Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1891-06-08
ANNAPOLIS, ND MONDAY EVENING. JUNE 8, 1891
THE AUSTRALIANS STORY.

/ had Just nnlshed reading Tor 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-
tion. 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
were its only occupants, the loneliness
of our position was horrible. / don't
think Peter felt it as / did. He was a
tall, gaunt Seotchman, who had been a
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 /
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 listless WEAKNESS which
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 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 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
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 looking.
Presently the quick though mufied 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 wasl 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 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; "and now, after a few words
with Peter, can mount and be off. ]
ought to be at home before it is quite
dark. Jem, Z" he added impressively, Il
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 theml 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 z"
sWe have enough Of both, / replied;
shut we have only half dozen bullets.
I'll run them tomorrow" This said
with 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 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 of 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 fiocks
arrived, the animals feeding quietly all
the way along. Good evening, sir, said
Long Peter quietly to his master. 4rve
had some trouble with the beasts to-day;
three are missing. found the body of
one of them. Sir, it had been spearedl" I"
Mr.. Ashby looked fun at the man, con-
sternation clearly written in his face.
Are they 50 near ms as that, Peter r. he
said. II mustget home tonight. Ionly
came 70 warn you and Jem.
II don't think that you can possibly go.
Sir, responded the shepherd, coolly filing
pannikin of tea. they are too close to
usi"
We looked at the man inquiringly; his
face was pale, but resOlute looking, and
his voice sank to 3 whisper as he added
After seeing the spear wound In the
sheep looked about me pretty sharp,
you may be sure, but saw nothing till /
was. just clear Of the timber; then I
sighted one Of the blacks wriggling
f1arol1ok <I,o rrroua HE 4. ~v.af~o wrvoa.ld