so go your own way to work, -George. What aboot traps? Have ye enough?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Got seven or eight, dunno for sure. Ought to have -a dozen."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Varra weel; ane o' the laddies will ride to Tareela -and get ither fower."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Accordingly, Joe and Tom mounted their horses and -rode into the store for the additional traps.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A dog-trap, it should be explained, is simply an -enlarged spring rat-trap, with extra strong jaws and -saw-like teeth. These instruments of capture weigh -about ten pounds, and are planted in likely spots. The -native dog is an exceedingly suspicious animal. His -reasoning faculty is large. A mere glance at his head -will convince one as to his capacity, and those who have -had to do with him count him as the slimmest of the slim. -Hence, only by outmatching him in cunning may his -adversary succeed. In this Nosey George was an adept, and -Mr. M'Intyre did not overstate the facts when he declared -no one to be capable of matching the dog-trapper in the -art of setting lures.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The pals readily obtained leave to accompany the -trapper next morning to watch the proceedings, on the -understanding that they were in no way to interfere with -him. Each lad had a pair of traps slung across his horse's -withers, and George carried the balance on the neck and -croup of his steed. They made their way to the weaners' -paddock, and after a brief inspection of the carrion the -trapper declared that there had been no return of the dogs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I didn't expect them larst night," remarked George. -"They're like the blacks, can eat enough at one meal to -do 'em fur days. A gorge is Chrismus to 'em."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What do you intend doing with the dead beasts, George?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Leave 'em be, o' course. They'll help me more than -anythin' else. Dogs'll come again to get another feed -or two; an' as boss's took the weaners away to a safe -paddock, they'll go fur these dead uns like winkie—likes -'em a bit high, in fact. Supposin' we burn these wretches, -the vermin'll keep about their own haunts. They're -out of their beat when they come over here, while they -knows every stick an' stone of their run. Consequently, -it gives me a better charnse with 'em on unfamiliar -ground."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So saying, the cunning hunter proceeded to carry out -his plan. The dingo has a well-defined method of -carving his veal, so to speak. The hide of the animal is -not uniformly thick. The softest and tenderest part is -that underneath and between the thighs. The ravager, -therefore, attacks this tenderest and most susceptible -part. He tears a big hole through the skin and into the -flesh in a short time, and literally eats his way into the -body; until, when he and his fellow-feasters have finally -finished, and cleaned paws and jaws with that -self-provided serviette the tongue, nothing of the animal -remains but the skin and bones—always providing that -no foe appears to stay proceedings against the gourmands. -This finish, of course, entails several feasts when the -course happens to be a bullock, or, as in the present case, -toothsome veal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The trapper proceeded to lay a trap facing the torn -portion of each carcass—that, of course, being the place -of attack on each occasion of the canines' visits. After a -careful consideration of the ground surrounding each -beast, he dug a hole in the earth and then placed a trap -in it. He next produced some sheets of the inner bark -of the ti tree, which is as flexible as paper and softer. -A sheet of this is laid over the gaping jaws of the trap, -which is, of course, properly set. The "jaws" are now -level with the ground. Over this fine earth is sprinkled -until all appearance of the trap is hidden. The superfluous -soil is now removed with care, and the surroundings -are made to look as natural as possible. This in itself is -a work of art; for the slightest appearance of disturbance -or make-up alarms the wary dingo, and nullifies the -trapper's design.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There is one thing, however, that Nosey George had -not reckoned upon when starting his operations—the -number of carcasses to be treated. It will be remembered -that eleven animals were slaughtered in the dingo raid. -This would mean the use of eleven traps, were every -animal to be used as a lure. But it is contrary to the -design of the trapper to use up all his traps in the -vicinity of the beasts. Some are to be set along the line -of approach. A number of carcasses, therefore, must be -removed. With the help of the boys, five of the beasts -are dragged about two hundred yards away, put in a heap, -covered with dry wood, and then burned.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This left the trapper with several traps to use in other -directions. Having laid six traps in the vicinity of the -calves, he proceeded to follow up the tracks of the dogs. -The first gin was laid in a soft patch of ground directly -in their footmarks. This he continued at intervals, until -the last one was placed at a spot about two miles -distant.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How many dingoes do you think you'll nab, George?" -exclaimed Tom, as the party rode homewards in the -late afternoon.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Tell you when I visit the traps termorrer, boy."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I say three," judged the judicious Joe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I say one," opined the cautious Sandy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I say the whole bloomin' lot," loudly proclaimed the -sanguine Tom.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I say, wait," drily remarked the wise trapper.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The trapper's prophecy was justified; for, on a visit to -the traps in the early morning by the expectant and -impatient boys, in the company of Nosey George, to the -surprise and disgust of these same youngsters, not a trap -was sprung.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The trapper, who while examining the ground had -maintained a sphinx-like attitude, broke silence at length -under a fusillade of questions.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yees want ter know, does youse, why it is no dog's -copp'd? Simple enough. Dogs didn't come."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="dingo-v-emu-a-fight-to-a-finish"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XVII</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">DINGO </span><em class="bold italics medium">V.</em><span class="bold medium"> EMU: A FIGHT TO A FINISH</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<!-- --> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>"Afar I mark the emu's run;</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>The bustard slow, in motley clad;</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>And, basking in his bath of sun,</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>The brown snake on the cattle-pad,</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>And the reddish black</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Of a dingo's back</span></div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>As he loit'ring slinks on my horse's track."</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>GEORGE ESSEX EVANS.</span></div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The next morning's visit told another tale.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The dingoes, having recovered from their surfeit, -hunger-induced, made a second nocturnal trip to the -feeding-grounds. Cunning and wary as they habitually -are, they fell, some of them at least, before the wiles -of the trapper. Four of their number paid the death -penalty. Two female dogs were caught in the traps set -about the calves. The trapped animals had not moved -any great space.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It should be said that the traps are not fastened to -the spot whereon they are laid; because, were they -stationary, the dingo, especially the dog dingo, in his -frantic efforts to escape, and by reason of his great -strength, will frequently save his life at the expense of -his paw. That dog, it is safe to say, will never be -trapped again; as on the principle of, once bitten twice -shy, he will ever eschew the most deftly constructed -device of man.</span></p> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure margin" style="width: 61%" id="figure-67"> -<span id="the-emu-failed-to-elude-the-panther-like-spring"></span><img class="align-center block" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt=""The emu failed to elude the panther-like spring."" src="images/img-128.jpg" /> -<div class="caption centerleft figure-caption margin"> -<span class="italics">"The emu failed to elude the panther-like spring."—</span><em class="italics">See p.</em><span class="italics"> </span><a class="italics reference internal" href="#id3">134</a><span class="italics">.</span></div> -</div> -<p class="pnext"><span>On the other hand, should there be no fastening, a -strong dog will carry a trap for miles, especially if caught -by the hind-leg. In order to remedy this, a device, -similar to that which sailors use, called a sea anchor, -is attached. A block of wood not too heavy is tied to -the trap by a chain or a piece of wire. This acts as -a check to the animal, besides leaving a broad trail that -is easily followed up.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When the trapped dingoes were approached they set -up a dismal howling, which turned to a vigorous snapping -with their teeth; the while they tore the earth with their -paws in vain efforts to escape.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Put the poor wretches out of their pain," cried Sandy, -after watching the agonised efforts of the canines for a -few seconds.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The trapper, armed with a heavy "nulla-nulla," -dispatched the brutes, and scalped them; for the district -Stock Board, to induce their extermination, gave £1 per -scalp, and experienced trappers like Nosey George did -well at times. They concluded that there was at the -least one other victim; for while the bitches were -snapping and howling, answering howls of rage and -sympathy could be heard in the distance along the trail.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The next act was to cremate the slain, which was -speedily done. After this the group proceeded to follow -the track along which the other snares were secreted. -The very first trap contained a dog. It was set in the -centre of a soft depression, at the edge of the scrub belt -on the farther side. The dog had dragged the trap about -three hundred yards, when the "anchor," fouling in some -saplings, his retreat was stopped. The beast was -immediately brained and scalped, and the body flung into a -clump of bushes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was still another victim. The farthest out trap -was gone. Nothing was to be seen but the trap-hole. -George, however, was soon upon the trail. The country -here was fairly open, and offered little obstruction to -the determined dog. The track led on and on with little -deviation until a course of three miles or so had been -traversed. It now curved outward and down toward a -patch of scrub. Nosey suddenly stopped and pointed to -the ground.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What's up, George?" exclaimed Joe, who stood -nearest the trapper.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Look an' see fur y'reself."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Bending over, Joe saw in a sandy patch the deep -impress of the toes of a large bird.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I can't make it out. What in thunder is it? Far -too big for a crow; bigger even than an eagle or a -bustard."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"As big as two eagles, young mutton-head," declared -the old tough. "Tell 'im, Sandy."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why, you greeney; that's an emu track!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Emu!" shouted Joe in great excitement. "It's the -first time I ever saw an emu track. What an enormous -foot he must have."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ye'd know it, me boy, if ivver ye got a kick," grunted -the trapper. "I've seen them break a dog's leg like a -carrot."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Blest if I don't think he's follerin' up the dingo!" -continued Joe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Just wot 'e </span><em class="italics">is</em><span> a-doin' of," answered the man. "These -'ere emus is more curious nor a woman."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Joe now remembered Sandy relating how his father -used to lure the emu he was stalking within shot of his -fowling piece, by lying flat, and slowly waving his -handkerchief from the point of his ram-rod; or even -doubling his leg as he lay breast downward, and elevating -his hat on the foot thus raised. With slow and hesitating -yet irresistible steps, fascinated by the mysterious object, -or a victim to curiosity, the bird would approach to its -undoing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This particular emu was no stranger to the dingoes, -nor they to him. Never before, though, had he beheld a -dingo with such an appendage, or in such difficulties. -The unwonted appearance of the canine furnishes the -bird with an unusual sensation, and queries in rapid -succession flit through its brain. "What on earth is -the matter with the limping, whimpering brute? What -is that object trailing behind the horrid creature? Let -me draw near and behold this great sight!" Fate has -delivered his old-time enemy into his hands. That -lolling, swollen tongue, those blood-shot eyes, that -painful whimper, the wild despairing glances; all these -loudly proclaim his downfall. "Well, what matter! -He's getting his punishment now. What is there to -prevent me wiping out old scores?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And so, with cautious yet confident step the huge bird, -second in size only to the ostrich, strode on at a short -distance behind his enemy; and in a few minutes both -are swallowed up in the scrub. The huntsmen follow -well on the heels of the animals.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I wonder if the bird's still following?" asked Tom.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Soon see," answered the trapper, carefully examining -the ground. "Not a quarter of an hour since he passed -this spot: must be in the scrub still."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A minute or so brought them to the edge of the scrub. -Pushing along, they were soon enwrapped in its gloom. -Following the advice of George, the boys tied their horses -to saplings at the outskirts of the belt, and proceeded on -foot. Suddenly the trapper, who was leading, stopped dead -in his tracks, and uttered a warning note in a low voice. -Motioning the pals to remain where they were, he -noiselessly moved forward, and was soon lost in the thick -foliage ahead.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Wonder why ole Nosey made us stay back?" muttered -Tom, after the lads had stood silently awhile. "What -can be in the air, now?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hist!" exclaimed Sandy in a whisper; "he's returning."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At this moment the trapper reappeared.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Follow as quiet as mice, an' ye'll see summat like wot -ye've ne'er seed afore." There was an unusual gleam -in the man's eye as he made this deliverance.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Cautiously and silently the party moved Indian fashion -through the wood. After going in this way a hundred -paces or so the hunter stopped again, and beckoned the -boys, indicating a stealthy approach. Very gingerly they -trod until they were abreast the man. Following his -muttered directions and example, they quietly parted the -intervening brushwood.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was an unique sight on which their eyes fastened; -one they would not readily forget. Beyond them was a -small natural clearing, such as often occurs in the densest -scrub.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was circular in form, and about fifty yards in -diameter. Here, almost in the centre of the clearing, -the bird had bailed up the beast. Curiosity in the emu -had grown into anger, and was at a white heat, judging -from the manner in which it pirouetted and menaced the -dog, keeping up the while an incessant gabble. The -gabble, rightly interpreted, declared that the time of -vengeance was at hand. The fates were thanked for -being so kind as to furnish this fitting opportunity for -paying off old scores: "Here, you sneaking thief and -flying murderer, stop! It's you and I for it now; so, off -with your coat and roll up your sleeves!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nor was Master Dingo disinclined to accept the -challenge thrown down by the strutting bird. Weary as -he was and full of pain, he was in no humour to eat -humble-pie, or to fly before another foe. His warring -instincts rose to the gage of his hereditary enemy. Many -of his kind were scarred with wounds from the terrible -emu kick, or deep score made by the horny toe of this -formidable antagonist.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nor could he retreat, if so inclined: behind him, to a -certainty, was the monstrous biped; far more to be feared -than this animated piece of impertinence, whose wicked -eye squinted and winked in defiance.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Forgotten in a moment is all fear, whether of the -visible bird or the invisible pursuers. Handicapped as he -is, and goaded by his pain and shameful condition, the -dingo fires the first shot, as it were, by making a sudden -jump at the emu's throat, narrowly missing it, and still -more narrowly missing the leg stroke of the bird as it -made its counter-stroke.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Both bird and beast are practised in all the arts and -devices of animal warfare. Each knows the tactics of the -other. But for the disability of the dog through the -tenacious trap the chances would be in his favour; but -his exhaustion and encumbrance give the odds to the -other. Still, he makes a gallant fight, and the bird needs -all its wits and agility to escape his savage snaps, one of -which, had he been able to lay hold, would tear out the -neck from throat to breast.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The combat was at its height between these gladiators -when the pursuers sighted them. The boys hold their -breath in fair amazement as they eagerly watch the two -figures in the sunlit arena struggling for the mastery. So -engrossed are the combatants that the spectators may -come out into the open and surround them, for all the -notice that will be taken of them. As it is, the boys' -astonishment is quickly transmuted into animal excitement -and battle-lust. They take sides, and cheer, now the -beast and now the bird.</span></p> -<p class="pnext" id="id3"><span>But the end comes quickly and tragically enough. The -pace of the conflict tells terribly upon the dingo. He is -now weakening fast; can hardly see, so bloodshot are his -eyes. Yes, he can hold out but little longer. Realising -this, he fights purely on the defence for breath. Then, -concentrating all his energies in one last irresistible -stroke, he springs, arrow-like, and this time strikes fair -on the bullseye—the neck of his adversary. The emu -had failed to elude the panther-like spring. But now the -counter-stroke!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When the dingo's fangs close vice-like upon the emu's -throat the bird's fate is irrevocably sealed. The jugular -vein is torn out with a mouthful of flesh and muscle, -and the skin is stripped to the bosom. What time -this savage and fatal stroke is given the vengeful bird, -by one terrific downward blow of its powerful leg and -toes, disembowels the hanging dog; and then with a -lightning side-stroke, delivered full on the forehead of the -prone beast, smashes in its skull. A vain attempt to -crow a note of victory; a few short, uncertain, rotatory -movements, life-blood gushing the while from its severed -jugular, then a collapse, falling across the body of its -slain adversary!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Which of the two is the victor?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The surprise of the boys, at the sudden and bloody -termination of the fight, may be better imagined than -described. They stared aghast for some moments at the -spectacle, too dazed to move or speak. Even the -hardened bushman, George, was moved.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, of all the fights I ever seed, this licks creation; -it's better nor cock-fightin'. Be gosh, 'twas a grand fight -to a finish!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The trapper now busies himself with the scalping-knife, -and, as the boys stand around, a feeling of sadness -rises within as they contemplate the slain.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Poor brutes!" said Sandy feelingly, "I've a notion, -lads, that they deserved a better fate."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The boss wouldn't agree to that as fur as the dorgs is -concerned. As fer the emu, he's neither good nor bad," -grunted the old man.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, after all," broke in Joe, "it's their nature, as -old Simpson is always preaching to us in school. They're -not to blame for following their instincts. By jings! there's -no coward's blood in these poor brutes,—they're as -brave as brave."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But such moralising was beyond Nosey George.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Emus is sight enough in a way, an' only eats grass an' -roots,—but dingos! they're vermin, an' any death's good -enough fur them. By the hokey!" exclaimed he as he -looked at the trap; "I'm blamed if here isn't the blessed -paw!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was true. The wretched beast's foot was evidently -so lacerated and broken by its efforts to escape, and in -dragging the trap, that when it made the last and fatal -spring the imprisoned paw parted from the leg in the -very act, and that severance enabled it to reach the emu's -neck. Having secured the trap and the scalp, the group -retraced their steps to where they had hitched the horses.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The haul proved successful beyond measure. To secure -four dingoes in one scoop was a great stroke of luck. Not -so much luck, on reflection, as skilful management. An -amateur might have set a hundred traps with seeming -skill and not have bagged a dog. No one save a trapper -like George could trap with any degree of certainty.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I s'pose you'll bag the balance to-night," remarked -Tom to the trapper when they had remounted.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No jolly fear! Never catch any more along this line."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How's that?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why, d'yer think a dingo's no sense? Be gosh! all -the calves in creation wuddent tempt what's left of the -vermin to come along this track again. Wish we'd a' got -the old dog, though."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What are you going to do next?" inquired Tom.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Fust an' foremost thing is to collect the traps, then -we'll burn the weaners."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Won't you try for the other dogs?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My oath, won't I?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Give us your programme, George, there's a good fellow."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll try 'em about Razorback with the traps, as soon -as they've quietened down a bit. They've been scared -out of their precious wits by this 'ere business."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In due time the party arrived at the homestead. -Mr. M'Intyre expressed his gratification at the result of the -trapper's work, and praised his skill. He further bade -George continue his work until the beasts were -exterminated, promising him a liberal reward should he -achieve this end.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boys related with great gusto, to an almost -incredulous household, the particulars of the fight to a -finish.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The trapper fixed his camp in the hills, and employed -his best endeavours to trap the remaining dingoes with -but partial success, securing one only. The old dingo, -which on a former occasion had left two of his claws in a -trap, and now had received this additional fright through -the ensnarement of his comrades, was not to be lured by -any device, however crafty. George, who knew their run -intimately, surrounded them with traps. 'Twas all in -vain, set them never so wisely.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This defiance and immunity irritated the old man -beyond endurance, and he swore by all the dignities to -get their scalps, if it took him till the crack of doom.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As he was camped on the ranges, in the vicinity of -Razorback, his weekly ration was taken out to him by -the boys, who were keen on this matter. They had been -out twice with the rations, and now were being sent out -the third time. What befel them on that trip will be -related in the next chapter.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-chase-and-its-sequel"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XVIII</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">THE CHASE, AND ITS SEQUEL</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<!-- --> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>"A southerly wind and a cloudy sky,</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>Proclaim a hunting morn;</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>Before the sun rises away we go,—</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>The sleep of the sluggard we scorn."</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>OLD SONG.</span></div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"Now then, sleepies,—up you get!" cried Sandy in the -early morning, as he performed his usual preliminary of -whipping off the bed-clothes from the sleepy-headed Joe -and Tom.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Sun's laughing at you through the windows. Come, -Master Hawkins!" cried he with a grin as he tumbled -that grunting individual on to the floor, piling the -bed-clothes on top of him, and then seating himself on the -wriggling pile. "If soft measures won't avail I am -prepared to adopt severe ones."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Tom, now thoroughly aroused, and as peppery as you -like, shouted and yelled and writhed, getting his arm at -last round his persecutor, the laughing Sandy, and by -a violent effort pulling him on to the broad of his back, -thus reversing their positions.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You red-headed Scotchman, I'll teach you meddle -with—" pommel—"me again"—pommel, pommel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Here a cold douche arrested the uplifted arm of the -irate Tom, and took his breath for a moment, as it -descended upon the prone bodies, accompanied by sundry -"ouchs" and shrill yells. As the boys scrambled to their -feet they joined forces and rushed the dodging Joe, who, -after a few ineffectual dives, was caught and jolly well -punched.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The usual early morning diversion ended, the lads, rosy -with health and brimming over with animal spirits—the -essence of good nature for all their rough play—dressed -with haste and made for the stockyard, to pick their steeds.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This occupied their time till the seven o'clock breakfast, -after which they secured from the storeman the rations -for the trapper.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now Sandy, my boy, ye'll no forget to tell George -what I named at breakfast."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"M-yes, about the dingoes, father?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, stupid. Didna I ask you to tell him that, dingoes -or no dingoes, he is to come next week at the latest, to -handle the colts?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh yes, dad, I won't forget. I expect he'll growl a bit, -as he's mad on getting the dogs and the reward. He's -quite cranky over it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He'll come richt enough if ye gie him my order."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The trapper's camp, as previously stated, was situated -about eleven miles from the homestead. Four miles or -so from home the track roughened, and became what is -known as broken country, all hills and gullies, for the -most part very rocky, and heavily wooded in places.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boys' progress was but slow, owing to the nature of -the ground, and it took them nearly three hours to reach -the camp, which they found unoccupied. After cooeeing -in vain for the absentee, they proceeded to light a fire in -order to boil the billy, spreading the substantial lunch -which Mrs. M'Intyre had furnished them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Bother old Nosey; wish he'd turn up!" exclaimed -Sandy, when the boys had finished their repast. "We -can't go till he comes. There'd be no end of a row if we -went home without delivering the message."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, he'll be here before long," interjected Joe. "I -vote we do a camp in the shade for an hour or two; it's -hot enough to fry a steak."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This was good advice, and the boys made themselves as -comfortable as circumstances permitted under the shade -of the trees. So the hours passed without any sign of the -trapper.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, I declare," exclaimed Tom for the twentieth -time in the course of the last hour, "it's too bad of Nosey. -I'm full up of waitin' here with nothing to do. Can't you -leave a message somehow for the ole cuss?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How is it to be done, Hawkins?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh bother! write a note, of course."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, you are a greeney, Tom. Where's the pen, ink, -and paper to come from?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why, hasn't ole Nosey——?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Old Nosey, be hanged! Of course he hasn't, any more -than he's got a dress suit and a toilet mirror."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I've got a pencil," said Joe, feeling in his pocket.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No good in the world; where's the paper to come -from; an' supposin' we had pens, ink, paper, blotting-pads, -writing desks, and whatever else you like to name -in the scribbling line, what good 'ud it all be?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Meaning——?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Meanin' this, you dunderheads—it's got to be read."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well!—of all the thick-heads, muddle-pates, soft-uns, -hodges, and idiots that ever I came across——!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Here, draw it mild, young porridge-pot. There's two -to one against you: mind that, you red herring!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll </span><em class="italics">mind</em><span> more than that, if I am the son of a Scot, which -is no great disgrace, after all," replied Sandy jeeringly. -"But look here and listen, chiels. I'll tell you a story—</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Once upon a time, when pigs were called swine an' -monkeys chewed tobacco, there lived a bully English -captain, the commander of a man o' war. This frigate, -sailing up the channel on her return from foreign parts, -sighted a French ship, not more'n about twice her size. -Instead of closing with the Frenchy slap bang, an' givin' -her what-for, she turned tail an' showed her a clean pair -of heels. This outrageous proceeding on the part of a -British sea-dog demanded instant investigation, and so -the jolly captain was promptly court-martialled. After -the case had been put by the prosecuting officer, and not -denied by the prisoner, he was asked by the president of -the court why he did not engage the enemy. The captain, -in reply, said that he had ten reasons. 'Name them,' -says the boss officer. 'The first is: I had no powder; -it was all used up.' 'Enuf sed,' sings out the judge. -'We don't want the other nine. You're discharged, my -man, without a stain on your character.'"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, that's all right for a yarn," cried Joe; "but I -want to know what it's got to do with your father's -message to Nosey?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Just as much as it's got to do with the grass of a duck -in a forty-acre paddock," jeered Sandy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's a story with a moral, boys; and as Captain Kettle—no, -I mean Cuttle, says in that book of Dickens, the -moral of the story lies in the application."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Apply it, my wise man."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Here then: old Nosey has ten reasons for not gettin' -a written message."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Name the first!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He can't read."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now then, Joe," said Tom, turning to that worthy, -"what's the verdict of the court?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I s'pose we'll have to discharge the prisoner without a -character," replied Joe with a wink.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Blow these bally flies!" cried Tom, after an interval. -"They're here in millions. Faugh!—splutter—there's -one down my jolly throat. Say, Joe, what are you goin' -to do?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Boil the billy," replied that youth laconically. "May -as well do something, an' kill time."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So the hours sped until the sun was well on its descending -curve in the late afternoon. Their patience was now -thoroughly exhausted in waiting for the trapper. They -canvassed the reasons for his non-appearance, until they -were mortally sick of discussing the subject.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Tell you what, boys, message or no message, Nosey or -no Nosey," cried Sandy at last, "we must make tracks for -home. We are not to blame for old George's absence. -They'll be wondering what's become of us. It'll take us -all our time to get there before dark as it is. At the -worst, we'll have to come out to-morrow."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It took but a few minutes after this to secure the -horses, saddle them, call the dog which had accompanied -them to heel, and set out on the return journey.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After jogging briskly for a couple of miles or so the -cattle dog, a strong wiry hound and a noted warrior -among his species, began to sniff about, uttering a series of -low, short barks.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hello, Brindle, what's up? Got 'possum scent? -Bandicoot, I 'spect. Fetch him, boy!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Just at this moment Brindle made a dash forward, -what time a big dog-dingo started out from under an old -log a hundred yards or so ahead. The route taken by -the chase lay up a long gully. This gully was, more -correctly speaking, a depression, lacking abrupt and -precipitous sides, and was comparatively free from rocks.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boys hesitated a moment, but the temptation was -too strong. Joe, clapping his spurs to his steed's sides, -started off with a clatter, the others following pell-mell. -The gully was long and winding, and to this, for some -reason, the dingo stuck. The hunters now began to gain -a little on the beast, and were in full sight, the cattle -dog just holding his distance. At length the gully -petered out at the base of a ridge, over which the quarry -sped, the dog and boys in full chase. The other side of -the ridge was more precipitous, and covered with bracken -and stunted bushes. Down this the pursuit thundered, -Joe in the lead and well to the cattle dog's heels: the -dingo leading by not more than seventy yards. So -absorbed was the boy in the hunt that he remained in -ignorance of a calamity that was even now happening to -one of his mates.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Tom's horse, in bounding down the ridge, and when -close to the bottom, put his foot in a wombat's[#] hole -that was hidden by bracken. Over came horse and rider, -Tom striking the ground on head and shoulder, while -Sandy, who was about a length behind, narrowly averted -collision with the fallen steed and boy. As quickly as -possible he pulled up his galloping animal, shouting out -as he did so to Joe, who was too far away and too much -engrossed in the chase to hear the call.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">[#] Wombat—-a burrowing marsupial.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Returning to the collapsed pair, Sandy jumped off and -lifted Tom's head, for the lad lay stiff. His appearance -frightened the boy as he lay still and death-like. To his -great joy, however, on feeling Tom's wrist, Sandy detected -a feeble pulse-beat. Laying his stricken mate gently -down in the bracken, he made a hasty examination of his -head. It bore no trace of wound, save some gravel -scratches and a nasty bruise under the left eye. The -relieved boy hurried to the bottom of the ridge, where by -good hap was a rill of water. Filling his hat he returned -and laved the brow and wrists of his companion. After -some twenty minutes or so Tom began to stir, and -quickly regained consciousness. No bones were broken, -but the boy was badly shaken, and all thoughts of further -pursuit were out of the question. The horse, by a -miracle, was without hurt.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You're a lucky beggar, Tom," said Sandy, after a few -minutes. "From the way you crashed down I made -sure every blessed bone in your body was broken. How -do you feel now, ole boss?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, I'm all right," replied Tom feebly. "Shoulder's -the worst. It's not dislocated, but it pains a lot. Phew! but -it does hurt when I move it. I expect it felt the full -force of the tumble. But—where's Joe?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Joe's ahead. Goodness only knows where he's got to -by now. He hasn't a ghost's show of getting the dingo if -he makes for the hills."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I tell you what," continued the boy; "we'll get off -home as soon as you feel fit. It's no use waiting for Joe. -He can easily catch us. You'll have to go slow, old man, -you know."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This was true, for Tom's shoulder was in an agony of -ache, which the movement of the horse, after they had -mounted, intensified to an almost unbearable degree.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was long after dark ere the pair sighted the -homestead lights. They had not been overtaken by Joe, much -to their surprise. They were met at the slip-rails by -Harry and Jacky, who had just been dispatched to look -for them, as the family were getting uneasy at their -prolonged absence. The men returned with the lads to -the house. Beyond a severe word to Sandy for being -tempted to pursue the impossible when on the homeward -track, the squatter justified their act of returning from the -camp; also in not waiting for Joe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I expect the rascal will turn up in a few minutes. His -horse would soon be knocked up in that country, and he -would therefore be unable to catch you after he abandoned -the dingo. The cheek of you boys, to think you could run -it down in that country!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The minutes sped without sight or sound of the huntsman. -Anxiety deepened in the women; the men, too, -became uneasy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Some one ought to go after the lad," broke in the -perturbed mother, at length. "The poor laddie must -have met trouble. His horse has knocked up. Perhaps -he has lost himself. Perhaps he——!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Perhaps nothing of the kind has happened, except -that the horse may have knocked up. You women will -always jump to the worst conclusions. Willy, you and I'll -ride back a bit; come you too Sandy, if you're not too -tired."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mr. M'Intyre feared more than he showed. It would -be easy enough after all, he reflected, for a boy who was -ignorant of the lay of the country and who had no -experience in bush travelling, to lose his way. He -determined, therefore, to take his son with him, so that -he might lead them to the spot where the accident -occurred, if it were necessary. Accordingly the three -set off on the track. Fortunately it was moonlight and -clear, so that they were able to make good headway -through the bush.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>It is time, however, to return to Joe. That ardent -hunter had followed the chase for some distance ere he -missed his pals. What with the severity of the pace and -the increasing roughness of the course, its twistings and -turnings, all his attention was focussed on the quarry. -If he did think at all of his companions, it was to picture -them following close behind. But in the heat of the chase -he had little thought for others. When it did dawn upon -him that he had outdistanced his companions, as happened -eventually, he attributed little importance to that. They, -no doubt, had good reason for slackening their pace. His -horse, as he well knew, had a dash of speed denied to -theirs. Maybe their steeds had caved in. Anyhow, he -was having a glorious time, and "the finish" was touched -with roseate hues to his imagination.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>His horse was justifying the reputation given of him to -Joe by Harry, the stockman, one day when they were -discussing the relative merits of their mounts.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"For a hack," that worthy had remarked, "there's -nothing on the run equal to the little thing you're ridin'. -With a light weight up like yourself she can show a dash -of foot an' staying powers that'll take a tremendous lot of -lickin'."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This was a just criticism, as events were proving. -Still, the pace was beginning to tell, and Joe was forced -to ease the mare somewhat, even at the risk of losing -sight of the quarry. The rough ridges, too, made the -going to be precarious.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Things were as bad with Master Dingo, however. The -pursuit was hot enough to extend him to the fullest. He -was always in view, and could not shake off the foe. As -long as he remained in sight it was impossible to resort to -any trick by which he might gain time or wind. The -ordinary pace of the dingo when on the chase may be -described as a lope. This can be kept up the live-long -day, and thus wear down the fleetest victim. To keep -extended at full gallop in this unwonted fashion is not at -all to the dingo's liking, and the sooner he can reach the -distant scrub, which is his objective, the better pleased he -will be. The cattle dog, though not ordinarily a hunter, -is strong and tough, and possessed of a good pair of -bellows. He started the game with the utmost alacrity, -and now continues it with the greatest vim and -determination.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So the chase continues, and is now but little more than -a mile from the scrub belt which fringes the base of the -hills. To this ark of safety, therefore, the dingo strains -every muscle, and seizes every small advantage which his -instinct discerns. No less strenuous is the cattle dog. -He has the staying powers of his class, and he too runs -to win. In this way the pursued and pursuers hurry-skurry -over bush and brake, over stony ridges and across -intersecting gullies.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Within half a mile of the scrub the country flattens out, -and this gives an advantage to the cattle dog, who closes -up. Joe's horse is now in distress. The course has been -long and rough, the pace severe, and the grass-fed steed -is weakening, can make no headway, is indeed losing in -the race. The lad sees this, and chevies the dog on, for -he can plainly mark now that unless the chase be ended -on this side of the scrub all hope must be abandoned, -Oh, to win! A supremely glorious thing were he to -achieve the impossible! There are chances. Lots of -things might happen yet. On, on, good doggie! Catch -him, Brindle! Hurrah, Brindle is closing; is surely -creeping up!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They are now about three hundred yards from the -timber belt, and the dingo is slowly but surely being -overhauled. Visions of the scalp as a proud trophy fill -the boy's imagination. If only Brindle may seize his -victim and hold him till he rides up and gives the brute -its quietus with the stirrup iron! Brindle is now not -more than four lengths behind, and the beasts are still a -hundred yards from the scrub.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"On then, doggie: catch him: hold him!" shouts Joe -across the widely intervening distance. The voice is borne -faintly to the dog's ears, and nerves him to heroic effort -in this the final stage of the struggle, the last lap, so to -speak. Breath is too precious to be wasted in answering -cry, but the spurt of the hound speaks volumes: "I shall -catch him, master, never fear: I am gaining; but ''twill be -on the post."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Both dogs, wild and domestic, are stretched to their -fullest extent. It is the crowning burst. They are -labouring heavily, staggering, and rolling in their stride. -The pace is slow but hard. It is a question of endurance. -Every ounce of strength in each body is laid under -contribution. Once within the scrub the chances in favour -of the dingo will immediately increase a hundredfold, for -in doubling and dodging through the densely timbered -belts the native dog has no equal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Only thirty yards now lie between the dingo and his -salvation—the good thick scrub that will swallow him -up; but—the breath of the pursuer blows hot upon him. -Throwing his head over his shoulder for the fraction of a -second, the desperate beast sees that only by a miracle -can he escape. The adversary is upon his quarters, and -in another second the brute's fangs will be buried in his -back. It is a supreme moment. Now or never! Making -a super-canine effort, the fear-stricken thing draws away -from its enemy in the last dozen strides. Saved, saved! -Alas, alas! Right at the very fringe, and within a single -step of safety, he tumbles in a heap, and with a convulsive -gasp rolls over and gives up the ghost: the prolonged -exertions have broken his heart.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>You can work your will on the hunted one now, -Brindle: no need to fear the vicious snap that was -reserved for you should the worst happen. But the -dog's instincts inform him that all power of resistance -has gone from that mute and still form; indeed, he has -no strength to worry should the call be made: the last -spurt has left him without a vestige of strength. And -so, when Joe appeared upon the scene a few minutes -later, it was to behold the motionless dingo, and by his -side, with lolling tongue and cavernous mouth, the panting -and exhausted Brindle.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In a moment the boy has slid from his horse, and is -dancing a grotesque fandango, expressive of his unbounded -joy. But, when in a calmer moment he understood the -tragedy of it from the dingo's side of things, a feeling -of compassion possessed him, yet joy persisted. "He's a -noble fellow, and has given me the grandest sport I've -ever had. I'm sorry, and yet I'm glad," quoth the lad. -"What'll old Nosey say to this! My stars, ain't the boys -out of it! Wonder where the poor beggars have got to. -Hope nothing's happened to them. Poor beast!" -apostrophising the dingo, "you made a royal struggle and -deserved to escape, but the fates were against you. And -you, good old Brindle; my word, you've covered yourself -with glory, sir! Poor fellow, you are done up; can only -blink your pleasure; can't wag even the tip of your tail. -Good doggie, I'm proud of you!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm blest if I don't skin the dingo," exclaimed he, after -a moment's pause. "I'll keep it as a trophy. Something -to look at in after years when I'm a grey-beard," -chuckled the youth. So saying, he whipped out his -knife. Joe had never before skinned a dingo, but as he -had performed that office on many a wallaby and 'possum -he was fairly expert, and in a few minutes had achieved -his object. Rolling the pelt in the approved manner, -the youth bound it with a stout piece of cord which he -extracted from his pocket, and fastened it to the saddle -ring.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Next thing's to get some water. My word! I'm as -dry as leather, an' could drink a tank dry. The animals, -too, are clean done up, an' I'll get nothing out of them -unless they have water. Good gracious! why—the sun's -down, an' it'll soon be dark."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Not until this moment did the young hunter realise -his position. "Must be miles and miles off the track," -muttered he as he took a brief survey of his surroundings. -"I'll have to make tracks with a vengeance! Won't do -to be nipped here. Let's see; yes, the way back is across -that flat for a certainty, and then over yon stony ridge. -Beyond that we bend to the right till we reach a rocky -creek." In this way the hunter strove to recall the -innumerable bends and curves taken in the chase. "Ah, -here's the moon rising: good old moon!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Joe had plenty of heart, nerve, and resource. His -good spirits were proverbial. Yet the situation was not -at all inviting. Fourteen miles or so from home on the -eve of night. A complete stranger to this rough and -trackless region, and his horse badly used up! These -were things calculated to try the nerves and tax the -courage of the benighted youth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He made small bones of these, however, and started -off at a slow pace on his return. The dog had recovered -sufficiently to drag himself along at the horse's heels. -The boy eagerly scanned the country for signs of water -for this would afford the greatest relief to man and beasts: -all of whom felt an intolerable thirst. At last they dropped -across a small pool in a stony creek, to their great -delight.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Both horse and dog drank as if they would never stop. -This, the boy felt, would be bad for the animals, and he -sought to stay them. He with difficulty checked the -horse, but the dog would not quit lapping until he was -as tight as the proverbial drum. Joe himself drank -sparingly, and then moved onward. The dog soon began -to vomit, and appeared to be on the verge of collapse. -So after vain waiting and entreaty the lad was forced to -leave it behind, in the hope that it would recover during -the night, when he had small doubt as to its ability to -find its way home. The horse went easier, now that she -had assuaged her thirst. All light had vanished save -that of the moon, which shed an uncertain light, making -puzzling shadows on the rough ground.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's time I was at the head of the long gully," -muttered the lad. "From there it's only a mile or so -to the home track. Get up Jill, and moosey along. The -other chaps are home by this time I expect, and they're -wondering what's become of me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Strange to say, the long gully refused to appear, until -it dawned on Joe at last that he was off the track. None -but those who have experienced it can understand the -weird feeling that possesses one in the dawn of that -consciousness. To be in the lonely Australian bush, -where the silence is an oppression, is something like -being cast adrift in mid-ocean on a raft, with nothing -in sight save the wild waste of waters.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>That he had lost his bearings became increasingly -evident to the wanderer as he moved along. He became -a prey to disquieting qualms and the creeping chill of -apprehension. Gruesome accounts of the fate of lost -travellers had often been related at the home fireside, and -these memories awoke in his mind.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm off the track all right; still, I'm sure to cut -across the Razorback trail; it'll lie over in that -direction." After a pause he determined to adhere to the -way that he had been pursuing for some little while. On -then "breast forward." There is no semblance of a track, -and presently the lad gets into very difficult country. -It would be bad enough to travel through in daylight, -but now the trouble is accentuated; yet the boy, with -strong faith in his ultimate emergence from this chaos, -bravely faces the situation. Up hill, down dale, -across gullies, forcing the patches of scrub, slithering -down ridges, going on hands and knees, ever and -anon, to feel for the hoof-prints on what appeared -to be the longed-for track—an unceasing march goes on.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At last the mare, completely done up, comes to grief -over a tree root, and tumbles to mother earth. The -rider rises, unhurt; not so the mare, who has strained -her fetlock. What is to be done now? It is a serious -mischance, and the boy feels the gravity of the situation. -The only thing to be done is to relieve his steed of -saddle and bridle, cache his accoutrements, and trudge -along on foot.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Might have been worse," sighed the philosophic lad. -"Poor Jill! I don't like leaving you; but it won't be -for long, my beauty. Your master will send some one -to look after you to-morrow. To-morrow!—Why, it -must be past midnight now! Good-bye, Jill."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On speeds the gallant youth, whistling and singing -snatches as he tramps the interminable bush. "Might -be worse," he reiterates in thought. There's a chill in -the midnight air, and the walk will warm him nicely. -On, then, through the still hours! Not even the hollow -note of the night-owl or the familiar thump made by -the feeding marsupial breaks the monotony of silence. -No sound, indeed, save the crunching of the traveller's -boots on the rough ground. How long drawn out the -day has been. It seems an eternity since he dowsed -Tom and Sandy on the bedroom floor. Lucky beggars, -they are snug and sound under the blankets, dreaming -the happy dreams of youth; while he, Joe Blain, is -tramp, tramp, tramping. At length the thought of his -comrades' sweet repose fills him with longing for rest and -sleep.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How long ago it is since I broke my fast? Must -be eight, ten, twelve hours; yes, twelve mortal hours! -Eat! Oh, for a slice of damper and salt junk! That -were a feed if you like. Puddings, tarts, cakes! Bah! -Gimme a slice (thick) of Nosey's damper, an' a slab of -that corn-beef."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>What a sinking seems to fill his being! How heavy -his boots have grown! How steep those everlasting -ridges have become! How lovely to crouch down on -that patch of bracken—for five minutes only! He must -stop and rest awhile; not to lie and sleep: just to get -his wind and ease his tired limbs. Shall he——? But -no! he must first cut the track—then! His limbs are -trembling; he must not stand still, or he will fall. On, -on—to the station track! Onward, then, creeps the -tottering, stumbling lad. Whistle and song have long -ceased. Fatigue reigns supreme, and sheer weariness -confuses his brain, and bears heavily on will. Mechanically -now, the dear lad staggers over the pathless waste.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But see! Yes, there is a change. What is that line -ahead? Is it on the ground or in the air? It rises and -falls in the moonlight, but still persists. The ground, too, -is getting smoother. The ridges have disappeared. -Hurrah! Is not this the end? A few steps more now, -and—the station track!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On trudges the lost boy with rising hope. But, alas! the -line thickens, darkens, deepens, until it stands out -solid, an impregnable scrub. How weird it all is; how -awful! In a moment the benighted lad is stripped of -hope. He is frightened beyond words. With a momentary -strength born of despair the wretched youth coasts -the dismal scrub, seeking an opening in vain. Suddenly -he stumbles over a soft, dark mass, and falls to the -ground. Putting out a hand instinctively, he touches -the substance. Great Cæsar, it is the dingo! Yes, it -has happened to poor Joe Blain as it has to many a one -more experienced in the ways of the bush—he has -circled!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This shock is the last blow. Nature is drained of her -resources and can hold out no longer. The lad sinks -back into a half-swoon, which presently merges into -a dreamless sleep.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>* * * * *</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"Joe, old fellow, wake up! Wake up, I say; Joe—Joe—d'ye -hear?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"W-w-w-what is it? Drat you, lemme lone. 'Snot -mornin'. There's goo-good fler, so s-s-sleep——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Joe Blain, eyes sealed, dead with sleep, rolls over on -the ground, and never was any creature more gently -rocked in the arms of Morpheus than he.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Another voice now breaks the silence, sharp and -penetrating.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hi! hi! there, you sleepy lubber. Are ye going to -lie there all day? Rouse up, laddie!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This imperative speech was accompanied by vigorous -shakings and rollings.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, well," grunted the half-awakened boy, "sounds -like Mr. M'Intyre's voice. Never knew him to come -into the room be-before. Wish they'd leave us alone. -Can't open"—and the next moment Joe had relapsed -into sleep. Only for a moment, though. The next he -was taken neck and crop, lifted to his feet, and shaken -violently, what time a voice rasped his ear drum: "Wake -up, wake up, ye young Rip Van Winkle!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Opening his eyes, the dazed Joe starts at the unwonted -scene. He is not in his bedroom, then! What on earth -has happened? Who are these that surround him? -Why—he's in the bush! And then the truth dawns -upon the weary and weakened lad; he was really lost, -and—thank God he is found!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He greets the squatter with a wan smile, and, with the -grace characteristic of the boy, begins to thank him. -But Mr. M'Intyre, patting him affectionately on the -back while supporting him with his arm, extracts the -cork of a pocket flask with his teeth, and puts it to the -lad's mouth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Tak' a pu' at this, ma laddie; it'll revive ye wonderfu'."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The brandy worked wonders on the boy, so unaccustomed -to it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We—we ran the dingo down, sir—Jill and Brin—why, -here's ole Brindle! Left him at the water-hole; too sick -to follow. The horse too——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Horse's all right, Joe. We picked her up at the -water-hole, where we'll leave her for a few days, as she's -limping badly. Can you sit on the saddle before me?" Joe -is sure he can, and no time is lost in starting -homewards. M'Intyre, to whom the country was an open -book, knew a short cut that would take them home -in ten miles.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>During the ride Joe recited his experiences to the -squatter, who in return related how Willie had picked -up the tracks, sighting first the horse and then the dog, -and followed the trail till they came upon the sleeping -lad.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was a weary but not unhappy boy who reached the -homestead at length. The household, duly apprised -by Willy, who had ridden on ahead, were in readiness -to cheer the conquering hero.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="concerning-wild-horses"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XIX</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">CONCERNING WILD HORSES</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<!-- --> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>"Now welcome, welcome, master mine,</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>Thrice welcome to the noble chase:</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>Nor earthly sport, nor sport divine,</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>Can take such honourable place."</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><em class="italics">Ballad of the Wild Huntsmen.</em></div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"Where's Floss and Jeannie, Harry? Don't see 'em in -the yard this morning."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, sir, they didn't come in with the others."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hoo's that, mon?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I harsk'd Jacky about 'em when he yarded the others, -an' he said they wasn't with the rest. Too lazy, I bet, to -look after 'em."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But I dinna see Tallboy or Dolly, eyther," said the -squatter as he peered through the rails at the horses.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I speck they're with the mares down by the dam, or -p'raps campin' on the box ridge."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Weel, see that they're no missed the morn. Here -you, Jacky," to the black boy; "come along here."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What's matter, Boss?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What for you bin no yard all yarraman?"[#]</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">[#] Yarraman—native name for horse.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"Bail me see some, Boss."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You bin getting lazy. I'll hae to gie you a taste o' -the stock whip."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Me no 'fraid you, Boss," replied the black with a grin. -"You not like my ole boss, Cap'n White. Him murry -quick with whip. Sandy bin tellin' me you only gammon."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"See that you drive in every hoof to-morrow morning, -or, Sandy or no Sandy, ye'll get a surprise, my boy."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I cam across some brumby tracks yesterday aifternoon -in the springers' paddock," continued the squatter -to Harry, the head stockman. "Meant to hae spoken -aboot it afore."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"They're a rare nuisance, they brutes! There maun -be a gap in the dog-leg fence at the far side for 'em to -ha'e got in. You'd better tak' Jacky and Denny at once, -and mak' the fence secure. That pack o' rubbage'll be -doing a lot o' mischief among the springers wi' their -galloping. Ye'd better go across by the horse-paddock, -an' see if ye can get a sicht o' the mares. It's almost as -near as the other track."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All right, Boss. Jacky, you go to Ah Fat an' tell 'im -to put up some grub. Git the billy an' tots, an' bring 'em -along. Tell Denny I want 'im. He's working in the -garden."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, I say," bawling after the retreating boy; "tell -Denny to git the small cross-cut, an' a couple o' tommies, -an' a bit o' wire to do the mendin' with. Slither away, -now, ye son of a black buck!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In a few minutes the men are on their way through -the horse-paddock to the slip-rails in the far corner, to -carry on the repairing work in the springers' enclosure.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It may be explained to the uninitiated that the horse-paddock -is that nearest the homestead, where the station -horses in use are kept; a larger or smaller mob according -to requirements. These are yarded at daylight every -morning. When the horses required for the day's work -are selected the balance are turned loose for the day. -The springers' paddock, reserved for the breeding cows, -was a large one; one of the best on the run, in fact. -The men as they rode along kept a sharp look-out for -the missing steeds. Separating as they neared the dam—which -was a large sheet of water backing up in the gullies -for a mile or so—they rode on either side, coming -together at the box-tree ridge where the slip-rails were -located. No sign of the horses!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Strange, chaps! Wonder where they can be. Floss -an' Dolly are fair terrors for hidin'. But—hello! there's -the slip-rails down!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Sure enough, the two topmost rails were down. Who -could have done it?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The mystery is soon solved; the ground on the outside -being trampled with horse hoofs. It told its tale of cause -and effect quickly enough to these bushmen.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The blessed brumbies hev got in an' coaxed 'em out, -sure enough. It's the warrigal's[#] mob for a quid. Fifty -of 'em, if there's a hoof.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>[#] Warrigal—wild, savage; applied indifferently by the natives to -animals and men.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How d'yer think they horses got the rails down, Harry?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The speaker was Denny Kineavy, who was a new chum -at this kind of work.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why, it's the ole warrigal's work o' course. Trust 'im fur -findin' out a way o' gettin' up a flirt with the ladies. He's -the cutest cuss in Australia, bar none. Full o' blood he -is too. New Warrior strain outer a great arab mare of -Kurnel Dumaresque. I know 'im well, fur I was with -Captain White just after he'd bought both dam an' foal -from the ole Kurnel; or rather, I should say, Dumaresque -swopped 'em fur a stud Hereford 'e was terribly struck on.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes; he was allus a wild un. My word, you should -'a' seen 'im as a yearling! Allus leadin' the other -youngsters into mischief; breakin' into the lucem paddocks, -an' chasin' the dorgs till they was in mortial terror of 'im; -gettin' mad fits among the horses; kickin' an' squealin' -an' chiveyin' em', till one day the Captain gits in a -towerin' rage an' says to me an' one-eyed Bob, who was -workin' fur 'im then: 'Run in that dad-busted, bloomin' -brute an' fix 'im; it's the only way ter take the divvil -outer 'im.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You see, 'e was a grand, upstandin' beast as a colt, an' -the Captain wunst thought to have 'im fur stud purposes, -fur all 'e was a mix breed; but 'e soon seed that was -outer the question.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, as I was sayin', the Captain orders me an' -one-eyed Bob to yard 'im. 'Twarn't no easy job nuther, I -tell you; for the brute soon cottoned what we was up -to. At larst, after a lot of trouble, we yards 'im, and -with 'im a couple o' colts an' a lot er fillies. Bob threw -the lasso a dozen times afore 'e noosed 'im, cause 'e kept -dodgin' in an' out among the fillies. It was the deuce's -own job to separate 'em.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"At larst, I say, Bob fixed 'im, an' didn't 'e perform. -Howe'er, Bob 'olds 'im, an' I gits 'old of the slack to give -a turn round the post, so's ter bring 'im up. But all of -a suddent 'e makes a mad rush at Bob, sendin' 'im -sprawlin' with three ribs broke; whisks the rope outer -my hands, an' streaked fur the slip-rails—six on 'em -there wor—an' by 'evans! jumps like a cat at 'em; -comin' down with 'is belly on top, smashin' the rail, but -fallin' on the outside; never, of course, breakin' 'is bloomin' -neck—an' galloped orf like mad.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Must 'a' bin red mad sure enuff, fur 'e broke through -the wire fence the Cap had round 'is 'orse-paddock; and -that's the larst we seen of 'im fur months.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then one day I was on the out station, lookin' after -some steers, when I come acrost 'im in a mob of -brumbies he'd chummed up with. 'E was 'aving a pretty -rough time of it, I could see; fur there was a couple o' -stallions in the mob as wasn't agreeable fur 'is company -in the 'arem; an that's 'ow we come ter git 'im a few years -after, I 'spect."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thin you did git hould iv th' grey divvil?" exclaimed -Denny.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes; we got 'im all right. But, look here, chaps, no -time's to be lost. These beggars may be still in the -paddock. If not, they've got out the way they came in, an' -are 'eadin' fur the ranges. We'll cut across to the north -end where the fence crosses Rocky Crick. I 'spect that's -where they've broken in. It looked a bit shaky a fortni't -ago, as I come by. I don't think they've got in at the -dog-leg end, that the Boss spoke about. Anyhow, we'll -try the Crick fust."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A sharp ride of about four miles brought the men to -the spot indicated by Harry. It was a rocky bit of -country, and sure enough they found the "shaky" post -and rails lying on the ground. The immediate cause of -this was a big limb of a dry stringy-bark tree, which had -fallen upon the weak spot and smashed it down. The -horse tracks about the spot showed conclusively that the -mob had gone in and out by this means.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>According to Jacky, the black boy, the inward tracks -were about three days old; the outward, a few hours. -Without doubt, the brumbies had "nosed" the rails to -which the mares had been attracted by their neighings, -early in the night. Then in the dawning of the morning -they had moved out to one of their haunts in the -ranges.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The only thing now is to get back an' tell the Boss. -'E'll be mad when he knows, you bet; thinks no end o' -Floss an' Jeannie. Put up the rails, boys, quick an' -lively." In a few minutes the men had fixed up the -broken panels securely, and then rode homewards.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Saay, Harry, me bhoy, how'd yees yard th' ould stag, -as ye was sayin' when ye was talkin' forninst th' -slip-raales?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Wasn't an old stag then, an' isn't now, fur that matter, -the brute's in 'is prime yet. Let's see, 'e's risin' 'leven -now, an' we got 'im just afore I left the Captain fur -the Boss here. Lemme think. Yes, it's just over five -year ago; he'd be about six, then. Fur all his tricks, -the two stallions had driven 'im off their beat. 'E'd got -a couple o' mares, though, an' kep' 'em in the range -country on the out-station; but it was all of an accident -that we got 'im.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"One day me an' the Captain was ridin' through the -run, havin' a good look at the stock; fur we had a -notion of cuttin' out a mob o' fats. Well, as I was -sayin', we was ridin' along the back part of the run, -an' we came acrost a couple o' brumbies, each with a -foal. 'Stead o' scootin', as they does in giniral, the mares -galloped in a circle, but didn't clear.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'It's mighty strange,' ses the Captain. 'What are -they 'angin' about fur, an' where's their mate? Never -seed 'em parted afore.' 'It is strange,' ses I; 'an' there's -only one thing to account fur it, an' that is the cove's -about sumwheres 'andy.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We moved on to a rocky gully that opens out on -to a big plain. At one place a log fence runs acrost -to keep the stock in. Bymby we comes plump onter -it, an', great gosh alive! if there weren't the grey. 'E -seed us as soon as we spotted 'im, an' set up a great -squealin' an' pawin', but cuddn't get away. There 'e -was, like a bandicoot in a V-trap. 'E was caught by the -off hind-leg, between two big logs that lay clost -together. 'E was jammed tight enough. Wunder was -'e didn't break a leg.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"When the Cap saw the fix 'e was in, didn't 'e just cuss -fur joy. Then 'e sends me back to the hut, about two -mile away, fur ropes, an' ole Jack the keeper. Well, I -streaked fur the hut, you bet, an' was there less'n no time. -Soon me an' Jack, with two green 'ide lassoes an' an -'emp one, also a axe, was on the spot.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"When the 'orse sees the ropes 'e yelled, an' roared, -an' pawed, an' snapped 'is teeth, fur all the world like a -trapt dingo. An', wud you believe it? </span><em class="italics">the blarmy mares -hadn't follered us up</em><span>! There they was just ahind us, -whinneying and screamin'; their way o' swearing an' -cussin' I s'pose. Wish-I-may-die if we didn't have to -put the stock whip on 'em to roust 'em away.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'How are yer goin' ter manage 'im,' ses I to the Cap -when I comes up with the things.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'I'll soon let yer see,' ses 'e. 'Fust of all we'll pass -a rope round 'is free 'ind-leg well up on to the shank. -Then we'll put another on the front fetlock an' acrost 'is -flanks.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, it took us a goodish bit to fix 'im up. I forgot -ter say that we tied the third rope round 'is neck, an' -that was no easy job, fur every time the Cap threw the -lasso he'd dodge it with 'is 'ed like a fightin' kangaroo. -But, ter make a long story short, when we'd roped 'im, we -levered one of the logs with saplin's so's ter git 'is other -leg free. Then, didn't 'e play up! But by the time we'd -given 'im arf a dozen falls, an' two o' them riglar croppers, -'e seed it was no use, throws up the sponge, an' comes -along quietly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We didn't give 'im any charnse, you bet, as 'e was -such a sly demon. So we got 'im ter the stockyard at the -'ead station, a matter o' thirteen mile or so. We put 'im -in the crush fust, then got a 'evvy 'alter on 'im, an' tied -it to 'is front off leg so's 'e cuddent jump; in that way -we fixed 'im fur the night.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Early nex' morning, just as I was thinkin' o' gittin' -up, there comes a tremenjious 'ammerin' an' bangin' at -the door, shoutin' out sumthin' I cuddent understand. -I jumps up an' opens the door, an' there was ole Jack -singin' out an' makin' a great fluster.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'What in thunder's the matter, Jack?' ses I.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'Warrigal's gone!' ses 'e, all tremblin' like. 'Cleared -right out in the night.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Off I rushes ter the yards, an' sure enuff, the beast -had cleared; yet the rails was up.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"''Ow the dickens 'e got out, Jack?' ses I, lookin' -round. Presently I comes ter the slip-rails, an' soon spots -'ow 'e done it. I'm blest if the ole cuss didn't lay down -ter it at the rails an' 'riggled 'is way out sideways. You -cud see the ground all tore up by 'is 'oofs as 'e inched 'is -way out. There was a knot at the lower side o' the rail, -an' it was covered with 'air an' blood, which shows what -a tight squeeze it was."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But 'ow the blazes did he gat out iv th' pathock whin -he was knee-haltered?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Like enuff 'e worked 'is 'edstall off as 'e 'riggled -through. We thought we'd made it tight enuff fur -anythin'. Anyways 'e cleared, an', what's more, 'e an' the -mares moved off the run an' wasn't 'eard of fur long, then -'e was found bossin' a mob on Bullaroi."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>By this time the men had reached the homestead. -Leaving the others at the stockyard, Harry proceeded to -the house to break the bad news to the owner.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The squatter was greatly put out by the turn the -affair had taken. Two of the horses were brood mares -on which he set a high value, and for which he had given -a big price. They were full of breeding, having the -famed Gemma di Vergi strain on the sire's side. The -occurrence was no less than a calamity in more ways -than one.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Their location was in difficult country, and with such -a rogue as the grey outlaw to lead and direct, the job -of rescue seemed by no means easy or certain. Mr. M'Intyre, -however, was determined to regain his mares, -and at the same time to capture or destroy that equine -demon. One thing in his favour was the fact that in -midsummer there was a scarcity of water in the ranges, -and their run, for a while, at any rate, must be in and -about the foot-hills.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As was usual in those days, the neighbouring station-holders -were invited to join in the brumby hunt, which -is, as a rule, the most exciting, and, at times the most -dangerous, sport that Australia can furnish, keenly -relished by bushmen.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The brumby is no more a native Australian horse than -the mustang is a native American horse; that is to say, -it is not indigenous to the country. Brumbies are the -descendants of imported horses which have escaped into -the bush and bred there.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When Australian settlements were confined to the -barest fringe of the continent, it was very common for -stock, both horses and cattle, to stray from the settled -areas into the great wilderness beyond.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>An historic illustration is to be found in the genesis -of colonial expansion. When the first expedition sailed -from England, not only were officials, soldiers, and -convicts shipped; but also an assortment of domestic -animals to furnish the requirements of the penal colony -proposed to be established on the shores of Botany Bay.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As the cattle in the new settlements increased, many -beasts strayed beyond the borders of the occupied country -to the interior forests and plains; and before very long -"brumbies" (wild horses) and "scrubbers" (wild cattle) -covered large tracts, often to the great annoyance of the -advancing line of settlers.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-brumby-hunt"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XX</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">THE BRUMBY HUNT</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<!-- --> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>"Like a wintry shore that the waters ride o'er,</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>All the lowlands are filling with sound;</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>For swiftly we gain where the mobs of the plain</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>Like a tempest are tearing the ground!</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>And we'll follow them hard to the rails of the yard,</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>Over gulches and mountain-tops grey,</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>Where the beat and the beat of our swift horses' feet</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>Will die with the echoes away."</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>HENRY KENDALL.</span></div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"How many are coming to the hunt to-morrow, dad?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"About a score all told, my son. That is," continued the -speaker somewhat inconsequently, "if they a' turn up."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Gills coming, ain't they?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes; the old man, son, and ane o' the stockmen'll -be here this evening, so as to be ready for the early stairt -the morn's morn. That reminds me, I've no telt your -mother. They'll be here aboot supper-time."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Captain White coming, I s'pose?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If he's above ground. We'd best coont 'em up. -Get a bit o' paper, Saundy, and pit doon the names. -Then we'll ken for sure."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ready, father."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Pit doon oor ain lot first. Mysel', you, Hairry, the -blacks, Denny, the bullock driver, the ration carrier, -Redgate and Broon from the oot-station, Joe, Tom, -N-eville—I suppose. Hoo mony's that?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thirteen."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So mony's that? At that rate we'll hae ower a score. -Weel, that's a' the better. Let's see, noo: pit doun the -Gill lot, that's three more. Then there's Captain White. -Old Dumaresque says he'll be along, but I dinna reckon -on him, so you needna coont him in. White's going to -bring twa men wi' him. And, m-yes, there's Davison -o' the bank, and Dickson the lawyer. Told 'em the -other day I'd let 'em know. They'll need to be here -the nicht, too. We'd better send Willy in wi' a message -at once. That's a' noo I think. Hoo mony does that -tot up?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Twenty-one not counting the Colonel."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Weel, I hope they'll turn up, that's a'."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I say, father, could Jimmy Flynn an' Yellow Billy come?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Eh? Weel, I—I dinna ken. Can they ride?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ride? Listen to him! Why, Yellow Billy's the boss -rider among the boys. You know his steer——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah weel," said Mr. M'Intyre laughingly, "we'll hae -'em. Send word by the boy."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Accordingly, the invitation was taken to the four -Tareelians. Gill and party turned up about dark, and -shortly after them the town lot, all of whom were -welcomed by their hospitable host.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>M'Intyre had made extensive preparations for the -hunt. There are various methods for trapping wild -horses. The one in vogue at Bullaroi and the surrounding -stations was that called the "wing" trap. This -consists, first of all, in determining the usual brumby -run. The next work, and an important one, is the -building of yards in a locality specially selected, the -object being to get as near as possible to the natural -line of the horses' travel when stampeded.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The yards must be well constructed, with a high, strong -fence, having an open mouth so wide as to give the -hunted steed no suspicion of running into a trap. The -upper and nether lips of this mouth, after running -parallel a short distance, gradually converge to the -throat, as it were, finally meeting, and forming a -cul-de-sac.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>From the mouth extremity a vast roll of canvas, or, -rather, calico strips about six inches wide, is made fast -to one of the fence terminals, and from there, at a slight -outward angle, is often taken for miles, being secured at -intervals to trees or stakes which are driven into the -ground. The wing is fixed breast high. This, to the -inexperienced, seems but a flimsy obstacle; but the calico -barrier, frail as it appears, acts as an effectual boundary. -Brumbies are both timid and suspicious, and very rarely -charge a wing. When driven on to one they wheel -either to right or left, with never a thought of breaking -through or jumping it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The strategy of the "drive" is to station men at -intervals from the terminal point of the wing; each -man is armed with a heavy stock whip, a cruel enough -weapon in the hands of an adept. Others are left at -the trap-yard mouth on the outward side, concealed as -a rule, and ready to dart out and head the mob should -it scent danger when nearing the opening. The remainder -of the men proceed to locate and enflank the mob, and -drive them in the given direction. This, often, is a very -difficult matter, and sometimes the best laid scheme is -defeated by a determined and irresistible rush of the mob -in the teeth of their assailants.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Premising the "round up" and drive to be successful -as far as the wing, the wing supports wheel them in the -right direction; then close in and pass to the outside to -strengthen the flank men, who now form a parallel line -with the racing brumbies. Thus, with the calico wing -on one side, a living, whip-cracking, yelling cordon on -the other, and a harrying force behind, the spectacle is -as brilliant and as exciting as Australia can furnish in -the line of sport.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>At sunrise, on a glorious morning in mid January, the -Bullaroi party, well mounted, wend their way to the -appointed rendezvous, from whence the amalgamated -forces are to proceed to the brumby grounds.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The men and boys are variously mounted. All the -horses, however, are used to stock work; some of them, -within certain limits, being as intelligent as the men who -bestride them. Many of them are what is known as -"camp horses"; that is, horses trained for mustering and -cutting out work on the cattle camp. Quick to wheel, -to dodge, to out-manoeuvre the charging bullock, and even -to divine the enemy's intention; skilful in wedging -through a pack; ready to advance backwards, so to -speak, and to use heels when head and shoulders unavail; -needing scarce any control, and with a keen zest for the -work, the camp horse is an invaluable auxiliary on a -cattle run.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Both M'Intyre and Gill were specially well mounted -on favourites of the above-named variety. The price of -each was regarded by its rider as beyond rubies. Both -men were strong-boned, grizzled, and expert bushmen, -with not a superfluous ounce of flesh on their bodies. -Neville was of the company. He had learned many -things in the intervening days; the first, and most -essential, was that England could furnish no precedent -to Australia in things that are peculiar to station life. -He gradually dropped his pet phrase, "The way we do -things in England." The scales had fallen from his eyes -concerning many things "Colonial."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mr. M'Intyre, who liked him, paid him no little -attention. He rode out on the run with him, giving -common-sense hints in his dry way, from time to time, -which his guest was ready enough to take. He learned to -ride fairly well, and, after many mortifying failures, could -crack a stock whip without entangling it in the horse's legs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mr. M'Intyre was dubious about Neville going. The -Englishman, however, was so set on joining the cavalcade -that to object seemed discourtesy. All hints of the -danger attached to this expedition were scouted. So, on -this eventful morning, mounted on his host's favourite -hack, Curlew, the visitor formed one of the company.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The others need no description. With spirits mounting -high in anticipation they pass over open plain, through -brigalow scrub, along box ridges, and across country on a -ten-mile spin to a spot on Rocky Creek called the Glen—a -place already decided upon. As there was no knowing -to what extent the powers of both men and horses would -be tried during the day, the journey was made at a -moderate speed, so as to spare them for the arduous task -of the drive.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The pals, on this occasion six in number, were -compelled to curb their tendencies to fun and frolic; though -there were some very tempting and well-nigh irresistible -inducements to spurts as the game rose or -scudded before them. Inviting jumps, too, lured them; -but high jump or low jump, kangaroo or emu, charm -they never so wisely, are resisted.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But their tongues are uncurbed. How they did chatter, -to be sure! It did the older members good to hear their -gay and joyous prattle. Their views of life in general, and -brumby hunting in particular, were novel and unconventional. -They settled everything touching the day's -proceedings, from the place of the "find" to the number -yarded. All that the warrigal might do, and all that -they would positively do to circumvent him, together -with many other things, were discussed with the -self-confidence of youth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In due time the Glen is reached, and the Bullaroi party -find that they are first upon the scene.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Off saddles all o' you. Must ease the horses a' we -can. Saundy, you and the boys mak a fire and get the -billy going. Denny, bring the tucker-bag from the -pack-saddle. Mr. Neville, what in the name of common-sense -are ye tying yure nag to that dead tree for?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What's wrong with it, sir?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What's richt wi' it, mon?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I—I—don't know what you mean."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Boss means yer a fool ter tie the moke up in the -blazing sun," said Harry in an undertone, as he passed by -the new chum. "Put 'im under a shade tree same as the -rest of us."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Beg pardon, yes—er—I see," answered he, mortified -for a moment, as he moved from the leafless trunk to -a clump of currajongs, whose thick foliage effectually -screened the sun's rays.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Wot sort of a bloke's that 'ere cove?" asked Jimmy -Flynn of Tom Hawkins. "He's a regular greeny, ain't he?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, a good enough sort!" replied Tom. "He's new, -but he's a learner. He picks up pretty fast, considering. -You should 'a' seen him when he came here first; my -word, he was a greenhorn then!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Here's the Captain, father!" sang out Sandy, as three -men cantered up the track.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Guid-day, White! Guid-day, men! Glad to see you. -Off saddle and join us in a tot o' tea and a bite."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good-day, M'Intyre! By George! you've got quite a -troop, man. Day, Dickson! Day, Davidson! What on -earth do you townies think you're going to do? Stand -a good chance, Dickson, of cracking your skull and -spilling all that legal soph—I mean lore, that's bottled up -there. Oh, I say, Mac, old Dumaresque's coming along," -rattled on the Captain.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll believe it when I see him, no' afore. The auld -boy's better at hame when this wark's on."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, all I know is that he sent me word last night -by one of the men, and cautioned me to be sure and tell -you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If he comes he comes, and if he disna he'll no' be -much missed. Noo, boys, bring in the tea!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By Jove! M'Intyre, your wife's a sensible woman: -this is the sort of grub to work on. Last month I was -over at the Glenormiston mustering. De Little asked me -to join him at midday after a heavy morning's work, and -as I was as hungry as ten hunters I readily consented. -What d'ye think he produced from his tucker-bag? -Some lettuce sandwiches, no less; and cream puffs! De -Little's as good as gold, you know, so I couldn't refuse to -take some; but, I give you my word, I strolled over to his -men as soon as I could get away decently, and got a slice -of beef and a chunk of damper."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hoo's De Little getting on?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, between you and me and the billy-can, he's no -more cut out for a squatter than for an archangel. -Pity he ever left London. He'd be more at home in -Rotten Row. Hello! here's the old Colonel and two -boys. Seeing will dissipate even your scepticism, Mac."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dumaresque was a choleric but plucky old superannuated -Indian officer, who on his retirement came over -to Australia and purchased a small cattle run, living -bachelor fashion. He was now quite old, yet fancied -himself equal to any toil. To hint at his age infirmities -was to raise a very sirocco of indignant language.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hello, Cornel! wha'd 'a' thocht that you——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Stop, M'Intyre, stop! I know right well, sir, what -you are going to remark. If you, sir, look upon a bit of -a brumby hunt as an extraordinary thing, let me inform -you that to me 'tis but a trifle. Why, man, when I was -stationed on the northern frontier——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, yes, Dumaresque," broke in the Captain, who -knew the other's weakness, "we're all delighted to see -you. Just in time for a pannikin of tea and a mouthful. -Here you, Dick, Tom, Harry, one of you, take the -Colonel's horse."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A few minutes later the men filed out of the Glen, and -proceeded along the creek to a spur in the foot-hills. -Then they left the water-shed, crossing the spur, from -which they continued up a grassy valley which extended -nearly three miles before it broadened out into an open -plain, lightly timbered at the upper or ridge side, but -perfectly treeless at its other extremity.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Two-thirds of the way up the valley, in a belt of box -trees, was the trap-yard. The trap mouth, before -described, extended across the belt to the outermost verge.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After a short inspection of the yard the calico wing -was fixed. It was attached to the terminal post of the -yard mouth, nearest to the ridge that skirted the valley -on the top side. From thence it was taken in a straight -line on the ridge side of the valley, until the plain was -reached. From this point, inclining slighting outward and -made fast at short intervals, it extended right across the -plain, ending in a clump of iron-barks.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Noo, men, ye'll jist hae a wee bit grub and then we'll -stairt."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The meal was soon dispatched, and a short consultation -ensued. M'Intyre apportioned the men their places. Six, -under Gill, were located in the iron-bark clump. Five -others were sent back to the trap-yard, two miles distant, -to assigned duty there. The remaining sixteen were to -execute the task of first "feeling" the enemy; then of -outflanking them; and, finally, directing the stampede.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-warrigal-s-strategy"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XXI</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">THE WARRIGAL'S STRATEGY</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<!-- --> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>"Hast thou given the horse his might?</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Hast thou clothed his neck with the quivering mane?</span></div> -<div class="line"> </div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>* * * * *</span></div> -<div class="line"> </div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>The glory of his snorting is terrible.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>He paweth in the valley and rejoiceth in his strength.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>He goeth out to meet the armed men.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>He mocketh at fear and is not dismayed.</span></div> -<div class="line"> </div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>* * * * *</span></div> -<div class="line"> </div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>He smelleth the battle afar off:</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The thunder of the captains, and the shouting."</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>JOB.</span></div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"Noo, men, we'll be on the move."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The leader sprang to his horse and directed him on to -the plain.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Where do you expect to pick 'em up, Mac?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Micht sicht them at ony minute, maybe no' for hours; -maybe no' at a', Captain."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Willy and Jacky, you gang on aheed and keep your -een weel peeled for signs. No sae fast, lads; mustna spoil -the sport at the stairt. Let the blacks get weel aheed. -We maun sicht them afore they tak alairm, or it'll be a -hopeless stern chase."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Joe, Tom, and Sandy, greatly to their delight, were -with the "flying column." Yellow Billy was with the -trap contingent, while Jimmy Flynn was stationed with -Mr. Gill in the iron-bark clump. Neville, at his earnest -request, was given a place with Mr. M'Intyre.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As soon as he touched the myall country, the leader -cautiously skirted it, until the party were well out and -away from the range of hills that continued on the eastern -side. He then took an inward course, and made a slant -which carried them back to the foot-hills.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So far there was neither sight nor sound of the mob, nor -were there any indications of their presence at any recent -date. From the range base another tack was taken, which -brought them upon the edge of a scrub that had wedged -itself into the plain. By this time the column had -covered a lot of ground.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We'll fringe the timber for a while, and then, if we've -nae luck, we'll hae to divide; half to go into the ranges, -and the other to keep richt along the plain. Keep -weel in, lads, we'll cut that pint," continued the leader, -as the men moved on through the outer fringe of -scrub; while out on the plain, which was dotted with -rosewood and myall clumps, the black boys moved with -lithe and stealthy movements.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Father, I hear a whistle!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hist, men! quiet all o' ye!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There it's again!" exclaimed Sandy after a moment's -silence, as a low whistle came from the plain. "That's -Jacky's whistle, dad, sure enough. I'd know it among -a thousand——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A' richt, my boy. Jacky's got something. We'll -move oot quietly and see."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Wheeling to the right, the column soon arrived at the -spot indicated by Jacky's whistle. The black boy stood -by the side of his horse, pointing to some fresh droppings -and to numerous hoof-tracks.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What is it, Jacky?" exclaimed Mr. M'Intyre as the -men rode up.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Blendy brumby bin here, Boss, few minutes ago."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The tracks and signs were so fresh that, as the black -said, it was only the question of a few minutes since they -occupied the spot.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Most fortunate we've got ahint them. They're near -by. At ony moment we micht sicht them. Ye'll fa' into -a doubble column, men. Captain, ye'll tak seeven men -and I'll keep the ithers. We'll hae twa columns a hunder -yairds apairt."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In this fashion the men proceeded slowly, with a -black boy ahead of each column as a scout, and following -the tracks of the brumbies. As predicted, in a few minutes -Willy held up a warning hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The columns quickly closed up to the scouts, and their -leaders saw, through the willow-like branches of a myall -clump, the long-sought-for mob. The horses were standing -close together in an expectant attitude. Their suspicions -were aroused. Though they had not scented the wind of -their pursuers, nevertheless, with that wonderful </span><em class="italics">something</em><span> -so common in wild things, they </span><em class="italics">felt</em><span> the enemy's presence.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The intervening distance was about three hundred -yards. According to arrangement, each column opened -out at its head, with the object of outflanking the horses. -Silently the columns wheeled to the left and right sharply, -and then moved forward. While in the act of executing -this tactic their presence was detected, and scanned in a -moment. Then, with a snort, or rather a fusilade of -snorts and neighs, heads erected, manes and tails streaming, -away flew the alarmed steeds; and in swift pursuit, -maintaining their formation, the men followed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was no intention of unduly alarming the brumbies, -therefore all shoutings and stock-whip crackings were -restrained. And now the hunters begin to feel the ardour -of the chase, both horses and men; for so eager were the -station horses to join in the hunt that the riders were -obliged to take a double pull on them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Neville, in the excitement of the raid, forgot the orders, -and broke his line, making a rush for the tail of the flying -mob. The Captain, however, nipped his intention in the -bud with a few red-hot expletives, ordering the Englishman -back to his place in the line.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The brumbies, when started, were about eight miles from -the wing, and headed directly for it, going off from the jump -with a fine burst. The wily warrigal, however, was not going -to be run off his legs in a spurt; in a short time the -breakneck pace is moderated, and the straggling mob close up.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The horsemen hung on the flanks of the galloping steeds, -steadying into an accommodating pace, and, as previously -directed, making a semicircle, whose points extended -beyond the sides of the retreating animals. The station -mares were in the mob, capering for the moment as wildly -as any in their company. Tallboy lagged somewhat in the -rear. He had evidently received scant courtesy from the -brumbies. It was observed that his heart was not in this -matter. Had they wished, the horsemen could easily have -cut him out of the mob.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The flying steeds—about fifty, young and old—had -covered about two-thirds of the distance to the terminal -point of the wing, and had not once swerved from this -direction. The men were in high glee. So far it was -nothing more than an exhilarating gallop, and they kept -up the formation beautifully. The horses, too, although -the day was very hot, had not yet shown any sign of -distress. It was a different thing with some of the hunted -animals, however. There were some very old stock among -the mares. The pace and the heat combined were telling -heavily upon them, and they that rode could read.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>One of these was a chronic "roarer," and her distressed -gasps were plainly heard above the thunder of the hoof. -Two of the mares began to lag in a palpable manner, -despite the encouraging whinneying of the stallion, as he -turned from side to side with a troubled look.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They who belittle the intelligence of animals, and treat -them as lacking heart and soul, can have had little -experience of their nature and ways. The old sheik of -the wilderness was full of concern for his many wives. -Love, despite all that the poets may say, is not blind; it -is open-eyed and alert. Had he been alone the warrigal -would have snorted at his foes with the utmost disdain, and -led them such a dance as not all their imaginings had ever -conceived. But, alas! some at least of his faithful ones -would be overtaken; were even now in peril. Desertion? -Never!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Rescue! but how? Yes; he will plan, he will outwit. -He will use strategy against strategy, and at once, by -which he may draw these merciless foes from the weaklings -and give them an opportunity of escape.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Quickening his pace, he raced along, closely followed by -his company—save some half-dozen of the more exhausted -mares, who were now widely separated from their mates. -Then, wheeling sharply, the flying squadron dashed across -the plain towards the foot-hills in a furious gallop.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Divining his altered tactics, the Captain and M'Intyre -increased their speed, taking no notice of the hindermost -horses, and closely watching the head and ruck of the -flying squadron.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On, on! in mad gallop, whip and spur going freely -now, sped the hunted and the hunters; and as they -suddenly dashed across the face of the Captain's column, it -seemed as if nothing human could stay their flight. The -bold Captain and his men, however, nothing daunted nor -surprised, wheeled a little more to the left, having some -advantage in being well out, as well as being high up on -the brumbies' flanks.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now, boys," cried Captain White, "head 'em, rush -'em!" Saying which, he rode straight for the stallion's -head—who was leading—with four men pounding at -his heels. It was a splendid attempt to head the mob, -and succeeded save with one exception. That exception -was the warrigal!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The bunch of men hurled themselves on the leader, -and had he not swerved there would have been a terrific -impact, which might have spelled disablement or death -to more than one. When a man's blood is up in riotous -chase he joyously challenges death in ways that chill him -to the bone in cool blood.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The grey demon, however, swerved to the right with -tremendous speed, and the Captain crossed his course -within a couple of feet of his stern; his only revenge -being a savage cut with his whip across the retreating -animal's flanks. But if the men's rush failed with the -leader, they stopped the stampede of his immediate -followers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Floss and Jeannie, who were hard on the heels of the -warrigal, were intercepted and turned. The stock whips, -cracking like a blaze of musketry, played upon the ruck -of the confused animals in merciless fashion, scoring -their flanks and ribs. In a few seconds they were driven, -pell-mell, back to the line of retreat. In the meantime -those immediately behind the mob, and those on the -right flank, kept the balance going and together. Thus -the defeated ones regained their fellows, discomforted, -and not a little cowed, in their leaderless condition.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And what of the warrigal?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To continue the chase of him were only to knock the -horses up in fruitless pursuit. No! he must be -abandoned. With liberty uncurtailed let him roam the wilds, -fancy free. The station runaways remain, as well as -others that will be of value and service.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So wisely reasoned man, but not so the warrigal. -Foiled in his purpose, regardless of his own pursuit, -the great equine leader wheeled in a wide circle, uttering -the while shrill neighs to attract his consorts. 'Tis -for naught, however, that he utters challenge to his -enemies and appeal to his mates. The stockmen have -ringed the mob, and now at a slower pace they continue -the drive; the men opening out, and keeping abreast the -leading horses.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And now the iron-bark clump is near at hand. To -this the enraged stallion gallops. The wing men, on the -alert, watch this last manoeuvre, and line out to intercept -him should he make for the hills. Such was not his -intention, though; and their appearance only accelerates -the execution of his determination, which was simply -to regain his companions; this he did with a rush, no -one saying nay.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>M'Intyre and his men were careful not to push the -driven beasts, but were content to let them make the -pace. And now at a swinging canter—old mares well -up, despite all fatigue—-they struck the clump, and passed -the point to which the wing extended. The wing men, -joining in the cavalcade by orders of their leader, pass to -the right flank and reinforce the drivers there.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They are now within half a mile of the trap. At a -preconcerted signal the men close up, and amid an -unceasing fusilade of stock-whip crackings the beasts -are hustled, the rear men flogging up the lagging ones.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The calico wing acts effectually on the one side, -allowing a strong line to form up on the other. Barring -accidents, the hunt is as good as finished; for in a moment -or two the horses will be entering the trap mouth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The outlaw is leading the mob in a direct line for the -yard. But, stay! His keen eyes sight the fence. </span><em class="italics">It is -a trap</em><span>! Past adventures flood his recollection and shape -judgment and determination. Inside the trap, death -or slavery! Outside, liberty!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Is it too late? No! By the ashes of his fathers he -will elude his would-be captors! His faithful spouses, -naught, alas! will save them. Let those who dare follow -him! Away, then!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With a wild rush, when within some two hundred -yards of the trap mouth, he turns swiftly to the right -at a tangent, so as to head his enemies and cut away on -the outside of the fence.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The gallant grey well deserves his freedom. His -courage, devotion, and intelligence should surely prevail -upon the men. But the pursuers were not indulging -in any sentiment just then, and as soon as his last tactic -was revealed the race of interception was begun. He -might yet have escaped, for he was full of running, but, -alas! the unseen foe!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The five men detailed at the trap mouth, were grouped -thereat, just behind a cluster of silver wattles, ready for -any emergency. It seemed to them that their services -would not be required.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But, see! the warrigal!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There is no time to reason. In a flash they streak out -from cover and ride straight at the flying barb. Something -must happen. The fearful impact, narrowly escaped -but an hour ago, occurs. There is no attempt on either -side to avoid the issue. With a mighty bound and a -savage snap of his teeth the warrigal flings himself at -the foremost, bringing horse and rider down with a crash, -both lying motionless upon the plain.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the same moment, and scarce a length behind, came -Yellow Billy. His attempt to head the runaway was -blocked by the impact of the steeds. Too near to swerve, -his horse struck the leading beast on the hind-quarters -at the moment of the crash, adding to the confusion, and -coming down a cropper.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Staggered by the violent collision, the stallion is brought -to a sudden stop, but not to the ground. And now an -astounding thing happens. Yellow Billy, while falling -with his steed, to save himself from the warrigal's feet -clutched frantically at that animal's mane, and, by a -clever vault, to the amazement of his comrades, sprang -upon the outlaw's back.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It would be hard to say if at that particular moment -the horse himself was cognisant of the act. The pause -covered but the fraction of a second. With a bound he -leaped the fallen bodies, and, there being no one in front -to stay him, tore off in a direction that skirted the trap -fence.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="how-yellow-billy-broke-the-warrigal"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XXII</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">HOW YELLOW BILLY BROKE THE WARRIGAL</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span class="small">"The snorting of his horses is heard from Dan: -at the sound of the -neighing of his strong ones the whole -land trembleth."—JEREMIAH.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The tragic ending of the last rush held all breaths -for some brief moments. Such a contretemps had never -happened before. It beat all previous experiences. The -vanishing horse and rider seemed a wild fantasy of -the brain, that passes like the breaking of a soap-bubble. -There, before their very eyes, lay the slain; the victims -of the mad charge.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Several of the men dash after the desperate horse and -his acrobatic rider. Simultaneously, a small group of -men—among the foremost is Mr. Gill—rush to the -fallen men and beasts.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick Gill, his son, who lies across his horse, was -known as a fearless and somewhat reckless rider. At -the critical moment, with the lust of the chase upon -him, the lad made a mad dash for the racing steed. -To swerve him he instinctively felt would be a vain -attempt. "I'll ride the beggar down!" With naught -of tremor, but with a disdainful scorn of consequence, -hawk-like he swooped upon his quarry.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But, as we have seen, the outlaw had his own resolves. -These, alas! more than defeat the object of the horseman. -The warrigal's last hope trembled in the balance. A -narrow gap of open space, and—liberty! This way -then, with slap-dash speed!</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>We have already related the countervailing efforts -to stay that rush: how that hidden horsemen flash -from their ambush; how that one, a little in advance, -moved to the strike with tornado-like velocity. Then -Greek met Greek. Comes the inevitable, the sickening -thud; and then—oblivion! Come running men who -lift young Dick with all the gentleness of women, and -bear him to the shade trees.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Yellow Billy's horse lies stone dead with broken neck. -Dick's, with broken back, vainly strives to rise. Its -great brown eyes look round with painful entreaty -that sends Harry silently to the camp for a rifle, and -then the handsome filly joins her companion in the -happy hunting grounds.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meanwhile, under the shade trees, Dick Gill lies, -the image of death. An examination reveals a fractured -forearm; while a blue-black bruise on the right temple, -as big as a crown-piece, attests the violence of the -blow. The general verdict is that Dick, the life -and soul of his company, will never more crack joke, -sing song, or join in the merry chase; and so the -conclusion is, dead, or as good as dead—a distinction with -a slight difference.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There were two, however, who clung to some shreds of -hope; the father of the boy and the Colonel: the latter -with obstinacy and emphasis.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I've seen 'em on the frontier far worse than your boy, -Gill, and get better. The lad's stunned with that dickens -of a blow; but he'll rally directly and be as spry as ever."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Poor Dick is alive yet; of that I feel sure, even -though I cannot detect any pulsation. What the issue -may be, Dumaresque, neither you nor——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Tut, tut, man! he's young, and as tough as leather. -Neck's all right. Keep up heart, old man. I'll trot -down to the yards and see what they're doing to the -brumbies."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With that the old officer, whose words were braver -than his heart, strode to the yard, where all the -others had congregated, save Joe and Sandy, who -were in the rear-guard when the accident happened; -and who, chilled at heart and filled with apprehension—all -zest in sport gone—remain by the side of their -companion.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When the warrigal broke, the others of the mob were -in full gallop, being rushed by the men. They are -subjected to a battery of flogging whips, and swept into -the trap-yard; down the converging sides of this they -hustle, only to find an impasse. There they huddle, a -compact mass of sweating, shivering, and cowed brutes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The horsemen form a line across the way of retreat, -until half a dozen wires are stretched. The rest is a -matter of detail which expert bushmen make small -bones about. When all is secure the men inside cut -out selected horses under the direction of Mr. M'Intyre, -who, with those not actively employed in the arena, -occupies a place on the rails. The brumbies designed -for use are thrown and branded, etc., then haltered -and made fast to the rails. The station runaways -were secured early in the proceedings, which, from -first to last, consume a couple of hours. The final -act is one of horse massacre; all the discarded stock -are shot down. It is cold-blooded but necessary work, -for brumbies are rightly regarded as a pest on a run.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>By this time the sun is well down in the west, and -having finished their work at the yards, the men repair -to the camp for a bite and a drink.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To their great surprise and delight they find Dick -Gill "nather dead nor spachless," as Denny Kineavy -put it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>While his father and the boys anxiously watched him, -hoping against hope for signs of life, the unconscious -lad suddenly stretched his limbs and opened his eyes, -as one just awaking from a sound sleep.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The as-good-as-dead youth sat up in wonderment, -falling back in pain and weakness the next moment. -A wave of joy surged through Gill's heart at this -manifestation of life. "God be thanked for His mercies!" -he exclaimed. Putting an arm under the sick boy's -shoulders, and carefully raising his head, he held the -Colonel's brandy flask to his lips. "You've had a -spill, that's' all. A bit of a knock-out. Your left -arm is broken, and there's a nasty bruise on your -forehead. Sip a little of this spirit; it'll brace you up."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A pull at the flask revived the youth, and he pillowed -his head on his father's arm, who laved the bruised -head with cold water. This greatly helped in the -work of restoration. By the time the men had finished, -Dick was able to sit up, and expressed a desire to -have a look at the brumbies. Beyond acute pain in -head and arm the lad seemed but little affected. He -enjoyed a feed with the men, and especially was he -grateful for a pannikin of tea. Good billy tea is -better for the tired feeling than all the grog ever -invented.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After a short consultation it was decided that Dick -and his father, with Sandy, should proceed to a selector's -house about three miles distant. They would be sure -to get the loan of Mrs. Mulvaney's spring-cart, and by -that means reach Bullaroi. This was carried out despite -Dick's protests that he was fit to start on another brumby -drive.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>What of Yellow Billy and the bolting warrigal! Have -they been forgotten? Not by long chalks!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As soon as Mr. M'Intyre had selected the horses that -were to be saved and used, he left the other work to the -Captain, and, accompanied by Jacky, started off on the -tracks of the outlaw. Before long they met some of the -pursuers returning. Their horses were knocked up, and -they had failed to trace the runaway. "Deeficult as the -country may be," mused Mr. M'Intyre, "Jacky's equal -to onything in the trackin' line. It's only a maitter o' -time when we'll run 'em doon."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was much speculation at the camp over the fate -of the half-caste. It did not lean to pessimism, though -jeremiads were uttered by some. The pals, who knew -Billy's ability better than the others, had unlimited faith -in their mate. Whatever happened to the steed, the -boy would turn up safe and sound. The steer rider, in -their opinion, could ride bare-back the toughest outlaw -that ever sniffed the wind. "You'll see," said Tom -confidently to the Captain, "Billy'll more'n hold his -own."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Didn't youse tell us the other day thet at your gra-at -billy-horse-ma-ale-robbery, the steer slung the yallar -bhoy——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh!" retorted Tom pettishly, "that was only——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Just then the returning men rode up. They had no -good news to relate, but said that by Mr. M'Intyre's -orders all were to proceed to the Glen, and if the missing -boy was not brought in before dark they were to disperse. -Let us now follow the fortunes, or misfortunes, of Billy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As soon as he found himself astride the warrigal, the -yellow boy held fast with knees and hands, the stock whip -over his shoulder trailing in a long line behind the flying -pair. To stick on the racing horse was a comparatively -easy thing to Billy, unless, indeed, some fiendish trick -should unseat him. But to guide the scurrying brute, -unbitted, unreined, were as impossible as to turn and -check a Mont Blanc avalanche.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The first instinct of the horse upon escaping from the -trap-yard was to dismount his rider by violent means, -but there are eager pursuers on the track—so away!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He rounds the trap fence, bolts down the grassy valley -apace, twists up a gully with a swerve that almosts -unseats Billy, dashes into Glen Creek, and mounts the bank -to enter a defile. The first shock over, the half-caste -begins to realise his position. For a moment a pang of -fear seizes him, and some of the dread possibilities of the -ride dawn upon him. This soon yields to a different -sensation as they rush through space.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There is that in the half-wild nature of the lad which -goes out in unconscious sympathy for the bestridden -beast. Despite the mutual antagonism, which, after all, -is not that of hate, there is in some way a sense of -kinship. Wild answers to wild. Man nature comes thus -into close gripping quarters with horse nature. There -is no intervening saddle. Flesh mates with flesh, and -spirit answers to spirit. Whose, then, shall be the -victory? The strains of many generations of desert lords -is in the quadruped. But what of the biped? A curious -admixture of blood there! On the white side are the -well salted strains, which hark away back to the old -Vikings. On the other and darker, the stream points -backwards to the misty past, when his ancestors, subtle -and slim, moved southward from the older civilisations -of the north, and swarmed the valleys of the Ganges -and the Indus, fighting for a foothold.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Is not this a challenge to the latent forces in the wild -blood of the human? It riots through the youth's veins, -giving vim and sparkle to his courage. Who shall win -the lordship? Away then, and away!—through the -mountain pines till clothes are mere shreds, and breast -and thighs are torn and blooded with innumerable scores; -slithering down the gorges to the accompaniment of -rattling stones; jumping fallen timber, and smashing -through the undergrowth, till all pursuit has faded -away—the infuriated steed holds his course. On, on! ever -up to the inaccessible heights.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But, has the half-breed been doing nothing save -holding on, meanwhile?</span></p> -<p class="pnext" id="id4"><span>With incredible difficulty, owing to the mad career of -the horse over the wilds, Yellow Billy has managed to -pass his whip thong twice round the brute's neck. This, -knotted together, forms just the sort of hold-fast the -boy has been accustomed to on his steer rides. The -grip gives him a great advantage.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But the horse is now scrambling up a gully, which -becomes sharper and steeper as he advances, merging -into a deep gorge at last, with precipitous sides and -frowning, unscalable face. A cul-de-sac, indeed! Even -this the indomitable warrigal essays. Again and again -does he rush the battlements, and mount some distance; -only to tumble back with sobbing breath but dauntless -energy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Cannot Yellow Billy now dismount in safety?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As easily, oh, reader, as one might slip off a rocking-horse.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Why not, then, fling himself off; abandon the desperado, -and be thankful for life and limb?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>What! Billy show the white feather? Billy throw -away his chance of the honour and glory of capture -thus? Not for all the wealth of Australia! This is the -most ecstatic moment of his existence.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Foiled in his attempt to scale the heights, Bucephalus -begins to think more seriously of the foe upon his back. -Were he dislodged, what might not become possible? -Here then!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So began the battle royal between these well-mated -antagonists, to be fought to a finish, there, on that small -patch of earth in the rocky fastness; with none in the -arena to interfere or to applaud. None, indeed, to witness, -save the rock wallaby perched high on a beetling crag, -who may have moralised on the unwonted spectacle of -the whirling grey-and-brown mass of flesh and blood -below. Higher still, wheeling in mid-air, is an eagle -hawk, who keenly watches the solitary duel down there, -with unwinking eyes of insatiable greed; caring not a -doit which wins the mastership, so that the issue may -provide a fit object for tearing talons and lacerating beak.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But below there!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The warrigal, with bloodshot eyes flaming in rage and -malice, ears set back, head and neck well down between -the forelegs, back arched like a bent bow, bucks and -squeals, kicks and twists. Forward, backward, sideward; -round and round; up and down; now in the middle of the -patch; now trying to rub the boy against the rough sides -of the rocky canon, but all in vain. Not even the young -Mazeppa, lashed to the wild horse, was more securely -bound than was Billy to his steed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There he is; Yellow Billy! Behold him!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Grasping with both hands the encircling stock whip, -head and shoulders inclined backwards, his knees grip -the horse's sides like a vice. The horse's hoarse neighs -are answered with shrill shouts. And so, amid battle-cries, -dust and flying pebbles, sweat and foam, with -evolutions to which those of the circus ring were flat -and monotonous, the tug of war for supremacy between -man and beast goes on.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Presently, however, the bucking desperado moderates. -There is a lull. He shifts from side to side, making at -the same time a slow gyral movement. Is this premonitory -of collapse? He is blowing like the proverbial -grampus, and ejecting steam from quivering nostrils like -an exhaust pipe. The sweat flows from neck, belly, -and flanks to the ground in streams. Spasmodic sobs -like those of a broken-hearted child send shudder after -shudder through his whole frame. See! his head is -hanging upon his breast; the symbol of despair. Yes! he -is done, conquered! He is broken. Well done, -Billy! But the most dangerous moment of Billy's -existence is at hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly rushing backwards, the demon rears and -throws himself to the ground, almost turning a complete -somersault in the act. Crash! down come body and hoofs -and—Billy. The boy is taken unawares, and can do -little to avert the consequences of this trick. Still, the -little saves him. When, in the fraction of a second, he -sees the inevitable, a spasmodic jerk flings him just -beyond the horse's legs, which are working like the -arms of a windmill. Scarce has the animal regained his -feet ere, with panther-like spring, the half-caste is -reseated. Again the horse is down, but now he is -weakening—is rapidly nearing the limit of endurance. -All the reserves have been called up.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Again, behold! a rapid change of tactics. The outlaw -whips round his head with open mouth and snaps at the -rider's leg. Again and again, on both sides, and it is only -by the utmost dexterity that the lad escapes. This, more -than anything else, begets fear; for Billy, like the horse, -is fast tiring. With despair in his eyes the boy looks -round him for help, and catches sight of the whip handle, -which is hanging, with some two feet or more of thong, -from where it is tied to the neck. In a trice his knife -is out and the thong is severed near the knot. This -end, coiled round his hand, becomes a weapon of offence. -A loaded stock-whip handle is as formidable as an -Irishman's shillelah. And now every snap is met with a -cruel smack, and this not for long can even the warrigal -stand. Yellow Billy does more, he rains blows upon the -steed's shoulders and head with such severity as almost -to paralyse the brute. The end is coming fast now. -Worn, blown, trembling with weakness, dazed, the battle -has indeed turned.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There is a point in horse-nature up to which no man -may call himself master. In some animals it lies low -down. In others, the warrigal, to wit, it is placed at -the apex of his mettlesome temper. Let that point in -mastery be taken by the adversary and all is yielded. -That citadel stormed, there is naught left but the white -flag. The independence once surrendered is never -regained. In other words, once the complete master, -always the master.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>See now the lord of the wilderness! the equine -conjurer of tricks! There he stands with shrunken form, -drooping head, lack-lustrous eyes, motionless and clinging -tail, subservience incarnate: fit statue of unconditional -surrender! The struggle has been gallant, heroic, -prolonged; the capitulation is complete. A well planted -blow, now, between the ears, and that noble creature; -that thing of bone and muscle, of arching neck and -glossy coat; that creature of will and courage, which -made him emperor among his kind by right of merit—with -a stride worthy the envy of Lucifer! Just one -blow in the right spot—he staggers, trembles, and falls.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Yellow Billy is standing at the horse's head. 'Twas -a glorious ride, a royal fight, a grand victory. Nothing -is left now but—pity! And so, with soft and cheery -word, rubbing the nostrils, wiping the drying sweat, -massaging the trembling limbs, the boy is mercifully -engaged when footsteps are heard, and in a moment -the squatter, Jacky, and a couple of men ride on to -the battle-field.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Darkness is mantling the earth, and the men at the -Glen camp have all gone, save a few, including the boys -and Neville, who are still anxiously waiting. The striking -of iron on the flints of the creek-bed breaks the dismal -silence, as a group of horsemen steal out of the surrounding -gloom, and stand half-revealed in the light of the camp -fire. Yellow Billy is perched on the croup behind one -of the men, while, with a stock whip converted into a -halter, Jacky leads the bone and soul sore warrigal, who, -in this abject spectacle, drinks the cup of humiliation -to its bitterest dregs.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="a-day-s-shoot"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XXIII</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">A DAY'S SHOOT</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<!-- --> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>"Alas! that, when the changing year</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>Brings round the blessed day,</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>The hearts of little native boys</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>Wax keen to hunt and slay,</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>As if the chime of Christmas time</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>Were but a call to prey."</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>BRUNTON STEPHENS.</span></div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"S-a-n-d-e-e! S-a-n-d-e-e!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"H-e-ll-o! H-e-ll-o!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Where—are—you?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Down—here."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Where's here?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Find—out!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Where's that horrid Sandy, Joe?" exclaimed Jessie -M'Intyre to Joe Blain, as she came out into the back yard, -shortly after breakfast, one fine morning a few days after -the brumby hunt.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Can't split on me mates, Jess."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You're a nasty, good-for-nothing boy, Joe Blain: that's -what I think of </span><em class="italics">you</em><span>, and I don't care if you </span><em class="italics">do</em><span> know it."</span></p> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>"Tweedlum, tweedlum, tweedlum twee,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The cat and the rat ran up the tree,"</span></div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<p class="pfirst"><span>quoth Joe, as he capered about just out of reach of the -girl, who chased him round the room with a broom.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It so happened that as Joe was dancing past the -kitchen window, Ah Fat the cook was in the very act of -throwing out a dish of kitchen slops, and the contents -struck him fair on the head and shoulders.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This unintended but well-delivered blow came so -swiftly and so unexpectedly that for the moment Joe -was stupefied, gasping and spluttering between wind and -water, so to speak. He cut so ludicrous a figure that -Jessie had to fairly hold her sides with laughter. -Meanwhile the innocent Ah Fat stood gazing at the spectacle -in amazement.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, Missee Joe, I welly solly. Me neffer see you when -me tlew um——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You jolly Chinaman!" cried Joe, in great wrath. -"You—you—yellow joss!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With that the irate boy jumped through the window -and vigorously assaulted the cook with hands and feet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh!—Missee Joe—welly solly. O—h! Oh, Clismus! -O-u-c-h!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At first genuine sorrow controlled the Celestial. And -indeed the onset was so furious and determined that the -Chinaman had enough to do in fending blows, and was -not a little alarmed. But when Joe, in closing, clutched -him by the head, and essayed to unwind his pig-tail, -alarm yielded to horror at this unexpected indignity. -An ominous glitter came into his eye, and a string of -curses in his native tongue flew from the angry heathen.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boy, having loosened the tail, wound a coil of it -round his hand, and began to give fierce tugs. Passion -in an Oriental may take any turn. A passion-fired -Chinaman, however well-disposed and peaceably inclined -at other times, will wreak his vengeance regardless of -moral issues. With a yell of mingled pain and rage the -maddened man executed a Chinese edition of Jiu-jitsu, -sending his youthful antagonist whirling through the air, -to come down with a rattling bump that shook the breath -from his body. Fortunately for Joe, the part of his -anatomy which bore the brunt of the contact was that -least susceptible to damage.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This act would have been followed by one severer still -had not Mrs. M'Intyre at that moment run into the -kitchen, and, seeing the fallen boy at the mercy of the -rage-possessed Chow, who was in the act of assault and -battery, made for the man with a shrill scream, and -hauled him off the prostrate lad. All the while, John -Chinaman was in a state of wild excitability, sending -forth a torrential stream of pidgin-English.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Joe tumbled to his feet none the worse for the bout -save a bruise or two. The sight of Ah Fat with -flowing pig-tail and grotesque gesticulation sent the lad -into fits of laughter. This only the more incensed his -adversary, who made another effort to get at him, -being hardly prevented by Mrs. M'Intyre. In this -hilarity Joe was joined by Jess, who had followed her -mother and stood first in terror, but now with hearty -laughter.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Joe Blain, get out of this kitchen this moment, you -wicked boy! Be quiet, Ah Fat, or I'll call for one of the -men! Stop laughing at once, Jess, you bold hussy, or I'll -box your ears!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Both Joe and Jess disappeared in a flash, and this had -the effect of calming the Chinaman, who told the tale to -his mistress as well as his perturbed condition and broken -English would allow.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Me thlo dirtee watah outa window. Joee comin' -plast. Me no see him. Watah 'it 'im head and soljer. -He jumpee tloo window, pullee hair, welly angly. Me -get angly too, and thlo 'im down."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Quite true," said Joe, who suddenly appeared at the -window. "It's all my fault. He didn't see me, I'm sure, -when he pitched the stuff out. My paddy got up, an' I -went for him like a terrier. I think the terrier's got the -worst of it, eh, Ah Fat?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The quick acknowledgment of wrong produced an -immediate effect on Ah Fat. There was a winning grace -about Joe that few could withstand. Hitherto he had -been the cook's favourite. And now, no sooner did he -express his sorrow for the summary proceedings, and own -his defeat, than the mantling frown of anger on the -Chinaman's forehead vanished, and his dingy and stolid -countenance lit up with a smile.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Me welly solly——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, stow that! No harm done. I'm off to get rid of -this muck," cried Joe, as he disappeared from the window. -A few moments later, Joe was in the act of passing this -same opening to convey a message to Sandy, who was -doing a job for his father in the carpenter's room, at the -rear of the stables.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The act was observed by Ah Fat, who made a rapid -move to the window.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hello, Joe!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hello, Ah Fat!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come here, Joe," said the Flowery-Lander, beckoning -as he spoke.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No more soap-suds, Ah Fat?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No mo dirtee watah," said he of the pig-tail -grinningly. "See a-here, Joe"—displaying a jam pasty, -hot from the oven. "You takee dis plastee. Stlawbelly -jam, welly good."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By Cæsar! Ah Fat, you're no end of a brick!" cried -Joe, as he received the peace-offering with eager hands -and glistening eyes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Saundy, ye scoondrel!" shouted he a moment later, -bursting in upon Sandy, who was spoke-shaving a piece of -timber designed for a swingle bar. "Didn't you hear -Jess call you a few minutes ago?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I did hear some sort of a cackling an' flustration. -What's up?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We've got to go an' shoot some ducks."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That all?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That all, ye cauld-blooded Scotchman!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"An' when have we to go?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now, at once, immediately, if not sooner, ye spalpeen."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ye're an odd mixture of Scotch an' Irish this morn, -me hairy-breasted hero, an' a bad hand at either. But -why all the hurry about the ducks?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Your mother's just got word to say some chaps are -coming out from Tareela to dinner this evening, an' -they're sure to expect game."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All serene. Tom comin'?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, he ain't. He's out with Harry on the run. -There's only you an' me for't."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll be with you in a jiff, my son. Just finishing this -bar."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Where'll we go for the birds, Sandy?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Up the creek, I s'pose. Too far out to the swamp if -it's to-night they want them. There's a mob o' woods I'd -like to get a smack at—the ones we saw when we were -fishin'."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Jacky told me yesterday he saw 'em the other night -roosting on the old dead gum just at the junction of -Mosquito Crick an' the Crocodile. How far d'ye call that?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'Bout three mile."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Your mother said we are to try and get some pigeons -when we're out."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Used to be a lot o' pigeons in the scrub; but the -last time Dickson and some other coves came out shooting, -they went through the scrub, but didn't see a feather—so -they said."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No good goin' there, then?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, I don't know. We can give it a try, I s'pose. -What's the time, Joe?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Struck ten as I came along; so we'd bes' be off in -less'n no time, sonny."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In a few minutes the boys were loaded up with guns, -ammunition, sculls, and the tucker bag. They decided to -take the skiff and try their luck on the water, instead of -stalking the game along the banks.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't be later than four o'clock. Try and be back -before, if possible."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All serene, mother; we'll be back on time, luck or no -luck."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We'll fetch you some shags anyhow for fish soup," -yelled back Joe as the lads walked briskly along.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Sandy took the oars at the start, Joe sitting in the -stern with his muzzle-loader. Breech-loaders were at -that time a rarity in Australia. There were handicaps in -shooting in those days of the muzzle-loader, the powder-horn, -and the shot belt, when compared with the modern choke-bore, -smokeless powder, etc. But there were compensations. -Men were far more careful of their ammunition. Loading -itself was an art in which the expert took considerable -pride. To every novice the formula was carefully given -by the senior—</span></p> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>"Ram your powder well, but not your lead,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>If you want to kill dead."</span></div> -<div class="line"> </div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<p class="pfirst"><span>But, beyond all other considerations, there was more -of the element of sport in it. There was a greater call for -skill. The very limitations of gunnery in those days put -the game on a nearer footing of equality with the hunter. -There were greater chances for the quarry, and therefore -greater merit in the kill. These are the days of -machinery, and even in gunnery there is a disposition to -do the work by turning a handle—"pumping the lead -into 'em," as the moderns put it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Sandy's father was the possessor of a renowned Joe -Manton, and many were the tales told by the lad of his -father's prowess and the wonderful distances at which -this Joe Manton could kill.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The creek on both sides was lined for the most part -with rushes, weeds, and water-reeds, which afforded fine -cover and food for the wild-fowl. It was possible to pass -within short distances of the ducks in the rushes without -being aware of their presence.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Keep your eyes skinned along here, Joe," remarked -Sandy, after rowing some distance. "Might start a brace -at any time."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The words were hardly out of the boy's mouth when a -bird rose out of the reeds with a great flutter. Joe's gun -was up in a trice, and before it had flown a dozen yards, -it fell into the water with a splash.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good shot, Joe; but what's the use of wasting powder -and shot over a red-bill? Thought you knew a coot from -a duck."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well—I—I'm blest! If I'm not a dumplin'-headed, -double-dyed duffer! As if I hadn't shot tons of 'em. -Well, well, well!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's not well at all," answered Sandy with a grin, as -the boat glided past the beautiful glossy black and -purple-hued bird, which, though edible enough, generally -ran to toughness, and was not classed as game. Yet a -plump red-bill that has fattened on the river-end patch -of the settlers' maize is by no means to be despised.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Joe quietly reloaded, and was doubly on the </span><em class="italics">qui vive</em><span> -after the misadventure. He had his revenge before -long, for on rounding the point they ran into a mob of -teal which were camping on a shady mud-beach. The -teal rose in a very alert fashion, flying back over the boat. -Quickly turning, Joe poured the contents of right and -left barrels into the retreating birds. Three of them -soused into the water, two of which were stone-dead. -The third, though badly wounded, was nevertheless -exceedingly agile in dodging the boat by diving. After -some trouble the boys managed to secure it, and so a -good start towards a full bag was made.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then their luck departed for a while. Two or three -pairs of black duck rose, but out of range.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Here, Sandy, let me take the oars and give you a -spell," said Joe, after proceeding about two miles from the -landing. The positions were reversed, and the boat sped -on its way to the junction.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Pull easy, Joe," said Sandy, as that point came in -sight. "There's a chance of the wood-duck on the spit. -We mustn't miss this lot, anyway. You'd best land me -here, ole man, an' I'll stalk 'em."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Joe, whose back faced the spit, to coin an Irishism, -turned round to survey the birds, which clustered thickly -on the spit-end.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"See 'em, Joe," said Sandy excitedly. "It's a grand -mob. If I don't knock half a dozen, you may——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Bag the whole bloomin' lot if you like, Sandy -M'Intyre," replied the rower, who had been gazing -intently on the birds, and now turned to his mate with -an amused smile.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why—why—whatcher mean?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Mean! Mr. Alexander Duff M'Intyre, bushman, -waterman, sportsman, and naturalist by profession, but -only a Scotch mixture of bat an' mole for all that! -Why——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Do you mean to insinuate, Joe Blain, that yon's not -a mob of wood-duck?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes; and ready to swear to it till all's blue. I </span><em class="italics">did</em><span> -think you knew the difference between a duck of any -sort and a plover!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You call 'em plov——?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Here one of the birds stretched its neck, flapped its -wings, gave a hop and a short run, plover-ways, and -finished with the typical harsh note.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Great Donald! you're right, man!" finished the boy, -in a mortified tone and with a considerable amount of -disgust.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, well," he resumed, after a moment's silence, "a -few plover won't come amiss, especially if we don't collar -any more duck. Like 'em myself, grilled, as well as -anything; they've such plump little breasts. Pull on, Joe."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Joe made for the spit, coming in so quickly with a few -quiet but vigorous strokes that Sandy was able to get in -a pot and a flying shot, accounting for no fewer than five.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I vote," exclaimed that youth, when they had bagged -the plover, "that we pull into the mouth of 'Skeeter -Crick, tie up to the bank, an' stalk the crick for a mile or -so; then we can cross over to the scrub by the old tree. -We'll chance to get a pigeon or two, or I'm mistaken. -P'r'aps we'll have better luck with the ducks on our way -back. Never saw 'em so scarce on the Crocodile before."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Accordingly, they landed a hundred yards or so up the -creek, assailed the contents of the tucker bag, and then -proceeded to skirt the right bank, on the look out for -duck. A single bird, a very fine drake, fell to Joe's gun -near the fallen log which bridged the narrow stream. -This crossed, the boys entered into a belt of virgin scrub -that extended back a mile or so from Crocodile Creek, -abutting Mosquito Creek along its breadth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We'd bes' separate, Joe," said Sandy, when they had -gone a little distance into the jungle. "You keep on a -few hundred yards, and then bear on the left towards the -Crocodile. I'll make straight for there from here. It'll -be hard if we don't account for a bird or two."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The scrub was very thick and interwoven in places. -It contained a number of native fig trees of great height -and spread. These trees were in fruit, therefore there -was a better chance of getting pigeon, some varieties of -which are exceedingly fond of the native fig.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The umbrageous trees formed a lofty canopy whose -cool shades were very agreeable after a couple of hours -on the water under a January sun. The lawyer and -other cane vines hung from the great trees in long -festoons, varying in thickness from ropes no thicker than -one's little finger to the great cables extending downward -from the huge limbs of the fig trees. Besides these -growths were scrub bushes, many of which were covered -with blossom, and still others with berries, blue and red. -There were also spaces of bare ground, occupied only by -giant fig and other columnar trees. These, by natural -formation, made arched aisles, whose loftiness, lights, -distances, and vistas constituted a grandeur, and even -splendour, unapproached by any of the great cathedrals -of earth. These, however ancient, are but things of -yesterday when compared with nature's porticoes, -cloisters, and altar spaces.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boys, however, took little heed of these things. -They were in the scrub neither for architectural nor -devotional purposes. Pigeons and other scrub game -alone had any attractions for them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After separating they walked warily, listening with both -ears and scanning with both eyes. Sounds there were in -abundance. The ubiquitous minah, as the noisy and saucy -soldier-bird is called, is as widespread as the gum tree itself. -The thrush, though smaller than its English namesake, and -with a differing note, is equally melodious. Then peculiar -to scrub country are the musically metallic notes of the -pretty but exceedingly coy bell-bird.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Henry Kendal, the greatest of Australian nature poets, -has limned it in song. Here is a stanza—</span></p> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>"The silver-voiced bell-birds, the darlings of daytime,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>They sing in September their songs of the Maytime.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>When shadows wax strong and the thunder-bolts hurtle,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>They hide with their fear in the leaves of the myrtle;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>They start up like fairies that follow fair weather,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And straightway the hues of their feathers unfolden</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Are the green and the purple, the blue and the golden."</span></div> -<div class="line"> </div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<p class="pfirst"><span>There is also the merry Coachman, who cracks his whip -with his beak, so to speak, in such verisimilitude that -the wandering new chum looks round eagerly for a coach-team.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Added to these are the soft coo-coo of the doves and -the stronger and booming note of the pigeon tribe. And -beyond all these, the calls, chirpings, and chatterings of -scores of feathered favourites. They who call the -Australian bush songless libel it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The pigeon has a coo that is as monotonous and -far-reaching as a fog horn. For this sound the boys are -now cocking their ears. Presently the loved note reaches -Sandy's ears: coo—coo—coo!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A wonga for a dollar, and where's one is sure to be -another."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To locate a pigeon by its note is often a most difficult -thing in the scrub. It may be on the tree under which -one happens to be standing, or hundreds of yards away. -To run down a pigeon by its note is a work that needs -experience and patience.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Sandy listened intently, mind as well as ears working. -"Not high up, that's certain. Seems to be right behind -me. Bet tuppence he's on that white cedar," said the -boy to himself after a further scrutiny in the supposed -direction. Away in the locality indicated, distant a -hundred yards or so, rising above a clump of myrtles, was -a white cedar tree, its shining yellow berries revealing -its presence as seen through the tree boles and shrubs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Stealthily moving through the undergrowth and timber, -the lad cautiously advanced towards the cedar. Gaining -the myrtle cluster, he was thereby screened to some -extent even when viewed from above. Just then a coo -gave him the location. Moving to the edge of the -saplings, he now got a fair view of the tree beyond; and -there, on a lateral limb, distant from him not more -than thirty-five yards, sat a glorious wonga-wonga, the -finest species of Australian pigeon, not to be beaten for -table purposes throughout the wide world. The specimen -before Sandy was a male bird as big as three ordinary -pigeons.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That fellow's calling his mate, and she's not far off, -by the way he's noddin' his head," surmised the youth. -"Shall I pot him, or wait for his mate and cop 'em both?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The question was soon settled, for suddenly, and with a -great whirr, the hen rose from the ground, or rather, tiny -water pool: for she had been drinking and bathing and -admiring her reflected image in the glassy water. Her -return, alas! is the signal of death, for what time she -alighted on the bough at her spouse's side, the remorseless -hunter, with hasty but true aim, brought both fluttering -to the ground.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Their necks are wrung and they are bagged instanter, -with a laconic but satisfied grunt from the sportsman: -"Not so bad."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At this moment a double shot broke on Sandy's ears. -This was immediately followed by a deep, mellow sound -that formed the common signal of the pals. Putting his -two hands with hollowed palms together, conch-shell -fashion, the boy raised them to his lips and blew a -prolonged and resonant note followed by three short notes -staccato, which conveyed to the other's ears the answer: -"Heard you, am coming."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Joe wants me for something. Got into a covey of -bronze-wings, or maybe a mob o' flocks," muttered the -lad as he made in the direction of the sound.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He soon espied his mate at the butt of an enormous -fig tree, and signalled his advent. The moment Joe -perceived Sandy he stooped down and picked up a couple of -large black-looking birds, and waved them excitedly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My word! ole Joe's run into a flock of turkeys. -Hurrah! here's luck."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Yes, Joe had been fortunate enough to "rise" a fine -lot of tallagalla, to call them by their native name, better -known as scrub turkey.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Unlike the so-called turkey of the plains—which, -indeed, is not a true turkey, but a bustard—the scrub -turkey is true to its title, being seldom or never seen out -of thickly wooded country. Its breeding home is a huge -mound raised by scratching together the dry leaves and -bits of rotten bark and wood. On the top of this elevation -of débris the eggs are laid, some scores of them, and -barely covered. As the birds use the same spot for many -years, the nests become in time mounds of vast dimensions. -Turkey nest, as it is called, becomes in time a rich -compost of leaf-mould, and is eagerly sought for garden -purposes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The bird itself is stronger in the legs than in the -wings. Unless startled and rushed, it will not rise, but -scuttles through the undergrowth with inconceivable -speed, and he is a fortunate man who is able to draw a -bead as it darts through the thousand obstacles of the -scrub. Hence the necessity of a good dog to rush the -birds pell-mell and startle them into immediate flight, -when they almost invariably seek refuge in the trees -near by.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Joe, fortunately, heard the drumming and clucking of -a turkey gobbler before he was seen of them. Moving -with intense caution through the bush, which was very -thick at this spot, he saw at last through the intervening -leaves, on a patch of bare ground, scratching among the -decayed vegetable matter for grubs, a flock of turkeys -containing a score or more.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They were exceedingly active, running hither and thither; -many of them, just at the pullet stage, indulging in mimic -warfare. The elder ones were busily engaged grubbing. -Joe could easily have shot two or three of them as he -stood an unseen watcher. There was a better way than -that, however. Once "tree" them, and one could leisurely -pick his birds. How are they to be got into the trees? -He'll be his own dog.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Bursting out from his cover with a hair-raising and -blood-curdling yell, making at the same time a high -jump and wildly waving his arms, the stalker rushed into -the midst of the mob, catching, indeed, a young one by -the leg, and generally making such a hullabaloo as to -scare them into instant flight.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It is a peculiarity of this bird, like that of its American -brother, when once "treed," to remain there. Wanton -shooters, taking advantage of this trait, will often shoot -a flock right out.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The birds put up by Joe, with one or two exceptions, -flew into the trees surrounding them. The lad's first act -was to slip a piece of string round the captured turkey's -legs and swing it from a tree limb. This done, he took -a couple of pot shots, bringing down a young gobbler each -time. Having made sure of a brace, he signalled to his -mate, as described.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The shooters, with true sporting instinct, refrained -both from wanton destruction and from shooting at the -hens. They picked out half a dozen of the biggest males, -leaving the others on their perches.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Needless to say, the boys were greatly pleased with -their success in the scrub. On their way home good -fortune followed them. Though they did not sight the -mob of woods, they surprised a pair, which they promptly -secured. Though the bag could not be considered a big -one for those days, it was a good one for variety.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Greatly to Mrs. M'Intyre's delight, the boys reached -home a little after three o'clock. During their absence of -five hours they accounted for the following game: one -black duck, two wood-duck, three teal, five spur-wing -plover, six fat turkey gobblers, two plump pigeon, and -the captured turkey.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You are dear, good boys," was Mrs. M'Intyre's -comment as the game lay side by side on the bench at -the rear of the kitchen. "What fine birds! what a lovely -variety!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mrs. Mac., while not an epicure, was a noted housewife, -and dispensed hospitality in such a whole-hearted fashion -and in such an acceptable manner that her dinners were -things to be remembered with delight.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Go into the kitchen, boys, and get a snack: you'll be -dying for something to eat. After you've finished you -can bear a hand with the plucking and cleaning, as -Denny's the only one about. Come here, Ah Fat! What -do you think of the birds, Ah Fat?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Dem welly good, missee."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, they'll do very well. The boys'll clean them for -you—at least the ones we're using to-night. We'll hang -the rest. Let me see! they had better clean the pigeons -and plover first. You can put them on to stew: we'll -turn them into a game pie. Grill the teal, and roast a -pair of ducks and two gobblers."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Allee lita, missee; I do 'em. That all? I mos go back -an' look after puddens."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Denny and the boys set to work on the fowl, and were -soon feathers and down from head to foot.</span></p> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure margin" style="width: 61%" id="figure-68"> -<span id="retreating-one-moment-and-advancing-the-following-uttering-war-cries"></span><img class="align-center block" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt=""Retreating one moment and advancing the following, uttering war-cries."" src="images/img-208.jpg" /> -<div class="caption centerleft figure-caption margin"> -<span class="italics">"Retreating one moment and advancing the following, uttering war-cries."—</span><em class="italics">See p.</em><span class="italics"> </span><a class="italics reference internal" href="#id5">219</a><span class="italics">.</span></div> -</div> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Tell me, Joe, me bhoy, did ye or Sahndy here shute -the most b-i-rr-ds?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Honours are easy, Denny."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Begorra! phwat th' divvil's thot?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It means that each shot an equal quantity."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"An e-qu-a-al quantitee! Be jabers, wheres did ye -put 'em?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Put what?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Whoi, th' pair iv e-qu-a-al quan—— Be Saint Michael, -it's a new sort iv a b-i-rr-d ye've shuted!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Denny was not so dense as he pretended to be.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You're a downy cove, Denny," laughed Joe, who caught -a twinkle in the young Irishman's eye.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's true for ye, Joe," retorted the wit, surveying -himself; "but, bhoys, why doan't ye's take me wid youse? -Sure an' it's a foine shot Oi am."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's news, Denny. Didn't know you'd ever let off -a gun."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Manny an' manny's th' wan Oi've seen me farther -bang off, annyways. Did youse never hear tell iv me -farther's shutin'? Shure he was a sealabrity in -Killarney!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Never. Tell us."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, la-ads, wan da' he was rowin' th' Dook iv -Dublhin, who was a g-rr-a-at sport, on th' woild la-a-kes -iv Killarney. They was lukin' for dooks."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Set a duke to catch a 'dook,' eh, Denny?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Be aisy, Marsther Joe. It's th' flyin' dooks Oi'me -dascribin'. Be jabers! farther rowed about a tousan' -moile, and th' only dook th' g-rr-a-at mahn shuted was -a gull, though they was there in g-rr-a-at mobs."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The gulls or the ducks, Denny?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If you'd 'a' bin there they wud 'a' bin two gulls, -annyhow, me mahn."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good for you, Denny. Let him finish, Joe."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, shure, saays farther at last, ses he, 'If y're -Riall Hoiness wud let me have wan shot, maybe Oi'd -bring ye luck.' An' he did it. So farther, he gits th' -Dook's big gun, an' th' Dook he tuk th' pathles, an' bynby -they see a mob iv dooks all in a loine acrost th' boat's -bows, saalin' for all th' warld loike th' owld loin-iv-batthle -ships in th' pictures, stim an' starn.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'Howld aisy,' saays farther, ses 'e, whin they got abreast -thim fowls. With that he pinted th' gun at th' la-adin' -dook, an owld dr-a-ake be th' same token—pulled th' -thrigger an' let her off. Wud ye bela-ave me, so quick -was he that before all th' shot had got out iv th' way-pon -he'd got her down to th' tail-most birr-d, an' betune you -an' me an' little Garr-ge Washintong in th' Bible, ivry -sowl iv thim dooks lay spaachless dead upon th' wather. -Now thin, phwat div ye think iv that f'r shutin', ye -gosoons?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Think of it, Denny," said Maggie, who had been -standing at the kitchen door, unobserved of the boys, an -amused listener. "Why, you'll be writing a book one -day that will put the Kybosh on Baron Munchausen."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, if iver Oi does, Miss Maggie," replied the -incorrigible Irish boy, "Oi'll pit y'reself in as th' laaden -acthress—Oi mane th' herr-owyne."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Maggie!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Coming, mother."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-corrobberie"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XXIV</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">THE CORROBBERIE</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<!-- --> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>"Deep in the forest depths the tribe</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>A mighty blazing fire have spread:</span></div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>Round this they spring with frantic yells,</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>In hideous pigments all arrayed.</span></div> -<div class="line"> </div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>* * * * *</span></div> -<div class="line"> </div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>One barred with yellow ochre, one</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>A skeleton in startling white,</span></div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>Then one who dances furiously</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>Blood-red against the great fire's light.</span></div> -<div class="line"> </div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>* * * * *</span></div> -<div class="line"> </div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>Like some infernal scene it is—</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>The forest dark, the blazing fire,</span></div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>The ghostly birds, the dancing fiends,</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>Whose savage chant swells ever higher."</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>WILLIAM SHARP.</span></div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"Jacky and Willy want to know if they can have some -raddle,[#] whitning, and blue: can they, dad?"</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">[#] Raddle: a red pigment used for marking sheep, etc.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"They're very reasonable, I maun say. And what are -they aifter noo, the scamps?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, I thought you knew, dad! There's going to be a -grand corrobberie to-night. Old Tarpot has sent in a -messenger for them to go out, and take this stuff with -them, and——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Precious cool cheek on the pairt of Tarpot, and o' the -boys as weel. Why couldna they come oure and ask me -properly?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Dunno, dad."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's the blacks' way all over, dad," said Maggie.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Dad, dad," interrupted Jessie, who was eagerly waiting -a chance to get in a word, "you said, the last time there -was a corrobberie, when you refused to let us go, that -you would the next time. Now then, dado, you can't -refuse to let us this time. Say you will. Ah, I know by -your eyes you will say yes! You dear thing, it's worth a -kiss and a hug."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When the ardent girl had bestowed these filial pledges -she turned round to Sandy and the others, out of whose -sails she had taken the wind in a manner.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There now, young people, we are all going, for which -I ought to be thanked. Only for my good memory, I'm -afraid the dear man would have said no! wouldn't you, -dadums? We'll make up a party, and Mr. Neville will, I -am sure, be delighted at the exhibition."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My stars, Jess, but you're gettin' 'em bad! You will -be applying for a school teacher's billet next. Such -consideration for Mr. Neville, too! Why——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, brither mine, bless your poor thick skull; it's -positively no use you trying to be funny—you simply -can't. Oh, it'll be glorious fun," continued she, turning -to the Englishman.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But, Miss Jessie, please! In the first place, what is -this corbobbery? Is that the way it is pronounced?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, sir, it is not; though to be sure they do kick up a -tremendous bobbery."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, whatever the name, I suppose it stands for an -aboriginal ceremonial or pastime?" said Neville smilingly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Exactly. Cor-rob-ber-ie is their Café Chautant, a -free-and-easy; with this difference, though—all their -performers appear in full dress; got up to kill by the aid -of the tribe tonsorial artists and valets. The young bucks -are perfect pictures, I do assure you; and as for the -girls——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't take any notice of the saucy kid, Mr. Neville," -broke in Sandy, who felt that he owed his young sister -one. "She's only jigging you. It's their native dance -and song by the firelight; she's right there. The men -do the dancing, and the women simply play the music."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Music! I had no idea that they were——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Musicians. Oh well, not exactly that. They beat -time for the men. They, the men, are all painted up and -armed. It's a sort of action song, but it's jolly fine, a -tiptop sight, especially when there's a big mob of them. -Sometimes four or five tribes get together for what they -call the 'great corrobberie.' Then you see something; -for there's generally ructions before they finish, -particularly if there has been any grog in the camp. In that -case they usually wind up with a fight, and then there's -the killed and wounded to count when the cleaning-up's -done. It's all right to-night, though. There will be only -two tribes in it, and they've always been friendly. Would -you like to come?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come! I wouldn't miss it for the world. Yes, you -may reckon on me for one—that is, of course, if your -father is agreeable for us to go."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I suppose, dad," said Sandy, turning to his father, -"we may all go? It's to be held at the old spot."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, weel, I suppose you'd think me hard-herted if I -said no? I'll jist mak' one condeetion, and that is, dinna -interfere wi' the blacks. You maunna mak' ony attempt -to boss them. Let them cairry oot things in their ain -way."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All serene, dad."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Can the boys have the whitnin' and other things from -the store?" repeated Sandy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Consent is given, and the heart of Tarpot, the King of -Bullaroi, is made glad with a goodly parcel of pigments.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>That night after tea the party, including Denny -Kineavy, mount their steeds and ride out to the corrobberie -grounds, a matter of three miles.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was situated on a lightly timbered box-tree flat, -where a cleared space occurred forming a natural -amphitheatre, wherein the aboriginal tribes foregathered -periodically and disported themselves in their national -characters and games at night time.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The blacks make a distinction in these festivals. There -is the corrobberie and the cobborn (or great) corrobberie. -It was one of the former that the whites were to witness. -The latter occurred only at long intervals, and was a time -of feasting as well as amusement; both feasting and play -being prolonged often for weeks, and generally attended -by all the tribes within a radius of hundreds of miles.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Each tribe would bring its song and dance (corrobberie), -in many cases composed for the special occasion. This -produced the exciting element of competition. A -corrobberie of exceptional excellence would be learned by the -other tribes, and on their return to their own country -passed on to the surrounding tribes. Thus it happened -sometimes that a corrobberie of singular merit travelled -round and through the continent.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>These folk-songs were associated with the dances, and -treated on elemental themes, as war, the chase, the feast, -love, birth, death. Often some humorous theme would be -introduced, causing immense fun. As a rule each tribe -had clowns, whose grotesque attitude and voice intonations -were mirth-provoking to a degree. The Australian native -manifests a keen appreciation of a joke and has an inborn -tendency to laughter.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The preparations were far advanced by the time the -station party arrived at the camp. The gins, to whom fell -all labour of a manual sort, were lighting the fires, while -the bucks were busy "dressing" for their parts.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The girls remained in the clearing talking to some of -the old gins, while the males proceeded to the outskirts -of the forest, where the work of adorning went on apace.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For this no pains were spared. The naked bodies of -the dancers were treated by the tribe experts, and some -fearfully and wonderfully startling effects were produced. -Take His Majesty, Tarpot, as a sample. The ordinary -court dress of the King consisted of a tattered police -uniform, together with a crescent-shaped brass plate that -adorned his breast, where it hung, suspended by a chain -from his neck. The plate—presented to him on one -occasion as a joke—bore upon it the inscription—</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>TARPOT, KING OF BULLAROI</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>But to-night Merri-dia-o is resplendent in a warrior's -full rig. A hole bored through the cartilage of his nose -peak displays the bone of an eagle's wing, about four -inches long, the insignia of his maturity and dignity—his -knighthood's spurs, so to speak.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Behold, then, athwart his nose, the polished bone, -gleaming like ivory against the ebony background! His -grey hair is trussed up, forming a big top-knot, and is -adorned with the sulphur-hued crest of the white cockatoo, -also with turkey-tail feathers. Wound several times -round his somewhat corpulent body is a belt of human -hair. This serves to hold the boomerang and other short -weapons. A dingo-tail skin, split up the middle to the -brush, and bound round the forehead with the brush erect -and plume-like, gives grace and height to the stature. But -the body and limb painting is the principal part. Each -tribe has its devices. Pigments are largely used. The -greater the number of colours the more fantastic is the -effect.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When the boys strode up to the "dressing-room" -where the tribe artiste were engaged, they found that -most of the men had completed their adornments and -were strutting about casting admiring or envious glances -at one another. Merri-dia-o, however, was still in the -hands of the dressers, and his markings were a triumph. -Being a large-framed and portly fellow, he showed the -designs to the best advantage. The colour scheme was -brilliant, if nothing else. On his massive chest, which -was whitewashed for a background, were drawn an emu -and a kangaroo. The bird's plumage was bright blue, -while the marsupial was as glaring as red ochre could -make it. These cartoons covered breast and belly, the -limbs being like animated barber's poles in red and white. -On his back, upon a white ground, was coiled an enormous -carpet snake, with erect head and protruding tongue. -When seen in the corrobberie, armed with spears, shield, -and boomerangs, this fantastic figure was without peer -among the warrior-clowns, the whole effect being an -extravaganza at once whimsical and wild.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>By the time these preparations were ended the great -central fire was blazing furiously, fed as it constantly was -from a dry tinder stack.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The "orchestra," to the number of six, sat in a cluster -behind the fire and beat time to the primitive measures. -The musicians for the most part were old women, who -were well-practised performers. Their instruments were -as primitive as the songs they accompanied, consisting -generally of a tightly folded opossum rug or a shield. -These were operated upon by the palms of the hands or -by sticks; a vigorous slapping of the thighs also gave -variety to the combination. At any rate, a surprising din -was raised.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It has been stated that two tribes participated. The -Ding-donglas were the guests of the Bullarois, who had -provided a grand supper of fat grubs, native yams, and -roast kangaroo for the festivities.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>According to immemorial precedence the visiting -tribe "took the flure" first, and gave a most interesting -and picturesque display. The subject of the corrobberie -was an emu hunt, and was full of startling incident, -presenting ludicrous aspects that created roars of laughter. -The descriptive song was chanted in perfect time: a sort -of runic lay, beginning in a low and monotonous key and -gradually waxing louder as the chase progressed, finally -ending crescendo in a cry of victory, what time the -animal is overcome and slain.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The spectators, black and white, applauded most -generously, our old friends Jacky and Willy being -among the loudest. The station boys were in no ways -different from their brothers in get up. For the moment -they had abandoned the role of station hands for that of -barbaric magnificoes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The whites, especially the girls and Neville, who -witnessed the spectacle for the first time, were delighted -beyond measure. The silence following the huntsman's -song was of short duration. The story-teller -of the visiting tribe now advanced within the circle -of light, and in sing-song tones recited one of their -folklore stories.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>THE COCKATOO'S NEST.[#]</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">[#] Tom Petrie's Reminiscences.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Once upon a time there lived happily together on an -island three young aborigines, a brother and two sisters. -This land was not very far from the mainland, and the -three often used to gaze across at the long stretch of land, -and think of journeying forth from their island home to -see what it was like over there. They felt sure they -would find lots of things to eat. So one day by means of -a canoe they really did cross over, and began without -loss of time to seek for 'possums, native bears, and so -forth. In this search round about they at length espied -a hollow limb, which looked uncommonly like a place -where a nest would be, and so, going into a scrub near by, -they cut a vine for climbing up. Up went the youth, while -his sisters waited beneath. When he had cut open the -limb, he found to his great joy a cockatoo's nest with -young birds in it, and these latter he proceeded to throw -down one by one to his sisters, the fall to the ground -killing the poor things.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now it so chanced that as the young fellow picked up -the last little bird from the nest, a feather detached itself -from its tail, and floating away on the air, at length -settled fair on the chest of an old man asleep in a hut -some distance away. This old man was really a ghost -who owned the place, and the feather disturbed his rest -and woke him up. Divining at once what was happening, -he arose, and getting hold of a spear and a tomahawk, -sallied forth to the tree, where he arrived before the -young fellow had started to climb down. Seeing the -birds dead, the old man was very angry, and said, "What -business you take my birds? Who told you to come -here?" He then commanded the tree to spread out and -grow taller and taller, so that the young fellow could not -get down, and, taking the dead birds, he put them in a -big round dilly, and carried them to his hut.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Although the old man did not wait, the tree did his -bidding, becoming immediately very wide and tall, and -the young fellow tried his best to come down, but could -not. So at last he started to sing to the other trees all -around to come to him, which they did; and one falling -right across where he stood, he was able to get to the -ground that way. Somehow, though, in coming down he -got hurt, and the gins had to make a fire to get hot ashes -in order to cover him up there. He lay covered up so for -half an hour, at the end of which time he was all right -again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Of course these three felt very indignant at the old -man's behaviour, and they thirsted for revenge. So, -calling all the birds of the air to them, they sought their -assistance. These birds went in front, while the three -cut their way through the thick scrub to the old man's -hut; and ever as they went, to drown the noise of the -cutting, the birds sang loudly, the wonga pigeon making -a tremendous row with his waugh! waugh! waugh! -When they had got nearly to the hut, the old man, who -had been trying to make up for his disturbed sleep, heard -the noise of the birds, and called crossly to them, "Here, -what do you make such a noise for? I want to sleep!" But -even as he spoke he was dozing, and presently went -right off, suspecting nothing; and when the three reached -the doorway, looking in, they saw him quite soundly -sleeping. So the three clutched their weapons tightly,—the -man his spear, and the women their yam sticks,—and -advancing into the hut, they all viciously jobbed down at -the old man, and lo! he was dead. His body was dragged -forth and burned, and after the hut was robbed of the -young cockatoos and all objects worthy of value it also -was burned, and the three found their way back to the -canoe, and departed home to their island laden with the -spoil.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst" id="id5"><span>At the conclusion of the "yarn" the Bullarois retired -to the trees fringing the clearing on the side directly -opposite the audience. After a short harangue from -Merri-dia-o, the braves, about twenty in number, fully -armed and in their war-paint, issued from the forest, -headed by their chief, shouting their battle-cry, gesticulating -wildly, and making a great clatter with their weapons. -Advancing upon the foe, now in line and now in sections, -they battled with the enemy, crouching one moment -behind their shields to receive the shower of imaginary -spears thrown by their assailants, the next springing -erect and casting, as it were, their weapons of offence. -Following up this round, they bore upon the visionary -foe and engaged in personal encounter. Retreating one -moment and advancing the following, uttering war cries -and fierce challenge, hurling coarse and stinging epithet, -they gradually approached the fire; the gins meanwhile -beat time, giving coherence and harmony to the -bellicose proceedings.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was such reality in the battle-play, the men were -so earnest, their cries so passionate, their taunts so bitter; -in short, there was such a ring of sincerity, such a -presentation of the actual, that the white spectators were -carried away as in the drama when the master mummers -live their parts.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boys were in a condition of exultancy. They were -inspired by the martial display to a participation of -fellow-feeling with the warring company. Neville, too, was -fairly captured by this weird yet fierce and savage -sham-fight. The thrill of combat held him so strongly that he -could not refrain from leaping to his feet and yelling with -the rest—urging them, indeed, to greater slaughter.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was different with the girls. Fear laid hold of them -at the unwonted sight. At first they joined in the -hurrahs, but when the fighters neared them, and it -seemed, as was indeed the case, that the very actors -were being carried away by frenzy and battle-lust, their -tongues ceased and a cold chill of apprehension seized -them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The warriors are now right up, fronting the fire. In -a few minutes the grand finale will have been enacted, -and the curtain rung down. Unfortunately, however, one -of the young men has a quarrel with a youth belonging to the -visiting tribe. In the culminating point of this sham fight -he sees his enemy among the crowd of onlookers, and, urged -by his excited feelings, he directs insulting remarks full at -this man, who, running out into the clear space in front -of the fighters, returns these with interest. This so -enrages the Bullaroi youth that, darting from the ranks, -he slings his spear full at the enemy, and transfixes him -in the breast. Loud cries of consternation come from the -women, and a moment's awful stillness from the men. -Then, as if by magic, the Dingdonglas have risen in -their wrath, arms in hand. The play has vanished, and -downright fight and bloody battle ensues. Spears hurtle -and boomerangs swish through the air; the crash of -nulla-nulla on shields supplants the music of the orchestra, -the while the gins flee in sheer terror from the bloody -scene to their huts in the forest, rending the air with their -shrill screams as they speed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But what of the whites?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They stand a few moments horrorstruck at the raging -human cyclone. At first the grim reality seemed unreal, -just as previously the sham battle-action appeared real. -Joe is the first to size up the situation. Not only are the -blacks in blood-red earnest, but there is actual peril to -the spectators. The combatants are surging to and fro -in the strife of conflict, and circling as though in a vortex. -At any moment the spectators might be drawn into the -battle zone through the movements of the belligerents.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come, Mag, Jess, quickly!" cries that youth, seizing -the girls as he speaks and drawing them away. "The -brutes are at it in real earnest. Come! we must bolt to -the trees. Great Cæsar, look at that!" A spear whistled -through the air and impaled itself in a tree near by.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Just then, one of the fighters detached himself from -the scrum and came bounding up to the little group, spear -extended. As he seemed to be on hostile intent, the -youths lined up in front of the girls, ready to defend them -and grapple with the foe. On nearing, Sandy knew him -to be Willy the station boy. Willy, loyal to the family, -came to entreat them to leave the field. There was little -fear of any direct attack upon them, though it were hard -to say what turn the savage mind might take. The -apparent danger was from fugitive spears and boomerangs. -So Willy paused but to cry out, "Take 'em girls to -horses: safe there; no safe here. Go!" and then skipped -back to his band, throwing himself heart and soul into -the fray. For the hour the boy was as great a savage as -any of the young men of the tribe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The girls, now really terrified, need no pressure to leave; -so they scurry from the field and reach their horses, some -distance beyond spear reach. There they watch the tide -of battle as it ebbs and flows until it dies, which it is not -long in doing, from its very violence.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When the casualties were reckoned it was found that -most of the combatants had received bruises or gashes, -limbs were broken, but the only fatalities were those -of the lads who began the quarrel. Now that the fight -is over, both sides settle down to supper in the best of -humours. The slate has been cleaned in this primitive -fashion, and now friendships are renewed over handfuls of -luscious tree-grubs and hunches of roast kangaroo. -To-morrow there will be weeping in common over the biers -of the departed braves.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, Denny, what do you think of this dreadful -corrobberie?" exclaimed Jessie to the Irish boy as they -rode home about midnight.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Phwat div Oi think iv it, Miss Jassie? Whoi, it's -been a lovely foight, shure. Och, they're the very divils -ontoirely! Nivir seen sich a bit of divarsion since Oi -left owld Oireland, bedad! Begorrah, it'd ta-ake owld -Tipperary itself to bate it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Do you know what I've been thinking of, Denny?" -continued the mischievous girl.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nawthin' but lovely thoughts, Miss Jassie."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You of course are the best judge, Denny, being an -Irishman. What I was thinking was this: scratch an -aboriginal, and you have an Irishman."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Och, dear-a-dear, Miss Jassie, to maline me poor -counthrymen loike that! Troth, then," cried the lad, with -a serio-comic air and the suspicion of a wink, "there's one -thing indade which Irishmen have in common wid these -poor naggurs."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What is that, Denny?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We both suffer at the hands of Saxon landlords."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And Jessie had no answer.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="in-the-bushrangers-caves"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XXV</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">IN THE BUSHRANGERS' CAVES</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<!-- --> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>"In Xanadu did Kubla Khan</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>A stately pleasure-dome decree,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Where Alph the sacred river ran</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Through caverns measureless to man</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Down to a sunless sea."</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>KUBLA KHAN.</span></div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"Joe!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Silence.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"J-o-o!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>No answer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"J-o-o-o!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Profound stillness, broken only by a buzzing fly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If you don't answer within five seconds, an' short -ones at that, look out for squalls. You're only 'possumin', -you rascal!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Presently a hurtling pillow, and not too soft a one -either, struck Joe Blain, who lay flat on his back, with -open mouth, closed eyes, and deaf ears. The missile hit -him fair and square on the face, hermetically sealing his -breathing apparatus for a moment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A muffled sound, a quick contortion of the body, and an -instinctive clutch of the hands got rid of the obstruction, -which in a twinkling described a trajectory that impinged -on Tom's left ear.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, what's in the wind, now?" asked Joe, after -this customary exchange of shots, which was an everyday -occurrence.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I've an idea, Joe."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Howly Moses, you don't mean it! Terrible, terrible! -Where did you catch it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Catch your grandmother's sister's cat! Only, you're -such a numskull, I'd try an' put it in your head."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What! my grandmother's sister's——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, you ass; a simple idea!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then I'll bet tuppence it's simple enough, you goat!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After this complimentary interchange Tom proceeded: -"When we went out to the caves the other day, we said -we'd return before the holidays were ended, an' we've -come to the larst day, ole man. Ding-bust it! we'll have -to make for home to-morrer, an'——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ugh! don't mention it! Go on about the caves."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, then, that day we went out—— Oh Joey! shall -we ever forget the sight of 'Fevvers' rollin'——?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Look here, Hawkins, if you can't spit out that idea -of yours quick an' lively, you'd better swallow it! If you -think to waste my valuable time——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Your time wasted! Pish! Listen, then. I vote we -go out to the caves an' have a look round for the place -where Ben Bolt kep' his horses. It'd be no end of a -lark for us to find, after the police an' others have given -it up. What say?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There's not much in your notions, Hawkins, generally -speaking; still, you've struck ile this time, sonny. -Gewhillikins! it's all right. Let's have a talk with ole -Sandy about it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, he's sure to be nuts on it! He's always talkin' -about the mystery."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Up, guards, an' at 'em! as Cromwell sang out at the -battle of Marathon," quoth Joe, in slight historical -confusion, as he tumbled out of bed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They dressed quickly and then rushed out to find Sandy, -who had risen earlier to yard the horses. Sandy was -nothing loth. Indeed, he was as eager as the others, if -not more so. He had often brooded over the puzzle, and -discussed it at times with his mates, but oftener with -himself. Like the others, he had theories.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I've got to take the harrow to the cultivation paddock -after breakfast, an' then I'll be free."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Can't you take it now?" suggested Tom. "Good -hour yet to breakfast. You'll have whips of time, an' -we'll help you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Sandy was agreeable, and the boys soon hoisted the -harrow on to the cart. They returned in good time for -breakfast, and got Mr. M'Intyre's consent.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Best take us with you, Sandy."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Girls 'd only be in the way, Mag."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thanks, me brither! Just wait till you ask me to cut -your lunches!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, mother'll do that."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes; rin to your mither and hold on to her apron-strings. -For selfishness and for cheek, commend me to a -brother! You're all alike. I expect Tom and Joe are no -better at home, for all they put on mighty innocent airs -here," prattled the girl, in mock sarcasm.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I hope you'll count me in, boys?" said Neville. "I -have intimated to Mrs. M'Intyre that I shall be forced -to tear myself away from her unbounded hospitality,"—"Fevvers" -was still a trifle stilted,—"but she will not -hear of my leaving till the end of the week. You know," -he went on, "I did not have an opportunity—the last -time I—er—we were out there—and——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You lassoed an Englishman with a stock whip," broke -in Jessie the tease.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And behaved like a brick," interposed Maggie, who -noticed the involuntary wince on the part of the -Englishman. This was, indeed, a sore spot; but he was growing -rapidly in grace.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Neville winced under Jess's sally, but took it in good -part. "It's all part of the breaking-in process, Miss -Jessie. I believe I can dismount now a little more -gracefully. I shall be glad of an opportunity to see the -famous bandit's caves. It will be something to relate in -England."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It did not take the boys long to get ready. Half an -hour later the party was </span><em class="italics">en route</em><span> for the caves, determined -to solve the puzzle.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You'll do nothing rash, boys?" said the careful mother -at parting, "Have you enough candles?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Plenty; also ropes and tucker. Don't worry about us, -mother; we may not be back till near bedtime—depends -on what luck we have."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You've got a scheme, Sandy, I s'pose?" remarked Joe, -as they jogged along the road.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, Joe, I've an idea; but of course only testing it -will prove its worth. The caves are situated in a spur -running north and south. The opening, we know, is on -the east side. Nothing bigger than a wallaby or a dingo, -save of course a man, can squeeze through that opening. -Either there is another and separate cave adjacent, where -the 'rangers stalled their horses, or there is an easier -entrance somewhere in the spur that has a connection -with the ones we have already visited."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You must remember, though, Sandy, that Inspector -Garvie and his men spent days in searching the locality, -an' how are we chaps to do in a day what they failed to -do after several days, and with black trackers, too?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm not likely to forget that."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I vote, then," said Joe, "we go straight to the caves -an' explore 'em first."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It'd take us all day to search those ravines and bluffs -on the west side," added Tom, "so I'm in favour of Joe's -proposal."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm not sure that I should have a voice in this -matter," spoke Neville. "You fellows will have to settle -it between yourselves. Whatever you decide upon will -be agreeable to me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Matter's decided, then," answered Sandy. "Joe and -Tom are for the caves direct. Honestly speaking, -although I would dearly love a try at the western side, -for I'm convinced that the outlet lies there, I think, on -the whole, we'd better stick to the caves, giving them first -show, anyhow."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Carried unanimously by a large majority, as Denny -would say," cried Joe the spokesman.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On arrival at the camping grounds, the place of the -late serio-comic adventure, the explorers—for such we -must call them—unsaddled, and short-hobbled their horses.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I vote," said Joe, "that we boil the billy an' have a -go at the tuck before we tackle the caves. It'll be better -than taking the prog with us, an' 'll save us coming out for -lunch."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Agreed!" chorus the rest with a readiness and gusto -which in matters of meat is almost an instinct of -boyhood. Accordingly the wood is gathered, and ere long, -with whetted appetites, they are absorbingly engaged on -a substantial meal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There are three things to remember, mates. First of -all, the candles. We'll divide them equally, three apiece. -Here's a box of matches for each. Father gave me a -caution, about lights. We're to carefully watch the -candles as we proceed through the passages. He says the -poisonous gases collect in places that are not well -ventilated, an' that means death in no time if we remain -in such spots."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How'd we know, Sandy?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I was just going to tell you. If we get into such -places, father says, the candle will burn dimly, an' if it's -very bad, will go out altogether. When we happen on -such spots, if there are any, we are to retreat immediately; -so don't forget, boys, should we be separated."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That," said Neville, "is most important." He related -one or two incidents of fatal accidents in connection with -English collieries through fire-damp. That danger, though, -is seldom encountered in such caves as the boys were -intent on exploring.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What's the third thing, Sandy?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The third thing, Hawkins, is to make fast to this -green-hide. It is twenty-five feet long, an' we'll tie on to -it as we go through the passages. Father says there are -often holes in the floors and very steep inclines. Best to -be on the safe side, though I don't suppose we'll really -need it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I say," queried Neville, "hadn't we better take some -stout cudgels with us, for fear of snakes and wild beasts?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Happy thought, Mr. Neville. Not for wild beasts, -though an old-man kangaroo can be as dangerous as a -bear with his paws when he's bailed up by the dogs."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What about monkeys, then?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Monkeys? We haven't any."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, I heard one of the travellers say, while he was -having a feed at the men's hut, that he'd been engaged to -go for a mob of monkeys."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ha—ha—ha! Well, you are a——Why, the man -was talking about sheep. Monkey is a pet name for -them. We'll want some sticks, though, as well as -the tomahawk."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So saying, Sandy proceeded to hack at a cluster of -gum saplings, and cut three waddies about five feet in -length, and a fourth one eight feet long, and proportionately -thick. Armed with these and carrying the other -necessaries, including a billy of water and a snack of food, -the exploration party proceeded to the cave entrance.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After gaining access to the first cave, the boys allowed -Neville a few minutes' pause to get at home with his -surroundings, before going on to the second or cathedral -chamber. They then pursued their way through the -tortuous and difficult passage between the two chambers, -till at length they arrived at the opening.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hello!" exclaimed Sandy, who was in the lead, with -an involuntary gasp.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What's up?" cried Joe, who was immediately behind him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why, ladder's gone!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Jemima! you don't say so. Why—how——?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's gone, all right," replied the leader, as he peered -by the light of his candle into the gloomy recesses of the -cave. "Clean gone! Don't see it on the floor below, -so it can't have dropped."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Joe, squeezing abreast Sandy, and doubling the light -power, added his eyes to those of his mate in the search.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No go," said he, after a keen but vain search. "Anyway, -I can see how to get down easy enough." So saying, -he placed his stick across the mouth of the passage, -jamming it on either side into an interstice. "There!" -he exclaimed, as he hung his weight upon the transverse -beam, which, though bowing, did not crack when bearing -his weight. "Let's put the rope round this, an' we'll slip -down less'n no time."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Wait a jiffy, Joe," said Sandy, who had been critically -eyeing the staff. "We'll make 'assurance doubly sure,' -as your father said in his sermon last Sunday,"—poking -his stick while he spoke, into the same cavities as the -other occupied. "That will stiffen it. It's easy enough -getting down: we could jump, for that matter. It's the -getting up that's the problem. There, it's as stiff as a -fire-bar now. Here's the first to go down."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Holding the rope, the boy swung off, and was soon -standing on the floor of the lower cave. The others -followed rapidly. They could find no trace of the missing -ladder. Not only was the ladder spirited away, there -were other signs which showed that the caves had been -entered since the last visit of the boys, and on proceeding -to the third chamber, where the bushrangers slept, there -were manifest signs of disturbance.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Some un's been here, that's certain."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Sandy gave voice to the one opinion. The bark bunks -occupied by the outlaws were thrown off their trestles to -the ground. There was no gainsaying Sandy's statement. -The situation was peculiar. The boys might well be -pardoned for being a little fearsome and creepy under the -circumstances.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I heard Dickson tell your father, Sandy, at the brumby -hunt, that a party was comin' out from Tareela to visit -the caves. P'r'aps it's them that have moved the ladder."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't think it could have been," persisted Joe. -"There's no sign of their camp outside."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What about the 'rangers?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The thought was decidedly unpleasant, and when -voiced it struck a chill in the hearts of all. As a -matter of fact, the thought had lain in Sandy's mind -from the time he missed the ladder.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ben Bolt was not a desperado of the Morgan or Kelly -type—men who were conscienceless, treacherous, and full -of the blood-lust. Many, indeed, of his acts of gallantry -and open-hearted generosity, if theatrical, were nevertheless -redeeming qualities in the old-time bushranger. A -man of great resource and daring, a thorough bushman, a -superb rider, mounted always on the finest of horses,—stud -stock mostly, which he "lifted" from celebrated -breeding stations,—the 'ranger was, in some respects, a -picturesque figure, and had a most adventurous career. -Often located and even sighted by the police, he was -always able to make good his escape, either by bush -strategy or by an amazingly daring piece of riding in -rough country, at which even his intrepid pursuers, -themselves accomplished horsemen, stood aghast.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was a spirit of romanticism about the fellow. -His dress and appearance gave colour to that. He was -passionately attached to his wife and children, and often -incurred desperate risks in visiting them when -"home-sickness" seized him. His house was ever under the -surveillance of the police, who fondly hoped to catch him -by that lure. Yet, though often within an ace of capture, -he always escaped. Outwitting the subtlest efforts of the -police, he was their despair. Though of a sanguine -temperament, there were seasons when he was the victim -of a black mood. At such times he was most dangerous -and cruel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It could hardly be Ben Bolt," said Sandy at length. -"It's quite possible that the town party has been. How -could Ben be here an' in Queensland?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, what's next, Sandy?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'd like us to explore the opening in the passage first, -Joe. Come, boys, let's shin up."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This was speedily accomplished, and the pals proceeded -to the spot that was in Sandy's eye, so to speak.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Here's the place I meant!" exclaimed he, when they -had retraced their steps some distance through the -passage. The opening, at first sight, appeared to be -a deep recess. Upon close examination, however, it was -found that the wall and the roof did not meet. There was -a hole some two feet in diameter.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I spotted this when I came with father," explained -the leader. "Now, if one of you fellows will give me a -hoist, I'll get my head and shoulders into that opening -above, and find out whether it's a chimney, or takes a -turn and forms a passage."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Accordingly Joe, stooping a little, received Sandy on -his shoulders, by which he was able to rise into the hole.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hurrah—hurrah!" he exclaimed a minute later. "It's -a passage all right, boys. There's a sort of landing, -anyway, and it looks as though there's a passage beyond. -Hold steady, Joe, an' I'll try an' get my hands on the -ledge."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boy made several efforts without avail, for he was -an inch or so too low.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Step on my shoulders, Sandy." It was Neville who -had placed himself alongside Joe. His shoulders were at -least three inches higher. Thus raised, Sandy had no -difficulty in grasping the ledge of the landing. Catching -the lad's feet with his hands, Neville pushed the boy -higher, and soon he worked his way on to the floor of the -ceiling, as it were.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This done, he proceeded to light his candle and explore, -for it was impenetrably dark. Following the passage -inwards, the boy advanced some distance. He found -that it widened as he proceeded, and became easier to -traverse.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'd better return now for the other chaps," muttered -the lad. Accordingly he retraced his steps and explained -matters to the anxiously waiting group. By the aid of -the green-hide lariat, the others were soon up with the -leader on the landing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Here, then, was a new situation. In all probability the -foot of man had never trodden this place. There were no -traces of any living thing. It was in no light mood, -therefore, that the boys made a start. Their position -was unique and thrilled them. They might, in a literal -way, bring to light the hidden things of darkness. Not -for ages, or ever, in all likelihood, had those walls been -lighted up and gazed upon. Whither would the pathway -lead?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Proceeding, they encountered no difficulty for some -time, as the passage widened in places, enabling them to -walk abreast. Soon, however, it began to contract, and -in places it became a squeeze. The roof, too, dipped -considerably, so that it could be touched by the extended -hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Sandy, who was still leading, began to experience a -tired feeling. There was a peculiar sensation in his ears, -and a tightening in the throat. After advancing a few -steps farther he stumbled and almost fell. His candle, -too, began to burn very dimly. His followers were -experiencing similar feelings. In a moment the cause -of this untoward feeling came flashing across his mind.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Joe, behind him, cried out, "I say, Sand ... I'm -gettin' ... short..."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Back, everybody! Fire-damp!" cried the leader in a -raucous voice, after a violent effort.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was a narrow squeak. Though only a few minutes -in the poisoned air, they were all on the verge of -unconsciousness. Gasping, trembling, the sweat oozing from -every pore, they struggled on until they reached the -widened area of the passage, and then sank, exhausted, -to the ground. Tom, who was at the tail of the procession -was not so bad as the others, not having penetrated so far -into the poison zone.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The pure air soon revived them. Their respiration, -which was very laboured at first, improved as soon as -the sweet, dry air entered their lungs, and ousted the -putrid gas which had lodged there. A pull at the water-can, -which fortunately they had brought with them, helped -them a lot, and in a short time they were themselves again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That ends chapter one," said Joe dryly. "Whereaway -now, Captain?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We've come to the end of our tether sudden enough, -and with a vengeance. It'll be something, Mr. Neville, -to tell 'em in England. Let us get back to the old passage. -This is nothing but a death-trap."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-explorers"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XXVI</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">THE EXPLORERS</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">"'The best hearts, Trim, are ever the bravest,' -replied my uncle Toby."—STERNE.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">"That's a valiant flea that dares eat his breakfast -on the lip of a lion!"—SHAKESPEARE.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"How quickly we ran into that poison-trap! No smell -or anything to warn us," remarked Neville, when the -normal condition of the lads was restored, "save a nauseous -feeling which supervened."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Whatcher think made it hang like that, Mr. Neville? -Seemed to me like an invisible fog that we suddenly -encountered."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That is really what I believe it to be, Tom. I know -from what I have read and heard, the gas is colourless -and quite heavy. An uncle of mine is a colliery manager -in Wales, and this fire-damp, or choke-damp, as it is -sometimes called, is often fatal, because it fills the lungs -so that no other air can enter, and in this way suffocates -its victims. We were just on the fringe of it, I think.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"As I was saying, this fire-damp, which is always -much more dangerous after an explosion in the mines, -is generally formed by the decomposition of certain -substances in vegetable fibres, or in veins of carbonised -mineral. That is why it is called carbonic acid gas. It -is much heavier than the air. You remember the passage -was contracted, and the air seems to have become -impregnated at that particular place."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, whatever it is," said Joe, who had just made -a few spasmodic heaves, "it's good enough to keep out -of. Let's give the acid, or gas, or damp, or whatever it's -called, leg bail."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The party of defeated but not disgraced explorers now -retraced their steps. Eagerly scanning the walls as they -retreated for signs of diverging passages, they soon found -themselves at the landing, whence they swung down into -the blind alley that led to the main passage.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Sandy," said Joe, when the party had emerged, "give -that passage a name. Leichhardt gave names, you know, -to all the creeks, hills, and water-holes he discovered in -his travels. I reckon yon's our discovery. Faugh!" -ejecting a mouthful of saliva, "it tastes like rotten -soda-water. Let's call the beastly place by a name that'll -fit it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Christen away."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Me! Well—er—how'd 'Poison Pot' do?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'"Death Trap' would be better," replied Sandy. So -thought the others, and it was accordingly named "Death -Trap Passage."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now, chaps, let's get back to the cathedral. There's -a likely spot there—that hole, I mean, where the boulder -was jammed."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What's the time, Mr. Neville?" asked Joe, on arrival -at the big chamber.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Quarter to one."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why, we've hardly been three hours in! I made sure -it was about six."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I vote we have a go at the prog," chipped in Tom. -"It'll help to take the nasty taste away."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good idea!" was the general verdict.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The pals had lost a good deal of their natural spirits. -Three hours groping in semi-darkness, with a throat full of -choke-damp thrown in, was enough to stale the strongest; -yet they had no thought of surrender. They were -"baffled, to fight better."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In a few minutes the outer entrance is gained, and in -another five minutes they reach camp.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The hot tea was particularly acceptable. Nothing in -the wide world could have been more refreshing and -stimulating. Billy-tea boiled with gum sticks, just so -far sweetened as to countervail the natural roughness -without impairing the aromatic flavour, stands at the -head of all beverages—whether aerated, brewed, distilled, -or concocted.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My word, this is bully tea, ain't it?" cried Tom, -smacking his lips with satisfaction, after emptying his -pannikin for the third time.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Neville in particular—to whom the outing and the -exploration was a new experience—felt, as he puffed at -a cigar, the stirrings of a larger and a nobler nature than -that which had hitherto exercised him. Business life -seemed flat and stale compared with this al fresco -existence.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Time to be goin' back again," said the practical Sandy, -breaking in on a post-prandial reverie. "Gimme the -tommie, Joe."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Tomahawk in hand, the boy walked to the sapling -clump, and selecting a stout specimen, vigorously attacked -it with the weapon. From this he cut two six-foot -lengths, sharpening the thicker ends, crowbar fashion.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What's that for, Sandy?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"To prise the boulder. They'll make capital levers."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Armed with these additional implements, the lads -returned to the caves, and in due course lowered -themselves into the cathedral.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The spot which Sandy had mentally marked as a likely -one has already been described. It was a cleft in the -floor at its junction with the wall, and immediately behind -a huge stalagmite. It must have escaped the vigilant -eyes of the professional trackers. The corner was a very -dark one, and unless one looked closely behind the -boulder the cleft would not be observed. Sandy had lit -upon it in a promiscuous search, and was impressed by -its possibilities as another outlet, or inlet, to other -cavities.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>No sooner had the boys arrived at the spot, and Sandy -had cast his eye upon it, than he exclaimed, "Somebody's -been here!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How d'yer know?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"This stone is not in the same position as when I last -saw it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Who could it 'a' been?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Dunno. I'm crack sure, however, that this stone was -not square down the other day. The flat of it was down -and the point of it up. Now it's reversed. Besides, here -are crowbar marks."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It'll be hard enough to get out—much harder than it -would 'a' been if it hadn't been touched."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Must have been a strong chap that turned it!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Strong? No one man could ever have done it! It -would be difficult for two. Why, that stone's not a pound -less than four hundredweight!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, time's goin'," said Joe, "and what's done's done. -Let's at it, Sandy. Up-end her, and throw her over on -the floor."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The lads vainly tried to insert the wooden bar. -The cracks between the lid, so to speak, and the -edge at the opening were not sufficiently wide to admit -this.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It won't do," said Sandy after a while; "we're gettin' -no forrader."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I suggest," interposed Neville, "that you widen the -cracks."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How can we do that?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Will you let me have a try?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My!—rather. Anything to get the blame thing out."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Neville picked up the tomahawk that was lying near -at hand, and began striking the edges of the hole where -Sandy had been prising.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's the stitch!" cried Tom. "Well done, Mr. Neville!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The limestone readily yielded to Neville's strokes, -and the crevice was soon wide enough to take in the -thick end of the stout gum sapling.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Sandy and Neville, taking a pull at the end, levered -the stone high enough for Joe, who had the other bar -ready to insert between the raised end and the floor stone. -With this additional lever power the "stopper" was -canted on one side, high enough to put the stone chocks -in. Another application of the bars, with two boys -hanging on each and pulling simultaneously, brought the -"stopper out of the bottle," and toppled it over with -a thud that shook the floor; bringing down a stalactite -with a crash, fortunately without harm to the exploring -party.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Before venturing down, Joe, in whose mind an idea -had been fermenting while the stone-raising business -was being carried on, critically surveyed the stone -"stopper."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Look here!" remarked he, "these are the marks of an -iron crowbar. Whoever removed this had the proper -tools for it. Whatcher make of that? That upsets the -town party theory, don't it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It certainly makes the puzzle harder," said Neville.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Think so? Makes it easier to me," quoth Sandy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How's that?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Looks more'n more like Ben Bolt's work."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Think he's in there now?" exclaimed Tom, in an -awed whisper.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, I don't think that. But it shows me that he's -knocking about here again, an' he's been in the caves -quite recently."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boys looked into each other's faces, and felt—well, -just as you would feel, brave reader, were you in the -cavernous depths of earth, in the very haunts of -proclaimed outlaws, not knowing at what moment they -might spring upon you. Standing in the cold, damp, dim -underground, at the mouth of an unknown passage, which -might take you to the innermost den of the outlaws, could -you contemplate advance without an attack of the creeps? -The crevice, after going down sheer a few feet, turned -on a level plane, right across the floor of the cathedral, -in a westerly direction. How far could be known only -by actual travel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come on, boys," said Sandy, after a moment's silence; -"it's what we've come here for. I believe, for one, we're -goin' to solve the mystery."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>One by one the lads dropped into the bottom of the -well. The passage was of unequal width, but always wide -enough to allow the party to proceed without squeezing, -and had a fairly level floor. The floor, after extending -two hundred paces or so in a westerly direction, began to -decline somewhat sharply, and presently Sandy gave a -warning shout—</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Water ahead!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The others crowded round him as well as they could. -There, at their very feet, was a pool of water of unknown -depth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Here's a go, chaps! Looks as if it might be a swim."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The pool covered a fairly wide stretch, and was in a -dip of the passage.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't think it's a swim myself," remarked Joe. -"Let's take off our boots an' pants. I fancy we'll find it -only a wade. We can move cautiously and test it with -a bar as we proceed."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The party did as suggested, and found to their satisfaction -that the water did not rise above their knees; for -none of them relished a swim in the icy water. After -re-dressing, the company moved forward, and soon -emerged into a spacious cavern that fairly sparkled with -lime crystals. Little time, however, was spent in -admiration. They moved across it in the same direction, and -found two exits. After a short consultation, they decided -to take the larger of the two passages, because it seemed -to be a continuation of the old track. Just as they -started, Tom, who was in the rear, on looking round, saw -what appeared to be a bundle on the floor of the cave, -some distance to the right.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Wait a moment," cried he, as he ran to the object. -"Oh, I say, here's a find!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The others, who were in the entrance, backed out, -and ran to his side. Tom held the old vine ladder in his -hands.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was no longer any doubt. There could be only -one conclusion. At the sight of this the boys had a bad -attack of the creeps.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's the 'rangers all right. They've slipped the police -again." There seemed to be no alternative to this -conclusion. "Seems to me," continued Joe, who was -the quickest of the lot in reasoning out a thing, "that -they've been back here again, and knowing that the -bobbies'll be on the watch to trap 'em at this spot, -they've locked up the house, in a way of speakin', an' -thrown the key inside. I vote that we go on."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>No one said nay, and so the advance was made. The -passage presented no serious obstacle, widening and -narrowing at intervals, but never too narrow to proceed. -As they were squeezing through a difficult place, Sandy -again sounded the alarm.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What's up now?" said Joe, who was just behind.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'Nother big cave, an' a deep drop into it, same as the -other. There's a bar across here where they've slung -ropes. Undo the lasso, chaps."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Let's hope we're getting near the end of it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The speaker was Joe. The truth is, the work was -most tiring in its nature, and the spirits of the party were -yielding to a very uneasy feeling, despite Joe's plausible -theories that the end might be the reverse of pleasant. -Should Ben Bolt, after all, be in hiding, well—the worst -might happen.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Fixing the rope, they slipped down to the floor of the -new cave. This, though not remarkable for beauty, was -commodious enough, and had several outlets, in one of -which there were indubitable evidences of the one-time -presence of horses.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hello! here's the stable," cried Tom, who was first in -this recess.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Sure enough in a vault-shaped but very roomy cavern, -entered by a wide passage, was the robbers' stable. -Several bundles of bush hay were stacked in one corner. -A manure heap filled the other. All this pointed to a -prolonged occupation. The idea of the robbers' presence -had so materialised by these later evidences that the -boys felt they might be confronted at any moment by the -desperadoes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What'll we do, Joe?" said Tom. "Slip quietly back -again?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Slip back again, after getting this far! Don't be -frightened, Tom."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm not; y'are yourself."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well," replied Joe, with a smile, "I'll not deny that -I've felt like it more'n once. But there's one thing -you've not noticed, chaps."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What's that?" chorused the group.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There's not been any horses here for weeks."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How d'yer know?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No fresh droppings."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>That fact was indisputable, conclusive, and enheartening. -It lifted a load of apprehension, to call it by -no harder name; and now, with buoyant spirits, to -which they had been strangers for some time, the boys -continued the search. The end, indeed, was close at hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Look out sharply for tracks," was the command of -the leader on leaving the stable, stooping low as he -spoke, and eagerly scanning the floor. Hoof-prints were -discovered and followed. They led to a corner of the -big cave which narrowed at that point, and continued -on as an opening. After going a few paces, Sandy called -out, "Hurrah—hurrah! Light ahead!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Sure enough, a few yards farther the passage was -lighted with natural rays that shot through a small -opening some distance ahead. The party was exultant, -and needed no telling that this was sunlight. In this -subterranean fashion the explorers had traversed, -mole-like, the range spur, and proved the theory of the dual -entrance.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Like as the exultation of Columbus when the first -sight of the new world convinced him that he had solved -the riddle of ages, or as Leichhardt felt when he and -his dauntless band stood upon the shores of the great -northern gulf, after having passed through the very heart -of Australia's </span><em class="italics">terra incognita</em><span>, so did the breasts of these -brave youths swell with the spirit of triumph when -that ray of light revealed the joyful fact that they, a -group of mere youngsters, had succeeded where the -experts had failed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The whole company darted through the spacious passage -to the opening. It was in the face of a cliff, and fully -fifty yards from its sloping base. So steep was the cliff -that, viewed from a distance, it appeared perpendicular; -forbidding to anything save rock wallabies and—Ben Bolt.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Its very roughness, however, made its ascent a -possibility. Had it been a smooth face, no horse, however -capable, could have climbed it. Ben Bolt was always -able to achieve the possible. Many of his wild rides -bordered on the miraculous. His personality magnetised -his steeds. Wherever he led they would go, and so the -steep ravine that rose from the rocky base to this -entrance afforded a precarious footing for the outlaw's -horses.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now then, boys, before we go down, let's give a -cheer," said Sandy. Led by the leader, the group signalled -its victory—for such it was, and no mean one—by a -rousing cheer that woke the echoes of the precipice and -spread wave-like over the landscape beyond.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It penetrated the ears of two men who were riding -quietly in the bush that lay beyond the rocky plateau -which formed the base of the cliffs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What's that?" exclaimed the elder to the youth who -rode at his side.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Sounds like a cheer," replied the youth. "Who can -it be—traps?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Turning their horses' heads, they rode swiftly but -silently to the edge of the scrubby timber which they -were traversing. Halting just within the bushy barrier, -they parted the leaves, and there, perched high up the -cliff's side, were four youthful forms—the band of cave -explorers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now, boys, we'll go back an' have another look round -before we leave. Might find something belonging to Ben -Bolt worth carryin' away. We can easily get out on -this side, and cross the spur a little higher up, where -the cliff runs out. 'Twon't take long neither! I -say—won't we have a yarn to spin to-night!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But the unexpected is yet to happen. The company -retraced their steps to the cave, and did a little -exploration; finding nothing, however, but a couple of leather -mail-bags and some opened letters—the remains of -coach-robbery spoils.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"This is the last one, mates," remarked Sandy, as the -group entered the mouth of a passage. After traversing -its course a little distance, it opened up into a small -cave, twenty feet square. On one side of it were bunks -similar to those in the other cave. While in the act of -examining it, Joe fancied he heard a footfall. Stopping -a moment to listen, he distinctly heard the sounds of -stealthy footsteps.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'S-s-sh-h-h, boys! Some un's followin'!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At this startling statement the boys halted and turned -round, to be confronted by two forms hardly distinguishable -in the surrounding gloom. The pals gave a gasp of -terror as the call peculiar to highwaymen smote their -ears and they faced two weapons, levelled point blank.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hands up!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Candles are dropped in sheer fright in an eye-wink, -and hands go up in gross darkness.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The sun had just set as the four youths, in company -with two men, mounted their horses and took the track -leading to Bullaroi. Strange to say, the lads showed no -signs of fear, nor were they bound with cords.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By jingo!" cried Tom, who had just put his horse -at a big log and cleared it in fine style, followed in -order by Joe, Sandy, and Neville, "this is the grandest -outin' I've ever had!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's a' very weel," answered Mr. M'Intyre, who with -Denny Kineavy had been following the tracks of some -strayed cattle which were making for the ranges, and -were passing the cliff opening while the cave explorers -were ringing the welkin with cheers, "but supposin' -that instead o' us, it 'd really been the bushrangers -returnin' and catcht ye trespassin'? What then, ma -laddies?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This query raised visions of possibilities that sobered -the vaulting spirits of the pals for some brief moments. -Very thankful were they in a moment of reflection that -they had been bailed up by a friendly enemy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Heigho!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What's matter, Joe?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Fun's all over: measly school opens to-morrow!"</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="a-respite"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XXVII</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">A RESPITE</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<!-- --> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>"Ah! those were the days of youth's perfect spring,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>When each wandering wind had a song to sing,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>When the touch of care and the shade of woe</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Were but empty words we could never know,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>As we rode 'neath the gum and the box trees high,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And our idle laughter went floating by."</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>GEORGE ESSEX EVANS.</span></div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Joe little thought when making the melancholy statement, -"measly school opens to-morrow," how prophetic the -utterance was.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The first words that greeted the party on their return -to the homestead were: "School won't open for another -three weeks; the town's full of measles."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The pals tried hard to look sober and concerned as -Mrs. M'Intyre dilated upon the nature of the epidemic. -It was a vain attempt. To their credit be it said, they -were very poor hypocrites. Whatever sorrow they might -feel on account of their friends who were in the grip -of the disease was more than counterbalanced by the -blissful intimation that, owing to the epidemic which -had unexpectedly broken out, the school authorities had -resolved, for at least three weeks, to keep the school -closed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There's no going home at present, boys. I wouldn't -dream of letting you return. I'll just write to your -mothers to say I intend keeping you here, unless they -want you particularly. I feel sure they will be thankful -for your absence at such a time. So you'll have to -make the best of it, boys. Are you sorry?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well—er—of course—I'm a——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes—a—of course—you're—a—shedding tears at the -thought of staying here another fortnight or so—aren't you, -Joe? You and Tom do look as miserable as moulting fowls -in wet weather at the bare thought of holiday extension."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The lads burst out laughing at Jessie's sally, and -declared that it was the crummiest news they had received -during the holidays.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's a' very weel, and ye needna fash, laddies, -that you'll ootwear your welcome. But here's some news -that may no' be so pleasant," said the squatter, who had -been busy with his mail. "Here's a letter frae Inspector -Garvie to say that Ben Bolt and his mate are in the -deestric' again. He stuck up Dirrilbandie Station three -days ago, drivin' a' the hands aboot the homesteed, along -wi' Wilson and his faimily, into ane o' the men's huts, -in which they were held by his youthfu' confederate -while he ransacked the place."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh! the poor Wilsons! Did he hurt any of them? and -did he get much?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In reply to a fusillade of questions from the excited -household, M'Intyre stated that though Ben Bolt was in -one of his black humours, was in fact on the point of -shooting one of the men for cheeking his mate, and was -only dissuaded from this atrocity by the pleading of -Mrs. Wilson, no one was injured. He had taken a considerable -amount of loot, however, in the shape of jewellery; -also a pair of new improved revolvers, as well as three -horses, one of them being Wilson's handsome chestnut -gelding, the finest hack in the district, and for which -he had a short time previously refused seventy pounds -from the police authorities.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There had been an outcry against the Government -for not having provided a better class of mount for the -troopers. Again and again the schemes of the police -to capture the bushrangers in various parts of the -colony failed, chiefly because they were out-classed in -horse-flesh. A tardy Government, aroused at last to -action by the clamour of the people, was doing its best -to remedy this unequal condition.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I suppose, sir, the police are in full chase of the -desperadoes?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"They're doin' their best, ye may be sure, Mr. Neville. -Garvie has two pairties oot scoorin' the country, and is -holdin' himsel' in readiness to move to ony pint at a -moment's notice. As the scoondrels hae cut the Walcha -telegraph line, the presumption is they will be raidin' the -place, and Sergeant Hennessey is following up with the -utmost speed. The Sub wants the loan o' Jacky or Willy, -or both, as trackers, and to let him ken at aince should -there be ony signs o' them on Bullaroi, 'specially aboot -the caves."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Are you goin' to lend him the boys, father?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Weel, it's very awkward, but I'll hae to assist the -coorse o' juistice when ca'd upon. We maun dae oor -pairt to catch the rascals."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Suppose you </span><em class="italics">had</em><span> tumbled across the 'rangers in the -caves, boys?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well! an' s'p'osin' we had, Miss Jessie?" replied -Tom, whose answer in tone and query suggested unspeakably -bad things for the outlaws had they been unfortunate -enough to meet the cave heroes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Let me pit ye a sum in arithmeetic, Thomas, -ma laddie; juist a sma' sum in proportion. If twa -stock wheep hondles, pinted at fowr cave explorers, -each wi' a lighted candle in his hand, would cause -the said candles to drop to the flure and fowr pair -o' hands to go up like a toy acrobat when ye pu' the -strings, what attitudes would the aforesaid explorers -strike if a pair o' rale loaded peestols had been -presented?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Tom is always a duffer at proportion," interjected -Joe laughingly. "He has a trick of givin' answers that -make Simpson sit up. To tell you the truth, sir, I don't -think that the real article could have given us a greater -shock. Speaking for myself, I confess that I've never -had so bad an attack of the shakes before. My skin -went goosey in a moment, an' my hair stood up like a -hedgehog's spikes. I couldn't 'a' said a word for a -hatful of sovereigns. You see, sir, </span><em class="italics">it was all very real -to us for the moment</em><span>, and none of the others felt any -better than myself, I bet tuppence."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Joe's quite right, sir. I had a most dreadful feeling -as we stood there in the black darkness. It seemed as if -a vast abyss had suddenly engulfed us and we were -sinking to fathomless depths."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll back up Joe and Mr. Neville, dad. My word, -when you spoke, it was as if some one had suddenly pulled -me out of a dreadful nightmare."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The pals went to bed early, as they were tired out after -the unwonted exertions of the day, but not to sleep. -They were too excited for that.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I say, chaps," exclaimed Sandy, jumping out of bed -after he had tossed about for a few minutes, dragging his -stretcher alongside the bigger bed, "let's settle what we're -goin' to do."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Was just thinking of doin' a sleep, Master M'Intyre, -when you commenced to drag the jolly stretcher with -enough noise to wake the seven sleepers. An' as for ole -Tom, I fancied I heard a snore comin' through a hole -in his pumpkin——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Pumpkin yourself, Blain. I'm as wide awake as you, -or that grinnin' ape Sandy."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How d'yer know I'm grinnin'?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'Cause I can see your jolly teeth shinin' in the dark. -But I say, ole chap, I'm on for a confab. Ouch! my legs -</span><em class="italics">are</em><span> stiff. Wish I'd taken that hot bath your mother -advised. Whatcher got in your ole noddle?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Something big, mates, but the difficulty will be with -mother. You see, now ole Ben's prowlin' about, mother'll -be hard to persuade."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, tell us what's up your sleeve; we can discuss -ways an' means after."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's this: go on a campin' trip to the Bay, where -there's grand fishin'; then go out to the gold-diggin's, an' -put in a couple o' days with the fossikers."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Jemima! that'd be no end of a prime lark! It'd top -off our stay here, wouldn't it, Tom?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Susan Jane! it would that, Joe. My word, it'd be -a scrumptious finish! but what charnce would we have of -carrying it out?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I don't think that either your Jemima or Susan Jane'll -have much to do with it. Mother'll be the chief obstacle."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What about a tent, Sandy? We'd have to get one, -wouldn't we?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There'll be no trouble about that part of the business. -There's a big drover's tent in the harness-room; 'sides, -Harry has a small one he'd lend if necessary. Lemme -see: what </span><em class="italics">would</em><span> we want? First an' foremost, a tent -or tents, an' a packhorse to carry 'em an' the other things. -Then plenty o' prog, o' course: fishing lines—there's -tip-top schnapper-fishin' down the Bay, to say nothin' of -jew, bream, an' whitin'. Then, the guns—we ought -to get some good shootin'; both fur an' feather."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A fryin'-pan and a camp-oven 'ud come in handy, -pannikins too, and some tin plates."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, yes, we'll need those; at any rate, the fryin'-pan -for the fish. Don't think there'll be any need to -bother about a camp-oven: it's a plaguey thing to carry; -we wouldn't use it 'cept for bread, an' we can make -plenty of damper in the ashes. But I'll tell you what -we must have, an' that's a couple o' small barrels an' a -good few pounds o' salt."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why, what for?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Fish. We'll be down at the Bay pretty near a week, -I reckon; an' as we'll catch whips o' fish, it'd be a fine -chance to dry some, an' salt some as well. Mother's -got two good barrels that hold about half-a-hundred-weight -each; they're salmon casks. The salmon's all -used, an' I reckon schnapper is as good as salmon any -day. That reminds me we'll want three or four sheath-knives; -they'll come in handy for scalin' an' splittin' -the fish."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I say, Sandy, when'll we start?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Start! Ah—well—we'll talk about that when we -get leave—which, let me tell you, is pretty doubtful. -'Twouldn't take long to get ready once we have -permission: a day at most. I declare I'm gettin' sleepy. -Good-night, chaps."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boys opened at short range during the breakfast -hour the next morning. In other words, they pled most -vigorously for permission to camp out for a week or so, -according to the programme concocted the night previously. -The chief objection lay in the reappearance of Ben Bolt -in the district. It was all in vain that the boys insisted -that even were the redoubtable 'ranger to visit their -camp, which was most unlikely—he would not harm -them: would, in fact, have no interest in bailing up a -parcel of boys. Mr. M'Intyre showed palpable signs of -yielding, and had it been left to him would have granted -a reluctant permission. The insurmountable barrier, as -indeed the boys knew beforehand, lay in Mrs. Mac's -excessive fear. She held the fort, so to speak, against -all comers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm more sorry than I can tell you, boys, to say -no, but nothing you could say would alter my mind. -Neither Joe's mother nor Tom's would dream of letting -them go camping out while those dreadful men are about."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The pals felt the reasonableness of the refusal, and -showed not a flicker of resentment, though of course their -disappointment was keen.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I say, chaps, let's put in the mornin' fishin'," -suggested Joe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The vote was unanimous, and in a few minutes, armed -with rods and lines and a tomahawk—the latter for -use in cutting grubs out of the honeysuckle trees—the -boys were </span><em class="italics">en route</em><span> to some of the deep pools in the -creek. They had a really good time with some giant -perch. The dangling grubs formed an irresistible lure -to these voracious denizens of the water-holes, and the -fishermen had no reason to grumble at the result. On -their return home to lunch they were dumbfounded with -the news shouted out by Denny as soon as they were -within speaking distance, "Owld Ben's dead!—shot by -the p'lice in th' ranges."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The whole household was greatly excited by the news, -which had been brought by a stockman from Captain -White's station. There seemed no reason to doubt the -intelligence, which had come via the "bush -telegraph." Hennessey's lot had picked up the 'rangers' tracks and -partly surprised them in the mountains. The outlaws -promptly but barely succeeded in getting away. They -gradually drew away, however, from all save the Sergeant, -who was on a new mount—one of the Tocal noted -breed—which proved to be a "ringer."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The leader and his companion, who was a light weight, -tried every dodge to shake off the pursuit, and in this -they were past masters; but they had to reckon with -Hennessey, who was one of the finest troopers in the -force—as dare-devil a rider as Ben Bolt himself.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After some marvellous riding among the ravines and -tangled mountain scrub—during which a few long-range -shots had been exchanged—Hennessey began to draw -upon the outlaws. Even that equine magician, Samson, -was reaching his limits. The capture of this illusive -freebooter seemed now a certainty, could the Sergeant -hold out another ten minutes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He was now within a hundred yards of his man. He -lagged a little behind his youthful mate, who was riding -the chestnut gelding looted from Wilson's station. Had -he wished he could have shot the 'ranger down; but -being extremely anxious to capture him alive for the -bigger reward, he refrained. The only advantage Ben -Bolt possessed was an intimate knowledge of the ground, -by which he often gained a bit. They were now racing -up a steep ravine which presently terminated abruptly -at a precipice. Down this the outlaws apparently flung -themselves; or so it appeared to Hennessey.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Arriving at the spot a few seconds later, the trooper -perceived a winding, narrow pass. He was a stranger -to the precipitous track, but both the bushrangers and -their horses were familiar with it, for they slithered and -scrambled down at breakneck speed: a single stumble, -and man and horse would inevitably be dashed to pieces. -In vain did the gallant Sergeant spur his steed towards -the pass. His horse resolutely refused to face it. His -chances of capture are fast diminishing to a vanishing -point, as in a few minutes his prize will have escaped.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The outlaws have now reached the comparatively even -ground below, distant about five hundred yards from -where the trooper stood gnashing his teeth in rage, and -praying that they might break their necks before they -reach the bottom. Fortune favoured them, however, and -they might have made good their escape without further -trouble. But, instead of galloping off to safe cover, they -reined up their steeds, while Ben Bolt, standing in his -stirrups, shouted at the top of his voice an insulting -message for the Sub-Inspector, making at the same time -an ironical bow.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>While this little piece of comedy was being enacted, -and just as the bushranger was in the act of bowing, -the Sergeant had dismounted. Swiftly throwing his rifle -to his shoulder and adjusting his sights in an eye wink, -he made a hasty but true shot. The outlaw had not -finished his bow ere he toppled from his steed and lay -prone, shot through the heart.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Such was the news brought by the stockman, and -accepted by the station folk.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Weel, it was bound to come sooner or later. It's what -happens to a' law-breakers—simply the choice of bullet -or rope. It's no' for us to ca' the unfortunate and -misguided mon names. If a's true, he suffered a grave -injuistice at the hands o' the police when but a youth, -which embittered his whole life an' gave a moral twist -to his actions. We maun leave him to Ane above wha -mak's nae mis-judgments."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-camp-by-the-sea"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XXVIII</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">THE CAMP BY THE SEA</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<!-- --> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>"Bright skies of summer o'er the deep,</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>And soft salt air along the land,</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>The blue wave, lisping in its sleep,</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>Sinks gently on the yellow sand;</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>And grey-winged seagulls slowly sweep</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>O'er scattered bush and white-limbed tree,</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>Where the red cliffs like bastions stand</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>To front the salvos of the sea,</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>Now lulled by its own melody."</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>GEORGE ESSEX EVANS.</span></div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"And now, boys, what about the camping-out project? -I see no reason why you shouldn't carry out your little -plan, now all danger's removed; indeed, I should love you -to have the jaunt. Who were going?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boys could hardly believe the good news, it was -so sudden.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Us three, and Denny, if father could spare him, -mother," was Sandy's remark.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, ye can tak' the laddie. He's due for a holiday, -onyway. So's Harry, for that matter. I can do wi'oot -'em for a spell."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Harry was nothing loth, and entered into the scheme -with considerable enthusiasm. As an old bushman he -was able to give good advice in the matter of camping-out -requirements, and was later to render signal service by -which a life was saved.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Behold the party, early the next morning, accoutred -and ready for the road; making, as they held their steeds, -quite an imposing cavalcade. Two stout roadsters were -requisitioned for packing purposes; for the maternal -solicitude of Mrs. Mac was both prolific and varied, -judged by the articles of food and service which she -forced upon the travellers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The squatter's pawky humour found ample scope for -indulgence. He expressed a hope that "the pairty would -keep a guid look oot for traces o' the lost Leichhardt -expeedetion; and look oot for alleegaitors when ye strike -the Gulf o' Carpeentairia."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The girls, too, indulged in good-humoured banter, -raising hearty laughs against the boys, in which the -victims joined as lustily as any.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Said Maggie, striking a grandmotherly attitude, -"There are three things I would warn you against, boys; -damp socks, draughts, and earwigs. Don't leave out the -flour when mixing the damper. Have you packed the -tape measure, Sandy?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Tape measure! What in the name of Madge Wildfire -do you mean?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why," cried Jessie, breaking in, "to measure the -giant jew fish that will snap Joe's line as he is in the -very act of landing it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Whatcher givin' us, Jess?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It will also come in handy," continued the saucy girl, -turning on Tom, "to record the girth, length, and throat -capacity of the monster snake that you, Tom, are sure to -see when roaming alone in the scrub."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's one for your nob, Tom!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Your turn next, Sandy," retorted that youth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then there's the 'old-man' kangaroo that me brither -Sandy will shoot at, missing by 'just an hair's-breadth,' -of course, and which he will declare—when he returns to -camp—to be as 'high as one of those extinct mammals -that Simpson has in his natural history book'; at any -rate as 'big as Bullocky Bill's off side poler.'"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But, Miss Jessie, how wud th' bhoys put th' measure -on th'——?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"As for Dennis Kineavy," continued the sprite, "he -will be sure to run into a group of mermaa-des, when -diving in the deep blue sa-ay, who will be discussing -the all-important question of waist measurement. As -Denny's an expert in fairies and hobgoblins, he will be -appointed judge and referee."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So, amid laughter and banter, and final good-byes, the -gay party start for the Bay.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Neville was prevented from joining them through -important business interests in Sydney. The "call" of -the bush, however, was strong and insistent, and, as he -bade farewell, he announced his determination of -returning at no long date to settle as a landholder.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The road to the Bay passed within a short distance -of the caves, and, despite the news of the tragic end of -Ben Bolt, the lads, as they jogged past the neighbourhood, -were unable to rid themselves of a feeling that the outlaw -still lurked about his old haunt, and felt relieved when -they had left this region behind them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The journey to the Bay proved uneventful save in one -particular. In mounting a very steep incline, the cinch -strap, that formed the final fastening of the pack on -one of the animals, broke, whereupon the pack-saddle, -being loosely girthed, worked backwards. Some of the -contents, also, fell to the ground, frightening the horse, -who bolted along the road, parting with sundry utensils -and eatables, which lined the track for some distance -at irregular intervals. The frightened steed was at length -secured, the wreckage gathered and replaced—this time -more securely—and the journey resumed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Bay is reached without further mishap or adventure. -After coasting it for some little space the party -cast anchor, in seamen's parlance, on a miniature -promontory which jutted for a furlong or so into the waters -of the Bay, forming a grassy, treeless plateau throughout -its area. The advantage of this site was apparent to -the group of campers, inasmuch as the foreshores of -the Bay were covered for the most part with a stunted -scrub that extended to the beach. The advantage was -twofold: it obviated the necessity of clearing a space -for the tents, and it was comparatively free from bush -vermin.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To the southern part of the Bay, distant some six miles, -was the Pilot Station; while towards the northern -extremity, where a large creek debouched into the sea, -was a camp of cedar-getters. Otherwise, in its shore -vicinity, the Bay was uninhabited.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Two hours of daylight yet remained, and the members -of the party made instant preparation for pitching camp. -The necessary tent poles and pegs were speedily secured -from the neighbouring scrub, and, under the direction -of the experienced stockman, willing hands are busily -engaged in the erection.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The bigger tent was set upon a ridge pole that rested -in the forks of two upright saplings which had been -firmly fixed in the ground. When the requisite number -of pegs had been hammered into the ground, the tent -was hauled taut by cords passed through eyelet holes -at intervals along each side, and about thirty inches from -the bottom. This under section of the tent assumed -a perpendicular position, forming the walls, which were -secured by the same method. This formed the pals' -cover, while the smaller tent sufficed for the other two. -A rough shed formed of four uprights, with a brushwood -roof, held the provisions and saddles.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So expeditiously were all these arrangements made -that ere the darkness fell they were completed, and -Denny—who was promoted to the responsible position of -cook—was building a fire for tea-making purposes. -Meanwhile the horses were led to a small, freshwater -lagoon in the vicinity, where they were belled and -short-hobbled, and left to browse on the succulent -grass. The last act of preparation was that of cutting -a quantity of gum bushes for bedding. No sweeter or -healthier bed can be contrived than a layer of fragrant -eucalyptus leaves. The beds had scarcely been made -ere the welcome summons to supper came, in the Irish -boy's best brogue: "Jintilmen, will yees come to ta-ay?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There is a charm peculiar to an evening meal taken -in the open. The charm is heightened in the present -instance by the contiguity of the sea. The youths dine -to the musical accompaniment of the rolling waves, which -strike the beach in deep, muffled thunder-tone, rising -crescendo fashion as they race to a finish along the -shelly incline. Then, landward, are the insistent noises -of the things of the forest. Ever and anon the soft -tinkle-tinkle of "The horse-bell's melody remote" is -to be heard as the cropping animals move over the -lush grass. The illimitable dome above is alive with -sparkling lights. Thus an environment is created which -gives a sacramental aspect to the feast. At least it -forms a romantic picture which centres in the fire-lit -faces of the happy, care-free youths.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Supper ended, they eagerly discuss their projects, the -while they clean their guns and fix the fishing tackle.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On the morn, at earliest dawn, they will try likely spots -for fish, and have a swim in the briny. And now the -slow movements of the tongue, with frequent yawns, -proclaim the nightly toll which nature is wont to exact.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ere the pale dawn is flushed the pals, sleep banished, -half-dressed, tongues wagging, trudge along the beach to -the rocky point of the promontory, stopping here and -there at likely places to dig in the sand for whelks, -which make capital bait. The water is fairly deep where -the nose of the promontory marks the terminal point, -and soon lines are unwound, hooks are baited, and -practised hands fling the lead-weighted hempen cords far -into the Bay. Fair success rewards their efforts. Sandy's -line hardly reached the bottom ere he experienced the -delightful thrill of a fierce tug, followed by a smart, -strong rush which betokened a good fish. After a few -minutes' play he landed a fine specimen of black bream, -scaling over two pounds.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Sandy and Tom had varying luck with black and -white bream, and flat-head. Joe, however, was out of it. -He did, indeed, have a gigantic bite soon after Sandy had -captured his first fish. The line whizzed through his -fingers with a rush that skinned them as he began to take -a pull. When the line had reached its limit it snapped -like a piece of pack-thread. The biter was either a -young shark or a big jew fish. After this no fish troubled -the boy. His mates struck their fish at frequent -intervals, while his line remained motionless. After a -time he wound up and left his companions. Retracing -his steps some distance along the beach, he halted at a -shelving rock that ran out into the water. It looked a -likely spot, and he determined to try with a lighter line -than the one he had been using. Baiting his hook with -a soldier crab, he made a cast, and almost immediately -had a bite, hauling in a black-back whiting. It was a -good specimen, weighing at least a pound. He had -good sport for about half an hour, catching in all about -a dozen whiting and half a dozen soles.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sport began to slacken about an hour after sunrise, -and the pals, having captured sufficient for the day's -requirement, set to work and cleaned their catches. -This task finished, they have a plunge in the sparkling -and cool waters of the Bay.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meanwhile Harry attended to the horses, and did -little jobs about the camp, whilst Denny devoted his -attention to the preparation of the breakfast. The lads -returned in due course with the spoils of the sea, and -with appetites as keen as a razor. In a few minutes the -pan is full of sizzling fish, which are presently transferred -to a hot dish, and the pan is filled with a fresh lot.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Goin' to try 'nuther panful, Denny?" said Tom, when -the second lot had been demolished.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Anuther pan! Howly Moses! div yees hear him! -Och, thin, me bhoy, ye'd soon rise th' price ov fish. Not -anuther scrap will Oi cook f'r yees. Oi've kep' th' rest -f'r dinner? Sure, if we go on loike this 'twill be Fridah -ivry da'; glory be!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The morning was devoted to a go-as-you-please -programme, in which there was much disporting in the -water; even the juvenile pastime of building castles in -the sand was not considered </span><em class="italics">infra dig</em><span>.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the afternoon the whole party set out for Schnapper -Point. It was on this spot that the fond expectations of -the lads were centred. It was reputed to be the best -fishing ground in the extensive Bay, and owed its name -to the fact that school-schnapper frequented its vicinity. -A schnapper trip—taken as a rule in a small steamer—is -voted one of the finest outings by Australian sportsmen. -This highly prized fish, be it said, is known variously, -according to its age and changing habits. It often -attains large dimensions, weighing up to thirty pounds.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>None of the party had previously visited the Point. -Their great concern was to find out if suitable bait -could be procured in its neighbourhood. The principal -bait was a small species of whiting. These, they -discovered, were to be obtained without much trouble on -shelly patches along the beach.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Early next morning the campers are astir, and busily -engaged in necessary preparations. After a hearty -breakfast, in which the corned round and the spiced beef -are conspicuous features, behold the young sports jogging -along the beach towards Schnapper Point. A stoppage -is made at the whiting patch, where the fishermen are -kept going for an hour with very fine lines. By this time -they have secured about two hundred small fish as bait.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And now, having arrived at the fishing ground, leaving -Harry and Denny to attend to the horses, the pals, all -eager for the promised sport, unwind their heavy -schnapper lines, and prepare for the catch.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was agreed that the boys were to fish, while Harry, -who voted fishing a bore, and was devoted to the gun, -would scour the adjacent scrub for birds, and the forest -beyond for kangaroo; Denny having promised the boys -a "foine boilin'" of kangaroo-tail soup. To quote the -actual words in which he preferred his request—"If -Harry wud shute wan iv thim fellas as hops wid their -ta-ales, and carries their childre in their pockets,[#] Oi, -wud ma-ake sich a soup as niver was."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">[#] The natural pouch of the marsupial for bearing its young.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The shooter, armed with a fowling-piece and a short -rifle, after attending to the horses, disappeared in the -scrub in search of game. Meanwhile the fishers, having -cast their lines, assume an expectant attitude.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To their great disappointment there are no bites; not -even the stimulating nibble. The patience of these -amateurs is sorely tried. A whole hour passes without -the slightest sensation of a bite. Lines are cast and -recast. The fishermen move to and fro, to no useful purpose.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, of all the rotten frauds of places for fishin', this -takes the bun! Dash it! we'd better have stayed at the -camp an' fished there. At least we'd——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Howld yer whisht, bhoys!" said Denny in an excited -whisper. "Oi'm jist goin' to git a boite; th' line's -thrimblin' sure. Faith 'tis a Dutchman smellin' the ray-shons, -Oi'm thinkin'."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's not a schnapper, if that's what you mean by -a Dutchman. No nibblin' about a schnapper, Denny. -More likely a crab."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By Saint Michael! Joe, div yes call that a crab? -Be dad, thin, it's a big sa-ay whale, or maybe one iv -thim mare-mades Miss Jassie warned me aginst. Be th' -hokey, th' loine's cuttin' me fingers!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The line, which for a minute or two had given faint -twitches, and a few premonitory shakes, now suddenly -whizzed through the Irish boy's fingers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Take a pull on her, an' steady her!" cried Sandy. -"You'll lose fish an' line, too, if you're not mighty smart."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Denny thereupon made a "brake" of his fingers, which -steadied the fish after it had run out about fifty yards or so -of the line. He began to haul it as if it were attached to -a sulky calf. The fish was a heavy one, and a fighter; -but what Denny lacked in skill he made up in strength. -Fortunately for the angler the line was stout and new, or -it would surely have snapped in the struggle. By sheer -strength the fish is drawn to land.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="at-the-mercy-of-the-sea-tiger"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XXIX</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">AT THE MERCY OF THE SEA-TIGER: -<br />A NARROW SHAVE</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The pals watched the seaman-like efforts of Denny to -land his "sa-ay whale," or "mare-made," with great -curiosity.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's no schnapper, unless, maybe, a real boss 'un. More -like a young shark," was the remark passed by Joe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Their curiosity is soon satisfied; the fish is now in the -shallows, and the next moment is drawn to the water's -brink. Denny has landed a monster sting-ray.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was the first of the kind the Irish boy had ever seen, -and, as he pulled the struggling ray into the shallows and -exposed its body, he was struck mute for a few seconds -with astonishment, and not a little alarm, at its uncanny -appearance. Dropping his line in the excitement, he half -turned to the boys, and, pointing to the floundering fish, -exclaimed, "Begorrah! 'tis th' div-vil himsilf. Saints -presarve us, but if yen's not he'es ta-ale! Or, ma'be 'tis -th' dhragon phwat Father Daly towld us about at Mass -larsht Sun-day."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He'll be a drag-off in a moment," cried Joe, making -a clutch at the line, for the brute was wriggling into the -deeper water. The next minute the ray was smacking the -earth with his flappers, and whipping it with his tail.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Phwat be th' crathure, anny ways, Sahndy?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's a stingaree, Denny. Mind you don't touch its tail, -or you will find out to your cost that it's the dragon, black -angel, an' 'th' owld bhoy,' all mixed up like an Irish -stew. Run for the tommy, an' we'll whip it off."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And does it bite wid its ta-ale loike a schn-ake, bhoys?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, you precious duffer! it's got a spike near the tip -that it rams into you like a needle, an' then look out! -Yellow Billy trod on one once when he was havin' a bogey -down below Tareela, in the river—they make a hole in the -mud an' lie there—an', by jings! he was ravin' mad in -twenty minutes. The doctor had to shove a syringe into -his arm, and squirt laudnaum, or somethin', to quiet him -down. There!" flourishing the tomahawk, "that's off, -clean as a whistle!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My word!" continued Sandy, a moment later, "we'll -keep the tail for Harry. He promised Bill Evans, the -jockey, to get one for him if he could. He's goin' to ride -White's horse at the Armidale races, an' he's the laziest -o' mokes he reckons. Bill says it'll be only by sheer -floggin' that he'll fetch him along. Says if he only had -a stingaree-tail whip[#] he could do the trick."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">[#] The sting-ray tail is sometimes used for this purpose. -It is a cruel -instrument of flagellation in the hands of an unfeeling rider.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"This is not schnapper fishin'," interjected Joe. "My -word! the stingaree'll make stunnin' bait. Put a bit on -your hook, Denny, it may entice 'em."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Sandy cut off a slice from the flapper and baited Denny's -hook with it. The line had hardly reached the bottom -ere it was seized by a fish—a monster. The fish did not -rush, he bored; the resistance was of a sullen nature. Joe -came to Denny's help, and between them they drew the -fish to land. It proved to be a huge rock cod, or groper, -as it is more commonly called, scaling close upon a -hundredweight.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A jolly groper, by dad! We're in luck all right," -exclaimed Tom. "We'll have groper steak for supper -to-night; besides, we can pickle one half of this cove and -dry the other."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Their luck had changed in more respects than one. The -ray and the groper seemed to be avants courier for the -school-schnapper, which now began to bite freely.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For the next two hours the boys were kept well -employed, landing near upon forty fish, varying from three -to twelve pounds in weight. The tide now began to ebb, -and after that there were no more bites. It was just as -well, for by this time they had caught as many fish as they -could cure. Counting the groper, they had nigh upon -three hundredweight. The weight of these when scaled -and cleaned would be reduced by at least one-fourth, -leaving about two hundred and fifty pounds of choice fish.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What's bes' thing to do now, Joe?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"W-e-l-l—er—I dunno. Oh, I say, how'd a jolly swim -go down?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Spiffin'! A swim, a feed, an' then start cleanin' the -fish an' gettin' 'em ready for smokin' an' saltin'. 'Bout -noon I reckon it is."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come on, Denny," cried Joe, as they walked down to -a sloping beach a little back from the Point; "come an' -have a dip in the briny."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Bedad, thin, that same will Oi not. 'Twu'd be threadin' -on wan iv these stinkin'-rays Oi'd be. Oi can seem to feel -th' brute's dirty pisen fangs already in me leg. No, no, -thanks be, Oi'm not takin' th' wather tra-atement at -prisint. Oi'll go an' start the foire so as to be ready f'r -yees; that is, if th' sharks div not ma-ake mince-ma-ate -of yees."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Was it a premonition which caused a cold, tingling -thrill to run along Joe's nervous system, from tip to toe; -to be followed by the creeps, which made goose-flesh of -his smooth skin? Disagreeable as the sensation is to the -lad for the time, it lasts but for a moment, and in less -than no time, so to speak, he is revelling in the glories -of the crisp, emerald-tinted wavelets of the Bay.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It should be stated that Schnapper Point did not extend -into the Bay at right angles to the beach. It inclined -northward, and at the spot where the boys were bathing -was not more than two hundred yards from the beach.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Say, chaps," shouted Joe, who was some distance out, -"I'm going to swim over to the main beach."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So saying, he swam slowly towards the other side, -enjoying to its fullest extent the luxury of the exercise. -He had covered about a third of the distance when he -heard a great commotion behind him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Denny, who had been attending to the fire, had his -attention attracted by a moving object in the sea. Gazing -intently thereon for a moment, he left his occupation and -ran swiftly towards the boys.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Look, bhoys! look at that gra-ate fish sa-alin' in -forninst the Point. Troth, it's a monsther groper, Oi'm -thinkin'! Glory! but he'es a gra-ate big bullock-groper!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So saying, Denny came towards the boys with a puzzled -air, as though his description of the object to which he -was pointing did not exactly determine its species.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Whereaway, Denny?" exclaimed Sandy, who was -paddling in the surf, standing up and gazing in the -direction indicated. "A bullock-groper. That's a new -creature surely. Never heard——Hello! why, it's a—— -Hi, hi! Joe! Joe!" shouted the lad in a wildly excited -state. "Joe, there's a big shark roundin' the Point an' -coming this way. Come back, quick! quick!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Joe, who was almost on a level with the water, was -unable to locate the enemy as quickly as the others. It -was not until he began to tread water that his eye caught -the moving object. In a flash he realised his danger, for -it was a large tiger-shark, the man-eater of the sea. Not -even the man-eater of the jungle, roused through the -blood-lust to a killing frenzy, could be more merciless to -his victim than this cold-blooded, pitiless, silent tiger of -the seas.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Terrible as was the shock, his courage survived. He -conned the situation, and formed his judgment in a moment. -The shark was eighty yards or so above him, swimming -parallel with Schnapper Point beach, and within thirty -yards or so of it. As far as he could judge the fish was -ignorant of his presence, but were he to return to his -companions he could not expect to escape its vigilant eyes; -would be crossing its bow, so to speak; and, were it in an -attacking mood, would not have the ghost of a show.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>His only hope of escape lay in keeping along his course, -getting to the farther shore in the smallest number of -minutes possible. All this cogitation did not cover twenty -seconds, and the boy resumed his swim with the utmost -vigour.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Had not something happened to divert the shark from -its course nothing alarming would have occurred, for Joe -was rapidly widening the distance, and every stroke was -improving his chances. The boys on shore, with the hope -of frightening the monster away altogether, began to make -a great clatter; pelting the shark at the same time. No -more fatal policy could have been adopted. The only result -of their tactics was to divert the shark from its course, -and to drive it out in the direction of their comrade.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Almost as soon as the brute's course was changed it -sighted the swimmer. This it indicated by giving two -or three strong strokes with its powerful tail, and gliding -at a rapid rate in the wake of the lad. Joe was made -acquainted with this change of course by the frantic -cries of his mates. Throwing his head over his shoulder -for a moment, he saw the shark heading directly for him. -He knew in that moment that unless the miraculous -happened his hours were numbered, and in a few -seconds—or minutes at most—his body would be mangled by -this pitiless sea-tiger. Yet, although this terrible result -appeared an absolute certainty to the fleeing youth, he -did not lose his head, but swam with a strong and steady -stroke. There is such a thing as hoping against hope. -He would not surrender life; it must be torn from him. -Joe's home upbringing, with his father's daily chapter -and prayer, sent his thoughts heavenwards in this his -moment of extreme peril: "What time I am afraid I -will put my trust in Thee."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Here was the situation. Joe was about sixty yards -from the beach, while the relentless pursuer was within -thirty yards of him. His mates were powerless to aid -him, and were racing round to the spot where he intended -to land as swiftly as their legs could carry them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The shark glided within a few yards of the lad, and -then swam round him, while conning him. This the -boy felt to be simply the preliminary, yet every stroke -was taking him nearer the shore. The water should -be even now shoaling. Might he dare to sound it? But, -alas! the enemy seems to understand this, and gives -a cunning look as it half-raises its body from the water, -and scrutinises its helpless victim preparatory to making -its final swoop.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"God help me!" cries the youth, with a dry sob; his -last moment has come. In that supreme moment—as -in the case of drowning men—the whole past came -before him. Home, parents, sisters, brothers, pals! -There, almost within arm's-length, is his merciless foe; -while there is still quite a stretch of water between him -and the beach.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The great, cold-blooded, insatiable fish is poised for -the final spring. A single second now, and——</span></p> -<p class="pnext" id="id6"><span>Instead of falling upon its victim, the huge brute -lashed the water into foam, and swam round and round -in a circle. What had really happened Joe knew not. -He no longer swam shorewards, but, half stupefied, -watched the "flurries" of the frenzied fish as it lashed -the water in rage or pain.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then he heard a great splashing shorewards, and -a voice shouting encouraging words. Turning in that -direction, the boy beheld, with unutterable joy, Harry, -rifle in hand, rushing through the water to him. In -a few seconds the stockman is abreast Joe, the water -being only up to his arm-pits. Pointing the rifle at the -fish, which was circling in blind fashion, but a few -yards off, the rifleman—for it was he, under God, who -worked the miracle—drove a bullet through the shark's -brain.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My word! 'twas a touch-and-go, old feller!" -exclaimed the man, as he put an arm round the boy—who -had, in a sense, collapsed—and drew him to the -shore. "There now, Joey, me brave boy. Y're all right, -ain't ye? Y're not the chap ter faint, I know. Here's -the others," as the rest dashed up, breathless; the Irish -boy fairly crying with excitement.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They could do nothing for a while but look at Joe -as he sat leaning against a mangrove—where Harry had -placed him—making a brave but weak effort to smile. -The reaction had set in, and the boy felt it was only -by the most resolute exercise of his will that he kept -from swooning.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Tom, who was blowing like the proverbial grampus, -stuttered at last: "Let's m-make tr-racks h-home, b-boys. -I-I'd rather be b-b-bailed up by a thousand 'r-rangers, -than w-w-w-one of th-hose sea-devils. Oh! the sight -of the m-monster as he r-rose to make a d-dive at p-poor -Joe! Y-yes, let's c-clear."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Clear, be hanged! What are you drivelling about, -you jolly idiot?" It was just the tonic Joe needed. -"We're not goin' to let a thing like this spoil our sport, -not by a long shot. I'm all right. Was a bit knocked -out for a few minutes, I will confess. Tell you what, -boys; I'll never be nearer death till my last moment -comes. That I am alive is due, first to God, an' then -to ole Harry, here. 'Twas a great shot, that first one -of yours. 'Nother second later an' 'twould have been -too late. Ugh! don't believe I'll ever get the green -glitter of the thing's eyes outer my mind. Tell you -what, I'll jolly well punch the first cove that hints at -goin' home. I vote we go back an' scale an' gut the -jolly fish."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Bedad, thin, it's a plucky wan y'are, Joe, me bhoy! -Y're th' mahn f'r me money ivry toime. But, ye'll not -do a sthroke iv wark till yees have a feed. Faith, Oi'll -do a sthreak an' get th' billy boilin' f'r a pipin' hot -cup o' tay. It's what we all want; Joe in particular." Suiting -his action to the word, the cook strode off in -quick time to prepare the lunch.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meanwhile the dead shark had drifted into the -shallows until it stranded on the beach. The party -now made a closer examination of the brute. The first -shot, fired from the bank as the creature raised itself, -had caught it in the throat; the second passed through -the eye to the brain.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why, it's a tiger-shark!" exclaimed Harry; "twelve -foot if he's an inch. Thought 'twas a blue-nose at fust; -they're bad enough, but this joker's the worst kind that -swims the sea. My word, Joe, it'd been all U P if -this chap'd once got 'is teeth intil yer."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Budgeree, budgeree, you bin shootem shark? Him -murry bad p-feller. Catchem plendy black p-feller; -eaten. This p-feller live longa Point plendy years."</span></p> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure margin" style="width: 61%" id="figure-69"> -<span id="the-huge-brute-lashed-the-water-into-foam-and-swam-round-and-round-in-a-circle"></span><img class="align-center block" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt=""The huge brute lashed the water into foam, and swam round and round in a circle."" src="images/img-272.jpg" /> -<div class="caption centerleft figure-caption margin"> -<span class="italics">"The huge brute lashed the water into foam, and swam round and round in a circle."—</span><em class="italics">See p.</em><span class="italics"> </span><a class="italics reference internal" href="#id6">271</a><span class="italics">.</span></div> -</div> -<p class="pnext"><span>The group, which had been intently gazing at the -carcass, turned round in a startled manner on bearing -these guttural sounds. Immediately behind them was -a cluster of aboriginals, five in number, who had stolen -silently upon the scene.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hello, Cock-eye! that you?" cried Harry, as he -surveyed the blacks. "Where you bin sittin' down, eh?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Cedar Crik. We bin come longa here get fis' for -choppers."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, the timber-getters, hey! Well, you seem ter -know this ole boss. You bin see 'im afore?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Plendy times. Bin often try catch 'im. He kill-ee -mine sister. He too much lika dingo; no take bait."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, you can git even with this joker, Cock-eye. -He eat your people; now you chaps gobble 'im up."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The blacks are inordinately fond of shark's flesh, -and—cannibal as this sea-tiger is—no question of sentiment -may stand between these primitive men and a gorge.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I say, Harry, cut that dorsal fin off for me, there's -a good man, before these niggers tackle it. I'd like to -keep that."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After a considerable amount of hacking, the stockman -managed to separate the fin, and, leaving the blacks in -undisturbed possession of the carcass, they returned to -the Point, to feed, and to finish their work.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="in-and-about-the-camp"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XXX</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">IN AND ABOUT THE CAMP</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<!-- --> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>"O mellow air! O sunny light!</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>O Hope and Youth that pass away!</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Inscribe in letters of delight</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Upon each heart one golden day—</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>To be there set</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>When we forget</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>There is a joy in living yet!"</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>G. E. EVANS.</span></div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The fish cleaning occupied the best part of the afternoon; -and when the party reached camp, about sunset, they -were dog-tired; inclined for little else than supper and -sleep.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But you haven't told us how it came to pass that you -were just on the spot to prevent the shark scoffing Joe," -exclaimed Tom to Harry. "We didn't expect you back -for hours."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Niver had such a thing 'appen afore, I give yer my -word. Lost me way in the dashed scrub; carn't understand -it nohow. As a rule yer carn't lose me in a scrub; -can feel me way be day or night. Instinct, they calls it. -Ole Dumaresque says ter me one day, when we'd bin -ridin' fer hours through heavy pine country after some -strayed heifers, gettin' caught in the dark long afore we -makes the homestead: 'How do you manage to tack an' -criss-cross this beastly country without track or compass; -not even a star to guide you? It fair beats me, my man. -Why, I'd 'a' bin lost a dozen times over but fer you. You -always seem ter be goin' wrong, yet always come out -right.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'Carn't explain it, sir,' ses I. 'I jist do it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'It's all instinct,' ses 'e. 'It's like wot the dingoes an' -blacks 'ave.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Instinct or no instinct, I got bushed all right ter day. -There's something erbout it I carn't understand. 'Twasn't -that I was careless, an' takin' no notice. I 'ad worked -through the scrub a distance of four mile or so when, all -of a suddent, I ses ter meself, ses I, 'Where the dickens -am I?' Well, as soon as I put the question to meself I -knows I was bushed, an' fer the fust time in me life I -begins ter feel quite creepy like. I didn't know which -way ter go. At larst I starts out in a direction that -seemed the likeliest, but, somehow, I cud make no -headway. Something seemed ter clog me feet, an' I was allers -gettin' mixed up with vines an' brushwood.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'Dash it all,' ses I, 'this won't do. Don't believe I'm -goin' the right way, after all. Believe this ere way's -leadin' me back to the Bay, an' I wants ter git through -this blarmy scrub ter the forest, fer 'oppers' tails. I'll -righterbout face, danged if I won't!' So round I turns, -an' as soon as I started I got on fust clarss. Didn't git -mixed up an' stumble as afore, but gits through the -brushwood as slick as a bandicoot. 'Mus' be nearly -through the belt,' ses I, after goin' fer an' hour or so. -'Mus' git the rifle ready, fer I might sight a kangy any -moment now.' So I unslings the rifle from me back an' -puts the gun in its place, an' stops a minit ter load 'er—the -rifle I mean. I'd jist finished when I heers voices -shoutin', an' then a great yellin', as if somethin' orful was -'appenin'. So orf I rushes through the scrub, an' comes -out on the beach. I was knocked inter a heap, I gives -yer me word; fer there before me was the sea, an' I -thought I was on t'other side of the scrub altogether. -Then, in a flash, I sees wot was really 'appenin'. Jist -afore me very eyes was Joe. He was strugglin' in the -water not more'n a hundred yards away, an' that 'er -brute seemed as if it was jist a-fallin' on 'im. Why, I -fired the rifle a'most without pintin' it. Somethin' -seemed ter say, 'If yer waits ter aim yell be too late.' Be -gosh! I'm thinkin' 'twas the Almighty Hisself directed -that shot."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If ye'd not losht your enstink, as ye calls it, ye'd be -moiles an' moiles awa-ay at th' toime th' shark was goin' -to gobble Joe up, wuddent ye?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"In course I wud."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, don't ye think th' good God had a hand in -losin' ye in th' scrub?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's wot yer father'd call an answer ter prayer," replied -the stockman, turning to Joe as he spoke.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>By this time the camp-fire—around which the group -had been sitting—was burning low, and the party was -quite ready for bed after the exciting and tirng -adventures of the day.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The campers were astir at an early hour next morning, -to make the final preparations for curing the fish. After -filling both barrels, there was a quantity available for -smoking. To carry out this object a sapling frame, about -four feet square and seven feet high, was constructed, and -enclosed with bushes, leaving an opening at the top and -bottom. The fish were hung by stout cords, and a fire -kindled on the earth inside the curing shed. Some green -wood was used with the dry, to produce a fair, volume of -smoke; and so the curing went on apace.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Leaving Denny in charge of the camp, the others spent -the afternoon shooting over a chain of lagoons that lay -back from the beach a couple of miles or so. The ducks -were plentiful, and they returned to the camp well laden. -They passed the two following days shooting and fishing, -both fins and feathers being exceedingly plentiful. By -this time they judged the fish to be cured, and packed it -in a maize bag.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Tell you what, boys! S'pose we ride over to the Pilot -Station to-day? It'll be a change, won't it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The others received Joe's suggestion with ready -approval, and before long were racing along the beach -towards the Pilot Station. This was situated at the -mouth of the river, and consisted of the residences of the -pilot and the boat's crew.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It should be said that at the mouth of every Australian -river flowing into the Pacific is a sand-bar. These sand -barriers frequently shift their position, owing to tidal and -other ocean influences. This makes entrance and exit to -be a somewhat dangerous proceeding, and many a craft -has come to grief on these treacherous sands. To reduce -this danger to a minimum a pilot station exists at each -river entrance. The pilot is generally a sea-captain with -a large experience of these treacherous bars. It is his -duty, weather permitting, to take daily soundings so as -to locate the exact position of the bank, and by means of -signals to apprise incoming and outgoing vessels of the -position and depth of water on the bar; also, when -required, to pilot the vessel over the dangerous spot.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Captain Craig, the pilot, was an old salt, with nearly -half a century's experience of the eastern rivers of -Australia. He received the boys very kindly, and, after -offering them refreshment, took them to the signal station -and look-out. When he had explained the methods of -signalling, he allowed them to look through a very fine -telescope. He was justly proud of this instrument, it -having been presented to him by a company of passengers -for his gallantry and seamanship in extricating his vessel -from a rocky shore in a hurricane.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The time had now arrived for taking the bar soundings. -Much to the boys' delight Captain Craig invited them to -accompany him in the life-boat, and a few minutes later -the crew were pulling the party from the miniature cove -to the bar.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The water here, owing to the bar formation, was -generally in a turbulent condition. Although it was a -calm day, they found the boat exceedingly lively as she -moved to and fro over the bar while soundings were being -taken. They experienced sundry disagreeable qualms, -and a certain screwed-up feeling in the region of the -"bread-basket." The clacking tongues of the youngsters -grew suspiciously quiet, and Tom's ruddy cheeks paled to -an exceedingly bilious complexion. Had you quizzed -these boys upon their sickly looks, they would have -protested with might and main against the insinuation of -mal-de-mer. Nevertheless they were mighty glad when -the pilot, after half an hour's sounding, having -accomplished his purpose, turned the boat's nose in the -direction of home. Once out of the troubled waters, the -sick feeling passed away, and at the solicitation of the -lads "for a pull," the pilot good-naturedly allowed them to -row to the landing-place.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Before leaving, the pals recited the story of the shark -adventure, ending in the death of the tiger shark. -Captain Craig listened with great interest, and not a little -excitement, to this narration.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You have had the narrowest of escapes, Joe Blain, -and have very much to be thankful for," exclaimed he. -"That shark was a most notorious character. He has -roamed the Bay for years and years, and has destroyed -many human lives. Innumerable efforts for his capture -have been put forth by the fishermen, and by my own -men, but in vain. Often sighted and fished for, he has -resisted the many lures set for him. Again and again, -when enclosed in their nets, he has broken through, and -has long been their despair. Now, however, thanks to a -good Providence, and to the clever shot of your friend -here, this dreadful man-eater has been removed." Advancing -to the stockman, the pilot shook him warmly -by the hand, and thanked him in the name of the community.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As the party rode home in the cool of the evening, they -decided to break camp next morning, in order to carry -out their original intention of paying a visit to the old -diggings.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="off-to-the-gold-diggings"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XXXI</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">OFF TO THE GOLD DIGGINGS</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<!-- --> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>"The mountain air is cool and fresh,</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>Unclouded skies bend o'er us,</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>Broad placers, rich in hidden gold,</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>Lie temptingly before us."</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>SWIFT.</span></div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Tents were struck, and the campers' impedimenta securely -fastened to the pack-saddles, in the grey dawn of the -following morning—the party having breakfasted by -starlight.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The gold diggings about to be visited was situated in -the ranges, equi-distant from Bullaroi and the Bay. The -route from the Bay lay along the homeward track as far -as the caves. At this point the trail turned due -north—winding among the rugged country to the site of the -mining camp, which, in its palmy days, covered a flat -that lay between some precipitous hills and a swiftly -flowing mountain stream.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The diggings in question was deserted, save by a few -fossikers, or gully-rakers, as they were generally -called—men who earned a precarious living by following up the -dry gullies, and picking out wash dirt from between the -rocks; or else dry-blowing likely spots of the surface. -The lure of gold—so common to all—fed the imagination -of these men. They became nomads; lived in the most -primitive ways; faced and endured untold hardships; -and, if not cheerful, were always hopeful. They saw -visions and dreamed dreams—of gold. The years passed, -age pressed heavily, eyesight grew dim, and limbs palsied -with weakness: but even when broken down and encompassed -with infirmity, their very senility sustained its -spirits upon visions of the rich find that was surely -coming—to-morrow.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When the diggings "broke out," and the rush "set in," -the flat was white with tents, the population running -into four figures. It was an alluvial diggings; that is, -the gold was washed from the earth, and not crushed -from the quartz. In the flush days of Rocky Gully, rich -"pockets" of gold were struck, and huge fortunes made. -Life then, in the character of its splendours and pleasures, -was barbaric. Lucky diggers, with the spending lust upon -them, ordered champagne baths, lit their pipes with -five-pound notes, shod their horses with plates of gold, -squandered their suddenly acquired riches on camp -wantons, and among the harpies of the gambling hells. -There were many exceptions to this foolish course, 'tis -true; but such is the mental intoxication consequent -upon a lucky find, and the sudden acquisition of wealth, -that the majority of lucky diggers succumb, and in a few -weeks or months, shorn of their possessions, either blow -out their brains in remorse, or challenge fortune once -more upon the same or some other goldfield.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Rocky Gully was now a worked-out diggings, and its -population had long ago drifted away to other fields. -Naught remained to remind one of its glory now but a -few tumbledown houses, and the wood skeletons of iron -buildings, together with countless heaps of empty tins -and other refuse. Naught, that is, save a dozen or so -of fossikers, who were distributed over the field; each -having his area, into which the others never intruded.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>How was it, then, that the Bullaroi party should have -included a trip to the deserted mining camp in their -programme of sport and adventure? There was nothing -inviting in the region so far as game was concerned; nor -was there the rough excitements of a live diggings. -The truth is, it was the outcome of a suggestion of Harry. -The stockman had a yarn he was very fond of relating, -which included some tragic incidents associated with -Rocky Gully. As a youth he lived there in its "boom" -days, and towards the close of his stay there he was -mates with Humpy Bob. Humpy Bob was an eccentric -character, well known on a dozen goldfields, whose -shrewdness as a gold finder was countervailed by his -incredible folly in spending his riches. On one occasion, -when he had struck a "pocket," from which he drew -over a thousand ounces, he began a carouse which -continued until the last penny was spent.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As illustrative of his folly during that spree, he -purchased a general store for the sum of one thousand -pounds. The same evening, in company with the drunken -guests of a champagne party he had given, he proceeded -to the store, deliberately fired it, and, with the other -banqueters, stripped stark naked, danced a wild -corrobberie while it burned.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Bob sober was the antithesis of Bob drunk. Abstemious, -taciturn, industrious, solitary, with a genius -for divining likely places, he followed the pursuit of -gold: seldom failing to earn good wages; often winning -handsome profits; occasionally making a pile.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Humpy's end came suddenly and tragically; and of -this Harry was a witness.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The two men were driving a tunnel at a likely spot in -the bank of a blind gully about three miles from the main -camp. They worked in relays, and had driven in about -a score of yards, when Harry suggested shoring it with -saplings for safety. Humpy Bob, however, who was -always running risks, made light of the suggestion. -They had just struck a vein of promising stuff, which -gave "prospects" of several grains to the dish. When -it was Bob's turn to go on, Harry again suggested shoring -up certain loose spots; especially one near where he had -been picking, for there had been a small fall during his -shift. This the other would not consent to, though his -partner pleaded earnestly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There's a hundred to one chances against there being -anything serious, mate, and I'm not goin' to waste any -time in propping up the blessed tunnel. It's not worth it. -We'll most likely clean it out to-morrer. So-long!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So saying, the digger entered the drive, and was soon at -his work. Harry, having nothing to do for a while, went -to the tent and stretched himself on his bunk for a rest, -intending to return in an hour or so to wheel out the -mullock. Unfortunately he fell asleep, and hours passed -by before he awoke. When he did, he jumped from his -bunk and ran out to the drive, scolding himself for his -negligence. The barrow was missing from its usual place, -and, after a hasty search, the youth went to the tunnel's -mouth and shouted to his mate. There was no response, -nor were the usual pick sounds to be heard. The light -was still burning at the end of the tunnel. Hastily -traversing the drive in a half-stooping position, as indeed -compelled by the size of the tunnel, the youth covered -about half the distance when he stumbled over the -barrow, severely barking his shins. Using hot language -against the carelessness of his mate at leaving the barrow -in such a place, and with a half fear at the unsatisfactory -look of things, he scrambled up and went on towards the -end of the tunnel. He had not taken more than two steps -when he again stumbled; this time over a softer substance. -It was his mate!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Humpy Bob was lying unconscious, half-covered with -a mass of fallen earth and rocks. Groping his way across -this pile of débris, the excited and frightened youth -reached the end of the drive, seized the light and returned -to his mate.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Tearing frantically at the soil and stones, he liberated -old Humpy, and, as gently as possible, drew him to the -tunnel mouth. Then dashing to the little stream below, -he brought water in a billy, and made the customary -attempts to restore his stricken mate to consciousness. -His utmost attempts availed not. The vital spark had -fled. Not all the resources of medicine or surgery could -bring light into the half-closed eyes, or life into those -rapidly stiffening limbs. Humpy Bob would never again -unearth a nugget, rock a cradle, appraise the value of a -prospect, or get on the "razzle-dazzle" and "paint the -town red."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It would seem that after working for a while, and -making a heap of mullock, the digger had come out of -the tunnel for Harry. Not seeing him about, the old man -seized the barrow with the object of wheeling out some -of the earth. He had loaded it, and was in the act of -wheeling it along, when a mass of earth fell full upon his -back, fracturing the spine.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Harry was greatly affected by this sad occurrence; for -Humpy Bob had many good points of character, and a -strong attachment had grown up between them. As soon -as his mate was buried, he left the goldfield, and got a job -on one of the stations.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He had often thought of revisiting this scene, for he -had a feeling that good gold would be found there. Of -late the desire to test the ground again had grown strong, -and, when the project of the jaunt to the seaside was -launched, he suggested a trip to the old diggings. The -boys gladly fell in with the idea, for it furnished them -with an item that gave additional spice to the outing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The journey to the diggings was necessarily slow. The -pack-horses were heavily weighted by the extra burden of -the fish, and the method of progress was that shuffling -gait known as the "jog." Though monotonous and tiring -to the rider, it is the easiest pace for the loaded animals, -and one that can be kept up all day.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Seems a pity that we should cart this blessed fish to -the diggings, Sandy. Wouldn't it be better to 'cache' -it somewhere near the junction? It's giving the horses -unnecessary work, in my opinion. Let's see, it's twelve -miles to the junction, an' fifteen from there to Rocky -Gully. Supposin' we planted the stuff in the scrub at the -junction; it'd save thirty miles of hauling, an' be no end -of a gain all round."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good enough, Joe! What d'yer say, Harry? We -could hide the barrels an' bag easy enough in the scrub."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"M-yes, perhaps so. Come ter think of it, I'm not so -sure. Barrels'd be all right, but 'twon't be the dingoes' -fault if they don't root out the dried fish. Tell you what, -boys, plant 'em in the caves!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good shot! The very thing the doctor ordered! The -caves! yes. 'Twon't take us more'n a mile out of the way; -an' 'twill be on the road to Bullaroi on the return trip. -We can easily strike in on the west side of the cave -ridge, and hide 'em in the stables. Nobody knows of that -place but father an' the 'rangers; now poor ole Ben's -shot——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Maybe it's ha-aunted, bhoys. It's juist th' sphot -owld Ben'd hide his sowl in, so as to frighten awa-ay th' -p'lice whin they goes rummagin' about f'r booty; loike th' -carr-sthle ghosts in th' owld conthry. Bedad, thin, Oi'll -be expactin' t' see th' bowld raider comin' on us out iv -th' dark, his face shinin' loike th' stuff phwat matches is -made ov."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Brimstone an' treacle you're thinkin' of, ain't you, -Denny? But, I say, chaps, it'll be better to hide 'em at -the 'ranger's outlet; though it'll be the dickens own job -to get the barrels into the cave up that slope. Wouldn't -it be better, after all, to hide the stuff in the scrub, slinging -the bag into a tree, high enough to be safe from the -dingoes?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So it would, and have saved a most painful experience; -but having started the idea of hiding the fish in the caves, -it presented an attraction that the others would not -surrender. It gave a flavour of romance to the act. Now -that he was dead, the bushranger's hiding-place took on a -new interest; and so it came to pass that Tom found -himself in a minority of one.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They found it a tough piece of work to get the barrels -up the precipitous slope to the cave entrance. But, when -the fish was at last stored in the forage chamber, as it -was now called, and the party had remounted their horses, -they could appreciate the advantage gained by relieving -the pack-horses of so much dead weight.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They now made more rapid headway, and struck an -accommodation house, in the early afternoon, kept by one -Jago Smith—an old acquaintance of Harry's.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="how-they-struck-gold"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XXXII</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">HOW THEY STRUCK GOLD</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<!-- --> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>"There's a bonny wee spot in the mountains I love,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Where the pine trees are waving o'erhead far above,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Where the miners are happy, kindhearted, and free;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And many come here from way over the sea.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>There's gold in the mountain, there's gold in each glen,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>The good time is coming, have patience, brave men;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Hold on to your ledges, and soon you will see</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Both money and mills coming over the sea."</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>C. CRAWFORD.</span></div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Jago Smith was an "old timer," as, in Colonial parlance, -men with his past were called. A Londoner by birth, he -was initiated when but a child into the arts and artifices -of that profession which flourishes by the application of -sleight-of-hand tricks to the pockets and purses of an -unsuspecting public. In short, this London arab was a -thief, belonging to just such a school as Dickens has -portrayed in </span><em class="italics">Oliver Twist</em><span>.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>His career as a collector of "wipes" was brought to a -summary end through being caught full-handed in a -theatre crush. A "Children's Court," or a "First Offender's -Act," was unknown in the early days of the nineteenth -century; consequently young Jago Smith was had up -before the magistrate, committed to the Assizes, convicted -to the hulks, and ultimately transported to Botany Bay -to serve a term of penal servitude.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At a theatrical effort made by certain prisoners of -histrionic talent at Sydney, at the tail-end of the -eighteenth century, to which first Governor Philip -and his wife were "graciously" invited, the following -lines form part of the prologue composed for the -occasion—</span></p> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>"From distant climes, o'er wide-spread seas, we come,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>But not with much éclat or beat of drum.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>True patriots all; for be it understood,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>We left our country for our country's good.</span></div> -<div class="line"> </div> -<div class="line"><span>No private views disgraced our generous zeal,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>What urged our travels was our country's weal,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>And none can doubt, but that our emigration</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Has proved most useful to the British nation."</span></div> -<div class="line"> </div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Fourteen years' penal servitude for the theft of a few -pocket-handkerchiefs! Such a sentence to-day would be -regarded as a monstrous iniquity; it passed without -comment in those days.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But transportation was not an unmixed evil to Jago -Smith. As early as 1793 schools were started at the -penal settlement, under the impression that they would -be the most likely means of effecting a reformation in -the morals of youthful prisoners.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jago, with the consent of the master to whom he was -assigned on landing, attended a night school, and gained -some insight into the three R's.</span></p> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure margin" style="width: 60%" id="figure-70"> -<span id="we-ve-struck-it-rich-i-do-believe-cried-the-stockman"></span><img class="align-center block" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt=""'We've struck it rich, I do believe,' cried the stockman."" src="images/img-288.jpg" /> -<div class="caption centerleft figure-caption margin"> -<span class="italics">"'We've struck it rich, I do believe,' cried the stockman."—</span><em class="italics">See p.</em><span class="italics"> </span><a class="italics reference internal" href="#id7">295</a><span class="italics">.</span></div> -</div> -<p class="pnext"><span>After a somewhat varied career, the ex-pickpocket, -who had served his time, became a settler on Rocky -Creek; and when the Rocky Gully gold rush set in he -drove a very profitable trade with the diggers. In -addition to raising cattle on his selection, Smith kept an -accommodation house, where board and lodging was to be -had. As the place was on the public road, about five -miles from the diggings, it received much patronage. -Jago was very proud of his signboard. It was an -incontestable proof of his accomplishments in writing and -spelling.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>ACKOMERDASHON FUR MAN -<br />AN BESTE SMALL BIER -<br />SOULED HEAR GORD SIVE TH -<br />E KWEEN J SMITH</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>As the party drew up to the hitching blocks, old Jago, -who was lounging in an arm-chair in the verandah, -hobbled out to the front, quietly surveying the group; to -whom Harry addressed himself.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good-evenin', Mister Smith. How are yer gettin' on -these times?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not gettin' any younger, you may be sure. But who -be you?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't yer remember me, Jago?" replied the stockman, -walking up to the old man.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes; I see who it is now. You be the boy wot worked -with old Humpy, an' used ter stay here when Bob had an -attack of the jim-jams."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The same, ole chap. We're goin' to put up here for -the night, and intend goin' on to-morrer to where me an' -Humpy worked when 'e was took. Got room for us, I -s'pose?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Plenty o' room, me lad. Not over rushed with -travellers these times. Better take your 'orses round ter -the back; ye'll find the saddle-room in the old plice, an' -yer can turn the neddies inter the paddock. There's -plenty o' grass fer 'em."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boys were ready for the supper of homely fare -which awaited them at sunset. After supper, Harry and -the old man got into a conversation, in which the former -stated that he was determined to have a try at the old -claim; for, though Humpy had put it about when working -it that it was a "shicer," Harry, of course, knew differently. -The gold-bearing stuff, it is true, was but a thin -vein, but they expected it to develop into something -better farther on. Old Jago informed him that no one -had touched the spot, so far as he knew. Yes, he had some -picks and shovels and prospecting dishes, which he had -taken as payment at one time and another from hard-ups. -Harry was welcome to make a selection.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This the stockman did without any delay. He took -from the curious assortment of diggers' tools two picks, -two short-handled shovels, two prospecting dishes, the -roller and handle of a windlass, a couple of buckets, some -stout rope, a length of chain, a strong hook, a crowbar, -and a pound or two of blasting powder.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>These he obtained as a loan, for Smith would not hear -of pay. He viewed the whole thing in the light of a joke. -The idea of Harry starting to work a claim with a parcel -of kids who had never seen a gold shaft in their lives, -with a time limit of three or four days at the most! The -stockman was but humouring the fancies and ambitions -of the kids. They, no doubt, expected to locate the -golden nuggets in the same fashion that they would track -a missing bullock on the bush, or run down a wild cat to -its lair in a hollow log. Well, they would at least -develop their arm muscles and have blistered hands to -show their friends. So the old settler—who at the time -of the rush had listened to the confident prediction of -many a greenhorn, going post-haste to pick up the -nuggets that were waiting for somebody to tumble over. -Not so Harry; he, at least, was no greenhorn. He -would give the abandoned workings a trial. It would be -a novelty for the boys, and though they mightn't get -anything to boast about, would, he was confident, get -enough to give each member of the party a souvenir of -the visit.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Leaving the accommodation house after an early breakfast, -the band of diggers, for such we must now call them, -arrived at the old workings in a couple of hours, passing -</span><em class="italics">en route</em><span> two or three fossikers who were working their -shows. These ancients looked with a degree of astonishment -upon this cluster of youths, whose very jauntiness -was suggestive of a prime lark.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Arrived at the diggings, the party had a good look -round. Intense solitude reigned everywhere, and save -for the heaps of rusty cooking utensils and other -rubbish there was little to indicate that the place had once -been a busy hive of life and energy. An old signboard, -written by another hand than had done Jago Smith's, was -seen nailed to a tree. Its language was simple and to -the point.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>ROYAL HOTEL -<br />ALL DRINKS 6c.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><em class="italics">N.B.—Clean Glasses</em></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Harry took a rapid survey of the situation. The -place apparently had not been disturbed since the fatal -accident. The old tent poles remained as he had left -them, and there was no evidence of any one having -camped there for years.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Proceeding to the tunnel, which, as previously described, -was driven into the perpendicular bank of a deep gully, -things looked pretty much as they did on that fatal day, -excepting that the earth had fretted away about the -tunnel mouth, and, on venturing in a short distance, the -man saw that the roof had broken down, completely -blocking the mine.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, Harry," exclaimed Joe, when the leader emerged -from the tunnel mouth, which the boys had been eagerly -watching, "is it all clear? Did you go to the end?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Didn't git half-way. Tunnel's half blocked."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What a pity!" chorused the lads.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Dunno 'bout that; cause, yer see, it's proof ter me no -one's bin interferin.'"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'Twon't be a heavy job to clear it out, will it?" -continued Joe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Carn't say; depends on the amount that's fallen. -But 'tain't my notion ter use the tunnel at all. Yer see, -it's this way: it may take us an hour or a day to clear the -rubbage outer the tunnel. When we'd done that, we'd -have ter do two other things afore we could tackle the -wash-dirt. Fust an' foremost, there's plenty of foul air in -the far end of the drive, like wot nearly pisened you -coves in the caves. Let me tell you, it's hard work -clearing the stinkin' air outer a tunnel. You can git it outer -a shaft easy enough, by tyin' a bunch o' bushes onter a -rope and running 'em up an' down; but it's mighty hard -work clearin' a tunnel, an' orften a long job. Then, -s'posin' we got it out, we'd have ter shore up the whole -blessed length; for, let me tell you, I'm not goin' ter run -any risks in this 'ere job. We've had fright enough over -Joe an' the shark, an' I cuddent face the Boss an' the -missus if anything happened to any of you here. Now, -to shore up this blessed tunnel'd take a power of timber, -an' ter git it an' fix it'd take a far longer time than -we've got."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, I say, Harry," cried Tom in tones of deep -disappointment, voicing the feelings of the group of boy -diggers, "don't tell us it's all a go, an' we're to return -without havin' a try! Can't you find some other spot?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Harry, ye spalpeen, Oi dhramed all laast night Oi was -diggin' up gowlden prr-aties, an', ochone! Oi'd just stuck -th' pick into a monsther iv a prr-atie, a ton weight at the -laast, an' was tryin' me best to upind her wid a laver, -whin owld Jago comes bangin' at th' dure. Begor! Oi -was sweatin' loike a stoker whin th' owld mahn woke me. -Jist give me wan little chanst, me bhoy, an' be Saint -Michael Oi'll——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ye'll git yer charnse, Denny, never fret. They's more -ways of killin' a pig besides chokin' 'im with a lump o' -butter. It never was my plan, boys, ter use the ole -tunnel. There's a better way nor that. When me an' ole -Humpy drove in 'ere, we wus follerin' a lead, an' ye niver -can tell 'ow far yer 'ave ter go: maybe a few feet, maybe -a 'undered yards afore it opens out inter a body. So we -did the right thing then. Now I propose ter put down -a shaft, to tap the wash-dirt jist erbout the end of the -tunnel, or, maybe, a little furder up nor that. I calkerlate -we'll tap it in twenty feet or so. I know the clarss of -country we'll have to go through. All this bank's wot we -call 'made up.' It's a formation called pudden stone. -It's formed o' river wash, an' is pretty pebbly. The -pebbles is the plums. We'll go through it in a couple o' -days at most, an' that'd give us two days more afore we -need clear orf 'ome."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boys were delighted beyond measure at Harry's -proposal, and set about rigging up the camp near the spot -which the leader had selected to put down the shaft.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>While the pals were doing this, Harry and Denny set -to work at sinking the shaft. So expeditious were they -that by night they had sunk the hole about ten feet and -had rigged up the windlass. All the boys had a turn at -digging, which they enjoyed immensely because of the -novelty of the work. Harry and Denny, however, did -the main part, while the lads manned the windlass, and -hauled up the stuff from time to time, as the buckets -were filled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At daylight next morning the party were eating breakfast -preparatory to a long day's work at the shaft. They -had to do a good deal of blasting, for some of the stones -were too heavy to haul up, and that consumed time. It -was verging on evening when, clearing up a rather heavy -blast, Harry, who had gone down to fill the bucket, cried -out, "Haul up quick! we've broken through. Foul air!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On winding their comrade up, he declared that the -blast had broken the ground into the tunnel, and that the -foul air was coming freely into the bottom of the shaft. -"We'll let it stay as it is till termorrer, an' then we'll -clear it out."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The pals went to sleep that night to dream about the -El Dorado which, in their imagination, they had struck. -The earliest dawn found them at the shaft's mouth. -Harry tied several bushes to the end of the rope, and this -was rapidly lowered and raised for about a couple of -hours, the condition below being tested from time to time -by a lighted candle placed in a bucket and lowered to the -bottom. At last it remained alight, though it burned very -feebly. About half an hour after this, the candle, on -being sent below again, burned brightly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's all right, now, boys! We've got rid of the gas, -that's a blessing. Lower away!" In a few seconds -Harry was filling the buckets with the broken rock and -earth. In a short time it was all cleared up, and the -leader had started to drive along the line of the vein. He -had not cut in more than a couple of feet when he threw -down the pick and shouted up the shaft, "Hurroar, boys! -I've struck a patch. Be gosh, it looks like a pocket!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The excitement above at this good news may be better -imagined than described. The vein of wash-dirt suddenly -expanded into a cube of about sixty buckets of auriferous -earth. It was a genuine though small pocket. Whether -rich or poor could be determined only by washing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Harry filled a bucket with the dirt, which was speedily -hauled up. The next minute he was pulled to the surface, -and, spreading the stuff on the ground, examined it. To -the great delight of the pals, he picked out several -large specks and a small nugget, scaling about half an -ounce.</span></p> -<p class="pnext" id="id7"><span>"It's all right, mates!" cried the stockman, now almost -as excited as the boys. "We've struck it rich, I do -believe. Sandy, me boy, git your nag an' a packhorse, -an' streak fur Jago's as fast as yer can git, an' borry a -cradle. It'd take too long ter pan this stuff—must have -a cradle. But, look 'ere, don't give the show away. Tell -'im I got a few specks from a bit o' stuff I came acrost, -an' that I'm jist goin' ter give it a try. He'll most likely -call me a big fool, an' don't yer conterdict 'im."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A cradle, it may be said, is a machine on rockers for -washing the auriferous earth. The machine is fed with -the wash-dirt, a stream of water being poured on while it -is rocked like a child's cradle. The heavy sand and -gravel, together with the precious metal, sink to the bottom -and are retained by the "ridges," whilst the earth and all -light matter pass away with the water. It is finally -treated in a dish so skilfully that only the pure metal is -left.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>While Sandy is speeding off to Jago's the rest are busy -picking the pocket and carrying it down to a flat by -the side of the tiny stream which ran along the gully -bottom. The work was hard, for the wash-dirt was -heavy, and the buckets big; but they made fun of the -hardships of bruised fingers and strained muscles, as -they hauled the precious earth from the shaft mouth, -and then humped it to the stream.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They had not quite finished their work ere Sandy -reappeared upon the scene with the cradle. Very little -grass had grown during the performance of his task.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Scarcely allowing themselves time to bolt down their -midday meal, the party were grouped around the cradle, -which Harry had fixed within a yard of the stream. -The stockman soon made his dispositions of the forces. -Joe and Tom are to lift the water and pour it on as -required, while he and Sandy work the cradle. Denny -is to feed the machine with the dirt.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So the work of "washing up" started. Every now -and then Harry stopped the work and "cleaned up" the -cradle—that is, took out the heavy golden sand which -was caught in the cross-bars of the machine and emptied -it in a bag, to be "panned" later. From time to time the -party were gladdened by the sight of large specks, and -now and then a tiny nugget of some grains' weight. The -gold, for the most part, however, was fine. The work -went on continuously till night closed in upon them. -Though dreadfully tired, they reluctantly abandoned their -work for the day, and after supper threw themselves -upon their primitive beds and slept the sleep of the just.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Be up betimes in the morning, boys," was Harry's -last word.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The party had to thank a pair of laughing jackasses[#] -for their early waking. Perched on the limb of a tree -close to the tent, they began their morning orisons at -the first paling of the stars, making such a cachinnation -as to cause Tom to fly out from his bunk, crying in -startled tones, "Dressin', dad; goin' for the cows this -minute." While Denny was disturbed sufficiently to turn -over on his side, saying in sleepy tones, "Jist repa-ate -they swa-ate wurrds agin, Bridget me darlin'! an' sa-ay -ye—— Howly Moses, 'tis th' owld Johnny-axes at their -thricks!"</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">[#] Giant kingfisher.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>In a few minutes the fire is burning briskly, and as -soon as breakfast is demolished the lucky diggers make -their way to the gully to start operations. The work -was a repetition of yesterday's, and, according to Harry's -calculation, they would be finished by noon if they stuck -well to the job; bullock teams couldn't have drawn them -from it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After working for about an hour, Denny, who was -shovelling the dirt, picked up a lump of rock, saying at -the same time, "Oi'll pitch this awa-ay, annyways. It -feels moighty heavy, though, for a sthone: 'tis as heavy -as lead. Musha, but the sthones ar-re heavy hereabouts!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hey, you fool! don't throw that away. Let's see -it," cried Harry, seizing the piece of rock, which was -about the size of the lad's head. "Why, great jumpin' -Jehosaphat! it's a bloomin' nugget. You precious -duffer! if you'd thrown that away I'd 'a' pitched you down -the shaft."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The pals dropped their buckets and crowded round the -leader as he held the lump with both hands.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"See 'ere, this white rock's quartz, an' all these yaller -veins is gold. It isn't wot you'd call a pure nugget, -but by the weight of it I guess there's a power of the -yaller stuff inside. 'Ere, Tom, streak up ter the tent fur -a tommy an' we'll soon see."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Furnished with the tomahawk, the stockman laid the -quartz nugget on a flat stone that cropped out of the -ground near by, and dealt vigorous blows upon it with -the head of the weapon. In this way he crushed the -quartz crystal sufficiently for them to see that the gold -formed a mass in the centre.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's all we'll do at present; we'll crush it out -properly in a mortar when we get home. Guess there's -full twenty ounces o' gold in 'er."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There were no more such finds in the dirt, but the -last few lots yielded a good deal of coarse gold, one piece -weighing about four ounces.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>By nightfall they had washed out the bagged ore. -There it lay on a cloth before the fire, a little heap of -pure gold, and beside it the quartz nugget, so to call it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Call me a frog-eater if there ain't full seventy ounces -o' gold in that there lot—close on three 'undered pounds' -worth!"</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="bullion-and-bushranger"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XXXIII</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">BULLION AND BUSHRANGER</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<!-- --> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>"And if you doubt the tale I tell,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Steer through the South Pacific swell,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Go where the branching coral hives</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Unending strife of endless lives,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Go where the rivers roll down through the sand</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Under skies that are blue in a golden land."</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>KIPLING.</span></div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"Pull up a moment, chaps. I want ter say a word afore -we strike Jago Smith's—we'll sight it over the next ridge. -No blabbin' erbout the gold. The ole cove's sure ter arsk -erbout our luck. You keep mum, an' leave me ter answer -'im. He's er good ernuff sort in hes way, is ole Jago, -an' me an' 'im always got on well, as 'e sort er took a -fancy ter me. All the same, 'im an' Ben Bolt is, or was -great friends. That's why I steered clear o' the shootin -the night we stayed there. 'E might 'a' cut up rusty, -like. Many's the time 'e's planted the 'ranger when the -p'lice 'as been 'ot on 'is trail. 'Twuddent s'prise me a -bit if the kid that wus Ben's mate wus 'idin' somewheres -erbout Jago's. 'E's several good plants. At any rate, -there must be no blow. Bes' be on the safe side."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In a few minutes the party sighted the accommodation -house at a distance of a quarter of a mile or so. They -could see the old man in the front, talking to a man -who held a horse by the bridle. Even as the party -sighted the pair they were themselves seen. After a few -hasty words with Jago the horseman threw his bridle -over the steed's neck, vaulted to the saddle, and rode -away briskly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By George, that 'ere cove's ridin' a good nag. See -the style o' 'im! 'E's a beauty, 'e is; all muscle an' spirit. -If ole Ben wusn't a goner, I'd say 'twas 'im on Samson; -blamed if I wuddent."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The mounted band have approached the house by this -time. The owner stood awaiting them by the hitching -posts. Saluting them as they rode up, he jeered -good-humouredly—</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I 'opes yer left a few specks fur them fossikers, -gintilmin? 'Twud be too bad to scoop the pool an' leave -the old uns nothin' but mullock heaps. At any rate, -ye've brought back the tools—cradle an' all. Come now, -'ow did the stuff pan out?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll tell yer wot we did git, ole man, sore bones an' -blistered 'ands. Blame me, but yer soon gits outer the -diggin' business. Tried that bit o' stuff I come acrost, -wot the kid tole yer erbout. Waal, speakin' in confidence, -we didn't git ernuff ter hire a gold escort ter fetch it -erlong. We did git a bit—ernuff ter make these young -coves a breast-pin apiece. But let me tell yer, one of -these days I'm comin' back ter have a good prospect. -Keep it close, Smith; I don't want any of these blessed -gully-rakers ter smell anythin'."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Dark it is, young feller. Yer can trust me fer not -givin' the show away. Comin' in?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, we're makin' fer 'ome. Just tote the tools ter -where youse got 'em, boys, an' then we'll be orf."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The lads speedily discharged, and were in the saddle -again. The party was moving off when Harry said to Jago—</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Forgot ter arsk yer whether yer 'eered that Ben Bolt -wus shot by Hennessey t'other day."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, I 'eered it," replied Smith dryly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Kid not collared yet?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You're more likely ter 'eer about 'im than me: so-long."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ole Jago's a deep un," soliloquised Harry as they rode -along. "I forgot ter arsk 'im erbout the man we saw -ridin' away as we came up," he remarked a few minutes -later to Joe, who was riding at his side. "If that 'ere -'orse 'e wus ridin' warn't Samson, I'm a greenhorn."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It might have been the young fellow that got away -when Ben was shot. It struck me Jago was bluffin' you, -Harry."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My word, Harry," said Tom, riding up on the other -side, "you bluffed ole Jago over the gold."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ain't so sure o' that," replied the stockman.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No one could have done it better," broke in Joe. -"You circumnavigated the truth."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't know wot yer mean, my boy: unless it's -somethin' in the circus line."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not exactly that," replied Joe laughingly; "but it -reminds me of an epitaph I heard about, that was stuck -on a fellow's tombstone—</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>HE TRIED HARD NOT TO BE A LIAR."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"Wot I said about tacklin' that ground's true ernuff, -anyways," replied the stockman, with a smile. "But -erbout this gold: we'll go shares, o' course. We'll -divide it up inter five equal lots when we get to -Bullaroi."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No; that's not fair, Harry," said Sandy. "We must -have a fair division."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, wot yer call a fair division, if that's not one?" -said the man shortly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If it was left to me to decide, I would give you half, -to start with. It was your show. You did most of the -work. We were more like wages men; so at the very -least you should get half. Then I'd divide the other -half among the rest of us in equal shares."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Sandy's right," broke in Joe. "As far as I'm concerned, -Harry'll have the lot. I'd like him to take my whack, -anyway, because——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, yer don't, Joe. I know wot yer goin' ter say. -Think I'm mean ernuff ter take pay fer shootin' a jolly -shark?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh—I—didn't—mean—it—just——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Joe meant it as a mark of gratitude, Harry. I think -my way's best. Whatcher say?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Agreed!" chorus the four.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Joe, me mahn," said Denny a little while later, as he -and Blain were riding together, "cud ye tell me phwat -me quarter ov a half ov th' gowld'll come to?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Lemme see, seventy ounces; half o' that, thirty-five; -quarter of thirty-five is eight an' three-quarter ounces: -yes, your share is eight an' three-quarters, Denny."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Give it in pounds, plaase, Joe."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Pounds! Oh, I say, you've got me there. Well, let's -see. What was it Harry said they'd give us per ounce at -the bank?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Three sivinteen an' a tanner, Joe, me bhoy. Oi tuk -note ov that."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, that was the price, I 'member. Eight and -three-quarter times three seventeen six—er—lemme see, -that'd be—eight threes twenty-four, twen—bother it, I -mean eight times seventeen an' six, that's a hundred an' -ninety—no, </span><em class="italics">that's</em><span> not it. Let me put it down in me -mind—one, seven, six; that's right! Well, multiply it -by eight, an' leave the quarters out for a bit. That's—why, -it's three hundred an'—no, it can't be that much, -surely? Bust it, if I only had a pencil an' a bit o' paper -I'd soon tot it up. Try again. Eight into seventeen and -six is—— Blest if it isn't an interest sum, after all, -Denny; an' they always sew me up."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's th' troth, Joe; it's th' most interastin' sum Oi -iver heerd tell iv. Thry it agin, Marsther Joe; doan't let -a little sum loike that ba-ate ye. 'Twas two hondered -pounds ye said larrst. Make her go a little higher if yes -can."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What! two hundred pounds! Murder! 'tis shillin's I -was reckoning."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O-o-h!" exclaimed Denny, with a profound sigh. -"Awaay goes me bright dra-ames! Sure, thin, 'twas -buyin' th' owld family carr-sthle Oi was thinking ov, an -makin' melyinaares o' me dear payrunts; maybe the -Quaan wud be makin' me farther Lord Kineavy!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, you are a cure, Denny. You'll have me addressin' -you as the Honourable Dennis next. Oh, I say, -didn't Harry say he wouldn't be surprised if the gold -fetched four pounds an ounce, it was so rich? Well, let's -reckon it at four quid. Eight fours are thirty-two—that's -thirty-two pounds. The three-quarters of four -pounds is three. Thirty-two and three are thirty-five; -thirty-five pounds. There you are, ole boss, thirty-five."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thirty-foive pounds! Begorrah! it's a bloomin' -capertillist Oi am! Whoi, glory be! it'll do betther thin -buyin' a rotten owld sthone carr-sthle made ov brick an' -thatch; it'll pay for bringin' out me payrunts in th' -emigrr-ashon ship. Be Saints Pathrick an' Michael, 'tis -a happy bhoy Oi am at this moment! Phwat wid me -savin's, an' Norah's, an' this haape ov gowld, Oi'll buy -thim th' best cabin on th' boat, and so Oi will!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In due time the party arrived at the junction of the -roads, and crossed the ridge to the cave entrance. After -placing their horses in the patch of scrub near the road, -they scrambled up to the opening. Lighting the candle, -Sandy led the way to the forage chamber, where the fish -was stored.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You don't feel so creepy, Denny, as when you were -here last," said Tom to the Irish "boy, as they followed the -others into the chamber.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's thrue for ye, Tom. Owld Ben's not thrubblin' me -to-da-ay. 'Tis only thinkin' ov me dear farther an' -mauther comin' out on th' sa-ay Oi am. As for th' -'ranger, he's as dead an' dhry by this toime as the smoked -fish yonder."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Is he?" cried a loud voice from the rear.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Howly Moses! 'tis th' 'ranger's ghost," cried the Irish -boy, as a bull's-eye flashed in his face, dazzling his eyes -and confusing his mind. Terror-possessed by this ghostly -manifestation—for he saw naught but a bright light, -preceded by an awful voice—the boy bolted. He rushed -towards the chamber exit, which he barely reached ere -the sharp crack of a revolver sounded, what time the -panic-stricken youth staggered forward, falling with a -dull thud upon the stone floor.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It need hardly be said that the other members of the -group were startled out of speech and action. Not ten -seconds elapsed between the cry of the man or ghost and -the tragedy of the revolver shot and the fallen boy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The moment the boy fell the others ran towards him, -but before they had taken three steps the light flashed on -them and a revolver covered them. Behind the lantern -came a voice that more than the lantern, or even pistol, -cowed them: "</span><em class="italics">Stop! Hands up!</em><span>"</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="behind-the-lantern-came-a-voice-that-more-than-the-lantern-or-even-pistol-cowed-them-stop-hands-up"><span class="bold">[Illustration: Behind the lantern came a voice that -<br />more than the lantern, or even pistol, cowed them: -<br />"</span><em class="bold italics">Stop! Hands up!</em><span class="bold">" (missing from book)]</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>For the second time the hands of the boys went up at -command. One thing was made quite clear, at any rate: -this was no ghostly visitant. Ghosts didn't carry -revolvers, nor was there long any mystery about this -personage.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That young cove reckoned I was dead and dry as -your smoked schnapper, did he? The young fool'll -smoke and dry fast enough in the place I've sent him to. -You infernal asses to come here! But you'll never live -to tell any one; make up your minds to that."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was in truth the bushranger himself. Of that there -could be no doubt. The news of his death was either -a make-up or a gross exaggeration. Here he stood, in -the flesh, in one of his most dangerous moods. A black -fit was on him. Under its influence he was capable of -almost any atrocity. The lads were horror-stricken. -There, before them, lay the body of their comrade, the -gay, witty, affectionate Denny, who but a few moments -ago was in the seventh heaven of delight at the thought -of bringing out his parents with the proceeds of his share -of the gold; and now—it was too awful!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Look 'ere, Ben Bolt!" exclaimed Harry, after a few -seconds' silence, "you've shot an innercent boy in cold -blood. You've grossly belied your reputation that you -never laid a hand on woman or child. We came here -with no thought of spyin' upon yer, for we believed yer to -be dead. In five minits we wud 'ave gone away with our -fish, none the wiser for your presence. You've not the -slightest justerfication fer takin' that life, an' if yer shoots -me the next minit fer it, I tell yer to yer face ye're -a blaggard an' coward, an' the pity is that the news of yer -bein' shot wasn't true."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Why Harry was not shot off-hand, it were hard to say. -The bushranger was convulsed with rage: thrice he -levelled his revolver at the brave man, and as often -lowered it. At last, with a voice hoarse with passion, he -said, "I'll send you along the road I've driven your -mate, curse you! You think you're very game, but I'll -take all that out of you before I've done with you. You'll -be longing for your end hours before it comes....</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Here, boy," continued he, pointing to Tom. "Take -that green-hide and tie your mates as I tell you. Look -sharp, or I'll lay you alongside your mate yonder."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Thus dragooned, Tom securely tied his mates' hands -behind their backs. As soon as this was accomplished, -the outlaw, sticking his revolver in his belt, served Tom -in the same way, and in addition trussed each victim. -Having set them in a row like a group, of mummies, he -addressed them—</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You'll lie here for the present. I'll deal with you -later. I've got a little job to do first. That fool -Hennessey's coming out this way with a couple of troopers -to trap me. 'Twasn't enough that he winged my mate, -he's sworn to have me inside of the week. And I swear -that I'll have him inside of six hours. I'm going out now -to have a look round. If you coves try any of your tricks, -I'll make hell for you. I shan't be far off, you may bet."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So saying, the outlaw went out into the chamber where -his horse was stabled, and led him along the passage to -the cave entrance.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I say, Harry, it was Ben Bolt that we saw at ole -Jago's this mornin'."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"True. I cud 'ave taken me oath a'most that the -'orse wus Samson, but I didn't git a fair view of the -bloke's face. Yes, 'twor Ben that we saw. He must 'a' -got 'is information erbout Hennessey from the ole man. -It's wunnerful 'ow they does git the news. I 'ope 'e don't -git er charnse ter draw er bead on Hennessey. He'll 'ave -ter be mighty smart ter do it. But, dear! dear! on'y ter -think of poor Denny lyin' over there—dead! I wish ter -'evven 'e'd 'a' shot me instead. Wot'll your father an' -mother say, Sandy? Poor Norah, too! It'll be the -killin' of 'er."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Whisht, boys, spaake low: Oi'm not kilt ontoirely; -only knocked spaachless. Oi'm betther nor tin dead -Chinymen yit."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was the sweetest sound that ever ravished the ears -of the boys. Here was the blissful fact—Denny was not -dead; was very much alive. If the lads did not -immediately cry out with joy it was because their joy was -too deep for utterance.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't spaake or sthir awhoile till Oi see if th' coast's -clear."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Rising quietly to his feet, the Irish boy stole along the -corridor that led to the mouth of the cave. After a hasty -but keen survey of the immediate neighbourhood, he -returned to his companions, knife in hand, and in a few -minutes had freed them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And are you not wounded, Denny? We never -dreamed but that the villain had shot you dead. You lay -just like a corpse. He was under that impression too, or -he'd never have left you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yez see 'twas this way: Oi was fair flabbergasted -whin th' blazin' light dazzled me oiyes. Oi made shure -'twas th' 'ranger's ghost. Oi wud 'a' stood, but me ligs -wuddn't. They sthreaked off loike a paddy-melon goes -for a hole in th' fince—carryin' me body wid thim. Th' -firsht thing Oi felt was a rock sthrikin' me fut, an' thin, -begorra, somethin' whistled past me ear as Oi tumbled -forrard, hittin' th' flure a nasty crack wid me head. Th' -nixt thing Oi heard was owld Harry tongue-bangin' th' -rapscallion ov a murtherer fur killin' me. 'Be jabers!' -ses Oi to meself, 'he's kilt me ontoirely wid a shot from -hes pisthol, if phwat me bowld frind ses be th' thruth. -Go it, me brave bhoy! Tare an' ouns, but ye're givin' -him th' coward's blow in foine style!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thin Oi sees him rope yez up loike dhrapery parr-sels, -an', ses Oi, 'Jist wait till yez is gone, me hairr-y breasted -sna-ake!' an' wid that Oi comes to me ray-son an' knows -that Oi was not dead at all, at all. Oi was jist goin' to -git up an' give him a bit iv me tongue, whin the thought -comes—'Lie still, ye gossoon, till he goes an' ye can -liberaate yer mates!' So now we'll be even wid th' -omadhaun."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The quicker we're outer this the better!" exclaimed -Harry, as soon as he was released. "There's no knowin' -when the 'ranger'll return; if 'e finds us loose, 'e'll shoot -us to a cert. What a pity we left our guns with the -'orses! 'Ope 'e won't find 'em. It'll be risky goin' out, -as we don't know where the feller is. 'E may be close -by watchin' the 'ole. The bes' thing'll be for us ter -make a dash ter the scrub as soon as we're outer the cave."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There's a much safer way than that," said Sandy. -"We'll go out the way we came in when we first discovered -this place. Lucky we brought a candle with us. Come -along; every moment is precious."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So saying, Sandy strode in advance, the others following -closely at his heels. The party soon hit upon the -passage leading to the cave opening on the other side of -the ridge. In twenty minutes or so they were in the -open.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Their first act was to plunge into the thick bush. This -shielded them from ordinary observation. After a short -confab, they concluded that the wisest thing to do was to -creep along in the thickest part, in the direction of the -horses. They had hardly started when the sharp crack -of a rifle broke upon their ears. Stopping short, -they listened eagerly; with beating hearts, it must -be confessed. Again and again, shots were fired; at -last they heard the pounding of hoofs, rapidly nearing -them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'Ssh—don't move—they're on the hard road," said -Harry to the nervously excited youths.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The road passed the caves about two hundred yards -from where the party lay. Presently, with increasing -clatter, Ben Bolt rode furiously along, and after a -minute's interval, Sergeant Hennessey, accompanied by -two troopers, the Sergeant leading by about fifty yards. -Just as he was in the act of passing, the officer took a -snap-shot at the 'ranger. In a few minutes all sight -and even sound of pursued and pursuers had gone.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No fear of Ben Bolt trubblin' us now fer a spell. -'Ope Hennessey 'll nab 'im sure this time. Let's moosey -erlong, lads."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It didn't take the party long to pick up the steeds and -load up the packhorses with the fish. The sun had -barely set ere they were well on the last stage of the -return journey.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The M'Intyres are just concluding the evening meal. -The conversation chiefly centres around the campers. -Mrs. M'Intyre had given many a look along the track -during the afternoon, in the hope of sighting the lads. -The understanding when they left was that they were to -return at the end of the second week. It was now -Saturday evening.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I won't give them up till ten o'clock. I expect they -have made a late start. Yes, Maggie, I own that I am a -bit fidgety now that I've heard that Ben Bolt has been -seen in the vicinity of the caves."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Weel, ye can juist ease yure mind on that pint, my -dear, for the Sairgeant and a pairty o' troopers are -patrolling in that direection, so that there's no' the -sma'est pairtical o' reesk."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It was lucky for them, mummie, that they had started -for their trip before the revised version of the engagement -between the police and the bushrangers was published, -for had you known of the mistake you would never -have let the boys go. What are they going to do -with the youth that Hennessey wounded? They say -Ben Bolt's mad over it, and swears to have Hennessey's -life."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The misguided lad wull be pit on his trial as sune as -the wound on his thigh permeets."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Do you think they'll hang him, father?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nae, nae, they'll no' hang the chiel; he has never -ta'en life, nor is he a hardened ruffian. He stairted this -wild life 'for the fun o' it,' like mony another silly -laddie. The Sairgeant tells me that Jock Smith, for that's -his name, is gled to be captured. His eyes hae been -opened to the folly and sin that are compreehended in -sic a life. Insteed o' fun, he has encountered nought but -hairdship and meesery. The misguided laddie wull hae -plenty o' time for repentance."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The evening calm is suddenly and noisily disturbed. -The station dogs set up a great babble of barking, and -Jessie, who had gone out to the front verandah, comes -running in helter skelter and screaming—</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Father, mother, hear the dogs! It's the boys, I bet -tuppence. Hurrah! Hurrah!——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Jessie, Jessie! you are certainly developing very——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mrs. Mac is prosing without an audience, for the girls -are flying along the track to the slip-rails, accompanied -by the barking dogs.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>It was verging on midnight when the Bullaroi household -broke up. The adventures were told with a degree -of modesty to an intensely interested and at times -breathless company. The spoils of the sea and the spoils -of the mine were displayed to the admiration of all. -Mrs. M'Intyre gave high praise to the pals for their success as -fish-curers; while the gold spoke for itself, needing no -expert opinion.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mr. M'Intyre had the last word.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ye've advanced a big step towards yure manhood, -laddies, and I'm prood o' ye the nicht. Yure conduc' -under they perils by sea and land is more precious by far -that yon gleeterin' gowd. A guid name is raither to be -chosen than great riches. Thank the Lord for a' His -mercies! 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