The Dalles daily chronicle. [volume] (The Dalles, Or.) 1890-1948, 1891-05-12
THEAUSTRALIAN'SSTORY

twentieth time my last letter from home
when a sudden growl from Bouncer,
eur station dog. brought me back from
the dream into which | was beginning
10 fall and made me drop my letter,
look hastily round and then walk to the
door of the hut. But all was as it should
be. Nothing unusual was to be seen in
any direction. The sun was sinking
blood red behind range of dim blue
hills, and stars were beginning to show
On the paling sky.
Long Ridge station was a very soli-
tary spot indeed. even at the best of
times: but just at present, when Long
Peter and were its only occupants, the
loneliness Of our position was horrible
] don't think Peter felt it as l did. He
was tall, gaunt Scotchman, who had
been II shepherd in his native land. l
had come out from full nest-a happy
home; and the awful monotony of the
Australian wilds seemed sometimes more
than | could bear.
For month at least Long Peter and
had shared the work and the danger be-
tween us, he, as the most experienced,
going out with the sheep, while kept
the hut. cooked the food and attended to
the various duties.
On this particular day had been feel
ing an amount of hstless WEAKNESS
which | could scarcely understand my
self: but the fact was that nervous de-
preston SO overpowered me that when
Bouncer rose up from my feet with a
growl | started as though some terrible
danger was close at hand. I walked to
the door of the hut, as l have said, and
looked keenly all around. but could not
zee anything unusual. Still Bouncer
knew what he was about; he never
growled without having something to
show for it. therefore walked back to
my faithful companion, and, taking his
nuzzle in both my hands. "What is it.
Bouncer, my boy? said. lis it friend
or foe? Almost any one would be well
come in this dreary solitude"
Bouncer had risen to his feet and was
listening intently. Again he growled:
No. not growled. but whined impatiently,
and trotted to the door. Then knew
that whoever might be approaching was
no enemy, but friend. Yet who could
il be? Long Peter and his sheep were
not due yet for nearly an hour, and /
need scarcely say that afternoon visitors
were scarce at Long Ridge. followed
Bouncer to the door of the hut and,
shading my eyes with my hand, looked
earnestly toward the west, which was
the direction in which the dog was look
ing. Presently the quick though muffled
fali of q horses feet became distinctly
sudible. / knew the canter well; it was
that Of Blackfoot, the splendid riding
horse belonging to Mr.. Ashby, the owner
Of the station. Yes, there he was, can
sering over the waving grass and making
straight for Long Ridge. Good after
noon, Jem," he said in his usual pleasant
manner. "Give me a light for my pipe
and morsel to eat, for I must be off
again directly Any news going? Long
Peter is not home yet, l suppose?-
Even as Mr.. Ashby spoke we could
recognize the bleating of the flock, and
could dimly see the white feeces of the
sheep as they emerged from the somber
shadows of the trees. AYE, there they
come" said the master, in a relieved
tone of voice; land now, after few
words with Peter, | can mount and be
On | ought to be at home before it is
quite dark. Jem," he added impress
sively, Il came today to warn you and
Peter that there are blacks in the neigh
borhood They have been lurking round
the home station for several days, and
they mean mischief, too, for their
women are not with them | would
have sent Sam and Jerry here to help
you and Peter. but it is impossible now
10 do so. My wife and children must be
protected, and we need all the hands we
have. | hope your guns are in good or
der. Do you want powder or lead?
I'VE have enough of both," replied,
but we have only half dozen bullets.
I'll run them tomorrow" This i said
with a flush of shame rising to my
cheek, for had not Peter asked me that
very morning to run the bullets? Yet
had spent the long summer day listlessly
reading letters, because, forsooth, saw
no immediate need of the bullets; and
now, thanks to my carelessness, we were
practically unarmed.
Mr.. Ashby did not seem to observe nv
embarrassment, for he was standing at
the door impatiently waiting for Peter
BE had, however, heard my words, for
he replied Immediately: Don't put off
anything till tomorrow, Jem. Fetch the
mold and get the bullets run at once;
then go to the water hole and fetch up as
many bucketfuls as you can stow away
in the hut"
Even as he spoke Peter and his docks
arrived, the animals feeding quietly all
the way along. "Good evening, SIR"
said Long Peter quietly to his master.
I've had some trouble with the beasts
today. Three are missing. l found the
body of one of them Sir, it had been
spearedr
Mr.. Ashby looked full at the man, con-
sternation clearly written in his face.
Are they 50 near us as that, PeterY' he
said ~ must get home tonight. only
came to warn you and Jem."
Il don't think that you can possibly
go, SIR" responded the shepherd, coolly
6lling pannikin Of tea. They are too