Only Roper could have done it; and when the splendid neck and shoulders
appeared above water as he touched bottom, on the submerged track, he was
greeted with a cheer and a hearty, unanimous "Bravo! old chap!" Then Mac
returned thanks with a grateful look, and, leaping ashore, looked over
the beautiful, wet, shining limbs, declaring he could have "done it on
his own," if required.
Once assured that we were anxious for a start, the Katherine set about
speeding the parting guests with gifts of farewell. The Wag brought fresh
tomatoes and a cucumber; the Telegraph sent eggs; the Police a freshly
baked cake; the Chinese cook baked bread, and Mine Host came with a few
potatoes and a flat-iron. To the surprise of the Katherine, I received
the potatoes without enthusiasm, not having been long enough in the
Territory to know their rare value, and, besides, I was puzzling over the
flat iron.
"What's it for?" I asked, and the Wag shouted in mock amazement: "For!
To iron duds with, of course," as Mine Host assured us it was of no use
to him beyond keeping a door open.
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