Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1880-10-01
SAVED by THE DOCTOR,
An Australian Adventure

An Australian Adventure.
The episode | am gong 10 relate oc-
cured not far from the township of
Horsman. Victoria. Australia. Where
the exact locality is, | have no inten-
ton of divulging; but if amy of my
readers are acquainted with y part Of
the world refer to- thcy Will rcmem-
her that there exists one or two large
streams within the wide radius have
named. Beside ono Of these rivers
there was standing, about twenty years
ago, hut. which was known ut the
homestead ms the Deep Water Station;
and it was here that my lot placed me
is hut-keeper. | lived at the Deep
Water Station for two years.
If readers of the following story wish
to know who am, | will crafty
thor curiosity 50 far us to state that !
was born in the north Of England. My
father was Il retired tradesman. He
gave me fair education, but ! never
fulfilled the expectations formed of me.
This night, while write, can show
nothing To prove that ever succeeded
in the world. ! am poor clerk,
struggling for u bare existence, and
sometimes struggling with wild, strong
impulse to wander and work through
the country, rs often did before, near
the scenes of my former experience.
like tile red supset and (. T." slaWS o 81 tie
sunlight among the gnarled, queer trees
like the ripping rays ON the water
the waving. shadowy grass Of tho silent
hills-the hrigh', still moon-the Wild
elness away from towns; | like Aus
tralian life, but not among the dusty
streets or near the white swcltering
roads. For twenty years ! followed
these impulses faithfully and enjoyed
my hush-life; with little profit, il is
true, but with much pleasure All
have to show for all my wandcrings
and hardships, as write, is "A long ugly
scar across my breast, and | am going
totcll you how got it,
| remember | was sitting at the hut
tthc Deep Water Hut one afternoon,
looking for the coming of Long Matt :
The sun was passing away blood-red
behind Il range Of dim blue hills; long
shadows were fast approaching; the
deep water hole had lost the light; the
hills behind the river just tipped with Il
crimson glory, and the stars seemed
dropping like silver spccks ON the pal
ing SKY. Long Matt, the shepherd was
latter than usual.
The darkness had not quite fallen be-
fore | recognized the bIeating of the
flock in the distance and soon after
the white fieeces Of the sheep slowly
appeared from out the sombre shad-
ows of the trees. had just walked in
do fl,a hut tn ushat,
the quick mutllcd fall Of horses feet
became audible. | knew the canter
well, and came to the door to await
the arrival of NJ s., the owner of
the station. lie gallopcd up to the
hut with Il cheerful Good evening,
BILL and as usual came inside to ask
me if wanted anything, and to light
his pipe.
Il can't stay long with you this time.
Bill, he said pleasantly, but with a
little anxiety; the black fellows are
about again. ! hope your gun j. in
order DO you want any powder or
load?"
We have quiet enough, replied,
both Matt and myself; but there's no
bullets; Ill run them tomorrow.
Mats quite late this evening but the
flock is not far off they'll be home in
aquarter Of an hour; ! saw them pass
the belt before you came.
AT this instant the shadow Of man
darkened the doo. snd Matt entered
Good evening, he laid quietly to
Mr.. and myself The sleeps
feedn' home All right, air, but there's Il
few missin. One of my marked owes
is gone and can't see the crawlers
You'll pick them W tomorrow.
Matt replied the strong, pleasant
voice of the squatter. Bill says you've
enough powder and lead The blacks
are about d. YOU know that
Without waiting for ananswer, Mr.
proceeded to undo his horse and
was about to mount when Matt who
Wa an American said II guess yon
mad better stop tonight III.
lnluns close up. One Of the sheep
! spoke of VA spearei
heard there were black fellows
about said Mr.. s.. DELAYING 10
mount; but the ride i safe enough:
I've got NY rifle withme.
They're tao close. responded the
shepherd after filling panjkin Of ia.
and. contrary e his custom. standing
TIC gnn against the table