WALKING FROM Bendigo to the Rosedale took twelve hours. If you knew the shortcut, two hours could be shaved off the journey.
Even though it had been several years, Jessica felt positive she knew the way. Her uncle took her on the back of his horse the same way at least a dozen times before they moved to the sea. The location of the Rosedale, was in the middle of the mountains while the homestead called ‘The Glen’ overlooked the ocean.
The trail could easily deceive the rider at first. It snaked towards the east before double-backing on itself in a westerly direction. If Jessica didn’t wander away from the narrow trail, she’d eventually find herself at the Rosedale’s back fence post. A lazy fifteen-minute ride through the bottom paddock and she’d be at the homestead’s verandah. Anyone could follow the trail during daylight hours. At night, it tested the rider’s endurance.
The short cut began next to the general store at the northern tip of the town. This time of year, a medium sized bush covered in wattle flowers made the entrance to the track easy to spot. Jessica coaxed her horse to push through between the bush and the weatherboard wall of the store. She kept her gaze transfixed on the winding track as darkness started to settle in the area. Small animal eyes watched her and the mare as they pushed deeper into the scrub. At one stage a young tree python scraped Jessica’s shoulder. She felt sorry for the foot-long youngster and placed it on the next overhanging tree branch.
At the river crossing, Jessica dismounted. The moon shone over the canopy of trees illuminating the surface of the lazy flowing river. She gave the horse a reassuring pat on the neck before leading her slowly through the ankle-deep water. Through her waterproof knee-high leather boots, Jessica could feel the cold temperature of the water.
“I’m happy it isn’t raining old girl,” whispered Jessica.
The horse’s ears swiveled, listening to the words of the rider.
“To attempt to cross a swollen river in a storm during the day is suicidal, definitely unimaginable at night.” Jessica chuckled. “Fortunately, there’s no one else around. They might think I’m a little crazy talking to a horse.”
At the far side of the river, Jessica mounted. For half a minute, she watched the brightening stars, weighing up the option to make camp for the night or keep moving. She clicked her tongue making the horse start walking again.
At seeing the corner fence post of the Rosedale, Jessica’s heart pounded behind her rib cage. She pulled gently on the reins, signaling the horse to stop. For a full minute, Jessica studied the broken fence lying on the ground. The shattered boards were beyond repair. The post looked to be the only thing worth saving.
“The reason why something trampled my fence inwards will have to wait,” she whispered to the horse. She gave the mare a gentle kick, making the horse start to trot.
The mare navigated her way through the wooden debris, never missing a foothold. When the outline of a house loomed out of the darkness, Jessica could smell smoke. A couple of dogs started to bark, making her presence known to the occupants inside the homestead someone is prowling around outside. Jessica pushed the horse through several sheep huddling in the dark. They made a small commotion which sent the dogs into a constant yap. She dismounted the mare at the foot of the verandah and tied the reins to the end post. Billowing smoke from the chimney rose above the roof of the homestead. The storm shutters appeared to be fully closed for the evening. At the other end of the verandah, Jessica heard the squeak of a door opening. A small kerosene lantern slowly ascended into the air.
“Who there?”
The man’s voice, including a rough Australian accent and broken English, made him hard to understand.
“Show self or I shoot,” called the man.
Jessica heard a click coming from a gun. “Sir, there’s no need to shoot me, I’m only here for your help,” she called.
“Are ya’ alone?”
“Yes, I am.”
“You sound female. Why are you walkin’ around the bush at night? Don’t you know there is bushrangers about?”
Jessica climbed the two stairs. Walking along the creaking verandah towards the light she saw the outline of a tall man place the lamp on a small round table before back stepping away.
“I’m Jessica Hayes,” she announced, coming to a stop next to the table. “I’m looking for the overseer of this sheep station. I’m wondering if you might know him. His name is Lightening Dawn?”
“I, he. I am Lightening Dawn.”
The man’s broken English seemed to be worsening after each word he spoke. Jessica looked directly at the man’s face. “You’re so black.”
“You so white. You’re a woman. Dangerous to be out in night. Bushrangers many.”
Jessica decided to fill in any missing words the man failed to say for easy dialect. She gave the man an extra friendly smile and held out her hand in an attempt to add a sociable gesture.
The big man stepped forward, stretching out his hand. They pressed the flesh by way of a standard handshake. The moment he let go he pointed the gun at the ground.
“Thank you for at least understanding I’m not here to rob you.”
The man walked off, beckoning Jessica to follow.
They entered the home through the kitchen doorway. Jessica breathed in the smell of smoke. Memories of years gone immediately wafted back to her consciousness.
Her uncle and aunt used great care when they laid each solid hand cut brick which helped to make up the Rosedale. Corrugated iron covered the roof. The exposed wooden beams had been cut from the trees in the paddocks. They were hoisted, into place by their old faithful Clydesdale. The homestead boasted a total number of seven rooms. The narrow brick laundry was extended so the outhouse could be indoors. The hand dug long drop rarely smelt. The kitchen, the most used room in the place always felt warm from the wood oven. The smells lingered all day from the constant cooking and always put a smile on the faces of the weary workers.
“Miss Jessica is you okay?” asked Lightening Dawn, placing the lamp on the kitchen table.
“I’m fine, thank you.”
“You look troubled.”
“Yes, indeed I am Lightening Dawn.”
The man sat at the table. Clasping his hands together he looked up into Jessica’s eyes.
“Three bushrangers ambushed the train I’d been on.”
“Did two of them look almost the same?” asked Lightening Dawn.
“Yes, they did. Two were brothers.”
“I know of the men. They are bad.”
“I’d have to agree. Please, don’t think I’m attacking you in any way; you’re aboriginal?”
“Yes, from the Mullum-Mullum tribe.”
A perplexed expression swept Jessica’s young face. “They congregate many days from this station. How come you’re here?”
“When I’d seen ten summers I said goodbye to my village to go walk-a-bout. I ended up here. Boss man he good man. A long time ago he left me in charge till he returned.”
“I hate to be bringing bad news. The man who owned this place is dead. He just happened to be my uncle. He took me in and slid into the role of being my father.”
Lightening Dawn slid off his chair and downed his knee, pulling the hat from his head. He gave a nice tender heartfelt prayer. Standing to full height, he bellowed solemnly. “You are the boss now. I’ll do everything you ask.”
Jessica patted the man on the shoulder. Her eyebrows instantly shot skywards the moment she felt his strong, rock hard, muscular shoulder. She saw the man grin. She smiled back.
Jessica sighed heavily at the tall, strong, handsome black man. Pulling out a chair she sat. “Lightening Dawn,” she started.
“Yes, boss lady,” he replied sitting back on the chair.
“The first thing I need you to agree on is extremely important.”
The man looked completely baffled at the words Jessica used.
“I never want you to call me Boss lady again. My name is Jessica. It’s easy to see yo
u’ve run this place on your own for years. Even though I’m paying you for the overseer job, I want you to consider this station your home. I need you to look upon me as an equal owner of the Rosedale; not a boss.”
Lightening nodded with excitement. “The workers left five years ago. I love the idea of being an equal partner.”
“Next, I understand aborigines are great trackers. If I’m correct, I’m asking you to please help me track the three bushrangers down so we can obtain what they stole from me?”
“What did they take?”
“Two solid silver handguns and a large blue diamond ring.”
“It will be my pleasure to help,” said Lightening.
“There’s one more question I need to ask.”
“I’ll do my best to answer it.”
“Why were you named Lightening Dawn?”
“Your question is easy to answer. I was born at the crack of dawn when the sky started lightening on a brand-new day.”
Still smiling inwardly over the man’s explanation Jessica followed Lightening Dawn to the stable. They gave the horses they were going to use an extra meal of oats before walking back to the homestead. Entering the kitchen, they were greeted by two young aborigine boys and a young aboriginal girl.
“Who are you three?” asked Jessica.
Lightening stepped up to introduce the boys. “The lad closest to you is fourteen-year-old Jarrah. Cobar is his twin brother. Gip is their ten-year-old sister.”
“Hello,” screeched each of the kids in turn.
“Hello to you,” said Jessica.
“You hungry?” questioned Gip.
“Yes, I am.”
The three kids ushered Jessica to the table, forcing her to sit. They placed the left-over evening meal consisting of lamb stew on a couple of slices of the day’s bread in front of her. The three kids sat on the floor watching Jessica eat. The moment she swallowed the last mouthful Gip grabbed Jessica’s arm to get her attention.
“Will you be long?” asked Gip. Her eyes looked saddened at the news their new visitor wanted to leave so soon.
“How did you know Lightening Dawn and I are going somewhere?”
“We overheard you talking when you arrived,” explained Jarrah.
“Hopefully, we’ll be back in a couple of days, three tops,” Jessica answered.
A sullen look swept Gip’s face when she saw Jessica walk to the gun cupboard. She watched her swipe a rifle and a gun belt from off the shelf. When she saw her clip the gun belt around her waist Gip didn’t look happy. She watched while Jessica loaded the Smith and Wesson and groaned when she pushed it into the holster.
Lightening Dawn packed provisions in his swag. He walked over to the gun cupboard, picking out a rifle and a colt .45.
Jessica followed Lightening Dawn outside.
Gip followed them to the stable. She watched Jessica place the saddle on the horse’s back and tighten the leather saddle strap around its girth.
“This my home,” Gip blurted. “We family.”
Jessica smiled at the young girl. Her black face caused her teeth to look extra white. She squatted to look the girl in the eyes. “Yes, we family.” She ruffled her hair then mounted the mare. “See you soon.”
Jessica saw Gip, and the two boys give a quick wave. She waved back and gave her horse a slight kick.
Lightening and Jessica trotted off into the night.
“Will those boys be able to watch the sheep?” asked Jessica slowing her horse so they could walk side by side.
“Sure, they will. They have helped me for the past ten months. They know what to do.”
“Are they your brothers or your siblings?”
“No not me. I don’t have a woman in my life. I have the station. Those boys are from the Bunarong tribe. They reside near a Melbourne beach. They decided to go walk-a-bout.”
“What about Gip, where does she fit into the equation?”
“From the moment, the boys said goodbye to their tribe Gip followed them. For days, they pestered her to go back. She insisted on walking alongside her brothers. She wanted to see what they saw and go where they went. Those three are inseparable.”
Jessica shook her head at the thought of volunteering to leave the safety of a place. To leave and take no food or water sounded too daring a task especially at such a young age. She looked sideways at Lightening Dawn. His handsome features were an attraction she found hard to resist. Already the man impressed her by far exceeding how she imagined a real man should act. At her deepening thoughts, she suddenly realized where they were taking her. Jessica’s heart skipped a beat. Again, she riveted the idea she didn’t want a man in her life particularly after what her dead husband put her through. She never wanted the love or companionship from a man again. She gave her future a reassuring nod. Live by yourself to have an uncomplicated life.
Jessica found herself viewing Lightening Dawn’s back many times as they rode through the bush. It looked strong. “A good worker,” she mumbled.
The scrub thickened causing the trail to narrow which helped disguise her lagging behind. When the bush thinned, Lightening Dawn looked over his shoulder.
Jessica swallowed her emotions, edging her horse to slip into sync next to Lightening’s horse. Eventually, both horses and their riders burst through the scrub into town. The pub, long since closed, and the drunken men were home, leaving the main street deserted.
Jessica pointed to the rail tracks at the other end of town. They rode to the station, gave the train a quick once over before riding along the train line to where the bushrangers carried out their successful ambush. Jessica spied several empty suitcases littering the area; the only evidence to back up her story.
Lightening Dawn mirrored Jessica’s lead and quickly dismounted. They walked to the exact place where the three men made a hasty retreat into the bush. Jessica marched over to the train line to stand where Dan the bushranger took the blue diamond ring from off her finger and had taken possession of the guns.
Lightening slowly studied the rock-hard dirt looking for footprints. He squatted where the scrub touched the clearing. Eventually, he stood with a gleam in his eyes.
“Jessica, in my opinion, you’re correct. Three men on horseback entered the bush exactly where you said. Judging by the violent entry they didn’t care to mask their escape. I believe they will be easy to follow. Please, take no offence, white man can’t move through the bush without leaving a distinct trail.”
“No offence taken. Lead on.”
Lightening Dawn tightened his grip on the reins, forcing his horse to push into the scrub. He pointed at the dirt.
“One of the horse’s hoof prints is lighter than the others. I believe one horse is almost lame. The beast will make the men travel more slowly.”
“They seem to be heading for the town we came from.”
Lightening shook his head. “If they keep going in the same direction they will travel south of the town away from the Rosedale station.”
“Any ideas on where they might end up?”
“Hard to say at this early stage; if I were to guess, they will end up in Melbourne.”
“We should get moving,” hinted Jessica. “I want to catch them sooner than later.”
Lightening Dawn flicked the reins of his horse to make it start trotting in hot pursuit of the bushrangers. Every ten seconds he stooped to study the ground for evidence they were following the correct horse prints. He’d nod then give a sharp flick of his reins, so his horse knew to walk on.
Bringing up the rear Jessica’s fully loaded sidearm bumped comfortably against her thigh. She looked forward to the time they’d find the men.
CHAPTER SIX