Still Dingo Station became one of the most prosperous in our great north-east colony, and as fresh tracts of the rich land were taken up, the troubles with the blacks grew fewer and died away.
One word in conclusion. Sam German declared pettishly one day that there never was such a hopeless savage as Shanter.
“You couldn’t teach him nought, and a lazier beggar never lived.”
It was unjust: Shanter could learn in his way, and he worked hard for Marmi (the captain), harder still for “Big white Mary,” to whom he was a most faithful servant, but only in work that took his fancy.
“Oh,” said Norman, one day, “I am glad father wouldn’t give up.”
“Give up?” cried Rifle, scornfully. “Why, he would have been mad!”
And Tim cried, “Why, we shouldn’t have been called ‘The Dingo Boys’ if he had.”
“Who calls us ‘Dingo Boys?’” cried Rifle, sharply.
“The people at Port Haven and all about when they speak of Wallaby Range,” replied Tim.
“Like their impudence,” said Rifle importantly.