Published: 9 Apr 2018

Jock McBride returned to the farm late on the Friday afternoon, with information to relate to William and some papers to collect. Although these days he mostly lived in town, all his personal papers were kept at the farm as he didn’t trust his new woman with his affairs or if it came to it, anyone in town, especially his peers on the McBride Point council and within the business community. They were all yes men to his face but plotted against him behind his back. Jock knew this and counteracted their conniving by turning one against the other whenever he was capable, it being a tool he was most apt in using.

A short while after he arrived at the farm he summonsed William to his study and closed the door but Daniel being ever inquisitive listened from the hall and at his earliest opportunity related what he had heard to Lachlan.

“The Henderson farm is to be auctioned tomorrow.” Daniel disclosed.

“I thought it had again been adjourned until next week because of the Wilson property?” Lachlan declared bringing him into the conversation with a gasp while looking to Stephen for his reaction. There was none, Stephen had long come to terms with that fact and was glad that it was soon to be over and he could have closure instead of having the ordeal hovering over his thoughts like some gigantic wet cloud.

“Nope the Wilson property has been sorted and it’s tomorrow that is why father has come home. He wanted to let William know that once he purchased the farm, William would have to take some workers over and clean it up.”

“I’m not doing it.” Stephen curtly proclaimed, thinking to be asked to do so would be as throwing paraffin onto a raging fire.

“Daniel, would you make some excuse for me with William, I almost forgot I have to go into town for mother.” Lachlan disclosed as he hurried away from the cottage and quickly saddling his horse was gone for the remainder of the afternoon, not returning home until after the evening’s meal.

The auction was held at exactly four minutes past eleven on the Saturday. Jock McBride did not attend himself; instead directed William to bid for him, with instructions, in his opinion, the land was worth no more than twelve shillings an acre and seeing there was three hundred and ten flat acres, he was not to bid more than one hundred and eighty six pounds or at maximum fifteen shillings an acre. At that price McBride believed he would have success as he already knew the figure the bank needed to clear the Henderson debt and had arrange for friendly bidding not to go any higher. McBride believed his plan foolproof; even so he kept the knowledge of false bidding from William.

There was quite a gathering outside the Henderson farm gate and much sympathy for the family’s loss. If folk could have afforded to do so, for sure many of the community would have bought the property back for Jack and Ruth but they were lean times and the money for the latest crop had not yet been paid by the mill in Tully, also the southern recession was commencing to bite into the community and without the many fossickers needing supplies and stock horses the district would be equally depress as it was in the south.

That morning Lachlan took Stephen riding so they would not be around for the auction and even in his melancholic state Stephen thought Lachlan appeared nervous. When asked what was bothering him, Lachlan shrugged it away with a simple concern for his friend’s wellbeing with the selling of the property.

“Don’t be concerned, I’m over it.” Stephen declared but it was more than obvious he wasn’t.

That afternoon back at the cottage, Daniel came by with news of the auction and of course, in time for coffee and cake.

“Well did it sell?” Stephen asked nervously.

“Yes, it went for three hundred and ten pounds. That is one pound per acre and too high a price.” Daniel declared.

“Did father buy it?” Lachlan asked.

“As a matter of fact no. William took it as far as nineteen shillings an acre but wouldn’t go further.” At that Daniel appeared surprised as the old man was most keen to take procession of the farm.

“Who bought it then?” Stephen prompted.

“Don’t know, it was someone out of town, or so I am told and bought through a proxy and at the purchaser’s insistence his identity not to be disclosed.”

Daniel paused and patted his pocket, “Oh I almost forgot I ran into old Mick Duncan after the auction and he asked me to give you this.” Daniel removed a soil stained envelope from his pocket and handed it to Lachlan who accepted the correspondence, opened the envelope and read its contents. He gave a smile then folded it back to his pocket.

“What’s that all about?” Daniel enquired.

“Nothing to do with you but I’m surprised you didn’t read it.” Lachlan commented while still smiling.

“I would have if he hadn’t sealed it.”

“Well I suppose that is an end to an era.” Stephen cut in, thinking about the sale of his family’s farm, “at least you father didn’t get it.”

“Have you seen father since the auction?” Lachlan asked of Daniel as he scoffed a second slice of cake.

“Na but William went directly into town. So I should think by now the old man is frothing at the mouth.”

William took Cameron as moral support to meet with their father. Although he had been directed not to go as high as he actually did, William knew he couldn’t win either way. If he had gone over a pound an acre, his father would have fumed and by not purchasing the land at all, he would still be at fault. Besides as defence, the land wasn’t any good to grow cane and with the old man’s extensive holding what would he want with another three hundred acres, as he still had Crystal Springs to run cattle and another property unused and running to forest beyond the northern reaches of the town.

McBride’s town house front door was open as the twins approached, allowing the afternoon’s sea breeze to make its way along the passage and cool the rooms. William knocked but no one answered. He knocked again, bringing the old man to his attention and as he made his way down the passage to the front he appeared most buoyant, making it even more difficult for William to expand his news.

“Well how much did you pay for it?” McBride demanded as he showed his sons into the house but only as far as the passage. For once the old man appeared pleased, expecting, possibly even wallowing.

“We didn’t get the land father.” William stuttered after a long pause while gathering his strength to convey his failure.

“What!”

“It went too high, I took it to nineteen shillings an acre but I was out bid for twenty and you said not to go further than fifteen shillings an acre.”

“I instructed you to buy the land!” The old man shouted as Mary, his lady friend, returned from shopping. McBride’s voice lowered but not his blood. Mary, noticing the old man’s mood passed him by to hide beyond a closed kitchen door. McBride escorted his sons outside and closed the front door behind him.

“No father you told me not to go higher than fifteen shilling per acre, I went to nineteen.”

“What use are any of my sons. This is the second time you have failed me!” McBride’s face flushed red and his breathing became erratic, so much so the boys believed he was about to suffer a heart attack.

“Father the blackbirding wasn’t our fault and it was Lachlan who lost the ship.” William pleaded.

“Who bought the farm?” The old man demanded, thinking it may be possible to influence the buyer with a late offer of a much higher price.

“It wasn’t disclosed and was bought by proxy.”

Hearing so the old man’s rage increased. He rose himself as high as his bulk would allow, directing his sons to immediately depart.

“Get out the both of you – I will talk to you later. Now get out of my sight.”

“Yes father.” William replied softly and with Cameron close behind they left without lending further justification. Besides what could he offer? He had done what was asked of him, even more, therefore if their father had been so eager for success he should have done his own bidding and not left it to chance.

“You weren’t much help.” William complained to Cameron as they slowly rode back to the farm. Turning in his saddle as they passed the last house he gazed back. Why he did so he could not say, possibly it was to see if the Devil itself was following. If so it wouldn’t have surprised their father had ordered the act.

“I wasn’t asked to bid for the land.” Cameron calmly answered what he considered to be obvious.

“No Cameron you never are, it’s always me who has to do father’s bidding.”

“You are his favourite.” Cameron softly suggested.

“He doesn’t have favourites, only lackeys.”

“You will inherit.” Cameron spoke incidentally without true interest towards who would be the benefactor of their father’s estate.

“Does that concern you Cameron?”

“Not at all.”

“Then all I will say is the sooner the better and there will be a host of changes when I get my hands on the estate. For a start there will be a lot of dead wood cut away.”

“Meaning who?” Cameron asked.

“Lachlan for starters.”

“Lockie is a good worker, why would you wish to get rid of him, so was Robert and now look what’s happened? You and I have to work from dawn to dusk, half the time without a meal break.” Cameron explained, displaying a greater understanding than William credited him with.

“Anyway Cameron, it isn’t going to happen for a long, long time and by then both of us will probably died of exhaustion.

“Who do you think bought the land?” Cameron asked on reaching the farm’s gate.

“To be quite honest with you brother, I don’t give a damn, it would only have been more hard work for the both of us.”

“I guess so,” Cameron agreed, “wouldn’t it be funny if old Jack Henderson bought it back? Cameron suggested as they entered through the gate, finding Daniel returning from the fields, his hoe lazily across his shoulders and apparently oblivious to the arrival of his brothers. As he approached William called. “Hey Daniel, take care of the horses.” He dismounted and handed the reins to his brother.

“Yes boss.” Daniel answered sarcastically while attending to William’s bidding.

“She needs brushing down so make sure you do it this time.”

“How was father?” Daniel enquired as he removed the saddle.

“Not happy, I guess he’ll get over it but what do you care.” William snapped.

“I don’t actually; do you know who bought Henderson’s?”

“No but I guess whoever it was will be in the old man’s gun sight, as most knew he wanted the land.”

“I heard from Sid Langley it was someone from out of town.” Daniel suggested.

“As I said Daniel I don’t know, all I know I was blamed for losing the sale. Don’t forget to rub her down, I’m going home.”

“As I said to William, wouldn’t it be funny if Jack Henderson bought it back.” Cameron repeated his earlier thought.

“Don’t be stupid Cameron where would Henderson get the money?” Daniel disagreed.

“It was only a thought Daniel.” Cameron answered shying away from his words.

“I reckon Larkin had something to do with it.” Daniel suggested.

“How could he have no one knew the fellow who had the winning bid. He said he was from out of town and standing in for the real buyer.” William growled.

“I still think Larking had something to do with it, he and father have had a falling out.” Daniel continued.

“Brush the horses down Daniel, I’m going home.” William finally departed company.

At last the time for Queensland to vote on Federation arrived and the ballot was set for the following Saturday, while once again the town was buzzing with pro and anti excitements, running gambling books on what would be their country’s new title. Most believed it would be Australia as that name was already in usage but some had more elaborate ideas, even going as far as becoming a direct part of Great Britain, having members sit in the Commons, maybe even the Lords with one of Victoria’s sons becoming Prince of Australia. In general such closeness to the motherland was scoffed, as an increasing number wanted to cut the ties once and for all.

Although none of the boys were land holders, they still had a litany of opinions on the vote and its outcome. William and Cameron took their father’s view and were against a yes vote, while Lachlan agreed with the union, with Stephen agreeing in principal. As for Daniel he couldn’t give a tinker’s cuss either way. His only wish was it would turn into a right tumble to give him a measure of light entertainment.

“Well seeing none of us has the right to vote, it doesn’t matter.” Stephen declared during the Sunday nights meal at the big house.

Since the old man was no longer around for his Sunday gathering, the family continued with the tradition but without the formality Jock insisted on. The girls no longer attended and William without Lucy did so out of respect for his mother. As for Robert, seeing their father wasn’t in attendance, he was included without McBride’s knowledge, while often staying afterwards instead of travelling back to town along a dark road.

“What is your opinion Robert?” Stephen asked of the rebellious brother once all but he and Martha had had aired their opinion.

“I agree with Lachlan, Queensland needs the other colonies. We need the free trade and there is protection in numbers,” he waved a finger and continued, “it is my belief the Germans are becoming quite involved in the Pacific and who knows about the Russians and the Chinese; even Japan.” Robert was cut short by William.

“Alright you have made your point; you don’t have to give us a geography lesson with it.” William snapped.

“Since when have you become interested in politics?” Daniel asked.

“I guess living in town and being close to it all gives you an independent slant on things.”

“When are you coming back to the farm?” Cameron asked.

“All he has to do is apologise to father.” William curtly cut in before Robert could give an answer.

“Then that will be never,” Robert paused and addressed their mother, “oh by the way mother, I am thinking of shifting to Townsville.”

“You can’t your father is about to ask you to return to the farm, he has need of you.” William growled in an attempt to enforce his authority over his brother’s decision.

“My father? I thought he was our father! Besides I am also about to dump the McBride name. I no longer wish to be associated with him in any way.” Robert displayed his frustration and pushed his plate to one side, sending his knife to the floor, from where Polly quickly retrieved it and placed it back upon the plate. She gave a nervous giggle.

“Robert, William please.” Martha McBride pleaded.

“Sorry mother but I am now the farm manager and must have some respect.” William protested loudly.

“You have to earn it!” Daniel declared; his words coming forth like the tension release from a coiled spring.

“Daniel please! All of you, we don’t need to tear ourselves apart over this.” Martha became distressed and observing their mother’s anxiety the brother’s settled.

“Sorry William.” Robert apologised.

“You know it isn’t easy, doing father’s bidding.” William grumbled, his voice sounding akin to a hurt child and one at the end of his tether, then without furthering his complaint, William apologised to his mother and left the room. “By the way Robert, father is coming over early in the morning, so it is my advice you leave with sunup.” He added civilly on his departing.

“Boy’s you should be more pleasant to William, it isn’t easy for him either.” Martha scolded as the door closed behind William. “Robert when have you decided to leave for Townsville?” She asked.

“Soon, I have been offered work.” Robert answered.

“You will be missed.” Martha sighed as Polly commenced to clear the table.

“I know mother and I will miss you all as well but I can’t stay around McBride’s Point any longer with father poking his nose into everything I do.” Robert paused, taking a deep breath he shook the gloom from his head, “he has even gone as far as trying to have me dismissed from my work.”

Back in town the old man had become more belligerent than usual, finding himself ever more isolated because of his moods and verbal tirades.

Now townsfolk held meetings without inviting him and women whispered behind gloved hands and fans as he passed by. None of which appeared to become apparent as he went about his business in a town he still considered he owned.

What McBride failed to realise, the town was quickly outgrowing its need for him and was no longer prepared to tolerate his behaviour, so plotted in every possible way to skirt the problem of Jock McBride. Nor did they, out of a deep respect for Martha, accept his relationship with Mary Briggs, which he flaunted at every opportunity.

The final meeting relating to Federation was held at the new Council Hall a week before the vote. Most of the town’s elders were there including Jock McBride, who although quite intoxicated, attempted to chair the gathering. As he stood to speak negatively against the union he was shouted down by a number of new arrivals to the town who didn’t know the man or have respect for what he may say.

McBride became quite scarlet with rage and as he commenced to speak found the words would not come, they became stuck in his throat and all he could utter was a loud ‘arr’ then attempting to clear the blockage found he remained cursed with silence.

“Please Jock for old times sit down.” Jeremiah Bull softly insisted while placing his hand above McBride’s elbow and applying enough pressure to enforce his suggestion. Jock, although shocked by the heckling, took the man’s advice as Bull leant towards McBride’s ear and whispered. “Meet me after we’ll have a drink and a talk.” McBride declined answering, soon those gathered forgot his outburst and was almost to a man in agreement, Queensland must join the Commonwealth.

With the meeting at an end Bull took McBride aside. “What did you think of the meeting?” he asked and retrieved a half of whisky from a leather satchel. McBride didn’t respond. Bull found two whisky shot glasses, “I’m afraid it will happen, like it or not Jock it will happen. You are only one man Jock you can’t fight the whole country.”

“I guess so,” McBride answered somewhat despondently.

“Jock you must realise that the town is changing.” Jeremiah Bull offered, his voice creating a slight echo in the now empty hall. McBride swallowed his scotch but remained silent. His eyes glazed as the alcohol became his master, taking him away from his once clear judgement.

“Look Jock you’re rich enough, probably the wealthiest anywhere in the north, you don’t need to involve yourself in everything. Sit back and enjoy your wealth.” Bull paused and refilled Jock’s glass. “Sit back and watch the passing, watch your cane grow, your children and grand children, there’s a new century coming and most probably a new country, you don’t have to try and run it all. Besides the mood is changing, the country is now for the young and we are drawing away from England, we have to find our own way in the world, make our own mistakes.”

Bull sighed realising he wasn’t getting through to his friend but still continued in his attempt. “You have a wonderful family, two daughters, five healthy sons, grandchildren, what more could a man want.”

“I don’t think the union is good for Queensland, besides we in the north should be a separate country, Brisbane is too far away.” McBride at last answered.

“Well if the union goes through, then the nation’s capital will most probably be Sydney, or as now suggested Melbourne and that’s even further away.” Bull explained.

“I can’t agree with you Jeremiah, Queensland should not join and we should be a separate colony.”

“It will be a state soon, separate or not, one state or not and I’m afraid it is more than obvious which way the vote will go.” Bull contradicted.

“Who bought the Henderson property?” McBride asked drifting away from the subject of Federation.

“As yet I couldn’t say the papers haven’t arrived from the auction as yet but I’ll let you know when they do.”

Two days before the vote, Lachlan came back from town where he had been collecting the farm’s supplies and appeared happy even more so than anyone had ever seen in him. On delivering the supplies to the house he asked Stephen to do him a favour and saddle two horses as there was something he wished to show his friend.

“Where are we going?” Stephen enquired as they departed through the farm gate and took a left turn. Lachlan told him to be patient. Minutes later they were at what was once the gate to the Henderson’s farm. The entrance was now open as someone had stolen the heavy wooden gate Stephen had built some years earlier. Lachlan guided his friend onto the property and along the path to where the house once stood.

“Why are we here?” Stephen demanded showing a measure of anger with his friend’s idea of a joke. With this Lachlan removed an official looking paper from inside his shirt.

“Read this.” Lachlan laughed happily and gave Stephen the document.

“It’s a deed.” Stephen declared.

“Read the name of the property owners.”

“It has Stephen Henderson and Lachlan McBride.” Stephen appeared confused.

“Yes I have just collected it and your name first, I’ve bought your farm and I hope you don’t mind in both our names but will always be considered to be yours, I hope you not angry with me but I was told it would be best to do so.”

“Angry shit Lachlan how could I be, I wouldn’t want it any other way but how did you afford it?”

Emotion overtook Stephen as he descended his mount and kissed the very earth below his feet. He was trembling with gathering excitement and his words came in quick succession. “I don’t believe it, I must be dreaming.”

“I have been breeding and selling horses since I was fifteen and saved the money. I hope you are pleased?”

“Pleased, I’m on top of the world!” He shouted and as Lachlan dismounted Stephen threw his arms around his neck and kissed him full on the lips.

“Sorry.” Stephen gasped from his spontaneous action, taking a deep breath his face flushed crimson.

Lachlan simply laughed saying he could do it again if he wished.

“How did you do it, neither of us are twenty-one yet and wont be until next year, we can’t legally hold land.”

“I used a proxy, Michael Duncan he bought it for us and it will be held in trust by a solicitor until next year but we can do what we wish with it now.”

“What about your father?”

“Ah I enjoyed that the most of all and he hasn’t a clue but I suppose he will find out eventually.” Lachlan disclosed, showing a measure of smugness with the fact that for the first time in his short life he held a march against his father, even be it one that would eventually bring him into conflict, maybe banishment.

“One more thing.” Lachlan said while pointing to the hillock to the north of the property.

“What?”

“I still have enough to build a new house, which will be to your design but I insist that it must be built over there behind that hill.”

“Sure but why there?”

“The Gulngai have told me it is the best place to do so.”

“Ah yes I do recollect you asking Yarran where the best place was to build. I thought it a little strange at the time.”

“Strange or not, it’s now yours; I am only a very silent partner.” Lachlan promised.

“Are you going to tell your family?” Stephen enquired.

“Mother knows and I’ll probably tell Daniel in good time but the rest can find out from others, as for father, I guess his friendship with Jeremiah Bull will soon supply him with the identity of the buyer.”

“Oh Lockie, I would love to be that fly on that wall when your father hears about it.” Stephen related smugly.

“I also but I’m not looking forward to the tirade once he does, so we better hurry the building of the new house, as soon we both may need to liver there.”

With the excitement in Stephen’s acceptance out of all improbability he had the family’s farm back in his name, came more enthusiasm with the vote for Federation. The town hall was busy early, women lined outside the hall to cheer on their men folk to vote for Federation but as they entered the voters were sombre, keeping their opinions to themselves. It was a time in the cycle of social development when many believed there to be three totems of conversation that were sacrosanct, being religion, sex and politics. Maybe politics came close to being cast aside, as many a disagreement eventuated into a barroom brawl over some heated opinion but on this day none appeared to share thoughts on the outcome as they filed into the hall to vote. As for sex, more hyperbole had been issued to its cause than any other subject offered up for scrutiny.

At the end of the voting came the party and the main street of McBride’s Point became a singularity of celebration, while some wag had nailed a new sign over the original town’s name plaque, reading Federation Bay.

Jock McBride had not joined the celebrations or the voting, instead he remained shut away in his town house for the duration, nor had he seen the name plate obliterating his pride. His right for three votes in three districts came to nothing, believing the no vote was lost he therefore made the decision not to vote at all.

Later that night the count was over, McBride’s Point had voted overwhelmingly to Federate, now it was up to the rest of the colony and by the word that was coming by telegraph from other towns along the coast it was all positive. Cairns had said yes, as had Tully, Mareeba, Cooktown and Townsville. The Federation was on a roll and the colony of Queensland appeared to be knitting as one with the rest of the continent. They were to be federated under the act of Commonwealth.

A week after the Federation vote the news came from Brisbane, Queensland was to be part of the new country and it had been decided to call it Australia. That same day a bullock dray loaded with timber arrived at the Henderson’s farm and Lachlan had placed a sign above the new front gate, it read Henderson, nothing more and nothing less and the letters were large and bold and permanent.

Stephen was pleased with the sign yet suggested it should read both names but Lachlan disagreed, declaring that it may loosen tongues. Besides what was in a name and it was more than fact the name McBride was nailed to enough establishments already, so there wasn’t need to add to the proliferation.

“Maybe one day.” Lachlan suggested regarding the duel naming.

“With a large carved heart between.” Stephen teased.

“I don’t think so but it would be a good to place your brand mark, S/L I would like that.”

That night at tea Daniel came with the news. “Have you seen your farm Stephen, it has a new gate and a sign, and I am told a load of timber arrived.”

“Is that so?” Lachlan declared, while Stephen sat smugly silent allowing Lachlan to explain.

“Not only that the sign says Henderson, was Cameron correct, has your father taken it back over?” Daniel appeared elated.

“No Daniel Stephen now owns the farm.” Lachlan advised jovially.

“Actually Daniel it’s both Lachlan’s and mine.” Stephen corrected.

“How?”

“Michael Duncan. – You remember those letters you delivered and didn’t read. He arranged the bidding and will hold it in trust until next year when we are both twenty-one.”

“Shit father and William will have a fit.” Daniel appeared to be as pleased with that idea as was Lachlan. “But where did you get the cash, rob a bank?”

“I’ve been dealing with horses since I was fifteen and unlike you I know how to save money.” Lachlan replied.

“Are you going to rebuild?” Daniel asked.

“Yes and soon.”

“When you build this new farm house are you both moving over there?” Daniel asked, with a measure of reservation.

“You are getting a little ahead of it all brother, we haven’t laid the foundations yet, why do you ask?”

“No reason.” Daniel answered.

“Put it this way, when father hears of my so called deceit, more than likely he will order me to pack up and clear out.” Lachlan admitted.

“Yes I can see that happening, so best you start building right away.”

“Another thing Daniel, I want you to promise you won’t mention what you’ve just heard to anyone, especially William or father.”

“I guess they will soon see the name above the gate.” Daniel suggested.

“Yes but it is possible they may think Stephen’s father has bought it back.”

“Maybe,”

“You promise?”

“Alright I promise but it will be difficult.”

“And not one of your usual promises.” Lachlan enforced.

“Alright I guess I can keep a secret when I have to but I want to be around when William and father find out.”

“Unfortunately I guess it won’t be all that long, once the papers are registered with the bank and they receive their money I should think Mr. Bull will be giving father a very quick visit,” Lachlan explained, “until then you keep quiet.”

“Again I promise, does anyone else know.”

“Of course Michael Duncan and mother, otherwise I guess no one.”

“You were always a sneak bugger.” Daniel laughed.

“Maybe so but now all we have to do is somehow keep a lid on it, also the new house as it will be started within a matter of days.”

“The twins can’t miss it they will be working in the adjacent paddock for the rest of the week.” Daniel explained.

“True but there won’t be anything about the structure that points to either Stephen or me.”

“How does it feel to have your farm back?” Daniel asked of Stephen.

“I don’t think you would be able to guess, I still can’t believe it.”

If happiness could be measured then Lachlan was at full measure but Daniel was becoming despondent. Since he had his room at the cottage he seldom returned to the big house, except for family meals and to help his mother. As for Lachlan sharing his bedroom with Stephen, Daniel didn’t seem to question. There were two beds in Lachlan’s room and the fact that their door was closed at night didn’t relate but if they were to move away, he would lose their company and that he could relate to, it would leave him without a buffer between the twins and their father.

“One other thing, Robert is leaving for Townsville next week; he called by with the news this morning.” Daniel advised somewhat despondently.

“Yes I saw him while I was in town.” Lachlan answered.

“Do you remember what I said I liked most about a small community?” Daniel asked.

“Sort of,”

“Well now even this place is changing, everyone is leaving.”

“Who is everyone Daniel?” Lachlan asked.

“I guess Robert and once father finds out about buying the farm, you and Stephen.”

“If so Daniel it will be only across the road.” Lachlan laughed at his brother’s concern. “Besides the way you are going you may need to join us.”

“You mean that?” Daniel’s mood climbed.

“Well it would be up to Stephen but I guess if you don’t call him the rat he may agree.”

Daniel turned to Stephen beaming with expectation.

“Yes Daniel you can come.”

Within days of the timber arriving at the Henderson farm the foundations were laid and when possible Stephen would steal away to organise the construction without William becoming suspicious. It was true the property was obviously back under Henderson control but equally correct as Lachlan had suggested, belief was Jack Henderson had managed to buy it back and with the excitement surrounding federation nothing more was mentioned about the property but its secret would not last for long, McBride would eventually learn of his son’s deceit, his association with Jeremiah Bull would assure that.

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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