Page 27 - A Little Bush Maid

Now Jonah was a tame bird. He was accustomed to being handled, and had
only been indignant at the disgrace of bonds. This new departure was

something he understood; so he gobbled up the wheat with alacrity and
looked up inquiringly for more.

"Right oh!" said Bffly, retiring a few steps down the track and bringing out
another grain. Jonah sprang after it, and then was dazzled with the view of

two lying yet a few yards farther off. So, feeding and coaxing, black Billy
worked his unsuspecting steed across the little paddock.

No one was near when he reached the winning post, to which he promptly
tied Jonah, and, his purpose being accomplished, and no need of further

bribery being necessary, sat down beside him and meditatively began to
chew the remainder of his wheat. Jonah looked indignant, and poked round

after more grains, an attention which Billy met with jeers and continued
heartless mastication, until the Orpington gave up the quest in digust, and
retired to the limit of his tether. Billy sat quietly, with steadfast glittering

eyes twinkling in his dusky face.

"Hallo!" Tt was Jim’s voice. "Where are all the rest? D’you mean to say
you’re the only one to get here?"

Billy grinned silently.

Sounds of mirth floated over the grass, and Norah, Harry and Wally raced
up.

"Where are your mokes?" queried Jim.

"The good knights are dust, Their mokes are rust,"

misquoted Wally cheerfully.

"We don’t know, bless you. Cleared out, harness and all. We’ll have a

wallaby and kangaroo hunt after this. Who’s won?"