"I've only seen the boss," he said.
Dan nodded with approval. "You've got some sense left, then," he said,
"if you know a good boss when you see one."
Jack agreed in monosyllables; but when Dan settled down to argue out the
advantages of having a woman about the place, he looked doubtful; but
having nothing to say on the subject, said nothing; and when Dan left for
the Katherine next morning he was still unconvinced.
Dan set out for the north track soon after sun-up, assuring us that he'd
get hold of Johnny somehow; and before sun-down a traveller crossed the
Creek below the billabong at the south track, and turned into the
homestead enclosure.
We were vaguely chatting on all and sundry matters, as we sat under the
verandah that faced the billabong, when the traveller came into sight.
"Horse traveller!" Mac said, lazily shading his eyes, and then sprang to
his feet with a yell. "Talk of luck!" he shouted. "You'll do, missus!
Here's Johnny himself."
It was Johnny, sure enough; but Johnny had a cheque in his pocket, and
was yearning to see the "chaps at the Katherine"; and, after a good look
through the House and store, decided that he really would have to go in
to the Settlement for - tools and "things."
"I'll be back in a week, missus," he said next morning, as he gathered
his reins together before mounting, "and then we shan't be long.
