Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1858-08-05
S&I&tte6 Gale.
Australian Jim Walker.

This name was avoNedly an alias, but jim
always evaded any attempt to discover his
real patronymic, which | have no doubt he
had wilfully buried in oblivion, lest he shonId
reflect disgrace on his family know that he
never wrote to, nor received letters from, them
He told me once that he wished his friends to
think him dead, and have reason to believe
that on more than one occasion he refused to
notice advertisements in colonial papers, call
ing on him, by his true name, to communicate
with them.
Jm's history-as I cleaned from him one
day, when a trhjng act of kindness had open
ell bis heart-waS sad, but common one. lie
vas the child of very respectable parents
The captain of the vessel in which he came
\ ont offered to take him back on credit but
jmS pride forbade his acceptance of this kind
y offer; he feared to be taunted with non
success and, ;, said he, I'd have died rath
eF than suffer that"
And indeed, he seemed likely enough tc
de- few occasional ShIlings were picked
up by splitting wood for fuel but often hC
dned with Duke Humphrey, and slept in Ma
| tires aate-room. At last, settler recon
aended him to 60 up the country, and ply
liom station to station, in search of employ
nent. He was sure of board and lodging
gratis ; and at any rate he might as we'll per
Sh IN the bush as on the banks of the Torrens
jim followed this advice. Il had no Swag
not even blanket, to carry" said he ); " fo
had parted with these long before. Wher
started out of Adelaide, a few pence, PLUG
tobacco, an old clay pipe, sharp knife, ant
'aear conscience, we're all my possessions.
Sunk my name forever | determined to for
get 1t and hare forgotten it-except a
Ones The second day got berth at Grey
station, under Mount Lofty and when ht
S,Sed d my name, said Jim Walker, and jim
Walker I've been ever since"
The great event in Jim's colonial career oc
CURED when he was a shepherd on the GleI
lyon Run, which is situated on the borders o
le latiara district. The blacks inhabitins
nat locality are justly dreaded for their un
aneabIe ferocity, which civilizing influence
ore apparently unable to counteract to tht
present. day the Tatiara natives are noted fo
aslr savage onslaughts on defenceleSs Euro
pFans. At the time of Jim's adventure thes'
I''acSs were yet more numerous and deadly
lau they are now, so that the white settler
'dFgy ventured abroad unarmed.
DIN was appointed to one of the out-sta
S'us aud as the country consisted principal
o large open plains, he had a pretty cas-
"le Of It, The hut was snugly enSconced i
nook Of the low rocky hills which formed tn
noIlnern boundary of the Run. On these hill
se~ lew stunted she-oaks and dwarf honey
~r1, sJCA,e trees, interspersed with dense scrub
i II'Cn Afforded no inconsiderable screen iron
W. uot winds A single water-hole-the on
:, summer Vestige of winter torrents-was nea
- udId, and Immediately in front Of the hu
''S :. 'ae nightly folding ground.
w3n! INNS only companion in this lonely spot wa
W.. %;ane' the hut-keeper, quiet Scotch body
,aI 'p whose homely conversation Jim was fai
,,a ope content save when one of the overseer
5,;S ,4e over from the head station, or bullock
d.,S brought down stores, or chance wal
~. ns' passed. The latter was, however, a yer
On, y occurrence for the locality was muc
y" OF The usual track.