A Chinese buyer always pays "cash" for a mob--by cheque--generally taking
care to withdraw all cash from the bank before the cheque can be
presented, and, as a result, a dishonoured cheque is returned to the
station, reaching the seller some six or eight weeks after the sale. Six
or eight weeks more then pass in demanding explanations, and six or eight
more obtaining them, and after that just as many more as Chinese slimness
can arrange for before a settlement is finally made. "Cash," the drover
repeated insinuatingly at the Maluka's unfathomable "Yes ?" Then,
certain that he was inspired, added, "Spot Cash!"
But already the Maluka had decided on a plan of campaign and, echoing the
drover's "Spot Cash," began negotiations for a sale; and within ten
minutes the drovers retired to their camp, bound to take the mob when
delivered, and inwardly marvelling at the Maluka's simple trust.
Dan was appalled at it; but, always deferential where the Maluka's
business insight was concerned, only "hoped he knew that them chaps
needed a bit of watching."
"Their cash does," the Maluka corrected, to Dan's huge delight; and,
leaving the musterers to go on with their branding work, culling each mob
of its prime bullocks as they mustered, he set about finding some one to
"watch the cash," and four days later rode into the Katherine Settlement,
with Brown and the missus, as usual, at his heels.
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