CHAPTER XXI
THE WARRIGAL'S STRATEGY
"Hast thou given the horse his might?
Hast thou clothed his neck with the quivering mane?
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The glory of his snorting is terrible.
He paweth in the valley and rejoiceth in his strength.
He goeth out to meet the armed men.
He mocketh at fear and is not dismayed.
* * * * *
He smelleth the battle afar off:
The thunder of the captains, and the shouting."
JOB.
"Noo, men, we'll be on the move."
The leader sprang to his horse and directed him on to the plain.
"Where do you expect to pick 'em up, Mac?"
"Micht sicht them at ony minute, maybe no' for hours; maybe no' at a', Captain."
"Willy and Jacky, you gang on aheed and keep your een weel peeled for signs. No sae fast, lads; mustna spoil the sport at the stairt. Let the blacks get weel aheed. We maun sicht them afore they tak alairm, or it'll be a hopeless stern chase."
Joe, Tom, and Sandy, greatly to their delight, were with the "flying column." Yellow Billy was with the trap contingent, while Jimmy Flynn was stationed with Mr. Gill in the iron-bark clump. Neville, at his earnest request, was given a place with Mr. M'Intyre.
As soon as he touched the myall country, the leader cautiously skirted it, until the party were well out and away from the range of hills that continued on the eastern side. He then took an inward course, and made a slant which carried them back to the foot-hills.