withprefacebyRolfBoldrewood
Preface
ItisnotsoeasytowriteballadsdescriptiveofthebushlandofAustraliaasonlightconsiderationwouldappear。Reasonablygoodverseonthesubjecthasbeensuppliedinsufficientquantity。
Butthemakeroffolksongsforournewbornnationrequiresasomewhatrarecombinationofgiftsandexperiences。
Doweredwiththepoet’sheart，hemustyethavepassedhis`wander—jaehre’
amidthesternsolitudeoftheAustralwaste——musthaveriddentheraceintheback—blocktownship，guidedtherecklessstock—horseadownthemountainspur，andfollowedthenight—longmoving，spectral—seemingherd`inthedrovingdays’。Amidsuchscarcecongenialsurroundingscomesoftthatfinersensewhichrendersvisiblebrightgleamsofhumour，pathos，andromance，which，likeundiscoveredgold，awaitthefortunateadventurer。
Thattheauthorhastouchedthistreasure—trove，notlessdelicatelythandistinctly，notrueAustralianwilldeny。InmyopinionthiscollectioncomprisesthebestbushballadswrittensincethedeathofLindsayGordon。
RolfBoldrewoodAnumberoftheseversesarenowpublishedforthefirsttime，mostoftheotherswerewrittenforandappearedin\"TheBulletin\"
（Sydney，N。S。W。），andarethereforealreadywidelyknowntoreadersinAustralasia。
A。B。PatersonPreludeIhavegatheredthesestoriesafar，Inthewindandtherain，Inthelandwherethecattlecampsare，Ontheedgeoftheplain。
Ontheoverlandroutesofthewest，Whenthewatcheswerelong，IhavefashionedinearnestandjestThesefragmentsofsong。
TheyarejusttherudestoriesonehearsInsadnessandmirth，Therecordsofwanderingyears，AndscantistheirworthThoughtheirmeritsindeedarebutslight，Ishallnotrepine，Iftheygiveyouonemoment’sdelight，Oldcomradesofmine。
ContentsPreludeIhavegatheredthesestoriesafar，TheManfromSnowyRiverTherewasmovementatthestation，forthewordhadpassedaroundOldPardon，theSonofReprieveYouneverheardtellofthestory？
ClancyoftheOverflowIhadwrittenhimaletterwhichIhad，forwantofbetterConroy’sGapThiswasthewayofit，don’tyouknow——
OurNewHorseTheboyshadcomebackfromtheracesAnIdyllofDandalooOnWesternplains，whereshadeisnot，TheGeebungPoloClubItwassomewhereupthecountry，inalandofrockandscrub，TheTravellingPostOfficeTherovingbreezescomeandgo，thereedbedssweepandsway，SaltbushBillNowthisisthelawoftheOverlandthatallintheWestobey，AMountainStationIboughtarunawhileago，BeenThereBeforeTherecameastrangertoWalgetttown，TheManWhoWasAwayThewidowsoughtthelawyer’sroomwithchildrenthreeintow，TheManfromIronbarkItwasthemanfromIronbarkwhostrucktheSydneytown，TheOpenSteeplechaseIhadriddenoverhurdlesupthecountryonceortwice，TheAmateurRiderHIMgoingtorideforus!HIM——
withthepantsandtheeyeglassandall。
OnKiley’sRunTherovingbreezescomeandgoFryingPan’sTheologyScene：OnMonaro。
TheTwoDevinesItwasshearing—timeattheMyallLake，IntheDrovingDays`Onlyapound，’saidtheauctioneer，Lost`Heoughttobehome，’saidtheoldman，`withoutthere’ssomethingamiss。
OvertheRangeLittlebushmaiden，wondering—eyed，OnlyaJockeyOutinthegreycheerlesschillofthemorninglight，HowM’GinnisWentMissingLetusceaseouridlechatter，AVoicefromtheTownIthought，inthedaysofthedroving，ABunchofRosesRosesruddyandroseswhite，BlackSwansAsIlieatrestonapatchofcloverTheAllRight’UnHecamefrom`furtherout’，TheBossofthe`AdmiralLynch’
DidyoueverheartellofChili？Iwasreadin’theotherdayABushman’sSongI’mtravellin’downtheCastlereagh，andI’mastationhand，HowGilbertDiedThere’sneverastoneatthesleeper’shead，TheFlyingGangIservedmytime，inthedaysgoneby，ShearingatCastlereaghThebellisseta—ringing，andtheenginegivesatoot，TheWind’sMessageTherecameawhisperdowntheBlandbetweenthedawnanddark，Johnson’sAntidoteDownalongtheSnakebiteRiver，wheretheoverlanderscamp，AmbitionandArtIamthemaidofthelustrouseyesTheDaylightisDyingThedaylightisdyingInDefenceoftheBushSoyou’rebackfromupthecountry，MisterTownsman，whereyouwent，LastWeekOh，thenew—chumwenttothebackblockrun，ThoseNamesTheshearerssatinthefirelight，heartyandhaleandstrong，ABushChristeningOntheouterBarcoowherethechurchesarefew，HowtheFavouriteBeatUs`Aye，’saidtheboozer，`Itellyouit’strue，sir，TheGreatCalamityMacFierce’uncametoWhiskeyhurstCome—by—ChanceAsIponderedverywearyo’eravolumelonganddreary——
UndertheShadowofKiley’sHillThisistheplacewheretheyallwerebred；
JimCarewBornofathoroughbredEnglishrace，TheSwagman’sRestWeburiedoldBobwherethebloodwoodswaveTheManfromSnowyRiverandOtherVersesTheManfromSnowyRiverTherewasmovementatthestation，forthewordhadpassedaroundThatthecoltfromoldRegrethadgotaway，Andhadjoinedthewildbushhorses——hewasworthathousandpound，Soallthecrackshadgatheredtothefray。
AllthetriedandnotedridersfromthestationsnearandfarHadmusteredatthehomesteadovernight，Forthebushmenlovehardridingwherethewildbushhorsesare，Andthestock—horsesnuffsthebattlewithdelight。
TherewasHarrison，whomadehispilewhenPardonwonthecup，Theoldmanwithhishairaswhiteassnow；
Butfewcouldridebesidehimwhenhisbloodwasfairlyup——
Hewouldgowhereverhorseandmancouldgo。
AndClancyoftheOverflowcamedowntolendahand，Nobetterhorsemaneverheldthereins；
Forneverhorsecouldthrowhimwhilethesaddle—girthswouldstand，Helearnttoridewhiledrovingontheplains。
Andonewasthere，astriplingonasmallandweedybeast，Hewassomethinglikearacehorseundersized，WithatouchofTimorpony——threepartsthoroughbredatleast——
Andsuchasarebymountainhorsemenprized。
Hewashardandtoughandwiry——justthesortthatwon’tsaydie——
Therewascourageinhisquickimpatienttread；
Andheborethebadgeofgamenessinhisbrightandfieryeye，Andtheproudandloftycarriageofhishead。
Butstillsoslightandweedy，onewoulddoubthispowertostay，Andtheoldmansaid，`ThathorsewillneverdoForalongandtiringgallop——lad，you’dbetterstopaway，Thosehillsarefartooroughforsuchasyou。’
Sohewaitedsadandwistful——onlyClancystoodhisfriend——
`Ithinkweoughttolethimcome，’hesaid；
`Iwarranthe’llbewithuswhenhe’swantedattheend，Forbothhishorseandhearemountainbred。
`HehailsfromSnowyRiver，upbyKosciusko’sside，Wherethehillsaretwiceassteepandtwiceasrough，Whereahorse’shoofsstrikefirelightfromtheflintstoneseverystride，Themanthatholdshisownisgoodenough。
AndtheSnowyRiverridersonthemountainsmaketheirhome，Wheretheriverrunsthosegianthillsbetween；
IhaveseenfullmanyhorsemensinceIfirstcommencedtoroam，ButnowhereyetsuchhorsemenhaveIseen。’
Sohewent——theyfoundthehorsesbythebigmimosaclump——
Theyracedawaytowardsthemountain’sbrow，Andtheoldmangavehisorders，`Boys，goatthemfromthejump，Nousetotryforfancyridingnow。
And，Clancy，youmustwheelthem，tryandwheelthemtotheright。
Rideboldly，lad，andneverfearthespills，Forneveryetwasriderthatcouldkeepthemobinsight，Ifoncetheygaintheshelterofthosehills。’
SoClancyrodetowheelthem——hewasracingonthewingWherethebestandboldestriderstaketheirplace，Andheracedhisstock—horsepastthem，andhemadetherangesringWiththestockwhip，ashemetthemfacetoface。
Thentheyhaltedforamoment，whileheswungthedreadedlash，Buttheysawtheirwell—lovedmountainfullinview，Andtheychargedbeneaththestockwhipwithasharpandsuddendash，Andoffintothemountainscrubtheyflew。
Thenfastthehorsemenfollowed，wherethegorgesdeepandblackResoundedtothethunderoftheirtread，Andthestockwhipswoketheechoes，andtheyfiercelyansweredbackFromcliffsandcragsthatbeetledoverhead。
Andupward，everupward，thewildhorsesheldtheirway，Wheremountainashandkurrajonggrewwide；
Andtheoldmanmutteredfiercely，`Wemaybidthemobgoodday，NOmancanholdthemdowntheotherside。’
Whentheyreachedthemountain’ssummit，evenClancytookapull，Itwellmightmaketheboldestholdtheirbreath，Thewildhopscrubgrewthickly，andthehiddengroundwasfullOfwombatholes，andanyslipwasdeath。
ButthemanfromSnowyRiverlettheponyhavehishead，Andheswunghisstockwhiproundandgaveacheer，Andheracedhimdownthemountainlikeatorrentdownitsbed，Whiletheothersstoodandwatchedinveryfear。
Hesenttheflintstonesflying，buttheponykepthisfeet，Heclearedthefallentimberinhisstride，AndthemanfromSnowyRivernevershiftedinhisseat——
Itwasgrandtoseethatmountainhorsemanride。
Throughthestringybarksandsaplings，ontheroughandbrokenground，Downthehillsideataracingpacehewent；
Andheneverdrewthebridletillhelandedsafeandsound，Atthebottomofthatterribledescent。
Hewasrightamongthehorsesastheyclimbedthefurtherhill，Andthewatchersonthemountainstandingmute，Sawhimplythestockwhipfiercely，hewasrightamongthemstill，Asheracedacrosstheclearinginpursuit。
Thentheylosthimforamoment，wheretwomountaingulliesmetIntheranges，butafinalglimpserevealsOnadimanddistanthillsidethewildhorsesracingyet，WiththemanfromSnowyRiverattheirheels。
Andheranthemsingle—handedtilltheirsideswerewhitewithfoam。
Hefollowedlikeabloodhoundontheirtrack，Tilltheyhaltedcowedandbeaten，thenheturnedtheirheadsforhome，Andaloneandunassistedbroughtthemback。
Buthishardymountainponyhecouldscarcelyraiseatrot，Hewasbloodfromhiptoshoulderfromthespur；
Buthispluckwasstillundaunted，andhiscouragefieryhot，Forneveryetwasmountainhorseacur。
AnddownbyKosciusko，wherethepine—cladridgesraiseTheirtornandruggedbattlementsonhigh，Wheretheairisclearascrystal，andthewhitestarsfairlyblazeAtmidnightinthecoldandfrostysky，AndwherearoundtheOverflowthereedbedssweepandswayTothebreezes，andtherollingplainsarewide，ThemanfromSnowyRiverisahouseholdwordto—day，Andthestockmentellthestoryofhisride。
OldPardon，theSonofReprieveYouneverheardtellofthestory？
Well，now，Icanhardlybelieve!
NeverheardofthehonourandgloryOfPardon，thesonofReprieve？
Butmaybeyou’reonlyaJohnnieAnddon’tknowahorsefromahoe？
Well，well，don’tgetangry，mysonny，But，really，ayoungunshouldknow。
Theybredhimoutbackonthe`Never’，HismotherwasMamelukebreed。
Tothefront——andthenstaythere——waseverTherootoftheMamelukecreed。
HeseemedtoinherittheirwiryStrongframes——andtheirplucktoreceive——
AshardasaflintandasfieryWasPardon，thesonofReprieve。
WeranhimatmanyameetingAtcrossingandgullyandtown，Andnothingcouldgivehimabeating——
Atleastwhenourmoneywasdown。
Forweightwouldn’tstophim，nordistance，Norodds，thoughtheotherswerefast，He’dracewithadoggedpersistence，Andwearthemalldownatthelast。
AttheTurontheYattendonfillyLedbylengthsatthemile—and—a—half，Andweallbegantolooksilly，WhileHERcrowdwerestartingtolaugh；
Buttheoldhorsecamefasterandfaster，Hisplucktolditstale，andhisstrength，Hegainedonher，caughther，andpassedher，Andwonit，hands—down，byalength。
AndthenweswoopeddownonMenindieTorunforthePresident’sCup——
Oh!that’sasweettownship——ashindyTothemisboard，lodging，andsup。
Eye—openerstheyare，andtheirsystemIsnevertosufferdefeat；
It’s`win，tie，orwrangle’——tobest’emYoumustlose’em，orelseit’s`deadheat’。
Westrolleddownthetownshipandfound’emAtdrinkingandgamingandplay；
Ifsorrowstheyhad，whytheydrowned’em，Andbettingwassoonunderway。
Theirhorsesweregood’unsandfit’uns，Therewasplentyofcashinthetown；
TheybackedtheirownhorseslikeBritons，And，Lord!howWErattleditdown!
Withgladnesswethoughtofthemorrow，Wecountedourwagerswithglee，Asimilehomelytoborrow——
`Therewasplentyofmilkinourtea。’
Youseeweweregreen；andweneverHadevenathoughtoffoulplay，ThoughwewellmighthaveknownthatthecleverDivisionwould`putusaway’。
Experience`docet’，theytellus，AtleastsoI’vefrequentlyheard，But，`dosing’or`stuffing’，thosefellowsWereuptoeachmoveontheboard：
Theygottohisstall——itissinfulTothinkwhatsuchvillainswoulddo——
AndtheygavehimaregularskinfulOfbarley——greenbarley——tochew。
Hemuncheditallnight，andwefoundhimNextmorningasfullasahog——
Thegirthswouldn’tnearlymeetroundhim；
Helookedlikeanoverfedfrog。
Wesawweweredonelikeadinner——
TheoddswereathousandtooneAgainstPardonturningupwinner，’Twascrueltoaskhimtorun。
Wegottothecoursewithourtroubles，Acrestfallencouplewerewe；
Andweheardthe`books’callingthedoubles——
Aroarlikethesurfofthesea；
AndoverthetumultandlouderRang`AnypricePardon，Ilay!’
SaysJimmy，`ThechildrenofJudahAreoutonthewarpathto—day。’
Threemilesinthreeheats：——Ah，mysonny，Thehorsesinthosedayswerestout，Theyhadtorunwelltowinmoney；
Idon’tseesuchhorsesabout。
Yoursix—furlongverminthatscamperHalf—a—milewiththeirfeather—weightup；
Theywouldn’tearnmuchoftheirdamperInaracelikethePresident’sCup。
Thefirstheatwassoonseta—going；
TheDancerwentofftothefront；
TheDononhisquarterswasshowing，WithPardonrightoutofthehunt。
Herolledandhewelteredandwallowed——
You’dkickyourhatfaster，I’llbet；
Theyfinishedallbunched，andhefollowedAlllatheredanddrippingwithsweat。
Buttroublescamethickeruponus，ForwhilewewererubbinghimdryThestewardscameovertowarnus：
`Wehearyouarerunningabye!
IfPardondon’tspielliketarnationAndwinthenextheat——ifhecan——
He’llearnadisqualification；
JustthinkoverTHAT，now，myman!’
Ourmoneyallgoneandourcredit，Ourhorsecouldn’tgallopayard；
AndthenpeoplethoughtthatWEdidit!
Itreallywasterriblyhard。
WewereobjectsofmirthandderisionTofolkinthelawnandthestand，AndtheyellsofthecleverdivisionOf`AnypricePardon!’weregrand。
Westillhadachanceforthemoney，Twoheatsstillremainedtoberun；
Ifbothfelltous——why，mysonny，Thecleverdivisionweredone。
AndPardonwasbetter，wereckoned，Hissicknesswaspassingaway，SohewenttothepostforthesecondAndprincipalheatoftheday。
They’reoffandawaywitharattle，Likedogsfromtheleashesletslip，AndrightatthebackofthebattleHefollowedthemunderthewhip。
TheygainedtengoodlengthsonhimquicklyHedroppedrightawayfromthepack；
ItellyouitmademefeelsicklyToseethebluejacketfallback。
Ourverylasthopehaddeparted——
Wethoughttheoldfellowwasdone，WhenallofasuddenhestartedTogolikeashotfromagun。
HischancesseemedslighttoemboldenOurhearts；but，withteethfirmlyset，Wethought，`Nowornever!Theold’unMayreckonwithsomeof’emyet。’
Thenloudrosethewar—cryforPardon；
Hesweptlikethewinddownthedip，Andovertherisebythegarden，ThejockeywasdonewiththewhipThefieldwereatsixesandsevens——
Thepaceatthefirsthadbeenfast——
Andhopeseemedtodropfromtheheavens，ForPardonwascomingatlast。
Andhowhedidcome!Itwassplendid；
Hegainedonthemyardseverybound，Stretchingoutlikeagreyhoundextended，Hisgirthlaidrightdownontheground。
AshimmerofsilkinthecedarsAsintotherunningtheywheeled，Andoutflashedthewhipsontheleaders，ForPardonhadcollaredthefield。
Thenrightthroughtheruckhecamesailing——
Iknewthatthebattlewaswon——
ThesonofHaphazardwasfailing，TheYattendonfillywasdone；
HecutdowntheDonandtheDancer，Heracedcleanawayfromthemare——
He’sinfront!Catchhimnowifyoucan，sir!
Andupwentmyhatintheair!
ThenloudfromthelawnandthegardenRoseoffersof`TentooneON!’
`Who’llbetonthefield？IbackPardon!’
Nouse；allthemoneywasgone。
Hecameforthethirdheatlight—hearted，A—jumpinganddancingabout；
TheothersweredoneeretheystartedCrestfallen，andtired，andwornout。
Hewonit，andranitmuchfasterThaneventhefirst，IbelieveOh，hewasthedaddy，themaster，WasPardon，thesonofReprieve。
Heshowed’emthemethodtotravel——
Theboysatasstillasastone——
Theynevercouldseehimforgravel；
Hecameinhard—held，andalone……
Buthe’sold——andhiseyesaregrownhollow；
Likeme，withmythatchofthesnow；
Whenhedies，thenIhopeImayfollow，Andgowheretheracehorsesgo。
Idon’twantnoharpingnorsinging——
Suchthingswithmystyledon’tagree；
WherethehoofsofthehorsesareringingThere’smusicsufficientforme。
AndsurelythethoroughbredhorsesWillriseupagainandbeginFreshracesonfar—awaycourses，Andp’rapstheymightletmeslipin。
Itwouldlookratherwelltherace—cardon’MongstCherubsandSeraphsandthings，`AngelHarrison’sblackgeldingPardon，Bluehalo，whitebodyandwings。’
Andiftheyhaveracinghereafter，（Andwhoistosaytheywillnot？）
WhenthecheersandtheshoutingandlaughterProclaimthatthebattlegrowshot；
Astheycomedowntheracecoursea—steering，He’llrushtothefront，Ibelieve；
Andyou’llhearthegreatmultitudecheeringForPardon，thesonofReprieve。
ClancyoftheOverflowIhadwrittenhimaletterwhichIhad，forwantofbetterKnowledge，senttowhereImethimdowntheLachlan，yearsago，HewasshearingwhenIknewhim，soIsentthelettertohim，Just`onspec’，addressedasfollows，`Clancy，ofTheOverflow’。
Andananswercamedirectedinawritingunexpected，（AndIthinkthesamewaswrittenwithathumb—naildippedintar）
’Twashisshearingmatewhowroteit，andverbatimIwillquoteit：
`Clancy’sgonetoQueenslanddroving，andwedon’tknowwhereheare。’……
InmywilderraticfancyvisionscometomeofClancyGonea—droving`downtheCooper’wheretheWesterndroversgo；
Asthestockareslowlystringing，Clancyridesbehindthemsinging，Forthedrover’slifehaspleasuresthatthetownsfolkneverknow。
Andthebushhathfriendstomeethim，andtheirkindlyvoicesgreethimInthemurmurofthebreezesandtheriveronitsbars，Andheseesthevisionsplendidofthesunlitplainsextended，Andatnightthewond’rousgloryoftheeverlastingstars……
Iamsittinginmydingylittleoffice，whereastingyRayofsunlightstrugglesfeeblydownbetweenthehousestall，Andthefoetidairandgrittyofthedusty，dirtycityThroughtheopenwindowfloating，spreadsitsfoulnessoverallAndinplaceoflowingcattle，IcanhearthefiendishrattleOfthetramwaysandthe’busesmakinghurrydownthestreet，Andthelanguageuninvitingofthegutterchildrenfighting，Comesfitfullyandfaintlythroughtheceaselesstrampoffeet。
Andthehurryingpeopledauntme，andtheirpallidfaceshauntmeAstheyshoulderoneanotherintheirrushandnervoushaste，Withtheireagereyesandgreedy，andtheirstuntedformsandweedy，Fortownsfolkhavenotimetogrow，theyhavenotimetowaste。
AndIsomehowratherfancythatI’dliketochangewithClancy，Liketotakeaturnatdrovingwheretheseasonscomeandgo，Whilehefacedtheroundeternalofthecash—bookandthejournal——
ButIdoubthe’dsuittheoffice，Clancy，of`TheOverflow’。
Conroy’sGapThiswasthewayofit，don’tyouknow——
Ryanwas`wanted’forstealingsheep，Andneveratrooper，highorlow，Couldfindhim——catchaweaselasleep!
TillTrooperScott，fromtheStockman’sFord——
Abushman，too，asI’veheardthemtell——
ChancedtofindhimdrunkasalordRoundattheShadowofDeathHotel。
D’youknowtheplace？It’sawaysideinn，Alowgrog—shanty——abushmantrap，HidingawayinitsshameandsinUndertheshelterofConroy’sGap——
Undertheshadeofthatfrowningrange，Theroughestcrowdthateverdrewbreath——
Thievesandrowdies，uncouthandstrange，WeremusteredroundattheShadowofDeath。
ThetrooperknewthathismanwouldslideLikeadingopup，ifhesawthechance；
AndwithhalfastartonthemountainsideRyanwouldleadhimamerrydance。
Drunkashewaswhenthetroopercame，Tohimthatdidnotmatterarap——
Drunkorsober，hewasthesame，TheboldestriderinConroy’sGap。
`Iwantyou，Ryan，’thetroopersaid，`Andlistentome，ifyoudareresist，Sohelpmeheaven，I’llshootyoudead!’
Hesnappedthesteelonhisprisoner’swrist，AndRyan，hearingthehandcuffsclick，Recoveredhiswitsastheyturnedtogo，ForfrightwillsoberamanasquickAsallthedrugsthatthedoctorsknow。
TherewasagirlinthatroughbarWentbythenameofKateCarew，Quietandshyasthebushgirlsare，Butready—wittedandplucky，too。
ShelovedthisRyan，orsotheysay，Andpassingby，whilehereyesweredimWithtears，shesaidinacarelessway，`TheSwagman’sroundinthestable，Jim。’
Spokentoolowforthetrooper’sear，Whyshouldshecareifheheardornot？
Plentyofswagmenfarandnear，AndyettoRyanitmeantalot。
ThatwasthenameofthegrandesthorseInallthedistrictfromeasttowestIneveryshowring，oneverycourseTheyalwayscountedtheSwagmanbest。
Hewasawonder，arakingbay——
OneofthegrandoldSnowdonstrain——
OneofthesortthatcouldraceandstayWithhismightylimbsandhislengthofrein。
Bornandbredonthemountainside，Hecouldracethroughscrublikeakangaroo，Thegirlherselfonhisbackmightride，AndtheSwagmanwouldcarryhersafelythrough。
Hewouldtravelgailyfromdaylight’sflushTillafterthestarshungouttheirlamps，Therewasneverhislikeintheopenbush，Andneverhismatchonthecattle—camps。
ForfasterhorsesmightwellbefoundOnracingtracks，oraplain’sextent，Butfew，ifany，onbrokengroundCouldseethewaythattheSwagmanwent。
Whenthisgirl’sfather，oldJimCarew，WasdrovingoutontheCastlereaghWithConroy’scattle，awirecamethroughTosaythathiswifecouldn’tlivetheday。
Andhewasahundredmilesfromhome，Asfliesthecrow，withneveratrack，Throughplainsaspathlessasocean’sfoam，HemountedstraightontheSwagman’sback。
Heleftthecampbythesundownlight，AndthesettlersoutontheMarthaguyAwokeandheard，inthedeadofnight，Asinglehorsemanhurryingby。
HecrossedtheBoganatDandaloo，AndmanyamileofthesilentplainThatlonelyriderbehindhimthrewBeforetheysettledtosleepagain。
HerodeallnightandhesteeredhiscourseBytheshiningstarswithabushman’sskill，AndeverytimethathepressedhishorseTheSwagmanansweredhimgamelystill。
Henearedhishomeastheeastwasbright，Thedoctormethimoutsidethetown：
`Carew!Howfardidyoucomelastnight？’
`Ahundredmilessincethesunwentdown。’
Andhiswifegotround，andanoathhepassed，SolongasheoroneofhisbreedCouldraiseacoin，thoughittooktheirlastTheSwagmannevershouldwantafeed。
AndKateCarew，whenherfatherdied，Shekeptthehorseandshekepthimwell：
Theprideofthedistrictfarandwide，Helivedinstyleatthebushhotel。
SuchwastheSwagman；andRyanknewNothingaboutcouldpacethecrack；
Littlehe’dcareforthemaninblueIfoncehegotontheSwagman’sback。
Buthowtodoit？AwordletfallGavehimthehintasthegirlpassedby；
Nothingbut`Swagman——stable—wall；
`Gotothestableandmindyoureye。’
Hecaughthermeaning，andquicklyturnedTothetrooper：`Reckonyou’llgainastripeByarrestingme，andit’seasilyearned；
Let’sgotothestableandgetmypipe，TheSwagmanhasit。’Soofftheywent，AndsoonasevertheyturnedtheirbacksThegirlslippeddown，onsomeerrandbentBehindthestable，andseizedanaxe。
ThetrooperstoodatthestabledoorWhileRyanwentinquitecoolandslow，Andthen（thetrickhadbeenplayedbefore）
Thegirloutsidegavethewallablow。
Threeslabsfelloutofthestablewall——
’Twasdone’foreeverthetrooperknew——
AndRyan，assoonashesawthemfall，MountedtheSwagmanandrushedhimthrough。
Thetrooperheardthehoof—beatsringInthestableyard，andheslammedthegate，ButtheSwagmanrosewithamightyspringAtthefence，andthetrooperfiredtoolate，AstheyracedawayandhisshotsflewwideAndRyannolongerneedcarearap，ForneverahorsethatwaslappedinhideCouldcatchtheSwagmaninConroy’sGap。
Andthat’sthestory。YouwanttoknowIfRyancamebacktohisKateCarew；
Ofcourseheshouldhave，asstoriesgo，Buttheworstofitis，thisstory’strue：
Andinreallifeit’sacertainrule，WhateverpoetsandauthorssayOfhigh—tonedrobbersandalltheirschool，Thesehorsethieffellowsaren’tbuiltthatway。
Comeback!Don’thopeit——theslinkinghound，HeslopedacrosstotheQueenslandside，AndsoldtheSwagmanforfiftypound，Andstolethemoney，andmorebeside。
Andtooktodrink，andbysomegoodchanceWaskilled——thrownoutofastolentrap。
Andthatwastheendofthissmallromance，TheendofthestoryofConroy’sGap。
OurNewHorseTheboyshadcomebackfromtheracesAllsilentanddownontheirluck；
They’dbacked’em，straightoutandforplaces，Butneverawinnertheystruck。
TheylosttheirgoodmoneyonSlogan，Andfell，mostuncommonlyflat，WhenPartner，theprideoftheBogan，WasbeatenbyAristocrat。
Andonesaid，`ImovethatinstanterWeselloutourhorsesandquit，Thebrutesoughttowininacanter，Suchtrialstheydowhenthey’refit。
Thelastonetheyranwasasnorter——
Agalloptogladdenone’sheart——
Two—twelveforamileandaquarter，Andfinishedasstraightasadart。
`AndthenwhenIthinkthatthey’rereadyTowinmeanicelittleswag，Theyarelickedliketheveriestneddy——
They’relickedfromthefalloftheflag。
Themareheldherowntothestable，Shediedouttonothingatthat，AndPartnerheneverseemedableTopaceitwithAristocrat。
`Andtimeshavebeenbad，andtheseasonsDon’tpromisetobeofthebest；
Inshort，boys，there’splentyofreasonsForgivingtheracingarest。
Themarecanbekeptonthestation——
Herbreedingisgoodascanbe——
ButPartner，hisnextdestinationIsratheratroubletome。
`Wecan’tsellhimhere，fortheyknowhimAswellastheclerkofthecourse；
He’sracedandwonracestill，blowhim，He’sdoneasahandicaphorse。
Ajady，uncertainperformer，Theyweighthimrightoutofthehunt，AndclapitonwarmerandwarmerWheneverhegetsnearthefront。
`It’snousetopainthimordothimOrputany`fake’onhisbrand，Forbushmenaresmart，andthey’dspothimInanysale—yardintheland。
Thefolkaboutherecouldalltellhim，Couldsweartoeachseparatehair；
LetussendhimtoSydneyandsellhim，There’splentyofJugginsesthere。
`We’llcallhimamaiden，andtreat’emTotrialswillopentheireyes，We’llruntheirbesthorsesandbeat’em，Andthenwon’ttheythinkhimaprize。
Ipitythefellowthatbuyshim，He’llfindinaveryshortspace，Nomatterhowhighlyhetrieshim，Thebeggarwon’tRACEinarace。’……
Nextweek，under`SellerandBuyer’，AppearedintheDAILYGAZETTE：
`Aracehorseforsale，andaflyer；
Hasneverbeenstartedasyet；
Atrialwillshowwhathispaceis；
Thebuyercangethiminlight，Andwinallthehandicapraces。
ApplyherebeforeWednesdaynight。’
Hesoldforahundredandthirty，BecauseofagallophehadOnemorningwithBluefishandBertie，Anddonkey—lickedbothof’embad。
Andwhentheoldhorsehaddeparted，Thelifeonthestationgrewtame；
Therace—trackwasdullanddeserted，Theboyshadgonebackonthegame……
Thewinterrolledby，andthestationWasgreenwiththegarlandofspringAspiritofgladexultationAwokeineachanimatething。
Andalltheoldlove，theoldlonging，Brokeoutinthebreastsoftheboys，ThevisionsofracingcamethrongingWithallitsdeliriousjoys。
Therushingoffloodsintheircourses，TherattleofrainontheroofsRecalledthefiercerushofthehorses，Thethunderofgallopinghoofs。
Andsoononebrokeout：`IcansufferNolongerthelifeofaslug，Themanthatdon’traceisaduffer，Let’shaveonemorerunforthemug。
`Why，EVERYTHINGraces，nomatterWhateveritsmethodmaybe：
Thewaterfowlholdaregatta；
The’possumsrunheatsupatree；
TheemusareconstantlysprintingAhandicapoutontheplain；
Itseemslikeallnaturewashinting，’Tistimetobeatitagain。
`ThecockatooparrotsaretalkingOfracestofarawaylands；
ThenativecompanionsarewalkingAgo—as—you—pleaseonthesands；
Thelittlefoalsgallopforpastime；
Thewallabiesracedownthegap；
Let’stryitoncemoreforthelasttime，Bringouttheoldjacketandcap。
`Andnowforahorse；wemighttryoneOfthosethatarebredontheplace，ButIthinkitbettertobuyone，Ahorsethathasprovedhecanrace。
LetussenddowntoSydneytoSkinner，Athoroughgoodjudgewhocanride，AndaskhimtobuyusaspinnerTocleanoutthewholecountryside。’
Theywrotehimaletterasfollows：
`Wewantyoutobuyusahorse；
Hemusthavethespeedtocatchswallows，Andstaminawithitofcourse。
Thepriceain’tathingthat’llgrieveus，It’sgettingabad’unannoysTheundersignedblokes，andbelieveus，We’reyourstoacinder，`theboys’。’
Heanswered：`I’veboughtyouahummer，Ahorsethathasneverbeenraced；
IsawhimrunovertheDrummer，Heheldhimoutclassedandoutpaced。
Hisbreeding’snotknown，buttheystateheIsbornofathoroughbredstrain，Ipaidthemahundredandeighty，Andstartedthehorseinthetrain。’
Theymethim——alas，thattheseversesAren’tuptothesubject’sdemands——
Can’tsetforththeireloquentcurses，FORPARTNERWASBACKONTHEIRHANDS。
Theywentintomeethimingladness，Theyopenedhisboxwithdelight——
AsilentprocessionofsadnessTheycrepttothestationatnight。
Andlifehasgrowndullonthestation，Theboysareallsilentandslow；
Theirworkisadailyvexation，Andsportisunknowntothemnow。
Whenevertheythinkhowtheystranded，Theysquealjustlikeguinea—pigssqueal；
Theybittheirownhook，andwerelandedWithfiftypoundslossonthedeal。
AnIdyllofDandalooOnWesternplains，whereshadeisnot，’Neathsummerskiesofcloudlessblue，Whereallisdryandallishot，TherestandsthetownofDandaloo——
Atownshipwherelife’stotalsumIssleep，diversifiedwithrum。
It’sgrass—grownstreetswithdustaredeep，’TwerevainendeavourtoexpressThedreamlesssilenceofitssleep，Itswide，expansivedrunkenness。
TheyearlyracesmostlydrewAlivelycrowdtoDandaloo。
TherecameasportsmanfromtheEast，Theeasternlandwheresportsmenblow，Andbroughtwithhimaspeedybeast——
Aspeedybeastashorsesgo。
Hecameafarinhopeto`do’
ThelittletownofDandaloo。
Nowthiswasweakofhim，Iwot——
Exceedingweak，itseemedtome——
ForweinDandaloowerenotTheJugginsesweseemedtobe；
Infact，weratherthoughtweknewOurbookbyheartinDandaloo。
Weheldameetingatthebar，Andmetthequestionfairandsquare——
`We’vestumpedthecountrynearandfarToraisethecashforraceshere；
We’vegotahundredpoundsortwo——
NothalfsobadforDandaloo。
`Andnow，itseems，wehavetobeCleanedoutbythishereSydneybloke，Withhisimportedhorse；andheWillscoopthepoolandleaveusbrokeShallwesitstill，andmakenofussWhilethischapclimbsalloverus？’……
TheracescametoDandaloo，AndallthecornstalksfromtheWest，Onev’rykindofmokeandscrew，Cameforthinalltheirglorydrest。
Thestranger’shorse，ashardasnails，Look’dfittorunforNewSouthWales。
Hewontheracebyhalfalength——
QUITEhalfalength，itseemedtome——
ButDandaloo，withallitsstrength，Roaredout`Deadheat!’mostfervently；
And，afterhesitationmeet，Thejudge’sverdictwas`Deadheat!’
AndmanymentherewerecouldtellWhatgavetheverdictextraforce：
Thestewards，andthejudgeaswell——
Theyallhadbackedthesecondhorse。
ForthingslikethistheysometimesdoInlargertownsthanDandaloo。
Theyranitoff；thestrangerwon，Handsdown，bynearahundredyardsHesmiledtothinkhistroublesdone；
ButDandalooheldallthecards。
Theywenttoscaleand——cruelfate!——
Hisjockeyturnedoutunder—weight。
Perhapsthey’dtamperedwiththescale!
Icannottell。IonlyknowItweighedhimOUTallright。IfailTopaintthatSydneysportsman’swoe。
HesaidthestewardswereacrewOflow—livedthievesinDandaloo。
Helifteduphisvoice，irate，Andsworetillalltheairwasblue；
SothenwerosetovindicateThedignityofDandaloo。
`Lookhere，’saidwe，`youmustnotpokeSuchoathsatuspoorcountryfolk。’
Werodehimsoftlyonarail，Weshiedathim，incarelessglee，Somelargetomatoes，rankandstale，Andeggsofgreatantiquity——
Theirwild，unholyfragranceflewAboutthetownofDandaloo。
Heleftthetownatbreakofday，Heledhisrace—horsethroughthestreets，Andnowhetellsthetale，theysay，Toeveryracingmanhemeets。
AndSydneysportsmenalleschewTheatmosphereofDandaloo。
TheGeebungPoloClubItwassomewhereupthecountry，inalandofrockandscrub，ThattheyformedaninstitutioncalledtheGeebungPoloClub。
Theywerelongandwirynativesfromtheruggedmountainside，AndthehorsewasneversaddledthattheGeebungscouldn’tride；
Buttheirstyleofplayingpolowasirregularandrash——
Theyhadmightylittlescience，butamightylotofdash：
Andtheyplayedonmountainponiesthatweremuscularandstrong，Thoughtheircoatswerequiteunpolished，andtheirmanesandtailswerelong。
Andtheyusedtotrainthoseponieswheelingcattleinthescrub：
Theyweredemons，werethemembersoftheGeebungPoloClub。
Itwassomewheredownthecountry，inacity’ssmokeandsteam，Thatapoloclubexisted，called`TheCuffandCollarTeam’。
Asasocialinstitution’twasamarvelloussuccess，Forthemembersweredistinguishedbyexclusivenessanddress。
Theyhadnattylittleponiesthatwerenice，andsmooth，andsleek，Fortheircultivatedownersonlyrode’emonceaweek。
Sotheystartedupthecountryinpursuitofsportandfame，FortheymeanttoshowtheGeebungshowtheyoughttoplaythegame；
Andtheytooktheirvaletswiththem——justtogivetheirbootsarubEretheystartedoperationsontheGeebungPoloClub。
Nowmyreaderscanimaginehowthecontestebbedandflowed，WhentheGeebungboysgotgoingitwastimetocleartheroad；
AndthegamewassoterrificthaterehalfthetimewasgoneAspectator’slegwasbroken——justfrommerelylookingon。
Fortheywaddiedoneanothertilltheplainwasstrewnwithdead，Whilethescorewaskeptsoeventhattheyneithergotahead。
AndtheCuffandCollarCaptain，whenhetumbledofftodie，Wasthelastsurvivingplayer——sothegamewascalledatie。
ThentheCaptainoftheGeebungsraisedhimslowlyfromtheground，Thoughhiswoundsweremostlymortal，yethefiercelygazedaround；
Therewasnoonetoopposehim——alltherestwereinatrance，Sohescrambledonhisponyforhislastexpiringchance，Forhemeanttomakeanefforttogetvictorytohisside；
Sohestruckatgoal——andmissedit——thenhetumbledoffanddied……
BytheoldCampaspeRiver，wherethebreezesshakethegrass，There’sarowoflittlegravestonesthatthestockmenneverpass，Fortheybearacrudeinscriptionsaying，`Stranger，dropatear，FortheCuffandCollarplayersandtheGeebungboysliehere。’
Andonmistymoonlitevenings，whilethedingoeshowlaround，Youcanseetheirshadowsflittingdownthatphantompologround；
Youcanheartheloudcollisionsastheflyingplayersmeet，Andtherattleofthemallets，andtherushofponies’feet，Tilltheterrifiedspectatorrideslikeblazestothepub——
He’sbeenhauntedbythespectresoftheGeebungPoloClub。
TheTravellingPostOfficeTherovingbreezescomeandgo，thereedbedssweepandsway，Thesleepyrivermurmurslow，andloitersonitsway，Itisthelandoflotso’timealongtheCastlereagh……
Theoldman’ssonhadleftthefarm，hefounditdullandslow，HedriftedtothegreatNorth—westwherealltheroversgo。
`He’sgonesolong，’theoldmansaid，`he’sdroppedrightoutofmind，Butifyou’dwritealinetohimI’dtakeitverykind；
He’sshearinghereandfencingthere，akindofwaifandstray，He’sdrovingnowwithConroy’ssheepalongtheCastlereagh。
`Thesheeparetravellingforthegrass，andtravellingveryslow；
TheymaybeatMundoorannow，orpasttheOverflow，OrtrampingdowntheblacksoilflatsacrossbyWaddiwong，Butallthoselittlecountrytownswouldsendtheletterwrong，Themailman，ifhe’sextratired，wouldpasstheminhissleep，It’ssafesttoaddressthenoteto`CareofConroy’ssheep’，Forfiveandtwentythousandheadcanscarcelygoastray，Youwriteto`CareofConroy’ssheepalongtheCastlereagh’。’……
Byrockandridgeandriversidethewesternmailhasgone，AcrossthegreatBlueMountainRangetotakethatletteron。
Amomentonthetopmostgradewhileopenfiredoorsglare，Shepauseslikealivingthingtobreathethemountainair，ThenlaunchesdowntheothersideacrosstheplainsawayTobearthatnoteto`Conroy’ssheepalongtheCastlereagh’。
Andnowbycoachandmailman’sbagitgoesfromtowntotown，AndConroy’sGapandConroy’sCreekhavemarkedit`furtherdown’。
Beneathaskyofdeepestbluewherenevercloudabides，Aspeckuponthewasteofplainthelonelymailmanrides。
WherefiercehotwindshavesetthepineandmyallboughsasweepHehailstheshearerspassingbyfornewsofConroy’ssheep。
Bybiglagoonswherewildfowlplayandcrestedpigeonsflock，Bycampfireswherethedroversridearoundtheirrestlessstock，AndpasttheteamstertoilingdowntofetchthewoolawayMyletterchasesConroy’ssheepalongtheCastlereagh。
SaltbushBillNowthisisthelawoftheOverlandthatallintheWestobey，Amanmustcoverwithtravellingsheepasix—milestageaday；
Butthisisthelawwhichthedroversmake，righteasilyunderstood，Theytraveltheirstagewherethegrassisbad，buttheycampwherethegrassisgood；
Theycamp，andtheyravagethesquatter’sgrasstillneverabladeremains，Thentheydriftawayasthewhitecloudsdriftontheedgeofthesaltbushplains，Fromcamptocampandfromruntoruntheybattleithandtohand，ForabladeofgrassandtherighttopassonthetrackoftheOverland。
ForthisisthelawoftheGreatStockRoutes，’tiswritteninwhiteandblack——
Themanthatgoeswithatravellingmobmustkeeptoahalf—miletrack；
Andthedroverskeeptoahalf—miletrackontherunswherethegrassisdead，Buttheyspreadtheirsheeponawell—grassedruntilltheygowithatwo—milespread。
Sothesquattershurrythedroversonfromdawntillthefallofnight，Andthesquatters’dogsandthedrovers’dogsgetmixedinadeadlyfight；
Yetthesquatters’men，thoughtheyhuntthemob，arewillingthepeacetokeep，Forthedroverslearnhowtousetheirhandswhentheygowiththetravellingsheep；
ButthisisthetaleofaJackaroothatcamefromaforeignstrand，AndthefightthathefoughtwithSaltbushBill，theKingoftheOverland。
NowSaltbushBillwasadrovertough，aseverthecountryknew，HehadfoughthiswayontheGreatStockRoutesfromtheseatothebigBarcoo；
Hecouldtellwhenhecametoafriendlyrunthatgavehimachancetospread，Andheknewwherethehungryownerswerethathurriedhissheepahead；
HewasdriftingdownintheEightydroughtwithamobthatcouldscarcelycreep，（Whenthekangaroosbythethousandsstarve，itisroughonthetravellingsheep），Andhecampedonenightatthecrossing—placeontheedgeoftheWilgarun，`Wemustmanageafeedforthemhere，’hesaid，`orthehalfofthemobaredone!’
Sohespreadthemoutwhentheyleftthecampwherevertheylikedtogo，TillhegrewawareofaJackaroowithastation—handintow，Andtheysettoworkonthestragglingsheep，andwithmanyastockwhipcrackTheyforcedtheminwherethegrasswasdeadinthespaceofthehalf—miletrack；
SoWilliamprayedthatthehandoffatemightsuddenlystrikehimblueButhe’dgetsomegrassforhisstarvingsheepintheteethofthatJackaroo。
SoheturnedandhecursedtheJackaroo，hecursedhimaliveordead，Fromthesolesofhisgreatunwieldyfeettothecrownofhisuglyhead，Withanextracurseonthemokeherodeandthecurathisheelsthatran，TilltheJackaroofromhishorsegotdownandhewentforthedrover—man；
Withthestation—handforhispicker—up，thoughthesheepranloosethewhile，Theybattleditoutonthesaltbushplainintheregularprize—ringstyle。
Now，thenewchumfoughtforhishonour’ssakeandtheprideoftheEnglishrace，Butthedroverfoughtforhisdailybreadwithasmileonhisbeardedface；
Soheshiftedgroundandhesparredforwindandhemadeitalengthymill，AndfromtimetotimeashisscoutscameintheywhisperedtoSaltbushBill——
`Wehavespreadthesheepwithatwo—milespread，andthegrassitissomethinggrand，Youmuststicktohim，Bill，foranotherroundfortheprideoftheOverland。’
Thenewchummadeitarushingfight，thoughneverablowgothome，Tillthesunrodehighinthecloudlessskyandglaredonthebrick—redloam，Tillthesheepdrewintotheshelter—treesandsettledthemdowntorest，Thenthedroversaidhewouldfightnomoreandhegavehisopponentbest。
SothenewchumrodetothehomesteadstraightandhetoldthemastorygrandOfthedesperatefightthathefoughtthatdaywiththeKingoftheOverland。
AndthetalewenthometothePublicSchoolsofthepluckoftheEnglishswell，Howthedroverfoughtforhisverylife，butbloodintheendmusttell。
ButthetravellingsheepandtheWilgasheepwereboxedontheOldManPlain。
’Twasafullweek’sworkeretheydraftedoutandhuntedthemoffagain，Withaweek’sgoodgrassintheirwretchedhides，withacurseandastockwhipcrack，Theyhuntedthemoffontheroadoncemoretostarveonthehalf—miletrack。
AndSaltbushBill，ontheOverland，willmanyatimereciteHowthebestday’sworkthateverhedidwasthedaythathelostthefight。
AMountainStationIboughtarunawhileago，Oncountryroughandridgy，Wherewallaroosandwombatsgrow——
TheUpperMurrumbidgee。