Part 36 (1/2)
”Probably in Brisbane still We ought to have returned good for evil, and wired theone; but I think they had better find out for themselves, as they fancy themselves so ,” said Reg to Hal, lighting his pipe
”In bed, asleep, I suppose, dreaht to have wired theiven them a hint”
”No, not at all It would be ridiculous to think of wo?”
”It's inI had to cut it in two, but I reckon now that we have that, we shall soon have the owner, and e do, God help hiet,” said Hal, looking 's resolute face
The railway station at Dalby presented an unusually aniiven that a large nu to take the place of those on strike, and the latter had collected to give the newcoathered round the carriage in which the boys and the girls travelled
”Here they are,” shouted a burly, red-headed felloho appeared to be their leader
”What's your ga out, followed by Reg and the girls
”Are you the black-legs?”
”What do you mean?”
”Are you shearers?”
”No, decidedly not Why?”
”Because we heard so That's all”
Two of the passengers were injudicious enough to say they were shearers, one of the to work, for I've a wife and family to keep D--n your unions”
With a hoop the whole body, headed by the red-headed bully, made for the two men, who, in spite of the presence of six constables, were doo killed, when Hil, in an impulsive moment, rushed forward to their rescue
”Stand aside, you cowards,” she called out, producing a revolver ”I shoot the first ain” Then the crowd fell back for aforith Reg
”Who the devil are you?” said the red-headed leader
”I'ht have you to kick these fellows?”
”You're very plucky, all because your -iron”
”I can useforward
”Here put up your hands,” interposed Hal and, pushi+ng Hil aside, gave the fellow one froht,” yelled the crowd ”Go it, stranger”
Hal faced hishis opportunity, landed him one in the mouth that stretched hi round, as if he would like his share But the crowd had had enough and, as the two e of the fight to slip out of the way, Hal and Reg and the girls got aithout further adventure