For a moment the bushmen bent over their plates, intent on peaches and
cream; but there is a limit to even a bushman's dignity, and with a
choking gulp Mac exploded, and Brown of the Bulls joining in with a roar
dragged down the Maluka's self-control; and as Cheon reiterated:
"What
name all about laugh, missus," chuckled in sympathy himself. Brown of
the Bulls pulled himself together for a moment, once more to assure us
that he was "Satisfied so far."
But the day's entertainment was only just beginning for after comparing
weights and heights, Mac, Jack, Dan and Brown of the Bulls, entered into
a trial of strength, and a heavy rail having been brought down from the
stackyard, the "caber" was tossed before an enthusiastic company. The
homestead thoroughfare was the arena and around it stood or sat the
onlookers: the Quarters travellers, Happy Dick, some of the Line Party,
the Maluka, the missus, and others, and as the caber pitched and tossed,
Cheon came and went, cheering every throw lustily with charming
impartiality, beating up a frothy cake mixture the while, until, finally,
the cakes being in the oven, he was drawn, with others, into the
competition.
A very jaunty, confident Cheon entered the lists, but a very surprised,
chagrined Cheon retired in high dudgeon. "What's 'er matter!" he said
indignantly. "Him too muchee heavy fellow. S'pose him little fellow me
chuck him all right," explaining a comical failure with even more comical
explanations.
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