Rush to Fairy Dell

By Lindsay Laurie

the lure of shares in a promised fortune is too much for burra to ignore when a gnarled old bloke in the pub claims that he has lived his life as a gold prospector, and so paints an alluring mental picture of a life that is productive as well as being adventurous. once burra has been infected by gold fever, the prospector named pete takes burra on a mental journey on how a nugget nominated as the rhubarb leaf was lost and now lies hidden in a deserted goldfield, waiting to be reclaimed. with each anecdote pete provides: plus being backed up by his assistant ralph, burra soon becomes besotted with the promise of a small fortune, so offers his hand to find this fabled nugget named the rhubarb leaf,. although burra insists through negotiation that one of his sons accompany him on the rush to fairy dell.

once all the details are finalized, not only burra and his son archie are joining pete and ralph, but also two acquaintances of archie’s; ned and shaun have offered their services as well, but burra demands one stipulation that is set in concrete as far as he is concerned...there must be no involvement from women who might derail the entire project, but this demand is squashed when the crew gathers to leave, for pete admits that he lives with his daughter and she is to join them as the cook, but the crew isn’t complete yet. burra is blamed for offering clarence, a religious crank, a spot on the team, which naturally burra denies, and with the addition of clarence everything appeared finalized until pete realized burra has forgot to bring the guns, so there is another hold up until burra fixes the problem, and on arrival back at home, another of burra’s sons, Arty, decides at the last minute to join the rush to fairy dell.

there are many twists and turns involving each member of the crew and plenty of surprises involving personnel and situations in the quest for the hidden nugget. I will finish by mentioning that gold is found, but for the reader to know by who and how the gold is distributed you must read on.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lindsay Laurie
• Release date: Nov 4, 2012
• ISBN: 9781301406012

Lindsay Laurie

Born in the Royal Women’s Hospital in Melbourne in 1946 and as a child I lived at Deer Park before my family moved to Longwarry in West Gippsland. I have one brother who was born at the Warragul Hospital in 1948. For forty-five years I lived at Longwarry, being educated at the Longwarry State School and the Drouin High School. I left school at sixteen and for thirty years worked in the dairy industry at Longwarry Milk Factory, employed by four company’s working as a butter maker, dryer operator and at times either a cream room or milk room operator. I never moved but the companies did. For four tomato seasons I worked for White Crow as an evaporator operator. Ill health with a muscle wasting disease forced me to retire eventually. My sporting interests have always been Australian Rules football, Cricket and playing Basketball. I played all my football and cricket for Longwarry, but played basketball for a number of clubs. My hobbies over the years have ranged from keeping aviary birds, especially finches, growing native fruit plants as well as attempting to grow everything I could from either seed or cuttings. I am one of the founding members of the modern and very successful Longwarry fishing club that in it’s first three years won a number of state trophies. My preference was river fishing for either blackfish or the Gippsland freshwater crayfish. I have been married twice. My first marriage failed after seven years and from that marriage I have three children, Karen, Janet and Brad. My second marriage with Joy has seen a long and happy period of thirty-two years. We have three children, Teresa, Glenn and Megan, plus nine grand children, and a tenth grand child due. I also keep in constant touch with my brother Ron, who lives in Melbourne. He is a constant source of information toward my writing. From 1993 until 2010 I lived in Irymple Victoria, and today, I am back in my home town Longwarry in Gippsland and because of my disability, I spend most of my time writing about the people in my life, and of course as you will read, fictional people who I do not wish to have in my life through this Creek family. November 1 2012 Lindsay Laurie.

Book preview

WHEN THE CREEKS ARE RUNNING

RUSH TO FAIRY DELL

Fictional dark humour

by

Lindsay Laurie

This second ebook in a series of ‘Creek’ plots is possibly best suited for sexist men who are incapacitated with a broken leg or maybe suffering a kneecapping. On the other hand they might be classed as a recent figure of torture when being forced to read through an indiscretion towards the better half. If there is any possibility that the characters in these plots represent any living character then I sincerely apologize because it is purely coincidental.

******

INTRODUCTION TO THE CREEKS

THE CREEK FAMILY:

Dysfunctional, untrustworthy, lacking morals, and extremely unpredictable is best how to describe the Creek family. The men folk are prone to get themselves caught up in stings, swindles and fraudulent behaviour, and the women folk are prepared to live off the ill-gotten gains…however, lack of thought and preparation tend to dispense them bother on almost every occasion, and the law is always just that one step behind any venture that extends into grey areas.

Perhaps some of us do have neighbours like the Creeks, or we do know a family that resembles the Creeks culture. This family has that wonderful attitude to irritate us all no end with their unreliability, untrustworthiness and undeniable attraction to petty criminal acts. Their unpredictability and selfish acts amongst themselves for their own personal gains destroys any semblance of loyalty that one would expect in a close knit family. No functional family can live like the Creeks…or can they?

SMASHWORDS EDITION

PUBLISHED BY:

Lindsay Laurie on Smashwords

Rush to Fairy Dell

© Lindsay Laurie November 2012

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 Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

CHAPTER ONE

i

The meeting in the pub.

Naturally it doesn’t take much convincing from Archie to lure Burra away from Edith’s constant nagging on the subject of tidying up the yard; for the one thing that annoys Burra and aggravates him more than ever is gardening, especially after he sprayed ‘Round Up’ on Edith’s weeklong-planted petunias. The petunia’s appeared to look more like weeds to Burra, and in any case, in Burra’s mind, ‘what’s the sense in planting something that has no purpose at all except costing money, not only to buy the plants, but for snail pellets, fertilizer, weed killer, water and a broken back preparing the ground in the first place’.

However, Burra promised that he would help Edith on this pleasant Saturday afternoon, and he did have full intentions of trimming footpath edges, mowing the lawn and pruning shrubs or trees that have grown straggly over the past two years. Of course, now Archie is acting the role of the devils advocate, sitting on Burra’s shoulder and persistently urging in his ear when Edith is out of range, about going down to the pub. Burra’s conscience at first admonishes Archie and his persistence, but eventually Burra stares through the fly-wire door at Edith on her hands and knees with her back to him as she scratches the earth and tugs out the troublesome couch grass that has invaded her vegetable garden.

Unfortunately for Edith, Archie has changed Burra’s good intentions and without a word to Edith, Burra quietly closes the front door as he follows Archie outside.

I’m gunna die fer this Burra’s low voice utters with one mini second of regret.

Archie shrugs his shoulders You’ve died plenty of times before old man. I can’t see why this death will be any different.

Well I’m only hangin’ by a thread at home now Burra answers and then thinks for a moment. No Arch, I think I better go back home and help yer mother.

Archie shakes his head Talk about petticoat government. You eat with mum; you sleep with mum, you…

That’s enough Arch Burra interrupts. Yer’ve just changed me mind. Yer right; I’m spendin’ too much time with yer mother. I need me Saturday arvo’s to mix with me old mates and meet new ones. I mean that’s where our wheelin’ and dealin’ is done. Am I right Arch?

Archie gives a reassuring sigh, You’re dead right old man. When mum tries to give you the rounds of the kitchen tonight, I’ll back you up to the hilt. Don’t worry about that.

Now yer talkin’ drivel Archie Burra’s past experiences with his boys flashes in front of his eyes.

Archie’s voice squeaks Aye, why am I talking drivel?

Because Burra’s voice deepens, I can reel off a thousand experiences when you bloody lot have left me flounderin’ around in strife up to me neck while I’m tryin’ to protect youse, so don’t talk about backin’ me up when we get home tonight.

Archie opens the door to the public bar of the hotel Okay then, we’ll fight our own battles then. You’re shout old man.

It’s my shout is it…Christ I’ve left me wallet at home! Burra pats first, his shirt pocket followed by the back pocket of his trousers.

Archie’s eyes flare You’re bloody joking?

Of course I’m bloody jokin’ Burra laughs. Hell, there’s Cliffy over there. I better give me order to Willy before he spots me or I’ll have to shout him as well.

Archie gives a weak smile, Yeah, well Dad. I’ve just spotted Ned Feeler over in the lounge talking to some bloke. Hurry up and get me a beer so I can sneak around and have a yak with him.

Hang on Arch, Cliffy hasn’t spotted me yet. Who’s the old bloke he’s drinkin’ with? Burra’s eyes strain.

Archie ponders for a few seconds I don’t know what his moniker is, but I know he lives out in the sticks somewhere.

Interestin’ Arch Burra orders his two beers. Hey Willy, whose the bloke Cliffy’s tryin’ to con a beer out of?

Willy places two glasses of beer on the bar towel Peter Ridge mate. He’s moved into Syd Jakobi’s mansion seeing old Syd gave up smoking.

Mansion! Burra laughs. Here Archie, clear off around to yer mates. Bloody hell Willy, the joints only held up by blackberries and beer cans. Don’t tell me he’s an old derro like Syd was.

Hang on Burra Willy’s voice rises. You didn’t know old Syd like I did. He wasn’t an old derro at all, in fact he really only came in here for some company and tell a few yarns. He just happened to be an old miner who suffered from gold fever all his life.

Burra sips his beer Gold fever, I’ve heard about that. I suppose it’s a bit like this stuff and bein’ addicted to the puffs.

I guess it is Willy nods. Old Pete over there was a mate of Syd’s. He’s got the bug as well and he’s come down here to pay his last respects to an old mining cobber. He’s worth listening to I tell you. Him and old Syd have had a pretty good lifetime scrounging around the goldfields.

Burra quickly becomes interested with the word ‘gold’ mentioned. Did they ever find anythin’ worth while…of course they didn’t, otherwise they wouldn’t live in the squalor they do, would they?

You’d have to ask old Pete, Burra Willy leans on the bar. Why don’t you go over and join the shout. I reckon you’d find it interesting.

Burra picks his beer up I might just do that Willy old son. Thanks fer the tip.

With his beer in hand, Burra walks across to the table where Cliffy sits with Pete the stranger, bidding g’day to a couple of regular drinkers with a grin and a nod.

Cliffy Burra calls out from behind his back. Your shout!

Cliffy Hill’s head spins around. Burra, you son of a gun. Pull up a stump and join us.

Have yer gone deaf Cliffy? I said its yer shout Burra smirks.

Cliffy clears his throat Actually it’s not Burra, its Pete’s dip. By the way Burra, have you met Pete yet?

Can’t say I have Burra acknowledges Pete with a nod. Me names Burra, Burra Creek.

Pete stands up and holds his hand out Pete mate, Peter Ridge if you want me regal name but I prefer the shortened version.

We’re sailin’ in the same boat mate. I hate royalty Burra shakes hands. I suppose Cliffy is sendin’ yer broke.

Cliffy coughs Turn it up Burra; you’re making me sound like I’m a con man.

You are, Burra grins. Just think of the times yer’ve scammed me out of a beer.

Cliffy lights up a cigarette Now that you mention it. You’re standing; we’re sitting so it must be your shout.

Burra makes a deep sigh and holds his hands out See what I mean Pete. Give us yer glasses and I’ll get us all a top up.

Burra places three glasses on the bar towel and watches Willy fill them one by one.

So you’ve made contact Burra? Willy waits for the froth to settle on his third pour before topping the glass up.

Burra picks up the two full glasses Yep, I’ve said g’day just before Cliffy stung me again.

There’s more stings in old Cliffy than there is in a bee hive aye Burra Willy places Burra’s change on the bar.

Burra maneuvers the third glass into his hands I’ve never thought of it that way Willy, but it’s a point worth rememberin’. I’ll put that in the memory bank fer future reference. First of all I’m gunna have a bit of a listen to Pete. He might be an interestin’ bloke.

He is Willy grins before scuttling along the bar to serve another customer.

Burra places the three glasses down upon the table before handing one across to Pete. Cliffy picks his own up and Burra sits down.

So Pete Burra holds his glass up. Cheers. Willy tells me you were a gold miner.

Pete sits up stiffly in his chair Aye! What’s this I was? I still bloody well am a gold miner. I’m just having a bit of time off in respect of Syd Jakobi whose helping to pave more path beyond the pearly gates.

That’s right Burra gives a slight chuckle. "Heavens paths are supposed to be paved with gold aren’t they?’

Pete shrugs So they say, but I’m in no hurry to find out.

Tell Burra why you’re really here Pete Cliffy interjects.

Pete sips his beer I don’t think Burra would be too interested in why I’m here. He probably thinks I’ve got nowhere to live so I’ve taken over ‘blackberry lodge’ now that Syd’s curled his toes up.

Hang on Burra shakes his head vigorously. I haven’t been thinkin’ anythin’. I don’t even know yer Pete, and I don’t know anythin’ about yer. Besides, its yer own business why yer’ve moved into Syd’s mansion. The only thing that I can say that I know about yer is yer’ve been a gold miner all yer life.

Gold! A voice rises over Burra’s. Did I hear the word gold mentioned?

All eyes turn in the direction of the voice. Cliffy speaks initially Ralph, g’day. Yeah you did hear the filthy word mentioned.

Ralph Head places a chair close to the table. I thought I did. I’ve had a few stints at seeking me fortune for the lode you know.

Did yer find anythin’ worth while Ralph? Burra’s eyes brighten.

Ralph looks down at the floor Yeah I did Burra. I found some nuggets up around the twenty-ounce mark. In fact after one attack of the fever I had enough to buy meself a house.

Pete knowingly replies, Yeah, but you lost the house didn’t you?

I did, but I can’t blame the lure of gold for that Ralph sighs. Hang on, I’ve got this wrong. I can blame the lure of gold, but it wasn’t a lure by me.

Pete squints So you made a few bad investments did you?

Too right Ralph admits. Marriage investments. It was my third missus that took me to the cleaners.

Yer third missus! Burra warily repeats.

Ralph shrugs his shoulders That’s right Burra; I’m on me fifth one now. I’m not like you; I just seem to have bad luck with the women that fall in love with me. More so with the third bugger who cleared off with a lawyer, and I couldn’t talk her out of leaving me the lot. She even got a nugget that I hadn’t cashed in at the time.

Hold yer horses Ralph Burra’s interest grows immensely. How much money have yer made out of fossickin’ fer gold?

Ralph licks his lips, takes a drink, wipes his mouth with his sleeve, and gives a whining reply I’d say close to half a million Burra.

Half a bloody million! Burra’s eyes flutter.

Ralph adds, That’s at a conservative guess. It might be a fair whack more than that, I’m not sure, and you’d have to ask the ex wives if you want the exact figure. They’d bloody know right to the last cent.

I know how you feel Pete scratches his palm. Mucking around with gold is like playing with a yo-yo. One second it’s in your hand and the next it’s groveling in the dirt while all along you’re being collared by that chain of hope, or in a yo-yo’s case, a string.

Burra listens intently to the two discussing their gold mining adventures. Now excuse me fer interjectin’ here, but I’m gettin’ the feelin’ there’s a few bucks in diggin’ fer gold. Am I right?

Pete clears his throat My bloody oath there’s money to be made, and tax free as well. All you need is a miner’s licence, worth about ten bucks or so and that even gives you the right to stake a claim on private property.

Is that so Cliffy joins in. In that case I might slip out on Monday morning and grab a licence then stake a claim on this joint.

Burra hands Cliffy his glass Go and get this filled up will yer. I’ve got a few questions that need to be asked. Now Pete, did yer say that yer still into this gold fossickin’?

My bloody oath I am Pete nods. Although, I have to admit, the old body ain’t doing the job it used to, so to get into the hot spots I need a bit of a hand to do the lumping at times.

Burra takes a deep breath Do yer reckon I’m young enough to do the job?

I think you’re teeth are a fraction too long old mate Pete looks Burra up and down, But there’d be something for you to do I suppose.

Burra’s eyes still shine Like what?

The dishes, washing the clothes, and knocking up a feed Pete muses over some unarguable necessities.

Burra shuffles in his chair Well that puts me out of any gold seekin’ adventure. I ain’t doin’ any woman’s work.

You wouldn’t have to mate Pete laughs. I was only trying to find your level. If you had have said okay I would have told you to go and give your boyfriend a cuddle.

Burra watches on as Cliffy places the three beers on the table. I’ll tell yer what, I’ll go and grab me son Archie from in the lounge. He might be a bit keen on fillin’ his pockets with gold as well, and he’s a spirited young buck who doesn’t mind gettin’ his mitts dirty. I’ll be back in a flash.

Cliffy waits until Burra is out of earshot Hey Pete, are you fair-dinkum about taking Burra into the wilderness after gold?

Sure, why not?

Ralph puffs his cheeks out. You don’t know the Creeks real well do you?

I don’t know them at all, although I have heard the name mentioned.

Ralph whispers, Look Pete, they’re conniving, thieving, untrustworthy buggers who you have to watch at all times.

Is that so Pete raises his glass. Exactly the type of people I’m looking for.

Burra walks up quietly behind Archie and places a hand on his left shoulder, a real no-no to a Creek. This style of greeting usually indicates an enemy to their cause and at times has caused serious repercussions from a round-arm hook. Luckily for Burra on this occasion Archie’s swinging fist misses his cheek by an inch or so. Burra quickly clamps his hand on Archie’s wrist. Hey settle down will yer! I only want to have a quick yarn with yer.

A shaking Archie replies Don’t sneak up behind me like that again. I thought it might have been Betty Lawson’s old man.

Well serve yerself right if it was Burra releases his hold on Archie’s wrist. Listen, I want to have a bit of a yarn with yer about a very profitable job.

Archie makes himself comfortable in his chair You can sit down here and tell me. I’m sure Ned and Shaun don’t mind being seen with you.

Don’t be so bloody sarcastic! Burra taps Archie’s shoulder. First, when are yer goin’ to make the introduction? I know Ned, but I haven’t a clue who this other young bloke is.

Ned Feeler answers, This is Shaun O’Fegan, he’s an Irish back packer who I met a couple of years ago when I was back packing in Ireland.

Please to meet yer Shaun Burra holds his hand out.

Shaun stands up, bows, and shakes hands with Burra To be sure it is a pleasure to meet you. Are you Archie’s DNA Dad?

What the bloody hell has Archie been tellin’ yer? Burra prepares to place a headlock on Archie.

Shaun denies any collusion Noothing at orl. That’s the way it is these days. We can be sure of the moother, but rarely the forther.

Well yer can be sure that Archie’s me son Burra lowers his voice. His mother would never think of lookin’ at another bloke. I mean I’ve spoilt her fer anyone else.

Shaun gives an understandably sheepish grin and lets the matter lie.

Burra turns his attention back on Archie Now listen closely son. If we play our cards right we could soon be in charge of a million bucks or more.

A million bucks! Ned shouts.

Burra glares at Ned Shut up will yer. I don’t want the whole world to know yer whacker!

Sorry Mr. Creek Ned apologizes. The word caught me unawares.

Burra accepts Ned’s apology. Burra’s me name. There’s a bloke out in the bar who wants me to go along with him and help pick up lumps of gold.

He wants you to what? Archie laughs.

Burra lifts his eyebrows. Don’t laugh son, I’m bein’ serious. I just happened to be takin’ in bits and pieces of a conversation between Ralph Head and some old bloke with Cliffy. Now they both said that they’ve done a fair whack of gold prospectin’ and in certain stages of their lives they’ve been millionaires.

Ralph Head! Archie scoffs. Ever since I’ve known him he’s had the arse out of his dacks. He might have had the naughts in a million, but we’ve all had that.

Burra winces I know what yer sayin’ Archie, but please let me finish. If yer listened to what I said, then yer would have heard me say that at some stage of their lives they were millionaires from gold prospectin’. The difference between them and us Arch is they didn’t know how to handle their money.

Hang on Mr. Creek Ned cuts in on Burra’s explanation. If I recall your past, you never had any trouble about handling your own money because you were too busy handling someone else’s.

Burra shakes his head Burra mate, and I’m sorry Ned, but if yer keep that sort of garbage up I’m goin’ to have to give yer a sock in the gob…now shut up!

I’m sorry Mr. Creek, it sort of slipped out Ned apologizes again.

Burra heaves a deep sigh Ferget it Ned, so Archie what do yer think. Are yer willin’ to become an honest millionaire?

There’s no sooch bloody thang! Shaun laughs.

Burra stares at Shaun Are yer an Irish Catholic?

Too bloody roight, an’ proud of it Shaun puffs his chest out.

Burra lowers his voice And the perfect reason why the Pope should let his mob practice birth control mate.

Archie chuckles Fair go Dad. Shaun is only telling the truth.

Truth or not Burra adds. Now what about comin’ around to the bar and listenin’ to what these prospectors can offer us.

Ned gives Burra a weak smile Is it okay if we come around and have a listen too Mr. Creek?

Fer Christ sake Ned, Burra whinges. Call me Burra. Yer makin’ me sound like I’m an old man by callin’ me Mr. Creek.

Ned instantly forgets Burra’s request. Okay then Mr. Creek.

Burra leads the three boys back into the public bar and in Indian file they maneuver their way through a path between the tables, chairs and pub patrons. Cliffy is first to take note of Burra’s return with three words that Burra is quite familiar with Your shout Burra.

Typical Cliffy. I should have hung back another five minutes and yer might have died of thirst Burra dives one hand into his pants pocket.

Pete’s eyes flick from one boy to the next Who have we got here Cliffy?

This bloke is Burra’s lad, Archie, Cliffy motions. I only know Ned as Ned, and as for the other fella, I haven’t got a bloody clue.

Burra interrupts Cliffy Jack Feeler’s young bloke Cliffy. Gawd, yer should have known his name.

Not the…weren’t you in the clink for a while? Cliffy squints.

Ned sheepishly replies, Yeah I was, but it wasn’t my fault.

It never is Pete grins. I’ve had a couple of stints myself actually. Little things, like pinching food and basic lifestyle requirement crimes if you know what I’m getting at.

Ned sighs, My crime was the same, sort of feeler by name feeler by nature. It was the sheila’s fault though.

It always bloody is Burra sides with Ned. I’m gunna get Willy to drop a couple of jugs on the table. Anybody that doesn’t agree can get their own grog. Any objections?

Burra doesn’t expect any and never got any. Pete’s face hardens with Ned’s confession, and instead of letting the subject slide, Pete glares at Ned. Are you still into that sport are you?

What sport? Ned asks.

Pete continues to glare Assaulting women.

I didn’t bloody assault her! Ned’s face blushes. Don’t tell me you haven’t had a few beers in you and felt your inhibitions disappear. Christ I only ran me hand up her leg.

Archie stands between the pair Hang on old fella. I’m sticking by Ned. I don’t think it was what really happened, but where and who it happened to that set the legal world aflame. What Ned has failed to mention is, that his small indiscretion was only a bet that went wrong?

Ralph grunts, Don’t bloody make excuses son. So what if you gave a young girl a thrill. She probably enjoyed it if the truth were known. I think you must have done more than lay a hand on her leg.

I didn’t! Ned continues to defend himself. I tell you, well I’ll tell you what I remember doing.

Archie whines Leave it be. Look, what happened was, we were standing outside at an Anglican Church dance one Friday night, and some old fogies told us to either come inside or clear off. We’d all had a few in us so we lashed out and went inside. Of course a few things were said and some silly bugger bet Ned here that he wouldn’t be game to touch up the Ministers daughter.

And you did! Pete leers.

Ned takes a deep breath No I didn’t, that’s the problem. Seeing I was drunk, the Ministers daughter and his missus looked pretty much the same and even though the odds were fifty-fifty, I stuffed up.

Here’s one jug interferes with the conversation. Burra pours his beer first. Willy’s bringin’ another two over in a minute.

Cliffy fills his glass About bloody time too Burra. I was starting to dehydrate.

I’ll bet yer bloody were Burra chuckles, Anyway what are we talkin’ about?

Pete gazes across at Ned. About this young fella here touching up the Ministers missus.

Oh geez yeah Burra laughs. If Ned hadn’t have ended up chewin’ the woodwork it would have been the funniest thing that ever happened around here.

Ned gives Burra a puzzled stare What do you mean chewing the woodwork?

Well Burra smirks, Yer quite a nice lookin’ young fella.

Ned very quickly defends himself No bastard touched me while I was inside. Just because it happened to you Mr. Creek doesn’t…

Steady up son! Burra shouts Ned down. Who told yer that rubbish?

Ned grins at Archie.

He did! Burra points at Archie. Don’t take any notice of him. He doesn’t even have to be in prison to chew on a pillow.

Archie finds it hard to contain himself That’s right old man. I would never have tried it if you hadn’t have told me how good it was.

Yor’ll getting me quite confused Shaun scratches his head. Whart are youse torking aboot?

Cliffy lights a cigarette And who are you anyway?

Ned taps Shaun on the shoulder This is Shaun my boyfriend.

Boyfriend! Shaun steps back. R’m not yur boyfriend. R ain’t a gayman, and you are!

Laughter echoes from the group of drinkers. Cliffy blows smoke into the air Well we know you’re Irish and we know you’re here, but who are you?

Ned makes the introduction This here is Shaun O’Fegan and he’s back packing around the country. I met him when I was doing the same thing on the Emerald Isle. Shaun, that’s Cliffy Hill there and I’m buggered if I know who the other two are.

Ralph takes a pace forward and holds his hand out Ralph Head’s the name Shaun and I’m pleased to meet you.

Same to you Shaun slightly bows.

Pete remains in his chair and holds his hand out Pete Ridge young Paddy. It’s been a while since I’ve run into a Paddy. You’re a nice bunch you fellas.

T’ank you Pete for the compliment, Shaun smiles.

Burra takes the floor again Now we’ve got all the bull dust out of the way and everyone’s cuddlin’ up to each other, let’s get down to business.

Mr. Creek, R ain’t cuddlin’ anyone Shaun reminds Burra.

Burra smirks slightly What? Sure yer are matey.

No R am not Shaun raises his voice.

Archie puts his arm around Shaun’s neck Settle down cobber. You better start learning the lingo before you decide what you are or are not doing.

Shaun breaks away from Archie’s hold R’ve got this feelin’ if R hang around with you lot for long enough R’ll be getting A’s in Australian.

Fer Christ sake shut up Paddy! Burra whines. Let’s get on with what I brought yer young blokes around here with me fer.

Pete empties half his glass I suppose you’re talking about doing some prospecting Burra.

Too bloody right that’s what I’m talkin’ about Burra stipulates. If I can get me hands on an easy million or two then I’m interested no end Pete old son.

Okay then Pete draws a deep breath. What do you want to know about first?

Burra utters a quiet titter I want to know everythin’, especially about where I can pick this gold up.

Pete licks his lips, pours himself another beer out of a jug and flashes his eyes around his cautious but interested audience. Of course there’s one thing that I have to make very clear before I unload my secrets.

Oh yeah Ralph nods. And what is that Pete?

Pete once more uses the art of expectation silence before continuing. We have to have a few bucks upfront before we can dig up the gold.

That’s understandable Ralph agrees. Do you mean for equipment.

Pete shakes his head No, we have all the equipment we need with what I’ve got back home plus Syd’s gear. Syd won’t be needing it again will he, so we might as well make use of it. What I’m talking about is the likes of tucker, fuel, a few sticks of gelignite and definitely a gun or two.

Hang on! Burra butts in again. Did yer say guns? I dunno about gettin’ tangled up with guns. Christ thinkin’ about gelignite frightens the Christ out of me. We had a bad experience once before didn’t we Arch?

Archie raises his eyebrows You mean when we were camping that time and we used it for fishing.

Somethin’ like that. When the stupid buggers tried to use it fer eradicatin’ rabbits more likely Burra closes his eyes and shudders at the thought.

Archie nudges Ned Yeah and we blew up half a blokes herd of dairy cows.

How? Ralph asks.

Burra puffs his cheeks out "What are we interested about here, somethin’ from the far distant past or