Settling Day
By the same Author
SPORTING SKETCHES
SOME PRESS OPINIONS
'We are inclined to regard this volume as the best work he, Mr Gould, has yet done.'—The Field.
'These vivid, varied and altogether delightful sketches.'—Glasgow Herald.
A RACECOURSE TRAGEDY
SOME PRESS OPINIONS
'Most of the characters are delightful, and the love scenes towards the close—in which two of Mr Gould's best-depicted characters are the actors—furnish an extremely pleasant ending to an exciting and well-told story.'—Scotsman.
'A good example of a plain, straightforward story, without any mystery, yet strong in human interest.'—Nottingham Guardian.
WARNED OFF
SOME PRESS OPINIONS
'Nat Gould's stories are so lively and full of "go" that they never drag for a moment, and the topics of the Turf are sure to be found discussed by the characters in the typical style. "Warned Off," the latest of the series, is a capital story of a gentleman rider who suffers an unjust Turf sentence.'—Leeds Mercury.
'The plot affords plenty of scope for the style of writing in which Mr Gould indulges, and the book comes out at an appropriate time, inasmuch as some of the most exciting incidents take place at Epsom.'—The Field.
For further List of Authors please refer to end of book.
SETTLING DAY
BY
NAT GOULD
AUTHOR OF 'THE DOUBLE EVENT,' 'A RACECOURSE TRAGEDY,' 'WARNED OFF,' ETC., ETC.
LONDON R.A. EVERETT & CO. 42 ESSEX STREET, STRAND, W.C.
[All Rights reserved.]
CONTENTS
SETTLING DAY
CHAPTER I THE LITTLE CHAP
He was riding hard and fast, the thud of his horse's hoofs resounded from the sun-baked ground. He rode for a life, the life of his child, a little chap six years old. As he urged on his mare he fancied in every moan of the wind he heard a cry of pain. His face was set and his eyes were tearless, but his heart throbbed painfully, and each pulsation seemed to increase his dread of what might happen in the homestead during his absence. In the Australian bush doctors are few and far between, and many miles have to be covered before assistance in case of sickness can be obtained.
Jim Dennis's had not been a happy life. He was practically an outcast from society, a solitary man, living in a lonely spot in the wilds of New South Wales. He had been grievously wronged, and knew it, but others did not, and the world's judgment upon him had been harsh and unjust. He hated the world, so he said, and thought he meant, it; but there was one connecting link with the past that softened his heart, and that was the little chap who lay fighting for life while he rode at a mad pace to fetch aid so necessary to save him; and the mare, with that unerring instinct which horses possess, knew she was set no ordinary task. The sun was glowing down upon man and beast, and the ground felt like hot bricks. There was no grass, for the wretched substitute in the dried shrivelled blades that nodded faintly in the wind could scarcely be designated as such.
No trees afforded a cool shade, and a stagnant water-hole or two was no temptation to drink.
Jim Dennis had several miles to go before he reached Swamp Creek, the nearest township to his lonely station.
He urged the mare on, and faster and faster she went, taxing her strength to the uttermost, and yet never faltering, her courage still high, her spirit undaunted. Her nostrils were extended and fiery red, a few faint traces of foam were on the bit, but her mouth was dry and parched as the ground she galloped over.
Her breath came in short, quick sobs, and Jim Dennis knew she would be well-nigh spent in another hour. He was not a cruel man, and he had great affection for all animals. It was mankind that he warred against, not the brute creation.