"That'll do, Gadgerrie?" was the invariable question after each load, as
the staff prepared to sit down for a gossip; and "Gadgerrie" had to start
every one afresh, after deciding whose turn it was to ride back to the
billabong in the barrow.
Six loads in a morning was a fair record, for "Gadgerrie" was not often
disinclined for a gossip on court matters, but although nothing was done
while we were out-bush, the garden was gradually growing.
Two of the beds against the verandah were gaily flourishing, others
"coming on," and outside the broad pathway a narrow bed had been made all
round the garden for an hibiscus hedge; while outside this bed again, one
at each corner of the garden, stood four posts--the Maluka's promise of a
dog-proof, goat-proof, fowl-proof fence. So far Tiddle'ums had acted as
fence, when we were in, at the homestead, scattering fowls, goats, and
dairy cows in all directions if they dared come over a line she had drawn
in her mind's eye. When Tiddle'ums was out-bush with us, Bett-Bett acted
as fence.
Johnny, generally repairing the homestead now, admired the garden and
declared everything would be "A1 in no time.
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