Wid him I agreed to go up to his station, Saying abroad in the bush you’ll find yourself at home.

If you don’t be moighty sparing, you’ll go with a hungry gut— For that’s one of the great misfortunes in an old bark hut.

In the summer time, when the weather’s warm, this hut is nice and cool, And you’ll find the gentle breezes blowing in through every hole.

Of ills, enough I’ve had you’ll own.

Here mutton, beef, and damper are all you’ll get to eat, From Monday morn till Sunday night, all through the blessed week.

And should the flour bag run short, then mutton, beef, and tea Will be your lot, and whether or not, ’twill have to do, you’ll see.

Here snakes and all vile reptiles crawl around you as you walk, But these you never hear about in Mr. Jordan’s talk; Mosquitoes, too, and sandflies, they will tease you all the night, And until you get quite colonised you’ll be a pretty sight.

Here are boundless plains where it seldom rains, and you’ll maybe die of thirst; But should you so dispose your bones, you’ll scarcely be the first, For there’s many a strong and stalwart man come out to make his pile, Who never leaves the fatal shore of this thrice accursed isle.

Here are boundless plains where it seldom rains, and you’ll maybe die of thirst; But should you so dispose your bones, you’ll scarcely be the first, For there’s many a strong and stalwart man come out to make his pile, Who never leaves the fatal shore of this thrice accursed isle.

But I’ll give ten—ten, sugar an’ tea; Ten bob a week, if you’ll suit me, And very soon I hope you’ll be A handy squatter’s man.

When you get on to the station, of small things you’ll make a fuss, And in speaking of the station, mind, it’s we, and ours, and us.

When the boss wants information, on the men you’ll do a sneak, And don a paper collar on your fifteen bob a week.

THE PLAINS OF RIVERINE I have come to tell you of the glorious news you’ll all be glad to bear, Of the pleasant alterations that are taking place this year.

From all these I differ—truly wise is my plan, With my doctrine, perhaps, you’ll agree, To be upright and downright and act like a man, That’s the religion for me.

“Precious little use you’ll have for this!

“You’ll be in a long time if they hold you for that.

“When nobody shoots at you through a window,” I suggested. “Such a thing is likely to happen to any gentleman,” he replied, “but not likely to happen more than once, if you’ll allow the philosophy.”

I had to learn to satisfy him, and I believe I did it, sir, if you’ll pardon the conceit.”

If you’ll allow me to explain—” “That’s precisely what I want you to do.” “Well, it may seem strange,”—he laughed, and I felt the least bit foolish to be pointing a pistol at the head of a fellow of so amiable a spirit.

You’ll excuse my bluntness, but I take it that you’re a frank man.

“If you’ll only go away—” She rested one hand against the corner of the boat-house while she put on the overshoe.

Well, I promise not to molest your hidden treasure if you’ll be neighborly.”

“Then you’ll have to pick the lock!”

The American law supports me, and you’ll get yourself in trouble if you protect that man.

Don’t separate; you’ll get lost if you do,” he yelled.