The countryside that under a first look slept peacefully in the afternoon sunlight, that drowsed calmly in the easy quiet of an uneventful field and farm existence, proved under the closer searching look to be a teeming hive of activity, a close-packed camp of well-armed fighting men, a widespread net and chain of men and guns and horses.

And the listless crowd, drowsing cynically in its tobacco smoke, broke into obedient applause, just as they would at home at the sight of the flag or a picture of the President.

With stacks of love to all at home, and a whole dray-load for yourself, from your loving sister, Sybylla. Remember me to Goulburn, drowsing lazily in its dreamy graceful hollow in the blue distance.