colt he rode--he was able to show how terribly the myall blacks
had been punished, and not to dwell upon horrors brought by the wretched
savages upon themselves, the punishment they had received was terrible.

To Shanter was due the discovery of the cattle, somewhat diminished in
numbers, but safe, where they had been driven into the bush; and so
excited was the black all through that he almost forgot the terrible
burns he had received on hands, arms, and chest.

The only sign of discontent he displayed was when it was decided to turn
back, the captain having halted at the end of the second day, the
provisions growing scarce. It was after due consultation and the
decision that the blacks were certainly not likely to rally for some
time to come, and the captain had said that he did not want to slaughter
the poor wretches, only keep them away.

Then the horses' heads were turned, and Shanter rode up to the boys in a
great state of excitement.

"Baal go back," he cried; "plenty come along. Mumkull black fellow."

"No, no," said Norman. "Black fellow gone along. Come back and take
care of white Marys."

"Yohi," said Shanter, thoughtfully, and he looked at his burned arms.
"Big white Mary gib mine soff rag an' goosum greasum make well. Soff
damper. Come along."

It was not without some feeling of dread that the party returned toward
the station, lest another party of blacks should have visited the place
in their absence; and when they reached the open place in the scrub
where they had left the cattle grazing, the captain reluctantly said
that another expedition must be made to bring them in. But unasked,
Shanter in his quality of mounted herdsman, announced that he was going
to `'top along' and bring the cattle home, so he was left, and the party
rode on, the boys leaving Shanter unwillingly.

"Black fellows come again," said Rifle at parting.

Shanter grinned.

"No come no more. Plenty too much frighten."

All was well when the party rode over Wallaby Range and up to Dingo
Station, and saving the blackened boards and shingles, and the marks of
spears, it was surprising how very little the worse the place looked.
For Uncle Jack, Sam German, Mr Henley, and the doctor--both the latter
having elected to remain behind--had worked hard to restore damaged
portions; and once more the place looked wonderfully beautiful and
peaceful in the evening light.

Three days later, after being most hospitably entertaine