PaddywentintoWanganuitobookthemaneight-berthsteeragecabinontheWahine；strangethattheshipandtheirnearesttownshouldhavethesamename。TheywereduetosailattheendofAugust，sobythebeginningofthatmontheveryonestartedrealizingthebigadventurewasactuallygoingtohappen。Thedogshadtobegivenaway，thehorsesandthebuggysold，thefurnitureloadedontooldAngusMacWhirter’sdrayandtakenintoWanganuiforauction，Fee’sfewpiecescratedalongwiththechinaandlinenandbooksandkitchengoods。
Frankfoundhismotherstandingbythebeautifuloldspinet，strokingitsfaintlypink，streakypanelingandlookingvaguelyatthepowderingofgolddustonherfingertips。
\"Didyoualwayshaveit，Mum？\"heasked。
\"Yes。Whatwasactuallyminetheycouldn’ttakefrommewhenImarried。Thespinet，thePersiancarpets，theLouisQuinzesofaandchairs，theRegencyescritoire。Notmuch，buttheywererightfullymine。\"Thegrey，wistfuleyesstaredpasthisshoulderattheoilpaintingonthewallbehindhim，dimmedwithagealittle，butstillshowingclearlythegolden-hairedwomaninherpale-pinklacegown，crinolinedwithahundredandsevenflounces。\"Whowasshe？\"heaskedcuriously，turninghishead。\"I’vealwayswantedtoknow。\"
\"Agreatlady。\"
\"Well，she’sgottoberelatedtoyou；shelookslikeyouabit。\"\"Her？Arelationofmine？\"Theeyeslefttheircontemplationofthepictureandrestedonherson’sfaceironically。\"Now，doIlookasifIcouldeverhavehadarelativelikeher？\"
\"Yes。\"
\"You’vecobwebsinyourbrain；brushthemout。\"
\"Iwishyou’dtellme，Mum。\"
Shesighedandshutthespinet，dustingthegoldoffherfingers。\"There’snothingtotell，nothingatall。Comeon，helpmemovethesethingsintothemiddleoftheroom，soDaddycanpackthem。\"
Thevoyagewasanightmare。BeforetheWahinewasoutofWellingtonharbortheywereallseasick，andtheycontinuedtobeseasickallthewayacrosstwelvehundredmilesofgale-stirred，wintryseas。Paddytooktheboysupondeckandkeptthemthereinspiteofthebitterwindandconstantspray，onlygoingbelowtoseehiswomenandbabywhensomekindsoulvolunteeredtokeepaneyeonhisfourmiserable，retchingboys。Muchthoughheyearnedforfreshair，Frankhadelectedtoremainbelowtoguardthewomen。Thecabinwastiny，stiflingandreekedofoil，foritwasbelowthewaterlineandtowardthebow，wheretheship’smotionwasmostviolent。SomehoursoutofWellingtonFrankandMeggiebecameconvincedtheirmotherwasgoingtodie；thedoctor，summonedfromfirstclassbyaveryworriedsteward，shookhisheadoverherpessimistically。\"Justaswellit’sonlyashortvoyage，\"hesaid，instructinghisnursetofindmilkforthebaby。
BetweenboutsofretchingFrankandMeggiemanagedtobottle-feedHal，whodidn’ttaketoitkindly。Feehadstoppedtryingtovomitandhadsunkintoakindofcoma，fromwhichtheycouldnotrouseher。ThestewardhelpedFrankputherinthetopbunk，wheretheairwasalittlelessstale，andholdingatoweltohismouthtostemthewaterybilehestillbroughtup，Frankperchedhimselfontheedgebesideher，strokingthemattedyellowhairbackfromherbrow。Hourafterhourhestucktohispostinspiteofhisownsickness；everytimePaddycameinhewaswithhismother，strokingherhair，whileMeggiehuddledonalowerberthwithHal，atoweltohermouth。ThreehoursoutofSydneytheseasdroppedtoaglassycalmandfogstoleinfurtivelyfromthefarAntarctic，wrappingitselfabouttheoldship。Meggie，revivingalittle，imagineditbellowedregularlyinpainnowtheterriblebuffetingwasover。Theyinchedthroughtheglueygreynessasstealthilyasahuntedthinguntilthatdeep，monotonousbawlsoundedagainfromsomewhereonthesuperstructure，alostandlonely，indescribablysadnoise。Thenallaroundthemtheairwasfilledwithmournfulbellowsastheyslippedthroughghostlysmokingwaterintotheharbor。Meggieneverforgotthesoundoffoghorns，herfirstintroductiontoAustralia。
PaddycarriedFeeofftheWahineinhisarms，Frankfollowingwiththebaby，Meggiewithacase，eachoftheboysstumblingwearilyundersomekindofburden。TheyhadcomeintoPyrmont，ameaninglessname，onafoggywintermorningattheendofAugust，1921。Anenormouslineoftaxiswaitedoutsidetheironshedonthewharf；Meggiegapedround-eyed，forshehadneverseensomanycarsinoneplaceatonetime。SomehowPaddypackedthemallintoasinglecab，itsdrivervolunteeringtotakethemtothePeople’sPalace。\"That’stheplaceforyouse，mate，\"hetoldPaddy。\"It’sahotelfortheworkingmanrunbytheSallies。\"
Thestreetswerethrongedwithcarsseemingtorushinalldirections；therewereveryfewhorses。Theystaredraptlyoutofthetaxiwindowsatthetallbrickbuildings，thenarrowwindingstreets，therapiditywithwhichcrowdsofpeopleseemedtomergeanddissolveinsomestrangeurbanritual。Wellingtonhadawedthem，butSydneymadeWellingtonlooklikeasmallcountrytown。
WhileFeerestedinoneofthemyriadroomsofthewarrentheSalvationArmyfondlycalledthePeople’sPalace，PaddywentofftoCentralRailwayStationtoseewhentheycouldgetatrainforGillanbone。Quiterecovered，theboysclamoredtogowithhim，fortheyhadbeentolditwasnotveryfar，andthatthewaywas84allshops，includingonewhichsoldsquillcandy。Envyingtheiryouth，Paddyyielded，forhewasn’tsurehowstronghisownlegswereafterthreedaysofseasickness。FrankandMeggiestayedwithFeeandthebaby，longingtogo，too，butmoreconcernedthattheirmotherbebetter。Indeed，sheseemedtogainstrengthrapidlyonceofftheship，andhaddrunkabowlofsoupandnibbledasliceoftoastbroughttoherbyoneoftheworkingman’sbonnetedangels。
\"Ifwedon’tgotonight，Fee，it’saweekuntilthenextthroughtrain，\"Paddysaidwhenhereturned。\"Doyouthinkyoucouldmanagethejourneytonight？\"
Feesatup，shivering。\"Icanmanage。\"
\"Ithinkweoughttowait，\"Franksaidhardily。\"Idon’tthinkMum’swellenoughtotravel。\"
\"Whatyoudon’tseemtounderstand，Frank，isthatifwemisstonight’strainwehavetowaitawholeweek，andIjustdon’thavethepriceofaweek’sstayinSydneyinmypocket。Thisisabigcountry，andwherewe’regoingisn’tservedbyadailytrain。WecouldgetasfarasDubboonanyoneofthreetrainstomorrow，butthenwe’dhavetowaitforalocalconnection，andtheytoldmewe’dsufferalotmoretravelingthatwaythanifwemaketheefforttocatchtonight’sexpress。\"
\"I’llmanage，Paddy，\"Feerepeated。\"I’vegotFrankandMeggie；I’llbeallright。\"HereyeswereonFrank，pleadingforhissilence。\"ThenI’llsendMaryatelegramnow，tellinghertoexpectustomorrownight。\"
CentralStationwasbiggerthananybuildingtheClearyshadeverbeeninside，avastglasscylinderwhichseemedsimultaneouslytoechoandabsorbthedinofthousandsofpeoplewaitingbesidebattered，strappedsuitcasesandfixedlywatchingagiantindicatorboardwhichmenwithlongpolesalteredbyhand。Inthegatheringeveningdarknesstheyfoundthemselvesapartofthethrong，theireyesonthesteelconcertinagatesofplatformfive；thoughshut，theyborealargehand-paintedsignsayingGILLANBONEMAIL。OnplatformoneandplatformtwoaterrificactivityheraldedtheimminentdepartureoftheBrisbaneandMelbournenightexpresses，passengerscrowdingthroughthebarriers。Soonitwastheirturn，asthegatesofplatformfivesquashedthemselvesopenandthepeoplebeganeagerlytomove。
Paddyfoundthemanemptysecond-classcompartment，puttheolderboysbythewindowsandFee，Meggieandthebabybytheslidingdoorswhichledintothelongcorridorconnectingcompartments。Faceswouldpeerinhopefullyinsightofaspareseat，tovanishhorrifiedatthesightofsomanyyoungchildren。Sometimesbeingalargefamilywasanadvantage。Thenightwascoldenoughtowarrantunstrappingofthebigtartantravelingrugsallthesuitcasesboreontheiroutsides；thoughthecarnagewasnotheated，steelboxesfullofhotasheslayalongthefloorradiatingwarmth，andnoonehadexpectedheatinganywaybecausenothinginAustraliaorNewZealandwaseverheated。
\"Howfarisit，Daddy？\"Meggieaskedasthetraindrewout，clankingandrockinggentlyacrossaneternityofpoints。
\"Alongwayfurtherthanitlookedonouratlas，Meggie。Sixhundredandtenmiles。We’llbetherelatetomorrowafternoon。\"
Theboysgasped，butforgotitattheblossomingofafairylandoflightsoutside；everyoneclusteredatthewindowsandwatchedwhilethefirstmilesflewbyandstillthehousesdidnotdiminish。Thespeedincreased，thelightsgrewscatteredandfinallywentout，replacedbyaconstantflurryofsparksstreamingpastinahowlingwind。WhenPaddytooktheboysoutsidesoFeecouldfeedHal，Meggiegazedafterthemlongingly。Thesedaysitseemedshewasnottobeincludedasoneoftheboys，notsincethebabyhaddisruptedherlifeandchainedhertothehouseasfirmlyashermother86was。Notthatshereallyminded，shetoldherselfloyally。Hewassuchadearlittlefellow，thechiefdelightofherlife，anditwasnicetohaveMumtreatherasanothergrown-uplady。WhatcausedMumtogrowbabiesshehadnoidea，buttheresultwaslovely。ShegaveHaltoFee；thetrainstoppednotlongafter，creakingandsquealing，andseemedtostandhourspantingforbreath。Shewasdyingtoopenthewindowandlookout，butthecompartmentwasgrowingverycoldinspiteofthehotashesonthefloor。PaddycameinfromthecorridorwithasteamingcupofteaforFee，whoputHalbackontheseat，gluttedandsleepy。
\"Whatisit？\"sheasked。
\"AplacecalledValleyHeights。WetakeonanotherengineherefortheclimbtoLithgow，thegirlintherefreshmentroomsaid。\"
\"HowlonghaveIgottodrinkthis？\"
\"Fifteenminutes。Frank’sgettingyousomesandwichesandI’llseetheboysarefed。OurnextrefreshmentstopisaplacedcalledBlayney，muchlaterinthenight。\"
Meggiesharedhermother’scupofhot，sugarytea，suddenlyunbearablyexcited，andgobbledhersandwichwhenFrankbroughtit。HesettledheronthelongseatbelowbabyHal，tuckedarugfirmlyaroundher，andthendidthesameforFee，stretchedoutfulllengthontheseatopposite。StuartandHughiewerebeddeddownonthefloorbetweentheseats，butPaddytoldFeethathewastakingBob，FrankandJackseveralcompartmentsdowntotalktosomeshearers，andwouldspendthenightthere。Itwasmuchnicerthantheship，clickingalongtotherhythmichuff-a-huffofthetwoengines，listeningtothewindinthetelegraphwires，theoccasionalflurryoffurioushuffsassteelwheelsslippedonslopingsteelrails，franticallysoughttraction；Meggiewenttosleep。
Inthemorningtheystared，awedanddismayed，atalandscapesoalientheyhadnotdreamedanythinglikeitexistedonthesameplanetasNewZealand。Therollinghillsweretherecertainly，butabsolutelynothingelsereminiscentofhome。Itwasallbrownandgrey，eventhetrees！Thewinterwheatwasalreadyturnedafawnishsilverbytheglaringsun，milesuponmilesofitripplingandbendinginthewind，brokenonlybystandsofthin，spindling，blue-leafedtreesanddustyclumpsoftiredgreybushes。Fee’sstoicaleyessurveyedthescenewithoutchangingexpression，butpoorMeggie’swerefulloftears。Itwashorrible，fencelessandvast，withoutatraceofgreen。
Fromfreezingnightitturnedtoscorchingdayasthesunclimbedtowarditszenithandthetrainracketedonandonandon，stoppingoccasionallyinsometinytownfullofbicyclesandhorse-drawnvehicles；carswerescarceouthere，itseemed。Paddyopenedboththewindowsallthewayinspiteofthesootwhichswirledinandsettledoneverything；itwassohottheyweregasping，theirheavyNewZealandwinterclothingstickinganditching。Itdidnotseempossiblethatanywhereoutsideofhellcouldbesohotinwinter。Gillanbonecamewiththedyingsun，astrangesmallcollectionoframshacklewoodenandcorrugatedironbuildingsalongeithersideofonedustywidestreet，treelessandtired。Themeltingsunhadlickedagoldenpasteovereverything，andgavethetownatransientgildeddignitywhichfadedevenastheystoodontheplatformwatching。ItbecameoncemoreatypicalsettlementontheveryedgeoftheBackofBeyond，alastoutpostinasteadilydiminishingrainfallbelt；notfarawaywestwardbegantwothousandmilesoftheNeverationever，thedesertlandswhereitcouldnotrain。Aresplendentblackcarwasstandinginthestationyard，andstridingunconcernedlytowardthemthroughtheinches-deepdustcameapriest。Hislongsoutanemadehimseemafigureoutofthepast，asifhedidnotmoveonfeetlikeordinarymen，butdrifteddreamlike；88thedustroseandbillowedaroundhim，redinthelastofthesunset。\"Hello，I’mFatherdeBricassart，\"hesaid，holdingouthishandtoPaddy。\"YouhavetobeMary’sbrother；you’rethelivingimageofher。\"HeturnedtoFeeandliftedherlimphandtohislips，smilingingenuineastonishment；noonecouldspotagentlewomanquickerthanFatherRalph。\"Why，you’rebeautiful！\"hesaid，asifitwerethemostnaturalremarkintheworldforapriesttomake，andthenhiseyeswentonwardtotheboys，standingtogetherinahuddle。TheyrestedforamomentwithpuzzledbewildermentonFrank，whohadchargeofthebaby，andtickedoffeachboyastheygotsmallerandsmaller。Behindthem，allbyherself，Meggiestoodgapingupathimwithhermouthopen，asifshewerelookingatGod。Withoutseemingtonoticehowhisfinesergerobewallowedinthedust，hesteppedpasttheboysandsquatteddowntoholdMeggiebetweenhishands，andtheywerefirm，gentle，kind。\"Well！Andwhoareyou？\"heaskedher，smiling。\"Meggie，\"shesaid。
\"Hername’sMeghann。\"Frankscowled，hatingthisbeautifulman，hisstunningheight。
\"Myfavoritename，Meghann。\"Hestraightened，butheldMeggie’shandinhis。\"Itwillbebetterforyoutostayatthepresbyterytonight，\"hesaid，leadingMeggietowardthecar。\"I’lldriveyououttoDroghedainthemorning；it’stoofarafterthetrainridefromSydney。\"
AsidefromtheHotelImperial，theCatholicchurch，school，conventandpresbyteryweretheonlybrickedificesinGillanbone，eventhebigpublicschoolhavingtocontentitselfwithtimberframe。Nowthatdarknesshadfallen，theairhadgrownincrediblychill；butinthepresbyteryloungeahugelogfirewasblazing，andthesmelloffoodcametantalizinglyfromsomewherebeyond。Thehousekeeper，awizenedoldScotswomanwithamazingenergy，bustledaboutshowingthemtheir89rooms，chatteringallthewhileinabroadwesternHighlandsaccent。Usedtothetouch-me-notreserveoftheWahinepriests，theClearysfoundithardtocopewithFatherRalph’seasy，cheerfulbonhomie。OnlyPaddythawed，forhecouldrememberthefriendlinessofthepriestsinhisnativeGalway，theirclosenesstolesserbeings。Therestatetheirsupperincarefulsilenceandescapedupstairsassoonastheycould，Paddyreluctantlyfollowing。Tohim，hisreligionwasawarmthandaconsolation；buttotherestofhisfamilyitwassomethingrootedinfear，ado-it-or-thou-shah-be-damnedcompulsion。
Whentheyhadgone，FatherRalphstretchedoutinhisfavoritechair，staringatthefire，smokingacigaretteandsmiling。Inhismind’seyehewaspassingtheClearysinreview，ashehadfirstseenthemfromthestationyard。ThemansolikeMary，butbowedwithhardworkandveryobviouslynotofhermaliciousdisposition；hisweary，beautifulwife，wholookedasifsheoughttohavedescendedfromalandauletdrawnbymatchedwhitehorses；darkandsurlyFrank，withblackeyes，blackeyes；thesons，mostofthemliketheirfather，buttheyoungestone，Stuart，verylikehismother，he’dbeahandsomemanwhenhegrewup；impossibletotellwhatthebabywouldbecome；andMeggie。Thesweetest，themostadorablelittlegirlhehadeverseen；hairofacolorwhichdefieddescription，notredandnotgold，aperfectfusionofboth。Andlookingupathimwithsilver-greyeyesofsuchalambentpurity，likemeltedjewels。Shrugging，hethrewthecigarettestubintothefireandgottohisfeet。Hewasgettingfancifulinhisoldage；meltedjewels，indeed！Morelikelyhisowneyeswerecomingdownwiththesandyblight。
InthemorninghedrovehisovernightgueststoDrogheda，soinuredbynowtothelandscapethathederivedgreatamusementfromtheircomments。Thelasthilllaytwohundredmilestotheeast；thiswasthelandoftheblacksoilplains，heexplained。Justsweeping，lightlytimberedgrasslandsasflatasaboard。Thedaywasashotasthepreviousone，buttheDaimlerwasagreatdealmorecomfortabletotravelinthanthetrainhadbeen。Andtheyhadstartedoutearly，fasting，FatherRalph’svestmentsandtheBlessedSacramentpackedcarefullyinablackcase。
\"Thesheeparedirty！\"saidMeggiedolefully，gazingatthemanyhundredsofrusty-redbundleswiththeirquestingnosesdownintothegrass。\"Ah，IcanseeIoughttohavechosenNewZealand，\"thepriestsaid。\"ItmustbelikeIreland，then，andhavenicecreamsheep。\"
\"Yes，itislikeIrelandinmanyways；ithasthesamebeautifulgreengrass。Butit’swilder，alotlesstamed，\"Paddyanswered。HelikedFatherRalphverymuch。
Justthenagroupofemuslurchedtotheirfeetandcommencedtorun，fleetasthewind，theirungainlylegsablur，theirlongnecksstretchedout。Thechildrengaspedandburstoutlaughing，enchantedatseeinggiantbirdswhichraninsteadofflying。
\"Whatapleasureitisnottohavetogetoutandopenthese’wretchedgates，\"FatherRalphsaidasthelastonewasshutbehindthemandBob，whohaddonegatedutyforhim，scrambledbackintothecar。AftertheshocksAustraliahadadministeredtotheminbewilderingrapidity，Droghedahomesteadseemedlikeatouchofhome，withitsgraciousGeorgianfacadeanditsbuddingwistariavines，itsthousandsofrosebushes。\"Arewegoingtolivehere？\"Meggiesqueaked。\"Notexactly，\"thepriestsaidquickly。\"Thehouseyou’regoingtoliveinisaboutamilefurtheron，downbythecreek。\"
MaryCarsonwaswaitingtoreceivetheminthevastdrawingroomanddidnotrisetogreetherbrother，butforcedhimtocometoherasshesatinherwingchair。
\"Well，Paddy，\"shesaidpleasantlyenough，lookingpasthimfixedlytowhereFatherRalphstoodwithMeggieinhisarms，andherlittlearmslockedtightlyabouthisneck。MaryCarsongotupponderously，withoutgreetingFeeorthechildren。
\"LetushearMassimmediately，\"shesaid。\"I’msureFatherdeBricassartisanxioustobeonhisway。\"
\"Notatall，mydearMary。\"Helaughed，blueeyesgleaming。\"IshallsayMass，we’llallhaveagoodhotbreakfastatyourtable，andthenI’vepromisedMeggieI’llshowherwhereshe’sgoingtolive。\"
\"Meggie，\"saidMaryCarson。
\"Yes，thisisMeggie。Whichratherbeginstheintroductionsatthetail，doesn’tit？Letmebeginatthehead，Mary，please。ThisisFiona。\"MaryCarsonnoddedcurtly，andpaidscantattentionasFatherRalphranthroughtheboys；shewastoobusywatchingthepriestandMeggie。
Theheadstockman’shousestoodonpilessomethirtyfeetaboveanarrowgulchfringedwithtall，stragglinggumtreesandmanyweepingwillows。AfterthesplendorofDroghedahomesteaditwasratherbareandutilitarian，butinitsappurtenancesitwasnotunlikethehousetheyhadleftbehindinNewZealand。SolidVictorianfurniturefilledtheroomstooverflowing，smotheredinfinereddust。
\"You’reluckyhere，youhaveabathroom，\"FatherRalphsaidashebroughtthemuptheplankstepstothefrontveranda；itwasquiteaclimb，forthepilesuponwhichthehousewaspoisedwerefifteenfeethigh。\"Incasethecreekrunsabanker，\"FatherRalphexplained。\"You’rerightonithereandI’vehearditcanrisesixtyfeetinanight。\"
Theydidindeedhaveabathroom；anoldtinbathandachippedwaterheaterstoodinawalled-offalcoveattheendofthebackveranda。But，asthewomenfoundtotheirdisgust，thelavatorywasnothingmorethanaholeinthegroundsometwohundredyardsawayfromthehouse，anditstank。AfterNewZealand，primitive。
\"Whoeverlivedherewasn’tveryclean，\"Feesaidassheranherfingerthroughthedustonthesideboard。
FatherRalphlaughed。\"You’llfightalosingbattletryingtogetridofthat，\"hesaid。\"ThisistheOutback，andtherearethreethingsyou’llneverdefeat-theheat，thedustandtheflies。Nomatterwhatyoudo，they’llalwaysbewithyou。\"
Feelookedatthepriest。\"You’reverygoodtous，Father。\"
\"Andwhynot？You’retheonlyrelativesofmyverygoodfriend，MaryCarson。\"
Sheshrugged，unimpressed。\"I’mnotusedtobeingonfriendlytermswithapriest。InNewZealandtheykeptthemselvesverymuchtothemselves。\"\"You’renotaCatholic，areyou？\"
\"No，Paddy’stheCatholic。NaturallythechildrenhavebeenrearedasCatholics，everylastoneofthem，ifthat’swhat’sworryingyou。\"\"Itneveroccurredtome。Doyouresentit？\"
\"Ireallydon’tcareonewayortheother。\"
\"Youdidn’tconvert？\"
\"I’mnotahypocrite，FatherdeBricassart。Ihadlostfaithinmyownchurch，andIhadnowishtoespouseadifferent，equallymeaninglesscreed。\"\"Isee。\"HewatchedMeggieasshestoodonthefrontveranda，peeringupthetracktowardDroghedabighouse。\"She’ssopretty，yourdaughter。Ihaveafondnessfortitianhair，youknow。Herswouldhavesenttheartistrunningforhisbrushes。I’veneverseenexactlythatcolorbefore。Issheyouronlydaughter？\"
\"Yes。BoysruninbothPaddy’sfamilyandmyown；girlsareunusual。\"\"Poorlittlething，\"hesaidobscurely。
AfterthecratesarrivedfromSydneyandthehousetookonamorefamiliarlookwithitsbooks，china，ornamentsandtheparlorfilledwithFee’sfurniture，thingsbegantosettledown。PaddyandtheboysolderthanStuwereawaymostofthetimewiththetwostationhandsMaryCarsonhadretainedtoteachthemthemanydifferencesbetweensheepinnorthwestNewSouth
WalesandsheepinNewZealand。Fee，MeggieandStudiscoveredthedifferencesbetweenrunningahouseinNewZealandandlivingintheheadstockman’sresidenceonDrogheda；therewasatacitunderstandingtheywouldneverdisturbMaryCarsonherself，butherhousekeeperandhermaidswerejustaseagertohelpthewomenasherstationhandsweretohelpthemen。Droghedawas，everyonelearned，aworldinitself，socutofffromcivilizationthatafterawhileevenGillanbonebecamenomorethananamewithremotememories。WithintheboundsofthegreatHomePaddocklaystables，asmithy，garages，innumerableshedsstoringeverythingfromfeedtomachinery，dogkennelsandruns，alabyrinthinemazeofstockyards，amammothshearingshedwiththestaggeringnumberoftwenty-sixstandsinit，andyetanotherjigsawpuzzleofyardsbehindit。Therewerefowlruns，pigpens，cowbailsandadairy，quartersforthetwenty-sixshearers，smallshacksfortherouseabouts，twoother，smaller，housesliketheirownforstockmen，ajackaroos’barracks，aslaughteryard，andwoodheaps。Allthissatinjustaboutthemiddleofatreelesscirclewhosediametermeasuredthreemiles:theHomePaddock。Onlyatthepointwheretheheadstockman’shouselaydidtheconglomerationofbuildingsalmosttouchtheforestsbeyond。However，thereweremanytreesaroundthesheds，yardsandanimalruns，toprovidewelcomeandnecessaryshade；mostlypeppertrees，huge，hardy，denseandsleepilylovely。BeyondinthelonggrassoftheHomePaddock，horsesandmilchcowsgrazeddrowsily。Thedeepgullybesidetheheadstockman’shousehadashallow，sluggishstreamofmuddywateratitsbottom。NoonecreditedFatherRalph’staleofitsrisingsixtyfeetovernight；itdidn’tseempossible。Waterfromthiscreekwaspumpedupbyhandtoservicethebathroomandkitchen，andittookthewomenalongtimetogetusedtowashingthemselves，thedishesandtheclothesingreenish-brownwater。Sixmassivecorrugated-irontanksperchedonwoodenderrickliketowerscaughtrainfromtheroofandprovidedthemwithdrinkingwater，buttheylearnedtheymustuseitverysparingly，thatitwasnevertobeusedforwashing。Fortherewasnoguaranteeastowhenthenextrainsmightcometofillthetanksup。
Thesheepandcattledrankartesianwater，nottappedfromaneasilyaccessiblewatertable，buttrueartesianwaterbroughtfromoverthreethousandfeetbelowthesurface。Itgushedatboilingpointfromapipeatwhatwascalledtheborehead，andranthroughtinychannelsfringedwithpoisonouslygreengrasstoeverypaddockontheproperty。Thesechannelsweretheboredrains，andtheheavilysulphurated，mineral-ladenwatertheycontainedwasnotfitforhumanconsumption。
Atfirstthedistancesstaggeredthem；Droghedahadtwohundredandfiftythousandacres。Itslongestboundarystretchedforeightymiles。Thehomesteadwasfortymilesandtwenty-sevengatesawayfromGillanbone，theonlysettlementofanykindcloserthanahundredandsixmiles。ThenarroweasternboundarywasformedbytheBarwonRiver，whichwaswhatthelocalscalledthisnortherncourseoftheDarlingRiver，agreatmuddythousand-milestreamthatfinallyjoinedtheMurrayRiverandsurgedoutintothesouthernoceanfifteenhundredmilesawayinSouthAustralia。GillanCreek，whichraninthegullybesidetheheadstockman’shouse，mergedintotheBarwontwomilesbeyondtheHomePaddock。
Paddyandtheboyslovedit。Sometimestheyspentdaysonendinthesaddle，milesawayfromthehomestead，campingatnightunderaskysovastandfilledwithstarsitseemedtheywereapartofGod。Thegrey-brownlandswarmedwithlife。Kangaroosinflocksofthousandsstreamedleapingthroughthetrees，takingfencesintheirstride，utterlylovelyintheirgraceandfreedomandnumbers；emusbuilttheirnests96inthemiddleofthegrassyplainandstalkedlikegiantsabouttheirterritorialboundaries，takingfrightatanythingstrangeandrunningfleeterthanhorsesawayfromtheirdark-green，football-sizedeggs；termitesbuiltrustytowerslikeminiatureskyscrapers；hugeantswithasavagebitepouredinriversdownmoundedholesintheground。
Thebirdlifewassorichandvariedthereseemednoendtonewkinds，andtheylivednotinonesandtwosbutinthousandsuponthousands:tinygreen-and-yellowparakeetsFeeusedtocalllovebirds，butwhichthelocalscalledbudgerigars；scarlet-and-bluesmallishparrotscalledrosellas；bigpale-greyparrotswithbrilliantpurplish-pinkbreasts，underwingsandheads，calledgalahs；andthegreatpurewhitebirdswithcheekyyellowcombscalledsulphur-crestedcockatoos。Exquisitetinyfincheswhirredandwheeled，sodidsparrowsandstarlings，andthestrongbrownkingfisherscalledkookaburraslaughedandchuckledgleefullyordivedforsnakes，theirfavoritefood。Theywerewellnighhuman，allthesebirds，andcompletelywithoutfear，sittinginhundredsinthetreespeeringaboutwithbrightintelligenteyes，screaming，talking，laughing，imitatinganythingthatproducedasound。Fearsomelizardsfiveorsixfeetlongpoundedoverthegroundandleapedlithelyforhightreebranches，asathomeofftheearthasonit；theyweregoannas。Andthereweremanyotherlizards，smallerbutsomenolessfrightening，adornedwithhornytriceratopeanruffsabouttheirnecks，orwithswollen，bright-bluetongues。Ofsnakesthevarietywasalmostendless，andtheClearyslearnedthatthebiggestandmostdangerouslookingwereoftenthemostbenign，whileastumpylittlecreatureafootlongmightbeadeathadder；carpetsnakes，coppersnakes，treesnakes，red-belliedblacksnakes，brownsnakes，lethaltigersnakes。
Andinsects！Grasshoppers，locusts，crickets，bees，fliesofallsizesandsorts，cicadas，gnats，dragonflies，giantmothsandsomanybutterflies！Thespidersweredreadful，hugehairythingswithalegspanofinches，ordeceptivelysmallanddeadlyblack-thingslurkinginthelavatory；somelivedinvastwheelingwebsslungbetweentrees，somerockedinsidedensegossamercradleshookedamonggrassblades，othersdivedintolittleholesinthegroundcompletewithlidswhichshutafterthem。
Predatorswerethere，too:wildpigsfrightenedofnothing，savageandflesh-eating，blackhairythingsthesizeoffullygrowncows；dingoes，thewildnativedogswhichslunkclosetothegroundandblendedintothegrass；crowsinhundredscarkingdesolatelyfromtheblastedwhiteskeletonsofdeadtrees；hawksandeagles，hoveringmotionlessontheaircurrents。Fromsomeofthesethesheepandcattlehadtobeprotected，especiallywhentheydroppedtheiryoung。Thekangaroosandrabbitsatethepreciousgrass；thepigsanddingoesatelambs，calvesandsickanimals；thecrowspeckedouteyes。TheClearyshadtolearntoshoot，thencarriedriflesastheyrode，sometimestoputasufferingbeastoutofitsmisery，sometimestofellaboaroradingo。
This，thoughttheboysexultantly，waslife。NotoneofthemyearnedforNewZealand；whenthefliesclusteredlikesyrupinthecornersoftheireyes，uptheirnoses，intheirmouthsandears，theylearnedtheAustraliantrickandhungcorksbobbingfromtheendsofstringsallaroundthebrimsoftheirhats。Topreventcrawliesfromgettingupinsidethelegsof(heirbaggytrouserstheytiedstripsofkangaroohidecalledbowyangsbelowtheirknees，gigglingatthesilly-soundingname，butawedbythenecessity。NewZealandwastamecomparedtothis；thiswaslife。Tiedtothehouseanditsimmediateenvirons，thewomenfoundlifemuchlesstotheirliking，fortheyhadnottheleisureortheexcusetoride，nordidtheyhavethestimulationofvaryingactivities。Itwasjusthardertodowhatwomenalwaysdid:cook，clean，wash，iron，。98careforbabies。Theybattledtheheat，thedust，theflies，themanysteps，themuddywater，thenearlyperennialabsenceofmentocarryandchopwood，pumpwater，killfowls。Theheatespeciallywashardtobear，anditwasasyetonlyearlyspring；evenso，thethermometeroutontheshadyverandareachedahundreddegreeseveryday。Insidethekitchenwiththerangegoing，itwasahundredandtwentydegrees。
Theirmanylayersofclothingwereclose-fittinganddesignedforNewZealand，whereinsidethehouseitwasalmostalwayscool。MaryCarson，exercisinggentlybywalkingdowntoseehersister-in-law，lookedatFee’shigh-necked，floor-lengthcalicogownsuperciliously。Sheherselfwascladinthenewfashion，acreamsilkdresscomingonlyhalfwaydownhercalves，withlooseelbowsleeves，nowaistandalowdécolletage。\"Really，Fiona，you’rehopelesslyold-fashioned，\"shesaid，glancingroundtheparlorwithitsfreshcoatofcreampaint，thePersiancarpetsandthespindlypricelessfurniture。
\"Ihavenotimetobeanythingelse，\"Feesaid，curtlyforherwhenactingashostess。
\"You’llhavemoretimenow，withthemenawaysomuchandfewermealstoget。Raiseyourhemsandstopwearingpetticoatsandstays，oryou’lldiewhensummercomes。Itcangetfifteentotwentydegreeshotterthanthis，youknow。\"HereyesdwelledontheportraitofthebeautifulblondwomaninherEmpressEugeniecrinoline。\"Who’sthat？\"sheasked，pointing。\"Mygrandmother。\"
\"Oh，really？Andthefurniture，thecarpets？\"\"Mine，frommygrandmother。\"
\"Oh，really？MydearFiona，you’vecomedownintheworld，haven’tyou？\"Feeneverlosthertemper，soshedidn’tnow，butherthinlipsgotthinner。\"Idon’tthinkso，Mary。Ihaveagoodman；yououghttoknowthat。\"\"Butpenniless。Whatwasyourmaidenname？\"
\"Armstrong。\"
\"Oh，really？NottheRoderickArmstrongArmstrongs？\"\"He’smyoldestbrother。Hisnamesakewasmygreat-grandfather。\"MaryCarsonrose，flappingherpicturehatattheflies，whichwerenotrespectersofperson。\"Well，you’rebetterbornthantheClearysare，evenifIdosaysomyself。DidyoulovePaddyenoughtogiveallthatup？\"\"MyreasonsforwhatIdo，\"saidFeelevelly，\"aremybusiness，Mary，notyours。Idonotdiscussmyhusband，evenwithhissister。\"
ThelinesoneithersideofMaryCarson’snosegotdeeper，hereyesbulgedslightly。\"Hoity-toity！\"
Shedidnotcomeagain，butMrs。Smith，herhousekeeper，cameoften，andrepeatedMaryCarson’sadviceabouttheirclothes。\"Look，\"shesaid，\"there’sasewingmachineinmyquarterswhichIneveruse。I’llhaveacoupleoftherouseaboutscarryitdown。IfIdoneedtouseit，I’llcomedownhere。\"HereyesstrayedtobabyHal，rollingonthefloorgleefully。\"Iliketohearthesoundofchildren，Mrs。Cleary。\"
Onceeverysixweeksthemailcamebyhorse-drawndrayfromGillanbone；thiswastheonlycontactwiththeoutsideworld。DroghedapossessedaFordtruck，anotherspeciallyconstructedFordtruckwithawatertankonitstray，amodel-TFordcarandaRolls-Roycelimousine，butnooneeverseemedtousethemtogointoGillysaveMaryCarsoninfrequently。Fortymileswasasfarasthemoon。
BlueyWilliamshadthemailcontractforthedistrictandtooksixweekstocoverhisterritory。Hisflattoppeddraywithitsten-footwheelswasdrawnbyamagnificentteamoftwelvedrafthorses，andwasloadedwithallthethingstheoutlyingstationsordered。AswellastheRoyalMail，hecarriedgroceries，gasolineinforty-four-gallondrums，keroseneinsquarefive-galloncans，hay，bagsofcorn，calicobagsofsugarandflour，woodenchestsoftea，bagsofpotatoes，farmmachinery，mail-ordertoysandclothesfromAnthonyHordern’sinSydney，plusanythingelsethathadtobebroughtinfromGillyorOutside。Movingattheclippingrateoftwentymilesaday，hewaswelcomedwhereverhestopped，pliedfornewsandweatherfaraway，handedthescribbledscrapsofpapercarefullywrappedaroundmoneyforgoodshewouldpurchaseinGilly，handedthelaboriouslywrittenletterswhichwentintothecanvassackmarked\"RoyalGVRMail。\"
WestofGillytherewereonlytwostationsontheroute，Droghedacloserin，Bugelafartherout；beyondBugelalaytheterritorythatgotmailonlyonceeverysixmonths。Bluey’sdrayswunginagreatzigzaggingarcthroughallthestationssouthwest，westandnorthwest，thenreturnedtoGillybeforesettingouteastward，asmallerjourneybecauseBoorootowntookoversixtymileseast。Sometimeshebroughtpeoplesittingbesidehimonhisunshelteredleatherseat，visitorsorhopefulslookingforwork；sometimeshetookpeopleaway，visitorsordiscontentedstockmenormaidsorroustabouts，veryoccasionallyagoverness。Thesquattersownedcarstotransportthemselves，butthosewhoworkedforthesquattersdependeduponBlueyfortransportaswellasgoodsandletters。
AftertheboltsofclothFeehadorderedcameonthemail，shesatdownatthedonatedsewingmachineandbegantomakeloosedressesinlightcottonforherselfandMeggie，lighttrousersandoverallsforthemen，smocksforHal，curtainsforthewindows。Therewasnodoubtitwascoolerminuslayersofunderwearandtightlyfittingouterwear。
LifewaslonelyforMeggie，onlyStuartatthehouseamongtheboys。JackandHughiewereoffwiththeirfatherlearningtobestockmen-jackaroos，theyoungapprenticeswerecalled。Stuartwasn’tcompanythewayJackandHughieusedtobe。Helivedinaworldallhisown，aquietlittleboywhopreferredtositforhourswatchingthebehaviorofathrongofantsthanclimbtrees，whereasMeggieadoredtoclimbtreesandthoughtAustraliangumsweremarvelous，ofinfinitevarietyanddifficulty。Notthattherewasmuchtimefortree-climbing，orant-watchingforthatmatter。MeggieandStuartworkedhard。Theychoppedandcarriedthewood，dugholesforrefuse，tendedthevegetablegardenandlookedafterthefowlsandpigs。Theyalsolearnedhowtokillsnakesandspiders，thoughtheyneverceasedtofearthem。Therainfallhadbeenmediocrelygoodforseveralyears；thecreekwaslowbutthetankswereabouthalffull。Thegrasswasstillfairlygood，butapparentlynothingtoitslushtimes。
\"Itwillprobablygetworse，\"saidMaryCarsongrimly。Buttheyweretoknowfloodbeforetheyencounteredafull-fledgeddrought。HalfwaythroughJanuarythecountrycaughtthesouthernedgeofthenorthwestmonsoons。Captiousintheextreme，thegreatwindsblewtosuitthemselves。Sometimesonlythefarnortherntipsofthecontinentfelttheirdrenchingsummerrains，sometimestheytraveledfardowntheOutbackandgavetheunhappyurbanitesofSydneyawetsummer。ThatJanuarythecloudsstormeddarkacrossthesky，tornintosoddenshredsbythewind，anditbegantorain；notagentledownpourbutasteady，roaringdelugewhichwentonandon。
Theyhadbeenwarned；BlueyWilliamshadturnedupwithhisdrayloadedhighandtwelvesparehorsesbehindhim，forhewasmovingfasttogetthroughhisroundsbeforetherainsmadefurtherprovisioningofthestationsimpossible。
\"Monsoonsarecomin’，\"hesaid，rollingacigaretteandindicatingpilesofextragrocerieswithhiswhip。
\"TheCooperan’theBarcooan’theDiamantinaarerunnin’realbankersan’theOverflowisoverflowin’。ThewholeQueenslan’Outback’stwofootunderwateran’thempoorbuggersistryin’tofindariseinthegroun’toputthesheepon。\"
Suddenlytherewasacontrolledpanic；Paddyandtheboysworkedlikemadmen，movingthesheepoutofthelow-lyingpaddocksandasfarawayfromthecreekandtheBarwonastheycould。FatherRalphturnedup，saddledhishorseandsetoffwithFrankandthebestteamofdogsfortwounclearedpaddocksalongsidetheBarwon，whilePaddyandthetwostockmeneachtookaboyinotherdirections。
FatherRalphwasanexcellentstockmanhimself。HerodeathoroughbredchestnutmareMaryCarsonhadgivenhim，cladinfaultlesslytailoredbuffjodhpurs，shinytankneeboots，andaspotlesswhiteshirtwithitssleevesrolleduphissinewyarmsanditsneckopentoshowhissmoothbrownchest。Inbaggyoldgreytwilltrouserstiedwithbowyangsandagreyflannelunder-shirt，Frankfeltlikeapoorrelation。Whichwaswhathewas，hethoughtwryly，followingthestraightfigureonthedaintymarethroughastandofboxandpinebeyondthecreek。Hehimselfrodeahard-mouthedpiebaldstockhorse，amean-temperedbeastwithawillofitsownandaferocioushatredofotherhorses。Thedogswereyelpingandcavortinginexcitement，fightingandsnarlingamongthemselvesuntilpartedwithaflickfromFatherRalph’sviciouslywieldedstockwhip。Itseemedtherewasnothingthemancouldn’tdo；hewasfamiliarwiththecodedwhistlessettingthedogstowork，andpliedhiswhipmuchbetterthanFrank，stilllearningthisexoticAustralianart。
ThebigQueenslandbluebrutethatledthedogpacktookaslavishfancytothepriestandfollowedhimwithoutquestion，meaningFrankwas-verydefinitelythesecond-stringman。HalfofFrankdidn’tmind；healoneamongPaddy’ssonshadnottakentolifeonDrogheda。HehadwantednothingmorethantoquitNewZealand，butnottocometothis。Hehatedtheceaselesspatrollingofthepaddocks，thehardgroundtosleeponmostnights，thesavagedogswhichcouldnotbetreatedaspetsandwereshotiftheyfailedtodotheirwork。Buttherideintothegatheringcloudshadanelementofadventuretoit；eventhebending，crackingtreesseemedtodancewithanoutlandishjoy。FatherRalphworkedlikeamaninthegripofsomeobsession，soolingthedogsafterunsuspectingbandsofsheep，sendingthesillywoollythingsleapingandbleatinginfrightuntilthelowshapesstreakingthroughthegrassgotthempackedtightandrunning。OnlyhavingthedogsenabledasmallhandfulofmentooperateapropertythesizeofDrogheda；bredtoworksheeporcattle，theywereamazinglyintelligentandneededverylittledirection。BynightfallFatherRalphandthedogs，withFranktryingtodohisinadequatebestbehindthem，hadclearedallthesheepoutofonepaddock，normallyseveraldays’work。Heunsaddledhismarenearaclumpoftreesbythegatetothesecondpaddock，talkingoptimisticallyofbeingabletogetthestockoutofitalsobeforetherainstarted。Thedogsweresprawledflatoutinthegrass，tongueslolling，thebigQueenslandbluefawningandcringingatFatherRalph’sfeet。Frankdugarepulsivecollectionofkangaroomeatoutofhissaddlebagandflungittothedogs，whichfellonitsnappingandbitingateachotherjealously。
\"Bloodyawfulbrutes，\"hesaid。\"Theydon’tbehavelikedogs；they’rejustjackals。\"
\"IthinktheseareprobablyalotclosertowhatGodintendeddogsshouldbe，\"saidFatherRalphmildly。\"Alert，intelligent，aggressiveandalmostuntamed。Formyself，Ipreferthemtothehouse-petspecies。\"Hesmiled。\"Thecats，too。Haven’tyounoticedthemaroundthesheds？Aswildandviciousaspanthers；won’tletahumanbeingnearthem。Buttheyhuntmagnificently，andcallnomanmasterorprovider。\"
Heunearthedacoldpieceofmuttonandapacketofbreadandbutterfromhissaddlebag，carvedahunkfromthemuttonandhandedtheresttoFrank。Puttingthebreadandbutteronalogbetweenthem，hesankhiswhiteteethintothemeatwithevidentenjoyment。Thirstwasslakedfromacanvaswaterbag，thencigarettesrolled。
Alonewilgatreestoodnearby；FatherRalphindicateditwithhiscigarette。
\"That’sthespottosleep，\"hesaid，unstrappinghisblanketandpickinguphissaddle。
Frankfollowedhimtothetree，commonlyheldthemostbeautifulinthispartofAustralia。Itsleavesweredenseandapalelimegreen，itsshapealmostperfectlyrounded。Thefoliagegrewsoclosetothegroundthatsheepcouldreachiteasily，theresultbeingthateverywilgabottomwasmownasstraightasatopiaryhedge。Iftherainbegantheywouldhavemoreshelterunderitthananyothertree，forAustraliantreesweregenerallythinneroffoliagethanthetreesofwetterlands。
\"You’renothappy，Frank，areyou？\"FatherRalphasked，lyingdownwithasighandrollinganothersmoke。
FromhispositionacoupleoffeetawayFrankturnedtolookathimsuspiciously。\"What’shappy？\"
\"Atthemoment，yourfatherandbrothers。Butnotyou，notyourmother，andnotyoursister。Don’tyoulikeAustralia？\"
\"Notthisbitofit。IwanttogotoSydney。Imighthaveachancetheretomakesomethingofmyself。\"
\"Sydney，eh？It’sadenofiniquity。\"FatherRalphwassmiling。\"Idon’tcare！OuthereI’mstuckthesamewayIwasinNewZealand；Ican’tgetawayfromhim。\"
\"Him？\"
ButFrankhadnotmeanttosayit，andwouldsaynomore。Helaylookingupattheleaves。
\"Howoldareyou，Frank？\"\"Twenty-two。\"\"Oh，yes！Haveyoueverbeenawayfromyourpeople？\"
No。
\"Haveyouevenbeentoadance，hadagirlfriend？\"\"No。\"Frankrefusedtogivehimhistitle。
\"Thenhe’llnotholdyoumuchlonger。\"
\"He’llholdmeuntilIdie。\"
FatherRalphyawned，andcomposedhimselfforsleep。\"Goodnight，\"hesaid。Inthemorningthecloudswerelower，buttherainheldoffalldayandtheygotthesecondpaddockcleared。AslightridgeranclearacrossDroghedafromnortheasttosouthwest；itwasinthesepaddocksthestockwereconcentrated，wheretheyhadhighergroundtoseekifthewaterroseabovetheescarpmentsofthecreekandtheBarwon。
Therainbeganalmostonnightfall，asFrankandthepriesthurriedatafasttrottowardthecreekfordbelowtheheadstockman’shouse。\"Nouseworryingaboutblowingthemnow！\"FatherRalphshouted。\"Digyourheelsin，lad，oryou’lldrowninthemud！\"
Theyweresoakedwithinseconds，andsowasthehard-bakedground。Thefine，-nonporoussoilbecameaseaofmud，miringthehorsestotheirhocksandsettingthemfloundering。Whilethegrasspersistedtheymanagedtopresson，butnearthecreekwheretheearthhadbeentroddentobarenesstheyhadtodismount。Oncerelievedoftheirburdens，thehorseshadnotrouble，butFrankfounditimpossibletokeephisbalance。Itwasworsethanaskatingrink。Onhandsandkneestheycrawledtothetopofthecreekbank，andsliddownitlikeprojectiles。Thestoneroadway，whichwasnormallycoveredbyafootoflazywater，wasunderfourfeetofracingfoam；Frankheardthepriestlaugh。Urgedonbyshoutsandslapsfromsoddenhats，thehorsesmanagedtoscrambleupthefarbankwithoutmishap，butFrankandFatherRalphcouldnot。Everytimetheytried，theyslidbackagain。ThepriesthadjustsuggestedtheyclimbawillowwhenPaddy，alertedbytheappearanceofriderlesshorses，camewitharopeandhauledthemout。Smilingandshakinghishead，FatherRalphrefusedPaddy’sofferofhospitality。
\"I’mexpectedatthebighouse，\"hesaid。
MaryCarsonheardhimcallingbeforeanyofherstaffdid，forhehadchosentowalkaroundtothefrontofthehouse，thinkingitwouldbeeasiertoreachhisroom。
\"You’renotcominginsidelikethat，\"shesaid，standingontheveranda。\"Thenbeadear，getmeseveraltowelsandmycase。\"
Unembarrassed，shewatchedhimpeeloffhisshirt，bootsandbreeches，leaningagainstthehalf-openwindowintoherdrawingroomashetoweledtheworstofthemudoff。
\"You’rethemostbeautifulmanI’veeverseen，RalphdeBricassart，\"shesaid。\"Whyisitsomanypriestsarebeautiful？TheIrishness？They’reratherahandsomepeople，theIrish。Orisitthatbeautifulmenfindthepriesthoodarefugefromtheconsequencesoftheirlooks？I’llbetthegirlsinGillyjusteattheirheartsoutoveryou。\"
\"Ilearnedlongagonottotakeanynoticeoflovesickgirls。\"Helaughed。\"Anypriestunderfiftyisatargetforsomeofthem，andapriestunderthirty-fiveisusuallyatargetforallofthem。Butit’sonlytheProtestantgirlswhoopenlytrytoseduceme。\"
\"Youneveranswermyquestionsoutright，doyou？\"Straightening，shelaidherpalmonhischestandhelditthere。\"You’reasybarite，Ralph，youlieinthesun。Areyouasbrownallover？\"
Smiling，heleanedhisheadforward，thenlaughedintoherhair，hishandsunbuttoningthecottondrawers；astheyfelltothegroundhekickedthemaway，standinglikeaPraxitelesstatuewhileshetouredallthewayaroundhim，takinghertimeandlooking。Thelasttwodayshadexhilaratedhim，sodidthesuddenawarenessthatshewasperhapsmorevulnerablethanhehadimagined；butheknewher，andhefeltquitesafeinasking，\"Doyouwantmetomakelovetoyou，Mary？\"Sheeyedhisflaccidpenis，snortingwithlaughter。\"Iwouldn’tdreamofputtingyoutosomuchtrouble！Doyouneedwomen，Ralph？\"Hisheadrearedbackscornfully。\"No！\"
\"Men？\"
\"They’reworsethanwomen。No，Idon’tneedthem。\"
\"Howaboutyourself？\"
\"Leastofall。\"
\"Interesting。\"Pushingthewindowallthewayup，shesteppedthroughintothedrawingroom。\"Ralph，CardinaldeBricassart！\"shemocked。Butawayfromthosediscerningeyesofhisshesaggedbackintoherwingchairandclenchedherfists，thegesturewhichrailsagainsttheinconsistenciesoffate。Naked，FatherRalphsteppedofftheverandatostandonthebarberedlawnwithhisarmsraisedabovehishead，eyesclosed；helettherainpouroverhiminwarm，probing，spearingrunnels，anexquisitesensationonbareskin。Itwasverydark。Buthewasstillflaccid。
ThecreekbrokeitsbanksandthewatercrepthigherupthepilesofPaddy’shouse，fartheroutacrosstheHomePaddocktowardthehomesteaditself。
\"Itwillgodowntomorrow，\"saidMaryCarsonwhenPaddywenttoreport，worried。
Asusual，shewasright；overthenextweekthewaterebbedandfinallyreturnedtoitsnormalchannels。Thesuncameout，thetemperaturezoomedtoahundredandfifteenintheshade，andthegrassseemedtotakewingforthesky，thigh-highandclean，bleachedbrilliantasgilt，hurtingtheeyes。Washedanddusted，thetreesglittered，andthehordesofparrotscamebackfromwherevertheyhadgonewhiletherainfelltoflashtheirrainbowbodiesamidthetimber，moreloquaciousthanever。FatherRalphhadreturnedtosuccorhisneglectedparishioners，sereneintheknowledgehisknuckleswouldnotberapped；underthepristinewhiteshirtnexttohisheartresidedacheckforonethousandpounds。Thebishopwouldbeecstatic。
ThesheepweremovedbacktotheirnormalpastureandtheClearyswereforcedtolearntheOutbackhabitofsiesta。Theyroseatfive，goteverythingdonebeforemidday，thencollapsedintwitching，sweatingheapsuntilfiveintheafternoon。Thisappliedbothtothewomenatthehouseandthemeninthepaddocks。Choreswhichcouldnotbedoneearlyweredoneafterfive，andtheeveningmealeatenafterthesunhadgonedownatatableoutsideontheveranda。Allthebedshadbeenmovedoutsideaswellfortheheatpersistedthroughthenight。Itseemedasifthemercuryhadnotgonebelowacenturyinweeks，dayornight。Beefwasaforgottenmemory，onlyasheepsmallenoughtolastwithouttaintinguntilitwasalleaten。Theirpalateslongedforachangefromtheeternalroundofbakedmuttonchops，muttonstew，shepherd’spiemadeofmincedmutton，curriedmutton，roastlegofmutton，boiledpickledmutton，muttoncasserole。ButatthebeginningofFebruarylifechangedabruptlyforMeggieandStuart。TheyweresenttotheconventinGillanbonetoboard，fortherewasnoschoolcloser。Hal，saidPaddy，couldlearnbycorrespondencefromBlackfriarsSchoolinSydneywhenhewasoldenough，butinthemeantime，sinceMeggieandStuartwereusedtoteachers，MaryCarsonhadgenerouslyofferedtopayfortheirboardandtuitionattheHolyCrossconvent。Besides，FeewastoobusywithHaltosupervisecorrespondencelessonsaswell。IthadbeentacitlyunderstoodfromthebeginningthatJackandHughiewouldgonofurtherwiththeireducations；Droghedaneededthemontheland，andthelandwaswhattheywanted。
MeggieandStuartfounditastrange，peacefulexistenceatHolyCrossaftertheirlifeonDrogheda，butespeciallyaftertheSacredHeartinWahine。FatherRalphhadsubtlyindicatedtothenunsthatthispairofchildrenwerehisprotégés，theiraunttherichestwomaninNewSouthWales。SoMeggie’sshynesswastransformedfromaviceintoavirtue，andStuart’soddisolation，hishabitofstaringforhoursintoillimitabledistances，earnedhimtheepithet\"saintly。\"
Itwasverypeacefulindeed，fortherewereveryfewboarders；peopleofthedistrictwealthyenoughtosendtheiroffspringtoboardingschoolinvariablypreferredSydney。Theconventsmelledofpolishandflowers，itsdarkhighcorridorsawashwithquietnessandatangibleholiness。Voicesweremuted，lifewentonbehindablackthinveil。Noonecanedthem，nooneshoutedatthem，andtherewasalwaysFatherRalph。Hecametoseethemoften，andhadthemtostayatthepresbyterysoregularlyhedecidedtopaintthebedroomMeggieusedadelicateapplegreen，buynewcurtainsforthewindowsandanewquiltforthebed。Stuartcontinuedtosleepinaroomwhichhadbeencreamandbrownthroughtworedecorations；itsimplyneveroccurredtoFatherRalphtowonderifStuartwashappy。Hewastheafterthoughtwhotoavoidoffensemustalsobeinvited。JustwhyhewassofondofMeggieFatherRalphdidn’tknow，norforthatmatterdidhespendmuchtimewonderingaboutit。Ithadbegunwithpitythatdayinthedustystationyardwhenhehadnoticedherlaggingbehind；setapartfromtherestofherfamilybyvirtueofhersex，hehadshrewdlyguessed。AstowhyFrankalsomovedonanouterperimeter，thisdidnotintriguehimatall，nordidhefeelmovedtopityFrank。TherewassomethinginFrankwhichkilledtenderemotions:adarkheart，aspiritlackinginnerlight。ButMeggie？Shehadmovedhimunbearably，andhedidn’treallyknowwhy。Therewasthecolorofherhair，whichpleasedhim；thecolorandformofhereyes，likehermother’sandthereforebeautiful，butsomuchsweeter，moreexpressive；andhercharacter，whichhesawastheperfectfemalecharacter，passiveyetenormouslystrong。Norebel，Meggie；onthecontrary。Allherlifeshewouldobey，movewithintheboundariesofherfemalefate。
Yetnoneofitaddeduptothefulltotal。Perhaps，hadhelookedmoredeeplyintohimself，hemighthaveseenthatwhathefeltforherwasthecuriousresultoftime，andplace，andperson。Noonethoughtofherasimportant，whichmeanttherewasaspaceinherlifeintowhichhecouldfithimselfandbesureofherlove；shewasachild，andthereforenodangertohiswayoflifeorhispriestlyreputation；shewasbeautiful，andheenjoyedbeauty；and，leastacknowledgedofall，shefilledanemptyspaceinhislifewhichhisGodcouldnot，forshehadwarmthandahumansolidity。Becausehecouldnotembarrassherfamilybygivinghergifts，hegaveherasmuchofhiscompanyashecould，andspenttimeandthoughtonredecoratingherroomatthepresbytery；notsomuchtoseeherpleasureastocreateafittingsettingforhisjewel。NopinchbeckforMeggie。AtthebeginningofMaytheshearersarrivedonDrogheda。MaryCarsonwasextraordinarilyawareofhoweverythingonDroghedawasdone，fromdeployingthesheeptocrackingastockwhip；shesummonedPaddytothebighousesomedaysbeforetheshearerscame，andwithoutmovingfromherwingchairshetoldhimpreciselywhattododowntothelastlittledetail。UsedtoNewZealandshearing，Paddyhadbeenstaggeredbythesizeoftheshed，itstwenty-sixstands；now，aftertheinterviewwithhissister，factsandfigureswarredinsidehishead。NotonlywouldDroghedasheepbeshornonDrogheda，butBugelaandDibban-DibbanandBeel-Beelsheepaswell。Itmeantagruelingamountofworkforeverysoulontheplace，maleandfemale。CommunalshearingwasthecustomandthestationssharingDrogheda’sshearingfacilitieswouldnaturallypitchintohelp，butthebruntoftheincidentalworkinevitablyfellontheshouldersofthoseonDrogheda。Theshearerswouldbringtheirowncookwiththemandbuytheirfoodfromthestationstore，butthosevastamountsoffoodhadtobefound；theramshacklebarrackswithkitchenandprimitivebathroomattachedhadtobescoured，cleanedandequippedwithmattressesandblankets。NotallstationswereasgenerousasDroghedawastoitsshearers，butDroghedaprideditselfonitshospitality，anditsreputationasa\"bloodygoodshed。\"ForthiswastheoneactivityinwhichMaryCarsonparticipated，soshedidn’tstintherpurse。NotonlywasitoneofthebiggestshedsinNewSouthWales，butitrequiredtheverybestmentobehad，menoftheJackieHowecaliber；overthreehundredthousandsheepwouldbeshorntherebeforetheshearersloadedtheirswagsintothecontractor’soldFordtruckanddisappeareddownthetracktotheirnextshed。
Frankhadnotbeenhomefortwoweeks。WitholdBeerbarrelPetethestockman，ateamofdogs，twostockhorsesandalightsulkyattachedtoanunwillingnagtoholdtheirmodestneeds，theyhadsetoutforthefarwesternpaddockstobringthesheepin，workingthemcloserandcloser，cullingandsorting。Itwasslow，tediouswork，nottobecomparedwiththatwildmusterbeforethefloods。Eachpaddockhaditsownstockyards，inwhichsomeofthegradingandmarkingwouldbedoneandthemobshelduntilitwastheirturntocomein。Theshearingshedyardsaccommodatedonlytenthousandsheepatatime，solifewouldn’tbeeasywhiletheshearerswerethere；itwouldbeaconstantflurryofexchangingmobs，unshornforshorn。
WhenFranksteppedintohismother’skitchenshewasstandingbesidethesinkatanever-endingjob，peelingpotatoes。
\"Mum，I’mhome！\"hesaid，joyinhisvoice。
Assheswungaroundherbellyshowed，andhistwoweeksawaylenthiseyesaddedperception。
\"Oh，God！\"hesaid。
Hereyeslosttheirpleasureinseeinghim，herfacefloodedwithscarletshame；shespreadherhandsoverherballooningapronasiftheycouldhidewhatherclothescouldnot。
Frankwasshaking。\"Thedirtyoldgoat！\"
\"Frank，Ican’tletyousaythingslikethat。You’reamannow，yououghttounderstand。Thisisnodifferentfromthewayyoucameintotheworldyourself，anditdeservesthesamerespect。Itisn’tdirty。WhenyouinsultDaddy，youinsultme。\"
\"Hehadnoright！Heshouldhaveleftyoualone！\"Frankhissed，wipingafleckoffoamfromthecornerofhistremblingmouth。\"Itisn’tdirty，\"sherepeatedwearily，andlookedathimfromhercleartiredeyesasifshehadsuddenlydecidedtoputshamebehindherforever。\"It’snotdirty，Frank，andnoristheactwhichcreatedit。\"
Thistimehisfacereddened。Hecouldnotcontinuetomeethergaze，soheturnedandwentthroughintotheroomhesharedwithBob，JackandHughie。Itsbarewallsandlittlesinglebedsmockedhim，mockedhim，thesterileandfeaturelesslooktoit，thelackofapresencetowarmit，apurposetohallowit。Andherface，herbeautifultiredfacewithitsprimhaloofgoldenhair，allalightbecauseofwhatsheandthathairyoldgoathaddoneintheterribleheatofsummer。
Hecouldnotgetawayfromit，hecouldnotgetawayfromher，fromthethoughtsatthebackofhismind，fromthehungersnaturaltohisageandmanhood。Mostlyhemanagedtopushitallbelowconsciousness，butwhensheflauntedtangibleevidenceofherlustbeforehiseyes，threwhermysteriousactivitywiththatlecherousoldbeastinhisveryteeth……Howcouldhethinkofit，howcouldheconsenttoit，howcouldhebearit？Hewantedtobeabletothinkofherastotallyholy，pureanduntaintedastheBlessedMother，abeingwhowasabovesuchthingsthoughallhersistersthroughouttheworldbeguiltyofit。Toseeherprovinghisconceptofherwrongwastheroadtomadness。Ithadbecomenecessarytohissanitytoimaginethatshelaywiththatuglyoldmaninperfectcha/y，tohaveaplacetosleep，butthatinthenighttheyneverturnedtowardeachother，ortouched。Oh，God！
Ascrapingclangmadehimlookdown，tofindhehadtwistedthebrassrailofthebed’sfootintoanS。
\"Whyaren’tyouDaddy？\"heaskedit。
\"Frank，\"saidhismotherfromthedoorway。
Helookedup，hisblackeyesglitteringandwetlikerained-uponcoal。\"I’llendupkillinghim，\"hesaid。
\"Ifyoudothat，you’llkillme，\"saidFee，comingtosituponthebed。\"No，I’dfreeyou！\"hecounteredwildly，hopefully。\"Frank，Icanneverbefree，andIdon’twanttobefree。IwishIknewwhereyourblindnesscomesfrom，butIdon’t。Itisn’tmine，norisityourfather’s。Iknowyou’renothappy，butmustyoutakeitoutonme，andonDaddy？Whydoyouinsistuponmakingeverythingsohard？Why？\"Shelookeddownatherhands，lookedupathim。\"Idon’twanttosaythis，butIthinkIhaveto。It’stimeyoufoundyourselfagirl，Frank，gotmarriedandhadafamilyofyourown。There’sroomonDrogheda。I’veneverbeenworriedabouttheotherboysinthatrespect；theydon’tseemtohaveyournatureatall。Butyouneedawife，Frank。Ifyouhadone，youwouldn’thavetimetothinkaboutme。\"
Hehadturnedhisbackuponher，andwouldn’tturnaround。Forperhapsfiveminutesshesatonthebedhopinghewouldsaysomething，thenshesighed，gotupandleft。
Aftertheshearershadgoneandthedistricthadsettledintothesemi-inertiaofwintercametheannualGillanboneShowandPicnicRaces。Itwasthemostimportanteventinthesocialcalendar，andwentonfortwodays。Feedidn’tfeelwellenoughtogo，soPaddydroveMaryCarsonintotowninherRolls-RoycewithouthiswifetosupporthimorkeepMary’stongueinitssilentposition。HehadnoticedthatforsomemysteriousreasonFee’sverypresencequelledhissister，putheratadisadvantage。Everyoneelsewasgoing。Underthreatofdeathtobehavethemselves，theboysrodeinwithBeerbarrelPete，Jim，Tom，Mrs。Smithandthemaidsinthetruck，butFrankleftearlyonhisowninthemodel-TFord。Theadultsofthepartywereallstayingoverforthesecondday’sracemeeting；forreasonsknownbesttoherself，MaryCarsondeclinedFatherRalph’sofferofaccommodationatthepresbytery，buturgedPaddytoacceptitforhimselfandFrank。WherethetwostockmenandTom，thegardenroustabout，stayednooneknew，butMrs。Smith，MinnieandCathadfriendsinGillywhoputthemup。ItwasteninthemorningwhenPaddydepositedhissisterinthebestroomtheHotelImperialhadtooffer；hemadehiswaydowntothebarandfoundFrankstandingatit，aschoonerofbeerinhishand。
\"Letmebuythenextone，oldman，\"Paddysaidgeniallytohisson。\"I’vegottotakeAuntieMarytothePicnicRacesluncheon，andIneedmoralsustenanceifI’mgoingtogetthroughtheordealwithoutMum。\"Habitandawearehardertoovercomethanpeoplerealizeuntiltheyactuallytrytocircumventtheconductofyears；Frankfoundhecouldnotdowhathelongedtodo，hecouldnotthrowthecontentsofhisglassinhisfather’sface，notinfrontofabarcrowd。Sohedownedwhatwasleftofhisbeeratagulp，smiledalittlesicklyandsaid，\"Sorry，Daddy，I’vepromisedtomeetsomeblokesdownattheshowground。\"
\"Well，offyougo，then。Buthere，takethisandspenditonyourself。Haveagoodtime，andifyougetdrunkdon’tletyourmotherfindout。\"Frankstaredatthecrispbluefive-poundnoteinhishand，longingtotearitintoshredsandflingtheminPaddy’sface，butcustomwonagain；hefoldedit，putitinhisfobpocketandthankedhisfather。Hecouldn’tgetoutofthebarquicklyenough。
Inhisbestbluesuit，waistcoatbuttoned，goldwatchsecuredbyagoldchainandaweightmadefromanuggetofftheLawrencegoldfields，Paddytuggedathiscelluloidcollarandlookeddownthebarforafacehemightrecognize。HehadnotbeenintoGillyveryoftenduringtheninemonthssincehearrivedonDrogheda，buthispositionasMaryCarson’sbrotherandheirapparentmeantthathehadbeentreatedveryhospitablywheneverhehadbeenintown，andthathisfacewaswellremembered。Severalmenbeamedathim，voicesofferedtoshouthimabeer，andhewassooninthemiddleofacomfortablelittlecrowd；Frankwasforgotten。
Meggie’shairwasbraidedthesedays，nonunbeingwilling(inspiteofMaryCarson’smoney)toattendtoitscurling，anditlayintwothickcablesoverhershoulders，tiedwithnavy-blueribbons。Cladinthesobernavy-blueuniformofaHolyCrossstudent，shewasescortedacrossthelawnfromtheconventtothepresbyterybyanunandhandedovertoFatherRalph’shousekeeper，whoadoredher。
\"Och，it’stheweebairn’sbonnieHielan’hair，\"sheexplainedtothepriestoncewhenhequestionedher，amused；Anniewasn’tgiventolikinglittlegirls，andhaddeploredthepresbytery’sproximitytotheschool。\"Comenow，Annie！Hair’sinanimate；youcan’tlikesomeonejustbecauseofthecolorofherhair，\"hesaid，toteaseher。
\"Ah，weekshe’sapuirweelassie-skeggy，yeken。\"
Hedidn’tkenatall，buthedidn’taskherwhat\"skeggy\"meant，either，orpassanyremarksaboutthefactthatitrhymedwithMeggie。SometimesitwasbetternottoknowwhatAnniemeant，orencourageherbypayingmuchattentiontowhatshesaid；shewas，inherownparlance，fey，andifshepitiedthechildhedidn’twanttobetolditwasbecauseofherfutureratherthanherpast。
Frankarrived，stilltremblingfromhisencounterwithhisfatherinthebar，andatalooseend。
\"Comeon，Meggie，I’lltakeyoutothefair，\"hesaid，holdingouthishand。
\"Whydon’tItakeyouboth？\"FatherRalphasked，holdingouthis。Sandwichedbetweenthetwomensheworshipped，andhangingontotheirhandsfordearlife，Meggiewasinseventhheaven。TheGillanboneshowgroundlayonthebanksoftheBarwonRiver，nextdoortotheracecourse。Thoughthefloodsweresixmonthsgone，themudhadnotcompletelydried，andtheeagerfeetofearlycomershadalreadypulpedittoamire。Beyondthestallsofsheepandcattle，pigsandgoats，theprimeandperfectlivestockcompetingforprizes，laytentsfullofhandicraftsandcooking。Theygazedatstock，cakes，crochetedshawls，knittedbabyclothes，embroideredtablecloths，catsanddogsandcanaries。
Onthefarsideofallthiswastheridingring，whereyoungequestriansandequestriennescanteredtheirbobtailedhacksbeforejudgeswholooked，itseemedtoagigglingMeggie，ratherlikehorsesthemselves。Ladyridersinmagnificentsergehabitsperchedsidesaddleontallhorses，theirtophatsswathedwithtantalizingwispsofveiling。HowanyonesoprecariouslymountedandhattedcouldstayunruffleduponahorseatanythingfasterthananamblewasbeyondMeggie’simagination，untilshesawonesplendidcreaturetakeherprancinganimaloveraseriesofdifficultjumpsandfinishasimpeccableasbeforeshestarted。Thentheladyprickedhermountwithanimpatientspurandcanteredacrossthesoggyground，reiningtoahaltinfrontofMeggie，FrankandFatherRalphtobartheirprogress。Theleginitspolishedblackboothookedroundthesaddlewasunhooked，andtheladysattrulyonthesideofhersaddle，herglovedhandsextendedimperiously。\"Father！Besokindastohelpmedismount！\"
Hereacheduptoputhishandsaroundherwaist，herhandsonhisshoulders，andswungherlightlydown；themomentherheelstouchedthegroundhereleasedher，tookhermount’sreinsinhishandandwalkedon，theladybesidehim，matchinghisstrideeffortlessly。\"WillyouwintheHunting，MissCarmichael？\"heaskedintonesofutterindifference。
Shepouted；shewasyoungandverybeautiful，andthatcuriousimpersonalqualityofhispiquedher。\"Ihopetowin，butIcan’tbesure。MissHopetonandMrs。AnthonyKingbothcompete。However，IshallwintheDressage，soifIdon’twintheHuntingIshan’trepine。\"
Shespokewithbeautifullyroundedvowels，andwiththeoddlystiltedphraseologyofayoungladysocarefullyrearedandeducatedtherewasnotatraceof
warmthoridiomlefttocolorhervoice。AshespoketoherFatherRalph’sownspeechbecamemorepearshaped，andquitelostitsbeguilinghintofIrishness；asifshebroughtbacktohimatimewhenhe，too，hadbeenlikethis。Meggiefrowned，puzzledandaffectedbytheirlightbutguardedwords，notknowingwhatthechangeinFatherRalphwas，onlyknowingtherewasachange，andnotonetoherliking。SheletgoFrank’shand，andindeedithadbecomedifficultforthemtocontinuewalkingabreast。BythetimetheycametoawidepuddleFrankhadfallenbehindthem。FatherRalph’seyesdancedashesurveyedthewater，almostashallowpond；heturnedtothechildwhosehandhehadkeptinhisfirmly，andbentdowntoherwithaspecialtendernesstheladycouldnotmistake，forithadbeenentirelylackinginhiscivilexchangeswithher。\"Iwearnocloak，darlingMeggie，soIcan’tbeyourSirWalterRaleigh。I’msureyou’llexcuseme，mydearMissCarmichael\"-thereinswerepassedtothelady。Ican’tpermitmyfavoritegirltomuddyhershoes，nowcanI？\"HepickedMeggieupandtuckedhereasilyagainsthiship，leavingMissCarmichaeltocollectherheavytrailingskirtsinonehand，thereinsinherother，andsplashherwayacrossunaided。ThesoundofFrank’shootoflaugherjustbehindthemdidn’timprovehertemper；onthefarsideofthepuddlesheleftthemabruptly。
\"Idobelieveshe’dkillyouifshecould，\"FranksaidasFatherRalphputMeggiedown。HewasfascinatedbythisencounterandbyFatherRalph’sdeliberatecruelty。ShehadseemedtoFranksobeautifulandsohaughtythatnomancouldgainsayher，evenapriest，yetFatherRalphhadwantonlysetouttoshatterherfaithinherself，inthatheadyfemininityshewieldedlikeaweapon。Asifthepriesthatedherandwhatshestoodfor，Frankthought，theworldofwomen，anexquisitemystery，hehadneverhadtheopportunitytoplumb。Smartingfromhismother’swords，hehadwantedMissCarmichaeltonoticehim，theoldestsonofMaryCarson’sheir，butshehadnotsomuchasdeignedtoadmitheexisted。Allherattentionhadbeenfocusedonthepriest，abeingsexlessandemasculated。Evenifhewastall，darkandhandsome。\"Don’tworry，she’llbebackformoreofthesame，\"saidFatherRalphcynically。\"She’srich，sonextSundayshe’llveryostentatiouslyputaten-poundnoteintheplate。\"HelaughedatFrank’sexpression。\"I’mnotsomucholderthanyou，myson，butinspiteofmycallingI’maveryworldlyfellow。Don’tholditagainstme；justputitdowntoexperience。\"Theyhadlefttheridingringbehindandenteredtheamusementpartofthegrounds。ToMeggieandFrankalikeitwasenchantment。FatherRalphhadgivenMeggiefivewholeshillings，andFrankhadhisfivepounds；toownthepriceofadmissiontoallthoseenticingboothswaswonderful。Crowdsthrongedthearea，childrenrunningeverywhere，gazingwide-eyedattheluridlyandsomewhatinexpertlypaintedlegendsfrontingtatteredtents:TheFattestLadyintheWorld；PrincessHouritheSnakeDancer(seeHerFantheFlamesofaCobra’sRage！)；TheIndiaRubberMan；GoliaththeWorld’sStrongestMan；ThetistheMermaid。Ateachtheypaidtheirpenniesandwatchedraptly，notnoticingThetis’ssadlytarnishedscalesorthetoothlesssmileonthecobra。Atthefarend，sobigitrequiredawholesideforitself，wasagiantmarqueewithahighboardwalkalongitsfront，acurtainlikefriezeofpaintedfiguresstretchingbehindtheentirelengthoftheboardbridge，menacingthecrowd。Amanwithamegaphoneinhishandwasshoutingtothegatheringpeople。
\"Hereitis，gents，JimmySharman’sfamousboxingtroupe！Eightoftheworld’sgreatestprizefighters，andapursetobewonbyanychapgametohaveago！\"
Womenandgirlsweretricklingoutoftheaudienceasfastasmenandboyscamefromeverydirectiontoswellit，clusteringthicklybeneaththeboardwalk。AssolemnlyasgladiatorsparadingattheCircusMaximus，eightmenfiledontothebridgeandstood，bandagedhandsonhips，legsapart，swaggeringattheadmiringoohsofthecrowd。Meggiethoughttheywerewearingunderclothes，fortheywerecladinlongblacktightsandvestswithcloselyfittinggreytrunksfromwaiststomidthighs。Ontheirchests，bigwhiteRomancapitalssaidJIMMYSHARMAN’STROUPE。NOtwowerethesamesize，somebig，somesmall，someinbetween，buttheywereallofparticularlyfinephysique。Chattingandlaughingtoeachotherinanoffhandmannerthatsuggestedthiswasaneverydayoccurrence，theyflexedtheirmusclesandtriedtopretendtheyweren’tenjoyingstrutting。
\"Comeon，chaps，who’lltakeaglove？\"thespruikerwasbraying。\"Whowantstohaveago？Takeaglove，winafiver！\"hekeptyellingbetweentheboomsofabassdrum。
\"Iwill！\"Frankshouted。\"Iwill，Iwill！\"
HeshookoffFatherRalph’srestraininghandasthosearoundtheminthethrongwhocouldseeFrank’sdiminutivesizebegantolaughandgood-naturedlypushhimtothefront。
ButthespruikerwasveryseriousasoneofthetroupeextendedafriendlyhandandpulledFrankuptheladdertostandatonesideoftheeightalreadyonthebridge。\"Don’tlaugh，gents。He’snotverybigbutheisthefirsttovolunteer！Itisn’tthesizeofthedoginthefight，youknow，it’sthesizeofthefightinthedog！Comeonnow，here’sthislittleblokegametotry-whataboutsomeofyoubigblokes，eh？Putonagloveandwinafiver，gothedistancewithoneofJimmySharman’stroupe！\"
Graduallytheranksofthevolunteersincreased，theyoungmenself-consciouslyclutchingtheirhatsandeyeingtheprofessionalswhostood，abandofelitebeings，alongsidethem。Dyingtostayandseewhathappened，FatherRalphreluctantlydecideditwasmorethantimeheremovedMeggiefromthevicinity，sohepickedherupandturnedonhisheeltoleave。Meggiebegantoscream，andthefartherawayhegot，theloudershescreamed；peoplewerebeginningtolookatthem，andhewassowellknownitwasveryembarrassing，nottomentionundignified。\"Nowlook，Meggie，Ican’ttakeyouinthere！Yourfatherwouldflaymealive，andrightly！\"
\"IwanttostaywithFrank，IwanttostaywithFrank！\"shehowledatthetopofhervoice，kickingandtryingtobite。
\"Oh，shit！\"saidFatherRalph。
Yieldingtotheinevitable，hedugintohispocketfortherequiredcoinsandapproachedtheopenflapofthemarquee，oneeyecockedforanyoftheClearyboys；buttheywerenowheretobeseen，sohepresumedtheyweresafelytryingtheirluckwiththehorseshoesorgorgingthemselvesonmeatpiesandicecream。
\"Youcan’ttakeherinthere，Father！\"theforemansaid，shocked。FatherRalphliftedhiseyesheavenward。\"Ifyou’llonlytellmehowwecangetherawayfromherewithouttheentireGillypoliceforcearrestingusformolestingachild，I’llgladlygo！Butherbrothervolunteeredandshe’snotabouttoleaveherbrotherwithoutafightthatwillmakeyourchapslooklikeamateurs！\"
Theforemanshrugged。\"Well，Father，Ican’targuewithyou，canI？Inyougo，butkeepheroutoftheway，for-ah-pity’ssake。No，no，Father，putyourmoneybackinyourpocket；Jimmywouldn’tlikeit。\"
Thetentseemedfullofmenandboys，millingaroundacentralring；FatherRalphfoundaplaceatthebackofthecrowdagainstthecanvaswall，hangingontoMeggiefordearlife。Theairwasfoggyfromtobaccosmokeandredolentwithsawdusttheyhadthrowndowntoabsorbthemud。Frank，glovesalreadyonhishands，wasthefirstchallengeroftheday。
Thoughitwasunusual，itwasnotunknownforamanoutofthecrowdtolastthedistanceagainstoneoftheprofessionalboxers。Admittedlytheyweren’tthebestintheworld，buttheydidincludesomeofthebestinAustralia。Putupagainstaflyweightbecauseofhissize，Frankknockedhimoutwiththethirdpunchhethrew，andofferedtofightsomeoneelse。Bythetime，hewasonhisthirdprofessionalthewordhadgotaround，andthetentwassojammedtheycouldnotfitanothereagerspectatorinside。Hehadhardlybeentouchedbyaglove，thefewblowshehadtakenonlyprovokinghisever-smolderingrage。Hewaswild-eyed，almostspittinginpassion，eachofhisopponentswearingPaddy’sface，theyellsandcheersofthecrowdthrobbinginhisheadlikeavastsinglevoicechantingGo！Go！Go！Oh，howhehadachedforthechancetofight，deniedhimsincecomingtoDrogheda！Fortofightwastheonlywayheknewofriddinghimselfofangerandpain，andashelandedthefellingpunchhethoughtthegreatdullvoiceinhisearschangeditssong，toKill！Kill！Kill！Thentheyputhimwithoneoftherealchampions，alightweightunderorderstokeepFrankatadistanceandfindoutifhecouldboxaswellashecouldpunch。JimmySharman’seyeswereshining。Hewasalwaysonthelookoutforchampions，andtheselittlecountryshowshadyieldedseveral。Thelightweightdidashewastold，hard-pressedinspiteofhissuperiorreach，whileFrank，sopossessedbyhishungertokillthatdancing，elusivefigurehesawnothingelse，wentafterhim。Helearnedwitheveryclinchandflurryofblows，oneofthosestrangepeoplewhoeveninthemidstoftitanicrakestillcanthink。Andhelastedthedistance，inspiteofthepunishmentthoseexpertfistshadmetedout；hiseyewasswelling，hisbrowandlipcut。Buthehadwontwentypounds，andtherespectofeverymanpresent。MeggiewriggledfromFatherRalph’sslackenedclaspandboltedfromthetentbeforehecouldcatchholdofher。Whenhefoundheroutsideshehadbeensick，andwastryingtocleanhersplatteredshoeswithatinyhandkerchief。Silentlyhegaveherhisown，strokingherbright，sobbinghead。Theatmosphereinsidehadnotagreedwithhisgorgeeither，andhewishedthedignityofhiscallingpermittedhimthereliefofreleasingitinpublic。
\"DoyouwanttowaitforFrank，orwouldyouratherwewentnow？\"\"I’llwaitforFrank，\"shewhispered，leaningagainsthisside，sogratefulforhiscalmnessandsympathy。
\"Iwonderwhyyoutugsoatmynonexistentheart？\"hemused，deeminghertoosickandmiserabletolistenbutneedingtovoicehisthoughtsaloud，asdosomanypeoplewholeadasolitarylife。\"Youdon’tremindmeofmymotherandIneverhadasister，andIwishIknewwhatitwasaboutyouandyourwretchedfamily……Haveyouhada。hardlife，mylittleMeggie？\"Frankcameoutofthetent，apieceofstickingplasteroverhiseye，dabbingathistornlip。ForthefirsttimesinceFatherRalphhadmethim，helookedhappy；thewaymostmendidafterwhatoneknewwasagoodnightinbedwithawoman，thoughtthepriest。
\"What’sMeggiedoinghere？\"hesnarled，notquitedownfromtheexaltationofthering。
\"Shortofbindingherhandandfoot，nottomentiongaggingher，therewasnowayIcouldkeepherout，\"saidFatherRalphtartly，notpleasedathavingtojustifyhimself，butnotsureFrankwouldn’thaveagoathim，too。Hewasn’tintheleastafraidofFrank，buthewasafraidofcreatingasceneinpublic。\"Shewasfrightenedforyou，Frank；shewantedtobenearenoughtoyoutoseeforherselfthatyouwereallright。Don’tbeangrywithher；she’supsetenoughalready。\"
\"Don’tyoudareletDaddyknowyouwerewithinamileofthisplace，\"FranksaidtoMeggie。
\"Doyoumindifwecuttherestofourtourshort？\"thepriestasked。\"Ithinkwecouldalldowitharestandacupofteaatthepresbytery。\"HepinchedthetipofMeggie’snose。\"Andyou，younglady，coulddowithagoodwash。\"
Paddyhadhadatormentingdaywithhissister，atherbeckandcallinawayFeeneverdemanded，helpingherpickherfastidious，cross-patchwaythroughtheGillymudinimportedguipurelaceshoes，smilingandchattingwiththepeopleshegreetedroyally，standingbyhersideasshepresentedtheemeraldbracelettothewinneroftheprincipalrace，theGillanboneTrophy。Whytheyhadtospendalltheprizemoneyonawoman’strinketinsteadofhandingoveragold-platedcupandanicebundleofcashwasbeyondhim，forhedidnotunderstandthekeenlyamateurnatureoftheracemeeting，theinferencethatthepeoplewhoenteredhorsesdidn’tneedvulgarmoney，insteadcouldcarelesslytossthewinningstothelittlewoman。HorryHopeton，whosebaygeldingKingEdwardhadwontheemeraldbracelet，alreadypossessedaruby，adiamondandasapphirebraceletfromotheryears；hehadawifeandfivedaughtersandsaidhecouldn’tstopuntilhehadwonsixbracelets。
Paddy’sstarchedshirtandcelluloidcollarchafed，thebluesuitwastoohot，andtheexoticSydneyseafoodtheyhadservedwithchampagneatluncheonhadnotagreedwithhismutton-inureddigestion。Andhehadfeltafool，thoughthelookedafool。Bestthoughitwas，hissuitsmackedofcheaptailoringandbucolicunfashionableness。Theywerenothiskindofpeople，theblufftweedygraziers，theloftymatrons，thetoothy，horsyyoungwomen，thecreamofwhattheBulletincalled\"thesquattocracy。\"Fortheyweredoingtheirbesttoforgetthedaysinthelastcenturywhentheyhadsquattedonthelandandtakenvasttractsofitfortheirown，hadittacitlyacknowledgedastheirownwithfederationandthearrivalofhomerule。Theyhadbecomethemostenviedgroupofpeopleonthecontinent，rantheirownpoliticalparty，senttheirchildrentoexclusiveSydneyschools，hobnobbedwiththevisitingPrinceofWales。He，plainPaddyCleary，wasaworkingman。Hehadabsolutelynothingincommonwiththesecolonialaristocrats，whoremindedhimofhiswife’sfamilytoomuchforcomfort。SowhenhecameintothepresbyteryloungetofindFrank，MeggieandFatherRalphrelaxedaroundthefireandlookingasiftheyhadspentawonderful，carefreeday，itirritatedhim。HehadmissedFee’sgenteelsupportunbearablyandhestilldislikedhissisterasmuchashehadbackinhisearlychildhoodinIreland。ThenhenoticedthestickingplasteroverFrank’seye，theswollenface；itwasaheaven-sentexcuse。\"Andhowdoyouthinkyou’regoingtofaceyourmotherlookinglikethat？\"heyelled。\"Notadayoutofmysightandyou’rebackatitagain，pickingfightswithanyonewholooksatyousideways！\"
Startled，FatherRalphjumpedtohisfeetwithasoothingnoisehalf-uttered；butFrankwasquicker。
\"Iearnedmyselfmoneywiththis！\"hesaidverysoftly，pointingtotheplaster。\"Twentypoundsforafewminutes’work，betterwagesthanAuntieMarypaysyouandmecombinedinamonth！IknockedoutthreegoodboxersandlastedthedistancewithalightweightchampioninJimmySharman’stentthisafternoon。AndIearnedmyselftwentypounds。ItmaynotfitinwithyourideasofwhatIoughttodo，butthisafternoonIearnedtherespectofeverymanpresent！\"
\"Afewtired，punch-drunkoldhas-beensatacountryshow，andyou’refullofit？Growup，Frank！Iknowyoucan’tgrowanymoreinbody，butyoumightmakeaneffortforyourmother’ssaketogrowinmind！\"ThewhitenessofFrank’sface！Likebleachedbones。
Itwasthemostterribleinsultamancouldofferhim，andthiswashisfather；hecouldn’tstrikeback。Hisbreathingstartedcomingfromthebottomofhischestwiththeeffortofkeepinghishandsbyhissides。\"Nohas-beens，Daddy。YouknowwhoJimmySharmanisaswellasIdo。AndJimmySharmanhimselfsaidIhadaterrificfutureasaboxer；hewantstotakemeintohistroupeandtrainme。Andhewantstopayme！Imaynotgrowanybigger，butI’mbigenoughtolickanymaneverborn-andthatgoesforyou，too，youstinkingoldhe-goat！\"
