We of the Never-Never. With Illustrations From Photographs

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The Maluka, known as the new Boss for the Elsey, and his wife were in Darwin, Northern Territory, awaiting a train to the Never-Never. The train was out of town, expected to return soon, while Jack, the Quiet Stockman, managed affairs at the homestead. The Sanguine Scot, the Head Stockman, and the Dandy were in Katherine, waiting for instructions from the Maluka, as others prepared for New Year celebrations. Everyone, except those in Darwin, was blissfully unaware of the Maluka's wife. However, upon learning of her presence, opinions shifted. The Sanguine Scot was furious, the Company felt sympathy, and the Dandy expressed his shock with a dismayed "Heavens above!" (The Dandy, despite his name, was simply fond of clean clothes and order, lacking any true dandyism in character.) The Head Stockman, absent at the time, might have contributed to the discussion on the benefits of having a woman around. Meanwhile, the Wag maintained his usual lively demeanor, unfazed by the gossip circulating through the telegraph wire, which had revealed the Maluka's recent marriage just before his departure from the South.