CHAPTER XXIX.
A Seasonable Supply.--Visitors in the Night.--Captivity.--An OldAcquaintance.--The Ranger's Settlement.--An Embassy to DaisyGrange.--Jack in a New Office.--The Grateful Native Woman.--Davy'sCompunction.--Bush-ranging Life.
Next morning, when the broiled fish was ready for breakfast, Gerald andHugh were missing. With some uneasiness the rest watched and waited foran hour, when a shout announced the approach of the wanderers, andArthur and Jack set out to meet them, and were glad to assist them indragging in a kangaroo.
"It is the same impudent fellow that defied me last night," said Gerald."I tracked his curious boundings to a wood three miles from here; andthen Hugh and I beat the bushes and shouted till we drove him out ofcover; but he cost us lots of arrows and spears before we could dispatchhim; and a weighty drag he has been for us this winter morning of June,when the sun is as hot as it is in our summer June at home. Now,Wilkins, help to skin him; we mean to have all our boots mended with hishide."
"But, Arthur, we must tell you," said Hugh, "that when we were in thewood we saw a smoke at a considerable distance to the south-west. Do youthink it could possibly be from some station? Gerald wished much to goon and ascertain whence it arose, but I persuaded him to wait till weconsulted you; besides, I knew you would be all uneasy if we were longabsent. Have we got so near the squatters, Wilkins?"
"Not a bit of chance on 't, Master Hugh," replied he. "We're far enoughfrom t' squatters yet. Depend on 't it's just another lot of themgood-to-nought black rogues. They'll be thick enough here where there'saught to get, I'se warrant 'em."
"It is most natural and just, Wilkins," said Mr. Mayburn, "that the trueproprietors of the soil should participate in its fruits. I fear it iswe who are, in fact, the rogues, robbing the wretched aborigines oftheir game, and grudging them even a settlement in their own land."
"But we have not robbed them, papa," said Hugh. "Kangaroos and pigeonsabound here enough for all; and we do not wish to hurt the poor wretchesif they would not annoy us. Here is Margaret quite ready to open aschool for them, if they would come and be taught."
"Margaret has done more good than any of us," said Mr. Mayburn; "she haslabored incessantly to instruct Baldabella and her child, and to open tothem the way of salvation. It is thus by scattered seeds that the greatwork of diffusing the truth is to be accomplished; and I fear, Hugh, wehave been too much engrossed with the cares of this life to thinkseriously."
"Now, boys," said Arthur, "we had better not linger; the kangaroo isskinned, and the meat is cut up into convenient portions for carriage;let us walk on briskly till we are hungry enough to enjoy it."
Onward they moved over the extensive grassy plains, recognizing withpleasure various tall trees of the varieties of _Eucalyptus_, theGrass-tree with its long weeping branches, the Pandanus with itsslender palm-like stem, and the Fig-tree with its spreading roots.Beneath one of these trees they encamped to cook kangaroo steaks, and toenjoy once more what Wilkins called "a decent, nat'ral dinner." There,with strips of skin for thread and a fish-bone for a needle, Wilkinsrepaired the worn and tattered boots, while Margaret and Baldabella madenetted bags of the stringy bark, and Jenny and Ruth bruised the wildoats which the young men had cut down as they came along.
"The rest of the skin I mean to make into a bag," said Jack; "for wemust carry with us a good stock of oats; we may, probably, again come tosome spot where they are not to be found."
Mr. Mayburn looked with pleasure on the busy hands round him; and thoughhe deeply regretted the irreparable loss of his books, wasted on theplundering savages, his composed mind soon submitted to the trial. Hisretentive memory supplied the place of books, and, from the richtreasures of his reading he delighted to repeat to his attentivelisteners pleasant and instructive lectures. Cheered and invigorated bylabor and amusing conversation, the united party forgot all their cares,offered up their devotions with calm and happy hopes, and slept amongthe sheltering roots of the fig-tree without fear.
Some unaccustomed sounds suddenly roused the sleepers, and they lookedround to behold through the dim light of breaking day the grim visagesof a numerous band of tall savages, with rough heads and beards, whowere armed with spears, and who looked on their surprised captives witha sort of scornful indifference, as they beckoned them to rise andfollow them. Hugh and Gerald sprung up to seize their spears and bows,but Arthur, with more prudence, ordered them to forbear making anyhostile demonstration. "We are in the power of these strangers," hesaid; "our only hope must be in conciliation and treaty. I will try tomake the best of it."
Then turning to the native who stood nearest to him, he endeavored, inthe few words he had learnt from Baldabella, to make him understandtheir poverty and inoffensive disposition, and their desire to bepermitted to proceed on their journey. The man looked round, as if tocall on another to reply, and, to the astonishment of Arthur, a voicefrom the crowd answered in English.
"We are open to a fair reg'lar treatise, young man, Perdoose yer swag,which is the vulgar country word for what we English terminate _tin_,and then we will sign your disfranchisement."
The voice and the extraordinary phraseology were familiar to theMayburns, and Hugh cried out, "What, Bill, is that you? How came youhere? Is David Simple with you? and where is Mr. Deverell?"
The man, who had now come forward, dressed in the remnants of hisformerly seedy foppery, looked annoyed at the recognition. He staredimpudently at Hugh, and said, "You have mistaken your man, young master.I have no convalescence of you."
"It is in vain for you to affect ignorance of us, Bill," said Arthur;"we know you to be a ticket-of-leave man, engaged as a servant atMelbourne by Mr. Deverell. I am grieved to find you in such unsuitablecompany, and would advise you to join us, and guide us to your master'sstation, where we shall be able to reward you liberally."
"Thank you, sir," said the man, laughing scornfully; "but Mr. Deverelland I did not part good friends, and I have no innovation to visit himagain. His ways is percoolar, and a gentleman as has had a deliberateeddication looks higher nor waiting on cattle; so Davy and I came to adissolution to abrogate the place, and set out on a predestinarianexcrescence."
"He means, master," said Davy, with a downcast look, interpreting hisbrother's difficult language; "he means as how we took to t' bush. I wasbad to win round to 't; but Bill, he'd collogued with a lot of blackfellows, and had 'em all in a wood hard again our boundaries; and theythranged me round, and threaped as how they'd cut my throat if I stayedafter them to peach; and, graceless dog as I were, I joined 'em to driveour best stock, when we knew as how master was off for a week. It were asore day's work, and little good do I see in living among a set ofraggles like them. I warn ye, master, if ye've gotten any cash about ye,just pay 't down, and make no words about it, afore they get aggravated,for they're a bloody set, that are they."
"But, my poor mistaken man," said Mr. Mayburn, "what in the world canthese savages do with money in this houseless wilderness?"
"That's our affair," answered Bill. "So open your bank, old fellow, andleave it to intelligible fellows like me to transact your gold intobrandy."
"In the first place, Bill," replied Arthur, "I think it is my duty toremind you of the fatal consequences of highway robbery, and to beseechyou to return to your duty, and endeavor to retrieve your error. In thenext place, you cannot possibly benefit by your extortion, for we areliterally and truly without money. We have letters of credit onCalcutta, and we could certainly obtain money at Melbourne, but only byour personal application at that place. We have been already stripped byone of the black tribes, of every article of property we possessed, andwe are now wholly destitute. This is the exact truth. Now I suggest toyou that your wisest plan would be to leave us to pursue our wayunmolested; unless you or your misguided brother will accompany us tothe settlement of Mr. Deverell, with whom, I think, we have sufficientinfluence to induce him to pardon your offence."
"Who would be the fools then?" answered the man. "No, sir, your orato
riomakes no depression on me. If you haven't got money, you're worth money.You must march in the arrear of your captivators to our quarters. Youshall then write a letter, which I shall dedicate to you. I never travelwithout my writing impediments; and one of my 'cute black fellows, as isconservant in English, shall be dispersed away to your friend Mr.Deverell, who must confiscate to me cash or stuff for your ransom; andwhen I see my brandy and cigars, you are disfranchised."
It was useless to attempt opposition to the mandates of the imperiousand conceited bush-ranger, and the disconsolate captives reluctantlyfollowed the man, surrounded by such a troop of natives as precluded allhopes of escape, and exposed to the insults and plunder of thesesavages, who wrested from them their spears and bows. Wilkins hadcontrived to secret his knife under his vest, and thus saved it. Theyhad not proceeded far before they were joined by a band of women,revolting in appearance and manner, who crowded round them, rudelyexamined their garments, and freely possessed themselves of such as theycould conveniently snatch away. Margaret looked round for Baldabella toassist her in remonstrating with these harpies, and was surprised to seethat she had disappeared.
Margaret then remembered that, on the previous night, the woman hadselected a thicket considerably apart from the rest, as a sleeping-placefor herself and her child, and she concluded that at the first alarm ofthe invaders, the poor woman had escaped, her dread of herfellow-countrymen overcoming even her allegiance to her friends. Afterall, Margaret considered it was as well; there were two less to beanxious for, and she had no fears for the native on her own soil: shewould certainly find food, and would probably wait and watch for therelease of the captives.
The unpleasant march of the prisoners extended to nearly three miles;then, descending a low hill, they arrived at a lovely wooded valley,where, on the banks of a little creek, or streamlet, stood a number ofrough bark huts. A herd of cattle were feeding on the grassy plain, andsome horses, hobbled, to prevent them straying, were mingled with them.Naked children were rolling on the grass, shouting and laughing; womenwere busy bruising nuts, or making nets; and some aged men were seatedin the sun with their knees raised to their heads, looking stupid andhalf dead.
It was the first scene of pastoral life that the travellers had beheldin Australia, and would have had a certain charm to them had they beenin a position to enjoy it. But the thoughts of their captivityengrossed their minds, and they contemplated with uneasiness the fierceand threatening countenances of the lawless men who surrounded them, andwho drove them forward like the cattle they had so villainouslyobtained, and lodged them in a large bark hut which stood at theextremity of the scattered hamlet. This rude shelter was wholly open infront, and filthily dirty inside; but they were thankful for any shelterthat divided them from the coarse and abandoned robbers; and, flingingthemselves on the ground, the disconsolate captives reflected silentlyon their perilous situation, while their captors, assembled before therude prison, seemed earnestly discussing, as Arthur concluded, the meansof making the most profit of their destitute prisoners.
After some minutes had elapsed, they were favored with a visit from theaudacious and ignorant convict Bill, who addressed them with his usualpompous air, saying,--
"Gentlemen, we have dissented on dispersing one of your gang along withour embarrasser to Deverell, that he may be incensed into the right ofthe thing. We set you up as worth a hundred pound, hard cash, for thelot; but if we concentrate to take stuff, we shall exhort two hundred.Things is bad to sell in the bush. We expectorate a chap in a day or twoas is intentionable to buy our stock, and then you must keep closequarters, for when my colloquies get their brandy they are always a bitumbrageous."
When Mr. Mayburn comprehended the meaning of this elaborate nonsense, hedeclared positively that he would not allow one of his children todepart on such an unjust errand, accompanied by an abandoned reprobate.
"I should like nothing better than to start off on such a trip," saidGerald. "What a surprise it would be at Daisy Grange when they saw mybrown face; and wouldn't pretty Emma say, with tears in her eyes, 'Oh,Gerald! what has become of Arthur?' And grave Edward Deverell would fallinto heaps of confusion, and say, 'Margaret! why is not Margaret withyou?'"
Arthur laughed, but shook his head, and refused to abet any plan ofsubjecting the thoughtless boy to such risk.
"But might not Wilkins go?" asked Hugh.
"Not I, thank ye, Master Hugh," answered the man, hastily; "we'd likeenough fall in with some of them hot-headed black pollis when we gotnigh to t' station, and they're all so set up wi' their guns, that aforeI could get out a word they'd sure to pick me out for a runaway, andshoot me dead; and, more nor that, I'll not say if I were let looseamong them care-nought rangers, as I mightn't fall into their ways, andtake to t' bush like 'em; and then, ye see, all yer good work would beflung away."
"Wilkins might be useful to you here, Master Arthur," said Jack; "but Idon't see why I shouldn't go. I'm no ways feared; and I could put Mr.Deverell up to getting hold of these vagabonds and their own cattle; andthen, you know, sir, I should find timber and tools enough, and I couldsoon knock up a bit of a wagon to bring up for Miss Margaret and themaster, and the other poor things. What think you, sir, about it?"
"I must confess, papa," said Arthur, "that I feel satisfied that Jack isthe right man. But can we make up our minds to part with our tried andfaithful friend? I leave it to you to decide."
"My dear son," answered Mr. Mayburn, much agitated, "I cannot decidesuch an important question. Only consider; should his savage companionprove treacherous, our dear Jack may be sacrificed, and his blood fallon our heads. I shrink from the responsibility."
"Nevertheless, dear papa," said Margaret, weeping bitterly, "I fear wemust consent. Jack will be accompanied by only one man, whose policy itwill be to be careful of his life till the transaction be completed. Onhis return, rely on it, Edward Deverell will take care he has arms andprotection. Jack is sagacious, brave, and prudent. I grieve to part withhim; but I believe it may be for the benefit of all. We must resign him,and pray for God's blessing on our brave deliverer."
"And I say, Jack, my man," said Wilkins, "if ye should chance to lighton a bonnie bit lass, called Susan Raine, down yonder, just ye say ashow Wilkins is not altogether that graceless she counts him. He's badenough, God knows; but he oft thinks on days of lang syne; and he'strue, tell her, come what may."
It was then communicated to the vile dictator of the dark band that amessenger was ready to set out to procure the ransom from Mr. Deverell;and the next day, amidst the loud sobs of Ruth and the silent grief ofthe rest, Jack took leave, and set forward towards the south,accompanied by a tall, crafty-looking savage, who had evidently beenaccustomed to traffic with the bush-rangers, and had acquired sufficientEnglish to serve his purpose. One of their ablest defenders was thussevered from the unfortunate captives, who hourly became more alarmedabout their position. Forbidden to leave the hut, they were merely fed,like the dogs, with the disgusting remains of the untempting food oftheir savage captors; and but for the secret good offices of Davy, theymust have perished of thirst. He brought them every night a bark bucketof water from the creek, which saved their lives.
But Mr. Mayburn and Margaret, who could not touch the decomposed fishand gnawed bones that were thrown to them, gradually sunk into a stateof weakness that distracted their helpless friends. Four days elapsedafter Jack's departure, and Margaret was reclining, weak and weary, yetunable to sleep, against the back wall of the hut, when about midnight,she was startled by a scratching sound outside the bark. Much alarmed,but too weak to move, she trembled, and feebly called to Jenny, who wassleeping near her. But just at that moment the low, sweet voice ofBaldabella greeted her, through an opening made in the bark near theground.
"Missee, good dear missee!" murmured the woman; "Baldabella see all,look in all _gunyoes_. Baldabella come, all sleep now; bring bread,bring fish for missee and good master."
Then through the opening Jenny received cakes of pound
ed oats, such asshe herself had taught Baldabella to make, broiled fish, and a barkvessel filled with hot tea, a plentiful and luxurious repast. When shehad given up her store, the grateful woman whispered, "Baldabella gomake more bread, come again dark night. Pray God bless white friends."
The prayer of Baldabella was gratefully acknowledged and responded to byher much affected friends, who blessed the hour they were so happy as tosnatch the poor widow from the death which hung over her body and soul,and to win her affections and sympathy. Invigorated by the wholesome andclean food, Mr. Mayburn and Margaret again began to hope for betterdays, and to plan their pleasant journey south.
For three nights Baldabella returned with her abundant and seasonablegifts; while the sordid wretch who detained them, plainly cared only forthe ransom he hoped to obtain for them. But Davy continued to steal inevery night with the welcome supply of fresh water, and remained tolisten to their prayers and hymns, with a softened and mournfulcountenance.
"Ye see, sir," said the poor fellow to Arthur, "our Bill, he's up to allsorts of things; he's had a grand eddication, and knows reet fra' wrongbetter nor me; and he orders me, like, and I cannot say him nay; hereckons I'se but a simple chap."
"Did you ever learn your Catechism, Davy?" asked Margaret.
"They did get that into me, Miss," answered he, "and little good it'sdone me. I niver like to think on 't nowadays; it's just awesome, it is."
"Thou shalt not steal!" said Mr. Mayburn, emphatically.
"Please, master, not to talk on't," said the agitated young man; "it'sabout them beasts as ye're meaning on. But our Bill says, says he, 'Itstands to reason as them as has ower mony ought to sarve them as hasnone.' Now what think ye of that, sir?"
"I think and know, David," said Mr. Mayburn, "that it is God's will thatall men should obey His commandments, and do their duty in the stationwhere He has placed them. You had no more right to take Mr. Deverell'scattle than these poor savages have to strip you naked and leave you todie alone in the desert, and in the eyes of God you are more guilty thanthey would be, for you have been taught His law. You know that God hassaid that the thief shall not enter the kingdom of heaven. Now, David,death is near to us all, young or old: think what will be your dreadfulfate when you wake in another world, forsaken by God. Then turn to Himnow, while there is yet time, and pray for repentance and pardon throughthe blessed Saviour, that your sins may be forgiven, and you may bebrought to dwell with him forever."
"Well, master, I can tell ye if 't were to do again," answered the man,"Bill s'ould niver talk me ower to put my hands to t' job. And, afterall, a poor set we've made on 't. Ye see, this is how we did it; wedarked and kept quiet till t' master was off down t' country, then wemarked off our beasts, and picked out our saddle-horses, and a guna-piece. I ought to have had warning plenty about me'ling wi' a gun.Then off we set at midnight, driving our beasts and a flock of sheep,and were soon up till them black fellows as was watin' us. First wedruv' our sheep till a bush public, where a sly auld hand took 'em, andgave us a lot of bad brandy and worse tobacco for 'em, and sin' thatwe've run and rode about t' country, up and down, hereaway andthereaway, like wild beasts. Then we're feared of t' pollis, and we'refeared of all ther' black fellows, as can turn rusty when they like, andit's nought but drinking, cursing, and fighting all day long, brutes aswe are. I'se fairly tired, master, and I'd fain be back amongChristians; but then, I'd niver be t' fellow to peach; and, ower that, Iknow there's a rope round my neck, as is sartain to be tightened if Ishow my face at our station again."