do a little wrong--just to get in the sharp
edge of the wedge; he knows that he shall soon be able to drive it
home."

This talk with old Mat, made Joseph still more determined to have
nothing to do with Peach, however friendly he might seem. Joseph was
glad to think that Mr Ramsay had settled to muster his stock in a few
days, because he should know then better how many he had under his
charge, and put a stop to Peach's tricks.

Mr Ramsay and several companions arrived at the station the night
before, all well mounted, for the work they had to do required good
horses. Among them was a Mr Harlow, who owned the next run, and lived
about fifteen miles off. He was unmarried, and had two sisters and an
old lady, their aunt, living with them. They were very kind people,
Joseph heard. Sam, and even Bobby, his second boy had now become very
good horsemen, and would gallop after and bring back stray cattle as
well as many men. Still their mother had not yet quite got over the
fear she had of seeing them, especially Bobby, gallop off into the wild
country, on the backs of high horses, all by themselves.

At break of day, a dozen or more horsemen started off, dividing, so as
to get round the pasture. Each had a stock-whip in his hand: the handle
is but a foot long, but the lash is about fifteen. A loud cracking
sound can be made with it, and its lash strikes through the thickest
skin. The cattle, when roused, as is usual, made for the low ground,
where Joseph and his sons, with one or two other men, were ready to
collect them. They, however, were very wild, as they will soon get when
there are not enough men to look after them. Now a dozen cows would
start away, and had to be headed and driven back; now an active young
bull would make a rush, and caused no little trouble before he was made
to turn. The animals seemed to know that something was to be done with
them, and made up their minds to escape it.

At last a large part of the herd were brought together, and Mr Ramsay
ordered them to be headed off towards the stock-yard, but no sooner did
they begin to move than away a dozen or more would go at a time. It was
hard work to bring even part of them back. At last, by hard riding and
use of the whip, about two-thirds were collected in the yard. But so
active were some of the young beasts that even the high fences could not
keep them in, and several sprang over them in a way not many horses
would have done. It