Reminiscences of Australia. The Diggings and the Bush

Front matter

1^^rÆ(. '^&f C^ft^/^/^f? REMINISCENCES OF AUSTEALIA. THE DIGGINGS & THE BUSH. BT MRS. W. MAY HOWELL. LONDON : W. MAY HOWELL, 26, MINCING LANE. MDCCCIXIX. PUEEACE. The following tales were composed at one of the "Diggings" of New South Wales. A residence of four years justifies the writer in stating that the description of the country and social life is perfectly true. At this season of the year hundreds of English families have one "vacant chair" which they would gladly, oh! how gladly, see occupied by some now lonely wanderer ; and the hearts of many disappointed diggers, even at this moment, yearn for their native land. This consideration induces the belief that these simple stories will receive a welcome at many a fireside, and for a brief hour bring true hearts once more together ; should they do so, they will not have been written in vain. January 1st, 18G7. ENTERED AT STATIONERS' IIALL. A TALE OF THE DIGGINGS: OB, KINDNESS IS POWER.

Chapter I

" I've seen, and sure I ought to know." THE CHAMELEON. " My word, Tom, come up quick," exclaimed a dirt begrimed digger, who was looking over a hole resembling a well, " This must be a new chum." In an instant his mate was by his side. The " chum" referred to proved to be a young girl, pretty, short of Btature, and inclined to embonpoint. She started as she perceived the two men, then quickened her pace, till she observed a party of Chinamen approaching. The road was lonely — quite in "the bush." The Celestials advanced rapidly, jabbering, gesticulating, laughing, and grimacing, Their little bead-like eyes were at once bent boldly on the face of the young stranger, who felt much embarrassed. This feeling soon changed to alarm, when one of the men left his companions, and, with a mocking air, advanced towards her.

As he drew nearer her terror increased, for calling out something in Chinese, and stretching forth his arm, the Chinaman was about to seize her, when suddenly a volley of imprecations was heard, and John Chinaman measured his length on the ground, groaning and blubber ing like a child, suffering from sundry kicks, each accom panied by a most emphatic oath. The young girl stood rooted to the spot, watching alternately her rescuer, the object of his wrath, and the endeavours of the digger's mate to overtake the other Chinamen, who ran as if for their lives. At length she exclaimed " Oh, pray don't kick the poor creature any more: surely you have punished him enough." " Not half enough," was tbe curt reply ; then looking at her, " My word, how white you are !" and as if the sight of her pale face, from which his fearful oaths more than her fright had banished the roseate tint, had renewed his passion, he turned savagely towards his prostrate foe, half disposed to " finish him."

At this moment the mate returned. Like his companion he was in a digger's dress, and covered with dirt ; still between the two men there was as marked a difference as if one had worn the dress of a peasant, and the other that of a prince. As the new comer advanced he removed his hat, and bent slightly to the young stranger, saying in a kind but rough manner — " Those blackguards frightened you ; you're wrong to walk about the diggings alone, your mother should not let you do so, should she, Keene ? A girl might be very much annoyed here." " She might so," was the digger's reply ; and here the blue eyes of the fair girl turned from one face to the other in mute astonishment at remarks so novel and familiar, from those whom she regarded as mere labouring men. The last speaker now seated himself under a tree took out a short pipe, and began to smoke, ever and anon glancing at the prostrate Chinaman, as if he were not quite certain that justice had been done.

He was a thick set, bullet-headed, black-bearded, dark-eyed mail ; in short what the diggers emphatically call "a workman," or " first-rate " hand. The younger man possessed dark hazel eyes, features remarkably well defined, and an athletic figure, which might have challenged the critical eye of a sculptor. He stood as if expecting the young girl to speak, perceiving which she shook off a feeling of timidity, and thanked them in graceful terms for their timely assistance. She then would have resumed her walk alone, but her protectors appeared to have determined otherwise, for the younger man coolly placed himself by her side, saying, "We'll see you safe home. Here, Keene." The mate arose after growling at the Chinaman, "Lie still, you brute," and placed himself on the other side, pipe and all ; then without further ceremony they started off at a sharp pace.

The young stranger vainly strove to keep up with them ; they stopped as soon as they perceived this, and laughing said, " We're going too fast for you ; we're not much used to walk with young women ; the girls all ride here. Let's try again." They then walked more slowly, till Keene looking back perceived the Chinaman stealing away, and rushing after him a regular chase ensued ; for now John Chinaman had the chance, he seemed to deter mined to escape. This desertion of her first protector slightly annoyed the fair one ; not so her companion, the roughness of whose manner abated considerably, and with a very near approach to gentlemanly politeness, he asked her if they were far from her home ; and observing that she appeared faint, offered to fetch some water from a neighbouring creek. This she declined, aud as they resumed their way told him her name was Eo_ alie Howard ; that her father, her sister and herself had only arrived on the diggings the previous week ; that they resided in a hut a short distance further on ; that wishing much to see the surrounding country she had ventured out alone, as her sister did not care so much for scenery as she did.

"And what do you think of what you have seen?" her companion inquired. " I have only been able to climb some of the smaller hills," she replied, " but the view I obtained was very beautiful. There is one valley which reminded me of a lovely spot in South Wales, at home. My object to-day was to listen to the magpies, cockatoos, and parrots chattering in the trees, and I thought th_3 part of bush was free from diggers and Chinamen." " Oh the diggers would not annoy you," said her new friend (except by peering over their holes, thought Rosalie), "It's those brutes of Chinamen ; but they'd better not begin to insult white women, or they'll find it rather dangerous. I never heard of such a thing happening here before, or on any other diggings ; but that fellow was drunk." " Was he? " " Could you not see it ? he was so .

" — "Happily,'' replied Rosalie, "I am unacquainted with the signs of intoxication, unless they are very apparent, and the ignorance of a young girl in such a matter surely need not cause so much astonishment." She paused, for to her surprise her stalwart guide blushed with shame at her rebuke. " It is best certainly," she continued, " to know our actual danger, and it was kind of you to be anxious about it; but I bad heard that Chinamen never drank." Her companion replied, "They used not," but added sadly, " It is often the case now." He then startled her by exclaiming bitterly, " Drink ! why, we all drink ! what else have we to care for ? It excites us, and drowns the memory of the past. This and books are our only resources, it's dig, dig, dig, from Monday morning till Saturday night, and then we spend all we get at a public house."

He sighed deeply as he ended. The girl stopped ; a look of wonder and auxiety was on her sweet face, and fixing her large blue eyes upon him, she said earnestly, " And do you spend your life thus ? I cannot, I do not think you can." " Why not ? " enquired her companion quickly, the colour again mounting to his brow. " Because you are formed for better things, and disgrace your manly feeling, your birth, and common sense by such low courses." Then suddenly remembering they were strangers she paused, and blushing almost to tears, added tremulously, " But you must think me a strange bold girl to talk to you thus. I forgot we were strangers, I am sorry for you." As she said this, the young man came nearer to her, and replied " young lady it is true we are strangers : would to God we were not, for there are some people whom we seem to have met in a previous state of ex istence, and know at once.

Thus it seems with me in regard to you. I neither think you strange nor bold, but I do think you good ; and I firmly believe a few innocent young women like yourself, living with their parents on t he diggings, would do more good than all the parsons or missionaries in the World. But what makes you think" he continued, glancing at his dress as he spoke, " that I am better born than I appear?" "Your not asking awkward questions," she answered demurely, a mocking smile playing round her lips. The digger laughed. " I know I am very rough," he said, " I have been in the company of men only lately. It was not always so," he added with a sigh. " What is your name ? " asked Rosalie. " My name is Walter Grey ; my mate's Keene. I have been on the diggings some years." " Did you come from England? " said she, "I did so," was the reply, " aud I wish I were there now ; at least I did wish— that is, they wished."

Then finding himself becoming confused, he added rapidly, " My father, and mother, and brothers and sisters write to me to come home, but I don't think — no, I don't think I could stand it now." " Stand what ? " inquired the listener in surprise. " I don't think I could breathe there now, he replied ; it's always — you must do this, or you must not do that, because its not usual in England, and it would fairly drive me mad. I'm sure I'm better here." As they approached a small dwelling he asked, " Is that your hut ? " " It is," she replied archly. The digger smiled ; then resuming his rough manner, he called out, " Anybody at home ? " which instantly brought to the door a fine looking old man and a handsome young woman — the former exclaiming, "My dear child, where have you been ?" adding anxiously, when he perceived the stranger, " No accident I hope ?"

Walter Grey, who was gazing earnestly at the handsome young brunette, now advanced and explained briefly what had happened, ending with "You must not let her walk out alone any more : it won't do." The father held out his hand ; the digger shook it warmly, and the old man said *' I thank you heartily for this. Won't you come in ? My hut is in future open to you as to an old friend." The digger, much gratified, was about to enter the dwelling, but at that moment his eyes met those of the beautiful girl we have before mentioned, and he read in them an expression of such extreme haughtiness that he paused. Then answer ing her look by one so intensely scornful that her eyes fell before it, he turned away, when to his surprise the younger sister, Rosalie, said, " Yes, come here sometimes if you feel inclined."

She added, archly " Papa, will not lecture you much, and I think you will be able to breathe. Come and try." Walter Grey answered frankly, "I should like to come very much," then with a brusque " Good morning," he was gone. Scarcely was he lost to their sight when the elder sister exclarned, " Surely, dear papa you did not seriously invite that man to come here ? " " Seriously, my dear, I did, " was the reply. " He is not a gentleman," said the girl. " How do you know that my child ? " answered the parent. " By his dirty disgusting dress," said the maiden, " Dress does not make a gentleman," was the mild rejoinder, "But manners and appearance do, papa, andhe has neither." " His manners are kind, though rough," replied he. " He is a fine-looking young man, and his brusqueness will wear off — that is if you do not pique him still to assume it.

Mind, it is dangerous to play with edged tools, and I warn you, Eveline, that you have met your match; but what my Eva,' he continued, drawing her tenderly towards him, "must that young digger have thought of my lady daughter ? Were her manners lady-like ?" The proud girl coloured deeply, and appeared ready to weep, but she checked her tears and answered coldly, " He must have simply thought that I knew my position, and intended him to know Iris." The old mau smiled, but it was sadly, as he inquired, "And what may that position be ; I know of none to warrant such folly. You are simply the daughter of a very poor aud ruined man, who has come to these diggings to practise medicine among every class of gold seekers. Because you think you are of higher birth and better educated than they, you assume a pride which ill becomes you, and which will render you ridiculed — not respected."

Eveline here burst into tears, and hastily left the room. Rosalie rose to follow, but her father motioned her to resume her seat, saying, " Leave your sister to herself for awhile, I want to hear more of your afternoon's adventure." Rosalie related all that had passed. The father sighed deeply when she ended, saying " Yes, that is I fear the way in which too many spend their lives. It is as that young man said, dig, dig, dig, from Monday morning till Saturday night, and then they spend all their earnings at the public house." " Do you think all act thus ? " asked Rosalie, earnestly. " No doubt there are exceptions," was the reply ; " but when such is the case, great moral courage must have been exercised." Then assuming a cheerful air, " I am now going to see Mrs. Macpherson's little girl, and another patient some distance on, and probably shall not return till the laughing jackasses are singing their vesper hymn.

It is a point of politeness, too, at every digger's hut, to ask you to eat and drink, so I shall not come home half -starved." The fond father kissed his child and departed. Rosalie immediately sought her sister, whom she found seated upon a box in their little bed room. She was quite calm, but traces of tears were still visible on her cheeks, " Rosalie, dear," said she, "tell me all about your fright." The sister complied, and provoked the following angry comment — "Papa must be mad to ask a man to come here, who admits himself that he is leading a low life." " Perhaps papa thinks," said Rosalie, " that he may be induced to lead a better one. We think that perhaps he was brought up at home, like ourselves," " Or may be a prince in disguise," said Eveline, scornfully. " Really papa and you have such Utopian notions."

Not wishing to prolong the subject, RosaHe exclaimed, "What a splendid sunset, Eva only look." The elder sister approached the window and beheld the sun, in a full blaze of beauty, sinking to the horizon. Around it were clouds rivalling the rainbow for varied colour. The sky itself caused Eveline to exclaim " Why, that orange colour must be wdiat the colonists cal the 'Australian tint.' How beautiful ! I hope papa will not be too much occupied indoors, and so miss this sunset." " When did the new servant tell papa she would come ?" inquired Eveline. Rosalie laughing replied, " She would let us know as soon as she had made up her mind." They then went into the kitchen to see about tea. "What insolence," said Eveline, "Of course papa will not allow her to come after that." "Papa says," replied Rosalie, "that it is difficult to obtain a servant here at all.

It was what they call colonial bounce. She means to come, but thinks as this is a free country she must show herself in dependent." "Free indeed!" said Eveline. "Oh how I wish," said Rosalie, " that one of our nice respectable servants from home would now walk in. How pretty Ann and Mary used to look in their nice little caps, so different from the Sydney girls, for they wear none. I do wish this wood would not be so obstinate. I'm so hot." "Let me try," said Eveline, kneeling down before an immense fire place, the hobs of which were two large stones. The fire being on the ground was trying to a fine girl like Eveline, besides it leapt up six times in two minutes ; then, in spite of her efforts, died away. Ultimately by the consumption of several newspapers and a profusion of dry leaves they succeeded.

Having had tea, they sat down to read and work The book selected was David Copperfield, and the droll answers of Mr. Dick made then laugh heartily. To their surprise their merriment was echoed by a perfect chorus of laughter. " The laughing jackasses," cried Rosalie, "just as if they enjoyed the book; papa will be here soon." This droll association of ideas caused more mirth, the birds joining in renewed it, and the girls fairly laughed till they cried. The shades of evening came gradually on, but the twi light being of much shorter duration than it is in England, it grew dark much earlier. " I'm afraid that child must be very ill, or papa would not be so long," said Rosalie, " I hope none of those horrid Chinamen bave attacked him." Eveline smiled. " That Chinaman has attacked your nerves," she said.

" Why papa would not fear a dozen of them." "Had we not better unloose Lion ? " said Rosalie, " Papa said no, doubtless for some good reason," was the reply. " Don't fear, we are safe enough ; let us read some more of our book." Rosalie complied, and became much interested in the story. This, together with the occassional rattle of Lion's chain, soon caused her to forget her fears, till suddenly a noise was heard just over the hut, which filled them with alarm. The building was composed of bark, but the roof was made of calico, stretched across a pole in the same manner as a tent, with a second lining underneath. The noise mentioned was heard distinctly, and the eyes of the sisters were quickly rivetted to the upper part of the tenement, as if they feared some dreadful creature would penetrate the slight covering, and rush down upon them.

The noise was a half choking, half snarling sound. Lion now commenced barking. " This is horrible," said Rosalie, in a whisper ; " it must be in the tree that overhangs the hut. Perhaps its a wildcat, Oh ! what shall we do ?" " Loose Lion, of course," said Eva, calmly, though her cheeks were pale, " I'll go." "No, no," cried the younger sister, " pray don't ; perhaps the cat will spring down upon you." Eveline paused, and then said decidedly, " I must ; it may attack papa ;" and both left the hut. It was a lovely moonlight night. There was a sudden rustle amongst the leaves, but no more snarling. " Hush ! " said Eveline, " look there," pointing* to a tree opposite the hut. Rosalie did so, and at the foot saw two creatures somewhat resembling rabbits, except that their fur was grey aud their tails long and bushy, and they looked up to the sisters in such a gentle manner that their fears were at once allayed.

" But there is still that horrid snarling creature on the top of the hut," said Rosalie, "these mild looking animals could never have made that hideous noise." Eva now unloosed Lion, who came bounding forward. The visitors in fur jackets quickly ran up the tree. Lion, a large black retriever, now commenced a series of barks, which were instantly replied to by a number of dogs in the distance. Lion immediately sent a defiant challenge back, which was answered by other dogs from quite a different quarter. These were native dogs — they might almost be called wolves, whose startling warwhoop the sisters heard for the first time. At last Lion could bear these insults no longer, and he started off as if to give battle. " Oh this is why papa wished him to be kept chained," cried Rosalie, " he may be now miles away, and we are alone."

" Don't be too sure of that little trembler, nor hasty in your judgment. Lion's ears are quicker than yours, and he came to welcome me home.' The girls turned quickly and to their great joy perceived their father, accompanied by their faithful protector Lion. Inquiries were made respecting the sick child, whose serious illness had detained the Doctor, but not to his injury, for he said he had had plenty to eat. The girls then told him of the snarling sounds, and described their friends up the tree. The old man smiled as he replied, " You have indeed been taking lessons in Bush life, but you must not be frightened at any strange noises. You will hear many ; your friends up the tree, and the horrid snarlers are the same animals — opossums. " Oh," saidRosalie, " we feared the latter were wild cats.

What is a wild cat like, papa?" "It is a cat, my dear, with a small head and a spotted skin, which is very handsome ; doubtless they would be vicious if attacked, but the sight of human beings scares them ; in fact it is so with all creatures in the Bush, snakes not excepted." The barking of the native dogs was then related, the Doctor remarking, "No wonder it did strike you as something terrible ; it is like the warwhoop of the Indian, and causes a thrill of re pugnance. It must be heard to be understood, for it cannot be described. And now we will have one look at the Southern Cross. See ! there it is — composed of four brilliant stars. And now to supper, and then thank God for His preservation throughout the day, and praise His holy name for the grandeur of his works, which we are thus kindly permitted to see." They entered the hut and soon after retired to rest.

Chapter II

The next morning passed quickly in the performance of household duties. In the afternoon the Doctor left to attend some patients, and the girls promised to meet him on his way home. Accordingly, about 4 o'clock they set out, and were greatly amused with the cockatoos, parrots, and magpies who chattered to and at each other, sung comic songs — questioning, answering, scolding and scream ing. Their next discovery was that they had lost their way, and further progress was impeded by a number of large holes. " This is a most absurd position," cried Eveline, " and not a soul near to direct us." " Hush," said Rosalie, as to their astonishment a man's head appeared above one of the holes. Eveline at once asked the head to tell them how to pass by the holes. In an instant the digger, who was a German, was by her side, cap in hand.

" Holes," said he, " too much dirty for ladies ; will come back leetle way with me ; put them on clean road." They were soon in a position to resume their walk. The foreigner bowed politely, and returned to his work. " See," cried Rosalie, "there is a man cutting down a tree, an immense tree." Eva colouring deeply replied, "It is that man who brought you home yesterday — come on." " He won't notice us," said Rosalie. " I should like to see him get it down, it seems almost impossible." Curiosity prevailed, and Eveline stopped. "See," continued Rosalie, "the tree is falling. Oh ! I hope he won't be hurt." Here she screamed, for the tree fell with a fearful crash. Hearing the scream the woodman paused and looked round, but in vain, for the girls had hidden behind some bushes. " Admire," laughed Eveline, " his perplexed look ; he wonders if we or cockatoos made the noise."

" Stay a moment," said Rosalie, "he cannot see us. Look, he lifts one of those heavy branches on his shoulder ; how strong he must be." " Come on," persisted Eveline, " or we may perhaps meet a China man." In an instant her sister was by her side, saying, " I shall be glad when that girl comes, then Lion can walk out with us : he would have killed that Chinaman yesterday. I'm glad he was not with me." " Of course," said Eveline wickedly, "for you would have lost that romantic walk, with that elegant young man." Here observing her sister looking rather grave she said no more, and they continued their walk for some time in silence. At length, as if following a train of thought, Eveline said abruptly. " I dare say it is an independent life, trusting to yourself, putting forth all your energy, no leaning on others, no one to control, or dictate to you, going where you like, doing what you like, no relation laying down the law, and chalking out your path in life.

If I were a man I'd come abroad at once." " And be a dirty digger ? " asked Rosalie, provokingly. At this Unexpected retort Eveline frowned and coloured deeply; then turning to her sister — "Do you not think it must be an inde pendent life? " "I don't know," said Rosalie. "Of course " continued the elder sister, " I don't mean by independence going to a public house, as the man we have just passed will doubtless do this evening, but building your own hut felling your own trees, and carrying them to your own home," and her eyes brightened as she spoke. " Truly if ' a young man's glory is in his strength,' a young woman's glory is in seeing it ; and it is a mistaken notion, to fancy the fair sex admire either fops or fools." Here their father met them. "Too late, too late," said he, "the dew is rising."

" Dew, papa, I thought the book about Australia told us there were no dews here." " The book told us many things which have proved untrue," said he. They then hastened home. And now dear reader, I have introduced you to an amiable family, we will leave them for a while and take a look at tbe Diggings. We walk through the Bush for about a mile, then arrive at a creek, with trees partially cleared on either side ; we then note tents of all sizes. These we pass, and arrive at the centre of the Diggings. There we shall find that belonging to Water Grey and his mate Keene ; further on are one or two stores and a public house. These we leave, our business being with our first formed friends, who are stretched upon bunks (or wooden sofas) covered with red blankets, both reading. A large wood fire blazes in front of the tent.

On the table are the remnants of supper, left purposely in case Keene may be attacked by a " hungry fit," and wish to " pick a bit," that is to eat a pound or so of salted beef; candles stuck in blocks of wood, old shirts and clothes, in course of washing or mending, complete the picture. Pitching the volumn to the other side of the tent, Grey exclaimed — " The man who wrote this book was a fool." Receiving no reply to this observation, he continued, " I say Keene, what do you think of some snapjacks (pan-cakes) now, by way of a change ? " "I think they'd be deuced good,'' was the reply. " Well then get up and make some, whilst I go and see how Tom Conolly is." — " No, no," said Keene, '■ you stay and talk while I cook." Grey consented, saying " All right, and as I said before, the fellow who wrote that book was a fool."

" Why ? " said Keene, smiling, for he saw that Grey was determined to give his opinion. " Because he has no more idea of spinning a yarn about a woman's ' windings' than you have Torn. "Why, I could have done it better myself." Keene laughed and asked, " Which of the women in the book are you talking of, the dark gal or the fair'un ? " " The dark one of course," said Grey ; " who'd think about a fair girl when a dark one like that was described? " " I would," said Keene. I hate your darkies, with their tigerish eyes ; give me a nice, good sized, fat, laughing gal, with a large, round, fair good tempered face ; that's my sort." " Plenty for your money," said a voice at the door, and a fair good looking young man of slight figure entered. " Now what I'd like would be just to get a girl for my wife, such as I saw this very day, with these very eyes, for by Jove she was a nugget."