Page:In bad company and other stories.djvu/281



. Well, what is it? He's got the money of course—I'm always had, seems to me. D'ye want any more cheques? If you'd been half sharp enough he'd never have been there.

. You won't want no more cheques, unless you're drove to dummying all round him.

. Dummy, sir! Damme! What d'ye mean by that expression? Are you aware that I'm a member of the Hupper 'Ouse, Mr. Gayters?

. Beg pardon, sir. I meant perhaps other parties might desire to select on his pre-lease and might want a bit of assistance, like.

. That's another matter! I always make a point of advancing money to the struggling free selector—as long as I get a proper mortgage on the land—Bonus Allround sees to that. But about this young chap?

. He won't take the cheque; all but threw it at me.

(much astonished). Won't take the cheque! and won't go out?

. Not he; won't hear of it. Called you and—well his language was horful!

. What did he call me—me?

. Said we was a pair of damned scoundrels! and he'd kick me off his ground.

(solemnly). This is what the country's a-comin' to! What with universal sufferage, bushranging, and free selection—as is land robbery by Act of Parliament—pore old Australia ain't a country for a gentleman to live in. Are you sure he called me, the Hon'ble Rufus Polyblock, a scoundrel, or was it only you?

. Both of us, sure as I'm alive. 'Take this to your master,' says he, 'with my scorn and contempt.' He talked like a chap I see at that circus last shearin'. He looked grand, I tell you, sir.

(gloomily). He won't look so grand when I've done with him. He's got no stock yet?