Station people, whether in sub-tropical Queensland or among the snowcaps of Monaro, are usually astir at daybreak; and Broonah was no exception to the rule. A mob of horses galloped up the home paddock into the yard; there was the crack of a stock-whip here and there, mingled with the barking of dogs and the calling of cows; whilst from the back part of the house came a rattle and clatter of utensils and the noise of tables and chairs being moved about.
The general activity within aroused Ellis Rhea, and, though it was not yet sunrise, he had already had his bath and a cup of hot coffee-- prepared by that interesting factotum, Lydia Munce, who put it down on the table so roughly that some of it spilled over into the saucer; and now he was perambulating the broad walk around the front garden, enjoying one of his host's choice cigars--which his host never smoked himself. As before stated, he stuck faithfully to the old dudeen.
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