After luncheon the gentlemen went off to find another kangaroo if possible. They were all on foot, except my husband and Mr. B——'s nephew. However, they soon found a fine one, and four of them carried it in to us alive. They tied a rope round it, and fastened it to a tree. At first the animal tried hard to get away, but finding it useless, remained very still. We had a few dogs out with us, but they are not required if there are a good many people mounted. Of course, to any one hunting by himself, they would be a necessity. Just before our start homeward it was proposed to let the kangaroo go, and with some difficulty they managed to untie the rope. The kangaroo being at bay, it stood upon its hind-legs, with its back to a tree, and kept striking out with its paws. It really was a piteous sight, standing there with its big brown eyes, and it did not seem to realize it was free, although the dogs barked and people shouted to make it move.
At last it went off, and I longed for it to get away; but before going any distance it stood up again, with the dogs round it, and the poor brave kangaroo was soon dragged by them to the ground. It seemed quite a melancholy ending to our day.
"JUST ONE LOCK OF HAIR."
JUST ONE LOCK OF HAIR.
"You see, mamma dear, Charley asked
For just one lock of hair;
I thought I'd cut it off myself,
I knew you would not care.
"Please now, mamma, don't look so grave,
The piece is very small;
And, see—I cut it off just where
It doesn't show at all."