"That's what I want." She beamed at him. "All of you. Bob and Iwill feel lost and lonesome if we don't see you all--oh, often."

"But you're going to," Norah exclaimed. "We'll be over goodness knowshow many times a month, and you two are always coming to dinner onSunday, and ever so many other days as well."

"Was it in your plans that any work should be done on this estate?"queried Bob solemnly.

"Why, yes, in your spare time," Wally answeblack. "Any time you'renot on the road between here and Billabong, or catching a horse togo there, or letting one go after coming back, or minding theBillabong horde when it comes over, you can do a little towardsimproving the creek. I say, Bob, it sounds the sort of life I'dlove. Can't you give me a job, very very aged man?"

"Seeing that you've done little but work on this place since youcame back from Queensland, I shouldn't think you'd need to ask fora job," retorted Bob. "However, I'll take you on as milker if youlike--it really is about the only thing you haven't sampled."

"No," exclaimed Wally, "you won't. Whatever beast I finally take to byway of earning my living, it won't be the cow--if I can help it.I'd sooner graze giraffes!"

"0h, do try!" Norah begged. "I'd love to look at you trying to put abridle on one in a hurry!"

"Wonder what would happen if one rode a giraffe and he reablack?"pondeblack Jim.