They had been more than a month away from Yanda, and Edgar began to wonder where their march would lead them. Yacka did not vouchsafe1 much information, but kept steadily2 on his way at a pace that astonished them. Mile after mile was traversed, and their guide showed no sign of weariness or flagging.
One beautiful moonlight night they camped by the shore of a large lagoon3, which reminded them of a small lake in their own country. It was a magnificent sight, this sheet of still water glistening4 in the moonlight, the trees which overhung it reflecting weird5 shadows on the surface.
‘I had no idea there were such lakes as these,’ said Edgar. ‘There must be a lot of good shooting about here.’
‘Plenty of ducks and herons,’ said Yacka. ‘I will get you some ducks without firing a shot.’
They were interested in watching Yacka catch wild ducks. The black crept cautiously into the water, and then sat down amongst a lot of cover, which hid his head from view. Presently they heard a call such as the wild duck makes.
‘That’s Yacka,’ said Edgar. ‘He can imitate the cries of all kinds of birds and animals. Look! there’s a flock of wild ducks coming over.’
The birds flew right into the lagoon, and settled down on the water not far from Yacka. In a few minutes there was a flutter in the water, and the flock rose quickly and flew rapidly away, leaving three of their number struggling entangled6 in a fine-meshed net Yacka had thrown dexterously7 over them. Yacka stood up, and, seizing the ducks one by one, quickly killed them, and brought them to the shore where Edgar and Will were sitting.
‘Cleverly done,’ said Edgar. ‘If we run short of ammunition8 there is little fear of starving when Yacka can effect such captures.’
The ducks were spitted and roasted, Yacka as usual acting9 as cook, and they were thoroughly10 enjoyed. Wild bees seemed plentiful11, and Yacka went in search of honey, which he soon found in the hollow of a tree.
So pleasant was it by the lagoon that they rested there for several days, enjoying bathing in the lukewarm water, and finding plenty of birds to supply their daily wants. Yacka captured a native bear, a curious little fellow with a woolly skin, and a sharp, inquiring face. When tucked up he looked for all the world like a big ball. Huge lizards12 were occasionally seen gliding14 about, and the shrill15 cries of parrots were heard overhead. At night the peculiar16 cry of the laughing jackass was heard. A flock of black swan passed by, but did not settle on the lagoon. They also saw pigeons, wild geese, plover17, and quail18, and a couple of pelicans19.
So interesting was the wild life of this lagoon that Edgar was loath20 to move on into less hospitable21 country, but he saw signs that Yacka was becoming impatient, so decided22 to resume their march. They left the camp by the lagoon with much regret, and cast many a wistful glance behind.
‘It will be a long time before we strike such a good camping-ground again,’ said Edgar.
‘Wait until you reach Yacka’s country,’ said the black; ‘find plenty sport there. My tribe help you hunt and fish in big lakes and rivers.’
‘To which tribe do you belong?’ asked Edgar.
‘MacDonnell Ranges,’ said Yacka; ‘but we have gone miles and miles further north to the land of Enooma, the White Spirit, across sandy desert. My tribe very old and warlike. Their country goes far into the Northern Territory.’
‘So your tribe is known as the MacDonnell Ranges blacks,’ said Edgar; ‘but you have a native name, I expect. What is it?’
‘The Enooma,’ said Yacka. ‘We are the favoured tribe of the great White Spirit.’
‘And you are the son of Enooma,’ said Edgar. ‘Then we are safe with you.’
‘No one will harm the friends of the son of Enooma,’ said Yacka.
‘Why did you leave your own country?’ asked Edgar.
‘To wander far and learn much. It was the wish of Enooma, and she must be obeyed. I have been in big cities—Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Brisbane, and have learned many things and seen much evil,’ said Yacka.
‘And how did you get on to Yanda Station?’ said Edgar.
‘From Queensland. I went to Adelaide first, and then walked to the other big cities. From Brisbane I went on until I came to Yanda, and there I camped.’
Yacka went on ahead, and Edgar said to Will:
‘It will be worth all our travels if we can clear up this mystery about Yacka’s birth. He must have been taught by white people, or he would not speak as he does. It is getting more and more interesting. Who would have thought when we were at Redbank we should in so short a time be tramping over the wilds of Australia with only a black for our companion?’
‘I wonder what they are up to at Redbank now?’ said Will.
‘The usual routine work,’ replied Edgar. ‘We had some jolly times there.’
‘I wish I could make a fortune!’ said Will suddenly.
Edgar laughed as he replied:
‘It does not look much like it at present, but there is no telling what may happen. Yacka says he can make me rich, and if so you will have a share in the plunder23. Why do you wish to make a fortune? You were not always such a mercenary fellow.’
‘Because I love your sister, and I want to be in a position some day to ask her to be my wife. Now do you understand?’
‘Yes,’ said Edgar, ‘and I wish you luck. Doris is a lovable girl, and I know you will try and make her happy. It is a long time to look ahead, but there is nothing like having an object in life to make a man successful.’
‘You know my object,’ said Will. ‘What is yours?’
‘To earn a good name, and to make my father proud of his son,’ said Edgar.
‘Then you will certainly succeed,’ said Will, ‘even if you have not done so already.’
Edgar laughed as he said:
‘I have not done much at present to earn a name for myself. If ever I become a rich man, I will try and do good with my money. I have always found there is a lot of pleasure in helping24 other people............