Barellan

But he came back and never mentioned Ailleen's name, and set out again for the gold-fields still without mentioning her name; and then, while he was away, there came to her brief shreds and echoes of gossip, all circling round Ailleen, and all tending to prove that she was striving to wed young Dickson -- and Barellan, as Mrs. Taylor added with scorn -- and to forget the comrade of her childhood.

Colonial Born A tale of the Queensland bush G. Firth Scott 1900

Some distance away from the station-house the outbuildings stood -- the store, the men's quarters, and the like -- for Barellan was worth having when fully stocked and properly worked.

Colonial Born A tale of the Queensland bush G. Firth Scott 1900

But consciousness was longer in reviving, and Slaughter still lay insensible when a rescue party from the men who were fighting the fires pressed through the lines and reached Barellan.

Colonial Born A tale of the Queensland bush G. Firth Scott 1900

Barellan to see Ailleen on his first return from the diggings, he had neither gone out nor mentioned her name on his second return to the township -- the occasion of the great billiard contest.

Colonial Born A tale of the Queensland bush G. Firth Scott 1900

Nellie Murray, as a matter of fact, had thrown out hints, not by any means too obscure, to the effect that if he hastened to Barellan he might find Ailleen enjoying the society of Dickson to the exclusion of all else.

Colonial Born A tale of the Queensland bush G. Firth Scott 1900

Lady of Barellan; for it was a strange fancy, born of the fever that had followed the loss of her sight, some said, that she had of going there, feeling her way by the hand-rail, and staying there alone and silent, musing.

Colonial Born A tale of the Queensland bush G. Firth Scott 1900

Barellan, and since she had discovered it she had gone there daily for a ride through the quiet, still coolness of the bush.

Colonial Born A tale of the Queensland bush G. Firth Scott 1900

But there was little heed of that in the mind of the Lady of Barellan.

Colonial Born A tale of the Queensland bush G. Firth Scott 1900

As the four rode off towards Barellan, Ailleen, with more loyalty than her friend gave her credit for, tried to keep behind with Bobby; but Dickson was in no way anxious to fall in with the arrangement, and instead of following Nellie as she cantered ahead, hung back till the others caught him up.

Colonial Born A tale of the Queensland bush G. Firth Scott 1900

She turned away and went to where her horse was standing, and, mounting it, rode away back to Barellan without looking again where Nellie and

Colonial Born A tale of the Queensland bush G. Firth Scott 1900