Page:Australian Emigrant 1854.djvu/75

Rh servant—vastly familiar, impudent, and independent—and what a room too!"

"I declare," said Slinger, "it is worse than our cabin: we had a half-inch deal board between us there, but here" in bounced two rough-looking fellows smoking short black pipes, and talking and laughing most uproariously.

"New chums," said one in a more subdued tone of voice to the other:—" We are to be bedfellows to night, I suppose," he continued," turning round to the others.

"We don't know about that," said Hugh, somewhat out of temper.

"Well, if you arn't, strangers, will you just turn out of this, 'cause the house has been cleared of all but those who remain for the night: that's all—now out you go."

"I think," said Hugh, "as strangers, we might expect some slight show of civility from those who, from their appearance, must be used to this kind of life. I, for one, am not accustomed to be spoken so freely to."

"Nor I for another," said his partner "Raymond and Slinger for ever." At this stage of the proceedings Slinger edged up towards Hugh, whilst Weevel took up a position close by the door.

"Tell you what, strangers," said the first speaker, "I'm just as ready for a row as most men, but new chums ain't a fair match for me, they ain't up to the ways of the woods.—I didn't mean no offence; if I had, I shouldn't stop now. You see the bush arn't exactly the place to finish one's education in—it don't put on the polish: but it makes a man tough in the hide, I tell you, and rough in the skin, but it's all right beneath. We are like the stringy bark-trees of our forests, mortal rough to look at outside, but sound within—like them we can stand anything and thrive under it too. Now, if you want a row, say the word, I'm quite agreeable, if you don't, give us your hands,