Page:The Catalpa Expedition (1897).djvu/153

Rh For I don't use my gun,— But run down the young kangaroo.

Whilst my dogs on the scent Of killing intent, Swiftly o'er the plain they flew: They ne'er lose a trail. Nor to kill ever fail. Or show the dead kangaroo.

When a booma's at bay You've the devil to pay, He'll fight like a boxer, 't is true: He's a terrible foe. As the dogs often know. In encounters with kangaroo.

I've kept you too long. So an end to my song; I hope 't will amuse not a few. When we meet again We'll go out on the plain, For a hunt of the kangaroo."

When the gentlemen were about to be seated at the dinner-table, Captain Anthony was filled with consternation as a government official placed his hand on his arm and said, "Excuse me, sir, but what is your name and business, and what are you doing here?"

Captain Anthony naturally thought the plot had been betrayed, when Breslin stepped up to explain that this was a custom of the country. The captain received such a shock that he failed to thoroughly enjoy the dinner. He found another illustration of the suspicion which is always abroad in the penal colony, later in the day. Going into the hydrographic office to buy a chart of the coast, he was