Page:Authors daughter v1.djvu/252

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248
THE AUTHOR'S DAUGHTER.

set in the west and the stars slowly revolving in the heavens. It was something to recollect all her life, this night in the bush, wrapped in the great wallaby rug with Isabel. It was more like being on shipboard than else. She recollected well falling asleep one evening in the tropics on deck, and waking to be startled by the sight of the blue sky and the shining stars; but there she had her father by her side. He had never left her for a moment while she slept. At last with the thought of him in her mind she dropped off to sleep. It was broad daylight when she awoke on hearing a sharp unusual sound. Allan stood near, and she saw he was intent on something. Isabel started up too, and asked what was the matter.

"Nothing particular, only you had better get up, and let us get as fast as we can to Gundabook," said Allan, coolly.

"But there is something particular," said Isabel. "What is it, Allan? a snake? have you killed it?'

"Yes, but not a bad one, nothing to make a fuss about; I knocked it on the head with my heavy whip-handle. I dare say it would have done you no harm, but I did not like to see it so near you. I'll take it away, and you can get up in security, for I don't think either of you like