As Luck Would Have It by Edward Dyson

NOT expecting Higginson back till late in the afternoon, Bob sauntered across to the Selkirk circulating library. His own books had been destroyed in the fire, and he contemplated making good use of Peebles' curious institution while he remained in the Hidden Hills. Another reason for his visit was the hope of being able to beg or borrow a little bread for lunch. The last of the flour saved from the fire was gone, and baked or boiled fish or game without any vegetable accompaniment was not a pleasing prospect.

Bob shot a small wallaby by the way, and hung it on Peebles' fence. As he approached the house he heard voices from within raised in anger, it seemed, and when he was within ten yards a man came from the front door backwards, staggering as if forcibly ejected. The man was laughing heartily, and made to return, with some jesting protestation. At the same moment a second figure appeared in the doorway.