Part 55 (1/2)
I could read his thoughts as I looked at hiomery's shoulder
Concealed froe, he had dismissed all apprehension, and allowed his ee, a couple ofbarbarians all at play; there was their dacentblissfully forward to superhuht into the lion's ator? I question it Half an hour's loafing, at any ti the day, would have tier, but to spare hi consciousness of narrow escape And heaven helps those who help theate was near; and, with the auto dray, he walked back and forward, backward and forward beside his weary teaon clear the trees, but never, by any chance, looking forward against the blaze of the declining sun intently enough to notice the back of the buggy, partly concealed, as it was, by an ua
As I watched him, I wished, with Balaaht slay the ass
I dare n't ride past the buggy, for fear of Montgo I half-heard hiatta, and that Jupiter was starting a hot favourite for the Fleton
And all this ti nearer; not a jolt nor a click-clock ca soil; and the faint creaking of the tackle was drowned in the rustle of a hot wind through the foliage
”I' so late in the day, and Saturday too,”
continued the squatter courteously ”The barracks will be lively to-night over these sporting events”
I bowed I would have licked the dust to see hio at once ”Well, IbehindCleopatra into the scrub, to let the buggy pass--noting also that Priestley was n't forty yards away
”Now, confess the truth, Collins--you've been having a tiff with Mrs Beaudesart?” continued Montgo
I did n't think you were so pettish as to run away like this”
”Indeed, Mr Montgo at the call of duty I'll show”----here it struck s worse, and----
”By the way, there's a parcel for Alf Jones in the ,” continued the squatter, with hideous dilatoriness ”I see it's a roll of ive you a tune on his violin, if you can It will be soestion, sir,” I continued slavishly, whilst backing Cleopatra a little further into the scrub, and clearingsound, as if I had sed a fly
Just then, the bullocks stopped of their own accord, within ten yards of the buggy; and Priestley, pre-occupied in laying out fresh work for himself, was roused by omery seemed amused at my tribulation ”Why, your row out of that in good ti off?” He crossed his knees, and held the reins ja his pipe Meanwhile, Priestley, in silent co to be photographed The buggy was in a cool, pleasant shade; and Montgoitious procrastination of his erial duties while I remained a butt for his ill-timed chaff Critical is no nael seemed to whisper me soul to soul I responded to the inspiration
”Well, I'll show you the letter, Mr Montgomery,” said I, with a petulance tempered by sycophancy I first felt, then slapped, my pockets--”By japers!
I've left my pocket-book on the seat in front of the barracks!” I continued hurriedly, as I turned Cleopatra back toward the station, and bounded off at a canter I had n't gone five strides, when, flick! went the buggy-whip; the vehicle started afteras permanent safety in this world The first rattle of the wheels was followed by a loud, poh from one of the bullocks
”Hullo! what the (sheol) have we here?” It was Montgoer jocular I turned and rode back, as he swung his buggy round on the lock, skilfully threading the trees and scrub, till he resu the bullock teas you round this quarter?” he deht, Mr Magomery,” assented the bullock driver, with emphasis; ”it is a bad job; it's a (adj) bad job Way it coot a bit o' loadin' for Nalrookar”----
”Two-ton-five I know all about that, though I'os you here?”
”Well, that's just what I was goin' to explain when you took the word out o' o thethe reg'lar Nalrookar track; but I was frightened o' the Convincer, so I thought I'd just cut across”----
”Great God! You thought you'd just cut across! Do you own this run?
”Well, no, Mr Magomery, I don't; that's (adj) certain But if I'd 'a'
thought you'd any objection, I'd 'a' ast leaf”
”That's what you should have done You've acted like a d----d fool”
”You'd 'a' give ested the bullock driver, in a tone full of unspoken entreaty
”I'd have seen you in (sheol) first I decline toto askThe nearest way to the main road is past the station