34 ^\^iEAT AND WOMAN 



full as often as he likes. But at seeding and harvest 

 times I guess I'm off the liquor. Threshing ain't 

 of the same account." 



" You cut it a bit fine sometimes, Billy," said my 

 brother. " You were the heaviest old rip I have 

 ever lent a hand in putting to bed in a stable since 

 I have been in this country." 



" I ain't been so full as that night, Lai, since Sam 

 Soundman came back from fightin' the Boers with 

 his pockets sticking out with dollar bills and his 

 legs tied round with bits of rag, and there was free 

 drinks to all. Have you seen me touch liquor since 

 I hired on ? " he demanded with such force that I 

 thought it wisdom to turn conversation my way. 



" I shall go across and ask our neighbour if it is 

 quite sure that he can come this afternoon," I said ; 

 " and I feel certain that our Jehu will be along 

 within an hour." 



" If he doesn't, hadn't some one else better get 

 on with the binder ? " suggested Lai. 



" I don't see how we can since he came as a kind 

 of favour. Besides, supposing any Httle thing went 

 wrong it would be a fine excuse for him to go off 

 altogether. Better wait awhile." 



I found our neighbour already at work and expect- 

 ing to finish at midday. Half-way back across the 

 field I saw the binder at work again, and waited for 

 it to come up. To my astonishment, the Great 

 Boaster was in command. He stopped the horses 

 at my signal. 



" I am quite sure you mean well," I said, " but 

 it really won't do for you to drive the binder, and 

 especially with Mr. McLeay's horses. He came as 

 a favour and at great personal inconvenience, and 



