" She sought despairingly in the trunk.
"Yes, you have--I hung it up for you in the wardrobe ages ago," said
Norah. "And it doesn't matter if you don't finish before tea. There's
lots of time ahead. However, I certainly won't be dressed if I don't
hurry, because I've to see Brownie first, and then sew on a button for
Jim. You'll find me next door when you're ready." Tommy heard her go,
singing downstairs, and she sighed happily. This, for the first time for
two years, was a real home.
The education of the new-chums began next morning, and was carried out
thoroughly, since Mr. Linton did not believe in showing their immigrants
only the pleasanter side of Australian life. Bob was given a few days of
riding round the run, spying out the land, and learning something about
cattle and their handling as he rode. Luckily for him, he was a good
horseman. The stockmen, always on the alert to "pick holes" in a
new-chum, had little fault to find with his easy seat and hands, and
approved of the way in which he waited for no one's help in saddling up
or letting go his horse; a point which always tells with the man of the
bush.
"We've had thim on this run," said Murty, "as wanted their horses led
gently up to thim, and then they climb into the saddle like a lady.
And when they'd come home, all they'd be lookin' for 'ud be some one to
casht their reins to, the way they cud strowl off to their tay.
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