"
There was plenty of company at the wood-heap, but the consolation was
doubtful in character. Goggle-Eye and three other old black fellows were
gossiping there, and after a peculiar grin of welcome, they expressed
great fear lest the homestead should be attacked by "outside" blacks
during the Maluka's absence. "Might it," they said, and offered to sleep
in the garden near me, as no doubt "missus would be frightened fellow" to
sleep alone.
"Me big mob frightened fellow longa wild black fellow," Goggle-Eye said,
rather overdoing the part; and the other old rascals giggled nervously,
and said "My word!" But sly, watchful glances made me sure they were only
probing to find if fear had kept the missus at the homestead. Of course,
if it had, a little harmless bullying for tobacco could be safely
indulged in when the Dandy was busy at the yards.
Fortunately, Dan's system of education provided for all emergencies; and
remembering his counsel to "die rather than own to a black fellow that
you were frightened of anything," I refused their offer of protection,
and declared so emphatically that there was nothing in heaven or earth
that I was afraid to tackle single-handed, that I almost believed it
myself.
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