As a lad he was not liked in the district, and as he grew older he became domineering and somewhat vicious in his habits.
He had the usual love of horses which seems bred in all Australians, and before he was of age he owned race horses.
He was a younger man than Jim Dennis by several years, but the two men had not been bad friends, in fact Rodney Shaw got on better with the owner of Wanabeen than with anyone else.
Jim Dennis was surprised to hear of his return, and asked Doonan if he was sure his news was true.
'Certain of it,' said the constable.
'I had it from Dr Tom, and he knows everything that goes on in these parts.'
'There's not much escapes him, I grant you,' laughed Jim; 'but I hardly think he is correct this time.'
'Why not ride over and see?' said Doonan. 'You were always welcome at Cudgegong, I hear.'
'I think I will,' replied Jim, 'as soon as the weather takes up. Perhaps I can be of use to him as he has been away so long.'
Constable Doonan remained at Wanabeen for the night, and had a long talk with Willie. The lad loved to hear of his exploits, and how he had captured bushrangers in Victoria, and Queensland, before he came into New South Wales.