The Kanzas news., 1858-08-07
THE KANSAS NEWS:
PsBsIsd Eray Satussy Hsnag. d Ensria kaasas'
Rafes of Advertising.
Australian Jim Walker.

This name was ayowedly an alias, but
Jim always evaded any attempt to discover
his real patronymic, which have no doubt
he had wilfully buried in oblivion. lest ne
should reflect disgrace ON his family. 1
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 ad
yertisements in colonial papers, calling on
him in his true name to communicate with
them.
Jim's history-as cleaned from him
one day, when trifing act of kindness
had onened his heart-was sad, but a
common one. He was the child of very
respectable parents. The captain of the
vessel in which he came out offered to take
him back on credit; but Jim's pride for
bade his acceptance of this kindly offer;
be feared to be taunted with non success;
"and," said he, "I'd have died rather than
suffer that
And, indeed, he seemed likely enough to
die A few occasional shillings were pick
ed up by splitting wood for fuel; but often
he dined with Duke Humphrey, and slept
in Natures ante-room. At last, settler
recommended him to go mp the country,
and ply from station to station in search of
employment. He was sure of board and
lodging, gratis; and at any rate he might
as well perish in the bush as on the banks
of the Torrens. Jim followed this advice.
al had no swsg, nor even blanket to car
ry," said he, "for had parted with these
long before. When l started out of Ade-
laide, a few pence, plug of tobacco, an
old clay pipe, sharp knife, and clear
conscience, were all my possessions. /
sunk my name forever; determined 70
forget it; and have forgotten it-except at
times. The second day got a berth at
Grey's station, under Mount Lofty; and
whe he asked my name. said Jim Walker,
and Jim Walker have been ever since"
The great events in Jim's colonial career
occurred when he was shepherd on the
Glen Lyon Run, which is situated on the
border of the Tatiara district The blacks
inhabiting that locality are Justly dreaded
for their untameable ferocity, which civil
izing influences are apparently unsble to
counteract; TO the present day the Tatiara
natives are noted for their savage on
slaughts on defenceless Europeans. At
the time of Jim's adventure these attacks
were vet more numerous and deadly than
they are now, SO that the white settlers
rarely ventured abroad unarmed
Jim was appointed to one of the out-sta-
tions, and as the country consisted princi-
pally of large open plains, he had pretty
easy time of it. The hut was snugly en-
sconced in a nook of the low. rocky hills
which formed the northern boundary of
the Run. On these hills grew few stunt
ed sheoaks and dwarf honey -suckle trees,
interspersed with dense scrub, which afford
no inconsiderable screen from the hot winds.
A single water-hole-the only summer yes-
tige of winter torrents--was near at hand,
and Immediately in front of the hut was the
nightly folding ground.
Jim's only companion in this lonely spot
was Willie, the hut keeper, quiet Scotch
body, with whose homely conversation Jim
was fain to be content: save when one of
the overseers rode over from the head sta
ton, or a bullock driver brought down
stores, or chance wanderer passed. The
latter was, however, a very rare occurrence;
for the locality was much out of the usual
track
One afternoon as Jim and his trusty dog
Sandie followed the sheep homeward, he |
was surprised at not perceiving any signs
OF Willie. Imagining that the hot weather
had oyerpowered that usually vigilant per-
sOnage, Jim shouted loudly for him to
wake up and help fold the sheep. Re
ceiving no answer, he hurried to the hut.
At the entrance he beheld scene which,
to quote his own expression. .made all the
blood in his body run cold.' There was
poor Willie, lying on his face, nearly naked
and bedabbled in gore It was some time
before Jim could muster courage to ap-
preach his old chum. When he did, he
found that he was dead. and nearly cold,
and broken spear in his side betrayed that
he had been murdered by the natives. The
hut itself had evidently been riied; every
particle of food, the stores of -four, sugar
and tea, the blankets, knives, and every
useful moveabie had been carried off. But
what Jim most regretted was, that the pis-
to, an old fashioned revolver, was missing.
Fortunately, he had taken his gun in the
morning TO shoot few birds, if chance of
tered during the day; and, Herewith all
The powder and shot remaining on hand
Stlll, six extra shots were not to be despis-
ed; and he felt that the loss of the pistol
added to his danger.
Now all the horrors of his own position
burst upon him. The head station was
,uly ten miles distant, and what enemies
ne might encounter on the road it was i'm
possible to foretell However, to stay in
me hut By himself he could not: so he re-
SUlSed to fold the flock, and then to set of
..1rough the bush, to give information of
'ne event, and obtain assistance. In pur-
Slanee OF this resolution he went out, and |
wi, "na the aid of the dog succeeded in fold
ing the sheep.
hoarse with shouting-for your true
1shman can do nothing without making |
ea' uproar-Jim went to the water
| n"e 70 drink, preparatory to starting on his |
r. Ie.nons journey. He was just rising from
fecumbent position necessary to enable
.'1 1 70 reach the water, when Sandie gave