We Of The Never Never

"[...]Wet," they said, and the Maluka "hoped she would prove the exception." "But she'll be bored to death if she does reach the homestead alive," they prophesied; and I told them they were not very complimentary to the Maluka. "You don't understand," they hastened to explain. "He'll be camping out most of his time, miles away from the homestead," and I said, "So will I." "So you think," they corrected. "But you'll find that a woman alone in a camp of men is decidedly out of place"; and I felt severely snubbed. The Maluka suggested that he might yet succeed in persuading some suitable woman to come out with us, as maid or companion; but the opposition, wagging wise heads, pursed incredulous lips, as it declared that "no one but a fool would go out there for either love or money." A prophecy that came true, for eventually we went "bush" womanless. The Maluka's eyes twinkled as he listened. "Does the cap fit, little 'un?" he[...]".