Page 70 - A Little Bush Maid

account for being here?"

Norah laughed. She decided that she liked this very peculiar old man,
whose eyes twinkled so brightly as he spoke.

"But T don’t think you know," she said. "Quite a lot of other people come
here--this is Anglers’ Bend. At least, Anglers’ Bend’s quite close to your

camp. Why, only, to-day there’s Jim and the boys, and black Billy, and me!
We’re not wallabies!"

"Jim--and the boys--and black Billy--and me!" echoed the old man faintly.
"Angels and ministers of grace, defend us! And T thought T had found the

back of beyond, where T would never see anyone more civilized than a
bunyip! But--T’ve been here for three months, little lady, and have never

come across anyone. Are you sure you’re quite serious?"

"Quite," Norah answered. "Perhaps it was that no one came across you, you

know, because people really do come here to fish. Dad and T camp here
sometimes, but we haven’t been for more than three months."

"Well, T must move, that’s all," said the old man. "T do like quiet--it’s
annoying enough to have to dress up and go into a township now and then

for stores. How do you like my clothes, by the way? T may as well have a
feminine opinion while T have the chance."

"Did you make them yourself?" asked Norah.

"Behold how she fences!" said the old man. "T did indeed!"

"Then they do you proud!" said Norah solemnly.

The old man laughed.

"T shall prize your expression of opinion," he said. "May T ask the name of

my visitor?"