94 
MYOLA 
CHAP. 
and battered in every joint. There was an arched 
framework of stretched canvas over us and an opening 
in front where we could look over the horses’ broad 
backs. 
It was a heavy lumbering procession, not a pleasant 
means of locomotion, and a decidedly monotonous 
way of travelling, but withal one felt a solid sense 
of security. Our host rode on the shafts in front 
of the waggon, never vouchsafing a word, but content 
to smoke his pipe. Mrs. S., who had been secretly 
enjoying the contents of our flask though outwardly 
repudiating it, was drowned in oblivion. That woman’s 
companionship was enough to cool the ardour of the 
most adventurous. Sunshine faded, stars blinked 
through the paling day, and still we jogged on, until 
the welcome sound of the barking of dogs proclaimed 
that our long day’s journey had ended. At a small 
wayside inn we camped for the night, and from there 
on to Herberton we had no more adventures ; and here, 
without one pang of regret but with a smile of relief, I 
returned Mrs. S. to the bosom of her family. With 
affectionate solicitude she tried to throw her expansive 
arms round me, but I waved her off, and I left her 
sobbing at our final parting. What food for reflection 
that journey would bring her, and over her neighbourly 
cups of tea I can imagine the heroine she would re- 
present herself. 
Another start and then another — my last at five in 
the morning, and in two days’ time I was back in 
my own little rooms at Myola, thoroughly glad 
to have accomplished the journey. I had hoped 
to have slipped in unobserved, but several friends 
were there to meet me. I am bruised from head 
to foot, I am burnt nearly black, and my arms and 
shoulders, even through my jacket, are all blistered 
