Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1900-09-06
A STORY
OF
The Australian Bush.
By z. z.

O>>>>>>>
Some years ago two men. Charles
Story and Edward Ladbury. had cha ge
of an outlying sheep station belonging
to Mr.. John Hassall. n wealthy Aus
tralian squatter. The first named was
the shepherd, the second the hut keep.
er.
Having dispatched their early break
fast the two men counted and exam
ined their sheep as they came out OF
the fold and picked out those requiring
any particular treatment. Story then
started with the flock to distant pas
ture.
Ladbury had no lack of duties. Late
in the day he returned to the hut to
prepare the evening meal, when he
heard n low moan. He listened; the
sound was repeated.
1t came from cluster Of bushes
little distance off. With an anxious
heart he ran to the place and there
found his comrade lying on the ground,
bleeding from numerous wounds, and
with spear head still sticking in the
body. Lifting Story in his arms he
carried him to the hut and laid him
on his bed.
Its the work of those black fel-
lows" said Ladbury, looking out round
None We're in sight. He came back,
and warming some water, bathed poor
Story's wounds; then he carefully cut
out the barbed head of the spear and
continued bathing the wound, except
for a short time when he poured some
warm tea down the sufferers throat.
Every moment while thus employed
he expected the natives to attack the
hut. He had no longer Rover to give
him warning Of the approach of foe.
There was little doubt that his poor
dog had also been speared.
The pain being soothed. Story at
length, to Ladbury's great JOY. re-
turned to consciousness. and explained
that he had been attacked early in the
day by natives. He had run from them
after receiving several wounds but had
been speared again half mile or so
from the hut, and had crawled the rest
of the distance. till he tainted from the
loss Of blood and the pain he was suf-
fering.
Sad indeed was the condition of these
two poor fellows, with no white man
nearer than 20 miles and no surgeon
within, probably. 200.
Night at length came on. when as the
natives never move about in the dark.
they knew they were safe. But they
both felt certain the attack would be
renewed By daylight, and the event
proved they were right.
Soon after dawn Ladbury, who. over
come with fatigue. had dozed off. was
startled by the sound of n spear being
forced through the reed-made door OF
he hut. Another and another follow
I'd through the slightly formed walls.
I'VE shall be murdered, mate. If
don't put them to flight" he exclaimed.
taking his pocket-knife and bill hook,
the only weapons hepossessed, the first
IN his left hand and the other partly
covered by his coat, so that it looked
like pistol. Suddenly he sprang
through the doorway shouting to the
blacks, nearly 30 of whom he saw be-
fore him. that he would shoot II they
didn't run.
They scarcely daring to look at what
they believed to be his pistol. after
exchanging a few words with each
other. to his great relief began to re-
tire. and as he shouted louder took to
their heels.
I'VE are saved. Charley" he ex
claimed almost brcathless with excite
ment. But the imps will be blch
again. DO you think YOU could move
along II | were TO help you:"
mo. Ned. that | couldn't" answered
Story; but do you get away. iou'e
easily reach Jennymungup before
night fall, and II you can bring help
know you will; II not-why my san,
Is pretty wellnigh run out rs 1t Is
Gods will be done"
.Ieave you. Charley no
what | think of doing" said Iadbury
firmly. while You have life I'll sta,
by you and tend you as well as can
40 that matter Is settled"
Night came on at length they bot
slept. I.adhury was awakened by
call from Story.
Ned. sleep has done me good
think | could travel II | were on III,
legs"
Iadbury silently made up their bed
ding aud the few household article
they possessed into u bundle, which II
hnisted on his broad shoulders.
Now. mate come along" he sal
lifting Story up and making him re-
OH bis arm.
II was two hours past midnight, m
they hoped To get good start of ti'
blacks Hut they had not proceeds
many hundred yards before stor
found he had oyerrated his str, ngt
and sank to the ground.