There was a rough table in the centre
covered with tobacco-ashes, a broken black cutty, or pipe, some battered
tin mugs, and a couple of empty spirit bottles on their sides, while
under it lay a couple of men fast asleep, and another in the corner.
Some kicks from the shoe of their more sober companion, who had brought
the newly arrived party in, roused them up; and he then proceeded to
eject them, telling them to go to Bateman's hut, where they would find
shelter. Grumbling, they staggered out, except two, who were too far
gone to move. The hut was, as might have been expected, in a very dirty
and untidy condition--so dirty, indeed, that the Gilpins were
contemplating camping outside, when Larry, going out, reported that a
storm was brewing, and proceeded forthwith to bring the contents of the
cart inside. A plentiful though roughly cooked supper was soon on the
table to which all hands did ample justice. The hut was a long, narrow
building, with the entrance door towards one end, where the mud-built
fireplace was formed and the table stood. In the further end were some
bunks, or standing bed-places, and the stores were piled up. Larry
placed the articles he had brought in the cart across the hut, so as
more effectually to screen off the inner end. He and the hut-keeper,
whom he addressed as Jonas Knoll, appeared to be old acquaintances, but
very few words passed between them. For the first time since they had
landed, the Gilpins lay down to rest with a feeling that they were not
as safe as they would have been in their own home in England.

Before Larry lay down, after the hut-keeper had gone to sleep, they
observed that he put fresh grease into the lamp and trimmed the wick.
More than once James awoke and looked around; everybody in the hut
appeared to be sleeping soundly. The two stockmen and the hut-keeper
especially were snoring loudly, and not a sound from the outside was
heard. "It is wrong to be giving way to fear," he said to himself.
"These coarse fellows have been indulging, according to their tastes, in
a debauch, and were annoyed at being interrupted. They would scarcely
dare to harm us even if they wished it. We must keep a tight rein on
them and a careful watch on their proceedings, without allowing them to
discover that they are especially observed, and we shall do well."

The next morning the hut-keepers and stockmen belonging to the
headquarters of the station made their appearance, sober