`AndI’mmakinghometomother-andit’shardformetodie!
`Butit’sharderstill,iskeepingoutofgaol!
`Youcanridetheoldhorseovertomygraveacrossthedip`Wherethewattlebloomiswavingoverhead。
`Surehe’lljumpthemfenceseasy-youmustneverraisethewhip`Orhe’llrush’em!-now,good-bye!’andhehadfled!
SotheyburiedAndyRegan,andtheyburiedhimtorights,InthegraveyardatthebackofKiley’sHill;
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Therewerefive-and-twentymournerswhohadfive-and-twentyfightsTilltheveryboldestfightershadtheirfill。
Therewerefiftyhorsesracingfromthegraveyardtothepub,Andtheirridersfloggedeachotherallthewhile。
Andthelashinsoftheliquor!Andthelavinsofthegrub!
Oh,poorAndywenttorestinproperstyle。
ThentheracescametoKiley’s-withasteeplechaseandall,ForthefolkweremostlyIrishroundabout,AndittakesanIrishridertobefearlessofafall,Theyweretrainingmorninginandmorningout。
ButtheyneverstartedtrainingtillthesunwasonthecourseForasuperstitiousstorykept’emback,ThattheghostofAndyReganonaslashingchestnuthorse,Hadbeentrainingbythestarlightonthetrack。
AndtheyreadthenominationsfortheraceswithsurpriseAndamusementattheFather’slittlejoke,Page:49
Foranovicehadbeenenteredforthesteeplechasingprize,AndtheyfoundthatitwasFatherRiley’smoke!
Hewasneatenoughtogallop,hewasstrongenoughtostay!
Buthisowner’sviewsoftrainingwereimmense,FortheReverendFatherRileyusedtoridehimeveryday,Andheneversawahurdlenorafence。
Andthepriestwouldjointhelaughter;`Oh,’saidhe,`Iputhimin,`Forthere’sfiveandtwentysovereignstobewon。
`Andthepoorwouldfindituseful,ifthechestnutchancedtowin,`Andhe’llmaybewinwhenallissaidanddone!’
HehadcalledhimFaugh-a-ballagh,whichisFrenchforclearthecourse,Andhiscolourswereavividshadeofgreen:
AlltheDooleysandO’DonnellswereonFatherRiley’shorse,WhiletheOrangemenwerebackingMandarin!
ItwasHogan,thedogpoisoner-agedmanandverywise,Whowascampingintheracecoursewithhisswag,Page:50
Andwhoventuredtheopinion,tothetownship’sgreatsurprise,ThattheracewouldgotoFatherRiley’snag。
`Youcantalkaboutyourriders-andthehorsehasnotbeenschooled,`Andthefencesisterrific,andtherest!
`Whenthefieldisfairlygoing,thenye’llseeye’veallbeenfooled,`Andthechestnuthorsewillbattlewiththebest。
`Forthere’ssomehasgotcondition,andtheythinktheraceissure,`Andthechestnuthorsewillfallbeneaththeweight,`Butthehopesofallthehelpless,andtheprayersofallthepoor,`Willberunningbyhissidetokeephimstraight。
`Andit’swhat’stheneedofschoolin’orofworkin’onthetrack,`Whinthesaintsaretheretoguidehimroundthecourse!
`I’veprayedhimovereveryfence-I’veprayedhimoutandback!
`AndI’llbetmycashonFatherRiley’shorse!’……
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Oh,thesteeplewasacaution!Theywenttearin’roundandround,Andthefencesrangandrattledwheretheystruck。
Therewassomethatclearedthewater-therewasmorefellinanddrowned,Someblamedthemenandothersblamedtheluck!
Butthewhipswereflyingfreelywhenthefieldcameintoview,Forthefinishdownthelonggreenstretchofcourse,Andinfrontofalltheflyers-jumpin’likeakangaroo,Cametherankoutsider-FatherRiley’shorse!
Oh,theshoutingandthecheeringasherattledpastthepost!
Forhelefttheothersstanding,inthestraight;
Andtherider-welltheyreckoneditwasAndyRegan’sghost,Anditbeat’emhowaghostwoulddrawtheweight!
Butheweighedit,ninestoneseven,thenhelaughedanddisappeared,LikeaBanshee(whichisSpanishforanelf),Page:52
AndoldHoganmutteredsagely,`Ifitwasn’tforthebeardThey’dbethinkingitwasAndyRegan’sself!’
AndthepoorofKiley’sCrossingdrankthehealthatChristmastideOfthechestnutandhisriderdressedingreen。
Therewasneversucharider,notsinceAndyRegandied,Andtheywonderedwhoonearthhecouldhavebeen。
Buttheysettleditamong’em,forthestorygotabout,’Mongstthebushmenandthepeopleonthecourse,ThattheDevilhadbeenorderedtoletAndyReganoutForthesteeplechaseonFatherRiley’shorse!
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THESCOTCHENGINEER
WITHeyesthatsearchedinthedark,Peeringalongtheline,StoodthegrimScotchman,HectorClark,Driverof`Forty-nine’,Andtheveldt-fireflamedonthehillsahead,Likeablood-redbeaconsign。
Therewaswordofafighttothenorth,Andacolumnhard-pressed,SotheystartedtheHighlandersforth,Withoutfood,withoutrest。
Butthepipersgailyplayed,Chantingtheirfiercedelight,Andthearmouredcarriagesrockedandswayed,LadenwithmenoftheScotchBrigade,Hurryinguptothefight,Andthegrim,greyHighlandengineer,Drivingthemintothenight。
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Thenasignallightglowedred,Andapicketcametothetrack。
`Enemyholdingthelineahead,`Threeofourmateswehaveleftfordead,`Onlywetwogotback。’
Andfartothenorththroughthestillnightair,Theyheardtheriflescrack。
Andtheboomofagunrangout,Likethesoundofadeepappeal,AndthepicketstoodindoubtBythesideofthedriving-wheel。
ButtheEngineerlookeddown,Withhishandonthestarting-bar,`Rideyebacktothetown,`Yeknowwhatmyordersare,`Maybethey’rewantingtheScotchBrigade`Uponthosehillsafar。
`Iamnosoldieratall,`Onlyanengineer,`ButIcouldnotbearthatthefolkshouldsay,`OverinScotland-Glasgowway-
Page:55
`ThatHectorClarkstayedhere`WiththeScotchBrigadetillthefoeweregone,`Witheverarailtorunheron。
`Readybehind!Standclear!
`Fireman,getyougone`Intothearmouredtrain,`Iwilldriveheralone;
`Onemoretrip-andperhapsthelast-
`Withawell-rakedfireandanopenblast-
`Harktotheriflesagain。’……
Onthroughthechokingdark,Neveralampnoralight,Neveranenginespark,Showingherhurriedflight。
OverthelonelyplainRushedthegreatarmouredtrain,Hurryinguptothefight。
ThenwithherlivingfreightOntothefoeshecame,Andtheriflessnappedtheirhate,Andthedarknessspoutedflame。
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OvertheroarofthefrayThehungrybulletswhined,AsshedashedthroughthefoethatlayLoadingandfiringblind,TilltheglareofthefurnaceburningclearShowedthemtheformoftheengineer,Sharplyandwelldefined。
Through!Theyweresafelythrough!
Harktothecolumn’scheer!
SurelythedriverknewHewastohaltherhere;
Buthetooknoheedofthesignalsred,Andthefiremanfound,whenheclimbedahead,Thereonthefloorofhisengine-dead,LaytheScotchEngineer!
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SONGOFTHEFUTURE
’Tisstrangethatinalandsostrong,Sostrongandboldinmightyyouth,Wehavenopoet’svoiceoftruthTosingforusawondroussong。
OurchiefestsingeryethassungInwild,sweetnotesapassingstrain,AllcarelesslyandsadlyflungTothatdullworldhethoughtsovain。
`Icarefornothing,goodnorbad,`Myhopesaregone,mypleasuresfled,`Iambutsiftingsand,’hesaid:
WhatwonderGordon’ssongsweresad!
Andyet,notalwayssadandhard;
IncheerfulmoodandlightofheartHetoldthetaleofBritomarte,AndwrotetheRhymeofJoyousGuard。
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AndsomehavesaidthatNature’sfaceTousisalwayssad;buttheseHaveneverfeltthesmilinggraceOfwavinggrassandforesttreesOnsunlitplainsaswideasseas。
`AlandwheredullDespairisking`O’erscentlessflowerandsonglessbird!’
Butwehaveheardthebell-birdsringTheirsilverbellsateventide,Likefairiesonthemountainside,Thesweetestnotemaneverheard。
Thewildthrushliftsanoteofmirth;
ThebronzewingpigeonscallandcooBesidetheirneststhelongdaythrough;
ThemagpiewarblesclearandstrongAjoyous,glad,thanksgivingsong,ForallGod’smerciesuponearth。
AndmanyvoicessuchastheseArejoyfulsoundsforthosetotell,WhoknowtheBushandloveitwell,Withallitshiddenmysteries。
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Wecannotlovetherestlesssea,ThatrollsandtossestoandfroLikesomefiercecreatureinitsglee;
ForhumanwealorhumanwoeIthasnotouchofsympathy。
Forusthebushisneversad:
Itsmyriadvoiceswhisperlow,Intonesthebushmenonlyknow,Itssympathyandwelcomeglad。
ForustherovingbreezesbringFrommanyablossom-tuftedtree-
Wherewildbeesmurmurdreamily-
Thehoney-ladenbreathofSpring……
Wehavenotalesofotherdays,Nobygonehistorytotell;
Ourtalesaretoldwherecamp-firesblazeAtmidnight,whenthesolemnhushOfthatvastwonderland,theBush,Hathlaidoneveryheartitsspell。
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Althoughwehavenosongsofstrife,Ofbloodshedreddeningtheland,WeyetmayfindachievementsgrandWithinthebushman’squietlife。
LiftyeyourfacestotheskyYefarbluemountainsoftheWest,WholiesopeacefullyatrestEnshroudedinahazeofblue;
’TishardtofeelthatyearswentbyBeforethepioneersbrokethroughYourrockyheightsandwallsofstone,Andmadeyoursecretsalltheirown。
ForyearsthefertileWesternplainsWerehidbehindyoursullenwalls,YourcliffsandcragsandwaterfallsAllweatherwornwithtropicrains。
Betweenthemountainsandthesea,LikeIsraeliteswithstaffinhand,Thepeoplewaitedrestlessly:
TheylookedtowardsthemountainsoldAndsawthesunsetscomeandgoWithgorgeousgoldenafterglow,Page:61
ThatmadetheWestafairyland,AndmarvelledwhatthatWestmightbeOfwhichsuchwondroustalesweretold。
FortalesweretoldofinlandseasLikesullenoceans,saltanddead,Andsandydeserts,whiteandwan,Wherenevertrodthefootofman,Norbirdwentwingingoverhead,NoreverstirredagraciousbreezeTowakethesilencewithitsbreath-
Alandoflonelinessanddeath。
AtlengththehardypioneersByrockandcragfoundouttheway,Andwokewithvoicesofto-day,Asilencekeptforyearsandyears。
UpontheWesternslopetheystoodAndsaw-awideexpanseofplainAsfaraseyecouldstretchorseeGorollingwestwardendlessly。
Thenativegrasses,tallasgrain,Werewavedandrippledinthebreeze;
Fromboughsofblossom-ladentreesTheparrotsansweredbackagain。
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Theysawthelandthatitwasgood,Alandoffatnessalluntrod,AndgavetheirsilentthankstoGod。
Thewayiswon!Thewayiswon!
AndstraightwayfromthebarrencoastTherecameawestward-marchinghost,ThatayeandeveronwardprestWitheagerfacestotheWest,Alongthepathwayofthesun。
Themountainssawthemmarchingby:
Theyfacedtheall-consumingdrought,Theywouldnotrestinsettledland:
But,takingeachhislifeinhand,TheirfaceseverwestwardbentBeyondthefarthestsettlement,RespondingtothechallengecryOf`bettercountryfurtherout。’
Andloamiracle!thelandButyesterdaywasallunknown,Thewildman’sboomerangwasthrownWherenowgreatbusycitiesstand。
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Itwasnotmuch,yousay,thattheseShouldwintheirwaywherenonewithstood;
InsooththerewasnotmuchofbloodNowarwasfoughtbetweentheseas。
Itwasnotmuch!butwewhoknowThestrangecapriciouslandtheytrod-
Attimesastricken,parchingsod,Attimeswithragingfloodsbeset-
Throughwhichtheyfoundtheirlonelyway,ArequitecontentthatyoushouldsayItwasnotmuch,whilewecanfeelThatnothingintheagesold,InsongorstorywrittenyetOnGrecianurnorRomanarch,Thoughitshouldringwithclashofsteel,CouldbraverhistoriesunfoldThanthisbushstory,yetuntold-
Thestoryoftheirwestwardmarch……
Buttimesarechanged,andchangesrungFromoldtonew-theoldendays,TheoldbushlifeandallitswaysArepassingfromusallunsung。
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Thefreedom,andthehopefulsenseOftoilthatbroughtduerecompense,Ofroomforall,haspassedaway,Andliesforgottenwiththedead。
WithinourstreetsmencryforbreadIncitiesbuiltbutyesterday。
Aboutusstretcheswealthofland,AboundlesswealthofvirginsoilAsyetunfruitfulanduntilled!
Ourwillingworkmen,strongandskilledWithinourcitiesidlestand,Andcryaloudforleavetotoil。
ThestuntedchildrencomeandgoInsqualidlanesandalleysblack;
WefollowbutthebeatentrackOfothernations,andwegrowInwealthforsome-formany,woe。
AnditmaybethatwewholiveInthisnewlandapart,beyondThehardoldworldgrownfierceandfondAndboundbyprecedentandbond,Page:65
MayreadtheriddlerightandgiveNewhopetothosewhodimlyseeThatallthingsmaybeyetforgood,AndteachtheworldatlengthtobeOnevastunitedbrotherhood……
Somayitbe,andhewhosingsInaccentshopeful,clear,andstrong,TheglorieswhichthatfuturebringsShallsing,indeed,awond’roussong。
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ANTHONYCONSIDINE
OutinthewastesoftheWestcountrie,Outwherethewhitestarsshine,Grimandsilentassuchmenbe,Ridethamanwithahistory-
AnthonyConsidine。
ForthewaysofmentheyaremanifoldAstheirdifferingviewsinlife;
ForsomearesoldforthelustofgoldAndsomeforthelustofstrife:
ButthismancountedtheworldwelllostFortheloveofhisneighbour’swife。
Theyfledtogether,asthosemustfleeWhomallmenholdinblame;
EachtotheothermustallthingsbeWhocrossthegulfofiniquityAndliveinthelandofshame。
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Butalight-o’-love,ifshesinswithone,Shesinnethwithninety-nine:
Theruleholdsgoodsincetheworldbegun-
SinceeverthestreamsbegantorunAndthestarsbegantoshine。
Theruleholdstrue,andhefoundittrue-
AnthonyConsidine。
AnoblerspirithadturnedinscornFromalovethatwasstainedwithmire;
AweakerbeingmightmournandmournForthelossofhisHeart’sDesire:
ButtheangerofAnthonyConsidineBlazeduplikeaflamingfire。
Andshe,withhernewlove,presentlyCamepastwithhereyesashine;
AndGodsowilledit,andGodknowswhy,Sheturnedandlaughedastheypassedhimby-
AnthonyConsidine。
Herlaughterstungasawhipmightsting;
AndmadwithhiswoundedprideHeturnedandsprangwithapanther’sspringAndstruckathisrival’sside:
Andonlythewoman,shuddering,Couldtellhowthedeadmandied!
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Shedarednotspeak-andthemysteryIsburiedinauldlangsyne,ButoutonthewastesoftheWestcountrie,Grimandsilentassuchmenbe,Ridethamanwithahistory-
AnthonyConsidine。
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SONGOFTHEARTESIANWATER
NOWthestockhavestarteddying,fortheLordhassentadrought;
Butwe’resickofprayersandProvidence-we’regoingtodowithout;
Withthederricksupaboveusandthesolidearthbelow,Wearewaitingattheleverforthewordtolethergo。
Sinkingdown,deeperdown,Oh,we’llsinkitdeeperdown:
Asthedrillispluggingdownwardatathousandfeetoflevel,IftheLordwon’tsenduswater,oh,we’llgetitfromthedevil;
Yes,we’llgetitfromthedevildeeperdown。
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Now,ourengine’sbuiltinGlasgowbyaverycannyScot,Andhemarkedittwentyhorse-power,buthedon’tknowwhatiswhat:
WhenCanadianBillisfiringwiththesun-driedgidgeelogs,Shecanequalthirtyhorsesandascoreorsoofdogs。
Sinkingdown,deeperdown,Oh,we’regoingdeeperdown:
Ifwefailtogetthewaterthenit’sruintothesquatter,Forthedroughtisonthestationandtheweather’sgrowinghotter,Butwe’reboundtogetthewaterdeeperdown。
Buttheshafthasstartedcavingandthesinking’sveryslow,Andtheyellowrodsarebendinginthewaterdownbelow,Andthetubesarealwaysjammingandtheycan’tbemadetoshiftTillwenearlybursttheenginewithafortyhorse-powerlift。
Sinkingdown,deeperdown,Oh,we’regoingdeeperdownPage:71
Thoughtheshaftisalwayscaving,andthetubesarealwaysjamming,Yetwe’llfightourwaytowaterwhilethestubborndrillisramming-
Whilethestubborndrillisrammingdeeperdown。
Butthere’snoartesianwater,thoughwe’vepassedthreethousandfeet,Andthecontractpriceisgrowingandthebossisnearlybeat。
Butitmustbedownbeneathus,andit’sdownwe’vegottogo,Thoughshe’sbumpingonthesolidrockfourthousandfeetbelow。
Sinkingdown,deeperdown,Oh,we’regoingdeeperdown:
Andit’stimetheyheardusknockingontheroofofSatan’sdwellin’;
Butwe’llgetartesianwaterifwecavetheroofofhellin-
Oh!we’llgetartesianwaterdeeperdown。
Butit’shark!thewhistle’sblowingwithawild,exultantblast,Andtheboysaremadlycheering,forthey’vestrucktheflowatlast,Page:72
Andit’srushingupthetubingfromfourthousandfeetbelowTillitspoutsabovethecasinginamillion-gallonflow。
Andit’sdown,deeperdown-
Oh,itcomesfromdeeperdown;
Itisflowing,everflowing,inafree,unstintedmeasureFromthesilenthiddenplaceswheretheoldearthhideshertreasure-
Wheretheoldearthhideshertreasuredeeperdown。
Andit’sclearawaythetimber,andit’sletthewaterrun:
Howitglimmersintheshadow,howitflashesinthesun!
Bythesilentbeltsoftimber,bythemilesofblazingplainItisbringinghopeandcomforttothethirstylandagain。
Flowingdown,furtherdown;
ItisflowingfurtherdownTothetorturedthirstycattle,bringinggladnessinitsgoing;
Throughthedroughtydaysofsummeritisflowing,everflowing-
Itisflowing,everflowing,furtherdown。
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ADISQUALIFIEDJOCKEY’SSTORY
Yousee,thethingwasthisway-therewasme,ThatrodePanoppoly,theSplendormare,AndIkeyChambersontheIronDook,AndSmith,thehalf-casterider,onRegret,AndthatlongblokefromWagga-himwhatrodeVeronikew,theSnowyRiverhorse。
Well,noneofthemhadchances-notachanceAmongthelot,unlesstherestfelldeadOrwasn’ttrying-forablindman’sdogCouldseeEnchantresswasacertaincop,Andallthebookswaslayin’sixtofour。
Theybroughtherouttoshowourlottheroad,Orsotheysaid;but,then,Gord’struth!youknow,Youcan’tbelieve’em,thoughtheytookanoathOnfortyBiblesthatthey’dtellthetruth。
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Butanyhow,anamateurwasupOnthisEnchantress,andsoIkeandme,WethoughtthatwemightfrightenhimabitByaskingifhemindedridingrough-
`Oh,notatall,’sayshe,`oh,notatall!
`IlearntatRobboPark,andifitcomes`TobumpingI’myourMoses!Strikemeblue!’
Sayshe,`I’llbumpyouovereitherrail,`Theinsiderailoroutside-whichyouchoose`Isgoodenoughforme’-whichsettledIke;
ForhewasshakysinceheneargotkilledFrombeingsentabusterontherail,WhensomechapbumpedhishorseandfetchedhimdownAtStonyBridge,soIkeythoughtitbestToleavethisblokealone,andIagreed。
Soallthebookswaslayin’sixtofourAgainstthefavourite,andtheamateurWaswalkingthisEnchantressupanddown,AndmeandSmithybackedhim;forwethoughtWemightaswellgetsomethingforourselves,Becauseweknewourhorsescouldn’twin。
ButIkeywouldn’tbackhimforabob;
Becausehesaidhereckonedhewasstiff,Andallthebookswaslayin’sixtofour。
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Well,anyhow,beforethestart,thenewsGotroundthatthishereamateurwasstiff,Andourgoodstuffwasblued,andallthebooksWasinit,andthepriceslengthenedout,Andeverybookwasbustin’ofhisthroat,Andlayin’fivetoonethefavourite。
Sotherewaswethatcouldn’twinourselves,Andthishereamateurthatwouldn’ttry,Andallthebookswaslayin’fivetoone。
SoSmithysaystome,`Youtakeahold`Ofthattheremokeofyours,androundtheturn`ComeupbehindEnchantresswiththewhip`Andletherhaveit;thatlongblokeandme`Willwaitahead,andwhenshecomestous`We’llpassheronandbeltherdownthestraight,`AndIkey’llflogherhome,becausehisboss`IsjudgeandstewardandtheLordknowswhat,`Andsohewon’tbetouched-and,asforus,`We’llswearweonlyhitherbymistake!’
Andallthebookswaslayin’fivetoone。
Well,offwewent,andcomin’totheturnIsawtheamateurwasholdingbackAndpokingintoeveryholehecouldTogetherblocked,andsoIpulledbehindPage:76
Anddrewthewhipanddroppeditonthemare-
Iletherhaveittwice,andthensheshotAheadofme,andSmithyopenedoutAndletherupbesidehimontherails,Andkepthertherea-beltin’herlikesmokeUntilshestruggledpasthimpullin’hardAndcametoIke;butIkeydrewhiswhipAndhitheronthenoseandsentherbackAndwontheracehimself-for,afterall,ItseemshehadafiverontheDookAndnevertoldus-soourstuffwaslost。
Andthentheyhadusupforridin’foul,Andwarnedusoffthetracksfortwelvemonthseach,Togetourlivin’anywaywecould;
ButIkeywasn’ttouched,becausehisbossWasjudgeandstewardandtheLordknowswhat。
ButMister-ifyou’lllendushalf-a-crown,IknowthreecertainwinnersatthePark-
Threecertaincopsasnooneknowsbutme;
And-thankyou,Mister,comean’haveabeer(Ialwayslikeabeeraboutthistime)……
Well,solong,Mister,tillwemeetagain。
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THEROADTOGUNDAGAI
Themountainroadgoesupanddown,FromGundagaitoTumutTown。
Andbranchingoffthererunsatrack,Acrossthefoothillsgrimandblack,AcrosstheplainsandrangesgreyToSydneycityfaraway……
ItcamebychanceonedaythatI
FromTumutrodetoGundagai。
AndreachedabouttheeveningtideThecrossingwheretheroadsdivide;
And,waitingatthecrossingplace,Isawamaidenfairofface,Witheyesofdeepestvioletblue,Andcheekstomatchtheroseinhue-
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ThefairestmaidsAustraliaknowsArebredamongthemountainsnows。
Then,fearingImightgoastray,Iaskedifshecouldshowtheway。
Hervoicemightwellamanbewitch-
Itstonessosupple,deep,andrich。
`Thetracksareclear,’shemadereply,`AndthisgoesdowntoSydneytown,`AndthatonegoestoGundagai。’
Thenslowly,lookingcoylyback,ShewentalongtheSydneytrack。
AndIforonewaswellcontentTogotheroadtheladywent;
Butroundtheturnaswainshemet-
Thekissshegavehimhauntsmeyet!……
IturnedandtravelledwithasighThelonelyroadtoGundagai。
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SALTBUSHBILL’SSECONDFIGHT
THEnewscamedownontheCastlereagh,andwenttotheworldatlarge,Thattwentythousandtravellingsheep,withSaltbushBillincharge,Weredriftingdownfromadried-outruntoravagetheCastlereagh;
Andthesquatterssworewhentheyheardthenews,andwishedtheywerewellaway:
ForthenameandthefameofSaltbushBillwereoverthecountrysideForthewonderfulwaythathefedhissheep,andthedodgesandtrickshetried。
HewouldlosehiswayonaMainStockRoute,andstraytothesquatters’grass;
Hewouldcometoarunwiththebossaway,andswearhehadleavetopass;
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Andbackofallandbehinditall,aswellthesquattersknew,Ifhehadtofight,hewouldfightallday,solongashissheepgotthrough:
ButthisisthestoryofStingySmith,theownerofHardTimesHill,AndthewaythathechancedonafightingmantoreckonwithSaltbushBill……
’TwasStingySmithonhisstockyardsat,andprayedforanearlySpring,Whenhestaredatsightofaclean-shavedtramp,whowalkedwithjauntyswing;
Foraclean-shavedtrampwithajauntywalka-swingingalongthetrackIsasrareathingasafeatheredfrogonthedesolateroadsoutback。
Sothetramphemadeforthetravellers’hut,andaskedcouldhecampthenight;
ButStingySmithhadabrightidea,andhesaidtohim,`Canyoufight?’
`Why,what’sthegame?’saidtheclean-shavedtramp,ashelookedathimupanddown-
`Ifyouwantabattle,getoffthatfence,andI’llkillyouforhalf-a-crown!
Page:81
`But,Boss,you’dbetternotfightwithme,itwouldn’tbefairnorright;
`I’mStiffenerJoe,fromtheRocksBrigade,andIkilledamaninafight:
`Iservedtwoyearsforit,fairandsquare,andnowI’matrampin’back,`Tolookforapeacefulquietlifeawayontheoutsidetrack’
`Oh,it’snotmyself,butadroverchap,’saidStingySmithwithglee;
`Abullyingfellow,calledSaltbushBill-andyouarethemanforme。
`He’sontheroadwithhishungrysheep,andhe’scertaintoraisearow,`Forhe’sbulliedthewholeoftheCastlereaghtillhe’sgotthemundercow-
`Justpickaquarrelandraiseafight,andleatherhimgoodandhard,`AndI’lltakegoodcarethathiswretchedsheepdon’twanderahalfayard。
`It’safive-poundjobifyoubelthimwell-doanythingshortofkill,`Forthereisn’tabeakontheCastlereaghwillfineyouforSaltbushBill。’
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`I’lltakethejob,’saidthefightingman;`andhotasthiscoveappears,`He’llstandnochancewithablokelikeme,what’slivedonthegameforyears;
`Forhe’smaybelearntinaboxingschool,andsparredforaroundorso,`ButI’vefoughtallhandsinaten-footringeachnightinatravellingshow;
`Theyearnedapoundiftheystayedthreerounds,andtheytriedforiteverynight-
`Inaten-footring!Oh,that’sthegamethatteachesabloketofight,`Forthey’drushandclinch,itwasDublinRules,andwedrewnocolourline;
`Andtheyalltriedhardfortoearnthepound,buttheygotnopoundofmine:
`IfIsawnochanceintheopeningroundI’dslogattheirwind,andwait`Tillanopeningcame-anditalwayscame-andIsettled’em,sureasfate;
`Leftontheribsandrightonthejaw-and,whenthechancecomes,makesure!
`Andit’sthereaprofessionalblokelikemegetshomeonanamateur:
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Forit’smyexperienceeveryday,andImakenodoubtit’syours,`Thatathird-classproisanover-matchforthebestoftheamateurs’
`Oh,takeyourswagtothetravellers’hut,’saidSmith,`foryouwasteyourbreath;
`You’veafirst-classchance,ifyoulosethefight,oftalkingyourmantodeath。
`I’lltellthecookyou’retohaveyourgrub,andseethatyoueatyourfill,`AndcometothescratchallfitandwelltoleatherthisSaltbushBill。’……
’TwasSaltbushBill,andhistravellingsheepwerewendingtheirwearywayOntheMainStockRoute,throughtheHardTimesRun,ontheirsix-milestageaday;
AndhestrayedamilefromtheMainStockRoute,andstartedtofeedalong,And,whenStingySmithcameup,BillsaidthattheRoutewassurveyedwrong;
Andhetriedtoprovethatthesheephadrushedandstrayedfromtheircampatnight,ButthefightingmanhekickedBill’sdog,andofcoursethatmeantafight:
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Sotheysparredandfought,andtheyshiftedgroundandneverasoundwasheardButthethuddingfistsontheirbrawnyribs,andtheseconds’mutteredword,Tillthefightingmanshothomehisleftontheribswithamightyclout,Andhisrightflashedupwithahalf-armblow-andSaltbushBill`wentout’。
Hefellfacedown,andtowardstheblow;andtheirheartswithfearwerefilled,Forhelayasstillasafallentree,andtheythoughtthathemustbekilled。
SoStingySmithandthefightingman,theyliftedhimfromtheground,Andsenttohomeforabrandy-flask,andtheyslowlyfetchedhimround;
Buthisheadwasbad,andhisjawwashurt-infact,hecouldscarcelyspeak-
Sotheylethimspelltillhegothiswits,andhecampedontherunaweek,Whilethetravellingsheepwenthereandthere,wherevertheylikedtostray,TillSaltbushBillwasfitoncemoreforthetracktotheCastlereagh……
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ThenStingySmithhewroteanote,andgavetothefightingman:
’Twaswrittothebossoftheneighbouringrun,andthusthemissiveran:
`Themanwiththisisafightingman,oneStiffenerJoebyname;
`HecamenearmurderingSaltbushBill,andIfounditacostlygame:
`Butit’sworthyourwhiletoemploythechap,forthereisn’ttheslightestdoubt`You’llhavenotroublefromSaltbushBillwhilethismanhangsabout’
Butananswercamebythenextweek’smail,withnewsthatmightwellappal:
`Themanyousentwithanoteisnotafightingmanatall!
`Hehasshavedhisbeard,andhascuthishair,butIspottedhimatalook;
`HeisTomDevine,whohasworkedforyearsforSaltbushBillascook。
`Billcoachedhimupinthefightingyarn,andtaughthimthetalebyrote,`Andtheyshammedtofight,andtheygotyourgrassanddividedyourfive-poundnote。
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`’Twasacleantake-in,andyou’llfinditwise-’twillsaveyoualotofpelf-
`Whennextyou’rehiringafightingman,justfighthimaroundyourself。’……
AndtheteamstersoutontheCastlereagh,whentheymeetwithaweekofrain,Andthewaggonsinkstoitsaxle-tree,deepdownintheblacksoilplain,Whenthebullockswadeinaseaofmud,andstrainattheloadofwool,Andthecattle-dogsatthebullocks’heelsarebitingtomakethempull,Whentheoff-sidedriverflaystheteam,andcursesthemwhileheflogs,Andtheairisthickwiththelanguageused,andtheclamourofmenanddogs-
Theteamsterssay,astheypausetorestandmoisteneachhairythroat,TheywishtheycouldswearlikeStingySmithwhenhereadthatneighbour’snote。
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HARDLUCK
Ileftthecourse,andbymysideTherewalkedaruinedtout-
Ahungrycreatureevil-eyed,Whopouredthisstoryout。
`Yousee,’hesaid,`therecameaswell`ToKensingtonto-day,`AndifIpickedthewinnerswell,`Acrownatleasthe’dpay。
`Ipickedthreewinnersstraight,Idid,`Ifilledhispursewithpelf,`Andthenhegavemehalf-a-quid,`Tobackoneformyself。
`Ahalf-a-quidtomehecast,`Iwanteditindeed。
`SohelpmeBob,fortwodayspast`Ihaven’thadafeed。
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`ButstillIthoughtmyluckwasin,`Icouldn’tgoastray,`IputitallonLittleMin,`Andlostitstraightaway。
`Ihaven’tgotabiteorbed,`I’mabsolutelystuck,`Sokeepthislessoninyourhead:
`Don’tover-trustyourluck!’
Thefolkswenthomeward,nearandfar,Thetout,Oh!wherewashe?
Askwheretheemptyboilersare,BesidetheCircularQuay。
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SONGOFTHEFEDERATION
ASthenationssattogether,grimlywaiting-
Thefierceoldnationsbattle-scarred-
Growngreyintheirlustingandtheirhating,Everarmedandeverreadykeepingguard,ThroughthetumultoftheirwarlikepreparationAndthehalf-stilledclamourofthedrumsCameavoicecrying,`Lo!anew-madenation,Toherplaceinthesisterhoodshecomes!’
Andshecame-shewasbeautifulasmorning,Withthebloomoftherosesinhermouth,LikeayoungqueenlavishlyadorningHercharmswiththesplendoursoftheSouth。
Andthefierceoldnations,lookingonher,Said,`Nay,surelyshewerequicklyoverthrown,`Hathshestrengthfortheburdenlaiduponher,`Hathshepowertoprotectandguardherown?
Thenshespoke,andhervoicewasclearandringingIntheearsofthenationsoldandgray,Saying,`Hark,andyeshallhearmychildrensinging`Theirwar-songincountriesfaraway。
`Theyarestrangerstothetumultofthebattle,`Theyarefewbuttheirheartsareverystrong,`’Twasbutyesterdaytheycalleduntothecattle,`ButtheynowsingAustralia’smarchingsong。’
SONGOFTHEAUSTRALIANSINACTION
ForthehonourofAustralia,ourmother,Sidebysidewithourkinfromoversea,Wehavefoughtandwehavetestedoneanother,Andenrolledamongthebrotherhoodarewe。
TherewasneverpostofdangerbutwesoughtitInthefighting,throughthefire,andthroughtheflood。
Therewasneverprizesocostlybutweboughtit,Thoughwepaidforitspurchasewithourblood。
Wasthereanyroadtooroughforustotravel?
Wasthereanypathtoofarforustotread?
YoucantrackusbytheblooddropsonthegravelOntheroadsthatwemilestonedwithourdead!
Andforyou,ohouryoungandanxiousmother,O’eryourgreatgainskeepingwatchandward,Neitherfearingnordespisinganyother,Wewillholdyourpossessionswiththesword……
Thentheypassedtotheplaceofworld-longsleeping,Thegrey-cladfigureswiththeirdead,TothesoundoftheirwomensoftlyweepingAndtheDeadMarchmoaningattheirhead:
AndtheNations,asthegrimprocessionended,Whispered,`Child!Butyehaveseenthepricewepay,`FromWarmayweeverbedefended,`Kneelyedown,new-madeSister-LetusPray!’
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THEOLDAUSTRALIANWAYS
THELondonlightsarefarabeamBehindabankofcloud,Alongtheshorethegaslightsgleam,Thegaleispipingloud;
AnddowntheChannel,gropingblind,WedriveherthroughthehazeTowardsthelandweleftbehind-
Thegoodoldlandof`nevermind’,AndoldAustralianways。
ThenarrowwaysofEnglishfolkArenotforsuchaswe;
Theybearthelong-accustomedyokeOfstaidconservancy:
Butallourroadsarenewandstrange,AndthroughourbloodthererunsThevagabondingloveofchangePage:93
ThatdroveuswestwardoftherangeAndwestwardofthesuns。
ThecityfolkgotoandfroBehindaprison’sbars,TheyneverfeelthebreezesblowAndneverseethestars;
TheyneverhearinblossomedtreesThemusiclowandsweetOfwildbirdsmakingmelodies,NorcatchthelittlelaughingbreezeThatwhispersinthewheat。
OurfatherscameofrovingstockThatcouldnotfixedabide:
AndwehavefollowedfieldandflockSincee’erwelearnttoride;
Byminer’scampandshearingshed,Inlandofheatanddrought,Wefollowedwhereourfortunesled,WithfortunealwaysonaheadAndalwaysfurtherout。
Thewindisinthebarley-grass,Thewattlesareinbloom;
ThebreezesgreetusastheypassWithhoney-sweetperfume;
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TheparakeetsgoscreamingbyWithflashofgoldenwing,Andfromtheswampthewild-duckscryTheirlong-drawnnoteofrevelry,RejoicingattheSpring。
SothrowthewearypenasideAndletthepapersrest,ForwemustsaddleupandrideTowardsthebluehill’sbreast;
AndwemusttravelfarandfastAcrosstheirruggedmaze,TofindtheSpringofYouthatlast,AndcallbackfromtheburiedpastTheoldAustralianways。
WhenClancytookthedrover’strackInyearsoflongago,HedriftedtotheouterbackBeyondtheOverflow;
Byrollingplainandrockyshelf,Withstockwhipinhishand,Hereachedatlast,ohluckyelf,TheTownofCome-and-help-yourselfInRough-and-readyLand。
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AndifitbethatyouwouldknowThetracksheusedtoride,ThenyoumustsaddleupandgoBeyondtheQueenslandside-
Beyondthereachofruleorlaw,Toridethelongdaythrough,InNature’shomestead-filledwithaweYouthenmightseewhatClancysawAndknowwhatClancyknew。
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THEBALLADOFTHECALLIOPE
BYthefarSamoanshore,Wheretheleague-longrollerspourAllthewashofthePacificonthecoral-guardedbay,Ridinglightlyattheirease,Inthecalmoftropicseas,Thethreegreatnations’warshipsattheiranchorsproudlylay。
Ridinglightly,headtowind,Withthecoralreefsbehind,ThreeGermansandthreeYankeeshipsweremirroredintheblue;
AndononeshipunfurledWastheflagthatrulestheworld-
ForontheoldCalliopetheflagofEnglandflew。
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Whenthegentleoff-shorebreeze,Thathadscarcelystirredthetrees,Droppeddowntoutterstillness,andtheglassbegantofall,AwayacrossthemainLoweredthecominghurricane,Andfarawaytoseawardhungthecloudwracklikeapall。
Ifthewordhadpassedaround,`Letusmovetosaferground;
`Letussteamawaytoseaward’-thenthistalewerenottotell!
ButeachCaptainseemedtosay`Iftheothersstay,Istay!’
Andtheylingeredattheirmooringstilltheshadesofeveningfell。
Thenthecloudwracknearedthemfast,Andtherecameasuddenblast,Andthehurricanecameleapingdownathousandmilesofmain!
Likealiononitsprey,Leaptthestormfiendonthebay,Andthevesselsshookandshiveredastheircablesfeltthestrain。
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Asthesurgingseascameby,Thatwererunningmountainshigh,Thevesselsstarteddragging,driftingslowlytothelee;
AndthedarknessofthenightHidthecoralreefsfromsight,AndtheCaptainsdarednotriskthechancetogropetheirwaytosea。
Inthedarktheydarednotshift!
Theywereforcedtowaitanddrift;
Allhandsstoodbyuncertainwouldtheanchorsholdorno。
ButthemenondeckcouldseeIfachanceofhopemightbe-
Therewaslittlechanceofsafetyforthemenwhowerebelow。
Throughthatlong,longnightofdread,Whilethestormragedoverhead,Theywerewaitingbytheirengines,withthefurnacefiresaroar。
Sotheywaited,staunchandtrue,Thoughtheyknew,andwelltheyknew,Theymustdrownlikeratsimprisonedifthevesseltouchedtheshore。
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Whenthegreydawnbrokeatlast,Andthelong,longnightwaspast,Whilethehurricaneredoubled,lestitspreyshouldstealaway,Ontherocks,allsmashedandstrewn,WeretheGermanvesselsthrown,WhiletheYankees,swampedandhelpless,driftedshorewardsdownthebay。
ThenatlastspokeCaptainKane,`Allouranchorsareinvain,`AndtheGermansandtheYankeestheyhavedriftedtothelee!
`Cutthecablesatthebow!
`Wemusttrusttheenginesnow!
`Givehersteam,andletherhaveit,lads,we’llfightherouttosea!’
AndtheanswercamewithcheersFromthestalwartengineers,Fromthegrimandgrimyfiremenatthefurnacesbelow;
AndabovethesullenroarOfthebreakersontheshoreCamethethrobbingoftheenginesastheylabouredtoandfro。
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Ifthestrainshouldfindaflaw,Shouldaboltorrivetdraw,Then-Godhelpthem!forthevesselwereaplaythinginthetide!
Withafaceofhonestcheer,QuothanEnglishengineer,`IwillanswerfortheenginesthatwerebuiltonoldThamesside!
`Forthestaysandstanchionstaut,`Fortherivetstrulywrought,`Forthevalvesthatfittheirfacesasagloveshouldfitthehand。
`Givehereveryounceofpower,`Ifwemakeaknotanhour`Thenit’swayenoughtosteerherandwe’lldriveherfromtheland。’
Likeafoamflaketossedandthrown,Shecouldbarelyholdherown,Whiletheothershipsallhelplesslyweredriftingtothelee。
ThroughthesmotherandtheroutThe`Calliope’steamedout-
AndtheycheeredherfromtheTrentonthatwasfounderinginthesea。
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Aye!driftingshorewardthere,Allhelplessastheywere,Theirvesselhurleduponthereefsasweedashoreishurled。
WithoutathoughtoffearTheYankeesraisedacheer-
AcheerthatEnglish-speakingfolkshouldechoroundtheworld。
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DOTHEYKNOW
Dotheyknow?AttheturntothestraightWherethefavouritesfail,AndeveryatomofweightIstellingitstale;
Assomegrimoldstayerhard-pressedRunstruetohisbreed,AndwithheadjustinfrontoftherestFightsoninthelead;
Whenthejockeysareoutwiththewhips,Withafurlongtogo;
Andthebackersgrowwhitetothelips-
Doyouthinktheydon’tknow?
Dotheyknow?AstheycomebacktoweighInawhirlwindofcheers,Thoughthespurshaveleftmarksofthefray,ThoughthesweatontheearsPage:103
Gatherscold,andtheysobwithdistressAstheyrollupthetrack,TheyknowjustaswelltheirsuccessAsthemanontheirback。
Astheywalkthroughadensehumanlane,Thatswaystoandfro,Andcheersthemagainandagain,Doyouthinktheydon’tknow?
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THEPASSINGOFGUNDAGAI
`I’LLintrodooceafriend!’hesaid,`Andifyou’vegotavacantpen`You’dbettertakehimintheshed`Andstarthimshearingstraightahead,`He’soneoftheseherequietmen。
`Heneverstrikes-thatain’thisgame;
`Nomatterwhattheotherstry`Hegoesonshearingjustthesame。
`Ineverrightlyknewhisname-
`Wealwayscallhim``Gundagai’’!’
OurflashestshearerthenhadgoneTotrainaracehorseforarace,AndwhilehissportingfitwasonHecouldn’tbereliedupon,So`Gundagai’shoreinhisplace。
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Alasforman’sveracity!
Forreputationsfalseandtrue!
This`Gundagai’turnedouttobe,Forstrifeandall-roundvillainy,TheveryworstIeverknew!
HestartedracingJackDevine,AndgrumbledwhenImadehimstop。
Thepaceheshowedwasextrafine,Butallthosepure-bredewesofmineWerebleedinglikeabutcher’sshop。
Hecursedthesheep,hecursedtheshed,Fromrooftorafter,floortoshelf;
Asformymongrelewes,hesaid,IoughttogetarazorbladeAndshavethebloomingthingsmyself。
OnSundayshecontrolleda`school’,Andplayed`two-up’thelivelongday;
AndmanyayoungconfidingfoolHeshoreofhisfinancialwool;
Andwhenhelosthewouldnotpay。
Heorganisedashearers’race,And`touched’metoprovidetheprize。
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HispackhorseshowedsurprisingpaceAndwonhandsdown-hewasTheAce,Awell-knownracehorseindisguise。
NextdaythebruiseroftheshedDisplayedanopal-tintedeye,Withlargecontusionsonhishead。
Hesmiledasicklysmile,andsaidHe’d`hadacutat``Gundagai’’!’
ButjustasweweregettingfullOf`Gundagai’andallhisways,Atelegramfor`HenryBull’
Arrived。Saidhe,`That’sme-allwool!
`Let’sseewhatthisheremessagesays。’
Heopenedit,hisfacegrewwhite,Hedroppedtheshearsandturnedaway。
Itran,`Yourwifetookbadlastnight;
`Comehomeatonce-notimetowrite,`Wefearshemaynotlasttheday。’
Hegothischeque-Ididn’tcareTodockhimformymangledewes;
Hisstoreaccount-we`calleditsquare’。
Poorwretch!hehadenoughtobear,Confrontedbysuchdreadfulnews。
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TheshearersraisedalittlepurseTohelpamate,asshearerswill,`Topaythedoctorandthenurse,`Andifthereshouldbesomethingworse-
`Topaytheundertaker’sbill。’
Theywrunghishandinsympathy,Herodeawaywithoutaword,Hisheadhungdowninmisery。
AwanderinghawkerpassingbyWastoldofwhathadjustoccurred。
`Well!that’sacuriousthing,’hesaid,`I’veknownthatfellerallhislife-
`He’shadtheloanofthishereshed!
`Iknowhiswifeain’tnearlydead,`Becausehehasn’tgotawife!’……
YoushouldhaveheardthewhipcordcrackAsangryshearersgallopedby,Invaintheytriedtofetchhimback。
AlittledustalongthetrackWasalltheysawof`Gundagai’。
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THEWARGEILAHHANDICAP
WARGEILAHtownisverysmall,There’snocathedralnoraclub,Infactthetownship,allinall,Isjustoneunpretentiouspub;
Andthere,fromallthestationsround,Thelocalsportsmencanbefound。
ThesportsmenofWargeilahsideAreveryfewbutveryfit:
There’sscarcelyanysportbeentriedButwhattheyheldtheirownatitInfact,tosearchtheirrecordso’er,Theyheldtheirownandsomethingmore。
’TwasroundaboutWargeilahtownAnEnglishnew-chumdidinfest:
HeusedtowanderupanddownInbaggyEnglishbreechesdrest-
HismentalaspectseemedtobeJuststolidself-sufficiency。
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ThelocalsportsmenvainlysoughtHistranquilcalmtocounteract,ByurgingthatheshouldbebroughtWithintheNoxiousCreaturesAct。
`Nay,harmhimnot,’saidonemorewise,`Heisablessingindisguise!
`Yousee,hewantstobuyahorse,`Toride,andhunt,andsteeplechase,`Andcarryladies,too,ofcourse,`Andpullacartandwinarace。
`Goodgracious!hemustbeaflat`Tothinkhe’llgetahorselikethat!
`Butsincehehassolittlesense`Andsuchalotofcashtoburn,`We’llsellhimsomeexperience`Bywhichaloneafoolcanlearn。
`SupposewelethimhaveTheTrap`TowinWargeilahHandicap!’
Andhere,ImustexplaintoyouThat,roundaboutWargeilahrun,TherelivedaveryagedscrewWhosedaysofbrilliancyweredone:
Agrandoldwarriorinhisprime-
Butagewillbeatusallintime。
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Atrooper’shorseinseasonspastHedidhissharetokeepthepeace,Buttooktofalling,andatlastWascastforagefromthePolice。
ApublicanatConroy’sGapThenboughtandchristenedhimTheTrap。
Whengrasswasgood,andhorsesdear,HechangedhisownernowandthenAtpricesrangingsomewherenearTheneighbourhoodoftwopoundten:
AndmanfullyheearnedhiskeepByyardingcowsandrationsheep。
TheybroughthiminfromoffthegrassAndfedandgroomedtheoldhorseup;
Hiscoatbegantoshinelikeglass-
You’dthinkhe’dwintheMelbourneCup。
Andwhenthey’dgothimfatandflashTheyaskedthenew-chum-fifty-cash!
Andwhenhesaidthepricewashigh,Theirindignationknewnobounds。
Theysaid,`It’sseldomyoucanbuy`Ahorselikethatforfiftypounds!
`We’llrefundtwentyifTheTrap`Shouldfailtowinthehandicap!’
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Thedeedwasdone,thepricewaspaid,Thenew-chumputthehorseintrain:
ThelocalsportsweremuchafraidThathewouldsadexperiencegain,Byracingwithsomeshearer’shack,Who’dbeathimhalf-wayroundthetrack。
So,onthisguilelessEnglishsparkTheydidmostferventlyimpressThathemustkeepthematterdark,AndnotletanypersonguessThathewaspurchasingTheTrapTowinWargeilahHandicap。
Theyspokeof`spielersfromTheBland’,And`championsfromtheCastlereagh’,AndgavetheyouthtounderstandThatallofthesewouldstopaway,Andspoiltherace,iftheyshouldhearThattheyhadgotTheTraptofear。
`Keepdark!They’llmusterthickasflies`Whenoncethenewsgetssentaround`We’regivingsuchasplendidprize-
`ASnowdonhorseworthfiftypound!
`They’llcomerightinfromDandaloo,`Andfind-thatit’sagifttoyou!’……
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Theracecameon-withnodisplay,Noranycallingofthecard,ButroundaboutthepuballdayAcrowdofshearers,drinkinghard,Andusinglanguageinastrain’Twereflatterytocallprofane。
Ourhero,dressedinsilkattire-
Bluejacketandascarletcap-
Withbootsthatshonelikeflamesoffire,NowdidhiscanteronTheTrap,Andwalkedhimupandroundabout,Untiltheothersteedscameout。
Heeyedthemwithahaughtylook,Butsawasightthatcaughthisbreath!
Itwas!AhJohn!TheChineecook!
Inbootsandbreeches!Paleasdeath!
Tiedwitharope,likeanysack,Uponapiebaldpony’sback!
Thenext,acolt-allmudandburrs!
Half-broken,withablackboyup,Whosaid,`Yougim’mepairo’spurs,Iwinthebloomin’MelbourneCup!’
ThesetwoweretoopposeTheTrapFortheWargeilahHandicap!
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They’reoff!Thecoltwhippeddownhishead,Andhumpedhisbackandgaveasqueal,Andbuckedintothedrinkingshed,RevolvinglikeaCath’rinewheel!
Menranlikerats!TheatmosphereWasfilledwithoathsandpintsofbeer!
ButupthecoursetheboldAhJohnBesideTheTrapracedneckandneck:
Theboyshadtiedhimfirmlyon,Whichultimatelyprovedhiswreck,Thesaddleturned,and,likeaclown,Herodesomedistanceupsidedown。
Hislegsaroundthehorseweretied,Hisfeettowardstheheavenswerespread,HeswungandbumpedateverystrideAndploughedthegroundupwithhishead!
Andwhentheyrescuedhim,TheTrapHadwonWargeilahHandicap!
AndnoenquirieswecouldmakeCouldtellbywhatfalsestatementsswayedAhJohnwasledtoundertakeAtasksoforeigntohistrade!
Heonlysmiledandsaid,`HooKi!
Istoptopside,Iwinall’li!’
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Butnever,inWargeilahTown,WasheardsoeloquentacheerAswhenthePresidentcamedown,Andtoasted,inColonialBeer,`Thefinestrideronthecourse!
`ThewinneroftheSnowdonHorse!’
`Yougoandgetyourprize,’hesaid,`He’swithawildmob,somewhereround`ThemountainsnearTheWatershed;
`He’shonestlyworthfiftypound,`Anoblehorse,indeed,towin,`Butnoneofuscanrunhimin!
`We’vechasedhimpoor,we’vechasedhimfat,`We’verunhimtillourhorsesdropped,`Butbysuchobstaclesasthat`Amanlikeyouwillnotbestopped,`You’llgoandyardhimanyday,`Sohere’syourhealth!Hooray!Hooray!’……
ThedaywoundupwithboozeandblowAndfightstillallwerewellcontent,Butofthenew-chum,allIknowIsshownbythisadvertisement-
`ForSale,thewell-knownracehorseTrap,`HewonWargeilahHandicap!’
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ANYOTHERTIME
ALLofusplayourverybestgame-
Anyothertime。
Golforbilliards,it’sallthesame-
Anyothertime。
Loseamatchandyoualwayssay,`Justmyluck!Iwas`off’to-day!
`Icouldhavebeatenhimquitehalf-way-
`Anyothertime!’
Afterafiveryououghttogo-
Anyothertime。
Everymanthatyouasksays`Oh,’
`Anyothertime。
`Lendyouafiver!I’dlendyoutwo,`ButI’moverdrawnandmybillsaredue,`Wishyou’daskme-now,mindyoudo-
`Anyothertime!’
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Fellowswillaskyououttodine-
Anyothertime。
`Notto-night,forwe’retwenty-nine-
`Anyothertime。
`Notto-morrow,forcook’sonstrike,`Notnextday,I’llbeoutonthebike-
`Justdropinwheneveryoulike-
`Anyothertime!’
Seasickpassengerslikethesea-
Anyothertime。
`Something……Iate……disagreed……withme!
`Anyothertime`Ocean-trav’llingis……simplybliss,`Mustbemy……liver……hasgoneamiss……
`Why,Iwould……laugh……atasea……likethis-
`Anyothertime。’……
Mostofusmeantobebettermen-
Anyothertime:
Regularuprightcharactersthen-
Anyothertime。
Page:117
YetsomehowastheyearsgobyStillwegambleanddrinkandlie,Whenitcomestothelastwe’llwanttodie-
Anyothertime!
Page:118
THELASTTRUMP
`YOUledthetrump,’theoldmansaidWithfuryinhiseye,`Andyetyouhopemygirltowed!
`Youngman!yourhopesoflovearefled,`’Twerebettersheshoulddie!
`Mysweetyoungdaughtersittingthere,`Soinnocentandplump!
`Youdon’tsupposethatshewouldcare`Towedanoutlawedmanwho’ddare`Toleadthethirteenthtrump!
`Ifyouhaddrawntheirleadingspade`Itmeantacertainwin!
`Butno!ByPembroke’smightyshade`Thethirteenthtrumpyouwentandplayed`Andlettheirdiamondsin!
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`Mygirl!Returnatmycommand`Hispresentsinalump!
`Returnhisring!Forunderstand`Nomanisfittoholdyourhand`Wholeadsathirteenthtrump!
`Buthold!Giveeverymanhisdue`Andeverydoghisday。
`Speakupandsaywhatmadeyoudo`Thisdreadfulthing-thatis,ifyou`Haveanythingtosay!’
Hespoke。`Imeantatfirst,’saidhe,`Togivetheirspadesabump:
`Orleadthehearts,butthenyousee`Ithoughtagainstustheremightbe,`Perhaps,afourteenthtrump!’
TheyburiedhimatdawnofdayBesidearuinedstump:
AndtherehesleepsthehoursawayAndwaitsforGabrieltoplayThelast-thefourteenth-trump。
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TARANDFEATHERS
OH!thecircusswoopeddownOntheNarrabritown,FortheNarrabripopulacemoneyedare;
AndtheshowmanhesmiledAtthefolkhebeguiledTocomeallthedistancefromGunnedah。
Butajuvenilesmart,Whoobjectedto`part’,Wentin`onthenod’,andtodoitheCrawledinthroughacrackInthetentattheback,Fortheboyhadnoslightingenuity。
Page:121
Andsayshewithagrin,`That’sthewaytogetin;
`ButIreckonI’dbetterbequietor`They’llspiflicateme,’
Andhechuckled,forheHadtheloanofthecircusproprietor。