And the horses; until
hearing that Mac was to go out to the "five-mile" overnight with the
pack-team and loose horses, leaving us to follow at sun-up, he became
disconsolate and refused even to witness the departure.
"I'd 'av willingly bust meself cheering a procession and lining the track
with frantic crowds," he said, "but I'm too fat to work up any enthusiasm
over two people in a buck-board."
A little before sundown Mac set out, after instructing the Katherine to
"get the buck-board off early," and just before the Katherine "turned in"
for the night, the Maluka went to the office to settle accounts with Mine
Host.
In five minutes he was back, standing among the ponchianas, and then
after a little while of silence he said gently: "Mac was right. A woman
does not represent business here." Mine Host had indignantly refused
payment for a woman's board and lodging.
"I had to pay, though," the Maluka laughed, with one of his quick changes
of humour. "But, then, I'm only a man."
CHAPTER V
When we arrived at the five-mile in the morning we found Mac "packed up"
and ready for the start, and, passing the reins to him, the Maluka said,
"You know the road best "; and Mac, being what he called a "bit of a
Jehu," we set off in great style across country, apparently missing trees
by a hair's breadth, and bumping over the ant-hills, boulders, and broken
boughs that lay half-hidden in the long grass.
