Miles Franklin

“ Life is made up of little things. It was a small thing to have a little pocket-money to spend on anything that took my fancy--a very small thing, and yet how much pleasure it gave me. Though eating is not one of the great aims of my life, yet it was nice to have enough of any delicacy one fancied. Not that we ever went hungry at home, but when one has nothing to cat in the hot weather but bread and beef it gives them tendency to dream of fruit and cool dainties. ”

“ Men are clumsy, stupid creatures regarding little things, but in their right place they are wonderful animals. If a buggy was smashed to smithereens, from one of their many mysterious pockets they would produce a knife and some string, and put the wreck into working order in no time.
Harold was as clever in this way as any other man with as much bushman ability as he had, so it was not long ere we were bowling along as merrily as ever. ”

“ He disappeared to execute my request and reappeared in less than a minute.
"Mr Beecham, please would you examine Barney's harness. Something must be hurting him. He has been kicking up all the way."
Examining the harness and noticing the sweat that was dripping from the animals, panting from their run, he said:
"It looks as though you've been making the pace a cracker. There is nothing that is irritating Barney in the least. If he's putting on any airs it is because he is frisky and not safe for you to drive. How did Julius happen to let you away by yourself?" ”

“ The rest of us reefed off our clothing, in our hurry sending buttons in all directions, and plunged into the pleasant water. Then--such water-fights, frolic, laughter, shouting and roaring fun as a dozen strong healthy girls can make when enjoying themselves. ”

“ The boss is so dashed partickler too. I believe he'll sool me off the place; and I looked at that harness only yesterday. I can't make out how it come to break so simple. The boss will rise the devil of a shine, and say you might have been killed."
This put a different complexion on things. I knew Joe Slocombe could mend the harness with little trouble, as it was because he was what uncle Jay-Jay termed a "handy divil" at saddlery that he was retained at Caddagat. I said carelessly:
"If you mend the harness at once, Joe, uncle Julius need not be bothered about it. ”

“ We would linger too long, then there would be a great scramble for clothes, next for horses, and with wet hair streaming on our towels, we would go home full belt, twelve sets of galloping hoofs making a royal clatter on the hard dusty road. ”

“ I tried to extinguish him with a look, but it had not the desired effect.
"Now you had better be civil, for I have got the big end of the whip," he said.
"I reserve to myself the right of behaving as I think fit in my own uncle's buggy. You are an intruder; it is yourself that should be civil."
I erected my parasol and held it so as to tease Harold. ”

“ He also took parcels and passengers, both ways, if called upon to do so. Caddagat and Five-Bob gave him a great deal of carrying, and he brought the mail for these and two or three other places. It was one of my duties, or rather privileges, to ride thither on Thursday afternoon for the post, a leather bag slung round my shoulders for the purpose. I always had a splendid mount, and the weather being beautifully hot, it was a jaunt which I never failed to enjoy. Frank Hawden went with me once or twice--not because grannie or I thought his escort necessary. The idea was his own ”

“ I am quite capable of taking care of myself; besides, if you come home with me I will not be allowed out alone again--it will be altogether unpleasant for me."
Mrs Butler now appeared with the mail and some parcels, and Harold stowed them in the buggy. ”