"Well, I'm blowed!" Dan chuckled, but the Maluka cared little whether the
papers were signed then or at sun-up; and the drovers, pleased with
getting their way so easily, magnanimously offered to take charge of the
first "watch"--the evening watch--provided that only our horses should be
used, and that Big Jack and Jackeroo and others should lend a hand.
Dan wouldn't hear of refusing the offer. "Bit of exercise'll do 'em
good," he said; and deciding the bullocks would be safe enough with Jack
and Jackeroo, we white folk stretched ourselves in the warm firelight
after supper, and, resting, watched the shadowy mob beyond the camp,
listening to the shoutings and gallopings of the watchers as we chatted.
When a white man watches cattle, if he knows his business he quiets his
mob down and then opens them out gradually, to give them room to lie
down, or ruminate standing without rubbing shoulders with a restless
neighbour, which leaves him little to do beyond riding round
occasionally, to keep his "boys" at their posts, and himself alert and
ready for emergencies.
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