`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！’……
Page：51
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；
Page：80
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！
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`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。
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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。
Page：120
TARANDFEATHERS
OH！thecircusswoopeddownOntheNarrabritown，FortheNarrabripopulacemoneyedare；
AndtheshowmanhesmiledAtthefolkhebeguiledTocomeallthedistancefromGunnedah。
Butajuvenilesmart，Whoobjectedto`part’，Wentin`onthenod’，andtodoitheCrawledinthroughacrackInthetentattheback，Fortheboyhadnoslightingenuity。
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Andsayshewithagrin，`That’sthewaytogetin；
`ButIreckonI’dbetterbequietor`They’llspiflicateme，’
Andhechuckled，forheHadtheloanofthecircusproprietor。