On an Australian Farm.

Mataura Ensign, 21 May 1910, Page 7

On an Australian Farm.

TJ"TB£IBKED" by special arrangement.]

BY STEELE RTJDD. * Author of "On Our Selection," "DunI can McClure," "The Poor Par-. 'J I son," "Sandy's Selection," "Dad in Politics," I "For Life," l l - etc. * _: _ V \ CHAPTER IV. (Continued). [ An Unappreciated Present. Mrs Dashwood, granny, James, ani ? i Tilly filed in and took their places at l tea. Polly, with a long white apron over her dress, flew in and out of tho e kitchen with the various dishes. | "We're all behind to-night, father," I Mrs Dashwood said apologetically. "It's i easily known the girls have been out 5 to-day." ' "All behahnd lahke th' cow's tail, moother," and old John squeezed his . bulky form into its chair and proceeded I to rattle the carver on the steel. I Having finished carving he put down ' J the knife and fork and nodded to Lgranny. * I, Granny placed a hand over her foreI head and prattled off a long and in- * ■■coherent grace, to which old John and I Mrs Dashwood added a reverent |"Amen." 1 I "Oh, dear!" Tilly sighed, "I think ■ granny repeats the whole of the- New l lTestam<*nt. Pass, the salt, if you please, . ■ father." j ■ Then with the rattle of cutlery and - ■ crockery, mingled with cheerful speech. Pamt laughter, the meal went merrily.on. j I "Whatever is keeping Peter?" Mrs I Dashwood inquired, noting the prolong- ■ ed absence of the cheerful one from the 4 ■ family board. I Old John thought of the hedge clip- ■ pers, and raised a chuckle on his own ■account. ] ■ "I heard him going to his room a '' I minute ago, mother," Tilly said, "but . ■ he'll be another hour yet. Peter takes ■ as long to tidy himself for tea as 't Stakes some brides to dress for their ■wedding." B "I think we'll be.a good while getting ■ready for ours," Polly said with a Baugh. ■ "Indeed!"-Tilly answered, "speak for Brourself, Poll, I don't intend to be an Kid maid." B "He parts his hair in the centre Blow," James remarked, reverting to Bhe absent Peter with a grin. B "Ah-b," said old John, djgging deep Bnto the butter, "Ah notice he be adoin' Bhet." B "Yes, and it makes him look quite Ba ninny," Tilly added with a laugh. "A Bman who parts his hair in the centre : s B» weakling always, I think." B "It baint be every man as can, mah Brirl," and old John, smiling hugely, Biassed his palm over the smooth surface B>f his bald crown. The family laughed merrily. "What they be alaughin' on?" graninnocently asked of Tilly. H "We're all laughing because father part his hair in the centre, granTilly "informed her. "Swengin' partners in the centre?"' granny, and caused afresh burst of "Swengin' partners in the centre!" James, with an amused look his face., Just then Peter put in an appearance, a new necktie of many colors, a large smile, and in his hand he a dainty looking board box faswith ribbon. this," he began, holding up the box view. someone has sent him a valenHe," Tilly hazarded . shook his head and grinned. stared curiously at the box, he kept well out of reach. box of pocket handkerchiefs from girl," said Polly. do you call those things they for kiddies?" suggested James, at his sire. dummy," Tilly broke in with a "and just what he wants." me!" Polly cried, making i at ime box. Peter avoided her. "Pshaw! he has nothing!" Tilly and curiosity threatened to peter wasn't meant for me, anyway, remarked adroitly. curiosity went up again w'th a it is something for me—it was to me, and he's taken it!" cried in alarm. "It was sent the school., Give it up, Peter, '. f for you!" and rising from the .she made frantic efforts to gain of the valuable. ! h% I ha! You're pretty near Pew laughed, "but you're not He right." is for me. I know by the way going on," Tilly insisted in detones. "It's something from St. Clair. Make him give it up, uess *g ain ' "ret," from Peter. do, Peter!" Tilly resorted to "and I'll never say anything to you again., Ah, Peter i you know Isn't she a hypocrite!" from Polly. let me peep at the address," Tilly lifted her eyes pleadingly to brother's. then, sit down, and you can it," Peter consented. smiling triumphantly, satdowi in a hurry. placetf the coveted packet bethen stood by winking at-old made movement to assist her in the opening process. But Tilly have no hands other than her touch the precious packet. Tilly selfish girl where presents were* don't'know writing," she said, it ' s 3ent to me " winked again. be asendin' of yow sumnrt to the city,", suggested old roguishly. I hope it is." and Tilly jerked

the lid off. The next moment she dropped it all on the table with a shudder, and gasped: "Oh, you beast!" "Ha! ha! ha; Hah! ha! ha! hah!" And Peter danced a war-dance round the table. Polly looked over Tilly's shoulder, ,and cried "Ugh!" Then burst into laughter. "What bo it?" asked old John. "Just what you thought, father," Peter choked. "Something for her to wear to the city. Ha! ha! ha!" "Show 'n to us," and old John reached out his hand. "Throw it out; the horrible thing!/ and Tilly shoved away from it as though it would bite her. Peter dipped in two fingers and lift- ' ed the contents of the box. "He! he! he!" cried little Andy. "A pig's tail." "Take 'n away, lad! take 'n away!" commanded old John, holding up both his hands. Mrs Dashwood was horrified. "Peter," she cried, "how dare you!" ' "A filthy jest—bringing such a thing to the tea table!" Tilly protested, ienewing her attack on Peter. "But you're going to wear it to the city, ain't you? Ha! ha! Hal" And Peter dangled the amputated member close to her ear.' Tilly bounced up in a tearing passion. "Father!" she cried, "do you allow that?" "Lad!" old John thundered in a voice that meant obedience. "Well, give me back its .coffin," Peter said, grinning as he collected the cardboaid. "I'm going to bury it." "And I do believe," Tilly broke out again, "he actually cut it off one of the poor little pigs!" "Did you think I cut it off one of *ho old roosters? Ha! ha! ha!" and Peter went off cheerfully to dispose of the trophy. "Well, next Monda.'," said old Joho, rising from the table, "we'll be amakin' a start for the city." "Next Monday?" Tilly echoed jubilantly. "Next Monday?" Polly cried. "Ah-h, next Monda'." And old John reached for his pipe. (To be continued.)