"Heathcote has been talking to you about that," said the man.

"Can't you say Mr. Heathcote when you speak of a gentleman whose
bread you have eaten?"

"Mr. Heathcote, if you like it. We ain't particular to a shade out
here as you are at home. He has been telling you about fires, has
he?"

"Well, he has."

"And talking of me, I suppose?"

"You were talking of having a turn at mining some day. How would it
be with you if you were to be off to Gympie?"

"You mean to say I'm to go, Mr. Medlicot?"

"I don't say that at all."

"Look here, Mr. Medlicot. My going or staying won't make any
difference to Heathcote. There's a lot of 'em about here hates him
that much that he is never to be allowed to rest in peace. I tell you
that fairly. It ain't any thing as I shall do. Them's not my ways,
Mr. Medlicot. But he has enemies here as'll never let him rest."

"Who are they?"

"Pretty nigh every body round. He has carried himself that high they