Australian Tales - Setis

go to, here,” said Micky, laying his hand on his Bible. “An I'm thinkin, if
ye was to study them laws abit, every day ov your life, yez would learn
better manners than to be setting yer neighbours a squabblin an fightin;
an ye'd larn to make pace, instead of kickin up rows.” He then turned on
his heel and walked away.
He had not gone far, before he heard some person calling him, and on
looking round he saw Mr. Nobbles hobbling after him as fast as his short
legs could carry his fat body. “Hoy, Mr. Mahony,” said Mr. Nobbles,
“don't be in such a hurry, I want to speak with you. Give me your hand,”
he added, as he came up to Micky, “You are one of the right sort, I can
see, and I respect an honest man, whether he be rich or poor. I am very
sorry, indeed, that I caused you so much trouble, and I hope you'll try to
forget it. I've been under the impression that you were one of those
mischievous hypocrites, who make a trade of their piety; I suspected you
were one of that dangerous fry; and that you had recommended me to sit
and study your Bible, while you stole my horse and saddle-bags. I have
heard of similar tricks before to-day. I see, however, that I have made a
mistake in your character, Mr. Mahony. I think you really believe in that
good book which you have under your arm, and which I am very glad I
have seen, for I intend to turn over a new leaf from to-day. Now, I'm a
man of few words, and I'll make a bargain with you on the spot if you
like. I want an overseer for my head-station, and you are just the man for
me. What do you say — will you engage with me at once?”
“Wid all me heart,” said Micky, “for I'm out of a berth, unless I unship
Sawny M'Grim agin, and I won't do that anyhow, bekase it wouldn't be
fair play.”
“That's settled then,” said Mr. Nobbles, “and now I'll treat you to a new
outfit, for the annoyance I have caused you; come along with me to the
store.”
So Micky went with his good friend to a store near at hand, and
although he modestly demurred at taking so many articles as the
storekeeper forced upon him — his new employer, who stood by,
insisted upon his having a thorough rig out; and when Micky left the
store, he had a larger stock of necessaries than he had ever before
possessed in his life-time; and was, as he himself humorously expressed
it, “dressed better nor his masther.”
“Don't say a word,” said Mr. Nobbles, interrupting Micky's torrent of
thanks. “Let's get home as fast as we can. Go and mount the old horse
again; there, there, no more thanks; go and mount Ginger, and follow
me.” Micky obeyed, and soon afterwards he and his new master were
trotting along the road towards Dingobones Station.
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