Published: 30 Apr 2018

William came in from the field at around sunset and found Lachlan alone and busy in the cottage kitchen. He knocked but didn’t wait to be greeted and once inside cast his eyes around the room. He had not entered the cottage since Bill Price lived there and was surprised at how homely it had become.

“Bit fancy.” William sneered and sat himself at the kitchen table.

“Would you like coffee William?” Lachlan offered.

“No thank you.”

“I was about to have dinner.”

“I won’t be staying long, aren’t these chairs from the house?” He abruptly asked while checking their design.

“They are but were in the shed and have never been used, as for the cottage, I would call it comfortable.” Lachlan answered.

“Don’t you go taking them across to Henderson’s” William warned.

“No I wouldn’t, they are still on the farm only put to use instead of collecting dust in the shed.”

“What’s was the reason for the extra room?”

“Something to do during the down time and don’t worry I only used old material from around the farm and it gives Daniel somewhere to stay. What’s the problem?” Lachlan asked knowing William wouldn’t call on him unless there was some agenda which he knew he wasn’t going to like.

“Why would Daniel want to stay here, he has his own room at the house.” William already knew Daniel had moved to the cottage but was playing his usual game. It was called leading, by asking irrelevant questions while building towards the main problem, gauging Lachlan’s reaction as he went.

“That is something you will need to ask of Daniel.”

“No need, what you lot get up to in your down time doesn’t concern me.”

“So William why comment on it?”

“Do you remember father said he would punish you for bidding against him for the Henderson property?”

Lachlan didn’t answer.

“Well the time has come for you to be punished.”

“What is the old bugger up to now, at one time he was thinking of having me arrested?”

William took a deep breath and without showing sympathy continued. “You know that land where you keep your horses – well he wants you to move them.”

“I was under the impression he was going to charge rent.” Lachlan recollected.

“Maybe then but since the Henderson deal he has taken a different direction.”

“What does he want the land for?” Lachlan asked.

“He doesn’t but you used your money from selling horses to purchase the Henderson property, so that will be your punishment.”

“And brother do you agree with him?” Lachlan was furious but kept his temper controlled.

“Listen little brother, I am only the messenger, so don’t blame me.”

“William I think you have used that excuse a little too often.”

“I use it because it is true.” William was growing impatient with his brother’s petulance.

“How long has he given me?”

“He said he is being kind and has given you two weeks but you will have to do so in your own time.”

With his message delivered William stood and said good evening, as he left he gave one more dig at his brother, “I still think it’s a bit fancy, I think you’ve been hanging around Henderson too long.”

“William one of these days!”

“One of these day’s what?” William demanded, holding his ground at the door, while quickly realising because of Lachlan’s size and strength he may have overstated his demand if Lachlan became atypically aggressive.

“Forget it,”

“Don’t forget, two weeks and in your own time.” William then departed.

Lachlan was in a quandary, he had no where to move his stock and the Henderson farm was too small. He could approach his father and ask for leniency but knew that it would not be given; besides this late in the state of affairs he had no wish to beg. Without telling the others he took himself into town to call on Michael Duncan as he was often a wealth of information and may know someone willing to hold his stock temporary until he could find somewhere more permanent.

As usual Duncan was at home and sympathetic and laughed when told the old man was evicting his stock of horses.

“Ha he can’t” Duncan declared showing a great deal of humour.

“Why not?”

“He doesn’t own the land – It’s Crown land and up for grabs.”

“How do you know that?”

“I once worked for the Colonial Office as a surveyor’s clerk’s assistant and I know that block of land. Your father wanted it but never registered his claim. Again he was too arrogant to do so, thinking his money and influence were enough.”

“So what does that mean?”

“Lachlan I’ll tell you what, I still know people in the right places, so stall your old man and I’ll place a claim for you and again under proxy.”

Lachlan returned home that evening a much happier man but kept his father’s threat to himself, as there wasn’t any need for everyone to become concerned.

After the first week he still hadn’t heard from Michael Duncan but was reminded on a number of occasions by William that he only had a matter of days remaining to move his stock. William had been working in the machinery shed when he spied his brother returning from the fields. He quickly approached Lachlan with his reminder, knowing well nothing had yet been instigated towards shifting the horses.

“What will father do if I refuse?” Lachlan asked believing he was to be deprived of his only measure of independence from their father.

“He has instructed me to shoot the lot.”

“You would do that?”

“If push came to shove, I guess I wouldn’t have any other choice.” William admitted.

Two day’s later a letter came from Duncan, all was arranged and technically Lachlan was now the owner of the land known as Crystal Springs for a period of Ninety-nine years, then it would need to be renegotiated, purchased or revert back to the Crown. With this Lachlan called Daniel and the others for a meeting and related his news.

“You’ve stolen another one on the old bugger again, he’s not going to like that.” Daniel exclaimed proudly.

“It wasn’t my choice to do so Daniel but what else could I do.”

“I guess not a lot but I wish to be around when he finds out.”

“What I must warn you is when it all comes out, I will more than likely have to follow Robert off the farm.”

“So.” Stephen interrupted.

“We can all move over to Henderson’s and farm there.” Daniel suggested.

“Good idea.” Toby concluded.

Two days more than the allotted date had passed and William brought himself across the field to where both Daniel and Lachlan were working. On William’s arrival Toby and Stephen made their way across the field expecting what was about to eventuate.

“Have you shifted your horses yet?” William asked calmly, knowing well he had not.

“No.”

“Why not?” Obvious distress was building in William, more to the fact that he would once again have to face their father with one more failure.

“The old man doesn’t own the land, he never registered it.”

“What do you mean?”

“It was Crown land and I now own it, well have the lease until I’m one hundred and nineteen years old, by then I don’t think myself or father will be around to argue over it.” Lachlan proudly removed the deed from his pocket and showed it to his brother, “Or more to the point Michael Duncan owns it until I am of age.”

William didn’t answer instead he returned to his cottage and within the hour was seen riding away from the farm towards town.

“You’ve done it now brother, twice you have stolen a march on him and he won’t wear it.” Daniel smirked.

“Oh well it was either his will or my future and a father should always take care of his child’s future; why have children if you don’t care for them?”

Later that evening William returned to his home but didn’t call on Lachlan until at work late the following morning. He approached with some trepidation but resolve taking Lachlan aside from the others to disclose their father’s decision.

“You have once again made father appear foolish.” William declared without expression. Possibly he didn’t agree with their father but William was in a bind even more pejorative than was Lachlan, as his brother could walk away without loss, William was damned at any turn.

“Not as mad as he has made me.” Lachlan was at the tipping and toppling, his decision had been made and was firm.

“Well never the less, he wants you packed and off the farm by tomorrow night.”

“I can do better than that, I’ll be gone by tonight.” Lachlan promised as he downed his tools and walked. Then to William’s surprise Toby, Stephen and Daniel all downed their tools and followed Lachlan.

“Hey.” William called after the gang of four. Daniel turned momentarily.

“You lot have work to do,” William declared showing a deal of frustration.

“No William you have work to do we resign and if you want us, we will be over at Henderson’s,” Daniel had come of age and like his brother had become his own man.

As the four walked away Cameron came to his brother’s side. “I think you have done it this time.” He softly spoke.

“What do you mean by that?”

“Who’s going to do the work now?”

“It wasn’t my doing Cameron.” William’s voice rose in stress.

“Maybe not but you and I can’t do it all.”

“I guess we will just have to manage somehow.” William took a deep breath and forced it out.

“I would have at lease attempted to show some empathy towards Lockie.”

“That’s a big word for you Cameron.”

“I do know a few.”

Again that afternoon William was seen riding into town and once more the four wished they could be there when he told their father that if he wanted workers in the future he would have to pay for them.

Lachlan brought the buggy up to the cottage and within as short time had loaded their few belongings. As they passed the big house Lachlan gave the reins to Daniel, “you go on over, I need to talk to mother.”

Inside he found Martha softly singing a sweet song she remembered from her mother, she appeared most content while sorting through a basket of clothing, dividing them into two piles. His entry gave her a start.

“Oh Lachlan don’t sneak up on one like that, you didn’t half give me a jump.”

“Sorry,”

“I’m going through some of my old dresses,” Martha pointed to the smaller pile, “those you can take up to the native camp, maybe some of their women may have use for them,”

“Possibly but they appear a little showy for the camp women.”

“I thought they liked bright things?”

“True but they don’t like clothes that are restrictive, gets in the way of their digging for yams and grubbing out tucker.”

“Oh well, they can go on the bonfire on Guy Fawkes Night.”

“Have you see William today?” Lachlan asked.

“Not to speak to why is that?”

“We are all moving across to Henderson’s as father has ordered me from his land and the others have followed in protest.”

“Oh Lachlan, what can I say.” Martha commenced to weep.

“Don’t worry mother we will be over to help you whenever you need it, William won’t begrudge you that but I can’t live under father’s threats any longer.

“I will be alright Lachlan your uncle is coming up from Townsville to collect me at the end of the month, I am leaving as well.” Martha apologised for giving the news in such a way but didn’t know how to tell them all.

Lachlan was most shocked by his mother’s decision but as for himself, could see no other way out for her. “I understand and will miss you badly.” Lachlan released a deep sigh, realising his world was changing at break neck rate.

“I know and I will miss you as well but I do have to think of myself now, Jock will probably ask me to leave soon anyway, he has suggested I could take a small cottage he owns in El Arish but I don’t wish to be owing to him in any way. She paused, “I do want you to be careful.”

“What do you mean mother?”

“I know you Lachlan, a mother knows her child and also Daniel, I have always known but that doesn’t change my love for you.

“Mother!”

“Sorry Lachlan, I had to say it and I want you to look after Daniel, he isn’t as strong as you and also the other two they are nice boys.”

Lachlan didn’t answer.

“I would like the four of you to come to tea at week’s end and we can say our farewell; then I don’t want you to come and see me leave – understood?”

“Understood.”

The four quickly settled into the Henderson house and each with their own room, which of course was cosmetic. Then without decision and as if by telepathy they all found their niche, Lachlan worked the field and the stock with the help of Daniel, while Stephen made his furniture and Toby became the gardener and each in their turn felt as if a life time of tropical rain depressions had lifted from their shoulders.

As for Toby and his gardening, during a summer afternoon he came inside all smiles and when asked why so happy he answered. “I’ve actually grown two rows of potatoes.” Only Lachlan understood the humour in growing spuds but some days later they came to nothing. Standing over his withering plants Toby shook his head. “Why?” he asked. “I followed everything as laid out in the Thomas Shepherd gardening book.”

“Thomas Shepherd, where did you find that?”

“I borrowed it from Martha; I guess it’s a little old but did have how to grow potatoes.”

“I could have told you Toby.” Lachlan answered sympathetically, while leaning towards ‘I told you so.’

“You could have told me what?” Toby was puzzled; he had done everything correctly, the right depth and cultivation, even being careful when to water not to rot them in the ground and the building of a bandicoot proof fence.

“Firstly that book explains how to grow potatoes in cooler climates like New South Wales or Victoria, you can’t grow potatoes on the tropical coast, too wet and too humid but you could try sweat potatoes or taro.”

“What’s taro?”

“I guess a sort of yam but I’m not much on the taste.” Lachlan admitted.

“Then why suggest in growing it and now you tell me about spuds after I went to all that trouble, I guess I’ll never make a gardener.” Toby sighed despondently.

“You will and have besides it was worth a try, technically you can’t grow tomatoes to any extent here either but look at the beauties you’ve grown. I reckon you’ll get sixpence a pound for them in town.” Lachlan suggested.

“No way, they are for the house. I guess I’ll return the book to Martha.”

“When you do there is a new book from the same shelf that is suited for growing things up this way but I’ve never read it.” Lachlan suggested.

With the departure of Lachlan William also related the departure of the others to his father, who declared it to be as well. Better to extract all the poison as part of it, although he had loyalty in William and Cameron, he wasn’t happy about no longer having his unpaid workforce.

“The two of you will just have to work harder and use the blacks more.” Jock McBride suggested.

“It will be much too great a job with only me and Cameron.” William protested.

“You will manage I doubt you would fail me yet again.”

“Yes father.” William answered and walked away doubting his ability or his will to do so.

For the rest of that eventful week, William attempted to run the farm with only Cameron but by week’s end it was clear he was failing and totally at an end of his tether.

Early the following week George Smith, Martha’s brother arrived from Townsville on the Mail Packet, on his arrival he hired a wagon and went directly to the farm to collect Martha and her belongings. None of this was known to Jock McBride, as not even William knew of his mother’s intention. Once the wagon was loaded Martha had her brother George find William and Cameron and bring them to her. William had been away from the farm all morning and was most confused to see his uncle and the wagon loaded with his mother’s belongings.

“What’s going on?” William appeared shocked.

“I am leaving; George is to escort me back to Townsville on the return packet.” Martha explained, feeling the moment choke in her throat.

“When did you decide to do so?”

“Long ago William, I can’t stay here any longer.”

“Mother, sorry.” William commenced to cried, the pressure had built in the man for so long he could no longer hold back. He had become isolated with his father on one side, the rest of the world on the other and he in the middle, now with his mother leaving he had no one to turn to. There had always been Martha, yes it was true he seldom conversed with his mother, nor share his frustrations or fear but she was always in the background and being so was the only stable plank to his laborious routine. Somewhere in that big house at the end of the field was his mother, always loving and understanding and always there.

“William, I will only be in Townsville and you can come and visit whenever you want and I expect you to write often and let me know how Lucy and the baby are going.”

“I am sorry mother.” He cried as Cameron arrived and stood to one side shocked but silent.

“No bad feelings William, give me a hug. It isn’t your fault you are the eldest and had little choice.” With tears in her eyes she beckoned Cameron to join her. He did so and soon was sobbing as much as William.

“Now I must be going, the boat won’t wait. Please tell your father I don’t blame him and I wish him well.” Martha kissed them both on the forehead and without regret climbed onto the wagon with Polly by her side and was gone.

Jock McBride received the news of Martha’s departure from William the day after the Mail Packet had left for Townsville. William honoured his mother’s memory by allowing her to leave without his father’s knowledge, less the old man became enraged and challenged her at the dock.

Now the big house, except for Cameron, was empty and even Cameron couldn’t cope with the solitude and size of the house and moved to the Foreman’s cottage, now as hollow and deserted as the big house. Once there he felt isolated and spent most of his nights crying himself to sleep. On his own he wasn’t strong enough to cope, it was only during the working day while with William that he felt happy but William was distant and stressed, without time for his brother’s problems.

Once the Gulngai people heard that Lachlan had been asked to leave his home, they developed an even stronger alliance towards their Kari and refused to work for William. It took Lachlan’s intervention to have them return but if their work was slow before, it was now even slower, while all the while asking where is Kari, to which William responded with a firm gone, now get on with it.

Day by day Cameron’s condition grew worse, and Cameron the shadow was slipping away from William its image, which William knew but was powerless to prevent. It was then William approached Lachlan and begged him to return but without their father’s knowledge and somehow he would even pay. Lachlan refused, saying he couldn’t speak for the others and felt sorry for William’s position but no longer wanted anything to do with their father or his money.

William’s attitude was changing, he was even more moody than usual and his confidence took a dive, so much so that his wife Sarah packed her belongings, their baby and returned home to her family, declaring she would remain so until William changed his ways. Then one night after William had taken his frustrations out on Cameron and struck him, Cameron gained a new courage and in tears went to the Henderson farm where he pleaded to stay. Lachlan showed his brother into the living room and sat him down with a strong drink.

“It’s not up to me Cameron, you will have to ask Stephen, it is more his house than mine and Daniel and Toby have to be considered. Cameron appeared so miserable they all instantly agreed and that spare room for guests became Cameron’s. William was now totally isolated. The first morning without Cameron by his side he abused the natives, who instantly departed, leaving William standing centre of the west paddock, surrounded by work and powerless to complete it.

As if in a dream he returned to his cottage and opened a whiskey bottle and didn’t finish drinking until it and others were empty. Then being out of alcohol he migrated to the big house and his father’s supply.

A week after Cameron had departed William eventually came out of a drunken stupa and after seeing the condition of the farm and the crop, took himself into talk to his father. Jock McBride became so incensed he pushed his son hard into a wall, while drawing back his fist to strike. He refrained but attacked verbally.

“Father, I can’t go on.” William begged.

“You are as weak as the others!” McBride bellowed.

“No father, I have been loyal to you all along but I’ve had enough, you can keep you money and your farm – I quit.”

Once spoken there was no turning back. William stormed out of the house, returned to the farm, packed his belongings and left. Fortunately over the years he had saved enough to get by and the following day he called in on Lachlan to explain the situation and apologised for his past actions.

“William where will you go?” Lachlan asked sympathetically.

“I know nothing but farming and believe the Atherton Tableland has good farming land. I may take up a Government block and start all over again.

“What about Cameron, he will be lost without you or mother?”

“Is he around?” William inquired.

Lachlan found Cameron moping about with the chickens. “Hey Cameron William wants to talk to you.” He called bringing his brother back to the real world, one it seemed he no longer wished to be part off. Cameron followed Lachlan to William, his head bowed to hide his mood.

Once with William he spoke, “I’m not coming back William,” he declared solemnly.

“I’ve also left the farm Cameron.”

Cameron lifted his head appearing confused. “I have left the farm and have told father he can keep his money.” William explained as the frustrations of a life time of subserviency lifted from his brow.

“What about the farm?” Cameron asked.

“I, like you have had enough and the old man can run it his way.”

“Where are you going?”

“I’m going to try the Tablelands; they say there is plenty of good land up there.”

“What about me?”

“I was thinking you could go down to Townsville with mother until I am settled, then if you wish you can come and live with me on the Tablelands.”

“What about Lucy and the baby?” Cameron asked showing his usual concern.

“I’ve spoken to Lucy and she has agreed to join me once I have settled.”

“If you think that would be for the best.” Cameron half heartedly agreed but was still reeling from so much change in so little time.

“Look Cameron if you stay around here the old man will be at you, trying to get you to work the farm and without any help and I am sure you couldn’t,” he paused, “I now know I can not,” William added.

“I guess you are right William.”

“You will look after Cameron?” William turned to Lachlan.

“That is without saying and we will escort him to Townsville but only if that is Cameron’s wish.”

William sighed and turned to leave, then recanted his departure. “Lachlan I think you have a good thing going here and even if the old man isn’t proud of you, I am.” He offered his hand and weak simile, “no hard feelings I hope.”

“None William I have never blamed you.”

From deep inside the house Daniel was heard calling William’s name and moments later he was at the door. Daniel had been listening to his brother’s conversation and although he had no intention in seeing William, after hearing the contents of the discussion had changed his mind. Reaching the door he offered William his hand, instead the brother’s hugged and all was well with the sons of Jock McBride.

“Well I guess I’ll be going then.” William sighed as both Stephen and Toby came to the door. William nodded to them and again offered his hand. In turn they both accepted. “Stephen, I guess of all you are the one I should most apologise to.”

“Apology accepted William.”

“And all those times when we were children?”

“Forgotten and I wish you well.” Stephen concluded.

As William commenced to leave he turned to Lachlan. “Please don’t let father know where I am heading, I don’t want him coming after me.”

“That would be without saying.”

“And this goes for all of you, when I’m settled I expect a visit and when you take Cameron to mother,” William paused, “I guess another apology to mother, will you relate it for me?”

“Consider it done.”

“I guess that is about the lot.” Again William turned to Cameron, “what do you think, will you be alright?” Cameron nodded, “if you chanced by father don’t you agree to go back.”

“No William I won’t.”

“I know you Cameron, you are too easy going and he can be convincing.” William enforced.

“We’ll look after Cameron,” Lachlan assured.

The four watched as William went on his way, his horse saddled while leading a pack horse. “One more thing Lachlan, I am catching the coach and will leave the horses at the Livery, will you collect them later.

Lachlan thought it strange; there went a man who was heir to a father’s fortune with nothing more than a few saddle bags and hope.

As William lead his way from the property Cameron turned to his brothers. “I would like it very much to go to Townsville but I’m nervous about doing so.”

“What worries you Cameron?” Lachlan asked.

“I’ve never travelled alone before.”

“You won’t be as one of us will travel with you.”

“I will miss William.” Cameron admitted.

“And Lucy and the baby;” He affixed.

“Would you like to remain here?” Stephen asked.

“No Stephen, if I do so as William suggested father will come looking for me and want me to work on the farm.” Cameron shook his head.

During that morning Cameron had moped about the yard, a man with the world on his shoulders, now he had a spring in his stride, purpose in his attitude and generally appeared excited about the trip. By night fall he had even packed his bag and had it ready at the foot of his bed.

“You’re a little eager?” Daniel suggested, noticing his brother’s bag.

“William often said one should always be ready.”

“Yes Cameron but it won’t be for a number of days yet, the Townsville picket isn’t until Thursday.” Daniel explained.

“I would prefer to go by coach, I don’t like boats.”

“You have too much luggage for the coach and don’t forget whoever goes with you will have there’s and we have a large box mother left behind.” Daniel gave a smile and shook his head.

“I guess so but I still wish to be ready and I still don’t like boats.”

Gary really wants to know if you are reading his story. You may let him know, by dropping an email to him: Gary dot Conder at CastleRoland dot Net.

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