The Dickinson press., 1891-04-18
AN STORY

HAD just finished reading for thetwen-
tieth time my last letter from home when
a sudden growl from BDuncrr, our station
dog, brought me back from the dream in
to which | was beginning to fall and
made me drop my letter, look hastily
round, and then walk to the door of the
hut. But all was rs it should be. Moth
ing unusual was to be seen in any direc-
ton. The sun was sinking blood-red be-
hind a range of dim blue hills and stars
were beginning to show on the paling sky.
Long Ridge station was Il very solitary
spot indeed, even at the best of times; but
just at present, when Long Peter and
were it's only occupants, the loneliness of
our position was horrible. | don't think
Peter felt as l did. He was a.tall, gannt
ScOtchman, who had been ii shepherd in
his native land. l had come out from Il
full nest-a happy home; and the awful
mOnOtony OF the Australian wilds seemed
sometimes more than l could bear.
For a month at least Long Peter and l
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 llstless WEAKNESS which
l could scarcely understand myself; but
the fact was that nervous depression so
%overpowered me that when Bouncer rose
up from my feet with a growl, l started as
though some terrible danger was close at
hand. l walked to the door of the hut, as |
have said, and looked keen'y all around,
but could not see anything unusual. Still
never growled without having something
to show for it. Therefore walked back to
my faithful companion, and, taking his
smuzzle in both my hands, what is it,
Bouncer. my boy?~ l said. SIS 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 hegrowled; no,
not growled, but whined impatiently, and
trOtted to the door. Then l knew that
whoever might he approaching was no
enemy, but a friend. Yet who could it be ?
Long Peter and his sheen were not due yet
for nearly an hour; and 1 need scarsely 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 the dog was look
inc pracopflv tho rnioly thr,,r6 ,,rfI}al
fall of a horses hOofs became distinctly
audible. Iknew the canter well;it was
that of Biackfoot, the splendid riding horse
belongingt to Mr.. Ashby, the owner of the
station. Yes,there he was cantering over
the waving grass and making straight for
Long Ridge. "GOOd-afternOOn, Jam," he
saidin his usual pleasant manner. "Give
mea light fer my pipe and a morselt to eat,
for l must be off again directly. ANY news
sizing? Long Peter is not home yet, !
S&s 2s9se"
IN as Mr.. Ashby spoke we could rec.
SITE the bleating of tie flock and could
fnly see the white tleeces of the
Nheep as they emerged from the sombr,
shadows Of the trees. SAY, there they
come" said the master, in a relieved tone
of voice; land now, after a few words
with Peter, l can mount and be off.
ought to be home before it is quite dark
Jem." he added impressively, Il came to
day to warn you and Peter that there are
blacks in the neighborhood. They have
been lurking round the home station fol
several days, and they mean mischief. too
for their women are not with them.
would have sent Sam and Jerry here tt
help you and Peter, but it is impossible
now to do so; my wife and children mus
be protected. and we need all the hand,
we have. l hope your guns are in gcot
order? Do you want powder or lead %
I'VE have enough of BOTH" l replied
"but We have only half a dozen bullets
I'll run them tomorrow" This l sait
with q flush of shame rising to my cheek
for had not Peter asked me that YER,
morning to run the bullets? Yet l hat
spent the long summer day listlessIy read
ing letters, because. forsooth, ! saw NJ
Immediate need of the bullets; and now
thanks to my careiessness. we were prac
tically unarmed.
Mr.. Ashby did not seem to notice IN,
embarrassment, for he was standing at tn
door impatiently waiting for Peter; h
had, however, heard my words, for he re