‘Travelling for grass, most likely; or for sale. Perhaps short of feed or water, or both; they’re “out on the wallaby” until the rain comes.’
‘What is the meaning of “out on the wallaby”?‘ asked Ernest.
‘Well, it’s bush slang, sir, for men just as you or I might be now, looking for work or something to eat; if we can’t get work, living on the country, till things turn round a little.’
‘Oh! that’s it—well, don’t be afraid, things are sure to turn round a little, if we wait long enough. Who’s this, coming galloping at such a rate?’
‘Looks like the overseer. He’s coming to see if there’s any water in the creek. They’ll camp here most likely. He’s in a hurry.’
The individual thus criticised was a stout man, past middle age, who bore himself with an air of great responsibility and anxiety.
‘Hallo!’ he said, pointing to the creek, ‘is there any water there?’
‘Lots,’ said the pene-felonious traveller—‘good place to camp.’
‘How do you know?’ cautiously inquired the overseer.
‘Because I’ve been this road often, and know every water-hole and camping-place and feeding-ground from this to Wentworth.’