Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1891-06-20
THE AUSTRALIANS STORY.

had just finished reading for the
twentieth time my last letter from home
when sudden growl from Bouncer, our
station dog, brought me back from the
dream into which was beginning to fall
and made me drop my letter, look hastily
around. and then walk to the door of the
hut But all was as it should be. Moth
ing unusual was to be seen in any direc-
ton. The sun was sinking blood red be-
hind range of dim blue hills, and stars
were beginning to show on the paling
sky.
Long Ridge Station was very solitary
spot indeed, even at the best of times;
but just at present, when Long Peter and
l were its only occupants, the loneliness
of our position was horrible. 1 don't
think Peter felt it as l did. He was
tall, gaunt Scotchman, who had been
shepherd in his native land. had come
out from full nest-a happy home; and
the awful monotony of the Australian
wilds seemed sometimes more than l
could bear.
For month at least Long Peter and 1
had shared the work and the danger be-
tween us; he, as the most experienced,
going out with the sheep, while I kept
the hut, cooked the food, and attended
to the various duties
On this particular day l had been feel
ing an amount of listless 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 growl started
as though some terrible danger was close
at hand. l walked to the door of the
hut, as have said, and looked keenly all
around, but could not see anything
unusual. Still, Bouncer knew what he
was about; he never growled without
having something to show for it. l,
therefore, walked back to my faithful
companion, and, taking his muzzle in
both my hands, "What is it, Bouncer,
my boy" said. as it friend or foe?
Almost any one would be welcome 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 l knew
that whoever might be approaching was
no enemy, but friend. Yet who could
it be? Long Peter and his sheep were
not due yet for nearly an hour; and I
need scarcely say that afternoon visitors
were scarce at Long Ridge. I followed
Bouncer to the door of the hut, and,
shading my eyes with my hand, looked
earnestly toward the west, which was the
iNl, tbn
Presently the quick though muff1ed fall
of horses feet became distinctly audi
BILE. 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! canter-
ing over the waving grass and making
straight for Long Ridge. Good after
noon, Jem, he said in his usual pleasant
manner. Give me light for my pipe
and morsel to eat, for must be off
again directly. Any news going? Long
Peter is not home yet, suppose?"
Even as Mr.. Ashby spoke we could
recognize the bleating of the flock and
could dimly see the white fieeces 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 off. I
ought to be at home before it is quite
dark. Jem, he added impressively, II
came to-day to warn you and Peter that
there are blacks in the neighborhood.
They have been lurking around 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 to do so; my wife and
children must be protected, and we need
all the hands we have. hope your guns
are in good order. Do you want powder
or lead?"
"We have enough of both, )" l replied
"but we have only half dozen bullets.
I'll run them tomorrow. This l said
with flush of shame rising to my cheek,
for had not Peter asked me that very
morning to run the bullets! Yet I had
spent the long summer day listlessly
reading letters, because, forsooth, l saw
no immediate need of the bullets; and
now, thanks to my carelessness, we were
practically unarmed.
Mr.. Ashby did not seem to observe my
embarrassment; for he was standing at
the door impatiently waiting for Peter;
he had, however, heard my words, for he
replied Immediately, Don't put off any
thing till tomorrow, Jem; fetch the
mold and get the bullets run at once;
then go to the water holes and fetch up
as many buckets full as you can stow
away in the hut"
Even as he spoke Peter and his tiocks
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 to-day