He became aware of Maule's eyes turning from one to the other.
'Well--' He got up and leaned his great frame against the lintel between Maule and Lady Bridget.

'The Pastoralist Executive at Tunumburra have asked us cattle-owners who--are more likely to be let alone than the sheep-men, to help in garrisoning the sheep-stations; and I've promised to ride over to Breeza Downs to-morrow and do my share in protecting the place.

Harris and I are going together.' Lady Bridge seemed more interested in blowing smoke-rings than in her husband's news.
'I may have to be away several days,' continued McKeith.

'Then there's the new bore we're sinking--the water is badly wanted--cattle are dying--I can't run any risk of the bore-plant being wrecked.

The men who are working there must be sent off because we're short of rations--thanks to those murderous brutes keeping back the drays--and the muster has to be stopped for the same reason.