"And such a lot, too!" said Sam. "Tell you what, father: it's lucky you've got them cheap, for the half of them are off the ranges."
"Scrubbers, eh?" said the Major; "well, we must take what we can catch, with this Port Phillip rush. Let's sit down to dinner; I've got some news that will please you. Fish, eh? See there, Brentwood! What do you think of that for a blackfish? (What was his weight, my dear?)"
"Seven pounds and a half, as the black fellows brought him in," said Mrs. Buckley.
"A very pretty fish," said the Major. "My dear, what is the news?"
"Why, the Donovans have sold their station."
"Ha! ha!" laughed the Major. "Why, we have come from there to-day. Why, we were there last night at a grand party. All the Irishmen in the country side. Such a turmoil I haven't seen since I was quartered at Cove. So that's your news,—eh?"
"And so you stepped on there without calling at home, did you?" said Mrs. Buckley. "And perhaps you know who the purchaser is."
"Don't you know, my love?"
"No, indeed!" said Mrs. Buckley. "I have been trying to find out these two days. It would be very pleasant to have a good neighbour there,—not that I wish to speak evil of the Donovans; but really they did go on in such terrible style, you know, that one could not go there. Now, tell me who has bought Garoopna."
"One Brentwood, captain of Artillery."