Page 36 - A Little Bush Maid

too far, even if they are hobbled. And mind you bring me home any amount
of fish, Harry and Wal."

"We will, sir," chorused the boys.

Norah leant from her saddle and slipped an arm round her father’s neck.

"Good-bye, Dad, dear."

"Good-bye, my little girl. Be careful--don’t forget." Mr. Linton kissed her
fondly. "Well, you’re all in a hurry--and so am T, to get back to bed!
So-long, all of you. Have a good time."

"So-long!" The echoes brought back the merry shout as the six ponies

disappeared round the bend in the track.

Down the track to the first gate helter-skelter--Billy, holding it open,

showed his white teeth in a broad grin as the merry band swept through.
Then over the long grass of the broad paddock, swift hoofs shaking off the

dewdrops that yet hung sparkling in the sunshine. Billy plodded far behind
with the packhorse, envy in his heart and discontent with the fate that kept
him so far in the rear, compelled to progress at the tamest of jogs.

The second paddock traversed, they passed through the sliprails into a bush

paddock known as the Wide Plain. Tt was heavily timbered towards one
end, where the river formed its boundary, but towards the end at which they
entered was almost cleared, only a few logs lying here and there, and

occasionally a tall dead tree.

"What a place for a gallop!" said Harry. His quiet face was flushed and his
eyes sparkling.

"Look at old Harry!" jeered Wally. "He’s quite excited. Does your mother
know you’re out, Hal?"