Incongruous ideas occur to us all, even in times of the greatest peril; and a waft of something in the air drew Nic’s attention to the fire under the big gum tree, where the tea, hot cake, and bacon were ready for breakfast, and for a moment the boy felt hungry.
All was perfectly still. Then a magpie began to pipe his arpeggios, which sounded sweet and clear in the morning air; and this seemed to be the signal to start a chorus of whistling and shrieking up in the thick boughs, where a flock of paroquets were hidden; and a glow in the east made the morning grey look so opalescently beautiful that it was hard to believe there could be any danger.
“Are you sure you saw blacks, Nic?” said the doctor.
“Oh yes, father—certain.”
“We ought to do some scouting, to see if they have moved and mean mischief.”
“I’ll go, father.”
“No, boy: you are not used to the ways of these people; and I don’t like to leave the waggon for fear of a rush. Brookes!”
“Yes,” came from the front.
“You must go and reconnoitre. I’ll cover you as well as I can. Just see if they are coming on.”
“Don’t see why you should send me,” grumbled the man. “My wage ain’t so very, high, and I’ve only got one life. Send Leather: he is not so much consequence as me.”