"For all that, the Indian's instinctive obstinacy carries him far.

Steve had undertaken to look after our timbering, he's used to danger, and the risk didn't count.

I expect he was moved by the feeling the bushman gets when he's up against Nature; he knows he'll be crushed if he can't make good.
Anyhow, I've moralized long enough.

Will you see what they're doing with that rock-borer ?" Thirlwell left him and went to the machine, which made a jarring noise.
He spent some time adjusting the cutters, and afterwards stood for a few minutes thinking about what his comrade had said.

Scott's argument was involved, but Thirlwell thought he saw what he meant.