CONTENTS
RIOGRANDE’SLASTRACE
NowthiswaswhatMacphersontold-
1
BYTHEGREYGULF-WATER
FartotheNorthwardthereliesaland，-
7
WITHTHECATTLE
Thedroughtisdownonfieldandflock，-
9
THEFIRSTSURVIVOR
`Theopeningoftherailwayline！-theGovernorandall！-
15
MULGABILL’SBICYCLE
’TwasMulgaBill，fromEaglehawk，thatcaughtthecyclingcraze；-
19
THEPEARLDIVER
KanzoMakame，thediver，sturdyandsmallJapanee-
23
THECITYOFDREADFULTHIRST
ThestrangercamefromNarromineandmadehislittlejoke-
28
SALTBUSHBILL’SGAMECOCK
’TwasSaltbushBill，withhistravellingsheep，wasmakinghiswaytotown-
33
HAYANDHELLANDBOOLIGAL
`Youcomeandseeme，boys，’hesaid；-
39
AWALGETTEPISODE
Thesunstrikesdownwithablindingglare，-
42
FATHERRILEY’SHORSE
’Twasthehorsethief，AndyRegan，thatwashuntedlikeadog-
45
THESCOTCHENGINEER
Witheyesthatsearchedinthedark，-
53
SONGOFTHEFUTURE
’Tisstrangethatinalandsostrong，-
57
ANTHONYCONSIDINE
OutinthewastesoftheWestcountrie，-
66
SONGOFTHEARTESIANWATER
Nowthestockhavestarteddying，fortheLordhassentadrought；-
69
ADISQUALIFIEDJOCKEY’SSTORY
Yousee，thethingwasthisway-therewasme，-
73
THEROADTOGUNDAGAI
Themountainroadgoesupanddown，-
77
SALTBUSHBILL’SSECONDFIGHT
ThenewscamedownontheCastlereagh，andwenttotheworldatlarge，-
79
HARDLUCK
Ileftthecourse，andbymyside-
87
SONGOFTHEFEDERATION
Asthenationssattogether，grimlywaiting-
89
THEOLDAUSTRALIANWAYS
TheLondonlightsarefarabeam-
92
THEBALLADOFTHECALLIOPE
BythefarSamoanshore，-
96
DOTHEYKNOW？
Dotheyknow？Attheturntothestraight102
THEPASSINGOFGUNDAGAI
`I’llintrodooceafriend！’hesaid，-
104
THEWARGEILAHHANDICAP
Wargeilahtownisverysmall，-
108
ANYOTHERTIME
Allofusplayourverybestgame-
115
THELASTTRUMP
`Youledthetrump，’theoldmansaid-
118
TARANDFEATHERS
Oh！thecircusswoopeddown-
120
IT’SGRAND
It’sgrandtobeasquatter-
123
OUTOFSIGHT
Theyheldapolomeetingatalittlecountrytown，-
126
THEROADTOOLDMAN’STOWN
Thefieldsofyoutharefilledwithflowers，-
128
THEOLDTIMER’SSTEEPLECHASE
Thesheepwereshornandthewoolwentdown-
130
INTHESTABLE
What！Youdon’tlikehim；well，maybe-weallhaveourfancies，ofcourse：-
137
``HEGIVETHHISBELOVEDSLEEP’’
Thelongdaypasseswithitsloadofsorrow：-
144
DRIVERSMITH
’TwasDriverSmithofBatteryAwasanxioustoseeafight；-
146
THERE’SANOTHERBLESSEDHORSEFELLDOWN
Whenyou’relyinginyourhammock，sleepingsoftandsleepingsound，-
151
ONTHETREK
Oh，theweary，wearyjourneyonthetrek，dayafterday，-
153
THELASTPARADE
Withneverasoundoftrumpet，-
155
WITHFRENCHTOKIMBERLEY
TheBoersweredownonKimberleywithsiegeandMaximgun；-
158
JOHNNYBOER
Menfightallshapesandsizesastheracinghorsesrun，-
164
WHATHAVETHECAVALRYDONE
Whathavethecavalrydone？-
167
RIGHTINTHEFRONTOFTHEARMY
`Where’aveyoubeenthisweekormore，-
169
THATV。C。
’Twasinthedaysoffrontattack，-
171
FEDUP
Iain’tatimidmanatall，I’mjustasbraveasmost，-
173
JOCK！
There’sasoldierthat’sbeendoingofhisshare-
175
SANTACLAUS
Halt！Whogoesthere？Thesentry’scall-
177
RIOGRANDE’SLASTRACE
NOWthiswaswhatMacphersontoldWhilewaitinginthestand；
Arecklessrider，over-bold，TheonlymanwithhandstoholdTherushingRioGrande。
Hesaid，`ThisdayIbidgood-bye`Tobitandbridlerein，`Toditchesdeepandfenceshigh，`ForIhavedreamedadream，andI
`Shallneverrideagain。
`IdreamtlastnightIrodethisrace`ThatIto-daymustride，`Andcant’ringdowntotakemyplace`Isawfullmanyanoldfriend’sface`Comestealingtomyside。
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`Deadmenonhorseslongsincedead，`Theyclusteredonthetrack；
`Thechampionsofthedayslongfled，`Theymovedaroundwithnoiselesstread-
`Bay，chestnut，brown，andblack。
`Andonemanonabiggreysteed`Rodeupandwavedhishand；
`Saidhe，``Wehelpafriendinneed，```Andwehavecometogivealead`ToyouandRioGrande。
```Foryoumustgivethefieldtheslip，```Soneverdrawtherein，```Butkeephimmovingwiththewhip，```Andifhefalter-setyourlip```Androusehimupagain。
```Butwhenyoureachthebigstonewall，```Putdownyourbridlehand```Andlethimsail-hecannotfall-
```Butdon’tyouinterfereatall；
```YoutrustoldRioGrande。’’
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`Westarted，andinfrontweshowed，`Thebighorserunningfree：
`Rightfearlesslyandgamehestrode，`Andbymysidethosedeadmenrode`Whomnooneelsecouldsee。
`Assilentlyasfliesabird，`Theyrodeoneitherhand；
`AteveryfenceIplainlyheard`Thephantomleadergivetheword，```MakeroomforRioGrande！’’
`Ispurredhimontogetthelead，`Ichancedfullmanyafall；
`Butswifterstilleachphantomsteed`Keptwithme，andatracingspeed`Wereachedthebigstonewall。
`Andtherethephantomsoneachside`Drewinandblockedhisleap；
`\"Makeroom！makeroom！\"Iloudlycried，`Butrightinfronttheyseemedtoride-
`Icursedtheminmysleep。
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`Heneverflinched，hefaceditgame，`Hestruckitwithhischest，`Andeverystoneburstoutinflame，`AndRioGrandeandIbecame`Asphantomswiththerest。
`AndthenIwoke，andforaspace`AllnervelessdidIseem；
`ForIhaveriddenmanyarace，`Butneveroneatsuchapace`Asinthatfearfuldream。
`AndIamsureasmancanbe`Thatoutuponthetrack，`Thosephantomsthatmencannotsee`Arewaitingnowtoridewithme，`AndIshallnotcomeback。
`ForImustridethedeadmen’srace，`Andfollowtheircommand；
`’Twereworsethandeath，thefouldisgrace`IfIshouldfeartotakemyplace`To-dayonRioGrande。’
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Hemounted，andajesthethrew，Withneversignofgloom；
ButallwhoheardthestoryknewThatJackMacpherson，braveandtrue，Wasgoingtohisdoom。
Theystarted，andthebigblacksteedCameflashingpastthestand；
Allsingle-handedintheleadHestrodealongatracingspeed，ThemightyRioGrande。
Butonhisribsthewhalebonestung，Amadnessitdidseem！
AndsoonitroseoneverytongueThatJackMacphersonrodeamongThecreaturesofhisdream。
Helookedtoleftandlookedtoright，Asthoughmenrodebeside；
AndRioGrande，withfoam-fleckswhite，RacedathisjumpsinheadlongflightAndclearedtheminhisstride。
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Butwhentheyreachedthebigstonewall，Downwentthebridle-hand，AndloudweheardMacphersoncall，`Makeroom，orhalfthefieldwillfall！
`MakeroomforRioGrande！’……
`He’sdown！he’sdown！’AndhorseandmanLayquietsidebyside！
Noneedthepallidfacetoscan，WeknewwithRioGrandeheranTheracethedeadmenride。
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BYTHEGREYGULF-WATER
FARtotheNorthwardthereliesaland，Awonderfullandthatthewindsblowover，AndnonemayfathomnorunderstandThecharmitholdsfortherestlessrover；
Agreatgreychaos-alandhalfmade，Whereendlessspaceisandnolifestirreth；
AndthesoulofamanwillrecoilafraidFromthesphinx-likevisagethatNatureweareth。
ButoldDameNature，thoughscornful，cravesHerdoleofdeathandhershareofslaughter；
ManyindeedarethenamelessgravesWherehervictimssleepbytheGreyGulf-water。
Slowlyandslowlythosegreystreamsglide，Driftingalongwithalanguidmotion，Lappingthereed-bedsoneitherside，WendingtheirwaytotheNorthernOcean。
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GreyaretheplainswheretheemuspassSilentandslow，withtheirstaiddemeanour；
Overthedeadmen’sgravesthegrassMaybeiswavingatriflegreener。
DownintheworldwherementoilandspinDameNaturesmilesasman’shandhastaughther；
OnlythedeadmenhersmilescanwinInthegreatlonelandbytheGreyGulf-water。
Forthestrengthofmanisaninsect’sstrengthInthefaceofthatmightyplainandriver，Andthelifeofamanisamoment’slengthTothelifeofthestreamthatwillrunforever。
AndsoitcomeththeytakenopartInsmall-worldworries；eachhardyroverRidethabroadandislightofheart，Withtheplainsaroundandtheblueskyover。
AndupintheheavensthebrownlarksingsThesongsthatthestrangewildlandhastaughther；
Fullofthanksgivinghersweetsongrings-
AndIwishIwerebackbytheGreyGulf-water。
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WITHTHECATTLE
THEdroughtisdownonfieldandflock，Theriver-bedisdry；
AndwemustshiftthestarvingstockBeforethecattledie。
WemusterupwithwearyheartsAtbreakingoftheday，Andturnourheadstoforeignparts，Totakethestockaway。
Andit’shunt’emupanddog’em，Andit’sgetthewhipandflog’em，Forit’swearyworkisdrovingwhenthey’redyingeveryday；
Bystock-routesbareandeaten，Ondustyroadsandbeaten，Withhalfachancetosavetheirliveswetakethestockaway。
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WecannotusethewhipforshameOnbeaststhatcrawlalong；
Wehavetodroptheweakandlame，Andtrytosavethestrong；
ThewrathofGodisonthetrack，Thedroughtfiendholdshissway，WithblowsandcriesandstockwhipcrackWetakethestockaway。
Astheyfallweleavethemlying，Withthecrowstowatchthemdying，GrimsextonsoftheOverlandthatfastenontheirprey；
Bythefierydust-stormdrifting，Andthemockingmirageshifting，Inheatanddroughtandhopelesspainwetakethestockaway。
IndulldespairthedaysgobyWithneverhopeofchange，ButeverystagewedrawmorenighTowardsthemountainrange；
Andsomemaylivetoclimbthepass，Andreachthegreatplateau，Andrevelinthemountaingrass，Bystreamletsfedwithsnow。
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AsthemountainwindisblowingItstartsthecattlelowing，Andcallingtoeachotherdownthedustylongarray；
Andtherespeaksagrizzleddrover：
`Well，thankGod，theworstisover，`Thecreaturessmellthemountaingrassthat’stwentymilesaway。’
Theypresstowardsthemountaingrass，TheylookwitheagereyesAlongtheruggedstonypass，Thatslopestowardstheskies；
Theirfeetmaybleedfromrocksandstones，Butthoughtheblood-dropstarts，Theystruggleonwithstifledgroans，Forhopeisintheirhearts。
Andthecattlethatareleading，Thoughtheirfeetarewornandbleeding，Arebreakingtoakindofrun-pullup，andletthemgo！
Forthemountainwindisblowing，Andthemountaingrassisgrowing，Theysettledownbyrunningstreamsice-coldwithmeltedsnow……
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ThedaysaredoneofheatanddroughtUponthestrickenplain；
Thewindhasshiftedrightabout，Andbroughtthewelcomerain；
Theriverrunswithsullenroar，Allfleckedwithyellowfoam，Andwemusttaketheroadoncemore，Tobringthecattlehome。
Andit’s`Lads！we’llraiseachorus，`There’sapleasanttripbeforeus。’
Andthehorsesboundbeneathusaswestartthemdownthetrack；
Andthedroverscanter，singing，Throughthesweetgreengrassesspringing，Towardsthefar-offmountain-land，tobringthecattleback。
ArethesethebeastswebroughtawayThatmovesolivelynow？
TheyscatterofflikeflyingsprayAcrossthemountain’sbrow；
AnddashingdowntheruggedrangeWehearthestockwhipcrack，Goodfaith，itisawelcomechangeTobringsuchcattleback。
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Andit’s`Steadydowntheleadthere！’
Andit’s`Let’emstopandfeedthere！’
Forthey’rewildasmountaineaglesandtheirsidesareallafoam；
Butthey’resettlingdownalready，Andthey’lltravelniceandsteady，Withcheerycallandjestandsongwefetchthecattlehome。
WehavetowatchthemcloseatnightForfearthey’llmakearush，AndbreakawayinheadlongflightAcrosstheopenbush；
Andbythecamp-fire’scheeryblaze，Withmellowvoiceandstrong，WehearthelonelywatchmanraiseTheOverlander’ssong：
`Oh！it’swhenwe’redonewithroving，`Withthecampingandthedroving，`It’shomewarddowntheBlandwe’llgo，andnevermorewe’llroam；’
Whilethestarsshineoutaboveus，Liketheeyesofthosewholoveus-
Theeyesofthosewhowatchandwaittogreetthecattlehome。
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Theplainsareallawavewithgrass，Theskiesaredeepestblue；
AndleisurelythecattlepassAndfeedthelongdaythrough；
Butwhenwesightthestationgate，Wemakethestockwhipscrack，AwelcomesoundtothosewhowaitTogreetthecattleback：
AndthroughthetwilightfallingWeheartheirvoicescalling，Asthecattlesplashacrossthefordandchurnitintofoam；
Andthechildrenruntomeetus，Andourwivesandsweetheartsgreetus，TheirheroesfromtheOverlandwhobroughtthecattlehome。
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THEFIRSTSURVEYOR
`THEopeningoftherailwayline！-theGovernorandall！
`Withflagsandbannersdownthestreet，abanquetandaball。
`Harkto’ematthestationnow！They’reraisingcheeroncheer！
```Themanwhobroughttherailwaythrough-ourfriendtheengineer！’’
`Theycheerhispluckandenterpriseandengineeringskill！
`’TwasmyoldhusbandfoundthepassbehindthatbigRedHill。
`Beforetheengineerwasgrownwesettledwithourstock`Behindthatgreatbigmountainchain，alineofrangeandrock-
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`Alinethatkeptusstarvingthereinwearyweeksofdrought，`Withne’eratrackacrosstherangetoletthecattleout。
`’Twasthen，withhorsesstarvedandweakandscarcelyfittocrawl，`Myhusbandwenttofindawayacrossthatrockywall。
`Hevanishedinthewilderness，Godknowswherehewasgone，`Hehuntedtillhisfoodgaveout，butstillhebattledon。
`Hishorsesstrayed-’twaswelltheydid-theymadetowardsthegrass，`Anddownbehindthatbigredhilltheyfoundaneasypass。
`Hefollowedupandblazedthetrees，toshowthesafesttrack，`Thendrewhisbeltanotherholeandturnedandstartedback。
`Hishorsesdied-justonepulledthroughwithnothingmuchtospare；
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`Godblessthebeastthatbroughthimhome，theoldwhiteArabmare！
`Wedrovethecattlethroughthehills，alongthenew-foundway，`Andthiswasourfirstcamping-ground-justwhereIliveto-day。
`Thenotherscameacrosstherangeandbuiltthetownshiphere，`Andthentherecametherailwaylineandthisyoungengineer。
`Hedroveaboutwithtentsandtraps，acooktocookhismeals，`Abathtowashhimselfatnight，achain-manathisheels。
`Andthatwasallthepluckandskillforwhichhe’scheeredandpraised，`Forafterallhetookthetrack，thesamemyhusbandblazed！
`Mypooroldhusband，deadandgonewithneverfeastnorcheer；
`He’sburiedbytherailwayline！-Iwondercanhehear`Whendowntheverytrackhemarked，andclosetowherehe’slaid，Page：18
`Thecattletrainsgoroaringdowntheone-in-thirtygrade。
`Iwonderdoeshehearthempassandcanheseethesight，`Whenthroughthedarkthefastexpressgoesflamingbyatnight。
`Ithink’twouldcomforthimtoknowthere’ssomeonelefttocare，`I’lltakesomethingsthisverynightandholdabanquetthere！
`Thehardoldfarewe’veoftensharedtogether，himandme，`Somedamperandabiteofbeef，apannikinoftea：
`We’lldowithoutthebandsandflags，thespeechesandthefuss，`Weknowwhooughttogetthecheersandthat’senoughforus。
`What’sthat？TheywishthatI’dcomedown-theoldestsettlerhere！
`PresentmetotheGovernorandthatyoungengineer！
`Well，justyoutellhisExcellenceandputthethingpolite，`I’msorry，butIcan’tcomedown-I’mdiningoutto-night！’
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MULGABILL’SBICYCLE
’TwasMulgaBill，fromEaglehawk，thatcaughtthecyclingcraze；
Heturnedawaythegoodoldhorsethatservedhimmanydays；
Hedressedhimselfincyclingclothes，resplendenttobeseen；
Hehurriedofftotownandboughtashiningnewmachine；
Andashewheeleditthroughthedoor，withairoflordlypride，Thegrinningshopassistantsaid，`Excuseme，canyouride？’
`See，here，youngman，’saidMulgaBill，`fromWalgetttothesea，`FromConroy’sGaptoCastlereagh，there’snonecanridelikeme。
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`I’mgoodallroundateverything，aseverybodyknows，`AlthoughI’mnottheonetotalk-Ihateamanthatblows。
`Butridingismyspecialgift，mychiefest，soledelight；
`Justaskawildduckcanitswim，awildcatcanitfight。
`There’snothingclothedinhairorhide，orbuiltoffleshorsteel，`There’snothingwalksorjumps，orruns，onaxle，hoof，orwheel，`ButwhatI’llsit，whilehidewillholdandgirthsandstrapsaretight：
`I’llridethisheretwo-wheeledconcernrightstraightawayatsight。’
’TwasMulgaBill，fromEaglehawk，thatsoughthisownabode，ThatperchedabovetheDeadMan’sCreek，besidethemountainroad。
Heturnedthecycledownthehillandmountedforthefray，Buterehe’dgoneadozenyardsitboltedcleanaway。
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Itleftthetrack，andthroughthetrees，justlikeasilverstreak，Itwhistleddowntheawfulslope，towardstheDeadMan’sCreek。
Itshavedastumpbyhalfaninch，itdodgedabigwhite-box：
Theverywallaroosinfrightwentscramblinguptherocks，Thewombatshidingintheircavesdugdeeperunderground，AsMulgaBill，aswhiteaschalk，sattighttoeverybound。
Itstruckastoneandgaveaspringthatclearedafallentree，Itracedbesideaprecipiceascloseasclosecouldbe；
AndthenasMulgaBillletoutonelastdespairingshriekItmadealeapoftwentyfeetintotheDeadMan’sCreek。
’TwasMulgaBill，fromEaglehawk，thatslowlyswamashore：
Hesaid，`I’vehadsomenarrershavesandlivelyridesbefore；
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`I’verodeawildbullroundayardtowinafivepoundbet，`ButthiswasthemostawfulridethatI’veencounteredyet。
`I’llgivethattwo-wheeledoutlawbest；it’sshakenallmynerve`Tofeelitwhistlethroughtheairandplungeandbuckandswerve。
`It’ssafeatrestinDeadMan’sCreek，we’llleaveitlyingstill；
`Ahorse’sbackisgoodenoughhenceforthforMulgaBill。’
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THEPEARLDIVER
KANZOMAKAME，thediver，sturdyandsmallJapanee，Seekerofpearlsandofpearl-shelldowninthedepthsofthesea，Trudgedo’erthebedoftheocean，searchingindustriously。
Overthepearl-grounds，theluggerdrifted-alittlewhitespeck：
JoeNagasaki，the`tender’，holdingthelife-lineondeck，Talkedthroughtheropetothediver，knewwhentodriftortocheck。
Kanzowaskingofhislugger，masteranddiverinone，Divingwhereveritpleasedhim，takinginstructionsfromnone；
Hitherandthitherhewandered，steeringbystarsandbysun。
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Fearlesshewasbeyondcredence，lookingatdeatheyetoeye：
Thiswashisformulaalways，`Allmangodeadby-and-bye-
`S’posingtimecomenocanhelpit-s’posetimenocome，thennodie。’
DivedinthedepthsoftheDarnleys，downtwentyfathomandfive；
Downwherebylawandbyreason，menareforbiddentodive；
Downinapressuresoawfulthatonlythestrongestsurvive：
Sweatedfourmenattheairpumps，fastasthehandlescouldgo，Forcingtheairdownthatreachedhimheated，andtainted，andslow-
KanzoMakamethediverstayedsevenminutesbelow；
Cameupondecklikeadeadman，paralysedbodyandbrain；
Suffered，whilebloodwasreturning，infinitetorturesofpain：
SailedonceagaintotheDarnleys-laughedanddescendedagain！……
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Scarcegrewtheshellintheshallows，rarelyapatchcouldtheytouch；
Alwaysthetakewassolittle，alwaysthelaboursomuch；
AlwaystheythoughtoftheIslandsheldbythelumberingDutch，Islandswhereshellwasinplentylyinginpassageandbay，Islandswherediverscouldgatherhundredsofshellinaday：
ButthelumberingDutch，withtheirgunboats，huntedthediversaway。
JoeNagasaki，the`tender’，findingtheprofitsgrowsmall，Said，`LetusgototheIslands，tryforanumberonehaul！
`Ifwegetcaught，gotoprison-letthemtakeluggerandall！’
KanzoMakame，thediver-knowingfullwellwhatitmeant-
Fatalist，gambler，andstoic，smiledabroadsmileofcontent，Flattenedinmainsailandforesail，andofftotheIslandstheywent。
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Closetotheheadlandstheydrifted，pickingupshellbytheton，Piledupondeckweretheoysters，openingwideinthesun，When，fromtheleeoftheheadland，boomedthereportofagun。
Oncethatthediverwassightedpearl-shellandluggermustgo。
JoeNagasakidecided-quickwasthewordandtheblow-
Cutboththepipeandthelife-line，leavingthediverbelow！
KanzoMakame，thediver，failingtoquiteunderstand，Pulledthe`haulup’onthelife-line，founditwasslackinhishand；
Then，likealittlebrownstoic，laydownanddiedonthesand。
JoeNagasaki，the`tender’，smilingasanctifiedsmile，Headedherstraightforthegunboat-throwingoutshellsallthewhile-
Thenwentaboardandreported，`Nomakeediveinthreemile！
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`Dressnohavegotandnohelmet-divergoshoreonthespree；
`Plentywindcomeandbreakrudder-luggergetblownouttosea：
`TakemetoJapaneeConsul，hehelpapoorJapanee！’……
SotheDutchlethimgo，andtheywatchedhim，asofffromtheIslandsheran，Doubtinghimmuch，butwhatwouldyou？YouhavetobesureofyourmanEreyouwakeupthatnest-fullofhornets-thelittlebrownmenofJapan。
Downintheoozeandthecoral，downwhereearth’swondersarespread，Helmeted，ghastly，andswollen，KanzoMakameliesdead：
JoeNagasaki，his`tender’，isowneranddiverinstead。
Wearerofpearlsinyournecklace，comfortyourselfifyoucan，Thesearetherisksofthepearling-thesearethewaysofJapan，`PlentymoreJapaneediver，plentymorelittlebrownman！’
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THECITYOFDREADFULTHIRST
THEstrangercamefromNarromineandmadehislittlejoke-
`TheysaywefolksinNarrominearenarrow-mindedfolk。
`Butallthesmartestmendownherearepuzzledtodefine`AkindofnewphenomenonthatcametoNarromine。
`LastsummerupinNarromine’twasgettin’ratherwarm-
`Twohundredinthewater-bag，andlookin’likeastorm-
`Weallwereintheprivatebar，thecoolestplaceintown，`Whenoutacrossthestretchofplainacloudcamerollin’down，Page：29
`Wedon’trespectthecloudsupthere，theyfilluswithdisgust，`TheymostlybringaBoganshower-threerain-dropsandsomedust；
`Buteachman，simultaneous-like，toeachmansaid，\"Ithink`Thatcloudsuggestsit’suptoustohaveanotherdrink！\"
`There’scloudsofrainandcloudsofdust-we’dheardofthembefore，`Andsometimesinthedailypresswereadof\"cloudsofwar\"：
`But-ifthisain’ttheGospeltruthIhopethatImayburst-
`ThatcloudthatcametoNarrominewasjustacloudofthirst。
`Itwasn’tlikeacommoncloud，’twasmoreasortofhaze；
`Itsettleddownaboutthestreets，andstoppedfordaysanddays，`Andnotadropofdewcouldfallandnotasunbeamshine`TopiercethatdismalsortofmistthathungonNarromine。
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`Oh，Lord！wehadadreadfultimebeneaththatcloudofthirst！
`Weallchucked-upourdailyworkandwentupontheburst。
`Theveryblacksaboutthetownthatusedtocadgeforgrub，`Theymadeanorganisedattackandtriedtolootthepub。
`Wecouldn’tleavetheprivatebarnomatterhowwetried；
`Shearersandsquatters，union-menandblacklegssidebyside`Weredrinkin’thereanddursn’tmove，foreachwassure，hesaid，`Beforehe’dgetahalf-a-milethethirstwouldstrikehimdead！
`Wedrankuntilthedrinkgaveout，wesearchedfromroomtoroom，`Androundthepub，likedrunkenghosts，wenthowlingthroughthegloom。
`Theshearersfoundsomekeroseneandsettleddownagain，`ButallthesquatterchapsandI，westaggeredtothetrain。
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`And，onceoutsidethecloudofthirst，wefeltasrightaspie，`Butwhilewestoppedaboutthetownwehadtodrinkordie。
`ButnowIhearit’ssafeenough，I’mgoingbacktowork`BecausetheysaythecloudofthirsthasshiftedontoBourke。
`Butwhenyouseethosecloudsabout-likethisoneoverhere-
`Allwhiteandfrothyatthetop，justlikeapintofbeer，`It’stimetogoandhaveadrink，forifthatcloudshouldburst`You’dfindthedrinkwouldallbegone，forthat’sacloudofthirst！’……
WestoodthemanfromNarromineapintofhalf-and-half；
Hedrankitoffwithoutagaspinonetremendousquaff；
`Ijoinedsomefriendslastnight，’hesaid，`inwhattheycalledaspree；
`ButafterNarromine’twasjustaholidaytome。’
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AndnowbeyondtheWesternRange，wheresunsetskiesarered，Andcloudsofdust，andcloudsofthirst，godriftingoverhead，Therailway-trainistakingback，alongtheWesternLine，Thatnarrow-mindedpersononhisroadtoNarromine。
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SALTBUSHBILL’SGAMECOCK
’TWASSaltbushBill，withhistravellingsheep，wasmakinghiswaytotown；
HecrossedthemovertheHardTimesRun，andhecametotheTake’EmDown；
Hecountedthroughattheboundarygate，andcampedatthedraftingyard：
ForStingySmith，oftheHardTimesRun，hadhuntedhimratherhard。
HeborenomalicetoStingySmith-’twassimplythehandoffateThatcausedhiswaggontoswerveasideandshatteroldStingy’sgate；
And，beingonlythehandoffate，itfollows，withoutadoubt，Itwasn’tthefaultofSaltbushBillthatStingy’ssheepgotout。
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SoSaltbushBill，withaneasyheart，preparedforwhatmightbefall，CommencedhisstagesonTake’EmDown，thestationofRoosterHall。
’Tisstrangehowoftenthemenoutbackwilltaketosomecuriouscraft，Somerulingpassiontokeeptheirthoughtsawayfromtheoverdraft；
AndRoosterHall，oftheTake’EmDown，waswidelyknowntofameAsbreederofchampionfightingcocks-hisfortewastheBritishGame。
ThepassingstrangerwithinhisgatesthatcampedwitholdRoosterHallWasforcedtotalkaboutfowlsallnight，orelsenottalkatall。
Thoughdroughtsshouldcome，andthoughsheepshoulddie，hisfowlswerehissoledelight；
Helefthisshedinthefloodofworktowatchtwogamecocksfight。
HeheldinscorntheAustralianGame，thatlong-leggedchildofsin；
Inadesperatefight，withthesteel-tippedspurs，theBritishGamemustwin！
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TheAustralianbirdwasamongrelbird，withatouchofthejunglecock；
Thewantofbreedingmustfindhimout，whenfacingtheEnglishstock；
ForBritishbreeding，andBritishpluck，musttriumphitoverall-
AndthatwastherootofthesimplecreedthatgovernedoldRoosterHall……
’TwasSaltbushBilltothestationrodeaheadofhistravellingsheep，AndsentamessagetoRoosterHallthatwakenedhimoutofhissleep-
Acraftymessagethatfetchedhimout，andhurriedhimashecame-
`AdroverhasanAustralianBirdtomatchwithyourBritishGame。’
’Twasdone，anddoneinahalfatrice；afive-poundnoteaside；
OldRoosterHall，withhischampionbird，andthedrover’sbirduntried。
`Steelspurs，ofcourse？’saidoldRoosterHall；`you’llneed’em，withoutadoubt！’
`Youstickthespursonyourbird！’saidBill，`butminefightsbestwithout。’
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`Fightsbestwithout？’saidoldRoosterHall；`hecan’tfightbestunspurred！
`Youmustbecrazy！’ButSaltbushBillsaid，`Waittillyouseemybird！’
SoRoosterHalltohisfowlyardwent，andquicklybackhecame，Bearingacliptandashavencock，theprideofhisEnglishGame。
Withaneyeasfierceasaneaglehawk，andacrowlikeatrumpetcall，Hestruttedaboutonthegardenwalk，andcackledatRoosterHall。
ThenRoosterHallsentoffaboywithwordtohiscroniestwo，McCrae（thebossoftheBlackPolice）andFatherDonahoo。
FullmanyacockfightoldMcCraehadheldinhisemptyCourt，WithFatherD。asapicker-up-aregularall-roundSport！
TheygotthemessageofRoosterHall，anddowntohisruntheycame，Preparedtoscoffatthedrover’sbird，andtobetontheEnglishGame；
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Theyhiedthemofftothedrover’scamp，whileSaltbushrodebefore-
OldRoosterHallwasablithesomeman，whenhethoughtofthetreatinstore。
Theyreachedthecamp，wherethedrover’scook，withcountenanceallserene，Wasboilingbeefinanironpot，butneverafowlwasseen。
`Takeoffthebeeffromthefire，’saidBill，`andwaittillyouseethefight；
`There’ssomethingfreshforthebill-of-fare-there’sgame-fowlstewto-night！
`ForMisterHallhasafightingcock，allfeatheredandclippedandspurred；
`Andhe’sfetchedhimhere，forabitofsport，tofightourAustralianbird。
`I’vemadeamatchthatourpetwillwin，thoughhe’shardlyafightingcock，`Buthe’sgameenough，andit’smanyamilethathe’strampedwiththetravellingstock。’
Thecookhebangedonasaucepanlid；and，soonasthesoundwasheard，Underthedray，intheshadowshid，asomethingmovedandstirred：
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AgreattameEmustruttedout。SaidSaltbush，`Here’sourbird！’
ButRoosterHall，andhiscroniestwo，drovehomewithoutaword。
ThepassingstrangerwithinhisgatesthatcampswitholdRoosterHallMusttalkaboutsomethingelsethanfowls，ifhewishestotalkatall。
FortherecordliesinthelocalCourt，andfiledinitsdeepestvault，ThatPeterHall，oftheTake’EmDown，wastriedforafierceassaultOnastrangerman，who，inallgoodfaith，andpromptedbywhatheheard，HadaskedoldHallifaBritishGamecouldbeatanAustralianbird；
AndoldMcCrae，whowasontheBench，assoonasthecasewastried，Remarked，`Dischargedwithacleandischarge-theassaultwasjustified！’
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HAYANDHELLANDBOOLIGAL
`YOUcomeandseeme，boys，’hesaid；
`You’llfindawelcomeandabed`Andwhiskyanytimeyoucall；
`Althoughourtownshiphasn’tgot`Thenameofquitealivelyspot-
`Yousee，IliveinBooligal。
`Andpeoplehaveanawfuldown`Uponthedistrictandthetown-
`Whichworsethanhellitselftheycall；
`Infact，thesayingfarandwide`AlongtheRiverinaside`Is``HayandHellandBooligal’’。
`Nodoubtitsuits’emverywell`Tosayit’sworsethanHayorHell，`Butdon’tyouheedtheirtalkatall；
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`Ofcourse，there’sheat-noonedenies-
`Andsandanddustandstacksofflies，`Andrabbits，too，atBooligal。
`Butsuchapleasant，quietplace，`Youneverseeastranger’sface-
`Theyhardlyevercaretocall；
`Thedroversmostlypassitby；
`Theyreckonthatthey’dratherdie`ThanspendanightinBooligal。
`Thebigmosquitoesfrightensome-
`You’lllieawaketohear’emhum-
`Andsnakesaboutthetownshipcrawl；
`Butshearers，whentheygettheircheque，`Theynevercomealongandwreck`TheblessedtownofBooligal。
`ButdowninHaytheshearerscome`Andfillthemselveswithfighting-rum，`Andchasebluedevilsupthewall，`Andfightthesnaggerseveryday，`Untilthereisthedeucetopay-
`There’snoneofthatinBooligal。
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`Ofcourse，thereisn’tmuchtosee-
`Thebilliard-tableusedtobe`Thegreatattractionforusall，`Untilsomecareless，drunkencurs`Gotsleepingonitintheirspurs，`Andruinedit，inBooligal。
`Justnowthereisahowlingdrought`Thatprettynearhasstarvedusout-
`Itneverseemstorainatall；
`But，ifthereshouldcomeanyrain，`Youcouldn’tcrosstheblack-soilplain-
`You’dhavetostopinBooligal。’……
`We’dhavetostop！’WithbatedbreathWeprayedthatbothinlifeanddeathOurfateinotherlinesmightfall：
`Oh，sendustoourjustreward`InHayorHell，but，graciousLord，`DeliverusfromBooligal！’
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WALGETTEPISODE
THEsunstrikesdownwithablindingglare，Theskiesareblueandtheplainsarewide，ThesaltbushplainsthatareburntandbareByWalgettoutontheBarwonside-
TheBarwonriverthatwandersdownInaleisurelymannerbyWalgettTown。
Therecameastranger-a`Cockatoo’-
Thewordmeansfarmer，asallmenknowWhodwellinthelandwherethekangarooBarksloudatdawn，andthewhite-eyedcrowUpliftshissongonthestock-yardfenceAshewatchesthelambkinspassinghence。
Thesunburntstrangerwasgauntandbrown，ButitsoonappearedthathemeanttofloutTheironlawofthecountrytown，Whichis-thatthestrangerhasgottoshout：
`Ifhewillnotshoutwemusttakehimdown，’
RemarkedtheyokelsofWalgettTown。
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Theybaitedatrapwithacraftybait，Withacraftybait，fortheyhelddiscourseConcerninganewchumwhooflateHadboughtsuchathoroughlylazyhorse；
TheywouldwagerthatnoonecouldridehimdownThelengthofthecityofWalgettTown。
Thestrangerwasbornonahorse’shide；
Sohetookthewagers，andmadethemgoodWithhishard-earnedcash-buthishopestheydied，Forthehorsewasaclothes-horse，madeofwood！-
’Twasawell-knownhorsethathadtakendownFullmanyastrangerinWalgettTown。
Thestrangersmiledwithasicklysmile-
’Tisasicklysmilethatthelosergrins-
AndhesaidhehadtravelledforquiteawhileIntryingtosellsomemarsupialskins。
`AndIthoughtthatperhaps，asyou’vetookmedown，`Youwouldbuythemfromme，inWalgettTown！’
HesaidthathishomewasatWingadee，AtWingadeewherehehadforsaleSomefiftyskinsandwouldguaranteeTheywerefull-sizedskins，withtheearsandtailPage：44
Complete，andhesoldthemformoneydownToaventuresomebuyerinWalgettTown。
Thenhesmiledasmileashepouchedthepelf，`I’mgladthatI’mquitofthem，winorlose：
`Youcanfetchtheminwhenitsuitsyourself，`Andyou’llfindtheskins-onthekangaroos！’
Thenheleft-andthesilencesettleddownLikeatangiblethinguponWalgettTown。
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FATHERRILEY’SHORSE
’TWASthehorsethief，AndyRegan，thatwashuntedlikeadogBythetroopersoftheUpperMurrayside，Theyhadsearchedineverygully-theyhadlookedineverylog，Butneversightortrackofhimtheyspied，TillthepriestatKiley’sCrossingheardaknockingverylateAndawhisper`FatherRiley-comeacross！’
SohisRev’renceinpyjamastrottedsoftlytothegateAndadmittedAndyRegan-andahorse！
`Now，it’slisten，FatherRiley，tothewordsI’vegottosay，`ForitscloseuponmydeathIamto-night。
`WiththetroopershardbehindmeI’vebeenhidingalltheday`Inthegullieskeepingcloseandoutofsight。
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`Butthey’rewatchingalltherangestillthere’snotabirdcouldfly，`AndI’mfairlyworntopieceswiththestrife，`SoI’mtakingnomoretrouble，butI’mgoinghometodie，`’TistheonlywayIseetosavemylife。
`Yes，I’mmakinghometomother’s，andI’lldieo’Tuesdaynext`An’beburiedontheThursday-and，ofcourse，`I’mpreparedtomeetmypenance，butwithonethingI’mperplexed`Andit’s-Father，it’sthisjewelofahorse！
`Hewasneverboughtnorpaidfor，andthere’snotamancanswear`Tohisownerorhisbreeder，butIknow，`ThathissirewasbyPedanticfromtheOldPretendermare`AndhisdamwascloserelatedtoTheRoe。
`Andthere’snothinginthedistrictthatcanracehimforastep，`Hecouldcanterwhilethey’regoingattheirtop：
`He’sthekingofalltheleppersthatwaseverseentolep，`Afive-footfence-he’dclearitinahop！
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`SoI’llleavehimwithyou，Father，tillthedeadshallriseagain，`’Tisyourselfthatknowsagood’un；and，ofcourse，`Youcansayhe’sgotbyMoonlightoutofPaddyMurphy’splain`Ifyou’reeveraskedthebreedingofthehorse！
`Butit’sgettingontodaylightandit’stimetosaygood-bye，`ForthestarsabovetheEastaregrowingpale。
