The Goodland republic. [volume] (Goodland, Kan.) 1891-1907, 1894-04-20
DEAD MANS GULCH.

1t was, think, either in the summer of
1873 or 1874, that 1 was crossing over from
st. Georges Bridge to KalweIl. had been
to rush at Bingera, n. S. W., but, as it
proved rank duffer got up by the local
stOrekeepers l quickly gave it best and
made back by the bridge in hopes of get
ting a droving job from the gulf down
south.
1t was hot weather. Queenslanders will
remember that summer or at least certain
days of it when birds fell dead off the trees
and men were stricken down by the dozen.
There was no drearier track in Australia
than the one l speak Of-all pine scrub,
too thick for a dog to bark in, and sand
deep and heavy.
There was nothing doing in the Bridge,
so l started off for the BarcoO via Berrie
and Bringagee.
1t was only the beginning of the hot sea-
son, and l reckOned on finding water at a
hole in the Mullungudgeree creek, known
of aforetime, and about 20 miles from the
township. 1t was a lovely ride that, with
nothing but walls of scrub on either hand
and glazing sand ahead!
The horses, too, seemed to feel it as they
ly troubling to shake their fly flappers and
dispense the black masses clustering at
each eye. Ones veil even was but poor
protection, for they gathered in such clouds
as to actually obscure the sight.
However, shogging along, with pull at
the water bag now and then, 1 at length
reached the creek.
Following it down, found the hole, al
ready pretty thick, and presently made
more so by the pack horse and dog before l
could get up to stop them wallOwing.
The sun was setting-a big red ball over
the tops of the scrub-as pitched the tent,
made a fire, and hung the billy. Then, as
there was fair picking around the camp, L
hobbled the horses long and belled them.
After supper-biscuits, sardines and
cheese, washed down by tea thrice skim
med and strained felt pretty comfortable
and lay on my blanket to enjoy good
smoke. By this the hot sun had set, and
the moon was rising-b;g, yellow and hot
looking too.
1t was a very lonely camp, and accus-
toned to solitude as 1 was felt it. Doubt
less the feeling was accumulated by the
presence all around of the thick scrub, and
the knowledge that there was no settle
ment about.
Presently little bird known to bushmen
as the shepherds companion" settled on
the ridge pole and piped at regular inter
walls in a shrill, quick monotone-''Pretty
little creature! Sweet, pretty little crea
turep' and felt very grateful to him.
. This and the snoring of my dog, who had
fallen fast sleep on the strength of tin of
81,
was fast getting drowsy and thinking of
turning in, when l heard the noise OF hoofs
coming thump, thump down the dry bed of
the creek.
The dog awoke and barked loudly, and
in another minute a man and woman
rode into the opening and up to the fire.
They each carried a big swag in front of
them, and at a glance l saw that their
horses were not only well bred but had
travelled far and fast.
''Waterp' exclaimed the man. 1 gave
him some, and he lifted his companion off
and handed her the mug.
'sWe're travelin, mate exclaimed he as
helped him to unsaddle. eve got pushed
between here an the Bokhira. It's bit o.
id bad country"
They had not come from that direction
at all. But it was no business of mine, so
1 passed no remark. They had plenty of
tucker with them, and 1 slung the billy
again.
She was fresh looking, pleasant faced
girl, of about IS OF 10, bush born and bred
-one could see that at glance, and prob
ably able to ride like centaur.
He was one of a type knew well. A
cattle man all over, from the long curved
legs of him to the lean, sharp eyed resolute
face; also from his saddle l noticed hang
ing a stockwhip with eur -ously carved
handle. After supper 1 offered them the
use of the tent which was thankfully ac-
cepted. ''The missis," said he, '"lI be only
too glad of the chance. We've had to lie