Moonlighting on the Macquarie

Name: Moonlighting on the Macquarie
Author: Rolf Boldrewood

The narrative unfolds in the rugged landscape of New South Wales, focusing on the management of cattle-stations and the unique challenges faced by stockmen. The protagonist, a native-born Australian and manager of a cattle-station, reflects on the difficulties of locating and mustering cattle, particularly those that have become wild and elusive. The story highlights the importance of strategy in cattle management, particularly the technique of "moonlighting," which involves driving cattle at night when they are less alert and more manageable. As the protagonist prepares for a significant muster, he assembles a team of skilled riders, including Indigenous stockmen, to assist in the operation. The plan is to take advantage of the night to catch a large mob of wild cattle that have been evading capture. The narrative details the meticulous preparations, including waiting for the right moon phase to ensure the cattle are out in the open and less likely to retreat into the safety of the scrub. The excitement builds as the team sets out under the moonlight, employing a combination of skillful riding and strategic positioning to herd the cattle. The protagonist describes the dynamics of the chase, emphasizing the need for coordination among the riders to prevent the cattle from breaking away. The tension escalates with the appearance of particularly stubborn and notorious cattle, including a large bullock known as "Greyface" and another called "Leader," both of which have a history of escaping muster. As the night progresses, the team faces various challenges, including a rider's injury when his horse bucks him off, leaving him incapacitated. Despite this setback, the remaining stockmen continue their efforts, showcasing their expertise in handling the cattle. The narrative captures the intensity of the chase, the camaraderie among the riders, and the unpredictability of working with animals. Ultimately, the team successfully drives the cattle into a receiving paddock, where they can be managed more easily. The protagonist reflects on the success of the operation, noting the quality of the cattle gathered and the financial rewards that await them in the market. The story concludes with a sense of accomplishment, tempered by the lingering effects of the injury sustained by one of the key riders, who is left changed by the experience. The work encapsulates themes of resilience, the bond between humans and animals, and the harsh realities of life in the Australian bush, all while providing a vivid portrayal of the cattle industry during that era.

By Rolf Boldrewood · First published 1890 · Genre: Western, Adventure, Historical Fiction · 4,446 words

First lines

There are different kinds of work connected with the management of cattle-stations in the far bush of New South Wales. Some of them strike the stranger as being curious. At any rate, most people have not heard of them before, or if they have, don't know much. Something depends upon _finding_ the cattle which you are required to manage. Didn't Mrs. Glass say, before yarning about hare soup, 'First catch your hare'? Right she was! If you'll come with me to the Wilgah brakes, 'Hell's Cages,' and 'Devil's Snuff-boxes' of the Lower Macquarie, you will see the pull of the 'first catch' arrangement. Don't suppose for a moment that ours is a neglected herd. If you were to see the stud animals-chiefly Devons and Herefords, for we found that the 'active reds' could pace out many a mile from the frontage in a dry season, and be back at their watering-place while a soft shorthorn would be thinking about it, and, of course, losing flesh. As I was saying, if you saw our 'Whitefaces' and 'Devon Dumplings,' you wouldn't think that. But those M'Warrigals, that we bought the place from long ago, were careless beggars; thought more of their neighbours' calves-some people say-than minding their own business and doing their proper station work. Now the back of the run is scrubby in parts, and the cattle there are 'outlaws' that increase and multiply. They get joined by other refugees and breakaways-brutes with no principle whatever. We seldom see them, as they have got a nasty habit of feeding at night, like tigers and lions and other wild animals. When we do see them-by day-they break away, scatter, and charge. All the horses and dogs in the country wouldn't get them.

What this Textopian page supports

Moonlighting on the Macquarie is listed on Textopian as a short story by Rolf Boldrewood, dated 1890 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: Rolf Boldrewood
Date: 1890 CE
Language: English
Genres: Western, Adventure, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Nature Writing
Length: 4,446 words
Structure: 1 section, 19 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Western — The book is set in the Australian bush and revolves around cattle management, embodying themes typical of Western literature.
Adventure — The plot involves a daring cattle drive and the challenges faced by the characters, highlighting elements of adventure.
Historical Fiction — The narrative reflects the historical context of cattle ranching in 19th century Australia.
Literary Fiction — The writing style is descriptive and character-driven, focusing on the intricacies of rural life and human relationships.