Part 31 (2/2)
”A drink of water, for God's sake!” said a scarcely intelligible whisper, froht tent
I threw the tarpaulin back off the end of the wagon, and ran to the river for a billy of water Then, vaulting on the platfor on his blankets, apparently helpless, and breathing heavily, his face drawn and haggard with pain I raised his head, and held the billy to his lips; but, being in too great a hurry, I let his head slip off my hand, and most of the water spilled over his throat and chest He shrank and shi+vered as the cool deluge see skin, but drank as left, to the last drop
”Now turn o roaned as I touched him, but, with one hand under his shoulders, and the other under his bent and rigid knees, I slowly turned him on the other side
”Would n't you like to lie on your back for a change?” I asked
”No, no,” he whispered excitedly; ”hten ht a second billy of water, but he turned froust
”If you could ested
He treated ry, half-reproachful look, and turned away his face
I rose to er, for the heat was still suffocating
”Is there anything more I can do for you just now, Alf?” I asked presently
”More water” I gave hiain, he continued, in the same painful whisper, and with frequent pauses, ”Have you any idea whereto keep them here--in this corner of Mondunbarra--and they're reasonably safe unless--unless the Chinaman knows the state I'm in--but if they cross the boundary into Avondale--Toet them”
It must be remembered that Alf was ca the opposite side of the river, whilst on our side, Mondunbarra and Avondale were separated by a boundary fence which ran into the water a few yards beyond where the wagon stood The fence, ed by floods, was repaired on was in Mondunbarra
”They're across the river now, Alf Mosey Price told o”
”Across the river!” hissed Alf, half-rising and then falling heavily back, whilst a lowof his teeth
”They 've got into Avondale, and Tommy has hunted them across!
May the holy”--&c, &c ”Never h of it
If other people are satisfied, I'ht; and I was just lapsing into my Hamlet-mood----
”Collins!”
”Yes, Alf”
”Would you be kind enough to lift on? I have n't been able to call him lately, but he won't be far off”
”Bad news for you, Alf The poor fellow got a bait soon, beside your saddle”
The outlaw turned away his face 'Short of being Swift,' says Taine; 'onetooSee, then, that you hate prayerfully and judiciously)
While I was thinking that every minute's delay would er, Alf suddenly looked round
”You need n't stay here,” said he sharply--thin blades of articulation shooting here and there through his laboured whisper, as the water he had drunk took effect on his swollen tongue ”If you would coivemore for me than I would do for you What day is this?”