"Ah, well; there isn't any thing to do, and it's too hot to get out.
I wonder Old Bates didn't come in for prayers."

"I don't think he cares much for prayers," said Mrs. Heathcote.

"But he likes an excuse for a nobbler as well as any one. Did I tell
you that they had fires over at Jackson's yesterday--at Goolaroo?"

"Was there any harm done?"

"A deal of grass burned, and they had to drive the sheep, which won't
serve them this kind of weather. I don't know which I fear most--the
grass, the fences, or the sheep. As for the buildings, I don't think
they'll try that again."

"Why not, Harry?"

"The risk of being seen is too great. I can hardly understand that a
man like Nokes should have been such a fool as he was."

"You think it was Nokes?"

"Oh yes, certainly. In the first place, Jacko is as true as steel. I
don't mean to swear by the boy, though I think he is a good boy. But
I'm sure he's true in this. And then the man's manner to myself was
conclusive. I can not understand a man in Medlicot's position
supporting a fellow like that. By Heavens! it nearly drives me mad to
think of it. Thousands and thousands of pounds are at stake. All that
a man has in the world is exposed to the malice of a scoundrel like