The Second String

mble of incoherent sounds, with no meaning in them.

s. What can I do fo

of it, appealed to him. There were no doctors, not even in Boonara. When folks were ill in th

has no strength to withstand it. I can't leave her a

. The touch and the sound soothed her. With wonderful patience he remained in this position hour after hour, proving himself a great man, greater than he ever thought or reckoned himself to be. He was hungry, but he did not move. Ping came to the door and wondered why his wants were left unattended. It was unusual. He would have resente

f it was a rider he would call at his hut. They always paid "ceremonial" visits; it was an event in their lives. A sound of hoofs reached him. It was very welcome; he gave a sigh of relief. He looked round, and saw a horse and rider pull up at his door. It was Jim Benny. At any other time Benny would have bee

to speak when he grasped the situation, as far as it was p

len Leigh had been, when he

softly, and Jim

enny's nature that had not twanged before. His eyes glistened, then moisture gathered. Presently a couple of drops t

hook h

's b

ev

le thing,"

sigh became still again. He beckoned Jim to follow him outside. They walke

re you yesterday?"

a pretty brute he is. Look at him," replied Ji

u come here?

lain. I know what you are when y

not the

ow, what about her?" an

me good brandy for her. It's got to be

g, and there'd be no getting it out of him. I'll stay with her if you go. Besid

m. Jim's face did

Glen remarked. "Tell me

," replied Ji

gged his

please,"

e get here?

and Jim Benny was as helpless as

never seen a woman round here before

round. Then I can find out

e woman was standing close to the bed. Her hair was down. They noticed it was a beautiful nut-brown, and there was plenty of

felt her breath on his cheek. He drew her tightly towards him, and held her

rough bed. She was exhausted with th

once," said Jim, "

minutes, then asked, "You'll

g. See?" and he sat on the log, placing hi

word Glen Leig

off towards Boonara. Jim Benny sat looking at the woman. He heard the hoof beats gradual

eminded me of-never mind names. I loved her

day or so, and returned repentant. The predatory instinct was uppermost, which was not to be wondered at conside

e. Jim knew the nature of these dogs, their faithful savageness, and scented danger in the air. He had seen the dog on the fe

e did not understand. He came forward, crouching, like a panther ready to

m and growled, a low rumbling sound. Then he lay on

on her account. Had he been alone he could have cowed Spotty, or attempted it. He heard distant thunder. There was another storm brewing, the promise of m

giving a glance at the figure on the bed. The woman slept thro

er he kissed her, and could not feel or hear her breath. Spotty saw

nd the dog, in the hut, the storm raging outside