Part 9 (2/2)

The Mylora Elopement

By the winding Wollondilly where the weeping willows weep, And the shepherd, with his billy, half awake and half asleep, Folds his fleecy flocks that linger homewards in the setting sun, Lived my hero, Jim the Ringer, ”c.o.c.ky” on Mylora Run.

Jimmy loved the super's daughter, Miss Amelia Jane McGrath.

Long and earnestly he sought her, but he feared her stern papa; And Amelia loved him truly--but the course of love, if true, Never yet ran smooth or duly, as I think it ought to do.

Watching with his slow affection once Jim saw McGrath the boss Riding out by Jim's selection, looking for a station 'oss That was running in the ranges with a mob of outlaws wild.

Old McGrath ”Good day” exchanges--off goes Jim to see his child;

Says, ”The old man's after Stager, which he'll find is no light job, And to-morrow I will wager he will try and yard the mob.

Will you come with me to-morrow? I will let the parson know, And for ever, joy or sorrow, he will join us here below.

”I will bring my nags so speedy, Crazy Jane and Tambourine, One more kiss--don't think I'm greedy--good-bye, la.s.s, before I'm seen-- Just one more--G.o.d bless you, dearie! Don't forget to meet me here, Life without you is but weary; now, once more, good-bye, my dear.”

The daylight s.h.i.+nes on figures twain That ride across Mylora plain, Laughing and talking--Jim and Jane.

”Steadily, darling. There's lots of time, Didn't we slip the old man prime!

I knew he'd tackle that Bowneck mob, I reckon he'll find it too big a job.

They've beaten us all. I had a try, But the warrigal devils seem to fly.

That Sambo's a real good bit of stuff No doubt, but not quite good enough.

He'll have to gallop the livelong day, To cut and come, to race and stay.

I hope he yards 'em, 'twill do him good; To see us going I don't think would.”

A turn in the road and, fair and square, They meet the old man standing there.

”What's up?” ”Why, running away, of course,”

Says Jim, emboldened. The old man turned, His eye with wild excitement burned.

”I've raced all day through the scorching heat After old Bowneck: and now I'm beat.

But over that range I think you'll find The Bowneck mob all run stone-blind.

Will you go and leave the mob behind?

Which will you do? Take the girl away, Or ride like a white man should to-day, And yard old Bowneck? Go or stay?”

Says Jim, ”I can't throw this away, We can bolt some other day, of course, Amelia Jane, get off that horse.

Up you get, Old Man. Whoop, halloo.

Here goes to put old Bowneck through!”

Two distant specks on the mountain side, Two stockwhips echoing far and wide.

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