Explore "The Call of the Southern Cross, A Romance of Australia" by John Sandes on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
The country lying at the back of Henry Verner's land was rough and rangy--difficult country to find one's way in. Juana got a terrible fright when little Syd. was lost there during her husband's absence in Bathurst, where he had gone to buy some cattle from the Government run. It all happened simply, and yet, as it seemed inevitably.
George Collins and his friend Con. Burke had ridden over from Pretty Plains station in the afternoon to warn Verner that wild blacks were showing signs of unusual restlessness. They found that Verner was not at home, but the hospitable Juana speedily made them forget their disappointment, for she invited them into the house and set before them watermelon, and rockmelon, nectarines, and cool drinks. Tom was away in the horse paddock, and little Syd. was playing round the verandah.