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diff --git a/5642-h/5642-h.htm b/5642-h/5642-h.htm index 79c3e33..62cd39d 100644 --- a/5642-h/5642-h.htm +++ b/5642-h/5642-h.htm @@ -1,20 +1,16 @@ -<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> - -<!DOCTYPE html - PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" - "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > - -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> - <head> - <meta content="pg2html (binary v0.17)" name="linkgenerator" /> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" /> +<!DOCTYPE html> +<html lang="en"> +<head> + <meta charset="UTF-8"> + <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1"> + <meta name="format-detection" content="telephone=no,date=no,address=no,email=no,url=no"> <title> - Harry Heathcote of Gangoi by Anthony Trollope + Harry Heathcote of Gangoil | Project Gutenberg </title> - <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> - body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} - P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .75em; margin-bottom: .75em; } - H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } +<style> + body { margin:5%; text-align:justify} + p { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .75em; margin-bottom: .75em; } + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%;} hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} .foot { margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%; text-align: justify; font-size: 80%; font-style: italic;} blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} @@ -53,178 +49,135 @@ p.pfirst, p.noindent {text-indent: 0} span.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.1em 0 0; line-height: 0.8 } pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + h1 span, h2 span {font-size: smaller;} + .p140 {font-size: 1.4em;} + .center {text-align: center;} + table {margin: auto;} + .tdr {text-align: right; padding-right: 1em;} + .tdl {text-align: left; padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;} </style> </head> <body> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> -The Project Gutenberg eBook, Harry Heathcote of Gangoil, by Anthony -Trollope - - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - - - - -Title: Harry Heathcote of Gangoil - A Tale of Australian Bush-Life - - -Author: Anthony Trollope - - - -Release Date: August 3, 2002 [eBook #5642] -[Last updated: December 7, 2020] - - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - - -***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HARRY HEATHCOTE OF GANGOIL*** +<div style='text-align:center'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 5642 ***</div> + <div class="chapter"> + <h1> + HARRY HEATHCOTE OF GANGOIL<br> + <span>A Tale of Australian Bush-Life.</span> + </h1> -E-text prepared by Nicole Apostola, Charles Franks, and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team + <p class="p140 center"> + By ANTHONY TROLLOPE, + </p> + <p class="center"> + Author of “The Warden”, “Barchester Towers,” “Orley Farm,” + “The Small House at Arlington”, “The Eustace Diamonds,” &c., &c. + </p> + </div> -HTML file produced by David Widger + <div class="chapter"> + <hr class="x-ebookmaker-drop" /> + <h2>CONTENTS</h2> + <table> + <tr> + <th class="tdr">CHAPTER</th> + <th class="tdl"></th> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdr">I.</td> + <td class="tdl"><a href="#link2HCH0001">GANGOIL.</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdr">II.</td> + <td class="tdl"><a href="#link2HCH0002">A NIGHT’S RIDE.</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdr">III.</td> + <td class="tdl"><a href="#link2HCH0003">MEDLICOT’S MILL.</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdr">IV.</td> + <td class="tdl"><a href="#link2HCH0004">HARRY HEATHCOTE’S APPEAL.</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdr">V.</td> + <td class="tdl"><a href="#link2HCH0005">BOSCOBEL.</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdr">VI.</td> + <td class="tdl"><a href="#link2HCH0006">THE BROWNBIES OF BOOLABONG.</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdr">VII.</td> + <td class="tdl"><a href="#link2HCH0007">“I WISH YOU’D LIKE ME.”</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdr">VIII.</td> + <td class="tdl"><a href="#link2HCH0008">“I DO WISH HE WOULD COME!”</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdr">IX.</td> + <td class="tdl"><a href="#link2HCH0009">THE BUSH FIGHT.</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdr">X.</td> + <td class="tdl"><a href="#link2HCH0010">HARRY HEATHCOTE RETURNS IN + TRIUMPH.</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdr">XI.</td> + <td class="tdl"><a href="#link2HCH0011">SERGEANT FORREST.</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdr">XII.</td> + <td class="tdl"><a href="#link2HCH0012">CONCLUSION.</a></td> + </tr> + </table> + </div> + <div class="chapter"> + <hr class="x-ebookmaker-drop" /> -</pre> - <div style="height: 8em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h1> - HARRY HEATHCOTE OF GANGOIA - </h1> - <h3> - Tale of Australian Bush-Life - </h3> - <h2> - By Anthony Trollope - </h2> - <p> - <br /> <br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <br /> <br /> - </p> - <p> - <b>CONTENTS</b> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> <b>HARRY HEATHCOTE</b> </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. — GANGOIL. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. — A NIGHT’S RIDE. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. — MEDLICOT’S MILL. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. — HARRY HEATHCOTE’S - APPEAL. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. — BOSCOBEL. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. — THE BROWNBIES OF BOOLABONG. - </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. — “I WISH YOU’D - LIKE ME.” </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. — “I DO WISH HE WOULD - COME!” </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. — THE BUSH FIGHT. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. — HARRY HEATHCOTE RETURNS IN - TRIUMPH. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI. — SERGEANT FORREST. </a> - </p> - <p class="toc"> - <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII. — CONCLUSION. </a> - </p> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h1> - HARRY HEATHCOTE - </h1> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER I. — GANGOIL. + <h2 id="link2HCH0001"> + CHAPTER I.<br> <span>GANGOIL.</span> </h2> + </div> <p> Just a fortnight before Christmas, 1871, a young man, twenty-four years of - age, returned home to his dinner about eight o’clock in the evening. - He was married, and with him and his wife lived his wife’s sister. + age, returned home to his dinner about eight o’clock in the evening. + He was married, and with him and his wife lived his wife’s sister. At that somewhat late hour he walked in among the two young women, and another much older woman who was preparing the table for dinner. The wife - and the wife’s sister each had a child in her lap, the elder having + and the wife’s sister each had a child in her lap, the elder having seen some fifteen months of its existence, and the younger three months. - “He has been out since seven, and I don’t think he’s had - a mouthful,” the wife had just said. “Oh, Harry, you must be - half starved,” she exclaimed, jumping up to greet him, and throwing + “He has been out since seven, and I don’t think he’s had + a mouthful,” the wife had just said. “Oh, Harry, you must be + half starved,” she exclaimed, jumping up to greet him, and throwing her arm round his bare neck. </p> <p> - “I’m about whole melted,” he said, as he kissed her. - “In the name of charity give me a nobbler. I did get a bit of damper - and a pannikin of tea up at the German’s hut; but I never was so hot - or so thirsty in my life. We’re going to have it in earnest this + “I’m about whole melted,” he said, as he kissed her. + “In the name of charity give me a nobbler. I did get a bit of damper + and a pannikin of tea up at the German’s hut; but I never was so hot + or so thirsty in my life. We’re going to have it in earnest this time. Old Bates says that when the gum leaves crackle, as they do now, - before Christmas, there won’t be a blade of grass by the end of - February.” + before Christmas, there won’t be a blade of grass by the end of + February.” </p> <p> - “I hate Old Bates,” said the wife. “He always prophesies - evil, and complains about his rations.” + “I hate Old Bates,” said the wife. “He always prophesies + evil, and complains about his rations.” </p> <p> - “He knows more about sheep than any man this side of the Mary,” + “He knows more about sheep than any man this side of the Mary,” said her husband. From all this I trust the reader will understand that the Christmas to which he is introduced is not the Christmas with which he - is intimate on this side of the equator—a Christmas of blazing fires - in-doors, and of sleet amid snow and frost outside—but the Christmas + is intimate on this side of the equator—a Christmas of blazing fires + in-doors, and of sleet amid snow and frost outside—but the Christmas of Australia, in which happy land the Christmas fires are apt to be - lighted—or to light themselves—when they are by no means + lighted—or to light themselves—when they are by no means needed. </p> <p> @@ -246,7 +199,7 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger Gangoil could do all that. Men said of him that he was too imperious, too masterful, too much inclined to think that all things should be made to go as he would have them. Young as he was, he had been altogether his own - master since he was of age—and not only his own master, but the + master since he was of age—and not only his own master, but the master also of all with whom he was brought into contact from day to day. In his life he conversed but seldom with any but those who were dependent on him, nor had he done so for the last three years. At an age at which @@ -271,7 +224,7 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger smile, but ever carrying in his countenance marks of what his enemies called pig-headedness, his acquaintances obstinacy, and those who loved him firmness. His acquaintances were, perhaps, right, for he certainly was - obstinate. He would take no man’s advice, he would submit himself to + obstinate. He would take no man’s advice, he would submit himself to no man, and in the conduct of his own business preferred to trust to his own insight than to the experience of others. It would sometimes occur that he had to pay heavily for his obstinacy. But, on the other hand, the @@ -282,8 +235,8 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger house was near the river Mary, and beyond the river his domain did not extend; but around him on his own side of the river he could ride for ten miles in each direction without getting off his own pastures. He was - master, as far as his mastership went, of 120,000 acres—almost an - English county—and it was the pride of his heart to put his foot off + master, as far as his mastership went, of 120,000 acres—almost an + English county—and it was the pride of his heart to put his foot off his own territory as seldom as possible. He sent his wool annually down to Brisbane, and received his stores, tea and sugar, flour and brandy, boots, clothes, tobacco, etc., once or twice a year from thence. But the traffic @@ -300,7 +253,7 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger He had married a fair girl, the orphan daughter of a bankrupt squatter whom he had met in Sydney, and had brought her and her sister into the Queensland bush with him. His wife idolized him. His sister-in-law, Kate - Daly, loved him dearly—as she had cause to do, for he had proved + Daly, loved him dearly—as she had cause to do, for he had proved himself to be a very brother to her; but she feared him also somewhat. The people about the Mary said that she was fairer and sweeter to look at even than the elder sister. Mrs. Heathcote was the taller of the two, and the @@ -310,66 +263,66 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger <p> When he had washed his hands and face, and had swallowed the very copious but weak allowance of brandy-and-water which his wife mixed for him, he - took the eldest boy on his lap and fondled him. “By George!” - he said, “old fellow, you sha’n’t be a squatter.” + took the eldest boy on his lap and fondled him. “By George!” + he said, “old fellow, you sha’n’t be a squatter.” </p> <p> - “Why not, Harry?” asked his wife. + “Why not, Harry?” asked his wife. </p> <p> - “Because I don’t want him to break his heart every day of his - life.” + “Because I don’t want him to break his heart every day of his + life.” </p> <p> - “Are you always breaking yours? I thought your heart was pretty well - hardened now.” + “Are you always breaking yours? I thought your heart was pretty well + hardened now.” </p> <p> - “When a man talks of his heart, you and Kate are thinking of loves - and doves, of course.” + “When a man talks of his heart, you and Kate are thinking of loves + and doves, of course.” </p> <p> - “I wasn’t thinking of loves and doves, Harry,” said - Kate. “I was thinking how very hot it must have been to-day. We - could only bear it in the veranda by keeping the blinds always wet. I don’t - wonder that you were troubled.” + “I wasn’t thinking of loves and doves, Harry,” said + Kate. “I was thinking how very hot it must have been to-day. We + could only bear it in the veranda by keeping the blinds always wet. I don’t + wonder that you were troubled.” </p> <p> - “That comes from heaven or Providence, or from something that one + “That comes from heaven or Providence, or from something that one knows to be unassailable, and therefore one can put up with it. Even if one gets a sun-stroke one does not complain. The sun has a right to be - there, and is no interloper, like a free-selector. I can’t + there, and is no interloper, like a free-selector. I can’t understand why free-selectors and mosquitoes should have been introduced - into the arrangements of the world.” + into the arrangements of the world.” </p> <p> - “I s’pose the poor must live somewheres, and ‘squiters - too,” said Mrs. Growler, the old maid-servant, as she put a boiled - leg of mutton on the table. “Now, Mr. Harry, if you’re - hungered, there’s something for you to eat in spite of the - free-selectors.” + “I s’pose the poor must live somewheres, and ’squiters + too,” said Mrs. Growler, the old maid-servant, as she put a boiled + leg of mutton on the table. “Now, Mr. Harry, if you’re + hungered, there’s something for you to eat in spite of the + free-selectors.” </p> <p> - “Mrs. Growler,” said the master, “excuse me for saying - that you jump to conclusions.” + “Mrs. Growler,” said the master, “excuse me for saying + that you jump to conclusions.” </p> <p> - “My jumping is pretty well-nigh done,” said the old woman. + “My jumping is pretty well-nigh done,” said the old woman. </p> <p> - “By no means. I find that old people can jump quite as briskly as + “By no means. I find that old people can jump quite as briskly as young. You have rebuked me under the impression that I was grudging something to the poor. Let me explain to you that a free-selector may be, and very often is, a rich man. He whom I had in my mind is not a poor man, - though I won’t swear but what he will be before a year is over.” + though I won’t swear but what he will be before a year is over.” </p> <p> - “I know who you mean, Mr. Harry; you mean the Medlicots. A very nice + “I know who you mean, Mr. Harry; you mean the Medlicots. A very nice gentleman is Mr. Medlicot, and a very nice old lady is Mrs. Medlicot. And - a deal of good they’re going to do, by all accounts.” + a deal of good they’re going to do, by all accounts.” </p> <p> - “Now, Mrs. Growler, that will do,” said the wife. + “Now, Mrs. Growler, that will do,” said the wife. </p> <p> The dinner consisted of a boiled leg of mutton, a large piece of roast @@ -379,38 +332,38 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger Heathcote had sat down just as he had entered the room. </p> <p> - “I know you are tired to death,” said his wife, “when I - see you eat your dinner like that.” + “I know you are tired to death,” said his wife, “when I + see you eat your dinner like that.” </p> <p> - “It isn’t being tired, Mary; I’m not particularly tired. - But I must be off again in about an hour.” + “It isn’t being tired, Mary; I’m not particularly tired. + But I must be off again in about an hour.” </p> <p> - “Out again to-night?” + “Out again to-night?” </p> <p> - “Yes, indeed.” + “Yes, indeed.” </p> <p> - “On horseback?” + “On horseback?” </p> <p> - “How else? Old Bates and Mickey are in their saddles still. I don’t - want to have my fences burned as soon as they’re put up. It’s + “How else? Old Bates and Mickey are in their saddles still. I don’t + want to have my fences burned as soon as they’re put up. It’s a ticklish thing to think that a spark of fire any where about the place might ruin me, and to know at the same time that every man about the run and every swagsman that passes along have matches in their pocket. There - isn’t a pipe lighted on Gangoil this time of the year that mightn’t - make a beggar of you and me. That’s another reason why I wouldn’t - have the young un a squatter.” + isn’t a pipe lighted on Gangoil this time of the year that mightn’t + make a beggar of you and me. That’s another reason why I wouldn’t + have the young un a squatter.” </p> <p> - “—I declare I think that squatters have more trouble than any - people in the world,” said Kate Daly. + “—I declare I think that squatters have more trouble than any + people in the world,” said Kate Daly. </p> <p> - “—Free-selectors have their own troubles too, Kate,” + “—Free-selectors have their own troubles too, Kate,” said he. </p> <p> @@ -424,46 +377,46 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger dangerously favorable; for in truth she had said no more than her sister. </p> <p> - “The Medlicots’ troubles will never trouble me, Harry,” + “The Medlicots’ troubles will never trouble me, Harry,” she said. </p> <p> - “I hope not, Kate; nor mine either more than we can help.” + “I hope not, Kate; nor mine either more than we can help.” </p> <p> - “But they do,” said Mary. “They trouble me, and her too, - very much.” + “But they do,” said Mary. “They trouble me, and her too, + very much.” </p> <p> - “A man’s back should be broad enough to bear all that for - himself,” said Harry. “I get ashamed of myself when I grumble, - and yet one seems to be surly if one doesn’t say what one’s - thinking.” + “A man’s back should be broad enough to bear all that for + himself,” said Harry. “I get ashamed of myself when I grumble, + and yet one seems to be surly if one doesn’t say what one’s + thinking.” </p> <p> - “I hope you’ll always tell me what you’re thinking, - dear.” + “I hope you’ll always tell me what you’re thinking, + dear.” </p> <p> - “Well, I suppose I shall—till this fellow is old enough to be - talked to, and to be made to bear the burden of his father’s care.” + “Well, I suppose I shall—till this fellow is old enough to be + talked to, and to be made to bear the burden of his father’s care.” </p> <p> - “By that time, Harry, you will have got rich, and we shall all be in - England, sha’n’t we?” + “By that time, Harry, you will have got rich, and we shall all be in + England, sha’n’t we?” </p> <p> - “I don’t know about being rich, but we shall have been - free-selected off Gangoil.—Now, Mrs. Growler, we’ve done - dinner, and I’ll have a pipe before I make another start. Is Jacko - in the kitchen? Send him through to me on to the veranda.” + “I don’t know about being rich, but we shall have been + free-selected off Gangoil.—Now, Mrs. Growler, we’ve done + dinner, and I’ll have a pipe before I make another start. Is Jacko + in the kitchen? Send him through to me on to the veranda.” </p> <p> - Gangoil was decidedly in the bush—according to common Australian + Gangoil was decidedly in the bush—according to common Australian parlance, all sheep stations are in the bush, even though there should not be a tree or shrub within sight. They who live away from the towns live a - “bush life.” Small towns, as they grow up, are called bush - towns, as we talk of country towns. The “bush,” indeed, is the + “bush life.” Small towns, as they grow up, are called bush + towns, as we talk of country towns. The “bush,” indeed, is the country generally. But the Heathcotes lived absolutely and actually in the bush. There are Australian pastures which consist of plains on which not a tree is to be seen for miles; but others are forests, so far extending @@ -474,17 +427,17 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger portions were open, without any under-wood, between which the sheep could wander at their will, and men could ride, with a sparse surface of coarse grass, which after rain would be luxuriant, but in hot weather would be - scorched down to the ground. At such times—and those times were by - far the more common—a stranger would wonder where the sheep would + scorched down to the ground. At such times—and those times were by + far the more common—a stranger would wonder where the sheep would find their feed. Immediately round the house, or station, as it was called, about one hundred acres had been cleared, or nearly cleared, with a few trees left here and there for ornament or shade. Further afield, but still round the home quarters, the trees had been destroyed, the run of - the sap having been stopped by “ringing” the bark; but they + the sap having been stopped by “ringing” the bark; but they still stood like troops of skeletons, and would stand, very ugly to look at, till they fell, in the course of nature, by reason of their own - rottenness. There was a man always at work about the place—Boscobel - he was called—whose sole business was to destroy the timber after + rottenness. There was a man always at work about the place—Boscobel + he was called—whose sole business was to destroy the timber after this fashion, so that the air might get through to the grasses, and that the soil might be relieved from the burden of nurturing the forest trees. </p> @@ -516,14 +469,14 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger veranda which ran along the front and two ends of the house. It was twelve feet broad, and, of course, of great length. Here was clustered the rocking-chairs, and sofas, and work-tables, and very often the cradle of - the family. Here stood Mrs. Heathcote’s sewing-machine, and here the - master would sprawl at his length, while his wife, or his wife’s + the family. Here stood Mrs. Heathcote’s sewing-machine, and here the + master would sprawl at his length, while his wife, or his wife’s sister, read to him. It was here, in fact, that they lived, having a parlor simply for their meals. Behind the main edifice there stood, each apart, various buildings, forming an irregular quadrangle. The kitchen came first, with a small adjacent chamber in which slept the Chinese man-cook, Sing Sing, as he had come to be called; then the cottage, - consisting also of three rooms and a small veranda, in which lived Harry’s + consisting also of three rooms and a small veranda, in which lived Harry’s superintendent, commonly known as Old Bates, a man who had been a squatter once himself, and having lost his all in bad times, now worked for a small salary. In the cottage two of the rooms were devoted to hospitality when, @@ -535,22 +488,22 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger custom for half a day twice a week. The exigencies of the station did not allow of this regularity; but after some fashion the shop was maintained. Tea was to be bought there, and sugar, tobacco, and pickles, jam, nails, - boots, hats, flannel shirrs, and mole-skin trowsers. Any body who came + boots, hats, flannel shirts, and mole-skin trowsers. Any body who came might buy, but the intention was to provide the station hands, who would otherwise have had to go or send thirty miles for the supply of their wants. Very little money was taken here, generally none. But the quantity of pickles, jam, and tobacco sold was great. The men would consume large quantities of these bush delicacies, and the cost would be deducted from their wages. The tea and sugar, and flour also, were given out weekly, as - rations—so much a week—and meat was supplied to them after the + rations—so much a week—and meat was supplied to them after the same fashion. For it was the duty of this young autocratic patriarch to find provisions for all who were employed around him. For such luxuries as jam and tobacco the men paid themselves. </p> <p> On the fourth side of the quadrangle was a rough coach-house, and rougher - stables. The carriage part of the establishment consisted of two “buggies”—so - called always in the bush—open carriages on four wheels, one of + stables. The carriage part of the establishment consisted of two “buggies”—so + called always in the bush—open carriages on four wheels, one of which was intended to hold two and the other four sitters. A Londoner looking at them would have declared them to be hopeless ruins; but Harry Heathcote still made wonderful journeys in them, taking care generally @@ -563,11 +516,11 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger handiness, was generally hitched to a post outside the kitchen door. Harry was proud of his horses, and was sometimes heard to say that few men in England had a lot of thirty at hand as he had, out of which so many would - be able to carry a man eighty miles in eight hours at a moment’s + be able to carry a man eighty miles in eight hours at a moment’s notice. But his stable arrangements would not have commanded respect in - the “Shires.” The animals were never groomed, never fed, and + the “Shires.” The animals were never groomed, never fed, and many of them never shod. They lived upon grass, and, Harry always said, - “cut their own bread-and-butter for themselves.” + “cut their own bread-and-butter for themselves.” </p> <p> Gangoil was certainly very pretty. The veranda was covered in with striped @@ -576,7 +529,7 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger something of the protection of an inclosed room. Up all the posts there were flowering creepers, which covered the front with greenery even when the flowers were wanting. From the front of the house down to the creek - there was a pleasant failing garden—heart-breaking, indeed, in + there was a pleasant failing garden—heart-breaking, indeed, in regard to vegetables, for the opossums always came first, and they who followed the opossums got but little. But the garden gave a pleasant home-like look to the place, and was very dear to Harry, who was, perhaps, @@ -598,73 +551,67 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger While he was speaking, a rough-looking lad, about sixteen years of age, came through the parlor to the veranda, dressed very much like his master, but unwashed, uncombed, and with that wild look which falls upon those who - wander about the Australian plains, living a nomad life. This was Jacko—so - called, and no one knew him by any other name—a lad whom Heathcote + wander about the Australian plains, living a nomad life. This was Jacko—so + called, and no one knew him by any other name—a lad whom Heathcote had picked up about six months since, and who had become a favorite. - “The old woman says as you was wanting me?” suggested Jacko. - “Going to be fine to-night, Jacko?” + “The old woman says as you was wanting me?” suggested Jacko. + “Going to be fine to-night, Jacko?” </p> <p> - Jacko went to the edge of the veranda and looked up to the sky. “My - word! little squall a-coming,” he said. + Jacko went to the edge of the veranda and looked up to the sky. “My + word! little squall a-coming,” he said. </p> <p> - “I wish it would come from ten thousand buckets,” said the + “I wish it would come from ten thousand buckets,” said the master. </p> <p> - “No buckets at all,” said Jacko. “Want the horses, - master?” - </p> - <p> - “Of course. I want the horses, and I want you to come with me. There - are two horses saddled there; I’ll ride Hamlet.” + “No buckets at all,” said Jacko. “Want the horses, + master?” </p> <p> - <br /><br /> + “Of course. I want the horses, and I want you to come with me. There + are two horses saddled there; I’ll ride Hamlet.” </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER II. — A NIGHT’S RIDE. + + <div class="chapter"> + <hr class="x-ebookmaker-drop" /> + <h2 id="link2HCH0002"> + CHAPTER II.<br> <span>A NIGHT’S RIDE.</span> </h2> + </div> <p> - Harry jumped from the ground, kissed his wife, called her “old girl,” + Harry jumped from the ground, kissed his wife, called her “old girl,” and told her to be happy, and got on his horse at the garden gate. Both - the ladies came off the veranda to see him start. “It’s as - dark as pitch,” said Kate Daly. + the ladies came off the veranda to see him start. “It’s as + dark as pitch,” said Kate Daly. </p> <p> - “That’s because you have just come out of the light.” + “That’s because you have just come out of the light.” </p> <p> - “But it is dark—quite dark. You won’t be late, will you?” + “But it is dark—quite dark. You won’t be late, will you?” said the wife. </p> <p> - “I can’t be very early, as it’s near ten now. I shall be - back about twelve.” So saying, he broke at once into a gallop, and + “I can’t be very early, as it’s near ten now. I shall be + back about twelve.” So saying, he broke at once into a gallop, and vanished into the night, his young groom scampering after him. </p> <p> - “Why should he go out now?” Kate said to her sister. + “Why should he go out now?” Kate said to her sister. </p> <p> - “He is afraid of fire.” + “He is afraid of fire.” </p> <p> - “But he can’t prevent the fires by riding about in the dark. I - suppose the fires come from the heat.” + “But he can’t prevent the fires by riding about in the dark. I + suppose the fires come from the heat.” </p> <p> - “He thinks they come from enemies, and he has heard something. One + “He thinks they come from enemies, and he has heard something. One wretched man may do so much when every thing is dried to tinder. I do so - wish it would rain.” + wish it would rain.” </p> <p> The night, in truth, was very dark. It was now midsummer, at which time @@ -676,23 +623,23 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger track was just visible, the trees being dead and the spaces open. About half a mile from the house, while they were still in the horse paddock, Harry turned from the track, and Jacko, of course, turned with him. - “You can sit your horse jumping, Jacko?” he asked. + “You can sit your horse jumping, Jacko?” he asked. </p> <p> - “My word! jump like glory,” answered Jacko. He was soon tried. - Harry rode at the bush fence—which was not, indeed, much of a fence, - made of logs lengthways and crossways, about three feet and a half high—and + “My word! jump like glory,” answered Jacko. He was soon tried. + Harry rode at the bush fence—which was not, indeed, much of a fence, + made of logs lengthways and crossways, about three feet and a half high—and went over it. Jacko followed him, rushing his horse at the leap, losing - his seat and almost falling over the animal’s shoulders as he came - to the ground. “My word!” said Jacko, just saving himself by a - scramble; “who ever saw the like of that?” + his seat and almost falling over the animal’s shoulders as he came + to the ground. “My word!” said Jacko, just saving himself by a + scramble; “who ever saw the like of that?” </p> <p> - “Why don’t you sit in your saddle, you stupid young duffer?” + “Why don’t you sit in your saddle, you stupid young duffer?” </p> <p> - “Sit in my saddle! Why don’t he jump proper? Well, you go on. - I don’t know that I’m a duffer. Duffer, indeed! My word!” + “Sit in my saddle! Why don’t he jump proper? Well, you go on. + I don’t know that I’m a duffer. Duffer, indeed! My word!” Heathcote had turned to the left, leaving the track, which was, indeed, the main road toward the nearest town and the coast, and was now pushing on through the forest with no pathway at all to guide him. To ordinary @@ -704,28 +651,28 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger home, and went forward through the thick gloom without a doubt, Jacko following him faithfully. In about half an hour they came to another fence, but now it was too absolutely dark for jumping. Harry had not seen - it till he was close to it, and then he pulled up his horse. “My - word! why don’t you jump away, Mr. Harry? Who’s a duffer now?” + it till he was close to it, and then he pulled up his horse. “My + word! why don’t you jump away, Mr. Harry? Who’s a duffer now?” </p> <p> - “Hold your tongue, or I’ll put my whip across your back. Get - down and help me pull a log away. The horses couldn’t see where to - put their feet.” Jacko did as he was bid, and worked hard, but still + “Hold your tongue, or I’ll put my whip across your back. Get + down and help me pull a log away. The horses couldn’t see where to + put their feet.” Jacko did as he was bid, and worked hard, but still grumbled at having been called a duffer. The animals were quickly led over, the logs were replaced, and the two were again galloping through the forest. </p> <p> - “I thought you were making for the wool-shed,” said Jacko. + “I thought you were making for the wool-shed,” said Jacko. </p> <p> - “We’re eight miles beyond the wool-shed,” said Harry. + “We’re eight miles beyond the wool-shed,” said Harry. They had now crossed another paddock, and had come to the extreme fence on the run. The Gangoil pastures extended much further, but in that direction had not as yet been inclosed. Here they both got off their horses and walked along the fence till they came to an opening, with a slip panel, or - movable bars, which had been Heathcote’s intended destination. - “Hold the horses, Jacko, till I come back,” he said. + movable bars, which had been Heathcote’s intended destination. + “Hold the horses, Jacko, till I come back,” he said. </p> <p> Jacko, when alone, nothing daunted by the darkness or solitude, seated @@ -733,8 +680,8 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger tobacco was ignited he dropped the match on the dry grass at his feet, and a little flame instantly sprang up. The boy waited a few seconds till the flames began to run, and then putting his feet together on the ground - stamped out the incipient fire. “My word!” said Jacko to - himself, “it’s easy done, anyway.” + stamped out the incipient fire. “My word!” said Jacko to + himself, “it’s easy done, anyway.” </p> <p> Harry went on to the left for about half a mile, and then stood leaning @@ -743,13 +690,13 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger knew well, had been cultivated and was covered with sugar-canes. Where he stood he was not distant above a quarter of a mile from the river, and the field before him ran down to the banks. This was the selected land of - Giles Medlicot—two years since a portion of his own run, which had - now been purchased from the government—for the loss of which he had + Giles Medlicot—two years since a portion of his own run, which had + now been purchased from the government—for the loss of which he had received and was entitled to receive no compensation. And the matter was made worse for him by the fact that the interloper had come between him and the river. But he was not standing here near midnight merely to exercise his wrath by straining his eyes through the darkness at his - neighbor’s crops. He put his finger into his mouth to wet it, and + neighbor’s crops. He put his finger into his mouth to wet it, and then held it up that he might discover which way the light breath of wind was coming. There was still the low moan to be heard continually through the forest, and yet not a leaf seemed to be moved. After a while he @@ -758,130 +705,130 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger whence the noise came. </p> <p> - “Who’s that?” he said, as he saw the figure of a man + “Who’s that?” he said, as he saw the figure of a man standing on his side of the fence, and leaning against it, with a pipe in his month. </p> <p> - “Who are you?” replied the man on the fence. “My name is - Medlicot.” + “Who are you?” replied the man on the fence. “My name is + Medlicot.” </p> <p> - “Oh, Mr. Medlicot, is it?” + “Oh, Mr. Medlicot, is it?” </p> <p> - “Is that Mr. Heathcote? Good-night, Mr. Heathcote. You are going - about at a late hour of the night.” + “Is that Mr. Heathcote? Good-night, Mr. Heathcote. You are going + about at a late hour of the night.” </p> <p> - “I have to go about early and late; but I ain’t later than - you.” + “I have to go about early and late; but I ain’t later than + you.” </p> <p> - “I’m close at home,” said Medlicot. + “I’m close at home,” said Medlicot. </p> <p> - “I am, at any rate, on my own run,” said Harry. + “I am, at any rate, on my own run,” said Harry. </p> <p> - “You mean to say that I am trespassing?” said the other; - “because I can very soon jump back over the fence.” + “You mean to say that I am trespassing?” said the other; + “because I can very soon jump back over the fence.” </p> <p> - “I didn’t mean that at all, Mr. Medlicot; any body is welcome - on my run, night or day, who knows how to behave himself.” + “I didn’t mean that at all, Mr. Medlicot; any body is welcome + on my run, night or day, who knows how to behave himself.” </p> <p> - “I hope I’m included in that list.” + “I hope I’m included in that list.” </p> <p> - “Just so; of course. Considering the state that every thing is in, + “Just so; of course. Considering the state that every thing is in, and all the damage that a fire would do, I rather wish that people would - be a little more careful about smoking.” + be a little more careful about smoking.” </p> <p> - “My canes, Mr. Heathcote, would burn quite as quickly as your grass.” + “My canes, Mr. Heathcote, would burn quite as quickly as your grass.” </p> <p> - “It is not only the grass. I’ve a hundred miles of fencing on + “It is not only the grass. I’ve a hundred miles of fencing on the run which is as dry as tinder, not to talk of the station and the - wool-shed.” + wool-shed.” </p> <p> - “They sha’n’t suffer from my neglect, Mr. Heathcote.” + “They sha’n’t suffer from my neglect, Mr. Heathcote.” </p> <p> - “You have men about who mayn’t be so careful. The wind, such + “You have men about who mayn’t be so careful. The wind, such as it is, is coming right across from your place. If there were light enough, I could show you three or four patches where there has been fire within half a mile of this spot. There was a log burning there for two or - three days, not long ago, which was lighted by one of our men.” + three days, not long ago, which was lighted by one of our men.” </p> <p> - “That was a fortnight since. There was no heat then, and the men - were boiling their kettle. I spoke about it.” + “That was a fortnight since. There was no heat then, and the men + were boiling their kettle. I spoke about it.” </p> <p> - “A log like that, Mr. Medlicot, will burn for weeks sometimes. I’ll - tell you fairly what I’m afraid of. There’s a man with you + “A log like that, Mr. Medlicot, will burn for weeks sometimes. I’ll + tell you fairly what I’m afraid of. There’s a man with you whom I turned out of the shed last shearing, and I think he might put a - match down—not by accident.” + match down—not by accident.” </p> <p> - “You mean Nokes. As far as I know, he’s a decent man. You - wouldn’t have me not employ a man just because you had dismissed - him?” + “You mean Nokes. As far as I know, he’s a decent man. You + wouldn’t have me not employ a man just because you had dismissed + him?” </p> <p> - “Certainly not; that is, I shouldn’t think of dictating to you - about such a thing.” + “Certainly not; that is, I shouldn’t think of dictating to you + about such a thing.” </p> <p> - “Well, no, Mr. Heathcote, I suppose not. Nokes has got to earn his - bread, though you did dismiss him. I don’t know that he’s not - as honest a man as you or I.” + “Well, no, Mr. Heathcote, I suppose not. Nokes has got to earn his + bread, though you did dismiss him. I don’t know that he’s not + as honest a man as you or I.” </p> <p> - “If so, there’s three of us very bad; that’s all, Mr. - Medlicot. Good-night; and if you’ll trouble yourself to look after - the ash of your tobacco it might be the saving of me and all I have.” + “If so, there’s three of us very bad; that’s all, Mr. + Medlicot. Good-night; and if you’ll trouble yourself to look after + the ash of your tobacco it might be the saving of me and all I have.” So saying, he turned round, and made his way back to the horses. </p> <p> Medlicot had placed himself on the fence during the interview, and he still kept his seat. Of course he was now thinking of the man who had just left him, whom he declared to himself to be an ignorant, prejudiced, - ill-constituted cur. “I believe in his heart he thinks that I’m - going to set fire to his run,” he said, almost aloud. “And + ill-constituted cur. “I believe in his heart he thinks that I’m + going to set fire to his run,” he said, almost aloud. “And because he grows wool he thinks himself above every body in the colony. He occupies thousands of acres, and employs three or four men. I till about two hundred, and maintain thirty families. But he is such a pig that he - can’t understand all that; and he thinks that I must be something - low because I’ve bought with my own money a bit of land which never - belonged to him, and which he couldn’t use.” Such was the - nature of Giles Medlicot’s soliloquy as he sat swinging his legs, + can’t understand all that; and he thinks that I must be something + low because I’ve bought with my own money a bit of land which never + belonged to him, and which he couldn’t use.” Such was the + nature of Giles Medlicot’s soliloquy as he sat swinging his legs, and still smoking his pipe, on the fence which divided his sugar-cane from - the other young man’s run. + the other young man’s run. </p> <p> - And Harry Heathcote uttered his soliloquy also. “I wouldn’t - swear that he wouldn’t do it himself, after all;” meaning that + And Harry Heathcote uttered his soliloquy also. “I wouldn’t + swear that he wouldn’t do it himself, after all;” meaning that he almost suspected that Medlicot himself would be an incendiary. To him, in his way of thinking, a man who would take advantage of the law to buy a - bit of another man’s land—or become a free-selector, as the - term goes—was a public enemy, and might be presumed capable of any - iniquity. It was all very well for the girls—meaning his wife and - sister-in-law—to tell him that Medlicot had the manners of a + bit of another man’s land—or become a free-selector, as the + term goes—was a public enemy, and might be presumed capable of any + iniquity. It was all very well for the girls—meaning his wife and + sister-in-law—to tell him that Medlicot had the manners of a gentleman and had come of decent people. Women were always soft enough to be taken by soft hands, a good-looking face, and a decent coat. This Medlicot went about dressed like a man in the towns, exhibiting, as Harry thought, a contemptible, unmanly finery. Of what use was it to tell him that Medlicot was a gentleman? What Harry knew was that since Medlicot had come he had lost his sheep, that the heads of three or four had been found - buried on Medlicot’s side of his run, and that if he dismissed - “a hand,” Medlicot employed him—a proceeding which, in - Harry Heathcote’s aristocratic and patriarchal views of life, was - altogether ungentleman-like. How were the “hands” to be kept + buried on Medlicot’s side of his run, and that if he dismissed + “a hand,” Medlicot employed him—a proceeding which, in + Harry Heathcote’s aristocratic and patriarchal views of life, was + altogether ungentleman-like. How were the “hands” to be kept in their place if one employer of labor did not back up another? </p> <p> @@ -893,57 +840,57 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger had told him that there would be fire about before long. </p> <p> - “Why should any one want to ruin me?” Harry had asked. “Did - I ever wrong a man of a shilling?” + “Why should any one want to ruin me?” Harry had asked. “Did + I ever wrong a man of a shilling?” </p> <p> The German had learned to know his young master, had made his way through - the crust of his master’s character, and was prepared to be faithful - at all points—though he too could have quarreled and have avenged + the crust of his master’s character, and was prepared to be faithful + at all points—though he too could have quarreled and have avenged himself had it not chanced that he had come to the point of loving instead of hating his employer. </p> <p> - “You like too much to be governor over all,” said the German, + “You like too much to be governor over all,” said the German, as he stooped over the fire in his own hut in his anxiety to boil the - water for Heathcote’s tea. + water for Heathcote’s tea. </p> <p> - “Somebody must be governor, or every thing would go to the devil,” + “Somebody must be governor, or every thing would go to the devil,” said Harry. </p> <p> - “Dat’s true—only fellows don’t like be made feel - it,” said the German, “Nokes, he was made feel it when you put - him over de gate.” + “Dat’s true—only fellows don’t like be made feel + it,” said the German, “Nokes, he was made feel it when you put + him over de gate.” </p> <p> But neither would Bates nor the German express absolute suspicion of any - man. That Medlicot’s “hands” at the sugar-mill were + man. That Medlicot’s “hands” at the sugar-mill were stealing his sheep Harry thought that he knew; but that was comparatively a small affair, and he would not have pressed it, as he was without absolute evidence. And even he had a feeling that it would be unwise to - increase the anger felt against himself—at any rate, during the + increase the anger felt against himself—at any rate, during the present heats. </p> <p> - Jacko had his pipe still alight when Heathcote returned. “You young - monkey,” said he, “have you been using matches?” + Jacko had his pipe still alight when Heathcote returned. “You young + monkey,” said he, “have you been using matches?” </p> <p> - “Why not, Mr. Harry? Don’t the grass burn ready, Mr. Harry? My - word!” Then Jacko stooped down, lit another match, and showed + “Why not, Mr. Harry? Don’t the grass burn ready, Mr. Harry? My + word!” Then Jacko stooped down, lit another match, and showed Heathcote the burned patch. </p> <p> - “Was it so when we came?” Harry asked, with emotion. Jacko, + “Was it so when we came?” Harry asked, with emotion. Jacko, still kneeling on the ground, and holding the lighted match in his hand, shook his head and tapped his breast, indicating that he had burned the - grass. “You dropped the match by accident?” + grass. “You dropped the match by accident?” </p> <p> - “My word! no. Did it o’ purpose to see. It’s all just - one as gunpowder, Mr. Harry.” + “My word! no. Did it o’ purpose to see. It’s all just + one as gunpowder, Mr. Harry.” </p> <p> Harry got on his horse without a word, and rode away through the forest, @@ -968,18 +915,18 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger illumined by a flash of lightning so near them that it made each of them start in his saddle, and made the horses shudder in every limb. Then came the roll of thunder immediately over their heads, and with the thunder - rain so thick and fast that Harry’s “ten thousand buckets” + rain so thick and fast that Harry’s “ten thousand buckets” seemed to be emptied directly over their heads. </p> <p> - “God A’mighty has put out the fires now,” said Jacko. + “God A’mighty has put out the fires now,” said Jacko. </p> <p> - Harry paused for a moment, feeling the rain through to his bones—for - he had nothing on over his shirt—and rejoicing in it. “Yes,” - he said; “we may go to bed for a week, and let the grass grow, and + Harry paused for a moment, feeling the rain through to his bones—for + he had nothing on over his shirt—and rejoicing in it. “Yes,” + he said; “we may go to bed for a week, and let the grass grow, and the creeks fill, and the earth cool. Half an hour like this over the whole - run, and there won’t be a dry stick on it.” + run, and there won’t be a dry stick on it.” </p> <p> As they went on, the horses splashed through the water. It seemed as @@ -987,16 +934,16 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger feet were becoming a lake. </p> <p> - “We might have too much of this, Jacko.” + “We might have too much of this, Jacko.” </p> <p> - “My word! yes.” + “My word! yes.” </p> <p> - “I don’t want to have the Mary flooded again.” + “I don’t want to have the Mary flooded again.” </p> <p> - “My word! no.” + “My word! no.” </p> <p> But by the time they reached the wool-shed it was over. From the first @@ -1016,10 +963,10 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger that his wool-shed was the best that had ever been built in this district. </p> <p> - “By Jimini! what’s that?” said Jacko. + “By Jimini! what’s that?” said Jacko. </p> <p> - “Did you hear any thing?” + “Did you hear any thing?” </p> <p> Jacko pointed with his finger down the centre walk of the shed, and Harry, @@ -1035,69 +982,63 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger have so delayed him as to give him no chance of success. </p> <p> - “I knew there was a fellow about,” he said; “one of our - own men would not have run like that.” + “I knew there was a fellow about,” he said; “one of our + own men would not have run like that.” </p> <p> Jacko shook his head, but did not speak. </p> <p> - “He has got in here for shelter out of the rain, but he was doing no - good about the place.” + “He has got in here for shelter out of the rain, but he was doing no + good about the place.” </p> <p> Jacko again shook his head. </p> <p> - “I wonder who he was?” + “I wonder who he was?” </p> <p> - Jacko came up and whispered in his ear, “Bill Nokes.” + Jacko came up and whispered in his ear, “Bill Nokes.” </p> <p> - “You couldn’t see him.” + “You couldn’t see him.” </p> <p> - “Seed the drag of his leg.” Now it was well known that the man + “Seed the drag of his leg.” Now it was well known that the man Nokes had injured some of his muscles, and habitually dragged one foot after another. </p> <p> - “I don’t think you could have been sure of him by such a - glimpse as that.” + “I don’t think you could have been sure of him by such a + glimpse as that.” </p> <p> - “Maybe not,” said the boy, “only I’m sure as sure.” + “Maybe not,” said the boy, “only I’m sure as sure.” </p> <p> Harry Heathcote said not another word, but getting again upon his horse, galloped home. It was past one when he reached the station, but the two girls were waiting up for him, and at once began to condole with him - because he was wet. “Wet!” said Harry; “if you could + because he was wet. “Wet!” said Harry; “if you could only know how much I prefer things being wet to dry just at present! But give Jacko some supper. I must keep that young fellow in good humor if I - can.” + can.” </p> <p> So Jacko had half a loaf of bread, and a small pot of jam, and a large jug of cold tea provided for him, in the enjoyment of which luxuries he did not seem to be in the least impeded by the fact that he was wet through to - the skin. Harry Heathcote had another nobbler—being only the second - in the day—and then went to bed. - </p> - <p> - <br /><br /> + the skin. Harry Heathcote had another nobbler—being only the second + in the day—and then went to bed. </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER III. — MEDLICOT’S MILL. + + <div class="chapter"> + <hr class="x-ebookmaker-drop" /> + <h2 id="link2HCH0003"> + CHAPTER III.<br> <span>MEDLICOT’S MILL.</span> </h2> + </div> <p> As Harry said, they might all now lie in bed for a day or two. The rain had set aside for the time the necessity for that urgent watchfulness @@ -1108,7 +1049,7 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger January, did not leave more than sufficient intervals for looking after the water-dams, making and mending fences, procuring stores, and attending to the ailments of the flocks. No man worked harder than the young - squatter. But now there had suddenly come a day or two of rest—rest + squatter. But now there had suddenly come a day or two of rest—rest from work which was not of itself productive, but only remedial, and which, therefore, was not begrudged. </p> @@ -1118,7 +1059,7 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger space of minutes. On the following morning the thirsty earth had apparently swallowed all the flood. The water in the creek beneath the house stood two feet higher than it had done, and Harry, when he visited - the dams round the run, found that they were fall to overflowing, and the + the dams round the run, found that they were full to overflowing, and the grasses were already springing, so quick is the all but tropical growth of the country. They might be safe, perhaps, for eight-and-forty hours. Fire would run only when the ground was absolutely dry, and when every twig or @@ -1127,47 +1068,47 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger </p> <p> On the day following the night of the ride Mrs. Heathcote suggested to her - husband that she and Kate should ride over to Medlicot’s Mill, as - the place was already named, and call on Mrs. Medlicot. “It isn’t - Christian,” she said, “for people living out in the bush as we - are to quarrel with their neighbors just because they are neighbors.” + husband that she and Kate should ride over to Medlicot’s Mill, as + the place was already named, and call on Mrs. Medlicot. “It isn’t + Christian,” she said, “for people living out in the bush as we + are to quarrel with their neighbors just because they are neighbors.” </p> <p> - “Neighbors!” said Harry; “I don’t know any word - that there’s so much humbug about. The Samaritan was the best + “Neighbors!” said Harry; “I don’t know any word + that there’s so much humbug about. The Samaritan was the best neighbor I ever heard of, and he lived a long way off, I take it. Anyway, - he wasn’t a free-selector.” + he wasn’t a free-selector.” </p> <p> - “Harry, that’s profane.” + “Harry, that’s profane.” </p> <p> - “Every thing I say is wicked. You can go, of course, if you like it. - I don’t want to quarrel with any body.” + “Every thing I say is wicked. You can go, of course, if you like it. + I don’t want to quarrel with any body.” </p> <p> - “Quarreling is so uncomfortable,” said his wife. + “Quarreling is so uncomfortable,” said his wife. </p> <p> - “That’s a matter of taste. There are people whom I find it - very comfortable to quarrel with. I shouldn’t at all like not to - quarrel with the Brownbies, and I’m not at all sure it mayn’t - come to be the same with Mr. Giles Medlicot.” + “That’s a matter of taste. There are people whom I find it + very comfortable to quarrel with. I shouldn’t at all like not to + quarrel with the Brownbies, and I’m not at all sure it mayn’t + come to be the same with Mr. Giles Medlicot.” </p> <p> - “The Brownbies live by sheep-stealing and horse-stealing.” + “The Brownbies live by sheep-stealing and horse-stealing.” </p> <p> - “And Medlicot means to live by employing sheep-stealers and - horse-stealers. You can go if you like it. You won’t want me to go - with you. Will you have the baggy?” + “And Medlicot means to live by employing sheep-stealers and + horse-stealers. You can go if you like it. You won’t want me to go + with you. Will you have the buggy?” </p> <p> But the ladies said that they would ride. The air was cooler now than it had been, and they would like the exercise. They would take Jacko with them to open the slip-rails, and they would be back by seven for dinner. So they started, taking the track by the wool-shed. The wool-shed was - about two miles from the station, and Medlicot’s Mill was seven + about two miles from the station, and Medlicot’s Mill was seven miles farther, on the bank of the river. </p> <p> @@ -1186,9 +1127,9 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger his mother to live with him. Hitherto he had hardly made himself popular. He was not either fish or fowl. The squatters regarded him as an interloper, and as a man holding opinions directly averse to their own - interests—in which they were right. And the small free-selectors, - who lived on the labor of their own hands—or, as was said of many of - them, by stealing sheep and cattle—knew well that he was not of + interests—in which they were right. And the small free-selectors, + who lived on the labor of their own hands—or, as was said of many of + them, by stealing sheep and cattle—knew well that he was not of their class. But Medlicot had gone his way steadfastly, if not happily, and complained aloud to no one in the midst of his difficulties. He had not, perhaps, found the Paradise which he had expected in Queensland, but @@ -1201,8 +1142,8 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger enterprise he had hoped to make this man his friend, not comprehending at first how great a cause for hostility was created by the very purchase of the land. He had been a new-comer from the old country, and, being alone, - had desired friendship. He was Harry Heathcote’s equal in education, - intelligence, and fortune, if not in birth—which surely, in the + had desired friendship. He was Harry Heathcote’s equal in education, + intelligence, and fortune, if not in birth—which surely, in the Australian bush, need not count for much. He had assumed, when first meeting the squatter, that good-fellowship between them, on equal terms, would be acceptable to both; but his overtures had been coldly received. @@ -1210,22 +1151,22 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger ignorant ass, and had unconsciously made up his mind to commence hostilities. It was in this spirit that he had taken Nokes into his mill, of whose character, had he inquired about it, he would certainly have - heard no good. He had now brought his mother to Medlicot’s Mill. She + heard no good. He had now brought his mother to Medlicot’s Mill. She and the Gangoil ladies had met each other on neutral ground, and it was almost necessary that they should either be friends or absolute enemies. Mrs. Heathcote had been aware of this, and had declared that enmity was horrible. </p> <p> - “Upon my word,” said Harry, “I sometimes think that - friendship is more so. I suppose I’m fitted for bush life, for I - want to see no one from year’s end to year’s end but my own - family and my own people.” And yet this young patriarch in the + “Upon my word,” said Harry, “I sometimes think that + friendship is more so. I suppose I’m fitted for bush life, for I + want to see no one from year’s end to year’s end but my own + family and my own people.” And yet this young patriarch in the wilderness was only twenty-four years old, and had been educated at an English school! </p> <p> - Medlicot’s cottage was about a hundred and fifty yards from the + Medlicot’s cottage was about a hundred and fifty yards from the mill, looking down upon the Mary, the banks of which at this spot were almost precipitous. The site for the plantation had been chosen because the river afforded the means of carriage down to the sea, and the mill had @@ -1237,7 +1178,7 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger the infirmity of age. </p> <p> - “This is gay kind of you to run so far to see an auld woman,” + “This is gay kind of you to run so far to see an auld woman,” she said. </p> <p> @@ -1245,27 +1186,27 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger the rain the air was pleasant. </p> <p> - “You’re two bright lassies, and you’re hearty,” - she said. “I’m auld, and just out of Cumberland, and I find it’s - hot enough—and I’m no guid at horseback at all. I dinna know - how I’m to get aboot.” + “You’re two bright lassies, and you’re hearty,” + she said. “I’m auld, and just out of Cumberland, and I find it’s + hot enough—and I’m no guid at horseback at all. I dinna know + how I’m to get aboot.” </p> <p> Then Mrs. Heathcote explained that there was an excellent track for a buggy all the way to Gangoil. </p> <p> - “Giles is aye telling me that I’m to gang aboot in a bouggey, - but I dinna feel sure of thae bouggeys.” + “Giles is aye telling me that I’m to gang aboot in a bouggey, + but I dinna feel sure of thae bouggeys.” </p> <p> Mrs. Heathcote, of course, praised the country carriages, and the country roads, and the country generally. Tea was brought in, and the old lady was delighted with her guests. Since she had been at the mill, week had - followed week, and she had seen no woman’s face but that of the - uncouth girl who waited upon her. “Did ye ever see rain like that!” - she said, putting up her hands. “I thought the Lord was sending his - clouds down upon us in a lump like.” Then she told them that some of + followed week, and she had seen no woman’s face but that of the + uncouth girl who waited upon her. “Did ye ever see rain like that!” + she said, putting up her hands. “I thought the Lord was sending his + clouds down upon us in a lump like.” Then she told them that some of the men had declared that if it went on like that for two hours the Mary would rise and take the cottage away. Giles, however, had declared that to be trash, as the cottage was twenty feet above the ordinary course of the @@ -1275,7 +1216,7 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger They were just rising to take their leave, when Giles Medlicot himself came in out of the mill. He was a man of good presence, dark, and tall like Heathcote, but stoutly made, with a strongly marked face, given to - frowning much when he was eager; bright-eyed, with a broad forehead—certainly + frowning much when he was eager; bright-eyed, with a broad forehead—certainly a man to be observed as far as his appearance was concerned. He was dressed much as a gentleman dresses in the country at home, and was therefore accounted to be a fop by Harry Heathcote, who was rarely seen @@ -1285,8 +1226,8 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger </p> <p> Medlicot had been full of wrath against his neighbor all the morning. - There had been a tone in Heathcote’s voice when he gave his parting - warning as to the fire in Medlicot’s pipe which the sugar grower had + There had been a tone in Heathcote’s voice when he gave his parting + warning as to the fire in Medlicot’s pipe which the sugar grower had felt to be intentionally insolent. Nothing had been said which could be openly resented, but offense had surely been intended; and then he had remembered that his mother had been already some months at the mill, and @@ -1298,8 +1239,8 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger on the very day after such an interview as that of the preceding night. </p> <p> - “The leddies from Gangoil, Giles, have been guid enough to ride over - and see me,” said his mother. + “The leddies from Gangoil, Giles, have been guid enough to ride over + and see me,” said his mother. </p> <p> Medlicot, of course, shook hands with them, and expressed his sense of @@ -1307,49 +1248,49 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger purpose of riding part of the way back with them. </p> <p> - “Mr. Heathcote must have been very wet last night,” he said, - when they were on horse-back, addressing himself to Kate Daly rather than + “Mr. Heathcote must have been very wet last night,” he said, + when they were on horseback, addressing himself to Kate Daly rather than to her sister. </p> <p> - “Indeed he was—wet to the skin. Were you not?” + “Indeed he was—wet to the skin. Were you not?” </p> <p> - “I saw him at about eleven, before the rain began. I was close home, + “I saw him at about eleven, before the rain began. I was close home, and just escaped. He must have been under it all. Does he often go about - the run in that way at night?” + the run in that way at night?” </p> <p> - “Only when he’s afraid of fires,” said Kate. + “Only when he’s afraid of fires,” said Kate. </p> <p> - “Is there much to be afraid of? I don’t suppose that any body - can be so wicked as to wish to burn the grass.” Then the ladies took - upon themselves to explain. “The fires might be caused from + “Is there much to be afraid of? I don’t suppose that any body + can be so wicked as to wish to burn the grass.” Then the ladies took + upon themselves to explain. “The fires might be caused from negligence or trifling accidents, or might possibly come from the unaided - heat of the sun; or there might be enemies.” + heat of the sun; or there might be enemies.” </p> <p> - “My word! yes; enemies, rather!” said Jacko, who was riding + “My word! yes; enemies, rather!” said Jacko, who was riding close behind, and who had no idea of being kept out of the conversation merely because he was a servant. Medlicot, turning round, looked at the lad, and asked who were the enemies. </p> <p> - “Free-selectors,” said Jacko. + “Free-selectors,” said Jacko. </p> <p> - “I’m a free-selector,” said Medlicot. + “I’m a free-selector,” said Medlicot. </p> <p> - “Did not jist mean you,” said Jacko. + “Did not jist mean you,” said Jacko. </p> <p> - “Jacko, you’d better hold your tongue,” said Mrs. + “Jacko, you’d better hold your tongue,” said Mrs. Heathcote. </p> <p> - “Hold my tongue! My word! Well, you go on.” + “Hold my tongue! My word! Well, you go on.” </p> <p> Medlicot came as far as the wool-shed, and then said that he would return. @@ -1364,61 +1305,61 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger himself had by no means taken the nicest. </p> <p> - “You’ll never find your way back,” said Kate, “if - you’ve not been here before.” + “You’ll never find your way back,” said Kate, “if + you’ve not been here before.” </p> <p> - “I never was here before, and I suppose I must find my way back.” + “I never was here before, and I suppose I must find my way back.” Then he was urged to come on and dine at Gangoil, with a promise that Jacko should return with him in the evening. But this he would not do. Heathcote was a pig-headed ass, who possibly regarded him as an incendiary - simply because he had bought some land. This boy of Heathcote’s, + simply because he had bought some land. This boy of Heathcote’s, whose services had been offered to him, had not scrupled to tell him to his face that he was to be regarded as an enemy. Much as he liked the company of Kate Daly, he could not go to the house of that stupid, - arrogant, pig-headed young squatter. “I’m not such a bad - bushman but what I can find my way to the river,” he said. + arrogant, pig-headed young squatter. “I’m not such a bad + bushman but what I can find my way to the river,” he said. </p> <p> - “Find it blindful,” said Jacko, who did not relish the idea of - going back to Medlicot’s Mill as guide to another man. There was a + “Find it blindful,” said Jacko, who did not relish the idea of + going back to Medlicot’s Mill as guide to another man. There was a weakness in the idea that such aid could be necessary, which was revolting - to Jacko’s sense of bush independence. + to Jacko’s sense of bush independence. </p> <p> They were standing on their horses at the entrance to the wool-shed as they discussed the point, when suddenly Harry himself appeared out of the building. He came up and shook hands with Medlicot, with sufficient courtesy, but hardly with cordiality, and then asked his wife as to her - ride. “We have been very jolly, haven’t we, Kate? Of course it + ride. “We have been very jolly, haven’t we, Kate? Of course it has been hot, but every thing is not so frightfully parched as it was before the rain. As Mr. Medlicot has come back so far with us, we want him - to come on and dine.” + to come on and dine.” </p> <p> - “Pray do, Mr. Medlicot,” said Harry. But again the tone of his + “Pray do, Mr. Medlicot,” said Harry. But again the tone of his voice was not sufficiently hearty to satisfy the man who was invited. </p> <p> - “Thanks, no: I think I’ll hardly do that.—Good-night, - Mrs. Heathcote; good-night. Miss Daly;” and the two ladies + “Thanks, no: I think I’ll hardly do that.—Good-night, + Mrs. Heathcote; good-night. Miss Daly;” and the two ladies immediately perceived that his voice, which had hitherto been pleasant in their ears, had ceased to be cordial. </p> <p> - “I am very glad he has gone back,” said Heathcote. + “I am very glad he has gone back,” said Heathcote. </p> <p> - “Why do you say so, Harry? You are not given to be inhospitable, and + “Why do you say so, Harry? You are not given to be inhospitable, and why should you grudge me and Kate the rare pleasure of seeing a strange - face?” + face?” </p> <p> - “I’ll tell you why. It’s not about him at this moment; - but I’ve been disturbed.—Jacko, go on to the station, and say - we’re coming. Do you hear me? Go on at once.” Then Jacko, - somewhat unwillingly, galloped off toward the house. “Get off your - horses, and come in.” + “I’ll tell you why. It’s not about him at this moment; + but I’ve been disturbed.—Jacko, go on to the station, and say + we’re coming. Do you hear me? Go on at once.” Then Jacko, + somewhat unwillingly, galloped off toward the house. “Get off your + horses, and come in.” </p> <p> He helped the two ladies from their saddles, and they all went into the @@ -1427,100 +1368,95 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger which was at present damp, for the rain had beaten in upon it, but which had been as dry as tinder when collected; and there was a row or ridge of mixed brush-wood and leaves so constructed as to form a line from the - grass outside on to the heap. “The fellow who did that was an ass,” - said Harry; “a greater ass than I should have taken him to be, not + grass outside on to the heap. “The fellow who did that was an ass,” + said Harry; “a greater ass than I should have taken him to be, not to have known that if he could have gotten the grass to burn outside, the - wool-shed must have gone without all that preparation. But there isn’t - much difficulty now in seeing what the fellow has intended.” + wool-shed must have gone without all that preparation. But there isn’t + much difficulty now in seeing what the fellow has intended.” </p> <p> - “Was it for a fire?” asked Kate. + “Was it for a fire?” asked Kate. </p> <p> - “Of course it was. He wouldn’t have been contented with the - grass and fences, but wanted to make sure of the shed also. He’d + “Of course it was. He wouldn’t have been contented with the + grass and fences, but wanted to make sure of the shed also. He’d have come to the house and burned us in our beds, only a fellow like that - is too much of a coward to run the risk of being seen.” + is too much of a coward to run the risk of being seen.” </p> <p> - “But, Harry, why didn’t he light it when he’d done it?” + “But, Harry, why didn’t he light it when he’d done it?” said Mrs. Heathcote. </p> <p> - “Because the Almighty sent the rain at the very moment,” said - Harry, striking the top rail of one of the pens with his fist. “I’m + “Because the Almighty sent the rain at the very moment,” said + Harry, striking the top rail of one of the pens with his fist. “I’m not much given to talk about Providence, but this looks like it, does it - not?” + not?” </p> <p> - “He might have put a match in at the moment?” + “He might have put a match in at the moment?” </p> <p> - “Rain or no rain? Yes, he might. But he was interrupted by more than - the rain. I got into the shed myself just at the moment—I and Jacko. + “Rain or no rain? Yes, he might. But he was interrupted by more than + the rain. I got into the shed myself just at the moment—I and Jacko. It was last night, when the rain was pouring. I heard the man, and dark as - was the night, I saw his figure as he fled away.” + was the night, I saw his figure as he fled away.” </p> <p> - “You didn’t know him?” said Miss Daly. + “You didn’t know him?” said Miss Daly. </p> <p> - “But that boy, who has the eyes of a cat, he knew him.” + “But that boy, who has the eyes of a cat, he knew him.” </p> <p> - “Jacko?” + “Jacko?” </p> <p> - “Jacko knew him by his gait. I should have hardly wanted any one to + “Jacko knew him by his gait. I should have hardly wanted any one to tell me who it was. I could have named the man at once, but for the fear - of doing an injustice.” + of doing an injustice.” </p> <p> - “And who was it?” + “And who was it?” </p> <p> - “Our friend Medlicot’s prime favorite and new factotum, Mr. + “Our friend Medlicot’s prime favorite and new factotum, Mr. William Nokes. Mr. William Nokes is the gentleman who intends to burn us all out of house and home, and Mr. Medlicot is the gentleman whose - pleasure it is to keep Mr. Nokes in the neighborhood.” + pleasure it is to keep Mr. Nokes in the neighborhood.” </p> <p> The two women stood awe-struck for a moment, but a sense of justice - prevailed upon the wife to speak. “That may be all true,” she - said. “Perhaps it is as you say about that man. But you would not - therefore think that Mr. Medlicot knows any thing about it?” + prevailed upon the wife to speak. “That may be all true,” she + said. “Perhaps it is as you say about that man. But you would not + therefore think that Mr. Medlicot knows any thing about it?” </p> <p> - “It would be impossible,” said Kate. + “It would be impossible,” said Kate. </p> <p> - “I have not accused him,” said Harry; “but he knows that + “I have not accused him,” said Harry; “but he knows that the man was dismissed, and yet keeps him about the place. Of course he is - responsible.” - </p> - <p> - <br /><br /> + responsible.” </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER IV. — HARRY HEATHCOTE’S APPEAL. + + + <div class="chapter"> + <hr class="x-ebookmaker-drop" /> + <h2 id="link2HCH0004"> + CHAPTER IV.<br> <span>HARRY HEATHCOTE’S APPEAL.</span> </h2> + </div> <p> For the first mile between the wool-shed and the house Heathcote and the two ladies rode without saying a word. There was something so terrible in the reality of the danger which encompassed them that they hardly felt - inclined to discuss it. Harry’s dislike to Medlicot was quite a + inclined to discuss it. Harry’s dislike to Medlicot was quite a thing apart. That some one had intended to burn down the wool-shed, and had made preparation for doing so, was as apparent to the women as to him. And the man who had been balked by a shower of rain in his first attempt might soon find an opportunity for a second. Harry was well aware that - even Jacko’s assertion could not be taken as evidence against the + even Jacko’s assertion could not be taken as evidence against the man whom he suspected. In all probability no further attempt would be made upon the wool-shed; but a fire on some distant part of the run would be much more injurious to him than the mere burning of a building. The fire @@ -1537,20 +1473,20 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger guilty intention. </p> <p> - “Ought we not to have dispersed the heap?” said Mrs. Heathcote + “Ought we not to have dispersed the heap?” said Mrs. Heathcote at last. The minds of all of them were full of the matter, but these were the first words spoken. </p> <p> - “I’ll leave it as it is,” said Harry, giving no reason + “I’ll leave it as it is,” said Harry, giving no reason for his decision. He was too full of thought, too heavily laden with - anxiety, to speak much. “Come, let’s get on; you’ll want - your dinner, and it’s getting dark.” So they cantered on, and + anxiety, to speak much. “Come, let’s get on; you’ll want + your dinner, and it’s getting dark.” So they cantered on, and got off their horses at the gate, without another word. And not another word was spoken on the subject that night. Harry was very silent, walking - up and down the veranda with his pipe in his mouth—not lying on the - ground in idle enjoyment—and there was no reading. The two sisters - looked at him from time to time with wistful, anxious-eyes, half afraid to + up and down the veranda with his pipe in his mouth—not lying on the + ground in idle enjoyment—and there was no reading. The two sisters + looked at him from time to time with wistful, anxious eyes, half afraid to disturb him by speech. </p> <p> @@ -1559,11 +1495,11 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger much about money, but he thought very much of success. And he was by nature anxious, sanguine, and impulsive. There might be before him, within the next week, such desolation as would break his heart. He knew men who - had been ruined, and had borne their ruin almost without a wail—who + had been ruined, and had borne their ruin almost without a wail—who had seemed contented to descend to security and mere absence from want. There was his own superintendent, Old Bates, who, though he grumbled at every thing else, never bewailed his own fate. But he knew of himself that - any such blow would nearly kill him—such a blow, that is, as might + any such blow would nearly kill him—such a blow, that is, as might drive him from Gangoil, and force him to be the servant instead of the master of men. Not to be master of all around him seemed to him to be misery. The merchants at Brisbane who took his wool and supplied him with @@ -1574,22 +1510,22 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger after this fashion that many a squatter before him had been ruined. </p> <p> - “Speak a word to me about it,” his wife said to him, + “Speak a word to me about it,” his wife said to him, imploringly, when they were alone together that night. </p> <p> - “My darling, if there were a word to say, I would say it. I must be + “My darling, if there were a word to say, I would say it. I must be on the watch, and do the best I can. At present the earth is too damp for - mischief.” + mischief.” </p> <p> - “Oh that it would rain again!” + “Oh that it would rain again!” </p> <p> - “There will be heat enough before the summer is over; we need not + “There will be heat enough before the summer is over; we need not doubt that. But I will tell you of every thing as we go on. I will endeavor to have the man watched. God bless you! Go to sleep, and try to - get it out of your thoughts.” + get it out of your thoughts.” </p> <p> On the following morning he breakfasted early, and mounted his horse @@ -1606,16 +1542,16 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger <p> He did not stop a moment at the shed, not even entering it to see whether the heap of leaves had been displaced during the night, but went on - straight to Medlicot’s Mill. He rode the nine miles in an hour, and + straight to Medlicot’s Mill. He rode the nine miles in an hour, and at once entered the building in which the canes were crushed. The first man he met was Nokes, who acted as overseer, having a gang of Polynesian - laborers under him—sleek, swarthy fellows from the South Sea - Islands, with linen trowsers on and nothing else—who crept silently + laborers under him—sleek, swarthy fellows from the South Sea + Islands, with linen trowsers on and nothing else—who crept silently among the vats and machinery, shifting the sugar as it was made. </p> <p> - “Well, Nokes,” said Harry, “how are you getting on? Is - Mr. Medlicot here?” + “Well, Nokes,” said Harry, “how are you getting on? Is + Mr. Medlicot here?” </p> <p> Nokes was a big fellow, with a broad, solid face, which would not have @@ -1626,57 +1562,57 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger him. During the discussion Harry had come in. The man had been drinking, and was still insolent, and Harry had ejected him violently, thrusting him over a gate. The man had returned the next morning, and had then been sent - about his business. He had been employed at Medlicot’s Mill, but + about his business. He had been employed at Medlicot’s Mill, but from the day of his dismissal to this he and Harry had never met each other face to face. </p> <p> - “I’m pretty well, thank ye, Mr. Heathcote. I hope you’re - the same, and the ladies. The master’s about somewhere, I take it.—Picky, - go and find the master.” Picky was one of the Polynesians, who at + “I’m pretty well, thank ye, Mr. Heathcote. I hope you’re + the same, and the ladies. The master’s about somewhere, I take it.—Picky, + go and find the master.” Picky was one of the Polynesians, who at once started on his errand. </p> <p> - “Have you been over to Gangoil since you left it?” said Harry, + “Have you been over to Gangoil since you left it?” said Harry, looking the man full in the face. </p> <p> - “Not I, Mr. Heathcote. I never go where I’ve had words. And, - to tell you the truth, sugar is better than sheep. I’m very - comfortable here, and I never liked your work.” + “Not I, Mr. Heathcote. I never go where I’ve had words. And, + to tell you the truth, sugar is better than sheep. I’m very + comfortable here, and I never liked your work.” </p> <p> - “You haven’t been at the wool-shed?” + “You haven’t been at the wool-shed?” </p> <p> - “What, the Gangoil shed! What the blazes ‘d I go there for? It’s - a matter of ten miles from here.” + “What, the Gangoil shed! What the blazes ’d I go there for? It’s + a matter of ten miles from here.” </p> <p> - “Seven, Nokes.” + “Seven, Nokes.” </p> <p> - “Seven, is it? It is a longish seven miles, Mr. Heathcote. How could - I get that distance? I ain’t so good at walking as I was before I + “Seven, is it? It is a longish seven miles, Mr. Heathcote. How could + I get that distance? I ain’t so good at walking as I was before I was hurt. You should have remembered that, Mr. Heathcote, when you laid - hands on me the other day.” + hands on me the other day.” </p> <p> - “You’re not much the worse for what I did; nor yet for the - accident, I take it. At any rate, you’ve not been at Gangoil - wool-shed?” + “You’re not much the worse for what I did; nor yet for the + accident, I take it. At any rate, you’ve not been at Gangoil + wool-shed?” </p> <p> - “No, I’ve not,” said the man, roughly. “What the - mischief should I be doing at your shed at night-time?” + “No, I’ve not,” said the man, roughly. “What the + mischief should I be doing at your shed at night-time?” </p> <p> - “I said nothing about night-time.” + “I said nothing about night-time.” </p> <p> - “I’m here all day, ain’t I? If you’re going to - palm off any story against me, Mr. Heathcote, you’ll find yourself - in the wrong box. What I does I does on the square.” + “I’m here all day, ain’t I? If you’re going to + palm off any story against me, Mr. Heathcote, you’ll find yourself + in the wrong box. What I does I does on the square.” </p> <p> Heathcote was now quite sure that Jacko had been right. He had not doubted @@ -1685,7 +1621,7 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger certain, also, that Jacko was true to him. He knew, too, that he had plainly declared his suspicion to the man himself. But he had resolved upon doing this. He could in no way assist himself in circumventing the - man’s villainy by keeping his suspense to himself. The man might be + man’s villainy by keeping his suspense to himself. The man might be frightened, and in spite of all that had passed between him and Medlicot, he still thought it possible that he might induce the sugar grower to co-operate with him in driving Nokes from the neighborhood. He had spent @@ -1693,35 +1629,35 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger had come. </p> <p> - “There’s the master,” said Nokes. “If you’ve - got any thing to say about any thing, you’d better say it to him.” + “There’s the master,” said Nokes. “If you’ve + got any thing to say about any thing, you’d better say it to him.” </p> <p> - Harry had never before set his foot upon Medlicot’s land since it + Harry had never before set his foot upon Medlicot’s land since it had been bought away from his own run, and had felt that he would almost demean himself by doing so. He had often looked at the canes from over his own fence, as he had done on the night of the rain; but he had stood always on his own land. Now he was in the sugar-mill, never before having - seen such a building. “You’ve a deal of machinery here, Mr. - Medlicot,” he said. + seen such a building. “You’ve a deal of machinery here, Mr. + Medlicot,” he said. </p> <p> - “It’s a small affair, after all,” said the other. - “I hope to get a good plant before I’ve done.” + “It’s a small affair, after all,” said the other. + “I hope to get a good plant before I’ve done.” </p> <p> - “Can I speak a word with you?” + “Can I speak a word with you?” </p> <p> - “Certainly. Will you come into the office, or will you go across to - the house?” + “Certainly. Will you come into the office, or will you go across to + the house?” </p> <p> Harry said that the office would do, and followed Medlicot into a little box-like inclosure which contained a desk and two stools. </p> <p> - “Not much of an office, is it? What can I do for you, Mr. Heathcote?” + “Not much of an office, is it? What can I do for you, Mr. Heathcote?” </p> <p> Then Harry began his story, which he told at considerable length. He @@ -1733,127 +1669,127 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger probably have left unspoken. He then went on to the story of his own quarrel with Nokes, who had, in truth, been grossly impudent to the women about the house, but who had been punished by instant and violent - dismissal from his employment. It was evidently Harry’s idea that a + dismissal from his employment. It was evidently Harry’s idea that a man who had so sinned against his master should be allowed to find no - other master—at any rate in that district; an idea with which the + other master—at any rate in that district; an idea with which the other man, who had lately come out from the old country, did not at all sympathize. </p> <p> - “Do you want me to dismiss him?” said Medlicot, in a tone + “Do you want me to dismiss him?” said Medlicot, in a tone which implied that that would be the last thing he would think of doing. </p> <p> - “You haven’t heard me yet.” Then Harry went on and told - of the fires in the heat of summer, and of their terrible effects—of + “You haven’t heard me yet.” Then Harry went on and told + of the fires in the heat of summer, and of their terrible effects—of the easy manner of revenge which they supplied to angry, unscrupulous men, and of his own fears at the present moment. </p> <p> - “I can believe it all,” said Medlicot, “and am very + “I can believe it all,” said Medlicot, “and am very sorry that it should be so. But I can not see the justice of punishing a man on the merest, vaguest suspicion. Your only ground for imputing this - crime to him is that your own conduct to him may have given him a motive.” + crime to him is that your own conduct to him may have given him a motive.” </p> <p> Harry had schooled himself vigorously during the ride as to his own - demeanor, and had resolved that he would be cool. “I was going on to - tell you,” he said, “what occurred that night after I saw you - up by the fence.” Then he described how he and his boy had entered + demeanor, and had resolved that he would be cool. “I was going on to + tell you,” he said, “what occurred that night after I saw you + up by the fence.” Then he described how he and his boy had entered the shed, and had both seen and heard a man as he escaped from it; how the boy had at once declared that the man was Nokes; how the following day he had discovered the leaves, which Nokes no doubt had deposited there just - before the rain, intending to burn the place at once; and how Nokes’s + before the rain, intending to burn the place at once; and how Nokes’s manner to him within the last half hour had corroborated his suspicions. </p> <p> - “Is he the boy you call Jacko?” + “Is he the boy you call Jacko?” </p> <p> - “That’s the name he goes by.” + “That’s the name he goes by.” </p> <p> - “You don’t know his real name?” + “You don’t know his real name?” </p> <p> - “I have never heard any other name.” + “I have never heard any other name.” </p> <p> - “Nor any thing about him?” Harry owned, in answer to half a - dozen such questions, that Jacko had come to Gangoil about six months ago—he - did not know whence—had been kept for a week’s job, and had + “Nor any thing about him?” Harry owned, in answer to half a + dozen such questions, that Jacko had come to Gangoil about six months ago—he + did not know whence—had been kept for a week’s job, and had then been allowed to remain about the place without any regular wages. - “You admit it was quite dark,” continued Medlicot. + “You admit it was quite dark,” continued Medlicot. </p> <p> Harry did not at all like the cross-examination, and his resolution to be - cool was quickly fading. “I told you that I saw myself the figure of - a man.” + cool was quickly fading. “I told you that I saw myself the figure of + a man.” </p> <p> - “But that you barely saw a figure. You did not form any opinion of - your own as to the man’s identity.” + “But that you barely saw a figure. You did not form any opinion of + your own as to the man’s identity.” </p> <p> Harry Heathcote was as honest as the sun. Much as he disliked being cross-examined, he found himself compelled not only to say the exact - truth, but the whole truth. “Certainly not. I barely saw a glimpse + truth, but the whole truth. “Certainly not. I barely saw a glimpse of a figure, and, till I spoke to Nokes just now, I almost doubted whether - the lad could have distinguished him. I am sure he was right now.” + the lad could have distinguished him. I am sure he was right now.” </p> <p> - “Really, Mr. Heathcote, I can’t go along with you. You are + “Really, Mr. Heathcote, I can’t go along with you. You are accusing a man of committing an offense, which I believe is capital, on the evidence of a boy of whom you know nothing, who may have his own reasons for spiting the man, and whom you yourself did not believe till you had looked this man in the face. I think you allow yourself to be - guided too much by your own power of intuition.” + guided too much by your own power of intuition.” </p> <p> - “No, I don’t,” said Harry, who hated his neighbor’s + “No, I don’t,” said Harry, who hated his neighbor’s methodical argument. </p> <p> - “At any rate, I can’t consent to take a man’s bread out + “At any rate, I can’t consent to take a man’s bread out of his mouth, and to send him away tainted as he would be with this suspicion, either because Jacko thought that he saw him in the dark, or - because—” + because—” </p> <p> - “I have never asked you to send him away.” + “I have never asked you to send him away.” </p> <p> - “What is it you want, then?” + “What is it you want, then?” </p> <p> - “I want to have him watched, so that he may feel that if he attempts - to destroy my property his guilt will be detected.” + “I want to have him watched, so that he may feel that if he attempts + to destroy my property his guilt will be detected.” </p> <p> - “Who is to watch him?” + “Who is to watch him?” </p> <p> - “He is in your employment.” + “He is in your employment.” </p> <p> - “He lives in the hut down beyond the gate. Am I to keep a sentry - there all night, and every night?” + “He lives in the hut down beyond the gate. Am I to keep a sentry + there all night, and every night?” </p> <p> - “I will pay for it.” + “I will pay for it.” </p> <p> - “No, Mr. Heathcote. I don’t pretend to know this country yet, - but I’ll encourage no such espionage as that. At any rate, it is not + “No, Mr. Heathcote. I don’t pretend to know this country yet, + but I’ll encourage no such espionage as that. At any rate, it is not English. I dare say the man misbehaved himself in your employment. You say he was drunk. I do not doubt it. But he is not a drunkard, for he never drinks here. A man is not to starve forever because he once got drunk and was impertinent. Nor is he to have a spy at his heels because a boy whom nobody knows chooses to denounce him. I am sorry that you should be in - trouble, but I do not know that I can help you.” + trouble, but I do not know that I can help you.” </p> <p> - Harry’s passion was now very high, and his resolution to be cool was + Harry’s passion was now very high, and his resolution to be cool was almost thrown to the winds. Medlicot had said many things which were odious to him. In the first place, there had been a tone of insufferable superiority, so Harry thought, and that, too, when he himself had divested @@ -1863,7 +1799,7 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger words, and had altogether made himself objectionable. What did this man know of the Australian bush, that he should dare to talk of this or that as being wrong because it was un-English! In England there were police to - guard men’s property. Here, out in the Australian forests, a man + guard men’s property. Here, out in the Australian forests, a man must guard his own, or lose it. But perhaps it was the indifference to the ruin of the women belonging to him that Harry Heathcote felt the strongest. The stranger cared nothing for the utter desolation which one @@ -1872,7 +1808,7 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger it was proposed to watch the doings of a scoundrel! </p> <p> - “Good-morning,” said Harry, turning round and leaving the + “Good-morning,” said Harry, turning round and leaving the office brusquely. Medlicot followed him, but Harry went so quickly that not another word was spoken. To him the idea of a neighbor in the bush refusing such assistance as he had asked was as terrible as to us is the @@ -1883,7 +1819,7 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger <p> Medlicot, when he was left alone, took two or three turns about the mill, as though inspecting the work, but at every turn fixed his eyes for a few - moments on Noke’s face. The man was standing under a huge caldron + moments on Noke’s face. The man was standing under a huge caldron regulating the escape of the boiling juice into the different vats by raising and lowering a trap, and giving directions to the Polynesians as he did so. He was evidently conscious that he was being regarded, and, as @@ -1899,73 +1835,68 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger After a while he stood opposite Nokes and addressed him. </p> <p> - “Do the squatters suffer much from fires?” he said. + “Do the squatters suffer much from fires?” he said. </p> <p> - “Heathcote has been talking to you about that,” said the man. + “Heathcote has been talking to you about that,” said the man. </p> <p> - “Can’t you say Mr. Heathcote when you speak of a gentleman - whose bread you have eaten?” + “Can’t you say Mr. Heathcote when you speak of a gentleman + whose bread you have eaten?” </p> <p> - “Mr. Heathcote, if you like it. We ain’t particular to a shade - out here as you are at home. He has been telling you about fires, has he?” + “Mr. Heathcote, if you like it. We ain’t particular to a shade + out here as you are at home. He has been telling you about fires, has he?” </p> <p> - “Well, he has.” + “Well, he has.” </p> <p> - “And talking of me, I suppose?” + “And talking of me, I suppose?” </p> <p> - “You were talking of having a turn at mining some day. How would it - be with you if you were to be off to Gympie?” + “You were talking of having a turn at mining some day. How would it + be with you if you were to be off to Gympie?” </p> <p> - “You mean to say I’m to go, Mr. Medlicot?” + “You mean to say I’m to go, Mr. Medlicot?” </p> <p> - “I don’t say that at all.” + “I don’t say that at all.” </p> <p> - “Look here, Mr. Medlicot. My going or staying won’t make any - difference to Heathcote. There’s a lot of ’em about here hates + “Look here, Mr. Medlicot. My going or staying won’t make any + difference to Heathcote. There’s a lot of ’em about here hates him that much that he is never to be allowed to rest in peace. I tell you - that fairly. It ain’t any thing as I shall do. Them’s not my - ways, Mr. Medlicot. But he has enemies here as’ll never let him - rest.” + that fairly. It ain’t any thing as I shall do. Them’s not my + ways, Mr. Medlicot. But he has enemies here as’ll never let him + rest.” </p> <p> - “Who are they?” + “Who are they?” </p> <p> - “Pretty nigh every body round. He has carried himself that high they - won’t stand him. Who’s Heathcote?” + “Pretty nigh every body round. He has carried himself that high they + won’t stand him. Who’s Heathcote?” </p> <p> - “Name some who are his enemies.” + “Name some who are his enemies.” </p> <p> - “There’s the Brownbies.” + “There’s the Brownbies.” </p> <p> - “Oh, the Brownbies. Well, it’s a bad thing to have enemies.” + “Oh, the Brownbies. Well, it’s a bad thing to have enemies.” After that he left the sugar-house and went across to the cottage. </p> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER V. — BOSCOBEL. + + + <div class="chapter"> + <hr class="x-ebookmaker-drop" /> + <h2 id="link2HCH0005"> + CHAPTER V.<br> <span>BOSCOBEL.</span> </h2> + </div> <p> Two days and two nights passed without fear of fire, and then Harry Heathcote was again on the alert. The earth was parched as though no drop @@ -1979,13 +1910,13 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger the morning, very tired, but never owning that he was tired, and then sleep heavily for an hour or two in a chair. After that he would go out again on the run, would sleep perhaps for another hour after dinner, and - then would start for his night’s patrol. During this week he saw + then would start for his night’s patrol. During this week he saw nothing of Medlicot, and never mentioned his name but once. On that occasion his wife told him that during his absence Medlicot had been at the station. </p> <p> - “What brought him here?” Harry asked, fiercely. + “What brought him here?” Harry asked, fiercely. </p> <p> Mrs. Heathcote explained that he had called in a friendly way, and had @@ -1993,28 +1924,28 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger assistance. </p> <p> - Then the young squatter forgot himself in his wrath. “Confound his - hypocrisy!” said Harry, aloud. “I don’t think he’s - a hypocrite,” said the wife. + Then the young squatter forgot himself in his wrath. “Confound his + hypocrisy!” said Harry, aloud. “I don’t think he’s + a hypocrite,” said the wife. </p> <p> - “I’m sure he’s not,” said Kate Daly. + “I’m sure he’s not,” said Kate Daly. </p> <p> Not a word more was spoken, and Harry immediately left the house. The two women did not as usual go to the gate to see him mount his horse, not refraining from doing so in any anger, or as wishing to exhibit - displeasure at Harry’s violence, but because they were afraid of + displeasure at Harry’s violence, but because they were afraid of him. They had found themselves compelled to differ from him, but were oppressed at finding themselves in opposition to him. </p> <p> The feeling that his wife should in any way take part against him added - greatly to Heathcote’s trouble. It produced in his mind a terrible + greatly to Heathcote’s trouble. It produced in his mind a terrible feeling of loneliness in his sorrow. He bore a brave outside to all his - men, and to any stranger whom in these days he met about the run—to + men, and to any stranger whom in these days he met about the run—to his wife and sister also, and to the old woman at home. He forced upon - them all an idea that he was not only autocratic, but self-sufficient also—that + them all an idea that he was not only autocratic, but self-sufficient also—that he wanted neither help nor sympathy. He never cried out in his pain, being heartily ashamed even of the appeal which he had made to Medlicot. He spoke aloud and laughed with the men, and never acknowledged that his @@ -2023,9 +1954,9 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger fain get off his horse, and lie upon the ground and weep till he slept. It was not that he trusted no one. He suspected no one with a positive suspicion, except Nokes, and Medlicot as the supporter of Nokes. But he - had no one with whom he could converse freely—none whom he had not - been accustomed to treat as the mere ministers of his will—except - his wife and his wife’s sister; and now he was disjoined from them + had no one with whom he could converse freely—none whom he had not + been accustomed to treat as the mere ministers of his will—except + his wife and his wife’s sister; and now he was disjoined from them by their sympathy with Medlicot! He had chosen to manage every thing himself without contradiction and almost without counsel; but, like other such imperious masters, he now found that when trouble came the privilege @@ -2044,17 +1975,17 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger in his ways as to employ men of that denomination. He had fenced his run, and dispensed with shepherds and shepherding as old-fashioned and unprofitable. He had two mounted men, whom he called boundary riders, one - an Irishman and the other a German—and them he trusted fully, the + an Irishman and the other a German—and them he trusted fully, the German altogether, and the Irishman equally as regarded his honesty. But he could not explain to them the thoughts that loaded his brain. He could instigate them to eagerness; but he could not condescend to tell Karl Bender, the German, that if his fences were destroyed neither his means nor his credit would be sufficient to put them up again, and that if the scanty herbage were burned off any large proportion of his run, he must - sell his flocks at a great sacrifice. Nor could he explain to Mickey O’Dowd, + sell his flocks at a great sacrifice. Nor could he explain to Mickey O’Dowd, the Irishman, that his peace of mind was destroyed by his fear of one man. He had to bear it all alone. And there was heavy on him also the great - misery of feeling that every thing might depend on own exertions, and that + misery of feeling that every thing might depend on his own exertions, and that yet he did not know how or where to exert himself. When he had ridden about all night and discovered nothing, he might just as well have been in bed. And he was continually riding about all night and discovering @@ -2063,93 +1994,93 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger <p> After leaving the station on the evening of the day on which he had expressed himself to the women so vehemently respecting Medlicot, he met - Bates coming home from his day’s work. It was then past eight o’clock, + Bates coming home from his day’s work. It was then past eight o’clock, and the old man was sitting wearily on his horse, with his head low down between his shoulders, and the reins hardly held within his grasp. </p> <p> - “You’re late, Mr. Bates,” said Harry; “you take - too much out of yourself this hot weather.” + “You’re late, Mr. Bates,” said Harry; “you take + too much out of yourself this hot weather.” </p> <p> - “I’ve got to move slower, Mr. Heathcote, as I grow older. That’s - about it. And the beast I’m on is not much good.” Now Mr. + “I’ve got to move slower, Mr. Heathcote, as I grow older. That’s + about it. And the beast I’m on is not much good.” Now Mr. Bates was always complaining of his horse, and yet was allowed to choose any on the run for his own use. </p> <p> - “If you don’t like him, why don’t you take another?” + “If you don’t like him, why don’t you take another?” </p> <p> - “There ain’t much difference in ’em, Mr. Heathcote. - Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t. It’s - getting uncommon close shaving for them wethers in the new paddock. They’re - down upon the roots pretty well already.” + “There ain’t much difference in ’em, Mr. Heathcote. + Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t. It’s + getting uncommon close shaving for them wethers in the new paddock. They’re + down upon the roots pretty well already.” </p> <p> - “There’s grass along the bush on the north side.” + “There’s grass along the bush on the north side.” </p> <p> - “They won’t go there; it’s rank and sour. They won’t + “They won’t go there; it’s rank and sour. They won’t feed up there as long as they can live lower down and nearer the water. - Weather like this, they’d sooner die near the water than travel to - fill their bellies. It’s about the hottest day we’ve had, and - the nights a’most hotter. Are you going to be out, Mr. Heathcote?” + Weather like this, they’d sooner die near the water than travel to + fill their bellies. It’s about the hottest day we’ve had, and + the nights a’most hotter. Are you going to be out, Mr. Heathcote?” </p> <p> - “I think so.” + “I think so.” </p> <p> - “What’s the good of it, Mr. Heathcote? There is no use in it. - Lord love you, what can yon do? You can’t be every side at once.” + “What’s the good of it, Mr. Heathcote? There is no use in it. + Lord love you, what can yon do? You can’t be every side at once.” </p> <p> - “Fire can only travel with the wind, Mr. Bates.” + “Fire can only travel with the wind, Mr. Bates.” </p> <p> - “And there isn’t any wind, and so there can’t be any - fire. I never did think, and I don’t think now, there ever was any - use in a man fashing himself as you fash yourself. You can’t alter - things, Mr. Heathcote.” + “And there isn’t any wind, and so there can’t be any + fire. I never did think, and I don’t think now, there ever was any + use in a man fashing himself as you fash yourself. You can’t alter + things, Mr. Heathcote.” </p> <p> - “But that’s just what I can do—what a man has to do. If - a match were thrown there at your feet, and the grass was aflame, couldn’t + “But that’s just what I can do—what a man has to do. If + a match were thrown there at your feet, and the grass was aflame, couldn’t you alter that by putting your foot on it? If you find a ewe on her back, - can’t you alter that by putting her on her legs?” + can’t you alter that by putting her on her legs?” </p> <p> - “Yes, I can do that, I suppose.” + “Yes, I can do that, I suppose.” </p> <p> - “What does a man live for except to alter things? When a man clears - the forest and sows corn, does he not alter things?” + “What does a man live for except to alter things? When a man clears + the forest and sows corn, does he not alter things?” </p> <p> - “That’s not your line, Mr. Heathcote,” said the cunning + “That’s not your line, Mr. Heathcote,” said the cunning old man. </p> <p> - “If I send wool to market, I alter things.” + “If I send wool to market, I alter things.” </p> <p> - “You’ll excuse me, Mr. Heathcote. Of course I’m old, but - I just give you my experience.” + “You’ll excuse me, Mr. Heathcote. Of course I’m old, but + I just give you my experience.” </p> <p> - “I’m much obliged to you; though we can’t always agree, + “I’m much obliged to you; though we can’t always agree, you know. Good-night. Go in and say a word to my wife, and tell them you - saw me all right.” + saw me all right.” </p> <p> - “I’ll have a crack with ’em, Mr. Heathcote, before I - turn in.” + “I’ll have a crack with ’em, Mr. Heathcote, before I + turn in.” </p> <p> - “And tell Mary I sent my love.” + “And tell Mary I sent my love.” </p> <p> - “I will, Mr. Heathcote; I will.” + “I will, Mr. Heathcote; I will.” </p> <p> He was thinking always of his wife during his solitary rides, and of her @@ -2174,70 +2105,70 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger horse, he could see the form of the woodman, who was still at work ringing the trees. This was a job which the man did by contract, receiving so much an acre for the depopulation of the timber. It was now bright moonlight, - almost as clear as day—a very different night, indeed, from that on - which the rain had come—and Harry could see at a glance that it was + almost as clear as day—a very different night, indeed, from that on + which the rain had come—and Harry could see at a glance that it was the man called Boscobel still at work. Now there were, as he thought, very good reasons why Boscobel at the present moment should not be so employed. Boscobel was receiving wages for work of another kind. </p> <p> - “Bos,” said the squatter, riding up, and addressing the man by - the customary abbreviation of his nickname, “I thought you were - watching at Brownbie’s boundary?” Boscobel lowered his axe, - and stood for a while contemplating the proposition made to him. “You - are drawing three shillings a night for watching; isn’t that so?” + “Bos,” said the squatter, riding up, and addressing the man by + the customary abbreviation of his nickname, “I thought you were + watching at Brownbie’s boundary?” Boscobel lowered his axe, + and stood for a while contemplating the proposition made to him. “You + are drawing three shillings a night for watching; isn’t that so?” </p> <p> - “Yes, that’s so. Anyways, I shall draw it.” + “Yes, that’s so. Anyways, I shall draw it.” </p> <p> - “Then why ain’t you watching?” + “Then why ain’t you watching?” </p> <p> - “There’s nothing to watch that I knows on—not just now.” + “There’s nothing to watch that I knows on—not just now.” </p> <p> - “Then why should I pay you for it? I’m to pay you for ringing - these trees, ain’t I?” + “Then why should I pay you for it? I’m to pay you for ringing + these trees, ain’t I?” </p> <p> - “Certainly, Mr. Heathcote.” + “Certainly, Mr. Heathcote.” </p> <p> - “Then you’re to make double use of your time, and sell it - twice over, are you? Don’t try to look like a fool, as though you - didn’t understand. You know that what you’re doing isn’t - honest.” + “Then you’re to make double use of your time, and sell it + twice over, are you? Don’t try to look like a fool, as though you + didn’t understand. You know that what you’re doing isn’t + honest.” </p> <p> - “Nobody ever said as I wasn’t honest before.” + “Nobody ever said as I wasn’t honest before.” </p> <p> - “I tell you so now. You’re robbing me of the time you’ve - sold to me, and for which I’m to pay you.” + “I tell you so now. You’re robbing me of the time you’ve + sold to me, and for which I’m to pay you.” </p> <p> - “There ain’t nothing to watch while the wind’s as it is - now, and that chap ain’t any where about to-night.” + “There ain’t nothing to watch while the wind’s as it is + now, and that chap ain’t any where about to-night.” </p> <p> - “What chap?” + “What chap?” </p> <p> - “Oh, I know. I’m all right. What’s the use of dawdling - about up there in the broad moonlight, and the wind like this?” + “Oh, I know. I’m all right. What’s the use of dawdling + about up there in the broad moonlight, and the wind like this?” </p> <p> - “That’s for me to judge. If you engage to do my work and take - my money, you’re swindling me when you go about another job as you - are now. You needn’t scratch your head. You understand it all as - well as I do.” + “That’s for me to judge. If you engage to do my work and take + my money, you’re swindling me when you go about another job as you + are now. You needn’t scratch your head. You understand it all as + well as I do.” </p> <p> - “I never was told I swindled before, and I ain’t a-going to + “I never was told I swindled before, and I ain’t a-going to put up with it. You may ring your own trees, and watch your own fences, - and the whole place may be burned for me. I ain’t a-going to do - another turn in Gangoil. Swindle, indeed!” So Boscobel shouldered + and the whole place may be burned for me. I ain’t a-going to do + another turn in Gangoil. Swindle, indeed!” So Boscobel shouldered his axe, and marched off through the forest, visible in the moonlight till the trees hid him. </p> @@ -2246,9 +2177,9 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger but had been glad to have him about the place as being thoroughly efficient in his own business. It was only during the last ten days that he had agreed to pay him for night-watching, leaving the man to do as much - additional day-work as he pleased—for which, of course, he would be + additional day-work as he pleased—for which, of course, he would be paid at the regular contract price. There was a double purpose intended in - this watching—as was well understood by all the hands employed: + this watching—as was well understood by all the hands employed: first, that of preventing incendiary fire by the mere presence of the watchers; and secondly, that of being at hand to extinguish fire in case of need. Now a man ringing trees five or six miles away from the beat on @@ -2259,7 +2190,7 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger fraud he was bound to expose it. Had the man acknowledged his fault and been submissive, there would have been an end of the matter. Heathcote would have said no word about it to any one, and would not have stopped a - farthing from the week’s unearned wages. That he had to encounter a + farthing from the week’s unearned wages. That he had to encounter a certain amount of ill usage from the rough men about him, and to forgive it, he could understand; but it could not be his duty, either as a man or a master, to pass over dishonesty without noticing it. No; that he would @@ -2270,8 +2201,8 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger dishonesty on their part was indifferent to him. </p> <p> - But now he had made another enemy—an enemy of a man who had declared - to him that he knew the movements of “that chap,” meaning + But now he had made another enemy—an enemy of a man who had declared + to him that he knew the movements of “that chap,” meaning Nokes! How hard the world was! It seemed that all around were trouble to him. He turned his horse back, and made again for the spot which was his original destination. As he cantered on among the trees, twisting here and @@ -2281,9 +2212,9 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger was so strong upon him that at one spot he made his horse stop till he had thought it all out. No one encouraged him in his work. Every one about the place, friend or foe, Bates, his wife, Medlicot, and this Boscobel, spoke - to him as though he were fussy and fidgety in his anxiety. “If fires + to him as though he were fussy and fidgety in his anxiety. “If fires must come, they will come; and if they are not to come, you are simply - losing your labor.” This was the upshot of all they said to him. Why + losing your labor.” This was the upshot of all they said to him. Why should he be wiser than they? If the ruin came, let it come. Old Bates had been ruined, but still had enough to eat and drink, and clothes to wear, and did not work half as hard as his employer. He thought that if he could @@ -2293,8 +2224,8 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger </p> <p> Then there came across his mind the dim remembrance of certain old school - words, and he touched his horse with his spur and hurried onward: “Let - there be no steps backward.” A thought as to the manliness of + words, and he touched his horse with his spur and hurried onward: “Let + there be no steps backward.” A thought as to the manliness of persevering, of the want of manliness in yielding to depression, came to his rescue. Let him, at any rate, have the comfort of thinking that he had done his best according to his lights. After some dim fashion, he did come @@ -2303,110 +2234,104 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger would persevere. </p> <p> - As the night wore on he came to the German’s hut, and finding it + As the night wore on he came to the German’s hut, and finding it empty, as he expected, rode on to the outside fence of his run. When he reached this he got off his horse, and taking a key out of his pocket, whistled upon it loudly. A few minutes afterward the German came up to him. </p> <p> - “There’s been no one about, I suppose?” he asked. + “There’s been no one about, I suppose?” he asked. </p> <p> - “Not a one,” said the man. + “Not a one,” said the man. </p> <p> - “You’ve been across on Brownbie’s run?” + “You’ve been across on Brownbie’s run?” </p> <p> - “We’re on it now, Mr. ‘Eathcote.” They were both + “We’re on it now, Mr. ’Eathcote.” They were both on the side of the fence away from Gangoil station. </p> <p> - “I don’t know how that is, Karl. I think Gangoil goes a + “I don’t know how that is, Karl. I think Gangoil goes a quarter of a mile beyond this. But we did not quite strike the boundary - when we put up the fence.” + when we put up the fence.” </p> <p> - “Brownbie’s cattle is allays here, Mr. ‘Eathcote, and is - knocking down the fence every day. Brownbie is a rascal, and ‘is - cattle as bad as ‘isself.” + “Brownbie’s cattle is allays here, Mr. ’Eathcote, and is + knocking down the fence every day. Brownbie is a rascal, and ’is + cattle as bad as ’isself.” </p> <p> - “Never mind that, Karl, now. When we’ve got through the heats, - we’ll put a mile or two of better fencing along here. You know - Boscobel?” + “Never mind that, Karl, now. When we’ve got through the heats, + we’ll put a mile or two of better fencing along here. You know + Boscobel?” </p> <p> - “In course I know Bos.” + “In course I know Bos.” </p> <p> - “What sort of a fellow is he?” Then Harry told his German + “What sort of a fellow is he?” Then Harry told his German dependent exactly what had taken place between him and the other man. </p> <p> - “He’s in and in wid all them young Brownbies,” said + “He’s in and in wid all them young Brownbies,” said Karl. </p> <p> - “The Brownbies are a bad lot, but I don’t think they’d - do any thing of this kind,” said Harry, whose mind was still + “The Brownbies are a bad lot, but I don’t think they’d + do any thing of this kind,” said Harry, whose mind was still dwelling on the dangers of fire. </p> <p> - “They likes muttons, Mr. ‘Eathcote.” + “They likes muttons, Mr. ’Eathcote.” </p> <p> - “I suppose they do take a sheep or two now and then. They wouldn’t - do worse than that, would they?” + “I suppose they do take a sheep or two now and then. They wouldn’t + do worse than that, would they?” </p> <p> - “Not’ing too ‘ot for ’em; not’ing too - ‘eavy,” said Karl, smoking his pipe. “The vind, vat - there is, comes just here, Mr. ‘Eathcote.” And the man lifted - up his arm, and pointed across in the direction of Brownbie’s run. + “Not’ing too ’ot for ’em; not’ing too + ’eavy,” said Karl, smoking his pipe. “The vind, vat + there is, comes just here, Mr. ’Eathcote.” And the man lifted + up his arm, and pointed across in the direction of Brownbie’s run. </p> <p> - “And you don’t think much of Boscobel?” + “And you don’t think much of Boscobel?” </p> <p> Karl Bender shook his head. </p> <p> - “He was always well treated here,” said Harry, “and has + “He was always well treated here,” said Harry, “and has had plenty of work, and earned large wages. The man will be a fool to - quarrel with me.” + quarrel with me.” </p> <p> Karl again shook his head. With Karl Bender, Harry was quite sure of his man, but not on that account need he be quite sure of the correctness of - the man’s opinion. + the man’s opinion. </p> <p> - Thence he went on till he met his other lieutenant, O’Dowd, and so, + Thence he went on till he met his other lieutenant, O’Dowd, and so, having completed his work, he made his way home, reaching the station at sunrise. </p> <p> - “Did Bates tell you he’d met me?” he asked his wife. - </p> - <p> - “Yes, Harry; kiss me, Harry. I was so glad you sent a word. Promise - me, Harry, not to think that I don’t agree with you in every thing.” - </p> - <p> - <br /><br /> + “Did Bates tell you he’d met me?” he asked his wife. </p> - <hr /> <p> - <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> </a> + “Yes, Harry; kiss me, Harry. I was so glad you sent a word. Promise + me, Harry, not to think that I don’t agree with you in every thing.” </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER VI. — THE BROWNBIES OF BOOLABONG. + + <div class="chapter"> + <hr class="x-ebookmaker-drop" /> + <h2 id="link2HCH0006"> + CHAPTER VI.<br> <span>THE BROWNBIES OF BOOLABONG.</span> </h2> + </div> <p> Old Brownbie, as he was usually called, was a squatter also, but a squatter of a class very different from that to which Heathcote belonged. @@ -2415,18 +2340,18 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger law had disapproved. </p> <p> - In colonial phrase, he was a “lag”—having been + In colonial phrase, he was a “lag”—having been transported; but this was many years ago, when he was quite young; and he had now been a free man for more than thirty years. It must be owned on his behalf that he had worked hard, had endeavored to rise, and had risen. But there still stuck to him the savor of his old life. Every one knew - that he had been a convict; and even had he become a man of high principle—a - condition which he certainly never achieved—he could hardly have + that he had been a convict; and even had he become a man of high principle—a + condition which he certainly never achieved—he could hardly have escaped altogether from the thralldom of his degradation. He had been a butcher, a drover, part owner of stock, and had at last become possessed of a share of a cattle-run, and then of the entire property, such as it was. He had four or five sons, uneducated, ill-conditioned, drunken - fellows, who had all their father’s faults without his energy, some + fellows, who had all their father’s faults without his energy, some of whom had been in prison, and all of whom were known as pests to the colony. Their place was called Boolabong, and was a cattle-run, as distinguished from a sheep-run; but it was a poor place, was sometimes @@ -2452,8 +2377,8 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger <p> It may be imagined how such a family would be hated by the respectable squatters on whom they preyed. Still there were men, old stagers, who had - know Moreton Bay before it was a colony—in the old days when - convicts were common—who almost regarded the Brownbies as a part of + know Moreton Bay before it was a colony—in the old days when + convicts were common—who almost regarded the Brownbies as a part of the common order of things, and who were indisposed to persecute them. Men must live; and what were a few sheep? Of some such it might be said, that though they were above the arts by which the Brownbies lived, they were @@ -2472,7 +2397,7 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger <p> And the Brownbies knew well the estimation in which their neighbour held them. Harry had made himself altogether disagreeable to them. They were - squatters as well as he—or at least so they termed themselves; and + squatters as well as he—or at least so they termed themselves; and though they would not have expected to be admitted to home intimacies, they thought that when they were met out-of-doors or in public places, they should be treated with some respect. On such occasions Harry treated @@ -2493,7 +2418,7 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger subject to his orders, and he would have had a bad life among them were it not that they quarreled among themselves, and that in such quarrels he could belong to one party or to the other. The house itself was a wretched - place—out of order, with doors and windows and floors shattered, + place—out of order, with doors and windows and floors shattered, broken, and decayed. There were none of womankind belonging to the family, and in such a house a decent woman-servant would have been out of her place. Sometimes there was one hag there and sometimes another, and @@ -2504,7 +2429,7 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger demanding food. Of the whole lot Georgie Brownbie, the vagabond, was the worst. The eldest son was at this time in prison at Brisbane, having on some late occasion been less successful than usual in regard to some - acquired bullocks. The three youngest were at home—Jerry, Jack, and + acquired bullocks. The three youngest were at home—Jerry, Jack, and Joe. Tom, who was in prison, was the only stanch friend to the father, who consequently at this time was in a more than usually depressed condition. </p> @@ -2515,11 +2440,11 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger the old man was seated on a stuffy, worn-out sofa with three legs, which was propped against the wall of the house, and had not been moved for years. Old Brownbie was a man of gigantic frame, and had possessed immense - personal power—a man, too, of will and energy; but he was now worn + personal power—a man, too, of will and energy; but he was now worn out and dropsical, and could not move beyond the confines of the home station. The veranda was attached to a big room which ran nearly the whole length of the house, and which was now used for all purposes. There was an - exterior kitchen, in which certain processes were carried on—such as + exterior kitchen, in which certain processes were carried on—such as salting stolen mutton and boiling huge masses of meat, when such work was needed. But the cookery was generally done in the big room. And here also two or three of the sons slept on beds made upon stretchers along the @@ -2529,7 +2454,7 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger place; and yet, such as it was, it was frequented by many guests. The vagabondism of the colonies is proverbial. Vagabonds are taken in almost every where throughout the bush. But the welcome given to them varies. - Sometimes they are made to work before they are fed—to their + Sometimes they are made to work before they are fed—to their infinite disgust. But no such cruelty was exercised at Boolabong. Boolabong was a very Paradise for vagabonds. There was always flour and meat to be had, generally tobacco, and sometimes even the luxury of a @@ -2550,62 +2475,62 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger dispensed probably with these. He had been quarreling with his father respecting a certain horse which he had sold, of the price of which the father demanded a share. Jerry had unblushingly declared that he himself - had “shaken” the horse—Anglice, had stolen him—twelve + had “shaken” the horse—Anglice, had stolen him—twelve months since on Darnley Downs, and was therefore clearly entitled to the - entire plunder. The father had rejoined with animation that unless “half - a quid”—or ten shillings—were given him as his + entire plunder. The father had rejoined with animation that unless “half + a quid”—or ten shillings—were given him as his contribution to the keep of the animal, he would inform against his son to the squatter on the Darnley Downs, and had shown him that he knew the very run from which the horse had been taken. Then the sons within had interfered from their beds, swearing that their father was the noisiest - old “cuss” unhung, they having had their necessary slumbers + old “cuss” unhung, they having had their necessary slumbers disturbed. </p> <p> At this moment the debate was interrupted by the appearance of a man - outside the veranda. “Well, Mr. Jerry, how goes it?” asked the - stranger. “What, Bos, is that you? What brings you up to Boolabong? - I thought you was ringing trees for that young scut at Gangoil? I’ll + outside the veranda. “Well, Mr. Jerry, how goes it?” asked the + stranger. “What, Bos, is that you? What brings you up to Boolabong? + I thought you was ringing trees for that young scut at Gangoil? I’ll be even with him some of these days! He had the impudence to send a man of - his up here last week looking for sheep-skins.” + his up here last week looking for sheep-skins.” </p> <p> - “He wasn’t that soft, Mr. Jerry, was he? Well, I’ve - dropped working for him.—How are you, Mr. Brownbie? I hope I see you - finely, Sir. It’s stiffish sort of weather, Mr. Brownbie, ain’t - it, Sir?” + “He wasn’t that soft, Mr. Jerry, was he? Well, I’ve + dropped working for him.—How are you, Mr. Brownbie? I hope I see you + finely, Sir. It’s stiffish sort of weather, Mr. Brownbie, ain’t + it, Sir?” </p> <p> The old man grunted out some reply, and then asked Boscobel what he wanted. </p> <p> - “I’ll just hang about for the day, Mr. Brownbie, and get a - little grub. You never begrudged a working-man that yet.” + “I’ll just hang about for the day, Mr. Brownbie, and get a + little grub. You never begrudged a working-man that yet.” </p> <p> Old Brownbie again grunted, but said no word of welcome. That, however, was to be taken for granted, without much expression of opinion. </p> <p> - “No, Mr. Jerry,” continued Boscobel, “I’ve done - with that fellow.” + “No, Mr. Jerry,” continued Boscobel, “I’ve done + with that fellow.” </p> <p> - “And so has Nokes done with him.” + “And so has Nokes done with him.” </p> <p> - “Nokes is at work on Medlicot’s Mill. That sugar business - wouldn’t suit me.” + “Nokes is at work on Medlicot’s Mill. That sugar business + wouldn’t suit me.” </p> <p> - “An axe in your hand is what you’re fit for, Bos.” + “An axe in your hand is what you’re fit for, Bos.” </p> <p> - “There’s a many things I can turn my hand to, Mr. Jerry. You - couldn’t give a fellow such a thing as a nobbler, Mr. Jerry, could - you? I’d offer money for it, only I know it would be taken amiss. It’s - that hot that a fellow’s very in’ards get parched up.” + “There’s a many things I can turn my hand to, Mr. Jerry. You + couldn’t give a fellow such a thing as a nobbler, Mr. Jerry, could + you? I’d offer money for it, only I know it would be taken amiss. It’s + that hot that a fellow’s very in’ards get parched up.” </p> <p> Upon this Jerry slowly rose, and going to a cupboard, brought forth a @@ -2614,22 +2539,22 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger a little water. </p> <p> - “Come, Jerry,” said the old man, somewhat relenting in his - wrath, “you might as well give us a drop, as it’s going about.” + “Come, Jerry,” said the old man, somewhat relenting in his + wrath, “you might as well give us a drop, as it’s going about.” The two brothers, who had now been thoroughly aroused from their sleep, and who had heard the enticing sound of the spirit bottle, joined the party, and so they drank all round. </p> <p> - “Heathcote’s in an awful state about them fires, ain’t - he?” asked Jerry. + “Heathcote’s in an awful state about them fires, ain’t + he?” asked Jerry. </p> <p> Boscobel, who had squatted down on the veranda, and was now lighting his pipe, bobbed his head. </p> <p> - “I wish he was clean burned out—over head and ears,” + “I wish he was clean burned out—over head and ears,” said Jerry. </p> <p> @@ -2637,68 +2562,68 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger staffed pipe. </p> <p> - “If he treated me like he does you fellows,” continued Jerry, - “he shouldn’t have a yard of fencing or a blade of grass left—nor + “If he treated me like he does you fellows,” continued Jerry, + “he shouldn’t have a yard of fencing or a blade of grass left—nor a ewe, nor a lamb, nor a hogget. I do hate fellows who come here and want - to be better than any one about ’em—young chaps especially. + to be better than any one about ’em—young chaps especially. Sending up here to look for sheep-skins, cuss his impudence! I sent that - German fellow of his away with a flea in his ear.” + German fellow of his away with a flea in his ear.” </p> <p> - “Karl Bender?” + “Karl Bender?” </p> <p> - “It’s some such name as that.” + “It’s some such name as that.” </p> <p> - “He’s all in all with the young squire,” said Boscobel. - “And there’s a chap there called Jacko—he’s - another. He gets ’em down there to Gangoil, and the ladies talks to - ’em, and then they’d go through fire and water for him. There’s - Mickey—he’s another, jist the same way. I don’t like - them ways, myself.” + “He’s all in all with the young squire,” said Boscobel. + “And there’s a chap there called Jacko—he’s + another. He gets ’em down there to Gangoil, and the ladies talks to + ’em, and then they’d go through fire and water for him. There’s + Mickey—he’s another, jist the same way. I don’t like + them ways, myself.” </p> <p> - “Too much of master and man about it, ain’t there, Bos?” + “Too much of master and man about it, ain’t there, Bos?” </p> <p> - “Just that, Mr. Jerry. That ain’t my idea of a free country. I - can work as well as another, but I ain’t going to be told that I’m - a swindler because I’m making the most of my time.” + “Just that, Mr. Jerry. That ain’t my idea of a free country. I + can work as well as another, but I ain’t going to be told that I’m + a swindler because I’m making the most of my time.” </p> <p> - “He turned Nokes out by the scruff of his neck?” said Jerry. - Boscobel again bobbed his head. “I didn’t think Nokes was the - sort of fellow to stand that.” + “He turned Nokes out by the scruff of his neck?” said Jerry. + Boscobel again bobbed his head. “I didn’t think Nokes was the + sort of fellow to stand that.” </p> <p> - “No more he ain’t,” said Boscobel. + “No more he ain’t,” said Boscobel. </p> <p> - “Heathcote’s a good plucked un all the same,” said Joe. + “Heathcote’s a good plucked un all the same,” said Joe. </p> <p> - “It’s like you to speak up for such a fellow is that,” + “It’s like you to speak up for such a fellow is that,” said Jerry. </p> <p> - “I say he’s a good plucked un. I’m not standing up for + “I say he’s a good plucked un. I’m not standing up for him. Nokes is half a stone heavier than him, and ought to have knocked him - over. That’s what you’d’ve done, wouldn’t you, - Bos? I know I would.” + over. That’s what you’d’ve done, wouldn’t you, + Bos? I know I would.” </p> <p> - “He’d ‘ve had my axe at his head,” said Boscobel. + “He’d ’ve had my axe at his head,” said Boscobel. </p> <p> - “We all know Joe’s game to the backbone,” said Jerry. + “We all know Joe’s game to the backbone,” said Jerry. </p> <p> - “I’m game enough for you, anyway,” said the brother. - “And you can try it out any time you like.” + “I’m game enough for you, anyway,” said the brother. + “And you can try it out any time you like.” </p> <p> - “That’s right; fight like dogs, do,” said the old man. + “That’s right; fight like dogs, do,” said the old man. </p> <p> The quarrel at this point was interrupted by the arrival of another man, @@ -2713,7 +2638,7 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger gave some account of himself, which was supposed to suffice, but which they all knew to be false. It was Sunday, and they were off work at the sugar-mill. He had come across Gangoil run, intending to take back with - him things of his own which he had left as Bender’s hut, and having + him things of his own which he had left as Bender’s hut, and having come so far, had thought that he would come on and get his dinner at Boolabong. As this was being told, a good deal was said of Harry Heathcote. Nokes declared that he had come right across Gangoil, and @@ -2723,21 +2648,21 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger coming, perhaps. Then Nokes gave it to be understood very plainly that it was the settled practice of his life to give Harry Heathcote a thrashing. During all this there was an immense amount of bad language, and a large - portion of the art which in the colony is called “blowing.” + portion of the art which in the colony is called “blowing.” Jerry, Boscobel, and Nokes all boasted, each that on the first occasion he would give Harry Heathcote such a beating that a whole bone should hardly - be left in the man’s skin. + be left in the man’s skin. </p> <p> - “There isn’t one of you man enough to touch him,” said + “There isn’t one of you man enough to touch him,” said Joe, who was known as the freest fighter of the Brownbie family. </p> <p> - “And you’d eat him, I suppose,” said Jerry. + “And you’d eat him, I suppose,” said Jerry. </p> <p> - “He’s not likely to come in my way,” said Joe; “but - if he does, he’ll get as good as he brings. That’s all.” + “He’s not likely to come in my way,” said Joe; “but + if he does, he’ll get as good as he brings. That’s all.” </p> <p> This was unpleasant to the visitors, who, of course, felt themselves to be @@ -2746,12 +2671,12 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger soon all asleep, and remained dozing, snoring, changing their uncomfortable positions, and cursing the mosquitoes, till about four in the afternoon, when Boscobel got up, shook himself, and made some - observation about “grub.” The meal of the day was then + observation about “grub.” The meal of the day was then prepared. A certain quantity of flour and raw meat, ample for their immediate wants, was given to the two strangers, with which they retired into the outer kitchen, prepared it for themselves, and there ate their - dinner, and each of the brothers did the same for himself in the big room—Joe, - the fighting brother, providing for his father’s wants as well as + dinner, and each of the brothers did the same for himself in the big room—Joe, + the fighting brother, providing for his father’s wants as well as his own. One of them had half a leg of cold mutton, so that he was saved the trouble of cooking, but he did not offer to share this comfort with the others. An enormous kettle of tea was made, and that was common among @@ -2765,15 +2690,15 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger After their meal the men came back on to the veranda, and there were more smoking and sleeping, more boasting and snarling. Different allusions were made to the spirit jar, especially by the old man; but they were made in - vain. The “Battle-Axe” was Jerry’s own property, and he + vain. The “Battle-Axe” was Jerry’s own property, and he felt that he had already been almost foolishly liberal. But he had an object in view. He was quite sure that Boscobel and Nokes had not come to Boolabong on the same Sunday by any chance coincidence. The men had something to propose, and in their own way they would make the proposition before they left, and would make it probably to him. Boscobel intended to sleep at Boolabong, but Nokes had explained that it was his purpose to - return that night to Medlicot’s Mill. The proposition no doubt would - be made soon—a little after seven, when the day was preparing to + return that night to Medlicot’s Mill. The proposition no doubt would + be made soon—a little after seven, when the day was preparing to give way suddenly to night. Nokes first walked off, sloping out from the veranda in a half-shy, half-cunning manner, looking nowhither, and saying a word to no one. Quickly after him Boscobel jumped up suddenly, hitched @@ -2783,87 +2708,82 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger two men, and no doubt the proposition was made. </p> <p> - “There’s something up,” said the old man, as soon as + “There’s something up,” said the old man, as soon as Jerry was gone. </p> <p> - “Of course there’s something up,” said Joe. “Those - fellows didn’t come all the way to Boolabong for nothing.” + “Of course there’s something up,” said Joe. “Those + fellows didn’t come all the way to Boolabong for nothing.” </p> <p> - “It’s something about young Heathcote,” suggested the + “It’s something about young Heathcote,” suggested the father. </p> <p> - “If it is,” said Jack, “what’s that to you?” + “If it is,” said Jack, “what’s that to you?” </p> <p> - “They’ll get themselves hanged, that’s all about it.” + “They’ll get themselves hanged, that’s all about it.” </p> <p> - “That be blowed,” said Jack; “you go easy and hold your - tongue. If you know nothing, nobody can hurt you.” + “That be blowed,” said Jack; “you go easy and hold your + tongue. If you know nothing, nobody can hurt you.” </p> <p> - “I know nothing,” said Joe, “and don’t mean. If I + “I know nothing,” said Joe, “and don’t mean. If I had scores to quit with a fellow like Harry Heathcote, I should do it - after my own fashion. I shouldn’t get Boscobel to help me, nor yet - such a fellow as Nokes. But it’s no business of mine. Heathcote’s - made the place too hot to hold him. That’s all about it.” - There was no more said, and in an hour’s time Jerry returned, to the + after my own fashion. I shouldn’t get Boscobel to help me, nor yet + such a fellow as Nokes. But it’s no business of mine. Heathcote’s + made the place too hot to hold him. That’s all about it.” + There was no more said, and in an hour’s time Jerry returned to the family. Neither the father nor brother asked him any questions, nor did he volunteer any information. </p> <p> - Boolabong was about fourteen miles from Medlicot’s Mill. Nokes had - walked this distance in the morning, and now retraced it at night—not + Boolabong was about fourteen miles from Medlicot’s Mill. Nokes had + walked this distance in the morning, and now retraced it at night—not going right across Gangoil, as he had falsely boasted of doing early in the day, but skirting it, and keeping on the outside of the fence nearly the whole distance. At about two in the morning he reached his cottage outside the mill on the river-bank; but he was unable to skulk in unheard. Some dogs made a noise, and presently he heard a voice calling him from - the house. “Is that you, Nokes, at this time of night?” asked + the house. “Is that you, Nokes, at this time of night?” asked Mr. Medlicot. Nokes grunted out some reply, intending to avoid any further question. But his master came up to the hut door and asked him where he had been. </p> <p> - “Just amusing myself,” said Nokes. + “Just amusing myself,” said Nokes. </p> <p> - “It’s very late.” + “It’s very late.” </p> <p> - “It’s not later for me than for you, Mr. Medlicot.” + “It’s not later for me than for you, Mr. Medlicot.” </p> <p> - “That’s true. I’ve just ridden home from + “That’s true. I’ve just ridden home from Gangoil.” </p> <p> - “From Gangoil? I didn’t know you were so friendly there, Mr. - Medlicot.” + “From Gangoil? I didn’t know you were so friendly there, Mr. + Medlicot.” </p> <p> - “And where have you been?” + “And where have you been?” </p> <p> - “Not to Gangoil, anyway. Good-night, Mr. Medlicot.” Then the + “Not to Gangoil, anyway. Good-night, Mr. Medlicot.” Then the man took himself into his hut, and was safe from further questioning that night. </p> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER VII. — “I WISH YOU’D LIKE ME.” + + + <div class="chapter"> + <hr class="x-ebookmaker-drop" /> + <h2 id="link2HCH0007"> + CHAPTER VII.<br> <span>“I WISH YOU’D LIKE ME.”</span> </h2> + </div> <p> All the Saturday night Heathcote had been on the run, and he did not return home to bed till nearly dawn on the Sunday morning. At about noon @@ -2883,100 +2803,100 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger and taught them to regard him for the time as a young hero. </p> <p> - “How quietly he sleeps!” Kate said. “The fatigue of the - last week must have been terrible.” + “How quietly he sleeps!” Kate said. “The fatigue of the + last week must have been terrible.” </p> <p> - “He is quite, quite knocked up,” said the wife. + “He is quite, quite knocked up,” said the wife. </p> <p> - “I ain’t knocked up a bit,” said Harry, jumping up from - his chair. “What should knock me up? I wasn’t asleep, was I?” + “I ain’t knocked up a bit,” said Harry, jumping up from + his chair. “What should knock me up? I wasn’t asleep, was I?” </p> <p> - “Just dozing, dear.” + “Just dozing, dear.” </p> <p> - “Ah, well; there isn’t any thing to do, and it’s too hot - to get out. I wonder Old Bates didn’t come in for prayers.” + “Ah, well; there isn’t any thing to do, and it’s too hot + to get out. I wonder Old Bates didn’t come in for prayers.” </p> <p> - “I don’t think he cares much for prayers,” said Mrs. + “I don’t think he cares much for prayers,” said Mrs. Heathcote. </p> <p> - “But he likes an excuse for a nobbler as well as any one. Did I tell - you that they had fires over at Jackson’s yesterday—at - Goolaroo?” + “But he likes an excuse for a nobbler as well as any one. Did I tell + you that they had fires over at Jackson’s yesterday—at + Goolaroo?” </p> <p> - “Was there any harm done?” + “Was there any harm done?” </p> <p> - “A deal of grass burned, and they had to drive the sheep, which won’t - serve them this kind of weather. I don’t know which I fear most—the - grass, the fences, or the sheep. As for the buildings, I don’t think - they’ll try that again.” + “A deal of grass burned, and they had to drive the sheep, which won’t + serve them this kind of weather. I don’t know which I fear most—the + grass, the fences, or the sheep. As for the buildings, I don’t think + they’ll try that again.” </p> <p> - “Why not, Harry?” + “Why not, Harry?” </p> <p> - “The risk of being seen is too great. I can hardly understand that a - man like Nokes should have been such a fool as he was.” + “The risk of being seen is too great. I can hardly understand that a + man like Nokes should have been such a fool as he was.” </p> <p> - “You think it was Nokes?” + “You think it was Nokes?” </p> <p> - “Oh yes, certainly. In the first place, Jacko is as true as steel. I - don’t mean to swear by the boy, though I think he is a good boy. But - I’m sure he’s true in this. And then the man’s manner to - myself was conclusive. I can not understand a man in Medlicot’s + “Oh yes, certainly. In the first place, Jacko is as true as steel. I + don’t mean to swear by the boy, though I think he is a good boy. But + I’m sure he’s true in this. And then the man’s manner to + myself was conclusive. I can not understand a man in Medlicot’s position supporting a fellow like that. By Heavens! it nearly drives me mad to think of it. Thousands and thousands of pounds are at stake. All that a man has in the world is exposed to the malice of a scoundrel like Nokes! And then a man who calls himself a gentleman will talk about it - being un-English to look after him. He’s a ‘new chum;’ I - suppose that’s his excuse.” + being un-English to look after him. He’s a ‘new chum;’ I + suppose that’s his excuse.” </p> <p> - “If it’s a sufficient excuse, you should excuse him,” + “If it’s a sufficient excuse, you should excuse him,” said Kate, with good feminine logic. </p> <p> - “That’s just like you all over. He’s good-looking, and - therefore it’s all right. He ought to have learned better. He ought, + “That’s just like you all over. He’s good-looking, and + therefore it’s all right. He ought to have learned better. He ought, at any rate, to believe that men who have been here much longer than he - has must know the ways of the country a great deal better.” + has must know the ways of the country a great deal better.” </p> <p> - “It’s Christmas-time, Harry,” said his wife, “and - you should endeavor to forgive your neighbors.” + “It’s Christmas-time, Harry,” said his wife, “and + you should endeavor to forgive your neighbors.” </p> <p> - “What sort of a Christmas will it be if you and I, and these young - fellows here, and Kate, are all burned out of Gangoil? Here’s Bates.—Well, - Mr. Bates, how goes it?” + “What sort of a Christmas will it be if you and I, and these young + fellows here, and Kate, are all burned out of Gangoil? Here’s Bates.—Well, + Mr. Bates, how goes it?” </p> <p> - “Tremendous hot, Sir.” + “Tremendous hot, Sir.” </p> <p> - “We’ve found that out already. You haven’t heard where - that fellow Boscobel has gone?” + “We’ve found that out already. You haven’t heard where + that fellow Boscobel has gone?” </p> <p> - “No; I haven’t heard. But he’ll be over with some of - those Brownbie lads. They say Georgie Brownbie’s about the country - somewhere. If so, there’ll be a row among ’em.” + “No; I haven’t heard. But he’ll be over with some of + those Brownbie lads. They say Georgie Brownbie’s about the country + somewhere. If so, there’ll be a row among ’em.” </p> <p> - “When thieves fall out, Mr. Bates, honest men come by their own.” + “When thieves fall out, Mr. Bates, honest men come by their own.” </p> <p> - “So they say, Mr. Heathcote. All the same, I shouldn’t care - how far Georgie was away from any place I had to do with.” Then the + “So they say, Mr. Heathcote. All the same, I shouldn’t care + how far Georgie was away from any place I had to do with.” Then the young master and his old superintendent sauntered out to his back premises to talk about sheep and fires, and plans for putting out fires. And no doubt Mr. Bates had the glass of brandy-and-water which he had come to @@ -2986,7 +2906,7 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger discuss the pedigree of some particular ram, till it was past six. </p> <p> - “You may as well come in and dine with us, Mr. Bates,” Harry + “You may as well come in and dine with us, Mr. Bates,” Harry suggested, as they returned toward the station. </p> <p> @@ -2996,9 +2916,9 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger Bates would not have dreamed of going in to dinner without being asked. </p> <p> - “That’s Medlicot’s trap,” said Mr. Bates, as they - entered the yard. “I heard wheels when they were in the horse - paddock.” + “That’s Medlicot’s trap,” said Mr. Bates, as they + entered the yard. “I heard wheels when they were in the horse + paddock.” </p> <p> Harry looked at the trap, and then went quickly into the house. @@ -3016,30 +2936,30 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger Mr. Medlicot. </p> <p> - “I am glad to see you at Gangoil,” he said; “I was not + “I am glad to see you at Gangoil,” he said; “I was not fortunate enough to be at home when you called the other day. Mrs. - Medlicot must have found the drive very hot, I fear.” + Medlicot must have found the drive very hot, I fear.” </p> <p> His wife was still looking into his face, and was reading there, as in a - book, the mingled pride and disdain with which her husband exercising - civility to his enemy. Harry’s countenance wore a look not difficult + book, the mingled pride and disdain with which her husband was exercising + civility to his enemy. Harry’s countenance wore a look not difficult of perusal, and Medlicot could read the lines almost as distinctly as - Harry’s wife. + Harry’s wife. </p> <p> - “I have asked Mrs. Medlicot to stay and dine with us,” she - said, “so that she may have it cool for the drive back.” + “I have asked Mrs. Medlicot to stay and dine with us,” she + said, “so that she may have it cool for the drive back.” </p> <p> - “I am almost afraid of the bush at night,” said the old woman. + “I am almost afraid of the bush at night,” said the old woman. </p> <p> - “You’ll have a full moon,” said Harry; “it will be - as light as day.” So that was settled. Heathcote thought it odd that + “You’ll have a full moon,” said Harry; “it will be + as light as day.” So that was settled. Heathcote thought it odd that the man whom he regarded as his enemy, whom he had left at their last meeting in positive hostility, should consent to accept a dinner under his - roof; but that was Medlicot’s affair, not his. + roof; but that was Medlicot’s affair, not his. </p> <p> They dined at seven, and after dinner strolled out into the horse paddock, @@ -3048,125 +2968,125 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger and he had already moved quite as much as was usual with him on a Sunday. </p> <p> - “I think I was a little hard with you the other day,” said + “I think I was a little hard with you the other day,” said Medlicot, when they were alone together. </p> <p> - “I suppose we hardly understand each other’s ideas,” + “I suppose we hardly understand each other’s ideas,” said Harry. He spoke with a constrained voice, and with an almost savage manner, engendered by a determination to hold his own. He would forgive any offense for which an apology was made, but no apology had been made as yet; and, to tell the truth, he was a little afraid that if they got into an argument on the matter Medlicot would have the best of it. And there - was, too, almost a claim to superiority in Medlicot’s use of the - word “hard.” When one man says that he has been hard to + was, too, almost a claim to superiority in Medlicot’s use of the + word “hard.” When one man says that he has been hard to another, he almost boasts that, on that occasion, he got the better of him. </p> <p> - “That’s just it,” said Medlicot; “we do not quite + “That’s just it,” said Medlicot; “we do not quite understand each other. But we might believe in each other all the same, - and then the understanding would come. But it isn’t just that which - I want to say; such talking rarely does any good.” + and then the understanding would come. But it isn’t just that which + I want to say; such talking rarely does any good.” </p> <p> - “What is it, then?” + “What is it, then?” </p> <p> - “You may perhaps be right about that man Nokes.” + “You may perhaps be right about that man Nokes.” </p> <p> - “No doubt I may. I know I’m right. When I asked him whether he’d - been at my shed, what made him say that he hadn’t been there at + “No doubt I may. I know I’m right. When I asked him whether he’d + been at my shed, what made him say that he hadn’t been there at night-time? I said nothing about night-time. But the man was there at - night-time, or he wouldn’t have used the word.” + night-time, or he wouldn’t have used the word.” </p> <p> - “I’m not sure that that is evidence.” + “I’m not sure that that is evidence.” </p> <p> - “Perhaps not in England, Mr. Medlicot, but it’s good enough - evidence for the bush. And what made him pretend he didn’t know the - distances? And why can’t he look a man in the face? And why should - the boy have said it was he if it wasn’t? Of course, if you think - well of him you’re right to keep him. But you may take it as a rule - out here that when a man has been dismissed it hasn’t been done for - nothing. Men treated that way should travel out of the country. It’s - better for all parties. It isn’t here as it is at home, where people + “Perhaps not in England, Mr. Medlicot, but it’s good enough + evidence for the bush. And what made him pretend he didn’t know the + distances? And why can’t he look a man in the face? And why should + the boy have said it was he if it wasn’t? Of course, if you think + well of him you’re right to keep him. But you may take it as a rule + out here that when a man has been dismissed it hasn’t been done for + nothing. Men treated that way should travel out of the country. It’s + better for all parties. It isn’t here as it is at home, where people live so thick together that nothing is thought of a man being dismissed. I - was obliged to discharge him, and now he’s my enemy.” + was obliged to discharge him, and now he’s my enemy.” </p> <p> - “A man may be your enemy without being a felon.” + “A man may be your enemy without being a felon.” </p> <p> - “Of course he may. I’m his enemy in a way, but I wouldn’t + “Of course he may. I’m his enemy in a way, but I wouldn’t hurt a hair of his head unjustly. When I see the attempts made to burn me - out, of course I know that an enemy has been at work.” + out, of course I know that an enemy has been at work.” </p> <p> - “Is there no one else has got a grudge against you?” + “Is there no one else has got a grudge against you?” </p> <p> Harry was silent for a moment. What right had this man to cross-examine - him about his enmities—the man whose own position in the place had + him about his enmities—the man whose own position in the place had been one of hostility to him, whom he had almost suspected of harboring Nokes at the mill simply because Nokes had been dismissed from Gangoil? - That suspicion was, indeed, fading away. There was something in Medlicot’s + That suspicion was, indeed, fading away. There was something in Medlicot’s voice and manner which made it impossible to attribute such motives to him. Nevertheless the man was a free-selector, and had taken a bit of the Gangoil run after a fashion which to Heathcote was objectionable politically, morally, and socially. Let Medlicot in regard to character be - what he might, he was a free-selector, and a squatter’s enemy, and + what he might, he was a free-selector, and a squatter’s enemy, and had clinched his hostility by employing a servant dismissed from the very - run out of which he had bought his land. “It is hard to say,” - he replied at length, “who have grudges, as against whom, or why. I + run out of which he had bought his land. “It is hard to say,” + he replied at length, “who have grudges, as against whom, or why. I suppose I have a great grudge against you, if the truth is to be known; - but I sha’n’t burn down your mill.” + but I sha’n’t burn down your mill.” </p> <p> - “I’m sure you won’t.” + “I’m sure you won’t.” </p> <p> - “Nor yet say worse of you behind your back than I will to your face.” + “Nor yet say worse of you behind your back than I will to your face.” </p> <p> - “I don’t want you to think that you have occasion to speak ill - of me, either one way or the other. What I mean is this—I don’t + “I don’t want you to think that you have occasion to speak ill + of me, either one way or the other. What I mean is this—I don’t quite think that the evidence against Nokes is strong enough to justify me - in sending him away; but I’ll keep an eye on him as well as I can. + in sending him away; but I’ll keep an eye on him as well as I can. It seems that he left our place early this morning; but the men are not supposed to be there on Sundays, and of course he does as he pleases with - himself.” + himself.” </p> <p> The conversation then dropped, and in a little time Harry made some excuse for leaving them, and returned to the house alone, promising, however, - that he would not start for his night’s ride till after the party - had come back to the station. “There is no hurry at all,” he - said; “I shan’t stir for two hours yet, but Mickey will be - waiting there for stores for himself and the German.” + that he would not start for his night’s ride till after the party + had come back to the station. “There is no hurry at all,” he + said; “I shan’t stir for two hours yet, but Mickey will be + waiting there for stores for himself and the German.” </p> <p> - “That means a nobbler for Mickey,” said Kate. “Either of + “That means a nobbler for Mickey,” said Kate. “Either of those men would think it a treat to ride ten miles in and ten miles back, with a horse-load of sugar and tea and flour, for the sake of a glass of - brandy-and-water.” + brandy-and-water.” </p> <p> - “And so would you,” said Harry, “if you lived in a hut - by yourself for a fortnight, with nothing to drink but tea without milk.” + “And so would you,” said Harry, “if you lived in a hut + by yourself for a fortnight, with nothing to drink but tea without milk.” </p> <p> The old lady and Mrs. Heathcote were soon seated on the grass, while Medlicot and Kate Daly roamed on together. Kate was a pretty, modest girl, timid withal and shy, unused to society, and therefore awkward, but with the natural instincts and aptitudes of her sex. What the glass of - brandy-and-water was to Mickey O’Dowd after a fortnight’s + brandy-and-water was to Mickey O’Dowd after a fortnight’s solitude in a bush hut, with tea, dampers, and lumps of mutton, a young man in the guise of a gentleman was to poor Kate Daly. A brother-in-law, let him be ever so good, is after all no better than tea without milk. No - doubt Mickey O’Dowd often thought about a nobbler in his thirsty + doubt Mickey O’Dowd often thought about a nobbler in his thirsty solitude, and so did Kate speculate on what might possibly be the attractions of a lover. Medlicot probably indulged in no such speculations; but the nobbler, when brought close to his lips, was @@ -3174,138 +3094,138 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger doubt. </p> <p> - “Isn’t it sad that he should have to ride about all night like - that?” said Kate, to whom, as was proper, Harry Heathcote at the + “Isn’t it sad that he should have to ride about all night like + that?” said Kate, to whom, as was proper, Harry Heathcote at the present moment was of more importance than any other human being. </p> <p> - “I suppose he likes it.” + “I suppose he likes it.” </p> <p> - “Oh no, Mr. Medlicot; how can he like it? It is not the hard work he - minds, but the constant dread of coming evil.” + “Oh no, Mr. Medlicot; how can he like it? It is not the hard work he + minds, but the constant dread of coming evil.” </p> <p> - “The excitement keeps him alive.” + “The excitement keeps him alive.” </p> <p> - “There’s plenty on a station to keep a man alive in that way - at all times.” + “There’s plenty on a station to keep a man alive in that way + at all times.” </p> <p> - “And plenty to keep ladies alive too?” + “And plenty to keep ladies alive too?” </p> <p> - “Oh, ladies! I don’t know that ladies have any business in the - bush. Harry’s trouble is all about my sister and the children and - me. He wouldn’t care a straw for himself.” + “Oh, ladies! I don’t know that ladies have any business in the + bush. Harry’s trouble is all about my sister and the children and + me. He wouldn’t care a straw for himself.” </p> <p> - “Do you think he’d be better without a wife?” + “Do you think he’d be better without a wife?” </p> <p> - Kate hesitated for a moment. “Well, no. I suppose it would be very - rough without Mary; and he’d be so lonely when he came in.” + Kate hesitated for a moment. “Well, no. I suppose it would be very + rough without Mary; and he’d be so lonely when he came in.” </p> <p> - “And nobody to make his tea.” + “And nobody to make his tea.” </p> <p> - “Or to look after his things,” said Kate, earnestly. “I + “Or to look after his things,” said Kate, earnestly. “I know it was very rough before we came here. He says that himself. There were no regular meals, but just food in a cupboard when he chose to get - it.” + it.” </p> <p> - “That is not comfortable, certainly.” + “That is not comfortable, certainly.” </p> <p> - “Horrid, I should think. I suppose it is better for him to be - married. You’ve got your mother, Mr. Medlicot.” + “Horrid, I should think. I suppose it is better for him to be + married. You’ve got your mother, Mr. Medlicot.” </p> <p> - “Yes: I’ve got my mother.” + “Yes: I’ve got my mother.” </p> <p> - “That makes a difference, does it not?” + “That makes a difference, does it not?” </p> <p> - “A very great difference. She’ll save me from having to go to - a cupboard for my bread and meat.” + “A very great difference. She’ll save me from having to go to + a cupboard for my bread and meat.” </p> <p> - “I suppose having a woman about is better for a man. They haven’t - got any thing else to do, and therefore they can look to things.” + “I suppose having a woman about is better for a man. They haven’t + got any thing else to do, and therefore they can look to things.” </p> <p> - “Do you help to look to things?” + “Do you help to look to things?” </p> <p> - “I suppose I do something. I often feel ashamed to think how very - little it is. As for that, I’m not wanted at all.” + “I suppose I do something. I often feel ashamed to think how very + little it is. As for that, I’m not wanted at all.” </p> <p> - “So that you’re free to go elsewhere?” + “So that you’re free to go elsewhere?” </p> <p> - “I didn’t mean that, Mr. Medlicot; only I know I’m not - of much use.” + “I didn’t mean that, Mr. Medlicot; only I know I’m not + of much use.” </p> <p> - “But if you had a house of your own?” + “But if you had a house of your own?” </p> <p> - “Gangoil is my home just as much as it is Mary’s; and I - sometimes feel that Harry is just as good to me as he is to Mary.” + “Gangoil is my home just as much as it is Mary’s; and I + sometimes feel that Harry is just as good to me as he is to Mary.” </p> <p> - “Your sister will never leave Gangoil.” + “Your sister will never leave Gangoil.” </p> <p> - “Not unless Harry gets another station.” + “Not unless Harry gets another station.” </p> <p> - “But you will have to be transplanted some day.” + “But you will have to be transplanted some day.” </p> <p> Kate merely chucked up her head and pouted her lips, as though to show that the proposition was one which did not deserve an answer. </p> <p> - “You’ll marry a squatter, of course, Miss Daly?” + “You’ll marry a squatter, of course, Miss Daly?” </p> <p> - “I don’t suppose I shall ever marry any body, Mr. Medlicot.” + “I don’t suppose I shall ever marry any body, Mr. Medlicot.” </p> <p> - “You wouldn’t marry any one but a squatter? I can quite + “You wouldn’t marry any one but a squatter? I can quite understand that. The squatters here are what the lords and the country - gentlemen are at home.” + gentlemen are at home.” </p> <p> - “I can’t even picture to myself what sort of life people live - at home.” Both Medlicot and Kate Daly meant England when they spoke + “I can’t even picture to myself what sort of life people live + at home.” Both Medlicot and Kate Daly meant England when they spoke of home. </p> <p> - “There isn’t so much difference as people think. Classes hang - together just in the same way; only I think there’s a little more - exclusiveness here than there was there.” + “There isn’t so much difference as people think. Classes hang + together just in the same way; only I think there’s a little more + exclusiveness here than there was there.” </p> <p> In answer to this, Kate asserted with innocent eagerness that she was not - at all exclusive, and that if ever she married any one she’d marry + at all exclusive, and that if ever she married any one she’d marry the man she liked. </p> <p> - “I wish you’d like me,” said Medlicot. + “I wish you’d like me,” said Medlicot. </p> <p> - “That’s nonsense,” said Kate, in a low, timid whisper, + “That’s nonsense,” said Kate, in a low, timid whisper, hurrying away to rejoin the other ladies. She could speculate on the - delights of the beverage as would Mickey O’Dowd in his hut; but when + delights of the beverage as would Mickey O’Dowd in his hut; but when it was first brought to her lips she could only fly away from it. In this - respect Mickey O’Dowd was the more sensible of the two. No other + respect Mickey O’Dowd was the more sensible of the two. No other word was spoken that night between them, but Kate lay awake till morning thinking of the one word that had been spoken. But the secret was kept sacredly within her own bosom. @@ -3313,21 +3233,21 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger <p> Before the Medlicots started that night the old lady made a proposition that the Heathcotes and Miss Daly should eat the Christmas dinner at - Medlicot’s Mill. Mrs. Heathcote, thinking perhaps of her sister, + Medlicot’s Mill. Mrs. Heathcote, thinking perhaps of her sister, thoroughly liking what she herself had seen of the Medlicots, looked - anxiously into Harry’s face. If he would consent to this, an + anxiously into Harry’s face. If he would consent to this, an intimacy would follow, and probably a real friendship be made. </p> <p> - “It’s out of the question,” he said. The very firmness, + “It’s out of the question,” he said. The very firmness, however, with which he spoke gave a certain cordiality even to his - refusal. “I must be at home, so that the men may know where to find - me till I go out for the night.” Then, after a pause, he continued, - “As we can’t go to you, why should you not come to us?” + refusal. “I must be at home, so that the men may know where to find + me till I go out for the night.” Then, after a pause, he continued, + “As we can’t go to you, why should you not come to us?” </p> <p> - So it was at last decided, much to Harry’s own astonishment, much to - his wife’s delight. Kate, therefore, when she lay awake, thinking of + So it was at last decided, much to Harry’s own astonishment, much to + his wife’s delight. Kate, therefore, when she lay awake, thinking of the one word that had been spoken, knew that there would be an opportunity for another word. </p> @@ -3336,49 +3256,44 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger the house, encountered Nokes on his return from Boolabong, as has been told at the close of the last chapter. </p> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER VIII. — “I DO WISH HE WOULD COME!” + + + <div class="chapter"> + <hr class="x-ebookmaker-drop" /> + <h2 id="link2HCH0008"> + CHAPTER VIII.<br> <span>“I DO WISH HE WOULD COME!”</span> </h2> + </div> <p> On the Monday morning Harry came home as usual, and, as usual, went to bed - after his breakfast. “I wouldn’t care about the heat if it - were not for the wind,” he said to his wife, as he threw himself + after his breakfast. “I wouldn’t care about the heat if it + were not for the wind,” he said to his wife, as he threw himself down. </p> <p> - “The wind carries it so, I suppose.” + “The wind carries it so, I suppose.” </p> <p> - “Yes; and it comes from just the wrong side—from the - northwest. There have been half a dozen fires about to-day.” + “Yes; and it comes from just the wrong side—from the + northwest. There have been half a dozen fires about to-day.” </p> <p> - “During the night, you mean.” + “During the night, you mean.” </p> <p> - “No; yesterday—Sunday. I can not make out whether they come by - themselves. They certainly are not all made by incendiaries.” + “No; yesterday—Sunday. I can not make out whether they come by + themselves. They certainly are not all made by incendiaries.” </p> <p> - “Accidents, perhaps.” + “Accidents, perhaps.” </p> <p> - “Well, yes. Somebody drops a match, and the sun ignites it. But the + “Well, yes. Somebody drops a match, and the sun ignites it. But the chances are much against a fire like that spreading. Care is wanted to make it spread. As far as I can learn, the worst fires have not been just after midday, when, of course, the heat is greater, but in the early night, before the dews have come. All the same, I feel that I know nothing - about it—nothing at all. Don’t let me sleep long.” + about it—nothing at all. Don’t let me sleep long.” </p> <p> In spite of this injunction, Mrs. Heathcote determined that he should @@ -3393,77 +3308,77 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger wife, anxious as she was that her husband should sleep, did not dare in these perilous times to ignore Jacko and his information, and therefore gently woke the sleeper. In a few minutes Jacko was standing by the young - squatter’s bedside, and Harry Heathcote, quite awake, was sitting up - and listening. “George Brownbie’s at Boolabong.” That at - first was the gravamen of Jacko’s news. + squatter’s bedside, and Harry Heathcote, quite awake, was sitting up + and listening. “George Brownbie’s at Boolabong.” That at + first was the gravamen of Jacko’s news. </p> <p> - “I know that already, Jacko.” + “I know that already, Jacko.” </p> <p> - “My word!” exclaimed Jacko. In those parts Georgie Brownbie + “My word!” exclaimed Jacko. In those parts Georgie Brownbie was regarded almost as the Evil One himself, and Jacko, knowing what mischief was, as it were, in the word, thought that he was entitled to bread and jam, if not to a nobbler itself, in bringing such tidings to Gangoil. </p> <p> - “Is that all?” asked Heathcote. + “Is that all?” asked Heathcote. </p> <p> - “And Bos is at Boolabong, and Bill Nokes was there all Sunday, and - Jerry Brownbie’s been out with Bos and Georgie.” + “And Bos is at Boolabong, and Bill Nokes was there all Sunday, and + Jerry Brownbie’s been out with Bos and Georgie.” </p> <p> - “The old man wouldn’t say any thing of that kind, Jacko.” + “The old man wouldn’t do any thing of that kind, Jacko.” </p> <p> - “The old man! He knows nothing about it. My word! they don’t - tell him about nothing.” + “The old man! He knows nothing about it. My word! they don’t + tell him about nothing.” </p> <p> - “Or Tom?” + “Or Tom?” </p> <p> - “Tom’s away in prison. They always cotches the best when they - want to send ’em to prison. If they’d lock up Jerry and - Georgie and Jack! My word! yes.” + “Tom’s away in prison. They always cotches the best when they + want to send ’em to prison. If they’d lock up Jerry and + Georgie and Jack! My word! yes.” </p> <p> - “You think they’re arranging it all at Boolabong?” + “You think they’re arranging it all at Boolabong?” </p> <p> - “In course they are.” + “In course they are.” </p> <p> - “I don’t see why Boscobel shouldn’t be at Boolabong - without intending me any harm. Of course he’d go there when he left - Gangoil. That’s where they all go.” + “I don’t see why Boscobel shouldn’t be at Boolabong + without intending me any harm. Of course he’d go there when he left + Gangoil. That’s where they all go.” </p> <p> - “And Bill Nokes, Mr. Harry?” + “And Bill Nokes, Mr. Harry?” </p> <p> - “And Bill Nokes too. Though why he should travel so far from his - work this weather I can’t say.” + “And Bill Nokes too. Though why he should travel so far from his + work this weather I can’t say.” </p> <p> - “My word! no, Mr. Harry.” + “My word! no, Mr. Harry.” </p> <p> - “Did you see any fires about your way last night?” + “Did you see any fires about your way last night?” </p> <p> Jacko shook his head. </p> <p> - “You go into the kitchen and get something to eat, and wait for me. - I shall be out before long now.” + “You go into the kitchen and get something to eat, and wait for me. + I shall be out before long now.” </p> <p> Though Heathcote had made light of the assemblage of evil spirits at Boolabong which had seemed so important to Jacko, he by no means did - regard the news as unessential. Of Nokes’s villany he was convinced. + regard the news as unessential. Of Nokes’s villany he was convinced. Of Boscobel he had imprudently made a second enemy at a most inauspicious time. Georgie Brownbie had long been his bitter foe. He had prosecuted and, perhaps, persecuted Georgie for various offenses; but as Georgie was @@ -3475,20 +3390,20 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger </p> <p> Soon after noon Harry was on horseback and Jacko was at his heels. The - heat was more intense than ever. Mrs. Heathcote had twisted round Harry’s + heat was more intense than ever. Mrs. Heathcote had twisted round Harry’s hat a long white scarf, called a puggeree, though we are by no means sure of our spelling. Jacko had spread a very dirty fragment of an old white handkerchief on his head, and wore his hat over it. Mrs. Heathcote had begged Harry to take a large cotton parasol, and he had nearly consented, being unable at last to reconcile himself to the idea of riding with such - an accoutrement even in the bush. “The heat’s a bore,” - he said, “but I’m not a bit afraid of it as long as I keep - moving. Yes, I’ll be back to dinner, though I won’t say when, - and I won’t say for how long. It will be the same thing all day - to-morrow. I wish with all my heart those people were not coming.” + an accoutrement even in the bush. “The heat’s a bore,” + he said, “but I’m not a bit afraid of it as long as I keep + moving. Yes, I’ll be back to dinner, though I won’t say when, + and I won’t say for how long. It will be the same thing all day + to-morrow. I wish with all my heart those people were not coming.” </p> <p> - He rode straight away to the German’s hut, which was on the + He rode straight away to the German’s hut, which was on the northwestern extremity of his further paddock in that direction. From thence the western fence ran in a southerly direction, nearly straight to the river. Beyond the fence was a strip of land, in some parts over a mile @@ -3500,7 +3415,7 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger ownership of a Crown tenant in such fashion as the nature of his occupation allowed. Beyond this strip was Boolabong; the house at Boolabong being not above three miles distant from the fence, and not - above four miles from the German’s hut. So that the Brownbies were + above four miles from the German’s hut. So that the Brownbies were in truth much nearer neighbors to the German than was Heathcote and his family. But between the German and the Brownbies there raged an internecine feud. No doubt Harry Heathcote, in his heart, liked the German @@ -3512,9 +3427,9 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger colony at Brisbane. He probably knew nothing of law or justice in the abstract, but he greatly valued law when exercised against those he hated. The western fence of which mention has been made ran down to the Mary - River, hitting it about four miles west of Medlicot’s Mill; so that + River, hitting it about four miles west of Medlicot’s Mill; so that there was a considerable portion of the Gangoil run having a frontage to - the water. As has been before said, Medlicot’s plantation was about + the water. As has been before said, Medlicot’s plantation was about fourteen miles distant from the house at Boolabong, and the distance from the Gangoil house to that of the Brownbies was about the same. </p> @@ -3532,8 +3447,8 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger their own grass. Their stock, if they had any at the present moment, were much too few in number to be affected by such a loss. The Brownbies had not a yard of fencing to be burned; and a fire, if once it got a hold on - the edge of their run, would pass on away from them, right across Harry’s - pastures and Harry’s fences. If such were the case, he would have + the edge of their run, would pass on away from them, right across Harry’s + pastures and Harry’s fences. If such were the case, he would have quite enough to do to drive his sheep from the fire, and it might be that many of them also would perish in the flames. The catastrophe might even be so bad, so frightful, that the shed and station and all should go; @@ -3542,29 +3457,29 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger </p> <p> He found Karl Bender in his hut asleep. The man was soon up, apologizing - for his somnolence, and preparing tea for his master’s - entertainment. “It is not Christmas like at home at all; is it, Mr. - ‘Eathcote? Dear, no! Them red divils is there ready to give us a Christmas - roasting.” Then he told how he had boldly ridden up to Boolabong + for his somnolence, and preparing tea for his master’s + entertainment. “It is not Christmas like at home at all; is it, Mr. + ’Eathcote? Dear, no! Them red divils is there ready to give us a Christmas + roasting.” Then he told how he had boldly ridden up to Boolabong that morning, and had seen Georgie and Boscobel with his own eyes. When asked what they had said to him, he replied that he did not wait till any thing had been said, but had hurried away as fast as his horse could carry him. </p> <p> - “I’ll go up to Boolabong myself,” said Harry. + “I’ll go up to Boolabong myself,” said Harry. </p> <p> - “My word! They’ll just about knock your head off,” + “My word! They’ll just about knock your head off,” suggested Jacko. </p> <p> Karl Bender also thought that the making of such a visit would be a source of danger. But Heathcote explained that any personal attack was not to be - apprehended from these men. “That’s not their game,” he + apprehended from these men. “That’s not their game,” he said, arguing that men who premeditated a secret outrage would not probably be tempted into personal violence. The horror of the position lay - in this—that though a fire should rise up almost under the feet of + in this—that though a fire should rise up almost under the feet of men who were known to be hostile to him, and whose characters were acknowledged to be bad, still would there be no evidence against them. It was known to all men that, at periods of heat such as that which was now @@ -3588,77 +3503,77 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger should he call them. </p> <p> - He had left the house about noon, saying that he would be home to dinner—which, + He had left the house about noon, saying that he would be home to dinner—which, however, on such occasions, was held to be a feast movable over a wide space of time. But on this occasion the women expected him to come early, as it was his intention to be out again as soon as it should be dark. Mrs. Growler was asked to have the dinner ready at six. During the day Mrs. - Heathcote was backward and forward in the kitchen. Then was something + Heathcote was backward and forward in the kitchen. There was something wrong she knew, but could not quite discern the evil. Sing Sing, the cook, was more than ordinarily alert; but Sing Sing, the cook, was not much - trusted. Mrs. Growler was “as good as the Bank,” as far as + trusted. Mrs. Growler was “as good as the Bank,” as far as that went, having lived with old Mr. Daly when he was prosperous; but she was apt to be downhearted, and on the present occasion was more than - usually low in spirits. Whenever Mrs. Heathcote spoke, she wept. At six o’clock + usually low in spirits. Whenever Mrs. Heathcote spoke, she wept. At six o’clock she came into the parlor with a budget of news. Sing Sing, the cook, had been gone for the last half hour, leaving the leg of mutton at the fire. It soon became clear to them that he had altogether absconded. </p> <p> - “Them rats always does leave a falling house,” said Mrs. + “Them rats always does leave a falling house,” said Mrs. Growler. </p> <p> - At seven o’clock the sun was down, though the gloom of the tropical + At seven o’clock the sun was down, though the gloom of the tropical evening had not yet come. The two ladies went out to the gate, which was but a few yards from the veranda, and there stood listening for the sound - of Harry’s horse. The low moaning of the wind through the trees + of Harry’s horse. The low moaning of the wind through the trees could be heard, but it was so gentle, continuous, and unaltered that it seemed to be no more than a vehicle for other sounds, and was as death-like as silence itself. The gate of the horse paddock through which Heathcote must pass on his way home was nearly a mile distant; but the road there was hard, and they knew that they could hear from there the - fall of his horse’s feet. There they stood from seven to nearly + fall of his horse’s feet. There they stood from seven to nearly eight, whispering a word now and then to each other, listening always, but in vain. Looking away to the west every now and then, they fancied that they could see the sky glow with flames, and then they would tell each other that it was fancy. The evening grew darker and still darker, but no sound was heard through the moaning wind. From time to time Mrs. Growler - came out to them, declaring her fears in no measured terms. “Well, - marm, I do declare I think we’d better go away out of this.” + came out to them, declaring her fears in no measured terms. “Well, + marm, I do declare I think we’d better go away out of this.” </p> <p> - “Go away, Mrs. Growler! What nonsense! Where can we go to?” + “Go away, Mrs. Growler! What nonsense! Where can we go to?” </p> <p> - “The mill would be nearest, ma’am, and we should be safe - there. I’m sure Mrs. Medlicot would take us in.” + “The mill would be nearest, ma’am, and we should be safe + there. I’m sure Mrs. Medlicot would take us in.” </p> <p> - “Why should you not be safe here?” said Kate. + “Why should you not be safe here?” said Kate. </p> <p> - “That wretched Chinese hasn’t gone and left us for nothing, + “That wretched Chinese hasn’t gone and left us for nothing, miss, and what would we three lone women do here if all them Brownbies - came down upon us? Why don’t master come back? He ought to come - back; oughtn’t he, ma’am? He never do think what lone women - are.” + came down upon us? Why don’t master come back? He ought to come + back; oughtn’t he, ma’am? He never do think what lone women + are.” </p> <p> - Mrs. Heathcote took her husband’s part very strongly, and gave Mrs. + Mrs. Heathcote took her husband’s part very strongly, and gave Mrs. Growler as hard a scolding as she knew how to pronounce. But her own - courage was giving way much as Mrs. Growler’s had done. “We - are bound to stay here,” she said; “and if the worst comes, we - must bear it as others have done before us.” Then Mrs. Growler was + courage was giving way much as Mrs. Growler’s had done. “We + are bound to stay here,” she said; “and if the worst comes, we + must bear it as others have done before us.” Then Mrs. Growler was very sulky, and, retreating to the kitchen, sobbed there in solitude. - “Oh, Kate, I do wish he would come,” said the elder sister. + “Oh, Kate, I do wish he would come,” said the elder sister. </p> <p> - “Are you afraid?” + “Are you afraid?” </p> <p> - “It is so desolate, and he may be so far off, and we couldn’t - get to him if any thing happened, and we shouldn’t know.” + “It is so desolate, and he may be so far off, and we couldn’t + get to him if any thing happened, and we shouldn’t know.” </p> <p> Then they were again silent, and remained without exchanging more than a @@ -3667,13 +3582,13 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger comforted by their presence, but they had no consolation to offer each other. The silence of the bush, and the feeling of great distances, and the dread of calamity almost crushed them. At last there was a distant - sound of horse’s feet. “I hear him,” said Mrs. + sound of horse’s feet. “I hear him,” said Mrs. Heathcote, rushing forward toward the outer gate of the horse paddock, followed by her sister. </p> <p> Her ears were true, but she was doomed to disappointment. The horseman was - only a messenger from her husband—Mickey O’Dowd, the Irish + only a messenger from her husband—Mickey O’Dowd, the Irish boundary rider. </p> <p> @@ -3682,11 +3597,11 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger follows: Harry had been to Boolabong House, but had found there no one but the old man. Returning home thence toward his own fence, he had smelled the smoke of fire, and had found within a furlong of his path a long ridge - of burning grass. According to Mickey’s account, it could not have - been lighted above a few minutes before Heathcote’s presence on the + of burning grass. According to Mickey’s account, it could not have + been lighted above a few minutes before Heathcote’s presence on the spot. As it was, it had got too much ahead for him to put it out - single-handed; a few yards he might have managed, but—so Mickey - said, probably exaggerating the matter—there was half a quarter of a + single-handed; a few yards he might have managed, but—so Mickey + said, probably exaggerating the matter—there was half a quarter of a mile of flame. He had therefore ridden on before the fire, had called his own two men to him, and had at once lighted the grass himself some two hundred yards in front, making a second fire, but so keeping it down that @@ -3704,22 +3619,22 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger the remedy had been effective. But why did not Harry come home? </p> <p> - Mickey O’Dowd, after his fashion, explained that too. The ladies + Mickey O’Dowd, after his fashion, explained that too. The ladies were not to wait dinner. The master felt himself obliged to remain out at - night, and had gotten food at the German’s hut. He, Mickey, was + night, and had gotten food at the German’s hut. He, Mickey, was commissioned to return with a flask full of brandy, as it would be necessary that Harry, with all the men whom he could trust, should be - “on the rampage” all night. This small body was to consist of + “on the rampage” all night. This small body was to consist of Harry himself, of the German, of Jacko, and, according to the story as at - present told, especially of Mickey O’Dowd. Much as she would have + present told, especially of Mickey O’Dowd. Much as she would have wished to have kept the man at the station for protection, she did not - think of disobeying her husband’s orders. So Mickey was fed, and - then sent back with the flask—with tidings also as to the desertion + think of disobeying her husband’s orders. So Mickey was fed, and + then sent back with the flask—with tidings also as to the desertion of that wretched cook, Sing Sing. </p> <p> - “I shall sit here all night,” said Mrs. Heathcote to her - sister. “As things are, I shall not think of going to bed.” + “I shall sit here all night,” said Mrs. Heathcote to her + sister. “As things are, I shall not think of going to bed.” </p> <p> Kate declared that she would also sit in the veranda all night; and, as a @@ -3728,19 +3643,13 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger fire. The two young women jumped up, flew to the gate, and found that the whole western horizon was lurid with a dark red light. </p> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER IX. — THE BUSH FIGHT. + + <div class="chapter"> + <hr class="x-ebookmaker-drop" /> + <h2 id="link2HCH0009"> + CHAPTER IX.<br> <span>THE BUSH FIGHT.</span> </h2> + </div> <p> Harry Heathcote had on this occasion entertained no doubt whatever that the fire had been intentional and premeditated. A lighted torch must have @@ -3762,7 +3671,7 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger of enemies, knowing as he did that, had he been backed even by a score of trusty followers, one foe might still suffice to ruin him? At the present moment he was very hot with the work he had done, as were also Jacko and - the German. O’Dowd had also come up as they were completing their + the German. O’Dowd had also come up as they were completing their work. Their mode of extinguishing the flames had been to beat them down with branches of gum-tree loaded with leaves. By sweeping these along the burning ground the low flames would be scattered and expelled. But the @@ -3773,14 +3682,14 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger <p> The work had been so far done, but it might be begun again at any moment, either near or at a distance. No doubt the attempt would be made elsewhere - along the boundary between Gangoil and Boolabong—was very probably + along the boundary between Gangoil and Boolabong—was very probably being made at this moment. The two men whom he could trust and Jacko were now with him. They were wiping their brows with their arms and panting with their work. </p> <p> - He first resolved on sending Mickey O’Dowd to the house. The - distance was great, and the man’s assistance might be essential. But + He first resolved on sending Mickey O’Dowd to the house. The + distance was great, and the man’s assistance might be essential. But he could not bear to leave his wife without news from him. Then, after considering a while, he made up his mind to go back toward his own fence, making his way as he went southerly down toward the river. They who were @@ -3790,9 +3699,9 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger his bivouac for the night. </p> <p> - “It won’t be very cheery, Bender,” he said to the - German; “but we shall have to make a night of it till they disturb - us again.” + “It won’t be very cheery, Bender,” he said to the + German; “but we shall have to make a night of it till they disturb + us again.” </p> <p> The German made a motion with his arms intended to signify his utter @@ -3803,15 +3712,15 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger <p> No doubt they all slept, but they slept as watchers sleep, with one eye open. It was Harry who first saw the light which a few minutes later made - itself visible to the ladies at the home station. “Karl,” he - exclaimed, jumping up, “they’re at it again—look there.” + itself visible to the ladies at the home station. “Karl,” he + exclaimed, jumping up, “they’re at it again—look there.” </p> <p> In less than half a minute, and without speaking another word, they were all on their horses and riding in the direction of the light. It came from a part of the Boolabong run somewhat nearer to the river than the place at which they had stationed themselves, where the strip of ground between - Harry’s fence and the acknowledged boundary of Brownbie’s run + Harry’s fence and the acknowledged boundary of Brownbie’s run was the narrowest. As they approached the fire, they became aware that it had been lighted on Boolabong. On this occasion Harry did not ride on up to the flames, knowing that the use or loss of a few minutes might save or @@ -3820,7 +3729,7 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger instructed, if only they would be sufficiently energetic. </p> <p> - “Keep it well under, but let it run,” was all he said, as, + “Keep it well under, but let it run,” was all he said, as, lighting a dried bush with a match, he ran the fire along the ground in front of the coming flames. </p> @@ -3840,14 +3749,14 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger figure among the flames, for Mickey had now returned. </p> <p> - “You saw them,” Harry said, panting with his work. + “You saw them,” Harry said, panting with his work. </p> <p> - “They’s all right,” said Mickey, flopping away with a - great bough; “but that tarnation Chinese has gone off.” + “They’s all right,” said Mickey, flopping away with a + great bough; “but that tarnation Chinese has gone off.” </p> <p> - “My word! Sing Sing. Find him at Boolabong,” said Jacko. + “My word! Sing Sing. Find him at Boolabong,” said Jacko. </p> <p> The German, whose gum-tree bough was a very big one, and whose every @@ -3857,7 +3766,7 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger <p> But the back fire was extending itself, so as to get round them. Every now and then Harry extended his own line, moving always forward toward Gangoil - as he did so, though he and his men were always on Brownbie’s + as he did so, though he and his men were always on Brownbie’s territory. He had no doubt but that where he could succeed in destroying the grass for a breadth of forty or fifty yards he would starve out the inimical flames. The trees and bushes without the herbage would not enable @@ -3883,28 +3792,28 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger and with him his foreman. </p> <p> - “We’ve been doing our best,” said Medlicot, “but - we’ve been terribly afraid that the fire would slip away from us.” + “We’ve been doing our best,” said Medlicot, “but + we’ve been terribly afraid that the fire would slip away from us.” </p> <p> - “It’s the only thing,” said Harry, too much excited at - the moment to ask questions as to the cause of Medlicot’s presence - so far from his home at that time of the evening. “It’s - getting round us, I’m afraid, all the same.” + “It’s the only thing,” said Harry, too much excited at + the moment to ask questions as to the cause of Medlicot’s presence + so far from his home at that time of the evening. “It’s + getting round us, I’m afraid, all the same.” </p> <p> - “I don’t know but it is. It’s almost impossible to - distinguish. How hot the fire makes it!” + “I don’t know but it is. It’s almost impossible to + distinguish. How hot the fire makes it!” </p> <p> - “Hot, indeed!” said Harry. “It’s killing work for + “Hot, indeed!” said Harry. “It’s killing work for men, and then all for no good! To think that men, creatures that call - themselves men, should do such a thing as this! It breaks one’s - heart.” He had paused as he spoke, leaning on the great battered - bough which he held, but in an instant was at work with it again. “Do - you stay here, Mr. Medlicot, with the men, and I’ll go on beyond - where you began. If I find the fire growing down, I’ll shout, and - they can come to me.” So saying, he rushed on with a lighted bush + themselves men, should do such a thing as this! It breaks one’s + heart.” He had paused as he spoke, leaning on the great battered + bough which he held, but in an instant was at work with it again. “Do + you stay here, Mr. Medlicot, with the men, and I’ll go on beyond + where you began. If I find the fire growing down, I’ll shout, and + they can come to me.” So saying, he rushed on with a lighted bush torch in his band. </p> <p> @@ -3914,54 +3823,54 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger that spot. </p> <p> - “That’s like your impudence,” said Georgie. “You’re - not only trespassing, but you’re destroying our property willfully, - and you ask me what business I have here. You’re a nice sort of - young man.” + “That’s like your impudence,” said Georgie. “You’re + not only trespassing, but you’re destroying our property willfully, + and you ask me what business I have here. You’re a nice sort of + young man.” </p> <p> Harry, checked for a moment by the remembrance that he was in truth upon Boolabong run, did not at once answer. </p> <p> - “Put that bush down, and don’t burn our grass,” - continued Georgie, “or you shall have to answer for it. What right - have you to fire our grass?” + “Put that bush down, and don’t burn our grass,” + continued Georgie, “or you shall have to answer for it. What right + have you to fire our grass?” </p> <p> - “Who fired it first?” + “Who fired it first?” </p> <p> - “It lighted itself. That’s no rule why you should light it - more. You give over, or I punch your head for you.” + “It lighted itself. That’s no rule why you should light it + more. You give over, or I punch your head for you.” </p> <p> - Harry’s men and Medlicot were advancing toward him, trampling out + Harry’s men and Medlicot were advancing toward him, trampling out their own embers as they came; and Georgie Brownbie, who was alone, when he saw that there were four or five men against him, turned round and rode back. </p> <p> - “Did you ever see impudence like that?” said Harry. “He’s + “Did you ever see impudence like that?” said Harry. “He’s probably the very man who set the match, and yet he comes and brazens it - out with me.” + out with me.” </p> <p> - “I don’t think he’s the man who set the match,” - said Medlicot, quietly; “at any rate there was another.” + “I don’t think he’s the man who set the match,” + said Medlicot, quietly; “at any rate there was another.” </p> <p> - “Who was it?” + “Who was it?” </p> <p> - “My man, Nokes. I saw him with the torch in his hand.” + “My man, Nokes. I saw him with the torch in his hand.” </p> <p> - “Heaven and earth!” + “Heaven and earth!” </p> <p> - “Yes, Mr. Heathcote. I saw him put it down. You were about right, - you see, and I was about wrong.” + “Yes, Mr. Heathcote. I saw him put it down. You were about right, + you see, and I was about wrong.” </p> <p> Harry had not a word to say, unless it were tell the man that he loved him @@ -3971,8 +3880,8 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger than pause. </p> <p> - “Ah!” said Harry, “there it goes; we shall be done at - last.” For he saw that he was being outflanked by the advancing + “Ah!” said Harry, “there it goes; we shall be done at + last.” For he saw that he was being outflanked by the advancing flames. But still they worked, drawing lines of fire here and there, and still they hoped that there might be ground for hope. Nokes had been seen; but, pregnant as the theme might be with words, it was almost impossible @@ -3980,16 +3889,16 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger their toil. There were questions which Harry longed to ask. Could Medlicot swear to the man? Did the man know that he had been seen? If he knew that he had been watched while he lit the grass, he would soon be far away from - Medlicot’s Mill and Gangoil. Harry felt that it would be a + Medlicot’s Mill and Gangoil. Harry felt that it would be a consolation to him in his trouble if he could get hold of this man, and - keep him, and prosecute him—and have him hung. Even in the tumult of + keep him, and prosecute him—and have him hung. Even in the tumult of the moment he was able to reflect about it, and to think that he remembered that the crime of arson was capital in the colony of Queensland. He had endeavored to be good to the men with whom he had dealings. He had not stinted their food, or cut them short in their wages, or been hard in exacting work from them. And this was his return! Ideas as - to the excellence of absolute dominion and power flitted across his brain—such - power as Abraham, no doubt, exercised. In Abraham’s time the people + to the excellence of absolute dominion and power flitted across his brain—such + power as Abraham, no doubt, exercised. In Abraham’s time the people were submissive, and the world was happy. Harry Heathcote, at least, had never heard that it was not happy. But as he thought of all this he worked away with his bush and his matches, extinguishing the flames here and @@ -4000,7 +3909,7 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger <p> He and his men were in a line covering something above a quarter of a mile of ground, of which line he was himself the nearest to the river, and - Medlicot and his foreman the farthest from it. The German and O’Dowd + Medlicot and his foreman the farthest from it. The German and O’Dowd were in the middle, and Jacko was working with his master. If Harry had just cause for anger and sorrow in regard to Nokes and Boscobel, he certainly had equal cause to be proud of the stanchness of his remaining @@ -4012,15 +3921,15 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger small and narrow. </p> <p> - “My word!” said Jacko, on a sudden, “here they are, all - o’ horseback!” And as he spoke, there was the sound of half a - dozen horsemen galloping up to them through the bush. “Why, there’s - Bos, his own self,” said Jacko. + “My word!” said Jacko, on a sudden, “here they are, all + o’ horseback!” And as he spoke, there was the sound of half a + dozen horsemen galloping up to them through the bush. “Why, there’s + Bos, his own self,” said Jacko. </p> <p> The two leading men were Joe and Jerry Brownbie, who, for this night only, had composed their quarrels, and close to them was Boscobel. There were - others behind, also mounted—Jack Brownbie and Georgie, and Nokes + others behind, also mounted—Jack Brownbie and Georgie, and Nokes himself; but they, though their figures were seen, could not be distinguished in the gloom of the night. Nor, indeed, did Harry at first discern of how many the party consisted. It seemed that there was a whole @@ -4046,20 +3955,20 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger of men in the dark were nothing to him. </p> <p> - Jerry Brownbie was the first to speak. “What’s this you’re - up to, Heathcote? Firing our grass? It’s arson. You shall swing for - this.” + Jerry Brownbie was the first to speak. “What’s this you’re + up to, Heathcote? Firing our grass? It’s arson. You shall swing for + this.” </p> <p> - “I’ll take my chance of that,” said Harry, turning to + “I’ll take my chance of that,” said Harry, turning to his work again. </p> <p> - “No, I’m blessed if you do. Ride over him, Bos, while I stop - these other fellows.” + “No, I’m blessed if you do. Ride over him, Bos, while I stop + these other fellows.” </p> <p> - The Brownbies had been aware that Harry’s two boundary riders were + The Brownbies had been aware that Harry’s two boundary riders were with him, but had not heard of the arrival of Medlicot and the other man. Nokes was aware that some one on horseback had been near him when he was firing the grass, but had thought that it was one of the party from @@ -4067,26 +3976,26 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger was there also. </p> <p> - “Who the deuce are you?” asked Jerry. + “Who the deuce are you?” asked Jerry. </p> <p> - “What business is that of yours?” said Medlicot. + “What business is that of yours?” said Medlicot. </p> <p> - “No business of mine, and you firing our grass! I’ll let you - know my business pretty quickly.” + “No business of mine, and you firing our grass! I’ll let you + know my business pretty quickly.” </p> <p> - “It’s that fellow, Medlicot, from the sugar-mill,” said - Joe; “the man that Nokes is with.” + “It’s that fellow, Medlicot, from the sugar-mill,” said + Joe; “the man that Nokes is with.” </p> <p> - “I thought you was a horse of another color,” continued Jerry, - who had been given to understand that Medlicot was Heathcote’s - enemy. “Anyway, I won’t have my grass fired. If God A’mighty - chooses to send fires, we can’t help it. But I’m not going to - have incendiaries here as well. You’re a new chum, and don’t - understand what you’re about, but you must stop this.” + “I thought you was a horse of another color,” continued Jerry, + who had been given to understand that Medlicot was Heathcote’s + enemy. “Anyway, I won’t have my grass fired. If God A’mighty + chooses to send fires, we can’t help it. But I’m not going to + have incendiaries here as well. You’re a new chum, and don’t + understand what you’re about, but you must stop this.” </p> <p> As Medlicot still went on putting out the fire, Jerry attempted to ride @@ -4118,22 +4027,22 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger employer Medlicot. </p> <p> - “I’m blessed if your cowardice sha’n’t hang you,” - said Joe Brownbie to him on their way home. “Do you think we’re - going to fight the battles of a fellow like you, who hasn’t pluck to - come forward himself?” + “I’m blessed if your cowardice sha’n’t hang you,” + said Joe Brownbie to him on their way home. “Do you think we’re + going to fight the battles of a fellow like you, who hasn’t pluck to + come forward himself?” </p> <p> - “I’ve as much pluck as you,” answered Nokes, “and + “I’ve as much pluck as you,” answered Nokes, “and am ready to fight you any day. But I know when a man is to come forward - and when he’s not. Hang me! I’m not so near hanging as some - folks at Boolabong.” We may imagine, therefore, that the night was + and when he’s not. Hang me! I’m not so near hanging as some + folks at Boolabong.” We may imagine, therefore, that the night was not spent pleasantly among the Brownbies after these adventures. </p> <p> There were, of course, very much cursing and swearing, and very many threats, before the party from Boolabong did retreat. Their great point - was, of coarse, this—that Heathcote was willfully firing the grass, + was, of course, this—that Heathcote was willfully firing the grass, and was, therefore, no better than an incendiary. Of course they stoutly denied that the original fire had been intentional, and denied as stoutly that the original fire could be stopped by fires. But at last they went, @@ -4142,13 +4051,13 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger transaction given from Boolabong, his fall was put forward as the reason of their flight, he having been the general on the occasion. And Boscobel had certainly lost all stomach for immediate fighting. Immediately behind - the battle-field they come across Nokes, and Sing Sing, the runaway cook + the battle-field they came across Nokes, and Sing Sing, the runaway cook from Gangoil. The poor Chinaman had made the mistake of joining the party which was not successful. </p> <p> But Harry, though the victory was with him, was hardly in a mood for - triumph. He soon found that Medlicot’s collar-bone was broken, and + triumph. He soon found that Medlicot’s collar-bone was broken, and it would be necessary, therefore, that he should return with the wounded man to the station. And the flames, as he feared, had altogether got ahead of him during the fight. As far as they had gone, they had stopped the @@ -4166,9 +4075,9 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger Perhaps he thought that Kate Daly might be a better nurse than his mother, or that the quiet of the sheep station might be better for him than the clatter of his own mill-wheels. It was midnight, and they had a ride of - fourteen miles, which was hard enough upon a man with a broken collarbone. + fourteen miles, which was hard enough upon a man with a broken collar-bone. The whole party also was thoroughly fatigued. The work they had been doing - was about as hard as could fall to a man’s lot, and they had now + was about as hard as could fall to a man’s lot, and they had now been many hours without food. Before they started Mickey produced his flask, the contents of which were divided equally among them all, including Jacko. @@ -4182,162 +4091,157 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger mill. From that time Medlicot and his foreman had watched him. </p> <p> - “Yes,” said he, in answer to a question from Heathcote, - “I can swear that I saw him with the lighted torch in his hand, and + “Yes,” said he, in answer to a question from Heathcote, + “I can swear that I saw him with the lighted torch in his hand, and that he placed it among the grass. There were two others from Boolabong - with him, and they must have seen him too.” - </p> - <p> - <br /><br /> + with him, and they must have seen him too.” </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER X. — HARRY HEATHCOTE RETURNS IN TRIUMPH. + + + <div class="chapter"> + <hr class="x-ebookmaker-drop" /> + <h2 id="link2HCH0010"> + CHAPTER X.<br> <span>HARRY HEATHCOTE RETURNS IN TRIUMPH.</span> </h2> + </div> <p> - When the fight was quite over, and Heathcote’s party had returned to + When the fight was quite over, and Heathcote’s party had returned to their horses, Medlicot for a few minutes was faint and sick, but he revived after a while, and declared himself able to sit on his horse. There was a difficulty in getting him up, but when there he made no - further complaint. “This,” said he, as he settled himself in - his saddle, “is my first Christmas-day in Australia. I landed early - in January, and last year I was on my way home to fetch my mother.” + further complaint. “This,” said he, as he settled himself in + his saddle, “is my first Christmas-day in Australia. I landed early + in January, and last year I was on my way home to fetch my mother.” </p> <p> - “It’s not much like an English Christmas,” said Harry. + “It’s not much like an English Christmas,” said Harry. </p> <p> - “Nor yet as in Hanover,” said the German. + “Nor yet as in Hanover,” said the German. </p> <p> - “It’s Cork you should go to, or Galway, bedad, if you want to - see Christmas kep’ after the ould fashion,” said Mickey. + “It’s Cork you should go to, or Galway, bedad, if you want to + see Christmas kep’ after the ould fashion,” said Mickey. </p> <p> - “I think we used to do it pretty well in Cumberland,” said - Medlicot. “There are things which can’t be transplanted. They + “I think we used to do it pretty well in Cumberland,” said + Medlicot. “There are things which can’t be transplanted. They may have roast beef, and all that, but you should have cold weather to - make you feel that it is Christmas indeed.” + make you feel that it is Christmas indeed.” </p> <p> - “We do it as well as we can,” Harry pleaded. “I’ve - seen a great pudding come into the room all afire—just to remind one - of the old country—when it has been so hot that one could hardly - bear a shirt on one’s shoulders. But yet there’s something in + “We do it as well as we can,” Harry pleaded. “I’ve + seen a great pudding come into the room all afire—just to remind one + of the old country—when it has been so hot that one could hardly + bear a shirt on one’s shoulders. But yet there’s something in it. One likes to think of the old place, though one is so far away. How do you feel now? Does the jolting hurt you much? If your horse is rough, - change with me. This fellow goes as smooth as a lady.” Medlicot - declared that the pain did not trouble him much. “They’d have - ridden over us, only for you,” continued Harry. + change with me. This fellow goes as smooth as a lady.” Medlicot + declared that the pain did not trouble him much. “They’d have + ridden over us, only for you,” continued Harry. </p> <p> - “My word! wouldn’t they?” said Jacko, who was very proud - of his own part in the battle. “I say, Mr. Medlicot, did you see Bos - and his horse part company? You did, Mr. Harry. Didn’t he fly like a - bird, all in among the bushes! I owed Bos one; I did, my word! And now I’ve - paid him.” + “My word! wouldn’t they?” said Jacko, who was very proud + of his own part in the battle. “I say, Mr. Medlicot, did you see Bos + and his horse part company? You did, Mr. Harry. Didn’t he fly like a + bird, all in among the bushes! I owed Bos one; I did, my word! And now I’ve + paid him.” </p> <p> - “I saw it,” said Harry. “He was riding at me as hard as - he could come. I can’t understand Boscobel. Nokes is a sly, bad, - slinking follow, whom I never liked. But I was always good to Bos; and + “I saw it,” said Harry. “He was riding at me as hard as + he could come. I can’t understand Boscobel. Nokes is a sly, bad, + slinking fellow, whom I never liked. But I was always good to Bos; and when he cheated me, as he did, about his time, I never even threatened to - stop his money.” + stop his money.” </p> <p> - “You told him of it too plain,” said the German. + “You told him of it too plain,” said the German. </p> <p> - “I did tell him—of course—as I should you. It has come - to that now, that if a man robs you—your own man—you are not + “I did tell him—of course—as I should you. It has come + to that now, that if a man robs you—your own man—you are not to dare to tell him of it! What would you think of me, Karl, if I were to find you out, and was to be afraid of speaking to you, lest you should - turn against me and burn my fences?” Karl Bender shrugged his - shoulders, holding his reins up to his eyes. “I know what you ought + turn against me and burn my fences?” Karl Bender shrugged his + shoulders, holding his reins up to his eyes. “I know what you ought to think! And I wish that every man about Gangoil should be sure that I - will always say what I think right. I don’t know that I ever was - hard upon any man. I try not to be.” + will always say what I think right. I don’t know that I ever was + hard upon any man. I try not to be.” </p> <p> - “Thrue for you, Mr. Harry,” said the Irishman. + “Thrue for you, Mr. Harry,” said the Irishman. </p> <p> - “I’m not going to pick my words because men like Nokes and - Boscobel have the power of injuring me. I’m not going to truckle to - rascals because I’m afraid of them. I’d sooner be burned out - of house and home, and go and work on the wharves in Brisbane, than that.” + “I’m not going to pick my words because men like Nokes and + Boscobel have the power of injuring me. I’m not going to truckle to + rascals because I’m afraid of them. I’d sooner be burned out + of house and home, and go and work on the wharves in Brisbane, than that.” </p> <p> - “My word! yes,” said Jacko, “and I too.” + “My word! yes,” said Jacko, “and I too.” </p> <p> - “If the devil is to get ahead, he must, but I won’t hold a + “If the devil is to get ahead, he must, but I won’t hold a candle to him. You fellows may tell every man about the place what I say. - As long as I’m master of Gangoil I’ll be master; and when I - come across a swindle I’ll tell the man who does it he’s a - swindler. I told Bos to his face; but I didn’t tell any body else, - and I shouldn’t if he’d taken it right and mended his ways.” + As long as I’m master of Gangoil I’ll be master; and when I + come across a swindle I’ll tell the man who does it he’s a + swindler. I told Bos to his face; but I didn’t tell any body else, + and I shouldn’t if he’d taken it right and mended his ways.” </p> <p> - They all understood him very well—the German, the Irishman, Medlicot’s + They all understood him very well—the German, the Irishman, Medlicot’s foreman, Medlicot himself, and even Jacko; and though, no doubt, there was a feeling within the hearts of the men that Harry Heathcote was imperious, still they respected him, and they believed him. </p> <p> - “The masther should be the masther, no doubt,” said the + “The masther should be the masther, no doubt,” said the Irishman. </p> <p> - “A man that is a man vill not sell hisself body and soul,” + “A man that is a man vill not sell hisself body and soul,” said the German, slowly. </p> <p> - “Do I want dominion over your soul, Karl Bender?” asked the - squatter, with energy. “You know I don’t, nor over your body, + “Do I want dominion over your soul, Karl Bender?” asked the + squatter, with energy. “You know I don’t, nor over your body, except so far as it suits you to sell your services. What you sell you - part with readily—like a man; and it’s not likely that you and - I shall quarrel. But all this row about nothing can’t be very - pleasant to a man with a broken shoulder.” + part with readily—like a man; and it’s not likely that you and + I shall quarrel. But all this row about nothing can’t be very + pleasant to a man with a broken shoulder.” </p> <p> - “I like to hear you,” said Medlicot. “I’m always a - good listener when men have something really to say.” + “I like to hear you,” said Medlicot. “I’m always a + good listener when men have something really to say.” </p> <p> - “Well, then, I’ve something to say,” cried Harry. - “There never was a man came to my house whom I’d sooner see as - a Christmas guest than yourself.” + “Well, then, I’ve something to say,” cried Harry. + “There never was a man came to my house whom I’d sooner see as + a Christmas guest than yourself.” </p> <p> - “Thankee, Sir.” + “Thankee, Sir.” </p> <p> - “It’s more than I could have said yesterday with truth.” + “It’s more than I could have said yesterday with truth.” </p> <p> - “It’s more than you did say.” + “It’s more than you did say.” </p> <p> - “Yes, by George! But you’ve beat me now. When you’re - hard pressed for hands down yonder, you send for me, and see if I won’t - turn the mill for you, or hoe canes either.” + “Yes, by George! But you’ve beat me now. When you’re + hard pressed for hands down yonder, you send for me, and see if I won’t + turn the mill for you, or hoe canes either.” </p> <p> - “So ‘ll I; my word! yes. Just for my rations.” + “So ’ll I; my word! yes. Just for my rations.” </p> <p> - They had by this time reacted the Gangoil fence, having taken the + They had by this time reached the Gangoil fence, having taken the directest route for the house. But Harry, in doing this, had not been unmindful of the fire. Had Medlicot not been wounded, he would have taken the party somewhat out of the way, down southward, following the flames; - but Medlicot’s condition had made him feel that he would not be + but Medlicot’s condition had made him feel that he would not be justified in doing so. Now, however, it occurred to him that he might as well ride a mile or two down the fence, and see what injury had been done. The escort of the men would be sufficient to take Medlicot to the station, @@ -4348,9 +4252,9 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger grass off a corner of his run. Nevertheless, tired as he was, he could not bear the idea of going home without knowing the whole story. So he made his proposal. Medlicot, of course, made no objection. Each of the men - offered to go with him, but he declined their services. “There is - nothing to do,” said he, “and nobody to catch; and if the fire - is burning, it must burn.” So he went alone. + offered to go with him, but he declined their services. “There is + nothing to do,” said he, “and nobody to catch; and if the fire + is burning, it must burn.” So he went alone. </p> <p> The words that he had uttered among his men had not been lightly spoken. @@ -4358,18 +4262,18 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger present position, or perhaps altogether impossible, as long as he was at enmity with all those around him. Old squatters whom he knew, respectable men who had been in the colony before he was born, had advised him to be - on good terms with the Brownbies. “You needn’t ask them to - your house, or go to them, but just soft-sawder them when yon meet,” - an old gentleman had said to him. He certainly hadn’t taken the old - gentleman’s advice, thinking that to “soft-sawder” so + on good terms with the Brownbies. “You needn’t ask them to + your house, or go to them, but just soft-sawder them when yon meet,” + an old gentleman had said to him. He certainly hadn’t taken the old + gentleman’s advice, thinking that to “soft-sawder” so great a reprobate as Jerry Brownbie would be holding a candle to the devil. But his own plan had hardly answered. Well, he was sure, at any - rate, of this—that he could do no good now by endeavoring to be + rate, of this—that he could do no good now by endeavoring to be civil to the Brownbies. He soon came to the place where the fire had reached his fence, and found that it had burned its way through, and that the flames were still continuing their onward course. The fence to the - north, or rather to the northwestward—the point whence the wind was - coming—stood firm at the spot at which the fire had struck it. Dry + north, or rather to the northwestward—the point whence the wind was + coming—stood firm at the spot at which the fire had struck it. Dry as the wood was, the flames had not traveled upward against the wind. But to the south the fire was traveling down the fence. To stop this he rode half a mile along the burning barrier till he had headed the flames, and @@ -4381,7 +4285,7 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger a mighty blaze, and he knew that the dew of the night was acting as his protector. The harm that had been as yet done was trifling, if only he could protect himself from further harm. After leaving the fire, he had - still a ride of seven or eight miles through the gloom of the forest—all + still a ride of seven or eight miles through the gloom of the forest—all alone. Not only was he weary, but his horse was so tired that he could hardly get him to canter for a furlong. He regretted that he had not brought the boy with him, knowing well the service of companionship to a @@ -4398,7 +4302,7 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger </p> <p> The two ladies were still watching when the cavalcade arrived, though it - was then between three and four in the morning. It was Harry’s + was then between three and four in the morning. It was Harry’s custom on such occasions to ride up to the little gate close to the veranda, and there to hang his bridle till some one should take his horse away; but on this occasion he and the others rode into the yard. Seeing @@ -4413,22 +4317,22 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger offer. </p> <p> - “I’ll tell you what it is, Mary,” he said to his wife, - “there is nothing for it but for me to go for Jackson.” - Jackson was the doctor. “And I can see the police at the same time.” + “I’ll tell you what it is, Mary,” he said to his wife, + “there is nothing for it but for me to go for Jackson.” + Jackson was the doctor. “And I can see the police at the same time.” </p> <p> - “You sha’n’t go, Harry. Yon are so tired already you can - hardly stand this moment.” + “You sha’n’t go, Harry. You are so tired already you can + hardly stand this moment.” </p> <p> - “Get me some strong coffee—at once. You don’t know what - that man has done for us. I’ll tell you all another time. I owe him - more than a ride into Maryborough. I’ll make the men get Yorkie up”—Yorkie - was a favorite horse he had—“while you make the coffee; and I’ll - lead Colonel”—Colonel was another horse, well esteemed at - Gangoil. “Jackson will come quicker on him than on any animal he can - get at Maryborough.” And so it was arranged, in spite of the wife’s + “Get me some strong coffee—at once. You don’t know what + that man has done for us. I’ll tell you all another time. I owe him + more than a ride into Maryborough. I’ll make the men get Yorkie up”—Yorkie + was a favorite horse he had—“while you make the coffee; and I’ll + lead Colonel”—Colonel was another horse, well esteemed at + Gangoil. “Jackson will come quicker on him than on any animal he can + get at Maryborough.” And so it was arranged, in spite of the wife’s tears and entreaties. Harry had his coffee and some food, and started, with his two horses, for the doctor. </p> @@ -4437,8 +4341,8 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger have dispensed with art. In the bush, where doctors can not be had, bones will set themselves; and when doctors do come, but come slowly, the broken bones suit themselves to such tardiness. Medlicot was brought in and put - to bed. Let the reader not be shocked to hear that Kate Daly’s room - was given up to him, as being best suited for a sick man’s comfort, + to bed. Let the reader not be shocked to hear that Kate Daly’s room + was given up to him, as being best suited for a sick man’s comfort, and the two ladies took it in turn to watch him. Mrs. Heathcote was, of course, the first, and remained with him till dawn. Then Kate crept to the door and asked whether she should relieve her sister. Medlicot was asleep, @@ -4447,127 +4351,127 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger She looked in very often, and then, at last, he was awake. </p> <p> - “Miss Daly,” he said, “I feel so ashamed of the trouble - I’m giving.” + “Miss Daly,” he said, “I feel so ashamed of the trouble + I’m giving.” </p> <p> - “Don’t speak of it. It is nothing. In the bush every body, of - course, does any thing for every body.” When the words were spoken + “Don’t speak of it. It is nothing. In the bush every body, of + course, does any thing for every body.” When the words were spoken she felt that they were not as complimentary as she would have wished. - “You were to have come to-day, you know, but we did not think you’d - come like this, did we?” + “You were to have come to-day, you know, but we did not think you’d + come like this, did we?” </p> <p> - “I don’t know why I didn’t go home instead of coming - here.” + “I don’t know why I didn’t go home instead of coming + here.” </p> <p> - “The doctor will reach Gangoil sooner than he could the mill. You + “The doctor will reach Gangoil sooner than he could the mill. You are better here, and we will send for Mrs. Medlicot as soon as the men have had a rest. How was it all, Mr. Medlicot? Harry says that there was a fight, and that you came in just at the nick of time, and that but for you - all the run would have been burned.” + all the run would have been burned.” </p> <p> - “Not that at all.” + “Not that at all.” </p> <p> - “He said so; only he went off so quickly, and was so busy with + “He said so; only he went off so quickly, and was so busy with things, that we hardly understood him. Is it not dreadful that there should be such fighting? And then these horrid fires! You were in the - middle of the fire, were you not?” It suited Kate’s feelings + middle of the fire, were you not?” It suited Kate’s feelings that Medlicot should be the hero of this occasion. </p> <p> - “We were lighting them in front to put them out behind.” + “We were lighting them in front to put them out behind.” </p> <p> - “And then, while you were at work, these men from Boolabong came + “And then, while you were at work, these men from Boolabong came upon you. Oh, Mr. Medlicot, we shall be so very, very wretched if you are - much hurt. My sister is so unhappy about it.” + much hurt. My sister is so unhappy about it.” </p> <p> - “It’s only my collar-bone, Miss Daly.” + “It’s only my collar-bone, Miss Daly.” </p> <p> - “But that is so dreadful.” She was still thinking of the one - word he had spoken when he had—well, not asked her for her love, but + “But that is so dreadful.” She was still thinking of the one + word he had spoken when he had—well, not asked her for her love, but said that which between a young man and a young woman ought to mean the same thing. Perhaps it had meant nothing! She had heard that young men do say things which mean nothing. But to her, living in the solitude of Gangoil, the one word had been so much! Her heart had melted with absolute acknowledged love when the man had been brought through into the house with all the added attraction of a broken bone. While her sister had - watched, she had retired—to rest, as Mary had said, but in truth to + watched, she had retired—to rest, as Mary had said, but in truth to think of the chance which had brought her in this guise into familiar contact with the man she loved. And then, when she had crept up to take her place in watching him, she had almost felt that shame should restrain - her. But was her duty; and, of course, a man with a collar-bone broken + her. But it was her duty; and, of course, a man with a collar-bone broken would not speak of love. </p> <p> - “It will make your Christmas so sad for you,” he said. + “It will make your Christmas so sad for you,” he said. </p> <p> - “Oh, as for that, we mind nothing about it—for ourselves. We - are never very gay here.” + “Oh, as for that, we mind nothing about it—for ourselves. We + are never very gay here.” </p> <p> - “But you are happy?” + “But you are happy?” </p> <p> - “Oh yes, quite happy, except when Harry is disturbed by these - troubles. I don’t think any body has so many troubles as a squatter. - It sometimes seems that all the world is against him.” + “Oh yes, quite happy, except when Harry is disturbed by these + troubles. I don’t think any body has so many troubles as a squatter. + It sometimes seems that all the world is against him.” </p> <p> - “We shall be allies now, at any rate.” + “We shall be allies now, at any rate.” </p> <p> - “Oh, I do so hope we shall,” said Kate, putting her hands + “Oh, I do so hope we shall,” said Kate, putting her hands together in her energy, and then retreating from her energy with sad awkwardness when she remembered the personal application of her wish. - “That is, I mean you and Harry,” she added, in a whisper. + “That is, I mean you and Harry,” she added, in a whisper. </p> <p> - “Why not I and others besides Harry?” + “Why not I and others besides Harry?” </p> <p> - “It is so much to him to have a real friend. Things concern us, of + “It is so much to him to have a real friend. Things concern us, of course, only just as they concern him. Women are never of very much account, I think. Harry has to do every thing, and every thing ought to be - done for him.” + done for him.” </p> <p> - “I think you spoil Harry among you.” + “I think you spoil Harry among you.” </p> <p> - “Don’t you say so to Mary, or she will be fierce.” + “Don’t you say so to Mary, or she will be fierce.” </p> <p> - “I wonder whether I shall ever have a wife to stand up for me in - that way?” + “I wonder whether I shall ever have a wife to stand up for me in + that way?” </p> <p> Kate had no answer to make, but she thought that it would be his own fault if he did not have a wife to stand up for him thoroughly. </p> <p> - “He has been very lucky in his wife.” + “He has been very lucky in his wife.” </p> <p> - “I think he has, Mr. Medlicot; but you are moving about, and you - ought to lie still. There! I hear the horses; that’s the doctor. I - do so hope he won’t say that any thing very bad is the matter.” + “I think he has, Mr. Medlicot; but you are moving about, and you + ought to lie still. There! I hear the horses; that’s the doctor. I + do so hope he won’t say that any thing very bad is the matter.” </p> <p> She jumped up from her chair, which was close to his bed, and as she did so just touched his hand with hers. It was involuntary on her part, having come of instinct rather than will, and she withdrew herself instantly. The hand she had touched belonged to the arm that was not hurt, and he put it - out after her, and caught her by the sleeve as she was retreating. “Oh, + out after her, and caught her by the sleeve as she was retreating. “Oh, Mr. Medlicot, you must not do that; you will hurt yourself if you move in - that way.” + that way.” </p> <p> And so she escaped, and left the room, and did not see him again till the @@ -4582,39 +4486,39 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger entire Christmas there. </p> <p> - “The sugar can go on very well for ten days,” Harry had said. - “I’ll go over myself and see about the men, and I’ll - fetch your mother over.” + “The sugar can go on very well for ten days,” Harry had said. + “I’ll go over myself and see about the men, and I’ll + fetch your mother over.” </p> <p> - To this, however, Mrs. Heathcote had demurred successfully. “You’ll - kill yourself, Harry, if you go on like this,” she said. + To this, however, Mrs. Heathcote had demurred successfully. “You’ll + kill yourself, Harry, if you go on like this,” she said. </p> <p> Bender, therefore, was sent in the buggy for the old lady, and at last Harry Heathcote consented to go to bed. </p> <p> - “My belief is, I shall sleep for a week,” he said, as he - turned in. But he didn’t begin his sleep quite at once. “I am - very glad I went into Maryborough,” he said to his wife, rising up - from his pillow. “I’ve sworn an information against Nokes and + “My belief is, I shall sleep for a week,” he said, as he + turned in. But he didn’t begin his sleep quite at once. “I am + very glad I went into Maryborough,” he said to his wife, rising up + from his pillow. “I’ve sworn an information against Nokes and two of the Brownbies, and the police will be after them this afternoon. - They won’t catch Nokes, and they can’t convict the other + They won’t catch Nokes, and they can’t convict the other fellows. But it will be something to clear the country of such a fellow, - and something also to let them know that detection is possible.” + and something also to let them know that detection is possible.” </p> <p> - “Do sleep now, dear.” she said. + “Do sleep now, dear.” she said. </p> <p> - “Yes, I will; I mean to. But look here, Mary; if any of the police + “Yes, I will; I mean to. But look here, Mary; if any of the police should come here, mind you wake me at once. And, Mary, look here; do you - know I shouldn’t be a bit surprised if that fellow was to be making - up to Kate.” + know I shouldn’t be a bit surprised if that fellow was to be making + up to Kate.” </p> <p> - Mrs. Heathcote, with some little inward chuckle at her husband’s + Mrs. Heathcote, with some little inward chuckle at her husband’s assumed quickness of apprehension, reminded herself that the same idea had occurred to her some time ago. Mrs. Heathcote gave her husband full credit for more than ordinary intelligence in reference to affairs appertaining @@ -4629,49 +4533,49 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger quite satisfied with her own lot in that respect, but she was anxious enough on behalf of Kate. And when a young man did come, who might make matters so pleasant for them, Harry quarreled with him because he was a - free-selector. “A free fiddle-stick!” she had once said to - Kate—not, however, communicating to her innocent sister the ambition - which was already filling her own bosom. “Harry does take things up - so—as though people weren’t to live, some in one way and some - in another! As far as I can see, Mr. Medlicot is a very nice fellow.” - Kate had remarked that he was “all very well,” and nothing + free-selector. “A free fiddle-stick!” she had once said to + Kate—not, however, communicating to her innocent sister the ambition + which was already filling her own bosom. “Harry does take things up + so—as though people weren’t to live, some in one way and some + in another! As far as I can see, Mr. Medlicot is a very nice fellow.” + Kate had remarked that he was “all very well,” and nothing more had been said. </p> <p> - But Mrs. Heathcote, in spite of Harry’s aversion, had formed her - little project—a project which, if then declared, would have filled + But Mrs. Heathcote, in spite of Harry’s aversion, had formed her + little project—a project which, if then declared, would have filled Harry with dismay. And now the young aristocrat, as he turned himself in his bed, made the suggestion to his wife as though it were all his own! </p> <p> - “I never like to think much of these things beforehand,” she + “I never like to think much of these things beforehand,” she said, innocently. </p> <p> - “I don’t know about thinking,” said Harry; “but a - girl might do worse. If it should come up, don’t set yourself - against it.” + “I don’t know about thinking,” said Harry; “but a + girl might do worse. If it should come up, don’t set yourself + against it.” </p> <p> - “Kate, of course, will please herself,” said Mrs. Heathcote. - “Now do lie down and rest yourself.” + “Kate, of course, will please herself,” said Mrs. Heathcote. + “Now do lie down and rest yourself.” </p> <p> His rest, however, was not of long duration. As he had himself suggested, two policemen reached Gangoil at about three in the afternoon, on their way from Maryborough to Boolabong, in order that they might take Mr. - Medlicot’s deposition. After Heathcote’s departure it had - occurred to Sergeant Forrest of the police—and the suggestion, + Medlicot’s deposition. After Heathcote’s departure it had + occurred to Sergeant Forrest of the police—and the suggestion, having been transferred from the sergeant to the stipendiary magistrate, - was now produced with magisterial sanction—that, after all, there + was now produced with magisterial sanction—that, after all, there was no evidence against the Brownbies. They had simply interfered to prevent the burning of the grass on their own run, and who could say that they had committed any crime by doing so? If Medlicot had seen Nokes with a lighted branch in his hand, the matter might be different with him; and - therefore Medlicot’s deposition was taken. He had sworn that he had + therefore Medlicot’s deposition was taken. He had sworn that he had seen Nokes drag his lighted torch along the ground; he had also seen other - horsemen—two or three, as he thought—but could not identify - them. Jacko’s deposition was also taken as to the man who had been + horsemen—two or three, as he thought—but could not identify + them. Jacko’s deposition was also taken as to the man who had been heard and seen in the wool-shed at night. Jacko was ready to swear point-blank that the man was Nokes. The policemen suggested that, as the night was dark, Jacko might as well allow a shade of doubt to appear, @@ -4679,67 +4583,62 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger Jacko was not going to be taught what sort of oath he should swear. </p> <p> - “My word!” he said. “Didn’t I see his leg move? - You go away.” + “My word!” he said. “Didn’t I see his leg move? + You go away.” </p> <p> Armed with these depositions, the two constables went on to Boolabong in search of Nokes, and of Nokes only, much to the chagrin of Harry, who declared that the police would never really bestir themselves in a - squatter’s cause. “As for Nokes, he’ll be out of - Queensland by this time to-morrow.” - </p> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> </a> + squatter’s cause. “As for Nokes, he’ll be out of + Queensland by this time to-morrow.” </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER XI. — SERGEANT FORREST. + + + <div class="chapter"> + <hr class="x-ebookmaker-drop" /> + <h2 id="link2HCH0011"> + CHAPTER XI.<br> <span>SERGEANT FORREST.</span> </h2> + </div> <p> The Brownbie party returned, after their midnight raid, in great discomfiture to Boolabong. Their leader, Jerry, was burned about his hands and face in a disagreeable and unsightly manner. Joe had hardly made good - that character for “fighting it out to the end” for which he + that character for “fighting it out to the end” for which he was apt to claim credit. Boscobel was altogether disconcerted by his fall. And Nokes, who had certainly shown no aptitude for the fray, was abused by them all as having caused their retreat by his cowardice; while Sing Sing, the runaway cook, who knew that he had forfeited his wages at Gangoil, was forced to turn over in his heathenish mind the ill effects of joining the - losing side. “You big fool, Bos,” he said more than once to + losing side. “You big fool, Bos,” he said more than once to his friend the woodsman, who had lured him away from the comforts of - Gangoil. “I’ll punch your head, John, if you don’t hold - your row,” Boscobel would reply. But Sing Sing went on with his + Gangoil. “I’ll punch your head, John, if you don’t hold + your row,” Boscobel would reply. But Sing Sing went on with his reproaches, and, before they had reached Boolabong, Boscobel had punched - the Chinaman’s head. + the Chinaman’s head. </p> <p> - “You’re not coming in here,” Jerry said to Nokes, when + “You’re not coming in here,” Jerry said to Nokes, when they reached the yard gate. </p> <p> - “Who wants to come in? I suppose you’re not going to send a - fellow on without a bit of grub after such a night’s work?” + “Who wants to come in? I suppose you’re not going to send a + fellow on without a bit of grub after such a night’s work?” </p> <p> - “Give him some bread and meat, Jack, and let him go on. There’ll - be somebody here after him before long. He can’t hurt us; but I don’t - want people to think that we are so fond of him that we can’t do - without harboring him here. Georgie, you’ll go too, if you take my + “Give him some bread and meat, Jack, and let him go on. There’ll + be somebody here after him before long. He can’t hurt us; but I don’t + want people to think that we are so fond of him that we can’t do + without harboring him here. Georgie, you’ll go too, if you take my advice. That young cur will send the police here as sure as my name is - Brownbie, and, if they once get hold of you, they’ll have a great - many things to talk to you about.” + Brownbie, and, if they once get hold of you, they’ll have a great + many things to talk to you about.” </p> <p> Georgie grumbled when he heard this, but he knew that the advice given him was good, and he did not attempt to enter the house. So Nokes and he - vanished, away into the bush together—as such men do vanish—wandering + vanished, away into the bush together—as such men do vanish—wandering forth to live as the wild beasts live. It was still a dark night when they went, and the remainder of the party took themselves to their beds. </p> @@ -4748,24 +4647,24 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger sleeping, and sometimes waking up to smoke, when the two policemen, who had already been at Gangoil, appeared in the yard. These men were dressed in flat caps, with short blue jackets, hunting breeches, and long black - boots—very unlike any policemen in the old country, and much more + boots—very unlike any policemen in the old country, and much more picturesque. They leisurely tied their horses up, as though they had been in the habit of making weekly visits to the place, and walked round to the veranda. </p> <p> - “Well, Mr. Brownbie, and how are you?” said the sergeant to + “Well, Mr. Brownbie, and how are you?” said the sergeant to the old man. </p> <p> The head of the family was gracious, and declared himself to be pretty well, considering all things. He called the sergeant by his name, and - asked the men whether they’d take a bit of something to eat. Joe + asked the men whether they’d take a bit of something to eat. Joe also was courteous, and, after a little delay in getting a key from his brother, brought out the jar of spirits, which, in the bush, is regarded as the best sign known of thorough good-breeding. The sergeant said that - he didn’t mind if he did; and the other man, of course, followed his - officer’s example. + he didn’t mind if he did; and the other man, of course, followed his + officer’s example. </p> <p> So far every thing was comfortable, and the constables seemed in no hurry @@ -4774,19 +4673,19 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger discussed was first introduced by one of the Brownbie family. </p> <p> - “I suppose you’ve heard that there was a scrimmage here last - night,” said Joe. The Brownbie party present consisted of the old + “I suppose you’ve heard that there was a scrimmage here last + night,” said Joe. The Brownbie party present consisted of the old man, Joe and Jack Brownbie, and Boscobel, Jerry keeping himself in the background because of his disfigurement. The sergeant, as he swallowed his - food, acknowledged that he had heard something about it. “And that’s - what brings you here,” continued Joe. + food, acknowledged that he had heard something about it. “And that’s + what brings you here,” continued Joe. </p> <p> - “There ain’t nothing wrong here,” said old Brownbie. + “There ain’t nothing wrong here,” said old Brownbie. </p> <p> - “I hope not, Mr. Brownbie,” said the sergeant. “I hope - not. We haven’t got any thing against you, at any rate.” + “I hope not, Mr. Brownbie,” said the sergeant. “I hope + not. We haven’t got any thing against you, at any rate.” Sergeant Forrest was a graduate of Oxford, the son of an English clergyman, who, having his way to make in the world, had thought that an early fortune would be found in the colonies. He had come out, had failed, @@ -4794,16 +4693,16 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger enjoyed life thoroughly as a sergeant of the colonial police. </p> <p> - “You haven’t got any thing against anybody here, I should - think?” said Joe. + “You haven’t got any thing against anybody here, I should + think?” said Joe. </p> <p> - “If you want to get them as begun it,” said Jack, “and - them as ought to be took up, you’ll go to Gangoil.” + “If you want to get them as begun it,” said Jack, “and + them as ought to be took up, you’ll go to Gangoil.” </p> <p> - “Hold your tongue, Jack,” said his brother. “Sergeant - Forrest knows where to go better than you can tell him.” + “Hold your tongue, Jack,” said his brother. “Sergeant + Forrest knows where to go better than you can tell him.” </p> <p> Then the sergeant asked a string of questions as to the nature of the @@ -4816,107 +4715,107 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger names of either their brother George or Nokes. </p> <p> - “And who was there in the matter?” asked the sergeant. + “And who was there in the matter?” asked the sergeant. </p> <p> - “There was young Heathcote, and a boy he has got there, and the two + “There was young Heathcote, and a boy he has got there, and the two chaps as he calls boundary rulers, and Medlicot, the sugar fellow from the - mill, and a chap of Medlicot’s I never set eyes on before. They must + mill, and a chap of Medlicot’s I never set eyes on before. They must have expected something to be up, or Heathcote would not have been going - about at night with a tribe of men like that.” + about at night with a tribe of men like that.” </p> <p> - “And who were your party?” + “And who were your party?” </p> <p> - “Well, there were just ourselves, four of us, for Georgie was here, - and this fellow Boscobel. Georgie never stays long, and he wouldn’t - be welcome if he did. He turned up just by chance like, and now he’s - off again.” + “Well, there were just ourselves, four of us, for Georgie was here, + and this fellow Boscobel. Georgie never stays long, and he wouldn’t + be welcome if he did. He turned up just by chance like, and now he’s + off again.” </p> <p> - “That was all, eh?” + “That was all, eh?” </p> <p> Of course they all knew that the sergeant knew that Nokes had been with - them. “Well, then, that wasn’t all,” said old Brownbie. - “Bill Nokes was here, whom Heathcote dismissed ever so long ago, and + them. “Well, then, that wasn’t all,” said old Brownbie. + “Bill Nokes was here, whom Heathcote dismissed ever so long ago, and that Chinese cook of his. He dismissed him too, I suppose. And he - dismissed Boscobel here.” + dismissed Boscobel here.” </p> <p> - “No one can live at Gangoil any time,” said Jack. “Every - body knows that. He wants to be lord a’mighty over every thing. But - he ain’t going to be lord a’mighty at Boolabong.” + “No one can live at Gangoil any time,” said Jack. “Every + body knows that. He wants to be lord a’mighty over every thing. But + he ain’t going to be lord a’mighty at Boolabong.” </p> <p> - “And he ain’t going to burn our grass either,” said Joe. - “It’s like his impudence coming on to our ran and burning - every thing before him. He calls hisself a magistrate, but he’s not - to do just as he pleases because he’s a magistrate. I suppose we can - swear against him for lighting our grass, sergeant? There isn’t one - of us that didn’t see him do it.” + “And he ain’t going to burn our grass either,” said Joe. + “It’s like his impudence coming on to our run and burning + every thing before him. He calls hisself a magistrate, but he’s not + to do just as he pleases because he’s a magistrate. I suppose we can + swear against him for lighting our grass, sergeant? There isn’t one + of us that didn’t see him do it.” </p> <p> - “And where is Nokes?” asked the sergeant, paying no attention + “And where is Nokes?” asked the sergeant, paying no attention to the application made by Mr. Brownbie, junior, for redress to himself. </p> <p> - “Well,” said Joe, “Nokes isn’t any where about - Boolabong.” + “Well,” said Joe, “Nokes isn’t any where about + Boolabong.” </p> <p> - “He’s away with your brother George?” + “He’s away with your brother George?” </p> <p> - “I shouldn’t wonder,” said Joe. + “I shouldn’t wonder,” said Joe. </p> <p> - “It’s a serious matter lighting a fire, you know,” said - the sergeant. “A man would have to swing for it.” + “It’s a serious matter lighting a fire, you know,” said + the sergeant. “A man would have to swing for it.” </p> <p> - “Then why isn’t young Heathcote to swing?” demanded + “Then why isn’t young Heathcote to swing?” demanded Jack. </p> <p> - “There is such a thing as intent, you know. When Heathcote lighted - the fire, where would the fire have gone if he hadn’t kept putting + “There is such a thing as intent, you know. When Heathcote lighted + the fire, where would the fire have gone if he hadn’t kept putting it out as fast as he kept lighting it? On to his own run, not to yours. And where would the other fire have gone which somebody lit, and which - nobody put out, if he hadn’t been there to stop it? The less you say - against Heathcote the better. So Nokes is off, is he?” + nobody put out, if he hadn’t been there to stop it? The less you say + against Heathcote the better. So Nokes is off, is he?” </p> <p> - “He ain’t here, anyways,” said Joe. “When the row - was over, we wouldn’t let him in. We didn’t want him about - here.” + “He ain’t here, anyways,” said Joe. “When the row + was over, we wouldn’t let him in. We didn’t want him about + here.” </p> <p> - “I dare say not,” said the sergeant. “Now let me go and - see the spot where the fight was.” So the two policemen, with the + “I dare say not,” said the sergeant. “Now let me go and + see the spot where the fight was.” So the two policemen, with the two young Brownbies, rode away, leaving Boscobel with the old man. </p> <p> - “He knows every thing about it,” said old Brownbie. + “He knows every thing about it,” said old Brownbie. </p> <p> - “If he do,” said Boscobel, “it ain’t no odds.” + “If he do,” said Boscobel, “it ain’t no odds.” </p> <p> - “Not a ha’porth of odds,” said Jerry, coming out of his - hiding-place. “Who cares what he knows? A man may do what he pleases - on his own run, I suppose.” + “Not a ha’porth of odds,” said Jerry, coming out of his + hiding-place. “Who cares what he knows? A man may do what he pleases + on his own run, I suppose.” </p> <p> - “He mayn’t light a fire as ‘ll spread,” said the + “He mayn’t light a fire as ’ll spread,” said the old man. </p> <p> - “Bother! Who’s to prove what’s in a man’s mind? If - I’d been Nokes, I’d have staid and seen it out. I’d + “Bother! Who’s to prove what’s in a man’s mind? If + I’d been Nokes, I’d have staid and seen it out. I’d never be driven about the colony by such a fellow as Heathcote, with all - the police in the world to back him.” + the police in the world to back him.” </p> <p> Sergeant Forrest inspected the ground on which the fire had raged, and the @@ -4925,60 +4824,60 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger where the fire had commenced, and could trace the efforts that had been made to stop it. He did not in the least doubt the way in which it had been lit. But he did very much doubt whether a jury could find Nokes - guilty, even if he could catch Nokes. Jacko’s evidence was worth + guilty, even if he could catch Nokes. Jacko’s evidence was worth nothing, and Mr. Medlicot might be easily mistaken as to what he had seen at a distance in the middle of the night. </p> <p> - All this happened on Christmas-day. At about nine o’clock the same + All this happened on Christmas-day. At about nine o’clock the same evening the two constables re-appeared at Gangoil, and asked for hospitality for the night. This was a matter of course, and also the reproduction of the Christmas dinner. Mrs. Medlicot was now there, and her son, with his collar-bone set, had been allowed to come out on to the veranda. The house had already been supposed to be full, but room, as a - matter of course, was made for Sergeant Forrest and his man. “It’s - a queer sort of Christmas we’ve all been having, Mr. Heathcote,” + matter of course, was made for Sergeant Forrest and his man. “It’s + a queer sort of Christmas we’ve all been having, Mr. Heathcote,” said the sergeant, as the remnant of a real English plum-pudding was put between him and his man by Mrs. Growler. </p> <p> - “A little hotter than it is at home, eh?” + “A little hotter than it is at home, eh?” </p> <p> - “Indeed it is. You must have had it hot last night, Sir.” + “Indeed it is. You must have had it hot last night, Sir.” </p> <p> - “Very hot, sergeant. We had to work uncommonly hard to do it as well - as we did.” + “Very hot, sergeant. We had to work uncommonly hard to do it as well + as we did.” </p> <p> - “It was not a nice Christmas game, Sir, was it?” + “It was not a nice Christmas game, Sir, was it?” </p> <p> - “Eh, me!” said Mrs. Medlicot. “There’s nae + “Eh, me!” said Mrs. Medlicot. “There’s nae Christmas games or ony games here at all, except just worrying and - harrying, like sae many dogs at each other’s throats.” + harrying, like sae many dogs at each other’s throats.” </p> <p> - “And you think nothing more can be done?” Harry asked. + “And you think nothing more can be done?” Harry asked. </p> <p> - “I don’t think we shall catch the men. When they get out - backward, it’s very hard to trace them. He’s got a horse of - his own with him, and he’ll be beyond reach of the police by this - time to-morrow. Indeed, he’s beyond their reach now. However, you’ll - have got rid of him.” + “I don’t think we shall catch the men. When they get out + backward, it’s very hard to trace them. He’s got a horse of + his own with him, and he’ll be beyond reach of the police by this + time to-morrow. Indeed, he’s beyond their reach now. However, you’ll + have got rid of him.” </p> <p> - “But there are others as bad as he left behind. I wouldn’t - trust that fellow Boscobel a yard.” + “But there are others as bad as he left behind. I wouldn’t + trust that fellow Boscobel a yard.” </p> <p> - “He won’t stir, Sir. He belongs to this country, and does not + “He won’t stir, Sir. He belongs to this country, and does not want to leave it. And when a thing has been tried like that and has - failed, the fellows don’t try it again. They are cowed like by their - own failure. I don’t think you need fear fire from the Boolabong - side again this summer.” + failed, the fellows don’t try it again. They are cowed like by their + own failure. I don’t think you need fear fire from the Boolabong + side again this summer.” </p> <p> After this the sergeant and his man discreetly allowed themselves to be @@ -4999,19 +4898,14 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger bush, creeping, we may suppose, into hidden nooks, as the beasts do when the hour of death comes on them. </p> - <p> - <br /><br /> - </p> - <hr /> - <p> - <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> </a> - </p> - <div style="height: 4em;"> - <br /><br /><br /><br /> - </div> - <h2> - CHAPTER XII. — CONCLUSION. + + + <div class="chapter"> + <hr class="x-ebookmaker-drop" /> + <h2 id="link2HCH0012"> + CHAPTER XII.<br> <span>CONCLUSION.</span> </h2> + </div> <p> The constables had started from Gangoil, on their way to Boolabong, a little after four, and from that time till he was made to get out of bed @@ -5042,7 +4936,7 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger </p> <p> Kate Daly during this time was much disturbed in mind. The reader may - remember—Kate, at any rate, remembered well—that, just as the + remember—Kate, at any rate, remembered well—that, just as the doctor had arrived to set his broken bone, Mr. Medlicot, disabled as he was, had attempted to take her by the arm. He had certainly chosen an odd time for a declaration of love, just the moment in which he ought to have @@ -5055,20 +4949,20 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger another will. And there have probably been men coming and going in some sort since the girl left her school-room and became a young lady. But in the bush the thing is very different. It may be that there is no young man - available within fifty miles—no possible lover or future husband, + available within fifty miles—no possible lover or future husband, unless Heaven should interfere almost with a miracle. To those to whom lovers are as plentiful as blackberries it may seem indelicate to surmise - that the thought of such a want should ever enter a girl’s head. I - doubt whether the defined idea of any want had ever entered poor Kate’s - head. But now that the possible lover was there—not only possible, - but very probable—and so eligible in many respects, living so close, + that the thought of such a want should ever enter a girl’s head. I + doubt whether the defined idea of any want had ever entered poor Kate’s + head. But now that the possible lover was there—not only possible, + but very probable—and so eligible in many respects, living so close, with a house over his head and a good business; and then so handsome, and, as Kate thought, so complete a gentleman! Of course she turned it much in her mind. She was very happy with Harry Heathcote. There never was a brother-in-law so good! But, after all, what is a brother-in-law, though he be the very best? Kate had already begun to fancy that a house of her own and a husband of her own would be essential to her happiness. But then - a man can not be expected to make an offer with a broken collar-bone—certainly + a man can not be expected to make an offer with a broken collar-bone—certainly can not do so just when the doctor has arrived to set the bone. </p> <p> @@ -5076,7 +4970,7 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger to instructions, sitting out on the veranda in an armchair, and his mother was with him, and while Harry was sleeping as though he never meant to be awake again, Kate managed to say a few words to her sister. It will be - understood that the ladies’ hands were by no means empty. The + understood that the ladies’ hands were by no means empty. The Christmas dinner was in course of preparation, and Sing Sing, that villainous Chinese cook, had absconded. Mrs. Growler, no doubt, did her best; but Mrs. Growler was old and slow, and the house was full of guests. @@ -5084,137 +4978,137 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger say a word to her sister in the kitchen. </p> <p> - “What do you think of him, Mary?” + “What do you think of him, Mary?” </p> <p> - To the married sister “him” would naturally mean Harry + To the married sister “him” would naturally mean Harry Heathcote, of whom, as he lay asleep, the young wife thought that he was the very perfection of patriarchal pastoral manliness; but she knew enough - of human nature to be aware that the “him” of the moment to - her sister was no longer her own husband. “I think he has got his + of human nature to be aware that the “him” of the moment to + her sister was no longer her own husband. “I think he has got his arm broken fighting for Harry, and that we are bound to do the best we can - for him.” + for him.” </p> <p> - “Oh yes; that’s of course. I’m sure Harry will feel - that. He used, you know, to—to—that is, not just to like him, - because he is a free-selector.” + “Oh yes; that’s of course. I’m sure Harry will feel + that. He used, you know, to—to—that is, not just to like him, + because he is a free-selector.” </p> <p> - “They’ll drop all that now. Of course they could not be - expected to know each other at the first starting. I shouldn’t - wonder if they became regular friends.” + “They’ll drop all that now. Of course they could not be + expected to know each other at the first starting. I shouldn’t + wonder if they became regular friends.” </p> <p> - “That would be nice! After all, though you may be so happy at home, - it is better to have something like a neighbor. Don’t you think so?” + “That would be nice! After all, though you may be so happy at home, + it is better to have something like a neighbor. Don’t you think so?” </p> <p> - “It depends on who the neighbors are. I don’t care much for - the Brownbies.” + “It depends on who the neighbors are. I don’t care much for + the Brownbies.” </p> <p> - “They are quite different, Mary.” + “They are quite different, Mary.” </p> <p> - “I like the Medlicots very much.” + “I like the Medlicots very much.” </p> <p> - “I consider he’s quite a gentleman,” said Kate. + “I consider he’s quite a gentleman,” said Kate. </p> <p> - “Of course he’s a gentleman. Look here, Kate—I shall be + “Of course he’s a gentleman. Look here, Kate—I shall be ready to welcome Mr. Medlicot as a brother-in-law, if things should turn - out that way.” + out that way.” </p> <p> - “I didn’t mean that, Mary.” + “I didn’t mean that, Mary.” </p> <p> - “Did you not? Well, you can mean it if you please, as far as I am - concerned. Has he said any thing to you, dear?” + “Did you not? Well, you can mean it if you please, as far as I am + concerned. Has he said any thing to you, dear?” </p> <p> - “No.” + “No.” </p> <p> - “Not a word?” + “Not a word?” </p> <p> - “I don’t know what you call a word; not a word of that kind.” + “I don’t know what you call a word; not a word of that kind.” </p> <p> - “I thought, perhaps—” + “I thought, perhaps—” </p> <p> - “I think he meant it once—this morning.” + “I think he meant it once—this morning.” </p> <p> - “I dare say he meant it. And if he meant it this morning, he won’t - have forgotten his meaning to-morrow.” + “I dare say he meant it. And if he meant it this morning, he won’t + have forgotten his meaning to-morrow.” </p> <p> - “There’s no reason why he should mean it, you know.” + “There’s no reason why he should mean it, you know.” </p> <p> - “None in the least, Kate; is there?” + “None in the least, Kate; is there?” </p> <p> - “Now you’re laughing at me, Mary. I never used to laugh at you - when Harry was coming. I was so glad, and I did every thing I could.” + “Now you’re laughing at me, Mary. I never used to laugh at you + when Harry was coming. I was so glad, and I did every thing I could.” </p> <p> - “Yes, you went away and left us in the Botanical Gardens. I + “Yes, you went away and left us in the Botanical Gardens. I remember. But, you see, there are no Botanical Gardens here; and the poor - man couldn’t walk about if there were.” + man couldn’t walk about if there were.” </p> <p> - “I wonder what Harry would say if it were to be so.” + “I wonder what Harry would say if it were to be so.” </p> <p> - “Of course he’d be glad—for your sake.” + “Of course he’d be glad—for your sake.” </p> <p> - “But he does so despise free-selectors! And then he used to think - that Mr. Medlicot was quite as bad as the Brownbies. I wouldn’t - marry any one to be despised by you and Harry.” + “But he does so despise free-selectors! And then he used to think + that Mr. Medlicot was quite as bad as the Brownbies. I wouldn’t + marry any one to be despised by you and Harry.” </p> <p> - “That’s all gone by, my dear,” said the wife, feeling - that she had to apologize for her husband’s prejudices. “Of - course one has to find out what people are before one takes them to one’s + “That’s all gone by, my dear,” said the wife, feeling + that she had to apologize for her husband’s prejudices. “Of + course one has to find out what people are before one takes them to one’s bosom. Mr. Medlicot has acted in the most friendly way about these fires, - and I’m sure Harry will never despise him any more.” + and I’m sure Harry will never despise him any more.” </p> <p> - “He couldn’t have done more for a real brother than have his - arm broken.” + “He couldn’t have done more for a real brother than have his + arm broken.” </p> <p> - “But you must remember one thing, Kate, Mr. Medlicot is very nice, + “But you must remember one thing, Kate, Mr. Medlicot is very nice, and like a gentleman, and all that. Bat you never can be quite certain - about any man till he speaks out plainly. Don’t set your heart upon - him till you are quite sure that he has set his upon you.” + about any man till he speaks out plainly. Don’t set your heart upon + him till you are quite sure that he has set his upon you.” </p> <p> - “Oh no,” said Kate, giving her maidenly assurance when it was + “Oh no,” said Kate, giving her maidenly assurance when it was so much too late! Just at this moment Mrs. Growler came into the kitchen, - and Kate’s promises and her sister’s cautions were for the + and Kate’s promises and her sister’s cautions were for the moment silenced. </p> <p> - “How we’re to manage to get the dinner on the table, I for one - don’t know at all,” said Mrs. Growler. “There’s - Mr. Bates’ll be here; that will be six of ’em; and that Mr. - Medlicot will want somebody to do every thing for him, because he’s - been and got hisself smashed. And there’s the old lady has just come + “How we’re to manage to get the dinner on the table, I for one + don’t know at all,” said Mrs. Growler. “There’s + Mr. Bates’ll be here; that will be six of ’em; and that Mr. + Medlicot will want somebody to do every thing for him, because he’s + been and got hisself smashed. And there’s the old lady has just come out from home, and is as particular as any thing. And Mr. Harry himself - never thinks of things at all. One pair of hands, and them very old, can’t - do every thing for every body.” All of which was very well + never thinks of things at all. One pair of hands, and them very old, can’t + do every thing for every body.” All of which was very well understood to mean nothing at all. </p> <p> - Household deficiencies—and, indeed, all deficiencies—are + Household deficiencies—and, indeed, all deficiencies—are considerable or insignificant in accordance with the aspirations of those concerned. When a man has a regiment of servants in his dining-room, with beautifully cut glass, a forest of flowers, and an iceberg in the middle @@ -5225,7 +5119,7 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger the evening is long with a leg of mutton and whisky toddy, and will change their own plates, and clear their own table, and think nothing wrong, if from the beginning such has been the intention of the giver of the feast. - In spite of Mrs. Growler’s prognostications, though the cook had + In spite of Mrs. Growler’s prognostications, though the cook had absconded, and the chief guest of the occasion could not cut up his own meat, that Christmas dinner at Gangoil was eaten with great satisfaction. </p> @@ -5236,15 +5130,15 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger almost overpowered him. </p> <p> - “We’ll give one toast, Mrs. Medlicot,” he said, when + “We’ll give one toast, Mrs. Medlicot,” he said, when Mrs. Growler and Kate between them had taken away the relics of the - plum-pudding. “Our friends at home!” + plum-pudding. “Our friends at home!” </p> <p> - The poor lady drank the toast with a sob. “That’s vera weel - for you, Mr. Heathcote. You’re young, and will win your way hame, - and see auld friends again, nae doubt; but I’ll never see ane of - them mair, except those I have here.” Nevertheless, the old lady ate + The poor lady drank the toast with a sob. “That’s vera weel + for you, Mr. Heathcote. You’re young, and will win your way hame, + and see auld friends again, nae doubt; but I’ll never see ane of + them mair, except those I have here.” Nevertheless, the old lady ate her dinner and drank her toddy, and made much of the occasion, going in and out to her son upon the veranda. </p> @@ -5255,8 +5149,8 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger lap, sat talking to Mrs. Medlicot in the parlor. Such was not her custom in weather such as this. Kate had been sent out on to the veranda, with special commands to attend to the wants of the sufferer, and Mrs. - Heathcote would have followed her had she not remembered her sister’s - appeal, “I did every thing I could for you.” + Heathcote would have followed her had she not remembered her sister’s + appeal, “I did every thing I could for you.” </p> <p> In those happy days Kate had been very good, and certainly deserved @@ -5270,7 +5164,7 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger When told to take him out his glass of wine, and when conscious that no one followed her, she felt herself to have been guilty of some great sin, and was almost tempted to escape. She had asked her sister for help; and - this was the help that was forth-coming—help so palpable, so + this was the help that was forth-coming—help so palpable, so manifest, as to be almost indelicate! Would he think that plans were being made to catch him, now that he was a captive and impotent? The thought that it was possible that such an idea might occur to him was terrible to @@ -5279,36 +5173,36 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger little table by his side, and then attempted to withdraw. </p> <p> - “Stay a moment with me,” he said. “Where are they all?” + “Stay a moment with me,” he said. “Where are they all?” </p> <p> - “Mary and your mother are inside. Harry and Mr. Bates have gone - across to look at the horses.” + “Mary and your mother are inside. Harry and Mr. Bates have gone + across to look at the horses.” </p> <p> - “I almost feel as though I could walk, too.” + “I almost feel as though I could walk, too.” </p> <p> - “You must not think of it yet, Mr. Medlicot. It seems almost a - wonder that you shouldn’t have to be in bed, and you with your - collar-bone broken only last night! I don’t know how you can bear it - as you do.” + “You must not think of it yet, Mr. Medlicot. It seems almost a + wonder that you shouldn’t have to be in bed, and you with your + collar-bone broken only last night! I don’t know how you can bear it + as you do.” </p> <p> - “I shall be so glad I broke it, if one thing will come about.” + “I shall be so glad I broke it, if one thing will come about.” </p> <p> - “What thing?” asked Kate, blushing. + “What thing?” asked Kate, blushing. </p> <p> - “Kate—may I call you Kate?” + “Kate—may I call you Kate?” </p> <p> - “I don’t know,” she said. + “I don’t know,” she said. </p> <p> - “You know I love you, do you not? You must know it. Dearest Kate, - can you love me and be my wife?” His left arm was bound up, and was + “You know I love you, do you not? You must know it. Dearest Kate, + can you love me and be my wife?” His left arm was bound up, and was in a sling, but he put out his right hand to take hers, if she would give it to him. Kate Daly had never had a lover before, and felt the occasion to be trying. She had no doubt about the matter. If it were only proper @@ -5316,21 +5210,21 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger she loved him better than all the world. </p> <p> - “Put your hand here, Kate,” he said. + “Put your hand here, Kate,” he said. </p> <p> As the request was not exactly for the gift of her hand, she placed it in his. </p> <p> - “May I keep it now?” + “May I keep it now?” </p> <p> She could only whisper something which was quite inaudible, even to him. </p> <p> - “I shall keep it, and think that you are all my own. Stoop down, - Kate, and kiss me, if you love me.” + “I shall keep it, and think that you are all my own. Stoop down, + Kate, and kiss me, if you love me.” </p> <p> She hesitated for a moment, trying to collect her thoughts. She did love @@ -5343,7 +5237,7 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger when, all suddenly, Harry Heathcote was on the veranda, followed by the two policemen, who had just returned from Boolabong. She was sure that Harry had seen her, and was by no means sure that she had been quick - enough in escaping from her lover’s hand to have been unnoticed by + enough in escaping from her lover’s hand to have been unnoticed by the policemen also. She fled away as though guilty, and could hardly recover herself sufficiently to assist Mrs. Growler in producing the additional dinner which was required. @@ -5360,11 +5254,11 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger affairs, made a little speech. </p> <p> - “Mrs. Heathcote,” he said, “I have asked your sister to - marry me.” + “Mrs. Heathcote,” he said, “I have asked your sister to + marry me.” </p> <p> - “Dearie me, Giles,” said Mrs. Medlicot. + “Dearie me, Giles,” said Mrs. Medlicot. </p> <p> Kate remained no longer half in and half out of the parlor, but retreated @@ -5373,48 +5267,48 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger that such a thing might happen. </p> <p> - “And what answer has she given you?” said Mrs. Heathcote. + “And what answer has she given you?” said Mrs. Heathcote. </p> <p> - “She hasn’t given me any answer yet. I wonder what you and - Heathcote would say about it?” + “She hasn’t given me any answer yet. I wonder what you and + Heathcote would say about it?” </p> <p> - “What Kate has to say is much more important,” replied the + “What Kate has to say is much more important,” replied the discreet sister. </p> <p> - “I should like it of all things,” said Harry, jumping up. - “It’s always best to be open about these things. When you - first came here, I didn’t like you. You took a bit of my river - frontage—not that it does me any great harm—and then I was - angry about that scoundrel Nokes.” + “I should like it of all things,” said Harry, jumping up. + “It’s always best to be open about these things. When you + first came here, I didn’t like you. You took a bit of my river + frontage—not that it does me any great harm—and then I was + angry about that scoundrel Nokes.” </p> <p> - “I was wrong about Nokes,” said Medlicot, “and have, - therefore, had my collar-bone broken. As to the land, you’ll forgive - my having it if Kate will come and live there?” + “I was wrong about Nokes,” said Medlicot, “and have, + therefore, had my collar-bone broken. As to the land, you’ll forgive + my having it if Kate will come and live there?” </p> <p> - “By George! I should think so.—Kate, why don’t you come + “By George! I should think so.—Kate, why don’t you come out? Come along, my girl. Medlicot has spoken out openly, and you should - answer him in the same fashion.” So saying, he dragged her forth, + answer him in the same fashion.” So saying, he dragged her forth, and I fear that, as far as she was concerned, something of the sweetness of her courtship was lost by the publicity with which she was forced to - confess her love. “Will you go, Kate, and make sugar down at the + confess her love. “Will you go, Kate, and make sugar down at the mill? I have often thought how bad it would be for Mary and me when you - were taken away; but we sha’n’t mind it so much if we knew - that you are to be near us.” + were taken away; but we sha’n’t mind it so much if we knew + that you are to be near us.” </p> <p> - “Speak to him, Kate,” said Mrs. Heathcote, with her arm round - her sister’s waist. + “Speak to him, Kate,” said Mrs. Heathcote, with her arm round + her sister’s waist. </p> <p> - “I think she’s minded to have him,” said Mrs. Medlicot. + “I think she’s minded to have him,” said Mrs. Medlicot. </p> <p> - “Tell me, Kate—shall it be so?” pleaded the lover. + “Tell me, Kate—shall it be so?” pleaded the lover. </p> <p> She came up to him and leaned over him, and whispered one word which @@ -5423,378 +5317,14 @@ HTML file produced by David Widger for which he was asking when the policemen interrupted them. </p> <p> - “That’s what I call a happy Christmas,” said Harry, as + “That’s what I call a happy Christmas,” said Harry, as the party finally parted for the night. </p> <div style="height: 6em;"> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> </div> -<pre xml:space="preserve"> - - -***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HARRY HEATHCOTE OF GANGOIL*** - - -******* This file should be named 5642-h.htm or 5642-h.zip ******* - - -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: -http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/5/6/4/5642 - - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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