Beyond Sun and Shadows

Beyond Sun

and Shadows

Lesley June Mooney

This is an IndieMosh book

brought to you by MoshPit Publishing

an imprint of Mosher’s Business Support Pty Ltd

PO BOX 147

Hazelbrook NSW 2779

indiemosh.com.au

Copyright 2017 © Lesley J Mooney

All rights reserved

Licence Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favourite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted by any person or entity, in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, scanning or by any information storage and retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from the author and publisher.

DEDICATED

to my father Don, and my brother Bradley,

who have passed on but are remembered.

DISCLAIMER

The years and names are altered as the novel is set at Roy Hill station back in 1948-50s. Many parts of this story depict realistic true events the author experienced while working out there in 1946/7 as a 15-year-old girl, with her Dad and brother Bradley Hubbard in what is now Gina Reinhart’s mining country.

AUSTRALIAN SLANG AND PHRASES USED IN THIS STORY

Air radio: the only means of communication those days.

A cut snake: as angry as… or very angry.

Cooee (repeated): The bush call for help when lost.

Dry as a dead dingo’s donga: parched.

Damper: mix of flour and water to make bread in a campfire.

Dinky di: Genuine or real.

Fair dinkum and dead set: true, really.

Gobsmacked: surprised, astounded.

Kicked the bucket: died or dead.

Prickly heat rash: appears on the neck and body and is red, very irritating, feels like shots of electricity when wet, usually only felt in the north and tropics.

Roos: slang for kangaroo, an Australian animal.

Ringers: men employed to work with stock on the land.

Smoko: a tea break which is had twice per day.

Spinifex: tall thick clusters of very sharp spiked, yellow desert grass.

Stonkered: beaten, defeated.

She’ll be apples: it’ll be right, mate.

Stone the crows: an exclamation.

Too bushed: tired, exhausted.

Willy-willy: tall spirals of red dust blown by winds across plain.

An old map of north Western Australia at that period of time – 1948-50 – showing the roads they travelled on then, down the coast and out to the inland towns.

Previously in Mid-August 1950

CHAPTER 1

A Hazardous Venture

Just after sunset, Ben walked along the end of the old wooden pub veranda and glanced around in the dim light shading the streets. Turning towards a utility which stood back off the road near the old shed, and with head down car keys in hand, he arrived at the back end of their vehicle. When making his way towards the door, suddenly in the faint light he noticed a hazy figure of a man leaning against the side front door, peering into the empty cabin of the ute. Startled at seeing him, Ben abruptly paused, and for a minute an inexplicable chill ran through his body. Slightly alarmed, Ben stepped forward accidently standing on the man’s foot.

‘Bloody hell!’ a harsh, raspy voice yelled out. The small torch the man held in his hand fell to the ground, as he turned to see who had disturbed him. ‘Get the hell off my bloody foot you stupid git,’ the voice snarled.

Ben stood back in stunned silence then quickly grabbed the man’s shoulder pushing him away from their vehicle. ‘Hey, who the hell are you? ‘What the heck are you doing here poking your nose in our ute?’ he asked, his annoyed voice sounding out through the shed. In the dim light he could barely see the man’s face, so Ben leaned closer glaring into his face as the man moved backwards.

‘Er mate, wus just lookin’ for a light for me smoke.’ Aint meaning no ‘arm. Me’ own friend ‘ad no matches.’ he whined in a sulky voice.

‘There’s none out here mate, we don’t smoke,’ Ben replied, ‘So go try the bar at the pub. Keep your damn nose out of other people’s cars too, or I will report you to the local coppers.’ he warned him, letting go of the man.

‘Sure feller, take it easy,’ the fellow growled, scrabbling around in the dirt for his torch. Then with a scowl he backed away stumbling into the wall of the shed. Ben could hear him talking to himself as he looked back at Ben, swearing at him still, then he faded into the darkness outside.

‘Cripes, I don’t believe that,’ Ben muttered as he checked the ute to make sure the other door was locked, and raised the window while locking the main door. We’ll have to be careful and keep the ute locked. I’d better tell Danny about this, and he quickly made his way back to the pub. Going upstairs to their room he found Danny sitting on the bed and told him what had happened.

‘Blow me down, it sure beats me,’ said Danny. ‘I never thought this could happen up here in this place. Strange thing though. I wonder if he is passing through Wyndham? Don’t think any new blokes arrived in the last few days that I know of, but he must ‘ave come from somewhere. We’ll have to warn Ernie and Maisie about him tomorrow! Anyway, I’m dammed tired Ben, I’m going to sleep.’

Ben however sat there for a few minutes wondering about the bloke downstairs, and he too prepared for his bed. Tomorrow is another day he decided, as he lay down on his bed. In the morning he and Danny passed the news onto the publicans about the stranger breaking into their ute.’

They are surprised and decide to inform the local Police later on. ‘Blimey’ said Ernie, ‘Don’t’ believe this! They must be new in town or are strangers.’

‘Yep’ his wife Maisie commented. ‘Don’t forget Ernie, and let the coppers know this morning,’ as she busied herself behind the counter.

Early that morning in Wyndham, a little township higher up along the north coast of West Australia, the two young men walked out to the meatworks complex and along the wide landing pier to go to work. Here at this early hour the air is fresh and silent. On most days, the early morning rays of the sun slipped slowly around the edges of the small rounded hill behind the old local pub, and the heat did not descend onto the main area until later. Often when stronger winds blew down the northern coast, this small hill offered some shelter from the odd cyclone which travelled down from Darwin and the Gulf Areas.

‘This is it Danny, our last working week here. What do you reckon? Excited,’ Ben asked.

Danny laughed as he strode along and turned to his friend. ‘Sure, it’s going to be a long week Ben. Just think, only a few more few days.’

They are absorbed in their thoughts until Danny stood still for a minute and looked around with a sigh. ‘I think I’m actually gunna’ miss this place for a while,’ he muttered.

Ben glanced at him with a grin. ‘Heck Danny, that’s something I thought I’d never hear you say my friend.’

‘Well Ben, you probably wouldn’t. Being here has been a challenge for me, but of course I am glad we’re now finally going on this trip,’ and he slapped his friend on the back. ‘You know, I am really looking forward to it, and will be glad to leave. It’s just that we’ve made some good friends here.’

Looking around Danny noticed dust rising in the air further down the end of the street as a large covered truck loaded with freight slowly disappeared out of sight, lumbering along out of the little township. Not giving that any thought he followed Ben, because very few trucks called in here, only those with stores. The few that came down from Darwin occasionally would only carry supplies for this little township, the meatworks, pub or store, but often they’d travel further down the west coast. The boys stopped talking and just walked along quietly to their respective places of work, aware this last week of working here will soon pass quickly.

Turning around Ben murmured, ‘Will see you at the end of our shifts later on mate,’ and they parted for the day.

That evening after work, they returned to the old bush pub and both went upstairs to clean up before joining the others downstairs at the bar. Down there in the typical old style bar with its wooden counter and stools, Maisie, the plump hotelier’s wife, passed over their beers and talked to them for a while. Ernie her hubby was busy changing over the heavy kegs in the cold room. For many years these two had owned this pub, an old two storied timber building with a large veranda running around three sides. Ernie and Maisie found that once they were here for some time and got to know all the people, they didn’t want to move. They were friends with all the locals, which suited them fine. Soon the bar filled up with many more men from the meatworks as they arrived for a cold beer after finishing their shifts for the day. Danny and Ben soon joined them in conversation and laughter. After being busy for a while, Maisie suddenly knocked on the bar loudly to draw the men’s attention.

‘Listen ‘ere you blokes, there’s a warnin’ coming over on the radio from the coppers.’

Everyone quietened down to listen to the news. After crackling a bit, the voice of the announcer is heard – ‘Attention, this is a police warning from Darwin. Everyone be aware that two very violent men, both long lifers, have escaped from the local jail killing a policeman and wounding another. Both are armed and considered extremely dangerous. Do not approach them! They will most likely seek a lift out of town from anyone travelling either east or south, so beware. If they are seen, notify the police.’ Then the warning was repeated again.

Many of the drinkers began to talk about the announcement and one turned around to Danny and Ben, waving his beer at them. ‘Hey you two, did yu hear that? Better be careful on the road next week!’

Danny nodded his head, ‘Yeah right Tomo. Thanks for reminding us. We’re not deaf, you know,’ he replied, grinning at the man then looked at Ben to see if he had listened to the warning.

Ben thought for a minute then asked, ‘What do you reckon Danny? We’ll be OK, eh! After all, those men might be far away from Darwin now, miles from here. Do you think we should get some sort of a weapon or gun to take with us?’

Danny replied, ‘No Ben, we’ll be right. Besides have you ever really used one mate?’ and he laughed as Ben nodded no. Neither gave a thought to the rough stranger from the night before.

Most blokes here are a friendly bunch, and near the dartboard stood three ringers in their dust stained shirt, riding britches and boots, all chatting to each other. Many stockmen often come in here after driving the stock to the meatworks from the cattle or sheep stations way out in the spinifex plains, and they’d bunk down at the hotel or stay with friends.

One older man had wide shoulders with sweat stains showing all over his shirt and his trousers, and his old Stockman’s hat was wide brimmed with dust and dirt in the creases. Danny noticed the hat on one young bloke was so dusty and worn, it was sitting on the back of his head, nearly falling off.

Danny walked over, and touching the guy on the shoulder he said, ‘Eh fella, that’s a ‘dinky –di’ hat you’ve got there, can I borrow it?’

The young ringer laughed but replied, ‘No way! I can’t live without me old friend there,’ and he pulled it back over his face. Then with a grin, he added, ‘No sirree’ man, you can’t have mine, but Pete there might give you ‘is,’ and nudged the other man on the back.

The big boned man holding a beer turned around to Danny. ‘What do you want me’ hat for cobber ‘It’ll cost yu! Are youse going somewhere?’

‘Yeah, in a few days, just down south,’ replied Danny. ‘Well then, I guess I’ll ‘ave to get me own ‘shades’ at the store.’

‘Ha Ha’ the man laughed, ‘Me ‘at‘s me own best mate. Cain’t help yu feller, and the names Buggary Pete. Nice to meet yu,’ as he laughed again, throwing the beer down his throat in one swallow.

The three men laughed murmuring between themselves, and one ringer slapped the other one on the shoulders as they shared a bush joke.

Danny nodded to him then walked back to Ben and whispered, ‘Was just funning, yu know Ben. Soon I’ll be buying me own hat for our trip.’

Ben looked around and agreed, ‘Yeh, me too. Boy he’s a big bloke. Guess you wouldn’t want to take ‘im on Danny.’

They both turned to continue talking to the others till the dinner gong sounded, and the boarders made their way to the dining room at the side of the pub. In that room, near the back wall stood a well-tuned piano which was often played at birthday gatherings by the locals, or travellers passing through. Many a good night was enjoyed by the boarders and owners, when someone obliged them with a tune or two to sing to, and they were grateful for the diversion.

After eating, both Danny and Ben walked upstairs, and for a while after pulling off their boots and clothes, they sat on the side of their beds lost in their own thoughts. For a couple of minutes they both continued to reflect on their time here at this large complex and the people they had met. It didn’t take long before both dropped off to sleep, even though the bar stayed open until ten o’clock closing time and the stragglers had gone home.

At the meatworks, Ben enjoyed his clerical work in the office, but his dark haired Irish friend Danny preferred to stay in the main cold rooms there. The pay there had been great and the workers easy to get along with. Those offices are closer to the entry gate of the meatworks, and the general road outside ran through the settled area of the small settlement of Wyndham, in which stood the bush store and the only local pub. The main meatworks buildings were completed by the Government during the years of 1913 to 1919, and lined the wide causeway projecting out into the bay.

Here, the incoming tide slaps at the pilings of the worn but strong jetty, constructed many years back.

The main building of the complex faced towards the ocean front at the end of the peninsular, where the occasional ships could be seen as they passed on by, or sometimes pulled into the jetty. This entire complex is quite large, and the yards situated nearer to one side of the jetty for when cattle arrived after the long cattle drives from stations outback. After being mustered into the cattle yards and quickly put to death, the meat is then processed for distribution.

When these two young men first came here, they found the bellowing and jostling noises made by the cattle as they were herded up into the yards was hard to get used to, as were the noisy refrigerator engines inside the large cold rooms. Occasionally, when large mobs of cattle arrived after the long overland drive from Stations, there would be dust flying everywhere as the stockmen drove them along the wide dirt road towards the meatworks. The noise of the cattle bellowing out and the sharp sounds of the stockmen cracking their whips are quite startling to anyone when first hearing them.

Ben a slightly built young man had always worked as a clerk, but Danny more robust than Ben, was assigned to the refrigerated rooms where the meat was sectioned and cut into quarters. This had been a good job, and they both enjoyed the time they spent here, but soon they would be gone. The week after the season finished, this little township would return to the normal quiet way of life. At the end of the following week after the last consignment of cattle were processed, the yards would be empty and much quieter.

The one old weathered pub is the main attraction at Wyndham as an entertainment and amusement for the younger men, plus one well stocked store, which offer some distractions except for the Christmas fun times. Then the locals had a certain custom. In the evening the small population would gather together on the backs of two large trucks which drove around to each home to sing, have a drink and celebrate. Everyone was friendly and enjoyed the special break, and one song they always sang, was ‘Oh, the End of my old Cigar,’ a humorous older one with a bawdy touch.

Danny remembered the words, and would often sing them to his friend when they’d had a few beers, and he’d laugh as Ben clapped his knees to his singing. ‘You know Ben, me’ own dada woulda’ liked this ditty’, said Danny as he repeated the chorus again singing loudly,

‘Oh, the end of me old cigar, Hurrah, hurrah, hurrah,

I’ve walked to Piccadilly and it aint’ so very far.

Oh, I’m not so very handsome, but I’m a bit of a lah-de-da,

I’ve tickled the ladies fancy with the end of me’ old cigar.

Then while prodding Ben he’d sing the next verse.

‘Heh, come on, Ben, remember it. Have a go and join me.’

Oh, me’ sister wanted vaccinating where it wouldn’t show,

So off to the Doctor she would go.

But when he ‘ad finished, you should have seen the scar,

He must ‘ave vaccinated her with the end of his old cigar!

Ben would grin at him, and still clapping to the beat, they’d both join in with the second verse and chorus, and laugh with the other men who were there listening in the bar. They knew this song was reminiscent of the days of vaudeville back in England, and was very popular.

Sure, there are dart competitions and table tennis games at the local pub, and the cold beer, but very few women around, mainly married ones. With only one older medical doctor to service the area, there was nothing more.

Because the old pub was sheltered by the hill, very little breeze filtered through to that part of the land, and the worst nuisance everyone had to contend with were the hated ‘prickly heat’ rashes. These are caused by perspiration trickling down ones’ back and neck which irritates nearly all the residents in the hot summer months. Most of them walked around scratching their itchy backs with a wooden copper stick with a metal bottle top attached at the end of it.

This behaviour was the ‘norm’ for them and most were used to it. Newcomers to the place would stare in amazement when seeing this strange way of using a copper stick! Though, not many would offer to try this way of relieving the awful irritation of Prickly heat until after they’d been here for a while.

In the afternoon at the end of the following week, Ben looked at the clock above his desk to see that it was five o’clock. Great he thought, not long now, the bell would ring any minute. Soon it did, so picking up his personal things, he waved to his mates in the office and called out ‘See you in a few months,’ as some of the staff called out, ‘Sure mate, maybe, maybe not, we’ll see about that hey!’ as they grinned and waved to Ben.

He strode outside to wait for Danny his friend to join him, now beginning to feel the eagerness of leaving on this long awaited holiday, and was itching to go. With not many days off, and after three years of working, planning and discussions, tomorrow is the day they would leave. Hearing a yell, he looked up to see Danny carrying his work bag hurrying down the path to join him, and they walked to the main office to collect their wages and holiday pay. Signing the papers and telling Jim the paymaster where they are heading, all shook hands and they left the building.

Feeling mischievous, Ben leaned over and pushed against Danny in fun, who retaliated by doing the same. They could laugh having been good friends for many years.

Looking back at where they had spent the last three years, Danny slapped his friend on the back and grinned at him. ‘Wacko Ben, this is hopefully the last we will see of this place for a long time, maybe ever. We’ll be off soon, my friend. Still leaving early at daybreak Ben, before the heat hits us? What say we’ll finish the buying of stores now, then tidy up our mess in the rooms at the pub and get some early shut-eye. I wonder where we’ll be this time tomorrow?’ he said laughing with pleasure at the thought.

‘Sure,’ Ben replied, smiling to himself at his friend’s enthusiasm. ‘O.K. Danny, we’ll do all that, and just in case we are stuck in a desert, we must remember while at the store we have to buy two good hessian water bags to take with us, plus an extra container for water as well. I’ve been told to hang these water bags on the front bumper bar to keep them cool. I’ve heard that the long road down to Hall’s Creek and across to Derby runs through mostly empty plains, not where we need to have anything unexpected go wrong, particularly at this time of the year.’

When seeing the surprised look on Danny’s face he laughed. ‘You know I’m only kidding about that. We’ve got good maps, enough food, spare gear, ropes, tools and a compass, so we’ll be right!’

I know that you twerp,’ Danny remarked, giving him a friendly cuff. ‘Think about it, new country, and different things to see, not like here mate.’ Danny said laughing at him.

Ben nodded his head in agreement with him. ‘I reckon Danny you will change your tune when we get to the outback as that will be rather different to here. There’s no water for miles,’ said Ben, knowing how much Danny loved to watch the ocean.

Ben aged 23 is the slim, quiet one of the two, fair haired and blue- eyed. When he first met Danny in England at Liverpool, he found out he was adopted, had a good brain but a much stronger physique than Ben’s. At twenty six Danny is older, always worked at any job, and loved being outside walking along the water front. He’d watch the boats go past on the ocean, and enjoyed it when bad storms came in with huge waves, which dashed against the cliffs along the coast, but Ben stayed away from any rough weather. Danny reckoned it was his Irish blood which caused the love of the wild weather. His black tousled hair was curly, and he had a roguish smile.

That afternoon after they finished work, they walked back to the old pub to have a shower, before going for a beer and talk with the locals. ‘I guess we’d better do first things first, before going upstairs to clean up,’ said Danny. ‘Though I’m sure hanging out’ for a beer.’

Ben agreed and they walked out to the side where their vehicle stood, and Danny hopped into the seat beside Ben into this’ nineteen fifty one’ green Holden Utility. They’d bought it from a guy called Buster, an old friend they’d met in Perth some years back before he travelled to Darwin to work, and he’d kept in touch with the boys. He’d bought this utility from a Station manager just after the war, and when needing money, he’d driven down from Darwin in the utility coming to Wyndham to see them, hoping they’d buy it from him. It was dependable, solid, and a good vehicle for anywhere, certainly if travelling outback, and the boys settled a deal with him, pleased at their good luck

Slamming the car door, Danny gave a loud cheer. ‘Let’s get a move on mate, only one more day to go.’ Ben grinned and started the engine.

Making their way to the store, Danny checked their purchases with the owner, then they began to stack their gear into the back of the utility where there was plenty of space. They bought enough tinned and dry foods to last them for a few weeks or more, knowing they could stock up again at any store on the way down south. Torches, matches and the necessary tools needed for the trip in case of a break down are added, and Ben remembered the two kerosene lamps and water bags, and a strong canvas to cover their goods. He paid for everything, and told the store owner where they are travelling to, so the man wished them a good trip and to be careful on the long deserted dirt road outback.

Arriving back at the pub, Daniel stood upstairs near the rails of the hard timber veranda, and tossed the completed swags down to Ben who rolled them into certain places in the back of the utility. For a while Ben stood there gazing around at the little timber houses scattered down the short street but it was nearly dark, so he went upstairs to shower as Danny had done. An hour later, after having the pub dinner of Irish stew served in the dining room, the boys returned to their rooms deciding to have an early night.

Early next morning before daylight, Ben shook Danny to wake him up, and both dressed and went downstairs for a quick breakfast, then paid the bill. Packing their small suitcases containing their clothing, Danny carried them down to Ben who stacked them neatly in the back, checking to see that everything was there to be reached easily when needed, but undercover. Saying goodbye to Ernie and Maisie they left the pub, going around to the side to where Ben had parked the utility. Just before leaving they pulled out their map to check the details of the country ahead, noticing that this map showed their faintly marked road going south.

Aware this map was pretty old, they knew these roads shown were the only ones to their destination. Ben sat this map on his lap in front of him as they set off on the road, and being the end of winter it was cool at this hour of the morning, so it felt good as they drove at a steady pace to the road junction.

Their plan is to first go south to Hall’s Creek, then along the deserted sandy track to Derby, pick up fuel and stores, and head down to Broome for an overnight stop and an extra day. Gradually they’d make their way past Port Hedland, and further south along the coast. The weather would be good now with summer not far off. For hours they continued along, stopping only for a drink, and at night they pulled up to make a camp fire, eat some tinned food, and stretch out to sleep in their small swags. In a few days they had a short break at the tiny local pub of Halls Creek for a beer, then finishing their drink they hopped into the utility and were off again.

After arriving at the sandy track leading to the desert country, they knew that here, they had to be careful. Taking turns to drive while it was cool, but it did become hotter. For quite a few days the desert plains stretched out on either side for miles, with very little grass or scrub to be seen. When stopping, they ate only tinned food and left over cold damper they’d pre-cooked in the coals the previous day, and slept in their swags.

Danny enjoyed driving, and he’d sing snatches of Irish songs which Ben enjoyed, as they continued over the distance, passing one creek until finally driving into Derby near the coast. Picking up some fuel and stopping at a store to stock up again, they set off down the long road to Broome. Late that evening they arrived there, and found the store and pubs closed, but eventually they spotted an overnight lodging house. Though it looked a bit old, it suited them, so parking their ute around the side, they entered the front room.

The owner was a middle-aged rather plump looking lady with small brown curls over her head, wearing a long grey dress with the sleeves pushed up her chubby arms. She greeted them with a hearty laugh when seeing all the dust on their clothes and faces.

‘Ha ha, well lads, it seems you‘ve travelled a long way, and I guess a good ‘tub’ will go down well. If you two are interested, we have a small bar out the back for our boarders and visitors, where we pour a good beer and have a chat. You can fix me up in the morning as you seem honest enough.’ and she laughed again.

After this long speech, the boys thanked her, and she told them which room they could use around the side. ‘If you want some grub to eat, just ask.’ she called out.

Danny answered, ‘We’re starved, yes please.’

They walked to their small room which had one small window shielded by a sad looking drab curtain, and two low bunks. ‘That’s better,’ said Ben as he and Danny fell down on these beds to stretch out before stripping, then both had a good cold wash in the large tin tub in the nearby bathroom.

‘God, this is great to feel clean again,’ Danny muttered as he rubbed the thin towel across his body. Pulling out a clean change of clothing he dressed and waited for Ben who did the same.

Standing there, Danny could smell the salt air drifting in from the sea and felt happy, his eyes bright as he smacked his friend on the back. ‘Now I feel at home again smelling that water, it’s so good. I’m also pleased we’ve arrived here, so now we should go and have the supper she offered us Ben. I’m hungry, what about you?’ and Ben nodded his head.

They found the landlady named Miz Molly, and she sent them to a long room with a few tables, sturdy chairs and some lodgers sitting there already. Greeting these people they sat down, and shortly a pleasant young woman aged about twenty, set two plates down on the table full of a meaty stew with spuds. Thanking her Ben looked up smiling, but Danny had already started eating he was so hungry. Both wiped their mouths and grinned at each other.

‘Boy that was a bonzer meal,’ said Ben, as he leaned back in the chair.

‘That certainly filled the hollows in me belly.’ laughed Danny. ‘What say we check out that little bar out the back, as I’m in need of a cold beer. What about you Ben, willing to try her out?’

‘Yep,’ replied Ben, ‘Let’s go now, but I am feelin’ a bit beat.’

Standing up the two made their way to the front room looking for Miz Molly, and Danny spoke quietly in her ear, so she showed them around to the side of the house. Sitting at some of the tables were a few men obviously workers, and they glanced at the boys and nodded their heads in greeting, pointing to the empty chairs near their table. The boys walked over to the low bar where the young woman from the kitchen served the drinks, and they joined the men.

‘Howdy, you young blokes, I’m known ‘ere as Eddie. Newcomers to the place Eh! Ave yu’ come a fair distance today?’ one older man asked. With a shock of thick untidy grey hair on his head, he stood out from the others.

‘Yep, we left Wyndham a good while back, and are really glad to have a decent stop.’ Danny told them. ‘We’ve still got a long drive ahead of us yet, all the way down south towards Perth.’

‘Hell, that’s a bloody long trip. Are you both ‘aving a break from work?’ asked a red haired man wearing a bright striped shirt.

Ben nodded. ‘Yes, from the meatworks up there, but we’ve been waiting a few years for this.’ and he swallowed his beer enjoying the taste.

One of the larger men at a nearby table announced loudly; ‘Guess you two aint’ heard the latest gossip, seeing how youse’ just arrived. The local coppers came in and told us about those two armed blokes who escaped a while back from the gaol in Darwin. Did youse ‘ear about that?’

‘Actually yeh we did,’ replied Danny. We were told about them back in Wyndham, before we left. That’s way up the track. I thought they’d have caught them by now.’

‘They’re dammed murderers and still out there somewhere.’ the man said. ‘They killed another fella’ since then and both have guns. It seems someone give ‘em a ride and coppers are still searching, not sure where they’ve gone. They’re rotten, bloody crooks!’

Danny retorted, ‘Let’s hope they stay out of our hair, eh Ben,’ who agreed.

He finished his first beer and waved to the girl for another, putting down some change on the table when she walked over to serve them. The small bar had a large mirror positioned in the middle of the back wall, and Ben noticed it was built in the old English style, set with narrow shelves holding various liquor bottles of all description. It was finished with neatly turned and carved sides in a dark polished timber.

He remarked ‘Gee, Danny this bar is nothing like the old one in Wyndham. This one reminds me of my home in England and the family there.’

Danny glanced up, ‘Sure it does Ben.’

Very soon Ben nodded to Danny, ‘I’ve had it, how about we go,’ as he was tired, so they left and went to their room. It wasn’t long before both were asleep on the thin mattresses which covered the low bunks.

Late September 1950

CHAPTER 2

Movement Afoot

Overhead, an Eaglehawk poised silently in the dim light of the skies searching the land below for a kill. Suddenly swooping down in a curve low to the ground, it picked up its prey before winging off to find a spot nearby to satisfy his hunger. Chicken hawks flew lower to the ground, seeking the small rodents hiding in the long spinifex grass clumps sparsely dotting the plains. Soon the early morning sun would throw a welcome light over the edges of the desert sand.

A lone rider slowly travelling south across the dry land was making his way through the small hillocks scattered everywhere, his silhouette casting a shadow across the grounds. Slowing down his horse for a minute he glanced ahead across the paddocks. Nothing moved! The land was vast, nothing in sight, so he continued south close to the side of the paddock towards the rutted dirt road slightly ahead, just thinking. Then he paused for few minutes and removed from a shirt pocket a thin, worn leather wallet, and glancing inside looked at the faint photo it held. This was a picture of a very young girl being held close to a slim young woman with long hair tied back behind her neck, and they were smiling. The photo was slightly crumpled, so he pressed it flat with his hand and placed it tenderly against his chest, before abruptly closing up the wallet again. As he pushed it back into his shirt pocket, emotion filled his heart with the memories which flooded into his mind, but within minutes, he had pulled himself together and proceeded along the track.

Sitting loosely in the saddle, he thought about his previous life and where he had come from. His decision to make this long trip across to Western Australia was for personal reasons, besides the fact he’d never gone this far west before. Looking ahead were small grassy clumps of desert grass or spinifex spread out in the land, covering bare ground across the area, with clumps of trees showing up in the distance. It was still quite early with the first light of dawn just rising into the heavens. The only growth he could see here other than the few gum trees, are the many yellow stands of the spinifex growing across the open areas of desert land. These clumps are shorter, not having had much rain for months, but they still have sharp pointed ends.

He’d been travelling for about five weeks since leaving the Territory, and before that, he rode for a few weeks through the inland areas of Queensland. Though the land is similar in many ways, there are no vast tropical areas filled with acres of hills with dark green trees over here, as seen in the coastal areas of Queensland, where his family had lived and worked previously.

A short while afterwards feeling dry, he glanced around, guessing there would be a station dam somewhere out here, but he stopped to have a ‘swig’ of water from his water bottle. Knowing he still had a fair way to go, he cantered for a while along the dusty track, then slowed his horse down to a brisk walk, knowing he did not have to hurry. Later moving his horse along at a faster pace, he eventually made his way towards a boundary fence he could see showing up further in the country ahead. With the animal stepping carefully over the pot-holed ground, the rider approached the outskirts of the station’s northern boundary. This was Row Hill Station, his anticipated destination. One of the two stations in the entire area.

The dust swirled up, sending a red ‘willy-willy’ skittering across the plains behind him, like a tall, red spiralled funnel, but the air elsewhere is clear at this time