第6章

1929-1932Paddy

ThenewyearcameinwithAngusMacQueen’sannualHogmanaypartyonRudnaHunish，andstillthemovetothebighousehadnotbeenaccomplished。Itwasn’tsomethingdoneovernight，betweenpackingoversevenyears’accumulationofeverydayartifacts，andFee’sdeclarationthatthebighousedrawingroomatleastbefinishedfirst。Noonewasintheslightesthurry，thougheveryonewaslookingforwardtoit。Insomerespectsthebighousewouldprovenodifferent:itlackedelectricityandthefliespopulateditjustasthickly。Butinsummeritwasabouttwentydegreescoolerthanoutside，fromthethicknessofitsstonewallsandtheghostgumsshadingitsroof。Also，thebathhousewasatrueluxury，havinghotwaterallwinterfrompipeswhichranupthebackofthevastfuelstoveinthecookhousenextdoor，andeverydropinitspipeswasrainwater。Thoughbathsandshowershadtobetakeninthislargestructurewithitstenseparatecubicles，thebighouseandallthesmallerhouseswereliberallyendowedwithindoorwater-closettoilets，anunheard-ofdegreeofopulenceenviousGillyresidentshadbeencaughtcallingsybaritism。AsidefromtheHotelImperial，twopubs，theCatholicpresbyteryandtheconvent，theGillanbonedistrictsurvivedonout-houses。ExceptDroghedahomestead，thankstoitsenormousnumberoftanksandroofstocatchrainwater。Theruleswerestrict:noundueflushing，andplentyofsheep-dipdisinfectant。Butafterholesintheground，itwasheaven。

FatherRalphhadsentPaddyacheckforfivethousandpoundsatthebeginningoftheprecedingDecember，tobegoingonwith，hislettersaid；PaddyhandedittoFeewithadazedexclamation。"IdoubtI’vemanagedtoearnthismuchinallmyworkingdays，"hesaid。"WhatshallIdowithit？"Feeasked，staringatitandthenlookingupathim，eyesblazing。"Money，Paddy！Moneyatlast，doyourealizeit？Oh，Idon’tcareaboutAuntieMary’sthirteenmillionpoundsthere’snothingrealaboutsomuch。Butthisisreal！WhatshallIdowithit？""Spendit，"saidPaddysimply。"Afewnewclothesforthechildrenandyourself？Andmaybetherearethingsyou’dliketobuyforthebighouse？Ican’tthinkofanythingelseweneed。"

"NorcanI，isn’titsilly？"UpgotFeefromthebreakfasttable，beckoningMeggieimperiously。"Comeon，girl，we’rewalkinguptothebighousetolookatit。"

ThoughatthattimethreeweekshadelapsedsincethefranticweekfollowingMaryCarson’sdeath，noneoftheClearyshadbeennearthebighouse。ButnowFee’svisitmorethanmadeupfortheirpreviousreluctance。FromoneroomtoanothershemarchedwithMeggie，Mrs。Smith，MinnieandCatinattendance，moreanimatedthanabewilderedMeggiehadeverknownher。Shemutteredtoherselfcontinually；thiswasdreadful，thatwasanabsolutehorror，wasMarycolor-blind，didshehavenotasteatall？InthedrawingroomFeepausedlongest，eyeingitexpertly。Onlythereceptionroomexceededitinsize，foritwasfortyfeetlongandthirtywide，andhadafifteen-footceiling。Itwasacuriousmixtureofthebestandtheworstinitsdecoration，paintedauniformcreamwhichhadyellowedanddidnothingtoemphasizethemagnificentmoldingsontheceilingorthecarvedpanelingonthewalls。Theenormousfloor-to-ceilingwindowsthatmarcheduninterruptedlyforfortyfeetalongtheverandasidewereheavilycurtainedinbrownvelvet，castingadeepgloomoverthedingybrownchairs，twostunningmalachitebenchesandtwoequallybeautifulbenchesinFlorentinemarble，andamassivefireplaceofcreammarbleveinedindeeppink。OnthepolishedteakfloorthreeAubussoncarpetshadbeensquaredwithgeometricalprecision，andaWaterfordchandeliersixfeetlongtouchedtheceiling，itschainbunchedroundit。

"Youaretobecommended，Mrs。Smith，"Feepronounced。"It’spositivelyawful，butspotlesslyclean。Ishallgiveyousomethingworthcaringfor。Thosepricelessbencheswithoutanythingtosetthemof-it’sashame！SincethedayIsawthisroom，I’velongedtomakeitintosomethingeverypersonwhowalksintoitwilladmire，andyetcomfortableenoughtomakeeverypersonwhowalksintoitwanttoremain。"

MaryCarson’sdeskwasaVictorianhideousness；Feewalkedtoitandthephonewhichstooduponit，flickingitsgloomywoodcontemptuously。"Myescritoirewilldobeautifullyhere，"shesaid。"I’mgoingtostartwiththisroom，andwhenit’sfinishedI’llmoveupfromthecreek，notbefore。Thenatleastwe’llhaveoneplacewherewecancongregatewithoutbeingdepressed。"Shesatdownandpluckedthereceiveroffitshook。Whileherdaughterandherservantsstoodinasmallbewilderedhuddle，sheproceededtosetHarryGoughinmotion。MarkFoyswouldsendfabricsamplesonthenightmail；NockandKirbyswouldsendpaintsamples；GraceBrotherswouldsendwallpapersamples；theseandotherSydneystoreswouldsendcataloguesspeciallycompiledforher，describingtheirlinesoffurnishings。Laughterinhisvoice，HarryguaranteedtoproduceacompetentupholstererandateamofpainterscapableofdoingthemeticulousworkFeedemanded。GoodforMrs。Cleary！ShewasgoingtosweepMaryCarsonrightoutofthehouse。

Thephoningfinished，everyonewasdirectedtoripdownthebrownvelvetcurtainsatonce。OuttheywentontotherubbishheapinanorgyofwastefulnessFeesupervisedpersonally，evenputtingthetorchtothemherself。

"Wedon’tneedthem，"shesaid，"andI’mnotgoingtoinflictthemontheGillanbonepoor。"

"Yes，Mum，"saidMeggie，paralyzed。

"We’renotgoingtohaveanycurtains，"saidFee，notatalldisturbedoveraflagrantbreachofthedecoratingcustomsofthetime。"Theveranda’sfartoodeeptoletthesuncomeindirectly，sowhydoweneedcurtains？Iwantthisroomtobeseen。"

Thematerialsarrived，sodidthepaintersandtheupholsterer；MeggieandCatweresentupladderstowashandpolishthetopwindowswhileMrs。SmithandMinniecopedwiththebottomonesandFeestrodearoundwatchingeverythingwithaneagleeye。

BythesecondweekinJanuaryitwasalldone，andsomehowofcoursethenewsleakedoutonthepartylines。Mrs。ClearyhadmadetheDroghedadrawingroomintoapalace，andwouldn’titbeonlythecivilthingforMrs。HopetontoaccompanyMrs。KingandMrs。O’Rourkeonawelcome-to-the-big-housevisit？NoonearguedthattheresultofFee’seffortswasabsolutebeauty。ThecreamAubussoncarpetswiththeirfadedbunchesofpinkandredrosesandgreenleaveshadbeenstrewnratherhaphazardlyaroundthemirror-finishedfloor。Freshcreampaintcoveredthewallsandtheceiling，everymoldingandcarvingpainstakinglypickedoutingilt，butthehugeoval-shapedflatspacesinthepanelinghadbeenpaperedwithfadedblacksilkbearingthesamebunchesofrosesasthethreecarpets，likestiltedJapanesepaintingsincreamandgiltsurrounds。TheWaterfordchandelierhadbeenlowereduntilitsbottompendantchimedabaresixandahalffeetfromthefloor，everyprismofitsthousandspolishedtoaflashingrainbow，anditsgreatbrasschaintetheredtothewallinsteadofbeingbunchedup。Onspindlycream-and-gilttablesWaterfordlampsstoodnexttoWaterfordashtraysandWaterfordvasesstuffedwithcreamandpinkroses；allthebigcomfortablechairshadbeenre-coveredincreamwateredsilkandplacedinsmallcozygroupingswithlargeottomansdrawnuptoeachoneinvitingly；inonesunnycornerstoodtheexquisiteoldspinetwithanenormousvaseofcreamandpinkrosesonit。AbovethefireplacehungtheportraitofFee’sgrandmotherinherpalepinkcrinoline，andfacingherattheotherendoftheroomwasanevenlargerportraitofayoungish，red-hairedMaryCarson，faceliketheyoungishQueenVictoria，inastiffblackgownfashionablybustled。"Allright，"saidFee，"nowwecanmoveupfromthecreek。I’lldotheotherroomsatmyleisure。Oh，isn’titlovelytohavemoneyandadecenthometospenditon？"

Aboutthreedaysbeforetheymoved，soearlyinthemorningthesunhadnotyetrisen，theroostersinthefowlyardwerecock-a-doodlingjoyously。"Miserablewretches，"saidFee，wrappingoldnewspapersaroundherchina。"Idon’tknowwhattheythinkthey’vedonetocrowabout。Notaneggintheplaceforbreakfast，andallthemenathomeuntilwefinishmoving。Meggie，you’llhavetogodowntothechookyardforme；I’mbusy。"ShescannedayellowedsheetoftheSydneyMorningHerald，snortingoveranadvertisementforwasp-waistedstays。"Idon’tknowwhyPaddyinsistswegetallthenewspapers；nooneeverhastimetoreadthem。Theyjustpileuptoofasttoburninthestove。Lookatthis！It’solderthanourtenancyofthehouse。Well，atleastthey’rehandyforpacking。"

Itwasnicetoseehermothersocheerful，Meggiethoughtasshespeddownthebackstepsandacrossthedustyyard。Thougheveryonewasnaturallylookingforwardtolivinginthebighouse，Mumseemedtohungerforitasifshecouldrememberwhatlivinginabighousewaslike。Howclevershewas，whatperfecttasteshehad！Thingsnoonehadeverrealizedbefore，becausetherehadbeenneithertimenormoneytobringthemout。Meggiehuggedherselfwithexcitement；DaddyhadsentintotheGillyjewelerandusedsomeofthefivethousandpoundstobuyMumarealpearldisbbhokerandrealpearlearrings，onlythesehadlittlediamondsinthemaswell。Hewasgoingtogivethemtoherattheirfirstdinnerinthebighouse。Nowthatshehadseenhermother’sfacefreedofitshabitualdourness，shecouldhardlywaitfortheexpressionitwouldwearwhenshereceivedherpearls。FromBobtothetwins，thechildrenwereagogforthatmoment，becauseDaddyhadshownthemthebigflatleathercase，openedittorevealthemilkyopalescentbeadsontheirblackvelvetbed。Theirmother’sblossominghappinesshadaffectedthemdeeply；itwaslikeseeingthestartofagooddrenchingrain。Untilnowtheyhadneverquiteunderstoodhowunhappyshemusthavebeenalltheyearstheyhadknownher。

Thechookyardwashuge，andheldfourroostersandupwardoffortyhens。Atnighttheyinhabitedatumble-downshed，itsrigorouslysweptfloorlinedaroundtheedgeswithstraw-filledorangecratesforlaying，anditsrearcrossedbyperchesofvariousheights。Butduringthedaythechooksstruttedcluckingaroundalarge，wire-nettedrun。WhenMeggieopenedtherungateandsqueezedinside，thebirdsclusteredabouthergreedily，thinkingtheywouldbefed，butsinceMeggiefedthemintheeveningsshelaughedattheirsillyanticsandsteppedthroughthemintotheshed。

"Honestly，whatahopelesslotofchookiesyouare！"shelecturedthemseverelyasshepokedinthenests。"Fortyofyou，andonlyfifteeneggs！Notenoughforbreakfast，letaloneacake。Well，I’mwarningyouhereandnow-ifyoudon’tdosomethingaboutitsoon，thechoppingblockforthelotofyou，andthatappliestothelordsofthecoopaswellaswives，sodon’tspreadyourtailsandruffleupyournecksasifI’mnotincludingyou，gentlemen！"

Withtheeggsheldcarefullyinherapron，Meggieranbacktothekitchen，singing。

FeewassittinginPaddy’schairstaringatasheetofSmith’sWeekly，herfacewhite，herlipsmoving。InsideMeggiecouldhearthemenmovingabout，andthesoundsofsix-year-oldJimsandPatsylaughingintheircot；theywereneverallowedupuntilafterthemenhadgone。"What’sthematter，Mum？"Meggieasked。

Feedidn’tanswer，onlysatstaringinfrontofherwithbeadsofsweatalongherupperlip，eyesstilledtoadesperatelyrationalpain，asifwithinherselfshewasmarshalingeveryresourceshepossessednottoscream。"Daddy，Daddy！"Meggiecalledsharply，frightened。Thetoneofhervoicebroughthimoutstillfasteninghisflannelundershirt，withBob，Jack，HughieandStubehindhim。Meggiepointedwordlesslyathermother。

Paddy’sheartseemedtoblockhisthroat。HebentoverFee，hishandpickinguponelimpwrist。"Whatisit，dear？"heaskedintonesmoretenderthananyofhischildrenhadeverheardhimuse；yetsomehowtheyknewtheywerethetonesheusedwithherwhentheywerenotaroundtohear。Sheseemedtorecognizethatspecialvoiceenoughtoemergefromhershockedtrance，andthebiggreyeyeslookedupintohisface，sokindandworn，nolongeryoung。

"Here，"shesaid，pointingatasmallitemofnewstowardthebottomofthepage。

Stuarthadgonetostandbehindhismother，hishandlightlyonhershoulder；beforehestartedtoreadthearticlePaddyglancedupathisson，intotheeyessolikeFee’s，andhenodded。WhathadrousedhimtojealousyinFrankcouldneverdosoinStuart；asiftheirloveforFeeboundthemtightlytogetherinsteadofseparatingthem。

Paddyreadoutloud，slowly，histonegrowingsadderandsadder。Thelittleheadlinesaid:BOXERRECEIVESLIFESENTENCE。

FrancisArmstrongCleary，aged26，professionalboxer，wasconvictedtodayinGoulburnDistrictCourtofthemurderofRonaldAlbertCumming，aged32，laborer，lastJuly。Thejuryreacheditsverdictafteronlytenminutes’deliberation，recommendingthemostseverepunishmentthecourtcouldmeteout。Itwas，saidMr。JusticeFitzHugh-Cunneally，asimpleopen-and-closedcase。CummingandClearyhadquarreledviolentlyinthepublicbaroftheHarborHotelonJuly23rd。LaterthesamenightSergeantTomBeardsmoreoftheGoulburnpolice，accompaniedbytwoconstables，wascalledtotheHarborHotelbyitsproprietor，Mr。JamesOgilvie。InthelanebehindthehotelthepolicediscoveredClearykickingattheheadoftheinsensibleCumming。HisfistswerebloodstainedandboretuftsofCumming’shair。WhenarrestedClearywasdrunkbutlucid。Hewaschargedwithassaultwithintenttocommitgrievousbodilyharm，butthechargewasamendedtomurderafterCummingdiedofbraininjuriesintheGoulburnDistrictHospitalnextday。Mr。ArthurWhyte，K。C。，enteredapleaofnotguiltybyreasonofinsanity，butfourmedicalwitnessesfortheCrownstatedunequivocallythatundertheprovisionsoftheM’naghtenrulesClearycouldnotbecalledinsane。Inaddressingthejury，

Mr。JusticeFitzHugh-Cunneallytoldthemtherewasnoquestionofguiltorinnocence，theverdictwasclearlyguilty，butherequestedthemtotaketimeconsideringtheirrecommendationforeitherclemencyorseverity，ashewouldbeguidedbytheiropinion。WhensentencingCleary，Mr。JusticeFitzHugh-Cunneallycalledhisact"subhumansavagery，"andregrettedthatthedrunkenunpremeditatednatureofthecrimeprecludedhanging，asheregardedCleary’shandsasaweaponquiteasdeadlyasagunorknife。Clearywassentencedtolifeimprisonmentathardlabor，thesentencetobeservedinGoulburnGaol，thisinstitutionbeingonedesignedforviolentlydisposedprisoners。Askedifhehadanythingsosay，Clearyanswered，"Justdon’ttellmymother。"

Paddylookedatthetopofthepagetoseethedate:December6，1925。"Ithappenedoverthreeyearsago，"hesaidhelplessly。Nooneansweredhimormoved，fornooneknewwhattodo；fromthefrontofthehousecamethegleefullaughterofthetwins，theirhighvoicesraisedinchatter。was"Just-don’t-tellmymother，""saidFeenumbly。"Andnoonedid！Oh，God！Mypoor，poorFrank！"

Paddywipedthetearsfromhisfacewiththebackofhisfreehand，thensquatteddowninfrontofher，pattingherlapgently。"Feedear，packyourthings。We’llgotohim。"

Shehalf-rosebeforesinkingback，hereyesinhersmallwhitefacestarredandglisteningasifdead，pupilshugeandgold-filmed。"Ican’tgo，"shesaidwithoutahintofagony，yetmakingeveryonefeelthattheagonywasthere。"Itwouldkillhimtoseeme。Oh，Paddy，itwouldkillhim！Iknowhimsowell-hispride，hisambition，hisdeterminationtobesomeoneimportant。Lethimbeartheshamealone，it’swhathewants。Youreadit。"Justdon’ttellmymother。"We’vegottohelphimkeephissecret。Whatgoodwillitdohimorustoseehim？"

Paddywasstillweeping，butnotforFrank；forthelifewhichhadgonefromFee’sface，forthedyinginhereyes。AJonah，that’swhattheladhadalwaysbeen；thebitterbringerofblight，foreverstandingbetweenFeeandhimself，thecauseofherwithdrawalfromhisheartandtheheartsofhischildren。EverytimeitlookedasiftheremightbehappinessinstoreforFee，Franktookitaway。ButPaddy’sloveforherwasasdeepandimpossibletoeradicateasherswasforFrank；hecouldneverusetheladashiswhippingboyagain，notafterthatnightinthepresbytery。Sohesaid，"Well，Fee，ifyouthinkit’sbetternottoattempttogetintouchwithhim，wewon’t。YetI’dliketoknowhewasallright，thatwhatevercanbedoneforhimisbeingdone。HowaboutifIwritetoFatherdeBricassartandaskhimtolookoutforFrank？"

Theeyesdidn’tliven，butafaintpinkstoleintohercheeks。"Yes，Paddy，dothat。OnlymakesureheknowsnottotellFrankwefoundout。PerhapsitwouldeaseFranktothinkforcertainthatwedon’tknow。"

WithinafewdaysFeeregainedmostofherenergy，andherinterestinredecoratingthebighousekeptheroccupied。Butherquietnessbecamedouragain，onlylessgrim，encapsulatedbyanexpressionlesscalm。Itseemedshecaredmoreforhowthebighousewouldeventuallylookthanshedidforherfamily’swelfare。Perhapssheassumedtheycouldlookafterthemselvesspiritually，andthatMrs。Smithandthemaidsweretheretolookafterthemphysically。

YetthediscoveryofFrank’splighthadprofoundlyaffectedeveryone。Theolderboysgrieveddeeplyfortheirmother，spentsleeplessnightsrememberingherfaceatthatawfulmoment。Theylovedher，andhercheerfulnessduringthepreviousfewweekshadgiventhemaglimpseofherwhichwasnevertoleavethem，andwastoinspirethemwithapassionatedesiretobringitbackagain。Iftheirfatherhadbeenthepivotuponwhichtheirlivesturneduntilthen，fromthatmomenttheirmotherwasputalongsidehim。Theybegantotreatherwithatender，absorbedcarenoamountofindifferenceonherpartcouldbanish。FromPaddytoStutheClearymalesconspiredtomakeFee’slifewhatevershewanted，andtheydemandedadherencetothisendfromeveryone。Noonemusteverharmherorhurtheragain。AndwhenPaddypresentedherwiththepearlsshetookthemwithabrief，expressionlesswordofthanks，nopleasureorinterestinherperusal；buteveryonewasthinkinghowdifferentherreactionwouldhavebeenwereitnotforFrank。Hadthemovetothebighousenotoccurred，poorMeggiewouldhavesufferedagreatdealmorethanshedid，forwithoutadmittingherintofull，exclusivelymalemembershipoftheprotect-Mumsociety(perhapssensingthatherparticipationwasmoregrudgingthantheirs)，herfatherandolderbrothersexpectedthatMeggieshouldshoulderallthetasksFeeobviouslyfoundrepugnant。Asitturnedout，Mrs。SmithandthemaidssharedtheburdenwithMeggie。ChieflyrepugnanttoFeewasthecareofhertwoyoungestsons，butMrs。SmithassumedfullchargeofJimsandPatsywithsuchardorMeggiecouldn’tfeelsorryforher，insteadinawayshefeltgladthatthesetwocouldatlastbelongentirelytothehousekeeper。Meggiegrievedforhermother，too，butbynomeansaswholeheartedlyasthemen，forherloyaltiesweresorelytried；thebigveinofmotherlinessinherwasdeeplyoffendedbyFee’smountingindifferencetoJimsandPatsy。WhenIhavemychildren，shewouldthinktoherself，I’mnevergoingtoloveoneofthemmorethantherest。

Livinginthebighousewascertainlyverydifferent。Atfirstitwasstrangetohaveabedroomtooneself，andforthewomen，nottohavetoworryaboutanysortofhouseholdduty，insideoroutside。Minnie，CatandMrs。Smithamongthemcopedwitheverythingfromwashingandironingtocookingandcleaning，andwerehorrifiedbyoffersofhelp。Inreturnforplentyoffoodandasmallwage，anendlessprocessionofswaggiesweretemporarilyenteredonthestationbooksasrouseabouts，tochopthewoodforthehomesteadfires，feedthefowlsandpigs，dothemilking，helpoldTomtakecareofthelovelygardens，doalltheheavycleaning。PaddyhadbeencommunicatingwithFatherRalph。"TheincomefromMary’sestatecomestoroughlyfourmillionpoundsayear，thankstothefactthatMicharLimitedisaprivatelyownedcompanywithmostofitsassetssunkinsteel，shipsandmining，"wroteFatherRalph。"SowhatI’veassignedtoyouisameredropintheCarsonbucket，anddoesn’tevenamounttoone-tenthofDroghedastationprofitsinayear。Don’tworryaboutbadyears，either。TheDroghedastationaccountissoheavilyintheblackIcanpayyououtofitsinterestforever，ifnecessary。Sowhatmoneycomestoyouisnomorethanyoudeserve，anddoesn’tdentMicharLimited。It’sstationmoneyyou’regetting，notcompanymoney。Irequirenomoreofyouthantokeepthestationbooksuptodateandhonestlyenteredfortheauditors。"

ItwasafterhehadthisparticularletterthatPaddyheldaconferenceinthebeautifuldrawingroomonanightwheneveryonewasathome。Hesatwithhissteelrimmedreadinghalf-glassesperchedonhisRomannose，inabigcreamchair，hisfeetcomfortablydisposedonamatchingottoman，hispipeinaWaterfordashtray。

"Hownicethisis。"Hesmiled，lookingaroundwithpleasure。"IthinkweoughttogiveMumavoteofthanksforit，don’tyou，boys？"Thereweremurmursofassentfromthe"boys"；FeeinclinedherheadfromwhereshesatinwhathadbeenMaryCarson’swingchair，re-coverednowincreamwateredsilk。Meggiecurledherfeetaroundtheottomanshehadchoseninsteadofachair，andkepthereyesdoggedlyonthesockshewasmending。

"Well，FatherdeBricassarthassortedeverythingoutandhasbeenverygenerous，"Paddycontinued。"He’sputseventhousandpoundsinthebankinmyname，andopenedasavingsaccountforeveryonewithtwothousandpoundsineach。Iamtobepaidfourthousandpoundsayearasthestationmanager，andBobwillbepaidthreethousandayearastheassistantmanager。Alltheworkingboys-Jack，HughieandStu-wouldbepaidtwothousandayear，andthelittleboysaretogetonethousandayeareachuntilthey’reoldenoughtodecidewhattheywanttodo。

"Whenthelittleboysaregrownup，theestatewillguaranteeeachofthemayearlyincomeequaltoafullworkingmemberofDrogheda，eveniftheydon’twanttoworkonDrogheda。WhenJimsandPatsyturntwelve，they’llbesenttoRiverviewCollegeinSydneytoboardandbeeducatedattheexpenseoftheestate。

"Mumistohavetwothousandpoundsayearforherself，andsoisMeggie。Thehouseholdaccountwillbekeptatfivethousandpounds，thoughwhyFatherthinksweneedsomuchtorunahouse，Idon’tknow。Hesaysincasewewanttomakemajoralterations。IhavehisinstructionsastohowmuchMrs。Smith，Minnie，CatandTomaretobepaid，andImustsayhe’sgenerous。OtherwagesIdecideonmyself。Butmyfirstdecisionasmanageristoputonatleastsixmorestockmen，soDroghedacanberunasitshouldbe。It’stoomuchforahandful。"Thatwasthemostheeversaidabouthissister’smanagement。Noonehadeverheardofhavingsomuchmoney；theysatsilent，tryingtoassimilatetheirgoodfortune。

"We’llneverspendthehalfofit，Paddy，"saidFee。"Hehasn’tleftusanythingtospenditon。"

Paddylookedathergently。"Iknow，Mum。Butisn’titnicetothinkwe’llneverhavetoworryaboutmoneyagain？"Heclearedhisthroat。"NowitseemstomethatMumandMeggieinparticulararegoingtobeatabitofalooseend，"hewenton。"Iwasnevermuchgoodatfigures，butMumcanaddandsubtractanddivideandmultiplylikeanarithmeticteacher。SoMumisgoingtobetheDroghedabookkeeper，insteadofHarryGough’soffice。Ineverrealizedit，butHarryhasemployedonechapjusttodealwithDrogheda’saccounts，andatthemomenthe’samanshort，sohedoesn’tmindpassingitbacktousatall。Infact，hewastheonewhosuggestedMummightmakeagoodbookkeeper。He’sgoingtosendsomeoneoutfromGillytoteachyouproperly，Mum。It’squitecomplicated，apparently。You’vegottobalancetheledgers，thecashbooks，thejournals，recordeverythinginthelogbook，andsoon。Enoughtokeepyouprettybusy，onlyitwon’ttakethestarchoutofyouthewaycookingandwashingdid，willit？"

ItwasonthetipofMeggie’stonguetoshout:Whataboutme？IdidjustasmuchwashingandcookingasMum！

Feewasactuallysmiling，forthefirsttimesincethenewsaboutFrank。"I’llenjoythejob，Paddy，reallyIwill。ItwillmakemefeellikeapartofDrogheda。"

"BobisgoingtoteachyouhowtodrivethenewRolls，becauseyou’regoingtohavetobetheonetogointoGillytothebankandseeHarry。Besides，itwilldoyougoodtoknowyoucandriveanywhereyouwantwithoutdependingononeofusbeingaround。We’retooisolatedouthere。I’vealwaysmeanttoteachyougirlshowtodrive，butthere’sneverbeenthetimebefore。Allright，Fee？"

"Allright，Paddy，"shesaidhappily。

"Now，Meggie，we’vegottodealwithyou。"

Meggielaidhersockandneedledown，lookedupatherfatherinamixtureofinquiryandresentment，suresheknewwhathewasgoingtosay:hermotherwouldbebusywiththebooks，soitwouldbeherjobtosupervisethehouseanditsenvirons。

"I’dhatetoseeyouturnintoanidle，snobbymisslikesomeofthegraziers’daughtersweknow，"Paddysaidwithasmilewhichrobbedhiswordsofanycontempt。"SoI’mgoingtoputyoutoworkatafull-timejob，too，weeMeggie。You’regoingtolookaftertheinsidepaddocksforus-Borehead，Creek，Carson，WinnemurraandNorthTank。You’realsogoingtolookaftertheHomePaddock。You’llberesponsibleforthestockhorses，whichonesareworkingandwhichonesarebeingspelled。Duringmustersandlambingwe’llallpitchintogether，ofcourse，butotherwiseyou’llmanageonyourown，Ireckon。Jackcanteachyoutoworkthedogsanduseastockwhip。You’reaterribletomboystill，soIthoughtyoumightliketoworkinthepaddocksmorethanliearoundthehouse，"hefinished，smilingmorebroadlythanever。Resentmentanddiscontenthadflownoutthewindowwhilehetalked；hewasoncemoreDaddy，wholovedherandthoughtofher。Whathadbeenthematterwithher，todoubthimso？Shewassoashamedofherselfshefeltlikejabbingthebigdarningneedleintoherleg，butshewastoohappytocontemplateself-inflictionofpainforverylong，andanyway，itwasjustanextravagantwayofexpressingherremorse。

Herfaceshone。"Oh，Daddy，I’llloveit！"

"Whataboutme，Daddy？"askedStuart。

"Thegirlsdon’tneedyouaroundthehouseanymore，soyou’llbeoutinthepaddocksagain，Stu。"

"Allright，Daddy。"HelookedatFeelongingly，butsaidnothing。

FeeandMeggielearnedtodrivethenewRollsRoyceMaryCarsonhadtakendeliveryofaweekbeforeshedied，andMeggielearnedtoworkthedogswhileFeelearnedtokeepthebooks。

Ifithadn’tbeenforFatherRalph’scontinuedabsence，Meggieforonewouldhavebeenabsolutelyhappy。Thiswaswhatshehadalwayslongedtodo:beoutthereinthepaddocksastrideahorse，doingstockman’swork。YettheacheforFatherRalphwasalwaysthere，too，thememoryofhiskisssomethingtobedreamedabout，treasured，feltagainathousandtimes。However，memorywasn’tapatchonreality；tryasshewould，theactualsensationcouldn’tbeconjuredup，onlyashadowofit，likeathinsadcloud。WhenhewrotetotellthemaboutFrank，herhopesthathewouldusethisasapretexttovisitthemwereabruptlyshattered。HisdescriptionofthetriptoseeFrankinGoulburnGaolwascarefullyworded，strippedofthepainithadengendered，givingnohintofFrank’ssteadilyworseningpsychosis。HehadtriedvainlytohaveFrankcommittedtoMorissetasylumforthecriminallyinsane，butnoonehadlistened。SohesimplypassedonanidealisticimageofaFrankresignedtopayingforhissinstosociety，andinapassageheavilyunderlinedtoldPaddyFrankhadnoideatheyknewwhathadhappened。Ithadcometohisears，heassuredFrank，throughSydneynewspapers，andhewouldmakesurethefamilyneverknew。Afterbeingtoldthis，Franksettledbetter，hesaid，andleftitatthat。PaddytalkedofsellingFatherRalph’schestnutmare。Meggieusedtherangyblackgeldingshehadriddenforpleasureasastockhorse，foritwaslighter-mouthedandnicerinnaturethanthemoodymaresormeangeldingsintheyards。Stockhorseswereintelligent，andrarelyplacid。Evenatotalabsenceofstallionsdidn’tmakethemveryamiableanimals。"Oh，please，Daddy，Icanridethechestnut，too！"Meggiepleaded。"Thinkhowawfulitwouldbeifafterallhiskindnessestous，Fathershouldcomebacktovisitanddiscoverwehadsoldhishorse！"Paddystaredatherthoughtfully。"Meggie，Idon’tthinkFatherwillcomeback。"

"Buthemight！Youneverknow！"

TheeyessolikeFee’sweretoomuchforhim；hecouldn’tbringhimselftohurthermorethanshewasalreadyhurt，poorlittlething。"Allrightthen，Meggie，we’llkeepthemare，butmakesureyouuseboththemareandthegeldingregularly，forIwon’thaveafathorseonDrogheda，doyouhear？"Untilthenshehadn’tlikedtouseFatherRalph’sownmount，butafterthatshealternatedtogiveboththeanimalsinthestablesachancetoworkofftheiroats。

ItwasjustaswellMrs。Smith，MinnieandCatdotedonthetwins，forwithMeggieoutinthepaddocksandFeesittingforhoursatherescritoireinthedrawingroom，thetwolittlefellowshadawonderfultime。Theywereintoeverything，butwithsuchgleeandconstantgoodhumorthatnoonecouldbeangrywiththemforverylong。AtnightinherlittlehouseMrs。Smith，longconvertedtoCatholicism，knelttoherprayerswithsuchdeepthankfulnessinherheartshecouldscarcelycontainit。ChildrenofherownhadnevercometogladdenherwhenRobhadbeenalive，andforyearsthebighousehadbeenchildless，itsoccupantsforbiddentomixwiththeinhabitantsofthestockmen’shousesdownbytheeek。RutwhentheClarryscametheywereMaryCarson’skin，andtherewerechildrenatlast。Especiallynow，withJimsandPatsypermanentresidentsofthebighouse。

Ithadbeenadrywinter，andthesummerrainsdidn’tcome。Knee-highandlush，thetawnygrassdriedoutinthestarksununtileventheinnercoreofeachbladewascrisp。Tolookacrossthepaddocksrequiredslittedeyesandahatbrimdrawnfardownontheforehead；thegrasswasmirror-silver，andlittlespiralwhirlwindsspedbusilyamongshimmeringbluemirages，trans-ferringdeadleavesandfracturedgrassbladesfromonerestlessheaptoanother。

Oh，butitwasdry！Eventhetreesweredry，thebarkfallingfromtheminstiff，crunchyribbons。Nodangeryetofthesheepstarving-thegrasswouldlastanotheryearatleast，maybemore-butnoonelikedtoseeeverythingsodry。Therewasalwaysagoodchancetherainwouldnotcomenextyear，ortheyearafter。Inagoodyeartheygottentofifteeninches，inabadyearlessthanfive，perhapsclosetononeatall。

Inspiteoftheheatandtheflies，Meggielovedlifeoutinthepaddocks，walkingthechestnutmarebehindableatingmobofsheepwhilethedogslayflatontheground，tongueslolling，deceptivelyinattentive。Letonesheepboltoutofthetightlypackedclusterandthenearestdogwouldbeaway，astreakofvengeance，sharpteethhungeringtonipintoahaplessheel。Meggierodeaheadofhermob，awelcomereliefafterbreathingtheirdustforseveralmiles，andopenedthepaddockgate。Shewaitedpatientlywhilethedogs，revelinginthischancetoshowherwhattheycoulddo，bitandgoadedthesheepthrough。Itwashardermusteringanddrovingcattle，fortheykickedorcharged，oftenkillinganunwarydog；thatwaswhenthehumanherdsmanhadtobereadytodohisbit，usehiswhip，butthedogslovedthespiceofdangerworkingcattle。However，todrovecattlewasnotrequiredofher；Paddyattendedtothathimself。

Butthedogsneverceasedtofascinateher；theirintelligencewasphenomenal。MostoftheDroghedadogswerekelpies，coatedinrichbrownishtanwithcreamypaws，chestsandeyebrows，buttherewereQueenslandbluestoo，larger，withblue-greycoatsdappledinblack，andallvarietiesofcrossbredsbetweenkelpieandblue。Thebitchescameinheat，werescientificallymated，increasedandwhelped；afterweaningandgrowing，theirpupsweretriedoutinthepaddocks，andifgoodwerekeptorsold，ifnogoodshot。

Whistlingherdogstoheel，Meggieshutthegateonthemobandturnedthechestnutmaretowardhome。Nearbywasabigstandoftrees，stringybarkandironbarkandblackbox，anoccasionalwilgaonitsoutskirts。Sherodeintoitsshadethankfully，andhavingnowtheleisuretolookaround，lethereyesroamindelight。Thegumswerefullofbudgies，skawkingandwhistlingtheirparodiesofsongbirds；fincheswheeledfrombranchtobranch；twosulphur-crestedcockatoossatwiththeirheadstoonesidewatchingherprogresswithtwinklingeyes；willy-wagtailsfossickedinthedirtforants，theirabsurdrumpsbobbing；crowscarkedeternallyandmournfully。Theirswasthemostobnoxiousnoiseinthewholebushsongrepertoire，sodevoidofjoy，desolateandsomehowsoul-chilling，speakingofrottingflesh，ofcarrionandblowflies。Tothinkofacrowsinginglikeabellbirdwasimpossible；cryandfunctionfittedperfectly。Ofcoursetherewereflieseverywhere；Meggieworeaveiloverherhat，butherbarearmswereconstantlyplagued，andthechestnutmare’stailneverstoppedswishing，itsfleshneverstoppedshiveringandcreepingforasecond。ItamazedMeggiethateventhroughthethicknessofhideandhair，ahorsecouldfeelsomethingasdelicateandairyasafly。Theydranksweat，whichwaswhytheytormentedhorsesandhumansso，buthumansneverletthemdowhatsheepdid，sotheyusedthesheepforamoreintimatepurpose，layingtheireggsaroundtherumpwool，orwhereverthewoolwasdampanddirty。Theairwasfullofthenoiseofbees，andalivewithbrilliantquickdragonfliesseekingouttheboredrains，alivewithexquisitelycoloredbutterfliesanddaymoths。Herhorseturnedoverapieceofrottinglogwithahoof；Meggiestaredatitsunderside，herskincrawling。Therewerewitchettygrubs，fatandwhiteandloathsome，woodliceandslugs，hugecentipedesandspiders。Fromburrowsrabbitshoppedandskittled，flashedbackinsidewithwhitepowderpuffsupintheair，thenturnedtopeerout，nosestwitching。Fartheronanechidnabrokeoffitsquestafterants，panickedatherapproach。Burrowingsofastthatitsstrongclawedfeetwerehiddeninseconds，itbegantodisappearunderahugelog。Itsanticsasitdugwereamusing，thecruelspineslyingflatalloveritsbodytostreamlineitsentryintotheground，earthflyinginheaps。Shecameoutofthetimberonthemaintracktothehomestead。Asheetofdappledgreyoccupieditsdust，galahspickingforinsectsorgrubs，butastheyheardhercomingtheytooktotheairenmasse。Itwaslikebeinginundatedbyamagenta-pinkwave；breastsandunderwingssoaredaboveherhead，thegreyturnedmagicallytorichpink。IfIhadtoleaveDroghedato-morrow，shethought，neveragaintocomeback，inmydreamsI’dliveDroghedainawashofpinkgalahundersides……Itmustbegettingverydryfartherout；thekangasarecomingin，moreandmoreofthem……Agreatmobofkangaroos，maybetwothousandstrong，wasstartledoutofitsplacidgrazingbythegalahsandtookoffintothedistanceinlong，gracefulleapswhichswallowedtheleaguesfasterthananyotheranimalsavetheemu。Horsescouldn’tkeepupwiththem。

Inbetweenthesedelightfulboutsofnature-studyingshethoughtofRalph，asalways。PrivatelyMeggiehadnevercataloguedwhatshefeltforhimasaschoolgirlcrush，simplycalleditlove，astheydidinbooks。HersymptomsandfeelingswerenodifferentfromthoseofanEthelM。Dellheroine。Nordiditseemfairthatabarrierasartificialashispriesthoodcouldstandbetweenherandwhatshewantedofhim，whichwastohavehimasherhusband。TolivewithhimasDaddydidwithMum，insuchharmonyhewouldadoreherthewayDaddydidMum。IthadneverseemedtoMeggiethathermotherdidverymuchtoearnherfather’sadoration，yetworshipherhedid。SoRalphwouldsoonseethattolivewithherwasfarbetterthanlivingonhisown；forithadnotdawneduponherthatRalph’spriesthoodwassomethinghecouldnotabandonunderanycircumstances。Yes，sheknewitwasforbiddentohaveapriestashusbandorlover，butshehadgotintothehabitofgettingarounditbystrippingRalphofhisreligiousoffice。HerformaleducationinCatholicismhadneveradvancedtodiscussionsofthenatureofpriestlyvows，andshewasnotherselfinneedofreligion，sodidn’tpursueitvoluntarily。Obtainingnosatisfactionfrompraying，MeggieobeyedthelawsoftheChurchsimplybecausenottodosomeantburninginHellthroughouteternity。Inherpresentdaydreamsherambledthroughtheblissoflivingwithhimandsleepingwithhim，asDaddydidwithMum。Thenthethoughtofhisnearnessexcitedher，madehershiftinthesaddlerestlessly；shetranslateditintoadelugeofkisses，havingnoothercriterion。Ridingthepaddockshadn’tadvancedhersexualeducationatall，forthemeresniffofadoginthefardistancedrovealldesiretomateoutofanyanimal’smind，andasonallstations，indiscriminatematingwasnotallowed。Whentheramsweresentamongtheewesofaparticularpaddock，Meggiewasdispatchedelsewhere，andthesightofonedoghumpinganotherwassimplythesignaltoflickthepairwithherwhip，stoptheir"playing。"

Perhapsnohumanbeingisequippedtojudgewhichisworse:inchoatelongingwithitsattendantrestlessnessandirritability，orspecificdesirewithitswillfuldrivetoachievethedesire。PoorMeggielonged，quitewhatforshedidn’tknow，butthebasicpullwasthere，anditdraggedherinexorablyinthedirectionofRalphdeBricassart。Soshedreamedofhim，yearnedforhim，wantedhim；andmourned，thatinspiteofhisdeclaredloveforhershemeantsolittletohimthathenevercametoseeher。IntothemiddleofherthoughtsrodePaddy，headingforthehomesteadonthesamecourseasshewas；smiling，shereinedinthechestnutmareandwaitedforhimtocatchup。

"Whatanicesurprise，"saidPaddy，walkinghisoldroanbesidehisdaughter’smiddle-agedmare。

"Yes，itis，"shesaid。"Isitdryfartherout？"

"Abitworsethanthis，Ithink。Lord，I’veneverseensomanykangas！ItmustbebonedryoutMilparinkaway。MartinKingwastalkingofabigshoot，butIdon’tseehowanarmyofmachinegunscouldreducethenumberofkangasbyenoughtoseethedifference。"

Hewassonice，sothoughtfulandforgivingandloving；anditwasrarelythatsheeverhadthechancetobewithhimwithoutatleastoneoftheboysinattendance。Beforeshecouldchangehermind，Meggieaskedthedoubtingquestion，theonewhichgnawedandpreyedinspiteofallherinternalreassurances。

"Daddy，whydoesn’tFatherdeBricassartevercometoseeus？""He’sbusy，Meggie，"Paddyanswered，buthisvoicehadbecomewary。"Butevenpriestshaveholidays，don’tthey？HeusedtoloveDroghedaso，I’msurehe’dwanttospendhisholidayshere。？-""Inonewaypriestshaveholidays，Meggie，butinanotherwaythey’reneveroffduty。Forinstance，everydayoftheirlivestheyhavetosayMass，evenifquitealone。IthinkFatherdeBricassartisaverywiseman，andknowsthatit’sneverpossibletogobacktoawayoflifethat’sgone。Forhim，weeMeggie，Drogheda’sabitofthepast。Ifhecameback，itwouldn’tgivehimthesamesortofpleasureitusedto。"

"Youmeanhe’sforgottenus，"shesaiddully。"No，notreally。Ifhehad，hewouldn’twritesooften，ordemandnewsabouteachofus。"Heturnedinhissaddle，hisblueeyespitying。"Ithinkit’sbestthathedoesn’tevercomeback，soIdon’tencouragehimtothinkofitbyinvitinghim。"

"Daddy！"

Paddyplungedintomuddywatersdoggedly。"Look，Meggie，it’swrongforyoutodreamaboutapriest，andit’stimeyouunderstoodthat。You’vekeptyoursecretprettywell，Idon’tthinkanyoneelseknowshowyoufeelabouthim，butit’stomeyourquestionscome，isn’tit？Notmany，butenough。Nowtakeitfromme，you’vegottostop，hearit？FatherdeBricassarttookholyvowsIknowhehasabsolutelynointentionofbreaking，andyou’vemistakenhisfondnessforyou。Hewasagrownmanwhenhemetyou，andyouwerealittlegirl。Well，that’showhethinksofyou，Meggie，tothisveryday。"

Shedidn’tanswer，nordidherfacechange。Yes，hethought，she’sFee’sdaughter，allright。

Afterawhileshesaidtautly，"Buthecouldstopbeingapriest。It’sjustthatIhaven’thadachancetotalktohimaboutit。"

TheshockonPaddy’sfacewastoogenuinenottobelieveit，soMeggiefounditmoreconvincingthanhiswords，vehementthoughtheywere。"Meggie！Oh，goodGod，that’stheworstofthisbushexistence！Yououghttobeinschool，mygirl，andifAuntieMaryhaddiedsoonerIwouldhavepackedyouofftoSydneyintimetogetatleastacoupleofyearsunderyourbelt。Butyou’retooold，aren’tyou？Iwouldn’thavethemlaughatyouatyourage，poorweeMeggie。"Hecontinuedmoregently，spacinghiswordstogivethemasharp，lucidcruelty，thoughitwasnothisintentiontobecruel，onlytodispelillusionsonceandforall。"FatherdeBricassartisapriest，Meggie。Hecannever，neverstopbeingapriest，understandthat。Thevowshetookaresacred，toosolemntobreak。Onceamanisapriesttherecanbenoturningaway，andhissupervisorsintheseminarymakeabsolutelysurethatheknowswhathe’sswearingbeforehedoes。Amanwhotakesthosevowsknowsbeyondanydoubtthatoncetakentheycan’tbebroken，ever。FatherdeBricassarttookthem，andhe’llneverbreakthem。"Hesighed。"Nowyouknow，Meggie，don’tyou？FromthismomentyouhavenoexcusetodaydreamaboutFatherdeBricassart。"

Theyhadcomeinfromthefrontofthehomestead，sothestableswerecloserthanthestockyards；withoutaword，Meggieturnedthechestnutmaretowardthestables，andleftherfathertocontinuealone。Forawhilehekeptturningaroundtolookafterher，butwhenshehaddisappearedinsidethefencearoundthestableshedughisroanintheribsandfinishedhisrideatacanter，hatinghimselfandthenecessityofsayingwhathehad。Damntheman-womanthing！Itseemedtohaveasetofrulesatvariancewithallothers。

FatherRalphdeBricassart’svoicewasverycold，yetitwaswarmerthanhiseyes，whichneverveeredfromtheyoungpriest’spallidfaceashespokehisstiff，measuredwords。

"YouhavenotconductedyourselfasOurLordJesusChristdemandsHispriestsconductthemselves。Ithinkyouknowitbetterthanwewhocensureyoucouldeverknowit，butImuststillcensureyouonbehalfofyourArchbishop，whostandstoyounotonlyasafellowpriestbutasyoursuperior。Youowehimperfectobedience，anditisnotyourplacetoarguewithhissentimentsorhisdecisions。

"Doyoureallyunderstandthedisgraceyou’vebroughtonyourself，onyourparish，andespeciallyontheChurchyoupurporttolovemorethananyhumanbeing？Yourvowofcha/ywasassolemnandbindingasyourothervows，andtobreakitistosingrievously。Youwillneverseethewomanagain，ofcourse，butitbehoovesustoassistyouinyourstrugglestoovercometemptation。ThereforewehavearrangedthatyouleaveimmediatelyfordutyintheparishofDarwin，intheNorthernTerritory。YouwillproceedtoBrisbanetonightontheexpresstrain，andfromthereyouwillproceed，againbytrain，toLongreach。InLongreachyouwillboardaQANTASplaneforDarwin。Yourbelongingsarebeingpackedatthismomentandwillbeontheexpressbeforeitdeparts，sothereisnoneedforyoutoreturntoyourpresentparish。

"NowgotothechapelwithFatherJohnandpray。Youwillremaininthechapeluntilitistimetojointhetrain。Foryourcomfortandconsolation，FatherJohnwilltravelwithyoutoDarwin。Youaredismissed。"Theywerewiseandaware，thepriestsinadministration；theywouldpermitthesinnernoopportunitytohavefurthercontactwiththeyounggirlhehadtakenashismistress。Ithadbecomethescandalofhispresentparish，andveryembarrassing。Asforthegirl——letherwait，andwatch，andwonder。FromnowuntilhearrivedinDarwinhewouldbewatchedbytheexcellentFatherJohn，whohadhisorders，thenafterthateveryletterhesentfromDarwinwouldbeopened，andhewouldnotbeallowedtomakeanylong-distancephonecalls。Shewouldneverknowwherehehadgone，andhewouldneverbeabletotellher。Norwouldhebegivenanychancetotakeupwithanothergirl。Dar-winwasafrontiertown；womenwerealmostnonexistent。Hisvowswereabsolute，hecouldneverbereleasedfromthem；ifhewastooweaktopolicehimself，theChurchmustdoitforhim。

Afterhehadwatchedtheyoungpriestandhisappointedwatchdoggofromtheroom，FatherRalphgotupfromhisdeskandwalkedthroughtoaninnerchamber。ArchbishopClunyDarkwassittinginhiscustomarychair，andatrightanglestohimanothermaninpurplesashandskullcapsatquietly。TheArchbishopwasabigman，withashockofbeautifulwhitehairandintenselyblueeyes；hewasavitalsortoffellow，withakeensenseofhumorandagreatloveofthetable。Hisvisitorwasquitetheantithesis；smallandthin，afewsparsestrandsofblackhairaroundhisskullcapandbeneaththemanangular，asceticface，asallowskinwithaheavybeardshadow，andlargedarkeyes。Inagehemighthavebeenanywherebetweenthirtyandfifty，butinactualfacthewasthirty-nine，threeyearsolderthanFatherRalphdeBricassart。

"Sitdown，Father，haveacupoftea，"saidtheArch-bishopheartily。"Iwasbeginningtothinkwe’dhavetosendforafreshpot。Didyoudismisstheyoungmanwithasuitableadmonitiontomendhisconduct？"

"Yes，YourGrace，"saidFatherRalphbriefly，andseatedhimselfinthethirdchairaroundtheteatable，loadedwithwafer-thincucumbersandwiches，pinkandwhiteicedfairycakes，hotbutteredsconeswithcrystaldishesofjamandwhippedcream，asilverteaserviceandAynsleychinacupswashedwithadelicatecoatingofgoldleaf。

"Suchincidentsareregrettable，mydearArchbishop，butevenwewhoareordainedthepriestsofOurDearLordareweak，all-too-humancreatures。Ifinditinmyhearttopityhimdeeply，andIshallpraytonightthathefindsmorestrengthinthefuture，"thevisitorsaid。Hisaccentwasdistinctlyforeign，hisvoicesoft，withahintofsibilanceinitsso’s。BynationalityhewasItalian，bytitlehewasHisGracetheArchbishopPapalLegatetotheAustralianCatholicChurch，andbynamehewasVittorioScarbanzadiContini-Verchese。HiswasthedelicateroleofprovidingalinkbetweentheAustralianhierarchyandtheVaticannervecenter；whichmeanthewasthemostimportantpriestinthissectionoftheworld。

Before。beinggiventhisappointmenthehadofcoursehopedfortheUnitedStatesofAmerica，butonthinkingaboutithedecidedAustraliawoulddoverynicely。Ifinpopulationthoughnotinareaitwasamuchsmallercountry，itwasalsofarmoreCatholic。UnliketherestoftheEnglish-speakingworld，itwasnosocialcomedowninAustraliatobeCatholic，nohandicaptoanaspiringpoliticianorbusinessmanorjudge。Anditwasarichcountry，itsupportedtheChurchwell。NoneedtofearhewouldbeforgottenbyRomewhilehewasinAustralia。TheArchbishopPapalLegatewasalsoaverysubtleman，andhiseyesoverthegoldrimofhisteacupwerefixednotonArchbishopClunyDarkbutonFather

RalphdeBricassart，soontobecomehisownsecretary。ThatArchbishopDarklikedthepriestenormouslywasawell-knownfact，buttheArchbishopPapalLegatewaswonderinghowwellhewasgoingtolikesuchaman。Theywereallsobig，theseIrish-Australianpriests，theytoweredfarabovehim；hewassowearyofforeverhavingtotilthisheaduptoseetheirfaces。FatherdeBricassart’smannertohispresentmasterwasperfect:light，easy，respectfulbutman-to-man，fullofhumor。Howwouldheadjusttoworkingforafardifferentmaster？ItwascustomarytoappointtheLegatalsecretaryfromtheranksoftheItalianChurch，butFatherRalphdeBricassartheldgreatinterestfortheVatican。Notonlydidhehavethecuriousdistinctionofbeingpersonallyrich(contrarytopopularopinion，hissuperiorswerenotempoweredtotakehismoneyfromhim，andhehadnotvolunteeredtohanditover)，buthehadsingle-handedlybroughtagreatfortuneintotheChurch。SotheVaticanhaddecidedthattheArchbishopPapalLegatewastotakeFatherdeBricassartashissecretary，tostudytheyoungmanandfindoutexactlywhathewaslike。

OnedaytheHolyFatherwouldhavetorewardtheAustralianChurchwithacardinal’sbiretta，butitwouldnotbeyet。ThereforeitwasuptohimtostudypriestsinFatherdeBricassart’sagegroup，andoftheseFatherdeBricassartwasclearlytheleadingcandidate。Sobeit。LetFatherdeBricassarttryhismettleagainstanItalianforawhile。Itmightbeinteresting。Butwhycouldn’tthemanhavebeenjustalittlesmaller？AshesippedhisteagratefullyFatherRalphwasunusuallyquiet。TheArchbishopPapalLegatenoticedthatheateasmallsandwichtriangleandeschewedtheotherdelicacies，butdrankfourcupsofteathirstily，addingneithersugarnormilk。Well，thatwaswhathisreportsaid；inhispersonallivinghabitsthepriestwasremarkablyabstemious，hisonlyweaknessbeingagood(andveryfast)car。

"YournameisFrench，Father，"saidtheArchbishopPapalLegatesoftly，"butIunderstandyouareanIrishman。Howcomesthisphenomenon？WasyourfamilyFrench，then？"

FatherRalphshookhishead，smiling。"It’saNormanname，YourGrace，veryoldandhonorable。IamadirectdescendantofoneRanulfdeBricassart，whowasabaroninthecourtofWilliamtheConqueror。In1066hecametoinvadeEnglandwithWilliam，andoneofhissonstookEnglishland。ThefamilyprosperedundertheNormankingsofEngland，andlateronsomeofthemcrossedtheIrishSeaduringthetimeofHenrytheFourth，andsettledwithinthePale。WhenHenrytheEighthremovedtheEnglishChurchfromRome’sauthoritywekeptthefaithofWilliam，whichmeantwefeltweowedourfirstallegiancetoRome，nottoLondon。ButwhenCromwellsetuptheCommonwealthwelostourlandsandtitles，andtheywereneverrestoredtous。CharleshadEnglishfavoritestorewardwithIrishland。Itisnotcauseless，youknow，theIrishhatredoftheEnglish。

"However，wedescendedtorelativeobscurity，stillloyaltotheChurch，andtoRome。MyolderbrotherhasasuccessfulstudfarminCountyMeath，andhopestobreedaDerbyoraGrandNationalwinner。Iamthesecondson，andithasalwaysbeenafamilytraditionthatthesecondsonembracetheChurchifhefeelsthewishforit。I’mveryproudofmynameandmylineage，youknow。ForfifteenhundredyearstherehavebeendeBricassarts。"Ah，thatwasgood！Anold，aristocraticnameandaperfectrecordofkeepingthefaiththroughemigrationsandpersecutions。"AndtheRalph？"

"AconstrictionofRanulf，YourGrace。"

"Isee。"

"I’mgoingtomissyougreatly，Father，"saidArch-

bishopClunyDark，pilingjamandwhippedcreamonhalfasconeandpoppingitwholeintohismouth。

FatherRalphlaughedathim。"Youplacemeinadilemma，YourGrace！HereIamseatedbetweenmyoldmasterandmynew，andifIanswertopleaseone，Imustdispleasetheother。ButmayIsayIshallmissYourGrace，whilelookingforwardtoservingYourGrace？"

Itwaswellsaid，adiplomat’sanswer。ArchbishopdiContini-Verchesebegantothinkhemightdowellwithsuchasecretary。Buttoogood-lookingbyfar，withthosefinefeatures，thestrikingcoloring，themagnificentbody。FatherRalphlapsedbackintosilence，staringattheteatablewithoutseeingit。Hewasseeingtheyoungpriesthehadjustdisciplined，thelookinthosealreadytormentedeyesasherealizedtheywerenotevengoingtolethimsaygoodbyetohisgirl。DearGod，whatifithadbeenhim，andthegirlMeggie？Onecouldgetawaywithitforawhileifonewasdiscreet；foreverifonelimitedwomentotheyearlyvacationawayfromtheparish。Butletaseriousdevotiontoonewomanenterthepictureandtheywouldinevitablyfindout。

ThereweretimeswhenonlykneelingonthemarblefloorofthepalacechapeluntilhewasstiffwithphysicalpainpreventedhimfromcatchingthenexttrainbacktoGillyandDrogheda。Hehadtoldhimselfthathewassimplythevictimofloneliness，thathemissedthehumanaffectionhehadknownonDrogheda。HetoldhimselfnothinghadchangedwhenheyieldedtoapassingweaknessandkissedMeggieback；thathisloveforherwasstilllocatedinrealmsoffancyanddelight，thatithadnotpassedintoadifferentworldwhichhadadistracting，disturbingwholenesstoittheearlierdreamshadnot。Forhecouldn’tadmitanythinghadchanged，andhekeptMeggieinhismindasalittlegirl，shuttingoutanyvisionswhichmightcontradictthis。

Hehadbeenwrong。Thepaindidn’tfade。Itseemedtogrowworse，andinacolder，uglierway。Before，hislonelinesshadbeenanimpersonalthing，hehadneverbeenabletosaytohimselfthatthepresenceinhislifeofanyonebeingcouldremedyit。Butnowlonelinesshadaname:Meggie。Meggie，Meggie，Meggie……

HecameoutofhisreverietofindArchbishopdiContini-Verchesestaringathimunwinkingly，andthoselargedarkeyeswerefarmoredangerouslyomniscientthantheroundvividorbsofhispresentmaster。Fartoointelligenttopretendtherewasnothingcausinghisbrownstudy，FatherRalphgavehismaster-to-beaspenetratingalookashewasreceiving，thensmiledfaintlyandshruggedhisshoulders，asiftosay:Everymanhassadnessinhim，anditisnosintorememberagrief。"Tellme，Father，hasthesuddenslumpineconomicaffairsaffectedyourcharge？"theItalianprelateaskedsmoothly。

"Sofarwehavenothingtoworryabout，YourGrace。MicharLimitedisn’teasilyaffectedbyauctuationsinthemarket。IshouldimaginethosewhosefortunesarelesscarefullyinvestedthanMrs。Carson’saretheoneswhostandtolosethemost。OfcoursethestationDroghedawon’tdoaswell；thepriceofwoolisfalling。However，Mrs。Carsonwastooclevertosinkhermoneyintoruralpursuits；shepreferredthesolidityofmetal。Thoughtomymindthisisanexcellenttimetobuyland，notonlystationsinthecountrybuthousesandbuildingsinthemajorcities。Pricesareridiculouslylow，buttheycan’tremainlowforever。Idon’tseehowwecanloseonrealestateinyearstocomeifwebuynow。TheDepressionwillbeoveroneday。""Quite，"saidtheArchbishopPapalLegate。SonotonlywasFatherdeBricassartsomethingofadiplomat，hewasalsosomethingofabusinessmanaswell！TrulyRomehadbetterkeephereyeuponhim。

Butitwas1930，andDroghedaknewallabouttheDepression。MenwereoutofworkalloverAustralia。Thosewhocouldstoppedpayingrentandtyingthem-selvesdowntothefutilityoflookingforworkwhentherewasnone。Lefttofendalone，wivesandchildrenlivedinhumpiesonmunicipallandandqueuedforthedole；fathersandhusbandshadgonetramping。Amanstowedhisfewessentialsinsidehisblanket，tieditwiththongsandslungitacrosshisbackbeforesettingoutonthetrack，hopingatleastforhandoutsoffoodfromthestationshecrossed，ifnotemployment。HumpingablueythroughtheOutbackbeatsleepingintheSydneyDomain。

Thepriceoffoodwaslow，andPaddystockedtheDroghedapantriesandstorehousestooverflowing。AmancouldalwaysbesureofhavinghistuckerbagfilledwhenhearrivedonDrogheda。Thestrangethingwasthattheparadeofdriftersconstantlychanged；oncefullofagoodhotmealandloadedwithprovisionsforthetrack，theymadenoattempttoremain，butwanderedoninsearchofonlytheyknewwhat。NoteveryplacewasashospitableorgenerousasDroghedabyanymeans，whichonlyaddedtothepuzzleofwhymenonthetrackseemednottowanttostay。Perhapsthewearinessandthepurposelessnessofhavingnohome，noplacetogo，madethemcontinuetodrift。Mostmanagedtolive，somediedandiffoundwereburiedbeforethecrowsandpigspickedtheirbonesclean。TheOutbackwasahugeplace，andlonely。

ButStuartwaspermanentlyinresidenceagain，andtheshotgunwasneverfarfromthecookhousedoor。Goodstockmenwereeasytocomeby，andPaddyhadninesinglemenonhisbooksintheoldjackaroobarracks，soStuartcouldbesparedfromthepaddocks。Feestoppedkeepingcashlyingabout，andhadStuartmakeacamouflagedcupboardforthesafebehindthechapelaltar。Fewoftheswaggieswerebadmen。Badmenpreferredtostayinthecitiesandthebigcountrytowns，forlifeonthetrackwastoopure，toolonelyandscantofpickingsforbadmen。YetnooneblamedPaddyfornotwantingtotakechanceswithhiswomen；Droghedawasaveryfamousname，andmightconceivablyattractwhatfewundesirablestherewereonthetrack。Thatwinterbroughtbadstorms，somedry，somewet，andthefollowingspringandsummerbroughtrainsoheavythatDroghedagrassgrewlusherandlongerthanever。

JimsandPatsywereplowingthroughtheircorrespondencelessonsatMrs。Smith’skitchentable，andchatterednowofwhatitwouldbelikewhenitwastimetogotoRiverview，theirboardingschool。ButMrs。SmithwouldgrowsosharpandsouratsuchtalkthattheylearnednottospeakofleavingDroghedawhenshewaswithinhearingdistance。

Thedryweathercameback；thethigh-highgrassdriedoutcompletelyandbakedtoasilvercrispinarainlesssummer。Inuredbytenyears。oftheblack-soilplainstothehey-ho，upwego，hey-ho，downwegooscillationsofdroughtandflood，themenshruggedandwentabouteachdayasifitweretheonlyonethatcouldevermatter。Thiswastrue；themainbusinesswasessentiallytosurvivebetweenonegoodyearandthenext，wheneveritmightbe。Noonecouldpredicttherain。TherewasamaninBrisbanecalledInigoJoneswhowasn’tbadatlong-rangeweatherpredictions，usinganovelconceptofsunspotactivity，butoutontheblack-soilplainsnooneputmuchcredenceinwhathehadtosay。LetSydneyandMelbournebridespetitionhimforforecasts；theblack-soilplainsmenwouldstickwiththatoldsensationintheirbones。Inthewinterof1932thedrystormscameback，alongwithbittercold，butthelushgrasskeptdusttoaminimumandthefliesweren’tasnumerousasusual。Noconsolationtothefreshlyshornsheep，whichshiveredmiserably。Mrs。DominicO’Rourke，wholivedinawoodenhouseofnoparticulardistinction，adoredtoentertainvisitorsfromSydney；oneofthehighlightsofhertourprogramwaspayingacallatDroghedahomestead，toshowhervisitorsthatevenoutontheblack-soilplainssomepeoplelivedgraciously。Andthesubjectwouldalwaysturntothoseskinny，drowned-ratlookingsheep，lefttofacethewinterminusthefive-andsix-inch-longfleecestheywouldhavegrownbythetimesummerheatarrived。But，asPaddysaidgravelytoonesuchvisitor，itmadeforbetterwool。Thewoolwasthething，notthesheep。NotlongafterhemadethatstatementaletterappearedintheSydneyMorningHerald，demandingpromptparliamentarylegislationtoendwhatitcalled"graziercruelty。"PoorMrs。O’Rourkewashorrified，butPaddylaugheduntilhissidesached。

"Justaswellthesillyblokeneversawashearerripupasheep’sbellyandsewitwithabalingneedle，"hecomfortedtheembarrassedMrs。O’Rourke。"It’snotworthgettingupsetabout，Mrs。Dominic。Downinthecitytheydon’tknowhowtheotherhalflives，andtheycanaffordtheluxuryofdotingontheiranimalsasiftheywerechildren。Outhereit’sdifferent。You’llneverseeman，womanorchildinneedofhelpgoignoredouthere，yetinthecitythosesamepeoplewhodoteontheirpetswillcompletelyignoreacryofhelpfromahumanbeing。"

Feelookedup。"He’sright，Mrs。Dominic，"shesaid。"Weallhavecontemptforwhateverthere’stoomanyof。Outhereit’ssheep，butinthecityit’speople。"

OnlyPaddywasfarafieldthatdayinAugustwhenthebigstormbroke。Hegotdownfromhishorse，tiedtheanimalsecurelytoatreeandsatbeneathawilgatowaititout。Shiveringinfear，hisfivedogshuddledtogethernearhim，whilethesheephehadbeenintendingtotransfertoanotherpaddockscatteredintojumpylittlegroupstrottingaimlesslyinalldirections。Anditwasaterriblestorm，reservingtheworstofitsfuryuntilthecenterofthemaelstromwasdirectlyoverhead。Paddystuffedhisfingersinhisears，shuthiseyesandprayed。

Notfarfromwherehesatwiththedown-droppingwilgaleavesclashingrestlesslyintherisingwindwasasmallcollectionofdeadstumpsandlogssurroundedbytallgrass。Inthemiddleofthewhite，skeletalheapwasonemassivedeadgum，itsbarebodysoaringfortyfeettowardthenight-blackclouds，spindlingatitstopintoasharp，jaggedpoint。AblossomingbluefiresobrightitsearedhiseyesthroughtheirclosedlidsmadePaddyjumptohisfeet，onlytobethrowndownlikeatoyintheheaveofahugeexplosion。Heliftedhisfacefromtheearthtoseethefinalgloryofthelightningboltplayingshimmeringhalosofglaringblueandpurpleallupanddownthedeadspearofgumtree；then，soquicklyhehardlyhadtimetounderstandwhatwashappening，everythingcaughtfire。Thelastdropofmoisturehadlongsinceevaporatedfromthetissuesofthatdecayedcluster，andthegrasseverywherewaslonganddryaspaper。Likesomedefiantansweroftheearthtothesky，thegianttreeshotapillarofflamefarbeyonditstip，thelogsandstumpsarounditwentupatthesamemoment，andinacirclefromaroundthecentergreatsheetsoffiresweptintheswirlingwind，roundandroundandround。Paddyhadnoteventimetoreachhishorse。

Theparchedwilgacaughtandthegumresinatitstenderheartexplodedoutward。ThereweresolidwallsoffireineverydirectionPaddylooked；thetreeswereburningfiercelyandthegrassbeneathhisfeetwasroaringintoflames。Hecouldhearhishorsescreamingandhisheartwentouttoit；hecouldnotleavethepoorbeasttodietiedupandhelpless。Adoghowled，itshowlchangingtoashriekofagonyalmosthuman。Foramomentitflaredanddanced，alivingtorch，thensubsidedintotheblazinggrass。Morehowlsastheotherdogs，fleeing，wereenvelopedbytheracingfire，fasterinthegalethananythingonfootorwing。Astreamingmeteorscorchedhishairashestoodforamilliseconddebatingwhichwaywasthebesttogettohishorse；helookeddowntoseeagreatcockatooroastingathisfeet。SuddenlyPaddyknewthiswastheend。Therewasnowayoutoftheinfernoforhimselforhishorse。Evenashethoughtit，adesiccatedstringybarkbehindhimshotflamesineverydirection；theguminitexploding。TheskinonPaddy’sarmshriveledandblackened，thehairofhisheaddimmedatlastbysomethingbrighter。Todiesoisindescribable；forfireworksitswayfromoutsidetoin。Thelastthingsthatgo，finallycookedtothepointofnonfunction，arebrainandheart。Hisclothesonfire，Paddycaperedscreamingandscreamingthroughtheholocaust。Andeveryawfulcrywashiswife’sname。

AlltheothermenmadeitbacktoDroghedahomesteadaheadofthestorm，turnedtheirmountsintothestockyardandheadedforeitherthebighouseorthejackaroobarracks。InFee’sbrightlylitdrawingroomwithalogfireroaringinthecream-and-pinkmarblefireplacetheClearyboyssatlisteningtothestorm，nottemptedthesedaystogooutsideandwatchit。Thebeautifulpungentsmellofburningeucalyptuswoodinthegrateandtheheapedcakesandsandwichesontheafternoonteatrolleyweretooalluring。NooneexpectedPaddytomakeitin。

Aboutfouro’clockthecloudsrolledawaytotheeast，andeveryoneunconsciouslybreathedeasier；somehowitwasimpossibletorelaxduringadrystorm，eventhougheverybuildingonDroghedawasequippedwithalightningconductor。JackandBobgotupandwentoutsidetogetalittlefreshair，theysaid，butinrealitytoreleasepentbreath。"Look！"saidBob，pointingwestward。

AbovethetreesthatringedtheHomePaddockround，agreatbronzepallofsmokewasgrowing，itsmarginstorntotatteredstreamersinthehighwind。"GodJesus！"Jackcried，runninginsidetothetelephone。"Fire，fire！"heshoutedintothereceiver，whilethosestillinsidetheroomturnedtogapeathim，thenranoutsidetosee。"FireonDrogheda，andabigone！"Thenhehungup；itwasallheneededtosaytotheGillyswitchandtothosealongthelinewhohabituallypickedupwhenthefirsttinklecame。ThoughtherehadnotbeenabigfireintheGillydistrictsincetheClearyshadcometoDrogheda，everyoneknewtheroutine。Theboysscatteredtogethorses，andthestockmenwerepilingoutofthejackaroobarracks，whileMrs。Smithunlockedoneofthestorehousesanddoledouthessianbagsbythedozen。Thesmokewasinthewestandthewindwasblowingfromthatdirection，whichmeantthefirewouldbeheadingforthehomestead。FeetookoffherlongskirtandputonapairofPaddy’spants，thenranwithMeggieforthestables；everypairofhandscapableofholdingabagwouldbeneeded。

InthecookhouseMrs。Smithstokeduptherangefireboxandthemaidsbeganbringingdownhugepotsfromtheirceilinghooks。"Justaswellwekilledasteeryesterday，"saidthehousekeeper。"Minnie，here’sthekeytotheliquorstorehouse。YouandCatfetchallthebeerandrumwe’vegot，thenstartmakingdamperbreadwhileIcarryonwiththestew。Andhurry，hurry！"

Thehorses，unsettledbythestorm，hadsmelledsmokeandwerehardtosaddle；FeeandMeggiebackedthetwotrampling，restivethoroughbredsoutsidethestableintotheyardtotacklethembetter。AsMeggiewrestledwiththechestnutmaretwoswaggiescamepoundingdownthetrackfromtheGillyroad。

"Fire，Missus，fire！Gotacoupleofsparehorses？Giveusafewbags。""Downthatwaytothestockyards。DearGod，Ihopenoneofyouarecaughtoutthere！"saidMeggie，whodidn’tknowwhereherfatherwas。ThetwomengrabbedhessianbagsandwaterbagsfromMrs。Smith；Bobandthemenhadbeengonefiveminutes。Thetwoswaggiesfollowed，andlasttoleave，FeeandMeggierodeatagallopdowntothecreek，acrossitandawaytowardthesmoke。

BehindthemTom，thegardenrouseabout，finishedfillingthebigwatertruckfromthebore-drainpump，thenstartedtheengine。Notthatanyamountofwatershortofadownpourfromtheskywouldhelpputoutafirethisbig，buthewouldbeneededtokeepthebagsdamp，andthepeoplewieldingthem。Asheshovedthetruckdownintobottomgeartogrindupthefarcreekbankhelookedbackforamomentattheemptyheadstockman’shouse，thetwovacanthousesbeyondit；therewasthehomestead’ssoftunderbelly，theonlyplacewhereflammablethingscamecloseenoughtothetreesonthefarsideofthecreektocatch。OldTomlookedwestward，shookhisheadinsuddendecision，andmanagedtogetthetruckbackacrossthecreekandupthenearbankinreverse。They’dneverstopthatfireoutinthepaddocks；they’dreturn。Ontopofthegullyandjustbesidetheheadstockman’shouse，inwhichhehadbeencamping，heattachedthehosetothetankandbegansaturatingthebuilding，thenpassedbeyondittothetwosmallerdwellings，hosedthemdown。Thiswaswherehecouldhelpthemost；keepthosethreehomessowetthey’dnevercatch。

AsMeggierodebesideFeetheominouscloudinthewestgrew，andstrongerandstrongeronthewindcamethesmellofburning。Itwasgrowingdark；creaturesfleeingfromthewestcamethickerandthickeracrossthepaddock，kangaroosandwildpigs，frightenedsheepandcattle，emusandgoannas，rabbitsbythethousands。Bobwasleavingthegatesopen，shenoticedassherodefromBoreheadintoBilla-Billa；everypaddockonDroghedahadaname。Butsheepweresostupidtheywouldblunderintoafenceandstopthreefeetfromanopengate，neverseeit。Thefirehadgonetenmileswhentheyreachedit，anditwasspreadinglaterallyaswell，alongafrontexpandingwitheverysecond。Asthelongdrygrassandthehighwindtookitleapingfromtimberstandtotimberstandtheysattheirfrightened，jobbinghorsesandlookedintothewesthelplessly。Nousetryingtostopithere；anarmycouldn’tstopithere。Theywouldhavetogobacktothehomesteadanddefendthatiftheycould。Alreadythefrontwasfivemileswide；iftheydidn’tpushtheirwearymountstheytoowouldbecaught，andpassed。Toobadforthesheep，toobad。Butitcouldn’tbehelped。

OldTomwasstillhosingthehousesbythecreekwhentheyclatteredthroughthethinblanketofwaterontheford。

"Goodbloke，Tom！"Bobshouted。"Keepitupuntilitgetstoohottostay，thengetoutinplentyoftime，hearme？Norashheroism；you’remoreimportantthansomebitsofwoodandglass。"

Thehomesteadgroundswerefullofcars，andmoreheadlightswerebouncingandglaringdowntheroadfromGilly；alargegroupofmenstoodwaitingforthemasBobturnedintothehorseyards。

"Howbigisit，Bob？"MartinKingasked。

"Toobigtofight，Ithink，"saidBobdespairingly。"Ireckonit’saboutfivemileswideandinthiswindit’stravelingalmostasfastasahorsecangallop。Idon’tknowifwecansavethehomestead，butIthinkHorryoughttogetreadytodefendhisplace。He’sgoingtogetitnext，becauseIdon’tseehowwecaneverstopit。"Well，we’reoverdueforabigfire。Thelastbigonewasin1919。I’llorganizeapartytogotoBeel-Beel，butthereareplentyofusandmorecoming。Gillycanputoutclosetofivehundredmentofightafire。Someofuswillstayheretohelp。ThankGodI’mwestofDroghedaisallIcansay。"Bobgrinned。"You’reabloodycomfort，Martin。"

Martinlookedaround。"Where’syourfather，Bob？""Westofthefire，likeBugela。HewasoutinWilgamusteringsomeewesforthelambing，andWilga’satleastfivemileswestofwherethefirestarted，Ireckon。"

"Noothermenyou’reworriedabout？"

"Nottoday，thankheavens。"

Inawayitwaslikebeinginawar，Meggiethoughtassheenteredthehouse:acontrolledspeed，aconcernforfoodanddrink，thekeepingupofone’sstrengthandcourage。Andthethreatofimminentdisaster。AsmoremenarrivedtheywenttojointhosealreadyintheHomePaddock，cuttingdownthefewtreesthathadsprungupclosetothecreekbank，andclearingawayanyoverlonggrassontheperimeter。MeggierememberedthinkingwhenshefirstarrivedonDroghedahowmuchprettiertheHomePaddockmighthavebeen，forcomparedtothewealthoftimberallaroundit，itwasbareandbleak。Nowsheunderstoodwhy。TheHomePaddockwasnothinglessthanagiganticcircularfirebreak。

EveryonetalkedofthefiresGillyhadseeninitsseventy-oddyearsofexistence。Curiouslyenough，fireswereneveramajorthreatduringprolongeddrought，becausetherewasn’tsufficientgrassthentokeepafiregoingfar。Itwastimeslikethis，ayearortwoafterheavyrainhadmadethegrassgrowsolongandtinderlush，thatGillysawitsbigfires，theoneswhichsometimesburnedoutofcontrolforhundredsofmiles。MartinKinghadtakenchargeofthethreehundredmenremainingtodefendDrogheda。Hewastheseniorgrazierofthedistrict，andhadfoughtfiresforfiftyyears。"I’vegot150，000acresonBugela，"hesaid，"andin1905Ilosteverysheepandeverytreeontheplace。Ittookmefifteenyearstorecover，andIthoughtforawhileIwouldn’t，becausewoolwasn’tfetchingmuchinthosedays，norwasbeef。"

Thewindwasstillhowling，thesmellofburningwaseverywhere。Nighthadfallen，butthewesternskywaslittounholybrillianceandloweringsmokewasbeginningtomakethemcough。Notlongafterwardtheysawthefirstflames，vasttonguesleapingandwrithingahundredfeetintothesmoke，andaroaringcametotheirearslikeahugecrowdoverexcitedatafootballgame。ThetreesonthewesternsideofthetimberringingtheHomePaddockcaughtandwentupinasolidsheetoffire；asMeggiewatchedpetrifiedfromthehomesteadverandashecouldseelittlepygmysilhouettesofmenoutlinedagainstthem，jumpingandcavortinglikeanguishedsoulsinHell。"Meggie，willyougetinhereandstackthoseplatesonthesideboard，girl！We’renotatapicnic，youknow！"camehermother’svoice。Sheturnedawayreluctantly。

Twohourslaterthefirstrelayofexhaustedmenstaggeredintosnatchfoodanddrink，gatheruptheirwaningstrengthtogobackandfighton。Forthishadthestationwomentoiled，tomakesuretherewasstewanddamperbread，teaandrumandbeeraplenty，evenforthreehundredmen。Inafire，everyonedidwhatheorshewasbestequippedtodo，andthatmeantthewomencookedtokeepupthesuperiorphysicalstrengthofthemen。Caseaftercaseofliquoremptiedandwasreplacedbynewcases；blackfromsootandreelingwithfatigue，themenstoodtodrinkcopiouslyandstuffhugechunksofdamperintotheirmouths，gobbledownaplatefulofstewwhenithadcooled，gulpalasttumblerofrum，thenoutagaintothefire。

InbetweentripstothecookhouseMeggiewatchedthefire，awedandterrified。Initswayithadabeautybeyondthebeautyofanythingearthly，foritwasathingoftheskies，ofsunssofarawaytheirlightcamecoldly，ofGodandtheDevil。Thefronthadgallopedoneastward，theywerecompletelysurroundednow，andMeggiecouldpickoutdetailstheundefinedholocaustofthefrontdidnotpermit。Nowtherewereblackandorangeandredandwhiteandyellow；atalltreeinblacksilhouetterimmedwithanorangecrustthatsimmeredandglowered；redembersfloatingandpirouettinglikefrolicsomephantomsintheairabove；yellowpulsationsfromtheexhaustedheartsofburned-outtrees；ashowerofspinningcrimsonsparksasagumexploded；suddenlicksoforange-and-whiteflamesfromsomethingthathadresisteduntilnow，andfinallyyieldeditsbeingtothefire。Oh，yes，itwasbeautifulinthenight；shewouldcarrythememoryofitallherlife。Asuddenincreaseinthewindvelocitysentallthewomenupthewistariaboughsontothesilverironroofmuffledinbags，forallthemenwereoutintheHomePaddock。Armedwithwetbags，theirhandsandkneesscorchedeventhroughthebagstheywore，theybeatoutembersonthefryingroof，terrifiedtheironmightgivewayunderthecoals，dropflamingpiecesdownintothewoodenstrutsbelow。ButtheworstofthefirewastenmileseastwardonBeel-Beel。

Droghedahomesteadwasonlythreemilesfromtheeasternboundaryoftheproperty，itbeingclosesttoGilly。Beel-Beeladjoinedit，andbeyondthatfarthereastlayNarrengang。Whenthewindpickedupfromfortytosixtymilesanhourthewholedistrictknewnothingbutraincouldpreventthefireburningonforweeks，andlayingwastetohundredsofsquaremilesofprimeland。

Throughtheworstoftheblazethehousesbythecreekhadendured，withTomlikeamanpossessedfillinghistanktruck，hosing，fillingagain，hosingagain。Butthemomentthewindincreasedthehouseswentup，andTomretreatedinthetruck，weeping。

"You’dbettergetdownonyourkneesandthankGodthewinddidn’tpickupwhilethefrontwastothewestofus，"saidMartinKing。"Ifithad，notonlywouldthehomesteadhavegone，butusaswell。GodJesus，Ihopethey’reallrightonBeel-Beel！"

Feehandedhimabigglassofneatrum；hewasnotayoungman，buthehadfoughtaslongasitwasneeded，anddirectedoperationswithamaster’stouch。

"It’ssilly，"shesaidtohim，"butwhenitlookedasifitallmightgoIkeptthinkingofthemostpeculiarthings。Ididn’tthinkofdying，orofthechildren，orofthisbeautifulhouseinruins。AllIcouldthinkofweremysewingbasket，myhalf-doneknitting，theboxofoddbuttonsI’dbeensavingforyears，myheart-shapedcakepansFrankmademeyearsago。HowcouldIsurvivewithoutthem？Allthelittlethings，youknow，thethingswhichcan’tbereplaced，orboughtinashop。"

"That’showmostwomenthink，asamatteroffact。Funny，isn’tit，howthemindreacts？Irememberin1905mywiferunningbackintothehousewhileIyelledafterherlikeamadman，justtogetatambourwithabitoffancyworkonit。"Hegrinned。"Butwegotoutintime，thoughwelostthehouse。WhenIbuiltthenewplace，thefirstthingshedidwasfinishthefancywork。Itwasoneofthoseold-fashionedsamplers，youknowthesortImean。Anditsaid"HomeSweetHome。""Heputdowntheemptyglass，shakinghisheadoverthestrangenessofwomen。"Imustgo。GarethDaviesisgoingtoneedusonNarrengang，andunlessImissmyguesssowillAngusonRudnaHunish。"Feewhitened。"Oh，Martin！Sofaraway？"

"Theword’sout，Fee。BoorooandBourkearerallying。

Forthreedaysmorethefirerampagedeastwardonafrontthatkeptwideningandwidening，thencameasuddenheavyfallofrainthatlastedfornearlyfourdays，andquenchedeverylastcoal。Butithadgoneoverahundredmilesandlaidacharred，blackenedpathtwentymileswidefrommidwayoutacrossDroghedatotheboundaryofthelastpropertyintheGillanbonedistricteastward，RudnaHunish。UntilitbegantorainnooneexpectedtohearfromPaddy，fortheythoughthimsafelyonthefarsideof，theburnedzone，cutofffromthembyheatinthegroundandthestill-flaringtrees。Hadthefirenotbroughtthetelephonelinedown，BobthoughttheywouldhavegotacallfromMartinKing，foritwaslogicalthatPaddywouldstrikewestwardforshelteratBugelahomestead。Butwhentherainhadbeenfallingforsixhoursandtherewasstillnosignofhim，theybegantoworry。Foralmostfourdaystheyhadbeenassuringthemselvescontinuallythattherewasnoreasontobeanxious，thatofcoursehewasjustcutoff，andhaddecidedtowaituntilhecouldheadforhisownhomeratherthangotoBugela。

"Heoughttobeinbynow，"saidBob，pacingupanddownthedrawingroomwhiletheotherswatched；theironyofitwasthattherainhadbroughtadankchillintotheair，andoncemoreabrightfireburnedinthemarblehearth。

"Whatdoyouthink，Bob？"Jackasked。

"Ithinkit’shightimewewentlookingforhim。Hemightbehurt，orhemightbeonfootandfacingalongwalkhome。Hishorsemighthavepanickedandthrownhim，hemightbelyingsomewhereunabletowalk。Hehadfoodforovernight，butnothinglikeenoughforfourdays，thoughhewon’thavepassedoutfromstarvationyet。Bestnottocreateafussjustnow，soIwon’trecallthemenfromNarrengang。Butifwedon’tfindhimbynightfallI’llridetoDominic’sandwe’llgetthewholedistrictouttomorrow。Lord，IwishthosePMGblokeswouldgetamoveonwiththosephonelines！"Feewastrembling，hereyesfeverish，almostsavage。

"I’llputonapairoftrousers，"shesaid。"Ican’tbeartositherewaiting。"

"Mum，stayhome！"Bobpleaded。

"Ifhe’shurtitmightbeanywhere，Bob，andhemightbeinanysortofcondition。YousentthestockmentoNarrengang，andthatleavesusmightyshortforasearchparty。IfIgopairedwithMeggiethetwoofuswillbestrongenoughtogethertocopewithwhateverwefind，butifMeggiegoesonherownshe’llhavetosearchwithoneofyou，andthat’swastingher，nottomentionme。"

Bobgavein。"Allright，then。YoucanhaveMeggie’sgelding；yourodeittothefire。Everyonetakearifle，andplentyofshells。"

Theyrodeoffacrossthecreekandintotheheartofthatblastedlandscape。Notagreenorabrownthingwasleftanywhere，justavastexpanseofsoggyblackcoals，incrediblystillsteamingafterhoursofrain。Everyleafofeverytreewasfrizzledtoacurlinglimpstring，andwherethegrasshadbeentheycouldseelittleblackbundleshereandthere，sheepcaughtinthefire，oranoccasionalbiggermoundwhichhadbeenasteerorapig。Theirtearsmingledwiththerainontheirfaces。BobandMeggieheadedthelittleprocession，JackandHughieinthemiddle，FeeandStuartbringinguptherear。ForFeeandStuartitwasapeacefulprogress；theydrewcomfortfrombeingclosetogether，nottalking，eachcontentinthecompanyoftheother。Sometimesthehorsesdrewcloseorshiedapartatthesightofsomenewhorror，butitseemednottoaffectthelastpairofriders。Themudmadethegoingslowandhard，butthecharred，mattedgrasslaylikeacoir-roperugonthesoiltogivethehorsesafoothold。AndeveryfewyardstheyexpectedtoseePaddyappearoverthefarflathorizon，buttimewentonandheneverdid。

Withsinkingheartstheyrealizedthefirehadbegunfartheroutthanfirstimagined，inWilgapaddock。Thestormcloudsmusthavedisguisedthesmokeuntilthefirehadgone’qalongway。Theborderlandwasastonishing。Onesideofaclearlydrawnlinewasjustblack，glisteningtar，whiletheothersidewasthelandastheyhadalwaysknownit，fawnandblueanddrearintherain，butalive。Bobstoppedanddrewbacktotalktoeveryone。

"Well，here’swherewestart。I’mgoingduewestfromhere；it’sthemostlikelydirectionandI’mthestrongest。Haseveryonegotplentyofammunition？Good。Ifyoufindanything，threeshotsintheair，andthosewhohearmustanswerwithoneshoteach。Thenwait。Whoeverfiredthethreeshotswillfirethreemorefiveminuteslater，andkeeponfiringthreeshotseveryfiveminutes。Thosewhohear，oneshotinanswer。"Jack，yougosouthalongthefireline。Hughie，yougosouthwest。I’mgoingwest。MumandMeggie，yougonorthwest。Stu，followthefirelineduenorth。Andgoslowly，everyone，please。Theraindoesn’tmakeitanyeasiertoseefar，andthere’salotoftimberouthereinplaces。Calloften；hemightnotseeyouwherehewouldhearyou。Butremember，noshotsunlessyoufindsomething，becausehedidn’thaveagunwithhimandifheshouldhearashotandbeoutofvoicerangetoanswer，itwouldbedreadfulforhim。"Goodluck，andGodbless。"

Likepilgrimsatthefinalcrossroadstheystraggledapartinthesteadygreyrain，gettingfartherandfartherawayfromeachother，smallerandsmaller，untileachdisappearedalongtheappointedpath。Stuarthadgoneabarehalfmilewhenhenoticedthatastandofburnedtimberdrewveryclosetothefire’sdemarcationline。Therewasalittlewilgaasblackandcrinkledasapickaninny’smop，andtheremainsofagreatstumpstandingclosetothecharredboundary。WhathesawwasPaddy’shorse，sprawledandfusedintothetrunkofabiggum，andtwoofPaddy’sdogs，littleblackstiffthingswithallfourlimbspokinguplikesticks。Hegotdownfromhishorse，bootssinkingankledeepinmud，andtookhisriflefromitssaddlescabbard。Hislipsmoved，praying，ashepickedhisslipperywayacrossthestickycoals。Haditnotbeenforthehorseandthedogshemighthavehopedforaswaggieorsomedown-andequalsoutwayfarercaught，trapped。ButPaddywashorsedandhadfivedogswithhim；nooneonthetrackrodeahorseorhadmorethanone。dog。ThiswastoofarinsideDroghedalandtothinkofdrovers，orstockmenfromBugelatothewest。Fartherawaywerethreemoreincinerateddogs；fivealtogether，fivedogs。Heknewhewouldnotfindasixth，nordidhe。