"I may be one per cent. out," said he; "but if I'm more I deserve the sack."
So Moya allowed that it was the most marvellous performance her own eyes had ever seen; and these were full of an unconscious admiration for Rigden and his prowess; but Rigden was conscious of it, and his chin lifted, and his jaw set, and his burnt face glowed again.
Two of the musterers were told off to take the sheep to their new tank, for their own dust had set them bleating for a drink; the rest lit their pipes and turned their horses' heads for home; but Ives was instructed to stop at the rabbiter's camp and tell him whom to expect.
"It would be unfair to spring you on the poor chap," said Rigden to Moya.
Ives also had a last word to say to her, though he had to say it before the boss.
"That was something to see, wasn't it, Miss Bethune? Doesn't it make you keener than ever on the bush? Or isn't that possible?"
And he took off his wideawake as he shot ahead; but Rigden and Moya rode on together without speaking.