Done sat upon a rock, watching her without understanding. Yarra, who had stolen near to Ryder's body, crouched upon the rock, staring intently at the face of his friend. Presently Jim noticed that Lucy was lying inert, and he lifted her to the pool and bathed her forehead with the cool water. Yarra brought a pannikin and a bottle containing brandy from the cave, and Jim poured a little of the spirit between the girl's lips. Lucy revived after a few minutes, and lay for a time in the shade before she was strong enough to walk.
'I must go,' she said with a strange listless ness.
'Take the boy with you,' Jim answered. 'He will see you safely to
Boobyalla.'
'And you?' she asked.
'There is something for me to do here.'
She looked at the body, and said, 'Yes, yes, of course,' but the only expression in her face was one of utter weariness.
He helped her on to the horse. She did not thank him. No words of farewell were spoken, but as the horse moved away he said:
'Contrive to let Yarra bring me a shovel.'
'Yes.'
'At least the brute beast shall not have the price of his head