"I should offer you something entirely different," he said in a serious tone of voice. "I should offer you——"
"Oh, yes, it's a lot you police people offer folk. Sure they have to take what is given them, whether they like it, or want it, or not."
"I may not always be one of the police people, as you term us," he said.
"Are you thinking of joining the ministry?" she exclaimed. "I'd like to hear you preach your first sermon, Mr. Durham. I'd come twenty miles in the rain for it."
The mockery in her voice irritated him, and his face showed it.
"Oh, now, Mr. Durham, don't talk nonsense. What would become of the place if you left the force of which you are such an ornament? It's fairy tales you are telling me. And you have never said a word yet about your journey. What news did you hear when you reached Waroona?"
"I suppose you have not heard about Eustace?" he asked.
"Eustace? What's the matter with Eustace now?"
"He was found yesterday."
The jerk she gave the bridle brought her horse back on his haunches, and Durham was a couple of lengths past her before he could bring his horse round. When he turned she was allowing her horse to walk, the bridle hanging loose.