Page:Australian Emigrant 1854.djvu/85

 "I see" said Ned, "they are fighting again."

"Who?" asked Slinger.

"O! only the editors. When the Gazette was first published, the Patriot took to squabling, and getting the worst of it, wound up a crushing leader, with a flourish something like this—The editor of the Patriot regrets that he, 'a gentleman by birth, rank, manners, and education,' should have condescended to notice any remarks published in the columns of such a dirty rag as the Gazette. Now it unfortunately happened, that shortly afterwards the Patriot, who had been 'dining out' mistook the watch-house door for his own, and after repeated applications, and a contest with one of the constables, he was obligingly admitted, and the ensuing morning paid five shillings for the accommodation—the penalty for a clearly proved charge of drunkenness being included under the same payment. That was a glorious day for the Gazette, and the whole force of the paper were at the police-office to triumph over the poor Patriot in trouble. That was not the end of it, for when the Gazette appeared next, one sheet was occupied with the following announcement—'Police News: —The Editor of the Patriot, 'a gentleman by birth, rank, manners, and education was yesterday morning fined five shillings for DRUNKENNESS.'"

The party passed the evening in pleasant conversation, and a shake-down being made, the brothers occupied it—a fourpost bedstead (literally; for the posts were in the original state as brought in from the forest,) was allotted to the strangers.

Early the next morning Hugh and Slinger were roused by Benbo, who had stalked into the hut, to the owners of which he was well known. Having breakfasted, the travellers thanked their hospitable entertainers for their kindness, and proceeded on their way.

We do not propose to follow them through each day's