with opened, and in a few days, such was the enthusiasm of the townspeople, large sums were contributed, and every thing bid fair, under the disinterested management of the partners, for a speedy and satisfactory arrangement being made with Dodge's creditors.
A week or two in town passed away pleasantly enough, in which our two friends found ample occupation, when not engaged on their own business, (transacted during their absence by a faithful store-keeper,) in arranging Dodge's affairs. These were not found to be in so desperate a state as they had been led to anticipate. Their great difficulty consisted in inducing the old bush man to afford some slight personal attention to the matter, but he repeatedly declared that he knew nothing whatever about it, and that if they would excuse him and allow him to get a few necessary things together for the formation of the new station he should take it kindly. He had magnified his embarrassments so enormously, and was so painfully impressed with the idea that unheard of sums of money would be demanded, that his friends listened to his entreaties, and deputed him to look out, amongst other things, for a dray and some working bullocks.
The eventful day at last arrived for the presentation of the testimonial, and of course a public dinner afforded the most pleasant medium, but when Dodge found himself amongst the guests "the observed of all observers," he declared in a whisper to Slinger, that "taking bushrangers was nothing to it." After much entreaty he had consented to appear in a stiff collar and a dress coat, and although this arrangement was quite consistent with the propriety of the occasion, it was very far from conducing to his sense of ease and comfort: he had, however, taken the precaution to bring a bundle with him to the inn containing his usual habiliments.
