"Then, I'll collect my party and head for bed. I'll come after lunch if I may."
"You may as well come for lunch. Then we'll take Jenson and just the three of us , and see what we can do."
Ned and Nell saw them off and gratefully headed for bed.
The riding party was silent all the way. Micky attempting to say something but was cut short by Beetson who said, "No more tonight, Micky. Save it for another time."
They all fell into bed. But for Ricky, at least, to an uneasy sleep.
Jenson was quite amenable to accompanying Ned and Ricky to the blacks camp across the river. Ricky felt very apprehensive about it all and wished he was miles away. Never did he think he would meet up with Durren under these circumstances. He sat in the launch hoping for the best.
"Now, Jenson, I've asked you to come for you know the blacks better than any of us. I've brought the gun, but want it under cover unless there is any bother. Speak to them if you can and assure them that we are friendly. I daresay they will be very wary of us."
""Oi reckon they will be, surr," said Jenson. "Yer must admit they 'ave reason ter be."
"Yes, I agree. Let’s hope for the best." said Ned. Turning to Ricky he said. "Jenson was here when they brought your father in, Ricky, and so knows the story. You've seen something of Durren, too haven't you, Jenson?"
"Yus surr. 'Es a good'n, Durren is, 'is name means messenger, and 'oi reckon thet's wot 'e is, a sort of messenger. 'E seems to know a lot of different tribes. 'Oi reckon it'll be orltight, surr. We'll watch fer weapons. If we sees them then'll it'll be all right."
"Whatever do you mean, Jenson? Do you want to see their weapons?"
"Yus surr. Weapons yer see is safer than them's what yer don't. When they are tetchy they drag 'em along the ground in the grass between their toes and 'ide 'em. They kin bring 'em up real quick an' get yer."
By this time they were getting closer to the far bank, Jenson rowing with even strides. Then he turned the boat so that he pushed the oars instead of pulling. This way he could see where they were going. "Wanna keep'em in sight, boss," he said.
"Good thinking, Jenson. You'd best get out further mid stream, though, or they will think we are creeping up on them. Speak in a normal voice, we don't want them to think we are doing that." So Ricky asked about the lovely trees that were growing along the banks and then about the fish one could catch. They could now see the clearing and a thin wisp of smoke from a fire.
"I'd call now, Boss. Call for Durren," said Jenson.
"Hello, there. Are you there, Durren?" called Forrest.
They saw a slight movement. Not much, but some. But there was not the normal camp life to be seen.
"Are you there Durren?" called Forrest again. "It's Mr Forrest, Durren. I have a visitor for you. Can we come ashore?"
This time they heard voices. There was quite a conversation going on and then Durren appeared with some men. He stood back and Ricky noticed that he and two companions stood in grass. No weapons were evident. Ricky felt rather chilled but tried to take it calmly.
"Hello, Durren. I have Mr English with me. You remember you looked after his father some time ago."
There was no movement from the black men, then Jenson called out in what Ricky thought was a jabber. This time there was interest and slowly the men came out of the grass and stood in a cleared patch. Durren spoke over his shoulder and soon several other people appeared. Men mostly, although Ricky could see a few women right at the back.
"It's all right, surr, we can land, now," said Jenson.
"You stay with the boat, Jenson," said Ned. "Keep the gun handy but don't use it unless I say."
"Too roight, 'oi won't surr. Oi'll keep it kivered."
Ned stepped out of the boat and Ricky followed. They offered their hands and greeted the men and smiled as widely as it was possible.
"This is Mr English, Durren. He has come to thank you for looking after his father. We haven't been able to find you , have you been walkabout?"
"Yus, boss. Me walkabout. Got wife." He called out and a gin came a step or two closer and giggled. "Wife," said Durren.
Ricky was amazed to see how young she looked. Durren was a big man and now seemed friendly enough. He came and shook hands with both the white men and spoke again to the other people. They turned and walked the few steps back to the camp, leading Ricky and Ned. Ned explained that Ricky lived in the big town, Sydney, much bigger than Windsor and was owner of Mr Raynes property now. The blacks seemed to understand, or at least did when Durren explained. Then they all sat down, Durren motioning to Ned and Ricky to sit on a log. Then he tried to explain to Ricky about finding his father and pointed to a cave nearby where Richard English's box with the papers was found. There was difficult chatter, but friendly enough, and after some time when everything seemed all right, Forrest said, "We found the man who was shooting, Durren, and took him away. You will not be troubled any more."
"What for he do?" asked Durren. He turned and explained this to the others. There was some hostile conversation, and a few started yelling about it. Then suddenly it quietened down and Durren repeated his question, "What for he do, boss?"
"He was a silly fellow, Durren. He was a town person who didn't know better. We fixed him and he won't do it again. I tell police and all is well. We want you to know we are sorry white man trouble black man. We all want to be friends." At that Forrest shook hands with Durren again and all the men came and shook hands again. There were smiles all round and all seemed to be settled.
"We'll go now, Durren. I did want to bring Mr English to you and also to tell you that the shooting man has finished."
"All right, now," said Durren.
"Thank you very much for looking after my father Durren. Could you show me the cave where my fathers things were?" asked Ricky.
"Come," said Durren. He led the way to the cave and Ricky agreed that it was a good place for keeping things. Then they turned and said "Good bye" to everyone and went back to the boat.
Ned told Jenson to tell them how much they appreciated Durren when he looked after Richard English. He did this and there were smiles and waves all round. Jenson picked up the oars and soon they were gliding downstream quite fast. When they got out of sight and well out of earshot they all sighed a great sigh and said," Thank goodness that's over."
"Oi thought it were a narrow squeak first orf, surr. They natives did 'ave spears in thet grass. Oi thought oi would 'avin spear for me dinner oi did. I were ready wi' gun, surr, but oi reckon it wouldn't 'ave been too good one gun agin orl them spears."
"Well, I think it was a good day's work Jenson. But I think Mr English saved the day for we had a good excuse and that paid dividends. Let's get home, I know the women are anxious."
"Not as anxious as I was, Mr Forrest. I must admit I never want to go through that again," said Ricky, wiping his brow.
Ricky thought the adventure was worth it though when they got back to Claremont for Jenny positively ran into his arms on their arrival. "Wow, darling that's a lovely reception," he said.
"Is everything all right, Ned?" asked Nell.
"Yes, all well, but as Ricky said, I wouldn't like too many adventures like that one." Turning to Jenson he said, "Thank you for your help, Jenson. I knew you were just the right person to take along."
Ricky also thanked the man and shook his hand. Then they turned and went inside to tea and the usual lovely scones. They explained all to their women folk and Ricky and Jenny were able to go up to the gazebo and chat until dinner. "I hope we don't have any more adventurous weekends like this, darling, I almost will be glad to get back to the safe and uninteresting town, this time. I hate the thought of leaving you here to face what might have been a sticky and nasty situation. Drat that Micky."
Ned picked Ricky up in the morning and both went to the police in Windsor. Ned had thought the best thing to do was to put their cards on the table and hope that nothing more would be done. The sergeant had known Macksfield and so was s
ympathetic to the boy. He was quite willing to do all he could about sorting it out so that Micky would be saved from trouble. Ricky and Ned were grateful that it seemed as though it would all come good in the end.
After all the excitement Ricky decided that a calm ferry ride up the harbour from Parramatta would be more pleasurable than riding in the dirty and dusty train and so by the time he arrived home it was all in the past. He only had his other worries to concern him again and that was bad enough, for he was very concerned about Tad and was more than concerned about Will. Mr Landon was quite sage about it all, though, and was a great aid to Ricky. He was determined that the young ones were all right and that they were old enough to sort themselves out. He still expected them to appear one day.
Mr Landon proved correct for out of the blue, there they were. For one September day Ricky came home to find several large trunks in the hall. He took one look at them and called, "Tad."
Tad appeared at the head of the stairs and said, "Hello, Ricky, we've come home."
"So I see and I am very glad to see you. Is everything all right? Come and tell me all about your trip. I thought you would turn into an Englishman, Tad."
"Not me, old boy, I am for Sydney. I feel at home here."
"How is Amabel? And I must tell you again I am very pleased with your news."
"So are we, Rick. That's one reason we came home. But I'll tell you all about it. Amabel is fine, but I sent her round to her mother, for she was most anxious to see her, naturally. I've asked them to come for dinner, I hope you don't mind.'
"Of course I don't, you melon. That's what I would expect."
" Let's go down and have a drink before they arrive. Rick you've done up the top floor for us, thank you. I knew you were going to but I really am pleased with it. Amabel is very excited about it. It's our first home. Rick, I think I will wait until Amabel's people come to tell you why we came home, if you don't mind."
"No, I don't mind. I expected that. It saves telling twice. But tell me, what of Will? Can you tell me about him and how he is?"
"Why, no. I thought you would have more news than me. To tell you the truth we rather stopped writing. So much was happening with all the relatives that I didn't write as often as I should have. How long is it since you heard?"
"Not since he went on that painting trip with his friends. I haven't had a letter since."
"Gosh, that's worrying. That makes me feel rotten, Rick. I was so full of my own problems that I guess I didn't think. I just expected him to be all right. But Mr Cummins would see to him, wouldn't he?"
"Apparently not. He didn't go down well with Mrs Cummins and he tried to keep his distance. I wish I could find out. I've written to the Cummins but it will take ages for us to hear. I must tell you that Mr Landon is very worried, too, for he has had some rather rotten letters from Mrs Cummins. She doesn't seem to be a gentle type, Tad. I would like to have a few choice words with that woman. Can you imagine anyone trying to take it out on a lonely lad just because he doesn't know who his father is?" Ricky could see the distress on Tad's face and said, "Don't worry. He's sure to be all right. Come on I think that's the Landon's."
C
HAPTER 19 Together Again
It was a very happy dinner party. Ricky thought Amabel was glowing; so lovely in her advanced pregnancy. He couldn't help wondering what Jenny would be like in that state. As lovely and as happy as obviously Amabel was, he hoped. After dinner, they settled in the sitting room to hear the story. What they heard distressed the Landon’s and Ricky.
"First I want to say that my grandfather Falconer-Mead is a grand old man but I think he is very mistaken in liking the rest of the family. Josh, of course, was all right. I daresay he cannot be held responsible for his parents. His mother, Aunt Mary and his aunt, my Aunt Jemima are a pair of tartars. Aunt Jemima is the widow of my Uncle Henry who was the second son and is mother of one of the nastiest types I could ever wish to meet. His name is Horace. It should be "horrors". My Stanthorpe relatives are really grand people and we both like them very much." Tad took a deep breath and looked around him. "We are glad we went to England and always will be, but neither of us could stand the life there or stand having to try to fit into their way of life at Mead Park," said Tad.
"But surely your grandfather would have had a great deal to say about how they behaved to you, son," said Mr Landon.
"I can assure you, sir, that they all behaved very well when he was about, but unfortunately he rather kept to his rooms for I don't think he really liked them any more than we did. You see my Aunt Mary was quite convinced that I was an impostor and did not think she need accept me. Thankfully they were always very kind to Amabel. As a matter of fact, I think they were rather sorry for her, knowing something of your families and thinking she had thrown herself away."
"But Papa, they were absolutely horrid to Tad. They would look down their noses and call him, 'Theodore', in such a way that he would squirm and I would squirm with him."
"They accepted you as Theodore, son?" asked John.
"Yes, but to them it was an insult, you see. For I have an Uncle Theodore, or at least a great uncle. They don't like him. We thought he was rather grand, didn't we darling?" asked Tad.
"Yes. You see Papa he lives in the dower house and married his housekeeper. He really is very naughty for he is proud of it and keeps telling them. He loves to see them get haughtier, if that's possible," said Amabel.
"Dear, I think you should be more charitable," put in Mrs Landon.
"Oh, Mama, you wouldn't have been if you had seen it. They really did make things difficult," Amabel insisted.
"Is this why you came home, Tad?" asked Ricky.
"No, Rick, it wasn't. Actually Grandfather was the one who made us decide. He said that I would have to stay, change my name to Falconer-Mead and then I could sit in idleness and take an allowance. He expected me to just do that. He became rather abusive when I refused. He apparently thought I would jump at the chance."
"He was probably disappointed that you didn't, Tad," Mr Landon said.
"We both got a bit hot under the collar, sir, because he kept saying that this country had killed my father and so I shouldn't take the risk of it doing the same. I couldn't stand it, sir, I really couldn't. I couldn't ask Amabel to share a house with a lot of people who hated us."
"Surely that's a bit strong, Tad," said Rick.
"No it wasn't, really, sir, it wasn't. Horace didn't come very often, but when he did he was a rotter." At this Tad got rather red in the face.
"It was because of me, Papa. He just wouldn't leave me alone," said Amabel. "Tad had to knock him down one day, and his mother said it was my fault."
"I see," he father remarked. "At least, I daresay I can see. I am glad that Tad did knock him down then."
"He is poison, sir. He has wet lips and tried to put them on Amabel. I had to hit him and he went crying to his mother."
"How old is this toad, Tad?"
"He's about 27, I think. He's been about town forever and thinks he knows the lot. My Stanthorpe relatives don't like them at all. They say that my Uncle Cuthbert wasn't a bad sort when he was younger, but under Aunt Mary's care he has just withered and I wasn't going to stand for that happening to us. I consulted my Grandfather Stanthorpe and he agreed that it would be best if we came away. He has sent you a letter, sir, to explain. So once we decided to go and we just went as quickly as we decently could using Amabel's condition as an excuse saying that she was pining for you, ma'am."
"I was, too, Mama. I didn't want my baby to grow up there. You felt stifled all the time, not like being here at home."
"Well, we are very glad you came home. I imagine they have felt badly used but I daresay in the long run you've come out of it well, and no harm done."
"Well, I mean to write to my grandfather, Mr Landon, and apologize for not being able to do as he wished, for I do like him and I suppose he can't help his relatives. But really after one sees what life is like here, I coul
dn't be happy there. I really think that my father was a favourite, at least that is what we gathered from my Grandfather Stanthorpe, and I daresay my Grandfather Falconer-Mead hoped I would turn out like him."
"I would think there is a lot in that, son, and I am sure as he must have seen a great resemblance he would especially wish you to stay."
"I take it that both Josh and I look like our Grandmother. It is funny that we are both so alike, for there is not another who looks like us in the least."
"Family resemblances are strange, aren't they?" asked Ricky.
"Grandfather was so annoyed with us that he told me I could expect nothing at all from his will. I am sorry about that, Mr Landon. Not for me, for I honestly didn't think of it. But I would like Amabel to have what she has been used to. Now we will have to wait a while until I can do it. That shows you, though, how upset he was."
Amabel's mother said, "I am sure from what Amabel tells me that you spoil her enough as it is, young Tad. I am convinced it would do her good if she were really in want for a spell." She tried to look severe.
This brought a laugh for Tad was getting rather hot under the collar thinking she meant that as Amabel was in want it would do her good to stay that way for a while. He opened his mouth once or twice and then caught the twinkle in his mother-in-law's eyes. "You may well laugh about my lack of funds ma'am, but I would do anything to make your daughter comfortable."
"I am sure you would, Tad. But it wouldn't hurt the minx to have less of this world's goods," said her father. He then asked, "Did you spend much time in London, lad?"
"Not enough, sir. There is so much to see. But we had a good guide in Josh. He showed us such a lot. He even told us that in showing us the town he saw more of it than he had ever done himself. But, I only wish we could have seen more of the country, though, for what we saw we liked. It was good that we visited your people for we saw more then. And incidentally, sir, we did like meeting them. They made us very welcome."
Ricky Page 28