ll funny--that kind of thing--in this setting.... I never
supposed that I should be howled at by a revolutionary mob in the
Australian Bush.... A BAS LES ARISTOCRATS. It's quite exciting. I think
I should have enjoyed the Reign of Terror.'

'Eh! You're only frightened of four-footed beasts. If you'd lived then,
you'd have gone up to the block with that smile on your lips, and the
proud turn of your little head--just as I used to dream of you...'

'Of ME!'

'You don't know--I'll tell you some day. I remember talking to Joan
Gildea once.... It's queer.... But never mind now. D'ye like this,
Biddy?'

'I love it. I wish we could drive on through the forest all day and all
night--a dream drive. I think I might be able to place myself at the
end of it.'

'To place yourself!'

'I've never been able to find my true pivot inside. All my life I've
been howling in my soul and haven't known what I was howling for. I
thought to-day that you might teach me.'

'Is it only to-day that you have thought that?' he said wistfully.
'Well, anyway, I'm glad of it.'

'Colin,' she said abruptly, 'wasn't it funking a little bit, don't you
think--running away?'

'No--not with YOU beside me. You'll have other opportunities for seeing
whether I've got much of the funker in me. No doubt those brutes will
give trouble some time.'

'What can they do?'

'Fire my run--spoil my cattle sales--get hold of my stockmen....But I'm
not so badly off as my "sheep" neighbours at Breeza Downs. They've got
to have their shearing done.... Though I've had a lot of bother
to-day,' his face became gloomy, 'and I foresee more ahead.'

She asked what other sort of trouble.

'Why! there's been no rain at Moongarr since I left it five months ago.
And Pleuro means innoculation and short sales.... Ah well! ...'

He flicked the wheelers gently. 'Shake it up, Alexander! Look alive,
Roxalana.... I named 'em when I was reading ROLLIN'S ANCIENT HISTORY,
my dear ... my dear!' He looked down at the little woman by his side
with deep tenderness in his blue eyes and a smile that banished the
shade from his face. 'Oh, my dear, there ain't going to be any bush
worries for us this blessed afternoon and evening. It's the poetry and
romance'--he pronounced it romance--'of the bush that's got hold of me
now. I'm just longing for us to strike the camping place--and
then--just you and me together--just man and woman--alone with Nature!'

He put his hand on hers and she pr