ses. I could take Frank with me in the buggy, ride, or stay at
home. I preferred driving. Accordingly the fat horses were harnessed to
the buggy, and with many injunctions to be careful and not forget the
parcels, we set out. Frank Hawden's presence spoilt it all, but I
determined to soon make short work of him.

There was one gate to go through, about four miles from the house. Frank
Hawden got out to open it. I drove through, and while he was pushing it
to, laid the whip on the horses and went off full tilt. He ran after me
shouting all manner of things that I could not hear on account of the
rattle of the buggy. One horse began kicking up, so, to give him no time
for further pranks, I drove at a good round gallop, which quickly left
the lovable jackeroo a speck in the distance. The dust rose in thick
clouds, the stones rattled from the whirling wheels, the chirr! chirr! of
a myriad cicadas filled the air, and the white road glistened in the
dazzling sunlight. I was enjoying myself tip-top, and chuckled to think
of the way I had euchred Frank Hawden. It was such a good joke that I
considered it worth two of the blowings-up I was sure of getting from
grannie for my conduct.

It was not long before I fetched up at Dogtrap homestead, where, tethered
to the "six-foot" paling fence which surrounded the flower-garden, was
Harold Beecham's favourite, great, black, saddle-horse Warrigal. The
vicious brute turned his beautiful head, displaying a white star on the
forehead, and snorted as I approached. His master appeared on the veranda
raising his soft panama hat, and remarking, "Well I never! You're not by
yourself, are you?"

"I am. Would you please tell Mrs Butler to bring out grannie's parcels
and post at once. I'm afraid to dawdle, it's getting late."

He disappeared to execute my request and reappeared in less than a
minute.

"Mr Beecham, please would you examine Barney's harness. Something must be
hurting him. He has been kicking up all the way."

Examining the harness and noticing the sweat that was dripping from the
animals, panting from their run, he said:

"It looks as though you've been making the pace a cracker. There is
nothing that is irritating Barney in the least. If he's putting on any
airs it is because he is frisky and not safe for you to drive. How did
Julius happen to let you away by yourself?"

"I'm not frightened," I replied.

"I see you're not. You'd be game to tackle a pair of wild elephants