They are all alike, these men: they come and work for a time, and then tire of it and go back to the bush." "Here comes Leather," whispered Nic; and the next moment the man came back at a swift run, carrying his gun at the trail.
"Well?
seen them ?" said the doctor.
"Yes, over a score of them," said the man, who looked more animated now, in the excitement of the danger.

"They're jabbering together this side of the water." "Then they mean to attack.

Be ready." The man nodded, and moved toward where Brookes stood cutting himself some tobacco to chew.

Then he turned back, and there was something approaching a smile upon his face, which, in spite of sun tan and the deep marks on his forehead, looked almost handsome to Nic.
"Yes: what is it ?" said the doctor.
"Isn't it a pity to leave the breakfast for those blacks ?" "Never mind the food, man," began the doctor; but he checked himself.
"Yes: try and get it," he said; "people must eat." "Hold my gun, sir," said Leather, who was now, full of animation; and, handing the piece to Nic, he dashed back to the fire, while the doctor followed him slowly, scanning the trees in all directions as he kept his cocked piece ready for instant use.
Leather lost no time when he reached the fire, but, catching up the freshly made damper, he dabbed it down into the cross-handled frying-pan on the top of the bacon, placed the tin mugs in the kettle of boiling tea, carried the tea and sugar canisters under his arm, and taking pan-handle in one hand, kettle-handle in the other, he trotted back in safety, the blacks having made no sign.
"Bravo! Well done!" cried the doctor; and Nic noted that the bright, animated look passed away, to give place to a sullen scowl, which came over the man's face like a cloud.
"Help yourselves, men," continued the doctor; and Brookes came to them once again.
"Nic," said the doctor, "I am in agony.

It may be all imagination, and if it is I should bitterly regret leaving the waggon.