Page 103 - A Little Bush Maid

isolation.

"A man might die here half a dozen times, and no one be any the wiser,"
Wally said. "T wouldn’t like it myself."

"Once would be enough for most chaps." Harry grinned.

"Oh, get out! you know what T mean," retorted Wally. "You chaps are
never satisfied unless you’re pulling my leg--it’s a wonder T don’t limp! But

seriously, what a jolly rum life for a man to choose."

"He’s an educated chap, too," Harry said--"talks like a book when he likes. T

wonder what on earth he’s doing it for?"

They had dropped their voices instinctively, and had moved away from the
tent.

"He’s certainly not the ordinary swaggie," Norah said slowly.

"Not by a good bit," Wally agreed. "Why, he can talk like our English
master at school! Perhaps he’s hiding."

"Might be," Harry said. "You never can tell--he’s certainly keen enough on
getting away from people."

"He’s chosen a good place, then."

"Couldn’t be better. T wonder if there’s anything in it—if he really has done
anything and doesn’t want to be found?"

"T never heard such bosh!" said Norah indignantly. "One would think he
really looked wicked, instead of being such a kind old chap. D’you think

he’s gone and committed a murder, or robbed a bank, or something like
that? T wonder you’re not afraid to be in his camp!"

The boys stared in amazement.