Page 23 - A Little Bush Maid
P. 23
Lee Wing, discovered in the onion bed, was presently brought to the
scratch, despite his protests. He said he "couldn’t lun," but was told that in
all probability no running would be required of him. He also said "no can
dlive" many times, and further remarked, "Allee same gleat bosh." When
he saw his arch enemy Hogg among the competitors his resentment was
keen, and Wally was told off to restrain him from flight. Wally’s own idea
was to tie him up by the pigtail, but this Jim was prudent enough to forbid.
Hogg was, as Jim put it, rooting amongst the roses, and grunted freely on
his way to the post. He could never refuse Norah anything, but this
proceeding was much beneath his dignity, and the sight of Lee Wing did
not tend to improve his view of the matter. He stood aloof, with a cold,
proud smile, like a hero of melodrama.
Black Billy was, of course, in the stables, and came with alacrity. He had
not much English and that little was broken, but he worshipped the Linton
children--Jim especially, and would obey him with the unquestioning
obedience of a dog.
"All here?" asked Jim, looking round. "Five, six, eight--that’s all serene.
Now who’s going to drive who?"
Opinions on that point were mixed. Every one wanted the kangaroo, and at
last a general vote gave him to Norah. Wally chose one Wallaby. He said it
was only natural, and made a further remark about the feelings of the others
when "Wally and his wallaby should wallow by them" that was happily
quenched by Harry, who adopted the simple plan of sitting on the orator.
Harry secured the second wallaby, and black Billy was given the Orpington
rooster as his steed. Mrs. Brown from the first applied for the tortoise. She
said it meant less exertion, and she preferred to be slow and sure, without
any risk of over-work. Hogg chose the yellow cat, Tim, and Lee Wing was
given Caesar, the cockatoo.
"Leaving old Fudge for me," Jim said ruefully. "What sort of a chance do
you think T’ve got? Never mind, T’m used to being suppressed."
