Telegram-herald., 1891-09-24
THEAUSTRAIIAN'SSTORY

had Just finished reading for the
twentieth time my last letter from home
when a Sudden growl from Borncer,
our station dog, brought me back FROM
the dream into which | was beginning
20 fan and made me drop my letter,
look hastily round and then walk 20 the
door OF the hat. Bat all was as it should
be. Nothing unusual was TO be seen Ia
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 very soil
tary spot indeed, even ar the best Of
times: but just at present. when Long
Peter and We're its oaly occupants, the
loneliness OF our position was horrible.
don't think Peter felt it as / did. He
was tail, gaunt Scotchman, who had
been shepherd in his native land. l
had come out from full nest-a happy
home, and the awful monotony Of the
Australian wiids seemed sometimes more
than could bear.
For q month at least Long Peter and I
had shared the work and the danger be-
tween US, he, "a the most experienced,
going out with the sheep, while l kept
the hat, cooked the food and attended TO
the various duties.
On this particular day had been feel
ing an amount of lis.less WEAKNESS
which / could scarcely understand my
self; but the fact was that nervous de-
preston so oyerpowered me that when
Bouncer rose up from my feet with a
growl | started as though some terrible
danger was close az hand. 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
muzzle in both my hands, ''What is IL,
Bouncer. my boy?" said ''Is it friend
or foe? Almost any one would be well
come in this dreary solitude"
Bouncer had risen TO his feet and was
listening iatently. Again he growled;
TO. not growled. but whined i,npatiently,
and trotted to the door. Then knew
that whoever might be approaching was
no enemy. but a friend. Yet who could
it 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
Bouucer 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 muffied
fall OF q horses feet became distinctly
audible. 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
tering over the waving grass and making
straight for Long Ridge. "Good after
noon, Jem," ne said in his usual pleasant
manner. "Give me u light for my pipe
and q morsel to eat, for l must be off
again directly. Any news going? Long
Peter Is not home yet, SUPPOSE
Even rs Mr.. Ashby spoke we could
recognize the bleating of the fock, and
could dinly 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 relieved
tone CT voice; "and now, after a few
words with Peter, | can mount and be
on. i ought to be az home before it is
quite DARK. Jem." he added impres-
sively, ~ came today TO warn you and
Peter that there are blacks in the neigh
borhood. They have been lp-king round
tho home station for several DAYS, and
they mean mischief, too, for their
women are not with them. I would
have sent Sam and Jerry here TO help
you and Peter, but it is impossible now
10 do So Ny wife and children must be
protected. and we need all the hands we
have. hops your guns are in good or
der. Do You want powder or lesR
I'VE have enough Of both" replied,
''but we have only half dozen bullets
I'll run them tomorrow" This I said
with fush 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 hstlessly
reading letters. because, forsooth. saw
no immediate need Of the bullets, and
now. thanks TO my carelessness. we were
practically unaTrned.
Mr. Ashby did not seem 10 observe my
embarrassment. for he was standing a.
the door impatiently waiting for Peter.
He had. however. heard my words. for
ne replied immediately: Don't put of
anything till tomorrow. yern. Fetch the
mold and get the bullets run at once:
then 70 20 the water hole and fetch ap IS
many bscketfuls as you can stow away
IN the hat
Even "a he spoke Peter and his focks
arrived. tho animals feeding quietly all
the way along. Good evening. Gr.'
eaid Long Peter quietly to his master.
"I've hal some trouble with the beasts
today. Three are missing. found the
body Of one Of them. Sir. it had been
speared"
Mr.. Ashby looked fuil at the man. con-
sternation clearly written in his face.
Are they So near us Ne that. Peter he
saisf. Ell must gee home tonight. I only
came 10 warn you and Jem."
~r don't think thzt yen can possibly
IN. sir responded the shepherd. eoolly
Rllinx 4 psnnixia Ct tea. They are too
s.issss, - sssf