Hour after hour the little rescuing party waited for further assistance;
for sooner or later they well knew that there would be a strong
gathering; but night was fast approaching before two horsemen were seen;
and of these one, Mr Meadows, had to be lifted from his horse, and then
supported into the house.
"Better soon, friends all," he said feebly. "I've been hard tried
lately." And then he sank into a chair, and would have fainted, but for
some brandy. "I've proved a sorry messenger, friend Lawler," he said
after a pause. "You see, I was a good deal knocked about at the Nest,
and I took the wrong track, and was lost; and, but for my horse, I fear
there would have been no help through me. I was confused and weak, and
not myself; but don't be hard upon me."
"I came on with him directly," said the fresh arrival; "and I've sent
round in all directions; but it will be some hours before more help can
come."
But still this was a reinforcement; for the settler was well armed, and
loaded with ammunition; while, just as it grew dark, there came the
sharp "thud, thud" of horses' hoofs, and Lawler's first messenger
hastily came up with three neighbours, armed, and eager to assist.
"The mare fell lame," said the man, "before we'd gone three miles; so I
turned her loose, and tramped it."
"And I was cattle-driving," said one. "And I at the sheep-station,"
said another. While the third had been ill in bed; but forgot his pains
when the dire news was brought.
Again there was a council of war; and it was decided that nothing better
could be done than to wait for daylight and farther reinforcements.
"Don't you think so, Lawler?" said one of his friends, noticing that the
settler looked gloomy and discontented.
"Yes, I think so," he said. "It's quite right--quite right; but I could
not help thinking of those poor creatures waiting for our help, and
wondering, hour after hour, why no aid comes. But we have done our
best, neighbours, and I must agree that it would be folly to go on now
in the dark, and weak-handed; for I suppose they would still outnumber
us, according to Mr Meadows's account."
"It's giving them a few more hours to live," said one of the last
arrivals grimly; "for I'm afraid they will not meet with much mercy."
"Nor give much," said another. And then he made a motion to the rest to
preserve silence; for Mr Meadows was listening, half shuddering, to the
remarks made.
"What do you advise, parson?" said one, who had not yet spoken. "You
know most about this sad business. Should we go or stay?"
"Friend Laing," said Mr Meadows feebly, "I would that you had not asked
me that question. With the thoughts of that poor lamb in the clutches
of those ravening wolves, my heart says, Go--go at once, and strike to
save her. But then reason saith, Would you send these men--fathers of
children, dear husbands of loving and anxious wives--to encounter
useless peril, and come to ruin and death, for want of a little care?
But I think this: the miles are long between this and the Moa's Nest.
Suppose that we proceeded with caution during the dark cool hours, so as
to be ready to pursue the task at daybreak? One of your number could
stay here, ready to bring on the rest of our friends when they arrive;
while, without proceeding to attack, we might draw off the attention of
the convicts, as well as succour Edward Murray and the brave savage, who
must be faint and weary long ere this--if they still live," he muttered
to himself.
The advice was received with general tokens of satisfaction; but when it
came to the question who should stay behind, no man displayed his
willingness to undertake that tame part of the duty. One suggested that
Mr Meadows would be unable to accompany them; but he did not know the
stanch spirit of the old man, who sturdily declared his intention of
following.
"This food and rest were all I required," he said; "and I shall be no
hindrance to you. My pony will bear me; and if I should be left behind
for a while, I daresay I can overtake you."
Seeing his determination, lots were drawn as to who should stay; for
there was a certain feeling of respect shown by all towards their common
friend.
The preparations were soon made, each man carrying a supply of
provisions; and then they filed cautiously along the track, keeping ever
on the alert, for each man knew that at any time a volley from behind
some clump of trees or rocks far overhead, might perhaps empty half the
saddles of the little party.
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