d to me--gave me fruit, procured me drinks of water, and took turns in
nursing a precious hat, for which, on account of the crush, no safe place
could be found among the other luggage.

Before we had gone half our journey the horses knocked up. All the men
were forced to walk up hills for miles and miles in the dust and heat,
which did not conduce to their amiability, and many and caustic were the
remarks and jokes made upon the driver. He wore out two whips upon his
team, until the labour and excessive heat sent the perspiration rolling
in rivulets down his face, leaving muddy tracks in the thick coating of
dust there. The jockey assisted with his loaded instrument of trade, some
of the passengers thrashed with sticks, and all swore under their breath,
while a passing bullock-driver used his whip with such deadly effect,
that the sweat which poured off the poor beasts was mingled with blood.

"Why the deuce don't you have proper horses?" demanded the red-bearded
passenger.

The man explained that a ministerial party had chartered his best team to
go on a tour of inspection to a mine; a brother coachman had been "stuck
up" for horses, and borrowed a couple from him, whereupon he was forced
to do with animals which had been turned out for a spell, and the heat
and overloading accounted for a good part of the contretemps. However, we
managed to catch our train, but had to rush for it without waiting for
refreshments. Nice articles we looked--our hair grey with dust, and our
faces grimy. The men took charge of me as carefully as though I had been
specially consigned to their care. One procured my ticket, another
secured me a scat, while a third took charge of my luggage; and they were
just as thoughtful when we had to change trains. Off we went. Grannie had
packed me quite a large box full of dainties. I produced it, the men
provided drinks, and we had quite a pleasant picnic, with all the windows
down to catch a little air.

I love the rush and roar of the train, and wished on this occasion that
it might go on and on for over, never giving me time to think or stop.
But, alas, at 1.20 we pulled up at Yarnung, where a man came inquiring
for a young lady named Melvyn. My fellow passengers collected my
belongings, and I got out.

"Good-bye, gentlemen; thank you very much for your kindness."

"Good-bye, miss; you're welcome. Some of us might meet again yet. Ta-ta!"

A shriek, a jerk, and the great train rushed on into th