Up the Country: A Saga of Pioneering Days

Though many people considered Bert a fool to refuse two hundred pounds in cold cash, his refusal nevertheless put the seal on his popularity. A move to give him a purse of sovereigns was started there and then by McEachern, and there was a rush to be on the subscription list. Treble the government reward was quickly promised. In fact, the real story behind Bert's capture of the men was known to all, and some of the big squatters about Tarago, Yass and Goulburn who had been harried by this gang and relieved of their best horses and firearms, promised substantial sums. The list was held open so that everyone around Maneroo and Bool Bool who had benefited from the cleaning-up could contribute. Even somewhat shady people came forward and subscribed with a flourish, lest they should be under suspicion as sympathisers of the fallen gang. Driven by fear of trouble, and feeling enormous relief that his early connection with Logan had not come out publicly in court, Healey of Little River went a guinea better than McEachern, remarking to his wife, "Devil a bit of good may it ever do young Poole!"

Maneroo organised a ball in the hero's honour, which was held at the McEacherns'. It being leap year, the young people sought to lend variety to the entertainment by having a leap year ball. A special innovation was introduced in the music by a set of bagpipes which Mr McEachern had long promised Rab McIntosh and upon which he performed in addition to the fiddle, the concertina, the Jew's harp, etc.