The Germ Growers: An Australian story of adventure and mysteryPotter, Robert
Science
The Germ Growers: An Australian story of adventure and mystery
Potter, Robert
Science fiction, Australian
Jack and I for obvious reasons gave them some illustrations of the use
of our “fire spears.” Mine they said was a “fire spear” of one point,
and Jack’s of two three points, two three; that is to say I used a
bullet and Jack used shot. We were beginning to be favourites, and
even Bomero himself liked us, for although he showed at first some
signs of being jealous, we treated him with such deference that he
soon forgot his jealousy. Jack had a black leather belt for wearing
round the waist, and we made Bomero a formal present of this. We
explained its use to him and put it round his kilt. We could see that
he was nearly overcome with childish delight, and yet the wily fellow
was knowing enough to repress all show of this feeling and to receive
the gift with stolid gravity. He gave us in turn an eagle’s feather
each, which he took off the kilt just where the belt would cover it,
and these we received with becoming gratitude.
A serious misfortune befell us about the eighth day, which was the
occasion of another compliment to Bomero. Jack’s horse fell dead lame,
and we were obliged to let him loose in the bush. We presented the
saddle to our black prince, and made a throne of it for him, and one
evening that we camped earlier than usual we persuaded him to hold a
levee. Jack explained the matter to Gioro, and Gioro to Bomero. This
was how Jack explained it.
_Gioro._ What’s levee?
_Jack._ Boss white fellow stands on daïs. No, sits on throne, throne
all same saddle and stirrups; other white fellows march up, march down
again, come this way, go that way, all same little stars and red star.
Bow to boss white fellow. Boss white fellow bows to them. Boss black
fellow all same boss white fellow.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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