WE OF THE NEVER-NEVER course, the exception of those in Darwin, was blissfully unconscious of even the existence of the Maluka's missus.
Knowing the Maluka by repute, however, every one was agreed that the " Elsey had struck it lucky," until the telegraph wire, whispering the gossip of Darwin to the Katherine, whispered that the " new Boss for the Elsey had been and gone and married a missus just before leaving the South, and was bringing her along with him." Then the Sanguine Scot was filled with wrath, the Company with compassion, while the Dandy's consternation found relief in a dismayed "Heavens above!" (The Dandy, by the way, was only a dandy in his love of sweet, clean clothes and orderly surroundings. The heart of the man had not a touch of dandyism in it.) The Head Stockman was absent in his camp. Had he been present, much might have been said on the "advantages of having a woman about the place." The Wag, however, retained his usual flow of speech and spirits. "Buck up, chaps" he chuckled encouragingly. "They're not all snorters, you know. You might have the luck to strike one of the 'ministering angel' variety."
But the Sanguine Scot had been thinking rapidly, and, with characteristic hopefulness, felt he had the bull by the horns. "We'll just have to block her, chaps; that's all." he said. "A wire or two should do it"; and, inviting the Dandy "to come and lend a hand," led the way to the telegraph office; and presently there quivered into Darwin
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