In the awkward pause that followed his arrival he passed a general remark
about dogs - there were several with us - and every one plunged into dog
yarns, until Tam, losing his head over the success of his maiden speech,
became so communicative on the subject of a dog-fight that he had to be
surreptitiously kicked into silence.
"Looks like more rain," Mac said abruptly, hoping to draw public
attention from the pantomime. "Ought to get off as soon as possible, or
we'll be blocked at the King."
The Katherine seized on the new topic of conversation, and advised
"getting out to the five-mile overnight," declaring it would "take all
day to get away from the Settlement in the morning." Then came another
awkward pause, while every one kept one eye on Tam, until the Maluka
saved the situation by calling for volunteers to help with the horses,
and, Tam being pressed into the service, the boat was launched, and he
was soon safe over the far side of the river.
Once among the horses, the little man was transformed. In the quiet,
confident horseman that rode down the gorge a few minutes later it would
have been difficult to recognise the shy, timid bushman.
