We had worked a small town a half day’s drive east of Sydney, where pressing business awaited Mr. Adams’ immediate attention. Dan had a number of sign orders to fill and Mrs. Adams some culinary duties to perform, so it came about that Mr. Adams and I drove ahead with the buckboard, leaving the others to finish their tasks and follow.
We rose early and began our journey as the rose and opal tints of dawn were disappearing in the mounting flood of sunlight. The air was cool and bracing and the horses cavorted with delight as we spun past the scattering outposts of the village and took the white, winding road across the western plain.
Mr. Adams set me down at the edge of town and headed for the express and telegraph office, while I prepared for peddling. He was out of sight before I realised that we had not touched the lunch that was in the buckboard, although it was after one o’clock. I hadn’t a cent with me, for I had put all the money available into an order for special goods, which Mr. Adams was going to send east. Making change might prove awkward at first, but I could only do my best. I selected the most prosperous street and set resolutely to work.
At the first three houses the inmates refused to open the door, although I could see them peering at me from within.
“Nothing to-day,” exclaimed the fourth housewife before I could open my mouth.
I was growing very thirsty and as I walked up a flower-bordered path to a vine-covered veranda, I decided to ask for a drink of water without mentioning my wares. A sharp-nosed woman answered my ring.
“Please, madam, could I trouble you for a drink of water?” I asked.
“You can’t play any of your tricks on me,” she replied spitefully, slamming the door in my face.
As I walked slowly through the yard, I saw a pleasant-faced young Swedish girl at work on the back porch of the large house next door.
“She’ll surely give me a drink,” I said to myself. She greeted me with a smile as I made known my wants and in a moment I was quenching the thirst which had grown unendurable. As I set down the glass she noted my sample case.