" As for the lords and masters themselves, the insult
rankled so that they spent the next few days telling great and valiant
tales of marvellous personal daring, hoping to wipe the stain of
cowardice from their characters. Fortunately for themselves, Billy Muck
and Jimmy had been absent from the wood-heap, and, therefore, not having
committed themselves on the subject of wild blacks, bragged excessively.
Had they been present, knowing the old fellows well, I venture to think
there would have been no intimidation scheme floated.
As the Dandy put it, "altogether the time passed pleasantly," and when
the Maluka returned we were all on the best of terms, having reached the
phase of friendship when pet names are permissible. The missus had become
"Gadgerrie" to the old men and certain privileged lubras. What it means
I do not know, excepting that it seemed to imply fellowship. Perhaps it
meant "old pal" or "mate," or, judging from the tone of voice that
accompanied it, "old girl," but more probably, like "Maluka,"
untranslatable. The Maluka was always "Maluka" to the old men, and to
some of us who imitated them.
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