d in great need of such an arrangement; "the fact
of it is, I never had the fortune to have a wife, so women's garments
are unknown in my poor house."

"Give 'em men's," shrieked the parrot; "who cares?"

"The first sensible words that you have spoken to-night, Poll," the
master exclaimed.

"Is it?" was the brief ejaculation of the bird, as though inclined to
doubt the truth of that remark.

"If you will retire to a room that shall be allotted to you during your
stay here, I will provide you with such garments as I have. They are dry
and clean and you can use them until your own are in proper order. No
one will notice the change, for, believe me, we all sympathize too
deeply in your misfortunes to feel aught but pity."

"As for myself," replied Nancy, promptly, "I shall feel extremely
obliged, for I have worn damp garments so long that I am almost like a
mermaid. But this poor thing," pointing to Betsey, "only desires to lay
her aching head upon a pillow, and forget her misery."

"Haven't got one in the house," promptly responded Poll.

"She needs food. Let her come to the table after you have made such
alterations as are necessary."

"So do I," croaked the bird.

"If you will have a cup of tea made, I am confident that it will benefit
her more than food. As for myself, I don't fear to confess that I am
hungry, and shall eat heartily," Nancy said.

"Of bushrangers?" roared Poll, who seemed to be undecided how to class
the ladies of our party, never having seen a woman in that part of the
country.

"The tea shall be prepared, and by the time you have changed your
clothes supper will be ready. Jackson, give me a candle, and I will show
the ladies into the west room, where they can be as secluded as though
in their own house;" and it was admirable to see the hearty farmer bow,
and precede the females up the wide, hard wood stairs, displaying as
much gallantry and care for their comfort as though he was to marry one
of them next day.

"Good night, master," shrieked the mischievous bird, bringing a red
flush to Mr. Wright's face.

"I'm coming back to punish you for your impudence, sir," our host said,
shaking his finger at the bird.

"Don't hurry yourself. D----n bushrangers--where's the d----n
bushrangers?" and as Mr. Wright disappeared from view, the bird turned
its attention to other topics, and after surveying us with commendable
attention, croaked out,--

"Give me bread; Poll's hungry."

"And so am