She could hardly follow the course of the appeal that Blake was making to his admirers. It was something about the future of Ireland and the future, too, of Australia. But she did not want to follow the political appeal. She was content to hear the voice—melodious, strong, thrilling, sweet—with sudden spontaneous notes of humour in it, which brought out roars of laughter from the delighted listeners.
Hallett's turn came to address his electors, and Elsie was near, and could follow his words, but they thrilled her to no enthusiasm. She could not understand why Ina was white and cold with anxiety. What did it matter? What did anything matter? It was the other voice that rang in Elsie's ears. But how could she, in loyalty, hope that Blake might be victorious? Lady Horace made no attempt to do her shopping that day, and the colonial oven was not bought—on this occasion at any rate. The excitement in Goondi was far too intense for it to be safe for ladies to venture into the business street, the mob too dense and turbulent. Interest was divided between the result of the poll and the bushranging outrage. There was almost a suspension of all other business. Police patrolled the street. The township authorities were waiting for Government orders. Courthouse and telegraph station were surrounded by a swaying crowd waiting the arrival of "progress telegrams." Captain Macpherson, the superintendent of police, had started out with all the available force. Native trackers were got together, and further bands were being summoned from the neighbouring township. At evening, however, nothing had been heard of Moonlight. He might, as Lord Horace had said, have disappeared into the bowels of the earth, for all the trace he had left.
Mr. Blake and his supporters were very much in evidence that day. Elsie saw him in the distance, cool, calm, apparently self-confident. She saw him riding down the street of the township on a horse which was not Osman, but which was, nevertheless, a very splendid animal—a mettlesome chestnut, which apparently he had ridden all through
