Page 97 - A Little Bush Maid

"By George!" said Jim remorsefully. "Why, we ate all your damper at
lunch!"

"T can easily manufacture another," the Hermit said, laughing. "T’m used to

the process. Only T don’t suppose T could get it done soon enough for
afternoon tea."

"We’ve loads of tucker," Jim said. "Far more than we’re likely to eat. Milk,
too. We meant to boil the billy again before we start for home."

"T’ll tell you what," Norah said, struck by a brilliant idea. "Let’s coo-ee for
Billy, and when he comes send him back for our things. Then if—if Mr.

Hermit likes, we could have tea at his camp."

"Why, that’s a splendid notion," the Hermit cried. "T’m delighted that you
thought of it, Miss Norah, although T’m sorry my guests have to supply their
own meal! Tt doesn’t seem quite the thing--but in the bush, polite customs

have to fall into disuse. T only keep up my own good manners by practising
on old Turpentine, my snake! However, if you’re so kind as to overlook my

deficiencies, and make them up yourselves, by all means let us come along
and coo-ee for sweet William!"

He shouldered one of the bags of fish as he spoke, disregarding a protest
from the boys. Jim took the second, and they set out for the camp.

Their way led for some time along the track by which they had come, if
"track" it might be called. Certainly, the Hermit trod it confidently enough,

but the others could only follow in his wake, and wonder by what process
he found his way so quickly through the thick bush.

About half a mile along the creek the Hermit suddenly turned off almost at
right angles, and struck into the scrub. The children followed him closely,

keeping as nearly at his heels as the nature of the path would permit.

Norah found it not very pleasant. The Hermit went at a good rate, swinging
over the rough ground with the sure-footed case of one accustomed to the