Thegrassisratherscant，it’strue，Butthisafairexchangeis，ThesheepcanseealovelyviewByclimbinguptheranges。
AndShe—oakFlat’sthestation’sname，I’mnotsurprisedatthat，sirs：
TheoaksweretherebeforeIcame，AndIsuppliedtheflat，sirs。
Amanwouldwonderhowit’sdone，Thestocksosoondecreases——
TheysometimestumbleofftherunAndbreakthemselvestopieces。
I’vetriedtomakeexpensesmeet，Butwastedallmylabours，Thesheepthedingoesdidn’teatWerestolenbytheneighbours。
Theystolemypears——mynativepears——
Thosethrice—convictedfelons，AndravishedfrommeunawaresMycropofpaddy—melons。
Andsometimesundersunnyskies，Withoutanexplanation，TheMurrumbidgeeusedtoriseAndoverflowthestation。
Butthiswascaused（asnowIknow）
WhensummersunshineglowingHadmeltedallKiandra’ssnowAndsettherivergoing。
Andinthenews，perhapsyouread：
`Stockpassings。Puckawidgee，Fatcattle：SevenhundredheadSweptdowntheMurrumbidgee；
Theirdestination’squiteobscure，But，somehow，there’sanotion，Unlesstheriverfalls，they’resureToreachtheSouthernOcean。’
SoafterthatI’llgiveitbest；
NomorewithFateI’llbattle。
I’lllettherivertaketherest，Forthosewereallmycattle。
AndwithonecomprehensivecurseIclosemybriefnarration，Andadvertiseitinmyverse——
`ForSale!AMountainStation。’
BeenThereBeforeTherecameastrangertoWalgetttown，ToWalgetttownwhenthesunwaslow，Andhecarriedathirstthatwasworthacrown，Yethowtoquenchithedidnotknow；
Buthethoughthemighttakethoseyokelsdown，TheguilelessyokelsofWalgetttown。
Theymadehimabetinaprivatebar，Inaprivatebarwhenthetalkwashigh，AndtheybethimsomepoundsnomatterhowfarHecouldpeltastone，yethecouldnotshyAstonerightovertheriversobrown，TheDarlingriveratWalgetttown。
HeknewthattheriverfrombanktobankWasfiftyyards，andhesmiledasmileAshetrundleddown，buthishopestheysankFortherewasn’tastonewithinfiftymile；
ForthesaltbushplainandtheopendownProducenoquarriesinWalgetttown。
Theyokelslaughedathishopeso’erthrown，Andhestoodawhilelikeamaninadream；
Thenoutofhispockethefetchedastone，Andpelteditoverthesilentstream——
Hehadbeentherebefore：hehadwandereddownOnapreviousvisittoWalgetttown。
TheManWhoWasAwayThewidowsoughtthelawyer’sroomwithchildrenthreeintow，Shetoldthelawyermanhertaleintonesofdeepestwoe。
Saidshe，`Myhusbandtooktodrinkforpainsinhisinside，Andneverdrewasoberbreathfromthenuntilhedied。
`Heneverdrewasoberbreath，hediedwithoutawill，AndImustsellthebitoflandthechilder’smouthstofill。
There’ssomeisgrownandgoneaway，butsomeischilderyet，Andtimesisverybadindeed——alivin’shardtoget。
`There’sMinandSisandlittleChris，theystopsathomewithme，AndSalhasmarriedGreenhideBillthatbreaksforBingeree。
AndFredisdrovin’Conroy’ssheepalongtheCastlereagh，AndCharley’sshearin’downtheBland，andPeterisaway。’
Thelawyerwrotethedetailsdownininkoflegalblue——
`There’sMinnie，Susan，Christopher，theystopathomewithyou；
There’sSarah，Frederick，andCharles，I’llwritetothemto—day，Butwhatabouttheotherone——theonewhoisaway？
`You’llhavetofurnishhisconsenttosellthebitofland。’
Thewidowshuffledinherseat，`Oh，don’tyouunderstand？
Ithoughtalawyeroughttoknow——Idon’tknowwhattosay——
You’llhavetodowithouthim，boss，forPeterisaway。’
Butherethelittleboyspokeup——saidhe，`Wethoughtyouknew；
He’sdonesixmonthsinGoulburngaol——he’sgotsixmoretodo。’
Thusinonecomprehensiveflashhemadeitclearasday，ThemysteryofPeter’slife——themanwhowasaway。
TheManfromIronbarkItwasthemanfromIronbarkwhostrucktheSydneytown，Hewanderedoverstreetandpark，hewanderedupanddown。
Heloiteredhere，heloiteredthere，tillhewasliketodrop，Untilatlastinsheerdespairhesoughtabarber’sshop。
`’Ere!shavemybeardandwhiskersoff，I’llbeamanofmark，I’llgoanddotheSydneytoffuphomeinIronbark。’
Thebarbermanwassmallandflash，asbarbersmostlyare，Heworeastrike—your—fancysash，hesmokedahugecigar：
Hewasahumoristofnoteandkeenatrepartee，Helaidtheoddsandkepta`tote’，whateverthatmaybe，Andwhenhesawourfriendarrive，hewhispered`Here’salark!
Justwatchmecatchhimallalive，thismanfromIronbark。’
Thereweresomegildedyouthsthatsatalongthebarber’swall，Theireyesweredull，theirheadswereflat，theyhadnobrainsatall；
Tothemthebarberpassedthewink，hisdextereyelidshut，`I’llmakethisbloomin’yokelthinkhisbloomin’throatiscut。’
Andashesoapedandrubbeditinhemadearuderemark：
`Is’posetheflatsisprettygreenupthereinIronbark。’
Agruntwasallreplyhegot；heshavedthebushman’schin，Thenmadethewaterboilinghotanddippedtherazorin。
Heraisedhishand，hisbrowgrewblack，hepausedawhiletogloat，Thenslashedthered—hotrazor—backacrosshisvictim’sthroat；
Uponthenewlyshavenskinitmadealividmark——
Nodoubtitfairlytookhimin——themanfromIronbark。
Hefetchedawildup—countryyellmightwakethedeadtohear，Andthoughhisthroat，heknewfullwell，wascutfromeartoear，Hestruggledgamelytohisfeet，andfacedthemurd’rousfoe：
`You’vedoneforme!youdog，I’mbeat!onehitbeforeIgo!
IonlywishIhadaknife，youblessedmurderingshark!
Butyou’llrememberallyourlife，themanfromIronbark。’
Helifteduphishairypaw，withonetremendouscloutHelandedonthebarber’sjaw，andknockedthebarberout。
Hesettoworkwithtoothandnail，hemadetheplaceawreck；
Hegrabbedthenearestgildedyouth，andtriedtobreakhisneck。
Andallthewhilehisthroatheheldtosavehisvitalspark，And`Murder!BloodyMurder!’yelledthemanfromIronbark。
Apeelermanwhoheardthedincameintoseetheshow；
Hetriedtorunthebushmanin，butherefusedtogo。
Andwhenatlastthebarberspoke，andsaid，`’Twasallinfun——
’Twasjustalittleharmlessjoke，atrifleoverdone。’
`Ajoke!’hecried，`ByGeorge，that’sfine；alivelysortoflark；
I’dliketocatchthatmurderingswinesomenightinIronbark。’
Andnowwhileroundtheshearingfloorthelist’ningshearersgape，Hetellsthestoryo’erando’er，andbragsofhisescape。
`Thembarberchapswhatkeepsatote，ByGeorge，I’vehadenough，Onetriedtocutmybloomin’throat，butthanktheLordit’stough。’
Andwhetherhe’sbelievedorno，there’sonethingtoremark，ThatflowingbeardsareallthegowayupinIronbark。
TheOpenSteeplechaseIhadriddenoverhurdlesupthecountryonceortwice，BythesideofSnowyRiverwithahorsetheycalled`TheAce’。
AndwebroughthimdowntoSydney，andourriderJimmyRice，Gotafallandbrokehisshoulder，sotheynabbedmeinatrice——
Me，thatneverworethecolours，fortheOpenSteeplechase。
`Maketherunning，’saidthetrainer，`it’syouronlychancewhatever，Makeithotfromstarttofinish，fortheoldblackhorsecanstay，Andjustthinkofhowthey’lltakeit，whentheyhearonSnowyRiverThatthecountryboywasplucky，andthecountryhorsewasclever。
YoumustrideforoldMonaroandthemountainboysto—day。’
`Areyouready？’saidthestarter，asweheldthehorsesback，Allablazingwithimpatience，withexcitementallaglow；
Beforeuslikearibbonstretchedthesteeplechasingtrack，Andthesun—raysglistenedbrightlyonthechestnutandtheblackAsthestarter’swordscameslowly，`Are——you——ready？Go!’
Well，Iscarcelyknewwe’dstarted，Iwasstupid—likewithwonderTillthefieldclosedupbesidemeandajumpappearedahead。
Andweflewitlikeahurdle，notabaulkandnotablunder，Aswechargeditalltogether，anditfairlywhistledunder，Andthensomewerepulledbehindmeandafewshotoutandled。
Soweranforhalfthedistance，andI’mmakingnopretencesWhenItellyouIwasfeelingverynervous—likeandqueer，Forthosejockeysrodelikedemons；
youwouldthinkthey’dlosttheirsensesIfyousawthemrushtheirhorsesatthoseraspingfivefootfences——
AndinplaceofmakingrunningIwasfallingtotherear。
Tillachapcameracingpastmeonahorsetheycalled`TheQuiver’，Andsaidhe，`Mycountryjoker，areyougoingtogiveitbest？
Areyoufrightenedofthefences？doestheirstoutnessmakeyoushiver？
HavetheycometobreedingcowardsbythesideofSnowyRiver？
ArethereridersonMonaro？————’butIneverheardtherest。
ForIdrovetheAceandsenthimjustasfastashecouldpaceit，Atthebigblacklineoftimberstretchingfairacrossthetrack，AndheshotbesidetheQuiver。`Now，’saidI，`myboy，we’llraceit。
YoucancomewithSnowyRiverifyou’reonlygametofaceit，Letusmendthepacealittleandwe’llseewhocriesacrack。’
Soweracedawaytogether，andwelefttheothersstanding，Andthepeoplecheeredandshoutedaswesettleddowntoride，AndweclungbesidetheQuiver。AthistakingoffandlandingIcouldseehisscarletnostrilandhismightyribsexpanding，AndtheAcestretchedoutinearnestandweheldhimstrideforstride。
Butthepacewassoterrificthattheysoonranouttheirtether——
Theywererollingintheirgallop，theywerefairlyblownandbeat——
Buttheybothweregameaspebbles——neitheronewouldshowthefeather。
Andwerushedthematthefences，andtheyclearedthembothtogether，Nearlyeverytimetheyclouted，buttheysomehowkepttheirfeet。
Thenthelastjumprosebeforeus，andtheyfaceditgameasever——
Wewerebothatspurandwhipcord，fetchingbloodateverybound——
Andabovethepeople’scheeringandthecriesof`Ace’and`Quiver’，Icouldhearthetrainershouting，`OnemorerunforSnowyRiver。’
Thenwestruckthejumptogetherandcamesmashingtotheground。
Well，theQuiverrantoblazes，buttheAcestoodstillandwaited，StoodandwaitedlikeastatuewhileIscrambledonhisback。
Therewasnoonenextornearmeforthefieldwasfairlyslated，SoIcanteredhomeawinnerwithmyshoulderdislocated，WhilethemanthatrodetheQuiverfollowedlimpingdownthetrack。
AndheshookmyhandandtoldmethatinallhisdaysheneverMetamanwhorodemoregamely，andourlastsettowasprime，AndwewiredthemonMonarohowwechancedtobeattheQuiver。
Andtheysentusbackananswer，`GoodoldsortfromSnowyRiver：
Senduswordeachraceyoustartinandwe’llbackyoueverytime。’
TheAmateurRiderHIMgoingtorideforus!HIM——
withthepantsandtheeyeglassandall。
Amateur!don’thejustlookit——it’stwentytooneonafall。
BossmustbegoneoffhisheadtobesendingoursteeplechasecrackOutoverfenceslikethesewithanobjectlikethatonhisback。
Ride!Don’ttellMEhecanride。
Withhispantsjustaslooseasballoons，Howcanhesitonhishorse？andhisspurslikeapairofharpoons；
OughttobeundertheDogAct，heought，andbekeptoffthecourse。
Fall!why，he’dfalloffacart，letaloneoffasteeplechasehorse……
Yessir!the’orseisallready——Iwishyou’dhaverodehimbefore；
Nothinglikeknowingyour’orse，sir，andthischap’saterrortobore；
Battleaxealwayscouldpull，andherusheshisfenceslikefun——
Standsoffhisjumptwentyfeet，andthenspringslikeashotfromagun。
Oh，hecanjump’emallright，sir，youmakenomistake，’e’satoff；
Clouts’eminearnest，too，sometimes，youmindthathedon’tcloutyouoff——
Don’tseemtomindhowhehits’em，hisshinsisashardasanail，Sometimesyou’llseethefenceshakeandthesplintersflyupfromtherail。
Allyoucandoistoholdhimandjustlethimjumpashelikes，Givehimhisheadatthefences，andhangonlikedeathifhestrikes；
Don’tlethimrunhimselfout——youcanliethirdorfourthintherace——
Untilyouclearthestonewall，andfromthatyoucanputonthepace。
Fellatthatwallonce，hedid，anditgavehimaregularspread，Eversincethattimehefliesit——he’llstopifyoupullathishead，Justlethimrace——youcantrusthim——
he’lltakefirst—classcarehedon’tfall，AndIthinkthat’sthelot——butremember，HEMUSTHAVEHISHEADATTHEWALL……
Well，he’sdownsafeasfarasthestart，andheseemstositonprettyneat，Onlyhisbaggifiedbreecheswouldruinateanyone’sseat——
They’reaway——heretheycome——thefirstfence，andhe’sheadoverheelsforacrown!
Goodforthenewchum，he’sover，andtwooftheothersaredown!
Nowforthetreble，myhearty——ByJove，hecanride，afterall；
Whoop，that’syoursort——lethimflythem!
Hehasn’tmuchfearofafall。
Whointheworldwouldhavethoughtit？Andaren’ttheyjustgoingapace？
LittleRecruitintheleadtherewillmakeitastoutly—runrace。
Lord!Butthey’reracinginearnest——anddowngoesRecruitonhishead，Rollingcleanoverhisboy——it’samiracleifheain’tdead。
Battleaxe，Battleaxe，yet!BytheLord，he’sgotmostof’embeat——
Ho!didyouseehowhestruck，andtheswellnevermovedinhisseat？
Secondtimeround，and，byJingo!he’sholdinghisleadof’emwell；
Harktohimcloutingthetimber!Itdon’tseemtotroubletheswell。
Nowforthewall——lethimrushit。Athirty—footleap，Ideclare——
Neverashiftinhisseat，andhe’sracingforhomelikeahare。
What’sthatthat’schasinghim——Rataplan——regulardemontostay!
Sitdownandrideforyourlifenow!
Oh，good，that’sthestyle——comeaway!
Rataplan’scertaintobeatyou，unlessyoucangivehimtheslip；
Sitdownandrubinthewhalebonenow——givehimthespursandthewhip!
Battleaxe，Battleaxe，yet——andit’sBattleaxewinsforacrown；
Lookathimrushingthefences，hewantstobringt’otherchapdown。
Rataplanneverwillcatchhimifonlyhekeepsonhispins；
Now!thelastfence!andhe’soverit!Battleaxe，Battleaxewins!……
Well，sir，yourodehimjustperfect——
Iknewfromthefirstyoucouldride。
Someofthechapssaidyoucouldn’t，an’Isaysjustlikethisa’oneside：
Markme，Isays，that’satradesman——thesaddleiswherehewasbred。
Weight!you’reallright，sir，andthankyou；
andthemwasthewordsthatIsaid。
OnKiley’sRunTherovingbreezescomeandgoOnKiley’sRun，Thesleepyrivermurmurslow，AndfarawayonedimlyseesBeyondthestretchofforesttrees——
Beyondthefoothillsduskanddun——
TherangessleepinginthesunOnKiley’sRun。
’TismanyyearssincefirstIcameToKiley’sRun，MoreyearsthanIwouldcaretonameSinceI，astripling，usedtorideFormilesandmilesatKiley’sside，ThewhileinstirringtoneshetoldThestoriesofthedaysofoldOnKiley’sRun。
IseetheoldbushhomesteadnowOnKiley’sRun，JustnestleddownbeneaththebrowOfonesmallridgeabovethesweepOfriver—flat，wherewillowsweepAndjasmineflowersandrosesbloom，TheairwasladenwithperfumeOnKiley’sRun。
WelivedthegoodoldstationlifeOnKiley’sRun，Withlittlethoughtofcareorstrife。
OldKileyseldomusedtoroam，HelikedtomaketheRunhishome，TheswagmanneverturnedawayWithemptyhandatcloseofdayFromKiley’sRun。
WekeptaracehorsenowandthenOnKiley’sRun，Andneighb’ringstationsbroughttheirmenTomeetingswherethesportwasfree，AnddaintyladiescametoseeTheirchampionsride；withlaughandsongTheoldhouserangthewholenightlongOnKiley’sRun。
ThestationhandswerefriendsIwotOnKiley’sRun，Areckless，merry—heartedlot——
Allsplendidriders，andtheyknewThe`boss’waskindnessthroughandthrough。
OldKileyalwaysstoodtheirfriend，AndsotheyservedhimtotheendOnKiley’sRun。
ButdroughtsandlossescameapaceToKiley’sRun，Tillruinstaredhimintheface；
Hetoiledandtoiledwhilelivedthelight，Hedreamedofoverdraftsatnight：
Atlength，becausehecouldnotpay，HisbankerstookthestockawayFromKiley’sRun。
OldKileystoodandsawthemgoFromKiley’sRun。
Thewell—bredcattlemarchingslow；
Hisstockmen，matesformanyaday，Theywrunghishandandwentaway。
Toooldtomakeanotherstart，OldKileydied——ofbrokenheart，OnKiley’sRun……
TheownerlivesinEnglandnowOfKiley’sRun。
Heknowsaracehorsefromacow；
Butthatisallheknowsofstock：
HischiefestcareishowtodockExpenses，andhesendsfromtownTocuttheshearers’wagesdownOnKiley’sRun。
TherearenoneighboursanywhereNearKiley’sRun。
Thehospitablehomesarebare，Thegardensgone；fornopretenceMusthindercuttingdownexpense：
ThehomesteadthatweheldsodearContainsahalf—paidoverseerOnKiley’sRun。
AlllifeandsportandhopehavediedOnKiley’sRun。
Nolongertherethestockmenride；
Forsour—facedboundaryriderscreepOnmongrelhorsesaftersheep，Throughrangeswhere，atracingspeed，OldKileyusedto`wheelthelead’
OnKiley’sRun。
ThererunsalaneforthirtymilesThroughKiley’sRun。
Oneithersidetheherbagesmiles，Butwretchedtrav’llingsheepmustpassWithoutadrinkorbladeofgrassThro’thatlonglaneofdeathandshame：
ThewearydroverscursethenameOfKiley’sRun。
ThenameitselfischangedoflateOfKiley’sRun。
Theycallit`ChandosParkEstate’。
ThelonelyswagmanthroughthedarkMusthumphisswagpastChandosPark。
ThenameisEnglish，don’tyousee，TheoldnamesweetersoundstomeOf`Kiley’sRun’。
IcannotguesswhatfatewillbringToKiley’sRun——
Forchancescomeandchangesring——
Iscarcelythink’twillalwaysbeLockeduptosuitanabsentee；
AndifheletsitoutinfarmsHistenantssoonwillcarryarmsOnKiley’sRun。
FryingPan’sTheologyScene：OnMonaro。
DRAMATISPERSONAE：
Shock—headedblackfellow，Boy（onapony）。
SnowflakesarefallingSogentleandslow，Youngstersays，`FryingPan，Whatmakesitsnow？’
FryingPanconfidentMakesthereply——
`Shake’embigflourbagUpinthesky!’
`What!whenthere’smilesofit!
Sur’lythat’sbrag。
WhoistherestrongenoughShakesuchabag？’
`Whatparsontellin’you，OleMisterDodd，TellyouinSunday—school？
BigfellerGod!
HedriveHisbullockdray，Thenthundergo，HeshakeHisflourbag——
Tumbledownsnow!’
TheTwoDevinesItwasshearing—timeattheMyallLake，Andthererosethesoundthro’thelivelongdayOftheconstantclashthattheshear—bladesmakeWhenthefastestshearersaremakingplay，Buttherewasn’tamanintheshearers’linesThatcouldshearasheepwiththetwoDevines。
Theyhadrungtheshedsoftheeastandwest，HadbeatenthecracksoftheWalgettside，AndtheCoomashearershadgiv’nthembest——
Whentheysawthemshear，theyweresatisfied。
FromthesouthernslopestothewesternpinesTheywerenotedmen，werethetwoDevines。
’Twasawetherflockthathadcometohand，Greatstrugglingbrutes，thattheshearersshirk，Forthefleecewasfilledwiththegrassandsand，Andseventysheepwasabigday’swork。
`Atapoundahundredit’sdashedhardlinesToshearsuchsheep，’saidthetwoDevines。
Buttheshearersknewthatthey’dmakeachequeWhentheycametodealwiththestationewes；
TheywerebareofbellyandbareofneckWithafleeceaslightasakangaroo’s。
`Wewillshowthebosshowashear—bladeshinesWhenwereachthoseewes，’saidthetwoDevines。
ButitchancednextdaywhenthestuntedpinesWereswayedandstirredwiththedawn—wind’sbreath，ThatamessagecameforthetwoDevinesThattheirfatherlayatthepointofdeath。
SoawayatspeedthroughthewhisperingpinesDownthebridletrackrodethetwoDevines。
Itwasfiftymilestotheirfather’shut，Andthedawnwasbrightwhentheyrodeaway；
AtthefallofnightwhentheshedwasshutAndthemenhadrestfromthetoilsomeday，Totheshedoncemorethroughthedark’ningpinesOntheirwearysteedscamethetwoDevines。
`Well，you’rebackrightsudden，’thesuper。said；
`Istheoldmandeadandthefuneraldone？’
`Well，no，sir，heain’tnotexactlydead，Butasgoodasdead，’saidtheeldestson——
`Andwecouldn’tbearsuchachancetolose，Sowecamestraightbacktotackletheewes。’……
TheyareshearingewesattheMyallLake，AndtheshedismerrythelivelongdayWiththeclashingsoundthattheshear—bladesmakeWhenthefastestshearersaremakingplay，Andacoupleof`hundredandninety—nines’
ArethetalliesmadebythetwoDevines。
IntheDrovingDays`Onlyapound，’saidtheauctioneer，`Onlyapound；andI’mstandinghereSellingthisanimal，gainorloss。
Onlyapoundforthedrover’shorse；
Oneofthesortthatwasneverafraid，OneoftheboysoftheOldBrigade；
Thoroughlyhonestandgame，I’llswear，Onlyalittletheworseforwear；
Plentyasbadtobeseenintown，GivemeabidandI’llknockhimdown；
Soldashestands，andwithoutrecourse，Givemeabidforthedrover’shorse。’
LoiteringthereinanaimlesswaySomehowInoticedthepooroldgrey，Wearyandbatteredandscrewed，ofcourse，YetwhenInoticedtheoldgreyhorse，Theroughbushsaddle，andsinglereinOfthebridlelaidonhistangledmane，StraightwaythecrowdandtheauctioneerSeemedonasuddentodisappear，Meltedawayinakindofhaze，Formyheartwentbacktothedrovingdays。
Backtotheroad，andIcrossedagainOverthemilesofthesaltbushplain——
TheshiningplainthatissaidtobeThedried—upbedofaninlandsea，WheretheairsodryandsoclearandbrightRefractsthesunwithawondrouslight，AndoutinthedimhorizonmakesThedeepbluegleamofthephantomlakes。
AtdawnofdaywewouldfeelthebreezeThatstirredtheboughsofthesleepingtrees，AndbroughtabreathofthefragrancerareThatcomesandgoesinthatscentedair；
ForthetreesandgrassandtheshrubscontainAdrysweetscentonthesaltbushplain。
Forthosethatloveitandunderstand，Thesaltbushplainisawonderland。
Awondrouscountry，whereNature’swaysWererevealedtomeinthedrovingdays。
Wesawthefleetwildhorsespass，AndthekangaroosthroughtheMitchellgrass，TheemuranwithherfrightenedbroodAllunmolestedandunpursued。
ButthereroseashoutandawildhubbubWhenthedingoracedforhisnativescrub，AndhepaidrightdearforhisstolenmealsWiththedrover’sdogsathiswretchedheels。
Forweranhimdownatarattlingpace，Whilethepackhorsejoinedinthestirringchase。
Andawildhallooatthekillwe’draise——
Wewerelightofheartinthedrovingdays。
’Twasadrover’shorse，andmyhandagainMadeamovetocloseonafanciedrein。
ForIfelttheswingandtheeasystrideOfthegrandoldhorsethatIusedtorideIndroughtorplenty，ingoodorill，Thatsameoldsteedwasmycomradestill；
TheoldgreyhorsewithhishonestwaysWasamatetomeinthedrovingdays。
Whenwekeptourwatchinthecoldanddamp，Ifthecattlebrokefromthesleepingcamp，Overtheflatsandacrosstheplain，Withmyheadbentdownonhiswavingmane，ThroughtheboughsaboveandthestumpsbelowOnthedarkestnightIcouldlethimgoAtaracingspeed；hewouldchoosehiscourse，Andmylifewassafewiththeoldgreyhorse。
Butmanandhorsehadafavouritejob，Whenanoutlawbrokefromastationmob，Witharightgoodwillwasthestockwhipplied，Astheoldhorseracedatthestraggler’sside，Andthegreenhidewhipsuchawealwouldraise，Wecouldusethewhipinthedrovingdays……
`Onlyapound!’andwasthistheend——
Onlyapoundforthedrover’sfriend。
Thedrover’sfriendthathadseenhisday，Andnowwasworthless，andcastawayWithabrokenkneeandabrokenheartTobefloggedandstarvedinahawker’scart。
Well，ImadeabidforasenseofshameAndthememoriesdearofthegoodoldgame。
`Thankyou？Guinea!andcheapatthat!
Againstyouthereinthecurlyhat!
Onlyaguinea，andonemorechance，Downhegoesifthere’snoadvance，Third，andthelasttime，one!two!three!’
Andtheoldgreyhorsewasknockeddowntome。
Andnowhe’swandering，fatandsleek，OnthelucerneflatsbytheHomesteadCreek；
Idarenotridehimforfearhe’dfall，Buthedoesajourneytobeatthemall，Forthoughhescarcelyatrotcanraise，Hecantakemebacktothedrovingdays。
Lost`Heoughttobehome，’saidtheoldman，`withoutthere’ssomethingamiss。
HeonlywenttotheTwo—mile——heoughttobebackbythis。
HeWOULDridetheRecklessfilly，heWOULDhavehiswilfulway；
And，here，he’snotbackatsundown——andwhatwillhismothersay？
`Hewasalwayshismother’sidol，sinceeverhisfatherdied；
Andthereisn’tahorseonthestationthatheisn’tgametoride。
ButthatRecklessmareisvicious，andifonceshegetsawayHehasn’tgotstrengthtoholdher——andwhatwillhismothersay？’
Theoldmanwalkedtothesliprail，andpeeredupthedark’ningtrack，Andlookedandlongedfortheriderthatwouldnevermorecomeback；
Andthemothercameandclutchedhim，withsudden，spasmodicfright：
`WhathasbecomeofmyWillie？——whyisn’thehometo—night？’
Awayinthegloomyranges，atthefootofanironbark，Thebonnie，winsomeladdiewaslyingstiffandstark；
FortheRecklessmarehadsmashedhimagainstaleaninglimb，Andhiscomelyfacewasbattered，andhismerryeyesweredim。
Andthethoroughbredchestnutfilly，thesaddlebeneathherflanks，Wasawaylikefirethroughtherangestojointhewildmob’sranks；
Andabroken—heartedwomanandanoldmanwornandgreyWeresearchingallnightintherangestillthesunrisebroughttheday。
Andthemotherkeptfeeblycalling，withahopethatwouldnotdie，`Willie!whereareyou，Willie？’Buthowcanthedeadreply；
Andhopediedoutwiththedaylight，andthedarknessbroughtdespair，Godpitythestrickenmother，andanswerthewidow’sprayer!
Thoughfarandwidetheysoughthim，theyfoundnotwherehefell；
Fortherangesheldhimprecious，andguardedtheirtreasurewell。
Thewattlebloomsabovehim，andthebluebellsblowcloseby，Andthebrownbeesbuzzthesecret，andthewildbirdssingreply。
Butthemotherpinedandfaded，andcried，andtooknorest，Androdeeachdaytotherangesonherhopeless，wearyquest。
Seekingherlovedoneever，shefadedandpinedaway，Butwithstrengthofhergreataffectionshestillsoughteveryday。
`IknowthatsoonerorlaterIshallfindmyboy，’shesaid。
Butshecamenothomeoneevening，andtheyfoundherlyingdead，Andstampedonthepoorpalefeatures，asthespirithomewardpass’d，Wasanangelsmileofgladness——shehadfoundtheboyatlast。
OvertheRangeLittlebushmaiden，wondering—eyed，Playingaloneinthecreek—beddry，InthesmallgreenflatoneverysideWalledinbytheMoonbirangeshigh；
Tellusthetaleofyourlonelylife，’Midthegreatgreyforeststhatknownochange。
`Ineverhaveleftmyhome，’shesaid，`IhaveneverbeenovertheMoonbiRange。
`Fatherandmotherarebothlongdead，AndIlivewithgrannyinyonweeplace。’
`Whereareyourfatherandmother？’wesaid。
Shepuzzledawhilewiththoughtfulface，Thenalightcameintotheshybrowneye，Andshesmiled，forshethoughtthequestionstrangeOnathingsocertain——`WhenpeopledieTheygotothecountryovertherange。’
`Andwhatisthiscountrylike，mylass？’
`Thereareblossomingtreesandprettyflowers，AndshiningcreekswherethegoldengrassIsfreshandsweetfromthesummershowers。
Theyneverneedwork，norwant，norweep；
Notroublescancometheirheartstoestrange。
SomesummernightIshallfallasleep，Andwakeinthecountryovertherange。’
Child，youarewiseinyoursimpletrust，ForthewisestmanknowsnomorethanyouAshestoashes，anddusttodust：
Ourviewsbyarangeareboundedtoo；
ButweknowthatGodhaththisgiftinstore，Thatwhenwecometothefinalchange，WeshallmeetwithourlovedonesgonebeforeTothebeautifulcountryovertherange。
OnlyaJockey`RichardBennison，ajockey，aged14，whileridingWilliamTellinhistraining，wasthrownandkilled。Thehorseisluckilyuninjured。’
——MelbourneWire。
Outinthegreycheerlesschillofthemorninglight，Outonthetrackwherethenightshadesstilllurk；
Erethefirstgleamofthesungod’sreturninglight，Roundcometherace—horsesearlyatwork。
Reefingandpullingandracingsoreadily，Closesitthejockey—boysholdingthemhard，`Steadythestallionthere——canterhimsteadily，Don’tlethimgallopsomuchasayard。’
Fiercelyhefightswhiletheothersrunwideofhim，Reefsatthebitthatwouldholdhiminthrall，Plungesandbuckstilltheboythat’sastrideofhimGoestothegroundwithaterriblefall。
`Stophimthere!Blockhimthere!Drivehimincarefully，Leadhimabouttillhe’squietandcool。
Soundasabell!thoughhe’sblownhimselffearfully，Nowletuspickupthispoorlittlefool。
`Stunned？Oh，byJove，I’mafraidit’sacasewithhim；
Rideforthedoctor!keepbathinghishead!
Sendforacarttogodowntoourplacewithhim’——
Nouse!Onelongsighandthelittlechap’sdead。
Onlyajockey—boy，foul—mouthedandbadyousee，Ignorant，heathenish，gonetohisrest。
ParsonorPresbyter，Pharisee，Sadducee，Whatdidyoudoforhim？——badwasthebest。
Negroesandforeigners，allhaveaclaimonyou；
Yearlyyousendyourwell—advertisedhoard，Butthepoorjockey—boy——shameonyou，shameonyou，`Feedye，mylittleones’——whatsaidtheLord？
Himyeheldlessthantheouterbarbarian，Lefthimtodieinhisignorantsin；
Haveyounoprinciples，humanitarian？
Haveyounoprecept——`gogatherthemin？’……
KnewheGod’sname？Inhisbrutalprofanity，Thatnamewasanoath——outofmanybutone——
WhatdidhegetfromourfamedChristianity？
Wherehashissoul——ifhehadany——gone？
Fourteenyearsold，andwhatwashetaughtofit？
WhatdidheknowofGod’sinfinitegrace？
Drawthedarkcurtainofshameo’erthethoughtofit，Drawtheshroudoverthejockey—boy’sface。
HowM’GinnisWentMissingLetusceaseouridlechatter，Letthetearsbedewourcheek，ForamanfromTallangattaHasbeenmissingforaweek。
WheretheroaringfloodedMurrayCoveredallthelowerland，Therehestartedinahurry，Withabottleinhishand。
Andhisfateishidforever，ButthepublicseemtothinkThatheslumberedbytheriver，’Neaththeinfluenceofdrink。
AndtheyscarcelyseemtowonderThattheriver，wideanddeep，Neverwokehimwithitsthunder，Neverstirredhiminhissleep。
Asthecrashinglogscamesweeping，Andtheirtumultfilledtheair，ThenM’Ginnismurmured，sleeping，`’TisawakeinouldKildare。’
SotheriverroseandfoundhimSleepingsoftlybythestream，AndthecruelwatersdrownedhimErehewakenedfromhisdream。
Andtheblossom—tuftedwattle，Bloomingbrightlyonthelea，SawM’GinnisandthebottleGoingdriftingouttosea。
AVoicefromtheTownAsequelto[MowbrayMorris’s]`AVoicefromtheBush’
Ithought，inthedaysofthedroving，OfstepsImighthopetoretrace，TobedonewiththebushandtherovingAndsettleoncemoreinmyplace。
Withaheartthatwaswellnightobreaking，Inthelong，lonelyridesontheplain，IthoughtofthepleasureoftakingThehandofaladyagain。
Iambackintocivilisation，Oncemoreinthestirandthestrife，Buttheoldjoyshavelosttheirsensation——
Thelighthasgoneoutofmylife；
Themenofmytimetheyhavemarried，Madefortunesorgonetothewall；
ToolongfromthesceneIhavetarried，And，somehow，I’moutofitall。
ForIgototheballsandtheracesAlonelycompanionlesself，AndtheladiesbestowalltheirgracesOnotherslessgreythanmyself；
WhilethetalkgoesaroundI’madumbone’Midstyoungstersthatchatterandprate，Andtheycallme`theManwhowasSomeoneWaybackintheyearSixty—eight。’
AndIlook，sourandold，atthedancersThatswingtothestrainsoftheband，AndtheladiesallgivemetheLancers，Nowaltzes——Iquiteunderstand。
FormatronsintentuponmatchingTheirdaughterswithinfinitepush，Wouldscarcethinkhimworthythecatching，Thebroken—downmanfromthebush。
Newpartnershavecomeandnewfaces，AndI，ofthebygonebrigade，Sharplyfeelthatoblivionmyplaceis——
Imustliewiththerestintheshade。
Andtheyoungsters，fresh—featuredandpleasant，Theyliveaswelived——fairlyfast；
ButIdoubtifthemenofthepresentAreasgoodasthemenofthepast。
Ofexcitementandpraisetheyarechary，Thereisnothingmuchgooduponearth；
TheirwatchwordisNILADMIRARI，Theyareboredfromthedaysoftheirbirth。
WherethelifethatweledwasarevelThey`winceandrelentandrefrain’——
Icouldshowthemtheroad——tothedevil，WereIonlyayoungsteragain。
IcouldshowthemtheroadwherethestumpsareThepleasuresthatendinremorse，AndthegamewheretheDevil’sthreetrumpsare，Thewoman，thecard，andthehorse。
Shalltheblindleadtheblind——shallthesowerOfwindreapthestormasofyore？
Thoughtheygettotheirgoalsomewhatslower，Theymarchwherewehurriedbefore。
Fortheworldneverlearns——justaswedid，Theygallantlygototheirfate，Unheededallwarnings，unheededThemaximsofelderssedate。
Asthehusbandman，patientlytoiling，Drawsaharvesteachyearfromthesoil，Sothefoolsgrowafreshforthespoiling，Andanewcropofthievesforthespoil。
Butatrucetothisdullmoralising，Letthemdrinkwhilethedropsareofgold，Ihavetastedthedregs——’tweresurprisingWerethenewwinetomeliketheold；
AndIwearyforlackofemploymentInidlenessdayafterday，ForthekeytothedoorofenjoymentIsYouth——andI’vethrownitaway。
ABunchofRosesRosesruddyandroseswhite，Whatarethejoysthatmyheartdiscloses？
SittingaloneinthefadinglightMemoriescometomehereto—nightWiththewonderfulscentofthebigredroses。
MemoriescomeasthedaylightfadesDownonthehearthwherethefirelightdozes；
Flickerandflutterthelightsandshades，AndIseethefaceofaqueenofmaidsWhosememorycomeswiththescentofroses。
Visionsariseofasceneofmirth，Andaball—roombellethatsuperblyposes——
Aqueenlywomanofqueenlyworth，AndIamthehappiestmanonearthWithasingleflowerfromabunchofroses。
Onlyhermemorylivesto—night——
GodinHiswisdomheryounglifecloses；
Overhergravemaytheturfbelight，Coverhercoffinwithroseswhite——
Shewasalwaysfondofthebigwhiteroses……
Sucharethevisionsthatfadeaway——
ManproposesandGoddisposes；
LookintheglassandIseeto—dayOnlyanoldman，wornandgrey，Bendinghisheadtoabunchofroses。
BlackSwansAsIlieatrestonapatchofcloverIntheWesternParkwhenthedayisdone，IwatchasthewildblackswansflyoverWiththeirphalanxturnedtothesinkingsun；
AndIheartheclangoftheirleadercryingToalaggingmateintherearwardflying，Andtheyfadeawayinthedarknessdying，Wherethestarsaremusteringonebyone。
Oh!yewildblackswans，’twereaworldofwonderForawhiletojoininyourwestwardflight，Withthestarsaboveandthedimearthunder，Throughthecoolingairofthegloriousnight。
Aswesweptalongonourpinionswinging，Weshouldcatchthechimeofachurch—bellringing，Orthedistantnoteofatorrentsinging，Orthefar—offflashofastationlight。
Fromthenorthernlakeswiththereedsandrushes，Wherethehillsareclothedwithapurplehaze，Wherethebell—birdschimeandthesongsofthrushesMakemusicsweetinthejunglemaze，Theywillholdtheircoursetothewestwardever，Tilltheyreachthebanksoftheoldgreyriver，Wherethewaterswash，andthereed—bedsquiverIntheburningheatofthesummerdays。
Oh!yestrangewildbirds，willyebearagreetingTothefolkthatliveinthatwesternland？
Thenforeverysweepofyourpinionsbeating，Yeshallbearawishtothesunburntband，TothestalwartmenwhoarestoutlyfightingWiththeheatanddroughtandthedust—stormsmiting，Yetwhoselifesomehowhasastrangeinviting，Whenoncetotheworktheyhaveputtheirhand。
Facingityet!Oh，myfriendstout—hearted，Whatdoesitmatterforrainorshine，Forthehopesdeferredandthegaindeparted？
Nothingcouldconquerthatheartofthine。
AndthyhealthandstrengtharebeyondconfessingAstheonlyjoysthatareworthpossessing。
MaythedaystocomebeasrichinblessingAsthedayswespentintheauldlangsyne。
Iwouldfaingobacktotheoldgreyriver，Totheoldbushdayswhenourheartswerelight，But，alas!thosedaystheyhavefledforever，Theyareliketheswansthathavesweptfromsight。
AndIknowfullwellthatthestrangers’facesWouldmeetusnowinourdearestplaces；
ForourdayisdeadandhasleftnotracesButthethoughtsthatliveinmymindto—night。
Therearefolklongdead，andourheartswouldsicken——
Wewouldgrieveforthemwithabitterpain，Ifthepastcouldliveandthedeadcouldquicken，Wethenmightturntothatlifeagain。
Butonlonelynightswewouldhearthemcalling，Weshouldheartheirstepsonthepathwaysfalling，WeshouldloathethelifewithahateappallingInourlonelyridesbytheridgeandplain……
Inthesilentparkisascentofclover，Andthedistantroarofthetownisdead，AndIhearoncemoreastheswansflyoverTheirfar—offclamourfromoverhead。
Theyareflyingwest，bytheirinstinctguided，Andformanlikewiseishisfatedecided，AndgriefsapportionedandjoysdividedByamightypowerwithapurposedread。
TheAllRight’UnHecamefrom`furtherout’，ThatlandofheatanddroughtAnddustandgravel。
Hegotatouchofsun，AndrestedattherunUntilhiscurewasdone，Andhecouldtravel。
Whenspringhaddeckedtheplain，HeflittedoffagainAsflittheswallows。
Andfromthatwesternland，Whenmanymonthswerespanned，Alettercametohand，Whichreadasfollows：
`Dearsir，ItakemypenInhopesthatallyourmenAndyouarehearty。
YouthinkthatI’veforgotYourkindness，Mr。Scott，Oh，no，dearsir，I’mnotThatsortofparty。
`Yousometimesbet，Iknow，Well，nowyou’llhaveashowThe`books’tofrighten。
UphereatWingadeeYoungBillyFifeandmeWe’retrainingStrife，andheIsaallright’un。
`Justnowwe’rerunningbyes，But，sir，firsttimehetriesI’llsendyouwordof。
Andrunning`onthecrook’
Theirmeasureswehavetook，ItisthedeadesthookYoueverheardof。
`Sowhenweletshimgo，Why，then，I’llletyouknow，AndyoucanhaveashowToputamiteon。
Now，sir，myleaveI’lltake，Yourstruly，WilliamBlake。
P。S。——Makenomistake，HE’SAALLRIGHT’UN。’……
Bynextweek’sRIVERINE
IsawmyfriendhadbeenAbittoocunning。
Iread：`TheracehorseStrifeAndjockeyWilliamFifeDisqualifiedforlife——
Suspiciousrunning。’
Butthoughtheyspoilthisgame，IreckonallthesameIfairlyoughttoclaimMyfriendawhite’un。
Forthoughhewasn’tstraight，HisdeedswouldindicateHisheartatanyrateWas`aallright’un’。
TheBossofthe`AdmiralLynch’
DidyoueverheartellofChili？Iwasreadin’theotherdayOfPresidentBalmacedaandofhowhewassentaway。
Itseemsthathedidn’tsuit’em——theythoughtthatthey’dlikeachange，Sotheystartedaninsurrectionandchasedhimacrosstherange。
Theyseemedtoberestlesspeople——and，judgingbywhatyouhear，Theyraiseuptheserevolutions’bouttwoorthreetimesayear；
Andthemanthatgoesoutofoffice，hegoesfortheboundaryQUICK，Forthereisn’tnovotebyballot——it’sbulletsthatdoesthetrick。
Anditain’tlikearealbattle，wheretheprisoners’livesarespared，Andtheyfighttillthere’sonesidebeatenandthenthere’satrucedeclared，AndthemanthathasgotthelickinggoesdownlikeabloominglordTohandinhisresignationandgiveuphisbloomingsword，Andtheothermanbowsandtakesit，andeverything’sallpolite——
Thiswasn’tthatkindofapicnic，thiswasn’tthatsortofafight。
Forthepris’nerstheytook——theyshot’em；
nooddsweretheysmallorgreat，Ifthey’dcollaredoldBalmaceda，theyreckonedtoshoothimstraight。
Alotofbloodthirstydevilstheywere——butthereain’tadoubtTheymusthavebeenrealplucked’uns——thewaythattheyfoughtitout，Andthekingof’emall，Ireckon，themanthatcouldstandapinch，Wasthebossofaone—horsegunboat。Theycalledherthe`AdmiralLynch’。
Well，hewasforBalmaceda，andafterthewarwasdone，AndBalmacedawasbeatenandhistroopshadbeenforcedtorun，Theothermanfetchedhisarmyandproceededtodothingsbrown，Hemarched’emintothefortressandtookcommandofthetown。
Cannonandgunsandhorsestroopin’alongtheroad，Rumblin’overthebridges，andneverafoemanshowedTilltheycameinsightoftheharbour，andtheveryfirstthingtheyseeWasthismiteofaone—horsegunboata—lyingagainstthequay，Andthereastheywatchedtheynoticedaflutterofcrimsonrag，AndundertheireyeshehoistedoldBalmaceda’sflag。
Well，Itellyouitfairlyknocked’em——itjusttookawaytheirbreath，Forhemustha’knowniftheycaughthim，’twasnothin’butsuddendeath。
An’he’dgotnofireinhisfurnace，nochancetoputouttosea，Sohestoodbyhisgunandwaitedwithhisvesselagainstthequay。
Well，theysenthimacivilmessagetosaythatthewarwasdone，Andmostofhissidewerecorpses，andallthatwerelefthadrun；
Andbloodhadbeenspiltsufficient，sotheygavehimachancetodecideIfhe’dhauldownhisbitofbuntingandcomeonthewinningside。
Helistenedandheardtheirmessage，andansweredthemallpolite，ThathewasaSpanishhidalgo，andthemenofhisraceMUSTfight!
Agunboatagainstanarmy，andwithneverachancetorun，Andthemwiththeirhundredcannonandhimwithasinglegun：
Theoddswereatrifleheavy——buthewasn’tthesorttoflinch，Soheopenedfireonthearmy，didthebossofthe`AdmiralLynch’。
Theypoundedhisboattopieces，theysilencedhissinglegun，Andcapturedthewholeconsignment，fornoneof’emcaredtorun；
Anditdon’tsaywhethertheyshothim——itdon’tevengivehisname——
ButwhatevertheydidI’llwagerthathewenttohisgraveyardgame。
Itellyouthoseoldhidalgossostatelyandsopolite，TheyturnouttherealMaginniswhenitcomestoanuphillfight。
TherewasGeneralAlcantara，whodiedintheheaviestbrunt，AndGeneralAlzerecawaskilledinthebattle’sfront；
Butthekingof’emall，Ireckon——themanthatcouldstandapinch——
Wasthemanwhoattackedthearmywiththegunboat`AdmiralLynch’。
ABushman’sSongI’mtravellin’downtheCastlereagh，andI’mastationhand，I’mhandywiththeropin’pole，I’mhandywiththebrand，AndIcanridearowdycolt，orswingtheaxeallday，Butthere’snodemandforastation—handalongtheCastlereagh。
Soit’sshift，boys，shift，forthereisn’ttheslightestdoubtThatwe’vegottomakeashifttothestationsfurtherout，Withthepack—horserunnin’after，forhefollowslikeadog，Wemuststrikeacrossthecountryattheoldjig—jog。
ThisoldblackhorseI’mriding——ifyou’llnoticewhat’shisbrand，HewearsthecrookedR，yousee——nonebetterintheland。
Hetakesalotofbeatin’，andtheotherdaywetried，Forabitofajoke，witharacingbloke，fortwentypoundsaside。
Itwasshift，boys，shift，fortherewasn’ttheslightestdoubtThatIhadtomakehimshift，forthemoneywasnearlyout；
Buthecanteredhomeawinner，withtheotheroneattheflog——
He’sared—hotsorttopickupwithhisoldjig—jog。
Iaskedacoveforshearin’oncealongtheMarthaguy：
`Weshearnon—unionhere，’sayshe。`Icallitscab，’saysI。
Ilookedalongtheshearin’floorbeforeIturnedtogo——
TherewereeightortendashedChinamena—shearin’inarow。
Itwasshift，boys，shift，fortherewasn’ttheslightestdoubtItwastimetomakeashiftwiththeleprosyabout。
SoIsaddledupmyhorses，andIwhistledtomydog，AndIlefthisscabbystationattheoldjig—jog。
IwenttoIllawarra，wheremybrother’sgotafarm，Hehastoaskhislandlord’sleavebeforeheliftshisarm；
Thelandlordownsthecountryside——man，woman，dog，andcat，Theyhaven’tthecheektodaretospeakwithouttheytouchtheirhat。
Itwasshift，boys，shift，fortherewasn’ttheslightestdoubtTheirlittlelandlordgodandIwouldsoonhavefallenout；
WasItotouchmyhattohim？——wasIhisbloomin’dog？
SoImakesforupthecountryattheoldjig—jog。
Butit’stimethatIwasmovin’，I’veamightywaytogoTillIdrinkartesianwaterfromathousandfeetbelow；
TillImeettheoverlanderswiththecattlecomin’down，AndI’llworkawhiletillImakeapile，thenhaveaspreeintown。
So，it’sshift，boys，shift，forthereisn’ttheslightestdoubtWe’vegottomakeashifttothestationsfurtherout；
Thepack—horserunsbehindus，forhefollowslikeadog，Andwecrossalotofcountryattheoldjig—jog。
HowGilbertDiedThere’sneverastoneatthesleeper’shead，There’sneverafencebeside，AndthewanderingstockonthegravemaytreadUnnoticedandundenied，ButthesmallestchildontheWatershedCantellyouhowGilbertdied。
Forherodeatdusk，withhiscomradeDunnTothehutattheStockman’sFord，InthewaninglightofthesinkingsunTheypeeredwithafierceaccord。
Theywereoutlawsboth——andoneachman’sheadWasathousandpoundsreward。
Theyhadtakentollofthecountryround，AndthetrooperscamebehindWithablackthattrackedlikeahumanhoundInthescrubandtherangesblind：
Hecouldrunthetrailwhereawhiteman’seyeNosignofatrackcouldfind。
HehadhuntedthemoutoftheOneTreeHillAndovertheOldManPlain，Buttheywheeledtheirtrackswithawildbeast’sskill，Andtheymadefortherangeagain。
Thenawaytothehutwheretheirgrandsiredwelt，Theyrodewithaloosenedrein。
Andtheirgrandsiregavethemagreetingbold：
`Comeinandrestinpeace，Nosaferplacedoesthecountryhold——
Withthenightpursuitmustcease，Andwe’lldrinksuccesstotherovingboys，Andtohellwiththeblackpolice。’
Buttheywenttodeathwhentheyenteredthere，InthehutattheStockman’sFord，Fortheirgrandsire’swordswereasfalseasfair——
Theyweredoomedtothehangman’scord。
HehadsoldthembothtotheblackpoliceForthesakeofthebigreward。
InthedepthofnightthereareformsthatglideAsstealthyasserpentscreep，AndaroundthehutwheretheoutlawshideTheyplantintheshadowsdeep，AndtheywaittillthefirstfaintflushofdawnShallwakentheirpreyfromsleep。
ButGilbertwakeswhilethenightisdark——
Arestlesssleeper，aye，Hehasheardthesoundofasheep—dog’sbark，Andhishorse’swarningneigh，Andhesaystohismate，`Therearehawksabroad，Andit’stimethatwewentaway。’
Theirriflesstoodatthestretcherhead，Theirbridleslaytohand，Theywakenedtheoldmanoutofhisbed，Whentheyheardthesharpcommand：
`InthenameoftheQueenlaydownyourarms，Now，DunnandGilbert，stand!’
ThenGilbertreachedforhisrifletrueThatcloseathishandhekept，Hepointeditstraightatthevoiceanddrew，Butneveraflashoutleapt，Forthewaterranfromtheriflebreech——
Itwasdrenchedwhiletheoutlawsslept。