IN THE BUSHRANGERS' CAVES
"In Xanadu did Kubla Khan
A stately pleasure-dome decree,
Where Alph the sacred river ran
Through caverns measureless to man
Down to a sunless sea."
KUBLA KHAN.
"Joe!"
Silence.
"J-o-o!"
No answer.
"J-o-o-o!"
Profound stillness, broken only by a buzzing fly.
"If you don't answer within five seconds, an' short ones at that, look out for squalls. You're only 'possumin', you rascal!"
Presently a hurtling pillow, and not too soft a one either, struck Joe Blain, who lay flat on his back, with open mouth, closed eyes, and deaf ears. The missile hit him fair and square on the face, hermetically sealing his breathing apparatus for a moment.