Green Paddocks Jane Corrie

CHAPTER ONE HOLLY'S eyes were screwed up against the glare of the sun, then she saw him. There was no mistaking that broad chest and the way he pushed his hat back for one brief moment as if allowing the air to cool his forehead, then push it back again in slightly tipped position. 'Hal!' she called, and with half disbelief saw him raise his head briefly and stare in her direction, then with slow deliberation turn his gaze back to where it had been before, watching the herd of cattle on the lower plains. 'Seems you've either got the wrong man, or he just doesn't want to know,' drawled the lazy voice of Hayes Chester beside her. Holly closed her lovely green eyes; she hadn't got the wrong man, and crazy as it seemed it looked as if his second surmise was correct. 'Well, what now?' drawled the voice Holly was beginning to dislike very much. She had not been very enamoured of him at their first meeting when he had condescendingly admitted he had a head stockman answering to the name of Hal Munt, and even more condescendingly offered to take her out to the stock run to locate him. She felt the cold grey eyes of the man on her, impatient for her answer. It seemed she hadn't much choice; she would have to go back to the township and try and find some other way of contacting Hal. Holly had not come all this way to find out the reason for Hal's sudden take-off from her father's ranch a month ago, without ascertaining the facts. With a light touch on the horse's flank, Holly swung back in the direction from where they had come. 'Thank you, Mr

Chester,' she said. 'I'm sorry to have taken up your time. It appears there has been some misunderstanding. No doubt I shall eventually know the cause.' Holly spurred the horse into a gallop, wanting to put as much distance between herself and the cynical man who owned the spread of land she was on. Coomela was double the size of her father's ranch, which in terms of acreage was no mean feat. More prosperous too, she thought, as she neared the lush paddocks near the old but exceedingly grand ranch-house. She wondered vaguely if it was good management, or whether some city tycoon had invested in the place, but thinking of the man thundering after her in a manner that suggested he hadn't liked the way she had so abruptly terminated the conversation, she had a feeling the answer lay in the extremely capable, if harsh hands, of that same man. Hayes Chester caught up with her long before she reached the unsaddling area, and had swung off his horse and stood watching her dismount with slightly narrowed eyes. No offer of help, Holly noticednot that any was needed; she had ridden since she was old enough to be put in the saddle. She thought wistfully of home, where old Jamie would be standing by keeping a watchful eye on her as he had done since she was a tot, and since he had been relegated to the stables after a bad fall had taken him off the stock run for good. His quaint old pidgin English greeting came to her as she hitched her mount to a nearby rail; all these meaningless but safe thoughts went through Holly's head, anything but the realisation that Hal had turned away from her, she would think about that later. Her car stood in front of the ranch-house and she made her way towards it. 'Miss Drew?' Holly turned and faced the man who had not moved his position since dismounting, she saw the way the cold grey eyes swept over her from head to foot. He'll know me next time, she thought, and repaid the compliment by giving him the same slow appraisal. There was, she thought, nothing to complain of if you went for the strong silent type; his deeply tanned face was ruggedly handsome and noting the

powerful shoulders Holly could well imagine him throwing a bull; she had a feeling there was nothing his stockmen could do that he couldn't, and probably did better; all this she instinctively knew about this man. She didn't like him, but she respected the type of man he represented. She had grown up among them, the spoilt darling of twenty hands. She found herself blinking rapidly; that was before her father's sudden death, the day before Hal had made his abrupt departure without so much as a careless 'see you'. For Hal of all people to do that when she needed his comfort so badly ! 'Can I take it you will not be following up the association?' asked Hayes Chester caustically. Holly knew a moment of surprise at the audacious question. What had it to do with him? Was he afraid she would take to hanging around the ranch? Her eyebrows rose haughtily. 'If Mr Munt should ask after me, will you please tell him I'm putting up at the Green Parrot,' she said quietly, ignoring his question. He hadn't liked that, his own brows rose. 'If,' he said sardonically, then abruptly added, 'I shouldn't count on it, though. If you take my advice, you'd go right back home, young lady. Do your parents know where you are?' Holly gasped. She was twenty years oldfor goodness' sake, how old did he think she was? 'I would say Hal's just a bit too old for you, wouldn't you?' He shrugged his shoulders, a movement that made the muscles ripple under his tan silk shirt. 'So he made a play for you one time, but isn't it obvious he's lost interest? Now why don't you be sensible and call it a day? If you prove troublesome he'll move on elsewhere, and I've no wish to lose the best man I've got on the ranch,' he added curtly. Holly's eyes flashed; he didn't believe in pulling his punches, did he? In other wordsget out, you're rocking my boat ! She'd do more than rock it ! Turning back towards her car, she got in and flashed him a sweet smile. 'I'm sure you mean well, Mr Chester; you will remember to tell Mr Munt, won't youerthe Green Parrot?'

She caught the swift blaze of anger in his eyes as he moved towards the car. 'Why, you stubborn little minx!' he ground out. 'I've a good mind to' For a startling second Holly thought he would drag her out of the car, then he took hold of himself and stood glaring down at her. 'As you don't seem inclined to accept my advice, I'll give you a warning. Stay away from my ranch. What Munt does in his spare time is none of my businessthough I must say,' he said disdainfully, 'I would have thought he would have had more sense than to tangle with a teenager !' That did it ! Holly's hands froze on the wheel of the car. 'For your information,' she blazed, 'I'm twenty, and though that might be a teenager to you,' she said baldly, 'it's considered adult where I come from. As for Hal tangling with me, as you put ityou haven't the least idea of what you're talking about! And,' she spat out, 'I wouldn't step foot on your property if you went down on your knees!' She jerked the ignition key and let out the clutch and revving the engine twice as loudly as necessary, she took off leaving a cloud of dust in her wake. Holly kept her foot down on the accelerator; she was so furious she was trembling. She was not used to that kind of treatment. All her life she had known nothing but overanxiousness for her welfare. She had done the stock run with the men, and played her part at mustering, a useful part too, even though she knew any hint of danger would bring a dozen men ringing round her. Coddled and spoilt, yes, but it had not given her any puffed-up ideas of her own importance. She was more at home in jeans and T-shirt than dresses and skirts, and her father had often despaired of her accepting the fact that she was a young lady and not one of the stock hands, and had sent her to Adelaide for the sole purpose of having that fact dinned into her. Holly had hated every minute of it, but had had to conform, for the time being anyway, but it hadn't taken long for her to get back into her old stride once the schooling was finished, and for her father to admit ruefully that the experiment had failed.

Holly had not been able to see the sense of it at the time. What use was knowledge of how to wear clothes and how to walk and talk as if attending a mayoral occasion to someone like her? The ranch was her home and always would beor so she had thought. However, since her father's death, certain things had come to light that began to make sense of the expensive schooling she had received, and she had found the ranch would remain her home on one condition. It was that condition that sent her scouring New South Wales for a certain stockmanHalwhom she had grown up persistently trotting after; her wide green eyes watching every move of his during mustering, which she would later invariably try to mimic, and invariably get cut down, to size for her pains. It was Hal who taught her to ridein fact, she mused, as she neared the township, had taught her everything. When Holly was a little girl she had promised herself that she would one day marry Hal. He was big, strong and handsome, and although stern on occasions, was a just man, and the men accepted his authority without question, as did Holly. With green eyes, she had a temper to match, but Hal could quench her fire with a single look and she would find herself trying to please, rather than displease. This state of adoration for Hal lingered through her early teens, and when she was eighteen, Holly suddenly came to the conclusion she had outgrown her childish wish to marry him, but the affection and respect was still there. It would be to Hal she would confide her troubles. Her father had not taken much interest in the running of the ranch in the latter years, and did not seem to do much but sit around, and this had worried Holly until Hal had explained about his health. Holly hadn't known it, but the disease was incurable, it had just been a question of time. It was Hal who had run the ranch, and his sudden exit out of her life was as stunning a blow as her father's death had been. She drew up outside the white-painted motel with the motif of parrots on a huge sign hanging above the door. Going in, she booked a room, and at the inquired 'For how long?' she

frowned. She wished she knewtwo, three daysa week? She sighed. 'I'm not sure, but perhaps a week,' she said. Taking the key, she walked towards the chalets fronting the building and found hers was at the end of a row opposite the main building's dining area. Unlocking the door, she made a small moue of distaste at the smell of stale air that greeted her. She walked to the latticed windows and one by one flung them open. The unit consisted of a sitting-room, one bedroom and bathroom. Carrying her case through to the small bedroom, she placed it on the bed, making no attempt to unpack, then sat down on the bed and stared with unseeing eyes at the pine-coloured wall in front of her. She only saw Hal sitting astride his horse and that one telling gesture of his. Holly brushed an impatient hand across her eyes; she had come so far she couldn't go back now, not without finding out the reason for his strange behaviourbut how could she find out? Would Hayes Chester pass on her message? She was almost sure he would not. Hadn't he told her to go home? She stood up abruptly; perhaps that was what she should do. Hal wanted no part of her problems; had he known about Pete Mills? If he had it would explain a lot of things, for Hal had never had much time for him. Holly shook her head wearily, he would have come to find her to ascertain the matternot left without a word. She walked through to the sitting-room and saw a telephone on a side table; she ought to phone Milly, she'd be worried. With a sigh, Holly picked up the phone and asked for the number she required; and within a short space of time she was connected. 'Where you bin?' demanded a worried Milly. Feeling the wetness gathering behind her eyes, Holly swallowed; Milly had been as good as a mother to her since she had lost her own when she was four. She could see the stout Aboriginal woman with her bright-coloured apron, one hand clutching the instrument, the other plump arm with work-roughened hand resting on her waist, a characteristic pose of hers. 'I'm up in Coomela, Milly, sorry I haven't rung through before.' 'You found that fella?' demanded Milly.

Holly wished she hadn't asked that question. 'Yes,' she said abruptly. 'I haven't had time to talk to him yet, he's working on a place called Coomela.' Hastily switching the topic, she asked, 'How's things your end?' 'All tops and turvy,' Milly grunted. 'That Pete Mills sure ain't the mos' popular fella round these parts. Tim and Dave are aiming to move on; Dave had an uppa and downa with him yesterday. Look, you get that fella back, Holly girl. He knows what's right, boys can't make head nor tail of what's going on, and is something ain't done quick, we ain't going to have no boys, nohow.' 'I'm doing my best,' replied Holly, quite unable to prevent a break in her voice. 'You all right?' demanded Milly suspiciously. 'I'm fine,' lied Holly. 'Just tired, I guess. I only got here today. Look, I'll ring you tomorrow, and Milly?' she added hesitantly, 'tell them I'll be back shortly. Try and get Tim and Dave to hang on.' Replacing the receiver, Holly stood dejectedly in the middle of the room, her slender shoulders bent, and her bowed head with its blue-black hair cut urchin style motionless. Why had she said that? What right had she to raise hopes? Green Paddocks had been taken over; no longer did a Drew own ither mouth twisted bitterly; not even a female Drew. She heard a clap of thunder and automatically her thoughts went out to Hal up on that hillside. Right now he'd be watching that herd waiting for a break from the leaders, then he'd pelt hell for leather towards them and head them off. This time the tears did fall. She straightened her back, she would go back tomorrow. There was no point in evading the issue. She would see each of the men and explain the position, either ask them to stay on for her sakeor, she closed her eyes, she could manage Pete, she had always been able to manage him, but right now he held an unbeatable hand, and knew it. Wearily she made her way back into the bedroom and unpacked the necessary items for her one night stay, then made her way to the dining room for an early dinner, after

which she would take a walk around the township to help pass the time before she could retire. She slept fitfully, vaguely aware of the storm echoing around the hills that enclosed the township. In the morning the air was fresh and the greenery twice as bright, but Holly noticed none of these things; she only knew she was alone, more alone than she had ever felt it was possible to feel. Back at Green Paddocks were the folk she had grown up with, and that soon was to be taken away from her, she would have to face up to that fact. As for Milly ... She hastily picked up her toilet requirements; she couldn't begin to think about that. Nevertheless, she did think about it, and as she showered she found herself hoping for a small miracle, although fifty thousand dollars could hardly be considered small; as far as she was concerned it might just as well be fifty million. She hadn't got it, nor was she likely to get it. After her ablutions, Holly packed her case and left it ready to pick up after she had breakfasted. During her solitary breakfast later, she felt conspicuous alone in the large dining room. Most of the guests had left early, the last two had made their exit soon after she had arrived. Holly made a pretence of studying the menu, but her thoughts were far away from the listed selection offered, and she did not see or hear the approach of the man until he was almost at her table. Glancing up, she met the cold eyes of Hal. At first she knew surprise and it showed in her eyes, then noting the lack of warmth in his, something snapped inside her. 'Boss suggested I come,' he said coldly. Holly said nothing, but just watched him. She couldn't understand his attitude. Hayes Chester, it appeared, had given the order, and Hal had had to obey. She looked away. 'Hal, I don't pretend to understand what's happened,' she said quietly. 'I only know you left ... and things are in such a mess.' Her voice wavered. His voice still held coldness. 'Did you expect me to work out my month's notice?' Holly stared at him. 'Month's notice?' she repeated incredulously.

Hal's blue eyes were bleak. 'Signed by one Holly Drew, in case you've forgotten,' he said harshly. Holly's eyes widened in disbelief. 'Are you bushwhacked?' she demanded. 'As if I'd do a thing like that when I need you so badly!' Again her voice faltered, she closed her eyes. 'Hal,' she said slowly, 'I guess I'm a bit bushwhacked myself. Are you trying to tell me I fired you?' Her eyes sparkled with the glint of tears when she opened them to look at him. He pulled a chair out and sat down next to her. 'Seems,' he drawled, his eyes searching her face, 'someone's got a lot of explaining to do. Pete Mills, for instance! Did you sign anything, Holly girl, after your dad died?' Holly frowned. It was hard to concentrate on that particular period in time; she recalled Pete coming over that same morning and telling her he would see to things. Pete had the neighbouring ranch and was a frequent visitor to Green Paddocks. Although he was only five years older than herself, Holly had always considered him more her father's friend than hers. 'Yes,' she said slowly, 'Something to do with the stock movementshe said something about giving you clearance for the sales. I don't really remember much, you know. Does it matter?' 'Pity you didn't read it through, girl,' he said quietly. 'You might have signed away the ranch for all you knew.' 'I didn't sign your dismissal, Hal,' she said firmly. 'Whatever it was, I would have recognised one of those forms.' Hal's lips set, and he shook his head. 'You wouldn't have noticed any difference, girl, not unless you were on the lookout for it, and you weren't.' His large hands clenched into fists, 'It was a pretty fancy document on the whole, thanking me for past service, etc.' Holly gasped as the implication hit her. 'Well !' she declared. 'Of all the underhand tricks ! Why, without you we wouldn't have survived, and he must know that.' The waitress approached hesitantly as if not sure whether to interrupt or not and Holly ordered coffee; she had no appetite for food. When the waitress left, she looked across at Hal sitting frowning with narrowed eyes, lost in thought.

He looked up suddenly and his eyes were gentle as he saw the concern in hers. One large hand was placed over hers. 'Honey, I'm sorryguess I fell for the big hustle, didn't I? I ought to have known better,' he muttered. 'Thought you'd come to some arrangement with Pete Mills. I guessed your father's death had knocked you sideways; perhaps if I'd told you there wasn't a chance he'd recover it would have been easier on you, but I hadn't the heart. As for Mr Mills, who the hell does he think he is? I'll knock that damned dismissal note down his throat !' he growled. Holly poured out two cups of coffee after the tray had been brought to her. With her eyes on the coffee pot, she said quietly, 'It wouldn't do any good, Hal, he practically owns Green Paddocks. Did you know Father was heavily in debt to him?' she asked. Hal glanced at her sharply. 'I knew someone was backing him, but I thought he'd got a state loan. How much did it amount to?' Holly looked down at her cup. 'I'm not sure,' she sighed, 'somewhere in the region of fifty thousand.' She gave him a look of despair. 'If you'd stayed, Hal, I'm sure something could have been worked out we weren't doing too badly, were we?' He whistled through his teeth. 'So that's why I got the big send-off, and like a fool fell for it,' he commented grimly. His eyes narrowed. 'Sure, we could have worked it off. Would have to have been on a long term basis, though, we were just pulling ahead.' 'That's what I thought,' Holly said dully. 'But he doesn't want it done that way.' 'You mean he's insisting on full payment?' demanded Hal. 'He doesn't need the cash, it's chicken feed to him.' He was silent for a moment or two, then his sun-bleached eyebrows rose. 'Oh, I get it,' he said slowly. Holly's flush confirmed his deductions. 'What was the proposition?' he asked sardonically. 'A partnership?' Holly nodded dumbly. 'Matrimony,' she said miserably. In the silence that followed, she noticed with surprise that there was no violent reaction from Hal. She looked at him, her eyes wide. 'You expected it !' she said in amazement.

Hal's smile was not one of amusement. 'Anyone else but you, honey, would have seen it coming. He's crazy about you. You don't really think it was your dad he came to see all that time, do you?' Holly's eyes fell from his, she studied the check tablecloth. 'He said it was what Father wanted,' she said in a low voice. 'The finishing school, Hal. He must have paid for ithe didn't say so, of course, but Father couldn't have afforded itand it couldn't have been his idea in the first place. It didn't make sense at the time, but it's beginning to add up now,' she said miserably. 'Hal, I can't marry him, I just can't !' 'Have you said so?' he queried. 'Yes,' she said bitterly, 'but he only smiles, and says I'll come round when I've thought it over. He also said there'd be no changes apart from the fact that he'd be moving into Green Paddocks.' She bit her lower lip to stop it trembling. 'No changes,' she repeated softly. 'He said that after firing you, and now he's gone and upset Dave and Tim and they're thinking of moving on.' Her small hand clenched into a list. 'Why he has to insist on moving into Green Paddocks when he has a perfectly good home of his own is beyond me. He's got more mod cons than we've ever been able to afford. He'll change that too !' she said fiercely. 'I know he willand there's Milly to think of,' she rushed on. 'If I go, so will Milly, she'll follow me, you know she will.' She rubbed a hand across her forehead. 'How could Father have put me in this position?' she said dejectedly. Hal gave her a considering look. 'Guess he thought it was for the best, honey. I know he used to worry about you. He'd consider Pete Mills a suitable match. He was a mighty proud man, you remember, and you used to like Pete at one time.' Holly gave an exasperated shrug. 'I don't dislike him now. I mean, I'm sorry I can't feel anything more for him than a tepid friendship, which at the moment is being sorely tried. If he weren't so highhanded and so dogmatic a partnership might work out.' She shuddered. 'But never marriage! If I could persuade him to stay on at his place and leave me to manage the men, we could get by.' She looked hopefully at Hal. 'If I could persuade him, would you come back, Hal?'

Hal met her eyes levelly. 'The way I see it,' he said slowly, 'is, no way. I'm sorry, girl. Having bounced me out he's not likely to agree to take me on again, and if it means working under his orders then I want no part of it. I'd have no authority, you see, and I'm damned if I'd stand by and see you hustled into a marriage you didn't want. That's why he shot me off the place so fast, reckoned I'd put a spoke in his wheel if I got the chance.' He gazed bleakly out of the dining room windows to the green plains stretching into the distance. Holly squeezed his hand. 'So I'm hogtied, that's what it amounts to, doesn't it? I guess I knew it all the time,' she sighed. Hal caught her hand hard. 'I can give you fifteen years, honey,' he said gravely. 'What I'm trying to say is, only by marrying you myself can I protect you.' His eyes searched her face. Holly's eyes were misty. 'Oh, Hall! Would you really go that far for me? You, the dedicated bachelor ! No, there must be another way.' Seeing a shadow in the doorway, she glanced towards it. Hayes Chester stood there. Holly didn't know how long he had been there, but sensed he had not just come. 'I believe Mr Chester wants you,' she said. Hal gave a surprised start and looked towards the doorway. 'Boss?' he said. Hayes Chester strode towards them. 'That storm last night tore the west side fences down,' he said abruptly. 'The wires too; they couldn't get through until now. Those fences will have to be fixed before the run on Thursday.' Hal nodded and half rose, then looked down at Holly. She guessed his dilemma; he didn't want to leave her like that and yet he had to do his job. She smiled at him. 'It's all right. Hal, don't worry,' she said bravely, feeling despair creep over her. Hal couldn't help after all. 'Something will turn up.' She held her hand out to him. 'I'll let you know,' she said, trying to sound breezy about the whole thing. Hal straightened up and looked at her hand. Taking it, he said firmly, 'Now you stay put, do you hear? You're not going

back there until we've worked something out. I'll think about it.' Holly hesitated, very much aware of Hayes Chester's intent watch on them. 'I can't stay too long, Hal,' she said quietly. 'And honestly I oughtn't to have worried you.' Her firmly moulded tips clamped together. 'I'll see it through,' she said. Hal looked at her, and Holly knew that look. 'You'll do as you're told,' he said quietly. 'If you mean what I think you mean by seeing it through, then you'd better think again. Loan or no loan, you're not going through with it. Understand?' His eyebrows rose in query. Holly found herself unable to meet those blue eyes, she nodded dumbly. Yes, Hal,' she muttered. Satisfied, he nodded and picked up his hat. Holly watching him leave, then became aware of Hayes Chester still standing there watching her. For a brief second it occurred to her that the scene must have presented an intriguing puzzle to him, and she wondered what he made of it. He ought to have left after giving his message and she felt a surge of resentment against him. Was he afraid Hal might take off? She looked back at him again and met those enigmatic grey eyes of his. She shrugged and gave a little grimace. 'Tell him ?I had to go, will you, Mr Chester?' she said, and added with a bitter half smile, 'I ought not to have come. Don't worry, you won't lose your head stockman.' Then she got up and collected her bag. He still stood there and she wondered whether he was always so immaculately turned out, his crisp striped shirt tucked into fawn gaberdine trousers that looked made to measure, his highly polished brown shoes no ordinary shop purchase. She almost started when he spoke. 'So after giving your word, you're going back on it,' he said curtly. Holly stared at him. What an odd man he was! It was none of his business anyway. 'Of course,' he continued smoothly, 'I have no idea of the ins and outs of the situation, but I'd say if you went back to wherever it was you came from I have a feeling Munt would follow.' He gave her a sardonic look. 'Wouldn't he?' he asked.

She flushed and looked away quickly. He was right, of course. Hal would follow, if only to prevent her carrying out her threat. What a mess ! It would have been better if she hadn't found him. She sat down again slowly. Hayes Chester nodded. 'So I was right, then,' he said. 'Well, young lady, I suggest you do as you're told and stay put. Have you enough money to pay the bill?' he asked abruptly. Holly's surprise showed in her eyes, then she nodded. 'For a week anyway,' she said. He stared round the room. 'I suggest you come to the ranch-house this evening. You'll hardly get the privacy here that you require; or in Munt's quarters, come to that. I'll send transport for you at six.' Holly's eyes widened. She was puzzled; on the face of things it was a very generous and kindly offer, but she felt there was more to it. 'Thank you,' she said quickly, 'but perhaps you've forgotten I have my own transport. It's very good of ...' He interrupted her with a half raised hand, a gesture almost of disdain. 'No, Miss Drew, I haven't forgotten, nor have I forgotten your exit. Whoever taught you to drive could do with a few lessons themselves. I have,' he informed her haughtily, 'a highly valuable mare about to foal, and you will appreciate that a loud revving engine is hardly appropriate at such times, particularly when dealing with a nervous animal.' Holly flushed as she recalled the way she had left the ranch; then her eyes sparked. She wouldn't have been in such a fury if he hadn't have treated her as an unwelcome distraction. It was obvious he was still of the same opinion, hence his strange invitation. In other words he intended to keep an eye on Hal! She drew herself up to her full five foot four and with stiff features remarked coldly, 'Thank you for the invitation, Mr Chester, but on second thoughts, I think I would prefer to see Hal here. There's always my chalet, we should be perfectly private there.' She noticed the way his eyes narrowed. No, she thought, he hadn't liked that one bittoo bad!

'I don't,' he said smoothly with an undercurrent of irritation in his voice, 'know whether you have any idea of a stockman's role. For your information, they do not work to a set number of hours. In other words, Miss Drew, I merely suggested your discussion should take place at Coomela in order that my head stockman would still be available at short notice. I have more to do than chase after him as I had to do this morning.' Holly's hands clenched by her side. She was beginning to feel extremely sorry for Hal; his new boss was nothing short of a tyrant! Even Pete wasn't that bad! 'And for your information, Mr Chester,' she ground out, 'I happen to know a great deal about a stockman's life. I also know they're entitled to a certain amount of time off. When,' she said, emphasising her words slowly, 'Hal worked for my father, the men's welfare always came first. We kept our hands; there was no such thing as a staff turn-over.' Except now, she thought bleakly. Hayes Chester's eyes blazed for one split second, and Holly had a feeling he would have liked to shake her hard, then just as swiftly his mood changed and she sensed he had decided she wasn't worth getting riled up about. 'Then it must have been your father who died,' he said smoothly, adding a cutting rider, 'and Munt chose to work elsewhere.' He gave her a hard stare. 'Finding things a bit hard going without him, are you?' he said harshly. He looked down at his well polished shoes. 'I think I'm beginning to get the picture. Well, young lady, Munt is contracted to me for three years. He's a good man and I've no intention of allowing him to break that contract; the circumstances would have to be pretty unusual, and considering that he has no encumbrances, that is most unlikely.' His eyes met hers levelly. 'So I warn you, you're wasting your time if you came in the hope of getting him back.' Holly's eyes glinted green sparks. He was insufferable! If it was the last thing she did she'd rescue Hal from such an employer! Why, she would even marry him ! Wouldn't that come under the heading of unusual circumstances? 'How

about marriage, Mr Chester?' she asked innocently, noting the swift start at the question. 'Whose?' he queried insolently. She chose to ignore that. 'Mine,' she said challengingly. 'To Hal Munt. If he were my husband, I would naturally want him to run the ranch for me,' she said airily. His eyes narrowed. 'I would have thought he had more sense,' he commented waspishly. Holly gasped. Never in her whole life had she been thus treated. Her mind was now made up; she would marry Hal. As her husband he could take over Green Paddocks and in all probability raise the loan from the State to pay Pete back, and there was no reason why they shouldn't be very happy. Hal should be marriedevery man should marry t She looked at the man facing her. She certainly pitied any woman he got his fastidious sights on perhaps he was married? Her eyes narrowed in speculation. No, she was sure he wasn't, some sixth sense told her. 'No, Miss Drew, I'm not married,' he drawled, correctly reading her thoughts. 'Like Hal Munt, I prefer my freedom.' A flush stained her cheeks. Drat the man! there wasn't much he missed. He hadn't answered her question, though, and she waited. 'Is that what you're using as bait?' he queried. 'The ranch, I mean.' Holly's arm swung out swiftly and her hand was about to make contact when it was caught in an iron grip. 'I shouldn't,' he murmured. 'I'd dearly like to give you what your father apparently didn't. I can assure you if you provoke me enough, you'll see what I mean.' Holly's eyes widened to their full capacity and she stared at him incredulously. 'No, I don't think Hal Munt's the one for you,' he observed casually. 'He couldn't handle you.' Holly found her voice. 'He's the only one who can!' she burst out before she realised how childish it sounded, not to say boastful, but she really wasn't thinking too sanely at that precise moment.

He gave a sardonic smile. 'Of course,' he murmured, 'he tells you to stay put and you're off. Now if you were my concern and told to stay put, believe me, you'd do just that,' he said grimly. Her feelings were mirrored in her eyes. 'That, Mr Chester, is something that's never going to be put to the test,' she retorted icily. He nodded infuriatingly. 'For once, I'm in perfect agreement with you,' he answered coolly. 'However, getting back to the original subject, from what I've seen of Hal Munt, it's my opinion he's unlikely to be bribed. When I arrived I gathered he sought some other way put of whatever dilemma you'd got yourself intoand I must say,' he continued coldly, 'I rather feel his good nature is being exploited. I happen to know his employment was terminated.' Holly's eyes dropped hastily away from that cold stare of his, and she felt her cheeks crimson. 'Cattlemen, Miss Drew, have ways of knowing these things,' adding bluntly, 'Hal Munt's name is a well respected one, and the way he was treated considered deplorable.' Holly bit her lower lip, he was hitting her where it hurt most. He wasn't through, though. 'Perhaps now,' he went on in a smooth impersonal voice, 'we understand each other. I should have thought you would have had more pride than to seek him out again. As for throwing yourself at him,' his voice held disdain, 'No, Miss Drew, I keep my stockman. If you persist in your quest you will soon find I'm a man of my word. For Munt's sake I hope he won't let his good nature override good sense. I shall tell him where to find you.' He walked towards the door and was gone without a backward look.

CHAPTER TWO

A VARIETY of emotions surged through Holly. She knew an urge to stamp her foot in sheer frustration. The waitress came to clear away and Holly was only vaguely aware of her presence. 'My, but you're a popular person,' the girl murmured skittishly. 'Two of the local heart-throbs dancing attendance on you. Isn't Hayes Chester fab?' she went on, oblivious of Holly's preoccupation. 'The other's his head stockman, isn't he?' Holly started and stared at the thin slight fair-haired girl still in her teens, and with an effort brought her thoughts back to the girl's questions. As for Hayes Chester being fab! Her thoughts on that point would shock that dreamy look from the girl's face. The girl sighed dramatically. 'Now I could really go for that blond he-man of a stockman. Seems too good to be true that he's a bachelor.' She darted a quick inquisitive look at Holly as she placed the remainder of the liquid breakfast on a tray, and then sighed again as it became apparent that Holly was not in the mood for light conversation. Holly's green eyes were fixed on that expanse of plain now shimmering in the heat of the sun. Undeterred, the girl still lingered; Holly supposed she had time on her hands. 'I'd plump for the blond one if I were you,' she advised. 'Hayes Chester is a hard nut to crack. Goodness knows plenty have tried to storm that fortress. I must say,' she continued slyly, 'I've never seen him holding a girl's hand before.' Holly's reaction was immediate; to be linked with that insufferable character was more than she prepared to take. The girl had obviously not seen the incident that led up to the action. 'I'm afraid you're on the wrong track,' she said quietly. 'I'm here purely on business.' She reached for her bag and gave the girl a quick half smile, hoping she had not sounded too stuffy. The girl winked at tier. 'Have it your way,' she teased. 'Some folk have all the luck!' Back in the chalet, Holly went over her recent clash with Hayes Chester. As much as she disliked him, she had to admit he had been right. She was trading on Hal's goodwill, and he had been deplorably treated. It was not her fault, and

the more she thought of Pete's underhand action the more furious she got. Even if she had contemplated marrying him, his treatment of Hal would have effectively quashed the idea. Her eyes narrowed; it hadn't been intended that she would find out. Pete had anticipated Hal's reaction to the dismissal note signed by her; what he hadn't anticipated was Holly's determination to get to the bottom of the affair and not accepting Pete's bland, 'Guess he felt there wasn't any future here for him now that your father's gone.' Her hands clenched as she recalled him saying it. It would be the first thing she would tackle him on when she returned. With a slight start Holly realised her mind was made up. She would not wait for Hal. Accepting his offer of marriage was also trading on his good nature, and she couldn't do it. What she needed was a managersomeone dependable who could see about a State loan. Pete had no right to just walk in and start giving orders; he might own most of the stock, but he didn't own the ranch-house, and his decision to move in on the slight excuse that he wanted to be on hand was ridiculous. He had added that her father would have expected it of him, that he would not have wanted Holly to be left on her own. Her lips twisted; she had Milly and the boys. They would see that she was well looked after, but it had been no use pointing this out to Pete. On the day he had said he was moving in, Holly had showed her displeasure by taking off on the hunt for Hal, giving Milly strict instructions not to disclose her intentions not that Milly needed any such prompting. Milly had never been over-enthusiastic about Pete and had taken the same attitude as Holly on his decision to move in. As Hayes Chester had said, Hal's name was a respected one, and it hadn't been too difficult for Holly to get news of his whereabouts. She straightened her shoulders; seeing Hal had done her good. At least there was peace between them now, and he had said the loan could be paid back and that was good enough for her. She ought really to have thought these things out for herself, but the shock of her father's death, plus what appeared to be Hal's desertion, had knocked her off balance. Her eyes glinted. Pete would find

the slightly stunned girl he had almost bulldozed into matrimony returning to the fray fit and lighting mad ! Begging writing material from the receptionist, Holly returned to the chalet to compose the letter she would leave for Hal. She knew she had to make it quite clear she had no intention of marrying Pete, or, as that detestable man had pointed out, he would follow her. She told him she would find some way of repaying the loan, and how much he had helped her to come to this decision. Again she assured him she would keep in touch with him, and let him know the outcome. Finally, she added that there would always be a place for him at Green Paddocks. Her eyes were misty as she sealed the letter and wrote his name on the envelope. With a tiny shake of the head she took it down to reception and left it for him, then collected her case, paid her bill and picking up a packed lunch was on her way within a short space of time. As the miles passed, her mind was busy with ways and means of extricating herself from her father's well-meaning but utterly impossible plans for her future. His illness must have coloured his judgement. Pete's money alone had ensured him success; he had inherited a thriving sheep station three years previously from a dominant father. His freedom had given him the authority he craved, and as time went by the old hands had moved on one by one, unable to accept orders given in such a grand manner by someone who knew less about station work than they did. Pete's trouble was in trying to prove himself. If he had taken the trouble to learn more of station life instead of taking numerous trips abroad on the excuse of studying the export side of the business, all would have been well, and the men would have accepted him. Holly's eyes scanned the horizon. Soon it would be dark. A few miles further on was a small township that boasted of two hotels, and she decided to stop off there. Her thoughts went back to Pete again, and she recalled Hal's words. It still did not seem feasible that Pete had nursed a tendresse for her. Her brow creased when she realised how little she really knew him. Bullora had been bought by his father only seven

years ago, and most of that time Pete had spent receiving an expensive education. Only since he was in his late teens had Holly much to do with him, and very little then; she was much too occupied with the affairs of Green Paddocks. Since the death of his father he was a constant visitor, and Holly had thought it was advice he sought from her father. She made a wry grimace; knowing Pete a little better now, she had to admit Hal's surmise had been rightPete was not one to seek advice from anyone. When she had told Hal she felt sorry for Pete, she had told the truth. He too had grown up motherless, but she had had the great fortune of receiving care and affection from all around her. From what she had heard of his father, Pete's life could not have been a happy one. If only he had chosen to knuckle down to station life instead of running in the opposite direction, things would have been vastly different, and the turnover of staff at Bullora avoided. For no reason at all she thought of Hayes Chester. He was all Pete wanted to be; a man to be reckoned with, automatically commanding respect by his very presence. Remembering her words on staff turnover, she gave a wry grin, recalling his furious reaction. She doubted if he had any problems that way either; he was a man who would choose his staff well and they would stand by him through thick and thin. Her mind went over their conversation, and the way he'd said if she were his concern she would stay put. Well, she hadn't! and the thought pleased her. He had said Hal couldn't handle her, and neither could he! Thinking about Hal made her sad again and her mood dropped to a sombre one. If only he could come back all would be well, not only for the future of Green Paddocks, but for her happiness as well; she missed him terribly. Twinkling lights in the distance proclaimed the township, and she breathed a sigh of relief. She was not used to driving long distances and was more than ready for a shower and a rest, not to mention a cooked meal. Choosing the smaller of the two hotels, Holly found it was also the more exclusive and was relieved that only one night's stay was

necessary; any longer period would have severely strained her depleting resources. After a quick shower and a change of clothing, she made her way to the small but plush dining room, feeling again the rush of loneliness as she took the furthermost table in the room placed in an unobtrusive position. Holly did not intend to linger over her meal; when she had eaten she would ring Milly and tell her to expect her around noon the next day. She still had no idea what her next step would be, and she was too tired physically and mentally to even think about it. A night's sleep, she was confident, would work wonders. It was during the last course she saw him. His tall frame blocked the dining room doorway, and her dessert spoon was held suspended in mid-air while she watched him scanning the occupants of the room. What an extraordinary coincidence, she thought. What was Hayes Chester doing there? Her eyes hastily bent to her sweet as she felt his gaze rest on her. Well, whatever he was there for, it was nothing to do with her. She had made her position quite clear to Hal, and Hayes Chester ought to be grateful to her. Somehow the look she felt rest on her seemed anything but grateful, and she had a nasty feeling her deduction was about to be proved as she warily watched him approach her table in firm strides. With an assurance she was far from feeling Holly took another spoonful of her syllabub, and by the time he reached her she had just managed to swallow it. She wondered why it hadn't tasted as nice as it had before. There was a hint of defiance in her eyes as she met the cold grey ones. To her annoyance he pulled another chair from the next table and joined her without as much as a 'May I?' Without preamble he drawled, 'Seems you don't listen to what you're told.' Holly stared at him. 'I beg your pardon?' she said coldly. With a lazy gesture, he summoned the waiter, who appeared within a matter of seconds, and again without asking her consent ordered himself a meal. Holly laid her spoon down and pushed her unfinished sweet away signifying that she had finished and had no intention of staying to watch him have his meal. When the waiter started

to leave, Holly stood up to make her departure. 'Bring the young lady some coffee,' Hayes Chester ordered grandly. If he called her 'young lady' once more she would scream, she thought. She would have liked to cancel the order but could hardly do so without creating a scene. She did not sit down again but reached out for her shoulder-bag, and found the movement arrested by a large well shaped hand placed over hers, 'You stay,' he said firmly. 'We've things to talk over.' Holly gasped and attempted to shake her hand free from that compelling hold. 'I fail to see,' she got out furiously, 'what we can possibly have to talk about. I'm tired, Mr Chester, and mean to have an early night.' His grey eyes flicked over her briefly. 'I said we are going to talk,' he said softly. 'It's up to you where. Of course, if you insist on going to your room, then we talk there, but I do think it would be more appropriate to have our discussion here, don't you?' Holly's eyes blazed back at him. 'If,' she spat out, 'you dared to come to my room I'd scream blue murder! No, Mr Chester, you can't bully me, I'm not one of your hands.' His hold tightened on her hand, and she winced. 'Let go of my hand,' she ground out, 'or I'll start right now!' Whatever would have ensued from this skirmish Holly was never to know, as the arrival of someone else also looking for her arrested her attention. With wide eyes she watched Pete march towards them. With a quick wrench she pulled her hand free, but he had seen the movement and his expression was grim. 'Who the hell are you?' he demanded of Hayes Chester. Watching the men take stock of each other, Holly thought she might as well not be present, both men had utterly ignored her. 'I might,' drawled Hayes Chester, 'ask the same of you.' Pete's brown eyes narrowed as he took the measure of her companion. 'Mills,' he rapped out. 'Chester,' was snapped back at him.

Pete swung his attention to Holly. 'I've been scouring the country for you. Why the devil didn't you let me know where you were going?' Holly was about to tell him indignantly it was no business of his when Hayes Chester took the wind out of her sails, not only becalming her but leaving her speechless. 'Might I ask what right you have to question my fiance on her movements?' he drawled softly. Not only Pete Mills stared at him. Holly's eyes opened to their full capacity. By the time she had recovered sufficiently enough to refute this sweeping statement, Pete had demanded, 'Fiance? Since when?' he growled, fixing his eyes on Holly. Feeling both men's eyes on her, Holly swallowed and concentrated on the brilliant white dinner cloth; then looked up at Hayes Chester. She was having a nightmare, surely? He met her look with bland unconcern. 'Well, darling?' he said softly. Holly's gaze went back to the tablecloth; she felt the flush stain her cheeks. She couldn't imagine what game he was playing, but she saw a way of getting Pete out of Green Paddocks. Had Hal put him up to it? She swallowed again. 'It was rather sudden,' she murmured, quite unable to meet Hayes Chester's eyes. Pete let out an explosive snort and turned his attention to the man beside her. 'I suppose you do realise Holly's still recovering from the shock of her father's sudden death,' he snarled out. 'As she's my responsibility I refuse to accept any such arrangement until I'm certain she has sufficiently recovered.' Holly knew she ought to wade in and assure Pete she had recovered from the blow of her father's death and was in command of her senses. The trouble was, she was not in full command of anything at that particular time. On the whole she rather agreed with Pete; she was still suffering from shock, but it wasn't the cause Pete had forwarded. Hayes Chester rose slowly and in morbid fascination Holly watched the men size each other up. With horror she realised the confrontation could result in an unseemly brawl.

Pete was itching for a fight; however, she ought to have known Hayes Chester would handle him, and he did. 'I hardly think this is the place for a personal discussion,' he said quietly. 'When Holly and I have finished dining. I suggest we meet later. I appreciate your concern for her welfare and for that reason alone am willing to present my credentials to you.' His glance went beyond Pete. 'And now, if you don't mind, I believe my order is about to be served.' It was quietly said and effectively drew Pete's fire. For a brief second he stood his ground, then with a muttered, 'I'll be in the bar,' he flung out of the dining room. Holly fervently thanked providence she had chosen a table well away from the centre of the room, and glanced furtively around to see if there had been any interested spectators, then sighed with relief on noting that only one other table was occupied, and that near the door by an elderly couple, probably residents, completely absorbed in their meal. While the waiter served the dishes Holly knew that whether she liked it or not, she would have to remain. She suspected the bar was just off the dining room and did not fancy running into Pete on her own. She passed the time by covertly studying her companion. He wore a light beige suit with a pale blue shirt and matching beige tie. She noticed how his eyes took on a bluish tint, probably because of the shirt he wore. Her look passed to dark crisp hair that had a tendency to curl at the ends. Not too long, just right, she decided. With a start she realised the waiter had left and Hayes Chester was silently studying her. As her startled eyes met his, he picked up his knife and fork and began his meal. Holly poured herself a cup of coffee. A few seconds later he said, 'So that's Pete Mills. A hothead if I ever saw one.' Holly found her hand was not too steady as she picked up her cup and put it down again. She felt she had at least to attempt to defend him. 'Pete rubs people up the wrong way,' she said quietly. 'He means well,' she ended lamely. The man opposite her raised his brows at this understatement, and Holly fell silent. She knew she ought to demand an apology for the outrageous statement he had made to Pete, but couldn't bring herself to mention it.

Perhaps she had imagined it? She glanced across at him obviously enjoying his large steak with salad on the side and marvelled at his composure. Suddenly she could stand it no longer. 'Do you often do this sort of thing?' she asked crossly. He took his time in answering, and glanced back at her. 'What sort of thing?' he asked infuriatingly. Now convinced she had dreamed the whole thing up, Holly wondered if Pete, kicking his heels in the bar, was suffering from the same delusion. To her further fury he said caustically, 'Don't get any ideas, will you? I can assure you my motives were purely business ones.' Holly eyed him warily. 'Such as?' she queried, deciding to ignore the previous remark. He looked pointedly at the coffee jug. 'White,' he said grandly. Holly clenched her teeth but obliged. He took his time to select a cheroot, and without asking her permission if he might smoke, making her wish she could walk out on him. She watched him draw on the cigar and exhale with obvious enjoyment. Holly was reminded of her father, who had always enjoyed a smoke after a meal in the days gone by. Her eyes misted over and she blinked hastily in order to shut these thoughts out. Her companion sipped his coffee. 'Before we meet your friend,' he said conversationally, as if he were discussing the weather, 'it would be as well to iron out a few facts.' His eyes met hers levelly. Holly felt things had gone far enough. 'We,' she said coldly, 'do not meet my friend, as you put it. I have no intention of supporting your ridiculous statement. I'm sure you can find a good explanation for it,' she smiled sweetly at him. 'You could say you had a touch of the sun.' Her sarcasm was completely wasted on him, she noted irritably, as he went on calmly, completely ignoring her remarks, 'I had a word with Munt.' Holly's lips set; so it was Hal who had sent him! As fond as she was of him he had no right to discuss her affairs. As he sensed her thoughts, his gaze left the tip of his cigar and

met her angry eyes. 'You should have stayed put as you were told to do,' he pointed out mildly yet somewhat censoriously. 'An arrangement could have been worked out.' He was silent for a second or so, then said, I appear to have misjudged you.' That was all he said, and Holly wondered if that was supposed to be an apology. Her brows rose fractionally but she said nothing. 'He was all set to chase after you,' he went on, 'and didn't take too kindly to my interference in the matter. However,' he said airily, 'after the situation was clarified, it appeared I was in a position to give some assistance.' Holly's eyes narrowed slightly. If he was willing to help there would have to be a reason; he was nobody's fool. 'What do you have to gain by it?' she asked baldly, seeing the sardonic twist the words brought to his well moulded mouth. His eyes were cold as they met hers. 'Beginning to know me, are you, Miss Drew?' Holly flushed but remained silent. 'Of course I have a reason,' he drawled. 'For some time now I've been thinking of moving south. Branching out, as it were. One long drought could drastically affect my grazing areas and I'm handicapped anyway with the numbers of cattle I can reasonably provide for. With extra land I can raise stock. There are one or two strains I'm particularly interested in breeding. Munt tells me your land might just fit the bill.' He looked at her with narrowed eyes. 'You are in debt to Mills to the tune of fifty thousand, I understand, I shall,' he went on casually, 'pay that debt, and go on from there. To begin with, it will be a sort of investment. If the experiment fails, then the ranch will still be kept solvent. Munt has assured me it's a viable proposition.' Holly listened intently. It made sense, but she did not like it. It was beginning to look, as if she would be exchanging one tyrannical character for another. Once she had thought she could handle Pete, but now she wasn't so sure. She was sure, however, about this man. If anyone did any handling, it would be him, and no two ways about it! And where, she

thought, did she come into the pattern of the scheme? She spoke her thoughts. 'I'm offering you a partnership,' he told her grandly. 'On the understanding that I shall brook no interference. The men will be on my payroll. For a week or so, it will be necessary for you to put up with my presence at Green Paddocks. I understand from Munt that the homestead is large enough to accommodate me without causing much disruption. When I've started the wheels rolling I shall appoint a manager and return to Coomela.' Holly thought of Hal and her eyes showed her hope. He acknowledged that look with a curt, 'Not Munt.' Holly's fingers clenched into a ball; he was making certain Hal stayed on his payroll. The mention of a manager also reminded her of her own plans, and her lips set. Hal hadn't realised it, but he had very nearly got her hogtied again, but this time she saw it coming. If she didn't get out from under right here and now, there would be no going back as far as this man was concerned. 'It all sounds most suitable, Mr Chester,' she murmured, and looked down at her hands, quite unable to meet those enigmatic eyes of his. 'I'm sure you'll appreciate the fact that I need time to think it over. You see,' she went on slowly, determined to show him she wasn't the helpless nitwit he obviously thought her, 'I've been thinking on the same lines myself.' She felt him stare at her. 'Oh, not breeding special strains,' she said hastily, 'but running the ranch on the same lines as before. I had decided to get a manager inHal,' she said quickly, but firmly, on seeing the sardonic look her words had produced. 'Hal,' she repeated, 'told me we could pay drat debt off, and that's what I shall do.' Once it was out, she felt better, convinced now she would be able to do just that. She also felt a little proud of herself for standing up to Hayes Chester. Pete, she thought happily would be a walkover after that! 'Mills is quite in agreement with this, is he?' he asked mildly. Holly bristled. 'Not yet,' she said, adding darkly, 'but he will be.'

Hayes Chester sighed. 'Munt was right about you,' he said softly. 'An innocent abroad. Why do you think Mills got rid of him?' Molly coloured. Hal hadn't spared her blushes, had he? Hayes Chester nodded. 'So it will have to be me, won't it?' he said dryly. You're no better than Pete,' she flung out at him, then added, 'better the devil you know.' For one brief moment his eyes blazed into hers, and again she had the feeling he would have liked to have shaken her. 'There's just one difference, Miss Drew,' he told her icily, 'you need have no fear of a romantic attachment where I'm concerned. To me, you're just a young, very spoilt girl, who might or might not improve on acquaintance.' A slightly stunned Holly managed to retaliate, 'So much for the story you told Pete ! As if he'd believe a word of it !' 'Ah, but Mills doesn't see you in that light, does he?' he said silkily. 'He's jealous enough to believe anything.' He glanced meaningly towards where Holly supposed the bar was. 'Well?' he asked curtly. Holly bit her lip, she was being cornered and given no time for second thoughts. 'I can assure you I have no taste for this deception either,' he assured her haughtily. 'Munt's summing up of the position has proved remarkably astute up to now !' He gave her an assessing look. 'He's trying to protect you, in case you didn't know it.' Holly had no defence. Hal trusted this man; so did she, but she would have hated to admit it. 'So I can stay on at Green Paddocks?' she asked. 'And you won't interfere with anything I choose to do?' she persisted, her green eyes searching the grey ones. He gave a curt nod. 'I give my word, as I expect you to honour my terms. No interference in the running of the ranch.' 'Very well,' said Holly quietly, and was a little surprised at the relief she felt flow over her now that the decision was made. Everything was now in Hayes Chester's hands; her worries were over and she still had her home.

CHAPTER THREE HOLLY did not know how Hayes Chester got Pete to accept a cheque for the outstanding loan and relinquish any hold on her he thought he was entitled to. When she thought back to that time, her only memory was of Hayes Chester placing an arm ground her waist as they moved towards the bar and murmuring, 'Remember to call me Hayes, will you? Mr Chester is slightly formal under the circumstances.' From then on she followed his lead. She found herself referred to as 'darling' from time to time, and packed off to bed within fifteen minutes of the meeting, after being lovingly informed that an early start was required the next morning. Holly was only too happy to make her escape. She was up reasonably early the following morning, and might have been forgiven for believing she had imagined the whole episode, until a perfunctory knock on her bedroom door, and a most unloved like voice told her he had ordered breakfast and if she was not down in ten minutes flat she would have to forgo hers. They were to be on their way within the hour. An indignant Holly faced him later at the breakfast table. 'I am not,' she said furiously, 'used to being ordered about like a ten-year-old child. Will you kindly remember that in future?' He gave her a piercing stare as if she had spoken out of turn, then applied himself to his bacon and eggs again. 'Perhaps if I make an effort,' he answered dryly. 'But I'm not promising anything, mind.' Holly gave up; it was like coming up against a steamroller, and just about as comfortable ! Three hours later an extremely relieved Holly drove through the white-fenced borders of Green Paddocks. It was a journey she prayed was never to be repeated, conscious as she was all twenty miles of the final lap of Hayes Chester's

powerful car bearing down on her. When he had first beckoned her on to take the lead when the motorway was left behind and into what was to him unfamiliar country, Holly had felt slightly superior, and wished she could somehow manage to lose him on the home stretch. Unfortunately, her Holden, apart from being an elderly model, was hopelessly outclassed by the big Daimler. When the homestead came into view, she felt a rush of pride. Mellowed with age, it sat surrounded by the paddocks from which its name was derived, like a gracious old lady, content to ride out her time come what may. She wondered what Hayes Chester would think of it; it was far older than Coomela, and not quite so pretentious. Coomela would possess all modern trappings, while Green Paddocks had only been partially modernised. Holly shrugged; she'd rather have Green Paddocks any day. Milly had been on the watch for her and now stood on the verandah, arms akimbo, waiting. Her black eyes were fixed on Hayes Chester while she summed him up silently. As they approached, she broke into a beaming grin and gave Holly a hug before taking her case from her. 'Milly, this is Mr Chester,' Holly said. 'He'll be staying for a while.' Milly turned her beaming smile on him. 'Welcome,' she said softly, and to Holly's surprise almost shyly. 'Meet Milly,' Holly said to Hayes. 'I don't know what I'd do without her,' she added softly, and received another surprise when Hayes held out his hand to Milly. A half-startled Milly accepted it as if she had just been awarded the George Medal. 'I'm sorry to arrive at such short notice,' he said courteously. 'But I gather you have ample accommodation.' Milly's grin grew even wider. 'Sure have,' she assured him delightedly, and turned her attention back to Holly. 'What you do to that fella Pete, eh? He was madder than a whole nest of hornets. Moved out bag and baggage first thing this morning.' To her total embarrassment Holly flushed as she met Hayes' sardonic eyes, and did not fail to see the gleam of speculation in Milly's before she turned to open the screen

door for them. 'I'll tell you about it later,' she said hastily. 'Perhaps you'd show Mr Chester his rooms. Oh, and the study, Milly,' she added as an afterthought. 'I expect he'd like to use it while he's here.' With that she escaped to her room and a longed-for shower. The rest of the day was spent in acquainting their new arrival with the routine chores of Green Paddocksat least Milly did. She appeared, Holly thought with a certain amount of disgust, to have taken to Hayes in a big way. Holly left her to it, listening to her chatter while she took him on a tour of the house and the out yards. After lunch Holly waited to know if he wanted to go on a short trek of the ranch before dinner, and was relieved when he said it could wait until the morning. He asked her permission to go over the station's accounts, and a slightly surprised Holly gave it. Having bought Pete out, he now owned the lion's share of the ranch, and it had not really been necessary to ask her permission, but she was grateful for the small courtesy. He could, she thought, watching him selecting several files out of the cabinet for perusal, be devastatingly charming when he chose. At that precise moment he looked at her and his brows lifted. Holly flushed as he. murmured, 'I'll let you know if there's anything more I want.' In other words, she thought furiously as she left the study, 'Get lost !' She wished she had had the courage to say 'Yes, sir, you'll let me know if there's anything else, sir, always happy to oblige, sir.' She found Milly in the middle of preparing one of her specialsa chocolate layer cake normally only produced for celebrations. She looked down at the newly baked cake and back again at Milly. Milly grinned. 'That one fine fella, girl. We okay now, you see.' 'Is that what that's in aid of?' Holly asked, nodding towards the cake. Milly's grin deepened. 'You home, ain't you? Time we had one of them cakes.' 'Is it?' Holly said caustically. 'I only hope time proves you right.'

In the middle of mixing chocolate icing Milly stared at her, the spoon suspended. 'What's biting you, girl? Milly knows a right one when she sees one. He sure lit a cracker under that Pete Mills' feet.' She burst out chuckling. 'I sure'd like to have been there !' Holly departed hastily before Milly asked just what had been said at that meeting. It also occurred to her that Milly had not even had to be told that Hayes Chester had taken over the ranch. Like many of her race she had been born with a built-in radar service, unerringly and uncannily correct. The men were assembled early the next morning in the outer yard where they would gather for instructions on the day's work, given in the past by Hal. As Holly and Hayes approached, Holly's heart was lightened by their friendly greetings. Her eyes went over them. Pete had not done so much harm as she had feared. Only two had left, and one, she thought sadly, that they could ill have spared, Hal. There were calls of, 'Where did you take off to, girl?' and, 'Hear Hal's got himself fixed up fine.' Holly swallowed. She was grateful to Hal for keeping his dismissal to himself; she knew the men were curious about his sudden departure, but had put it down to Pete Mills' high-handed way of giving out orders. All knew there was not much love lost between the two men. Hayes Chester stood silently by her side, those keen grey eyes of his missing nothing and taking stock of the men in front of them, who were doing a little stocktaking of their own. Holly noted that they were under no illusions as to his status. They could have thought he was there to take Hal's place, but not one of them made that assumption; if they had they would have said so. She glanced under her lashes at him standing tall and straight beside her. It wasn't his clothes, she decided, for he had dressed that morning in much the same rig as the hands themselves. It wouldn't, she thought pensively, matter what he wore, he would always stand head and shoulders above any assembly. He had 'boss' stamped all over him.

'Meet Mr Chester, boys,' she said, emphasising the 'Mr' and feeling his quick sideways glance at her. The men were introduced one by one, and it did not take Hayes long to sort out the spokesman and leader of the men: Dave. He must, Holly thought a little bewilderedly, have some sixth sense in these matters. Dave hadn't said much apart from the initial greeting and Hal couldn't have had time to brief him on everything. While she listened to Hayes' deep well-modulated voice explaining the position, she was again struck by the attention and respect he had already commanded from the men. With a pang Holly saw how it was going to be. Green Paddocks was well and truly under new management with a capital N. She heard the men ask questions and saw how each question was answered clearly and without any attempt to blind them with science on the scheme he had in mind. She thought how Pete would have handled the situation, bluffing his way out of awkward questions simply because he hadn't enough knowledge behind him. But the men were not trying to throw Hayes into confusion as they had Pete. Hayes was instantly recognised and accepted as a cattleman, the questions were purely technical ones and asked because they were interested. If some of the questions were to Hayes' way of thinking a matter of simple deduction, he gave no sign of it, patiently explaining to the not so bright questioner the whys and wherefores. In spite of her prejudice Holly found herself warming to Hayes. Jackie-boy was a little slow on the uptake and was given the mundane jobs around the ranch, rouseabout, in fact. Pete had shown him little patience and practically ignored his existence, but here was Hayes slowly and patiently answering him. Holly watched Jackie-boy's face light up as he fixed his gaze on the tall man by her side. Hayes probably didn't know it, but he had made a friend for life in Jackie-boy! As the days went by Holly found the only one Hayes talked down to was herself. She was made very much aware that he did not approve of her galloping around the spread and helping out in general chores. In this she was reminded of

her father, who had had much the same attitude. A young lady's place was in the homestead, learning whatever young ladies learnt in preparation for marriage. This thought made Holly's lips twist wryly for she doubted if she would ever marry, and sitting around the homestead looking decorative was simply not her. She ought have been a boy, she thought, then she would not have to watch her every step and be forced to seek jobs out of the way of Hayes's eagle eye. She had a distinct feeling that he was only waiting for one opportunity to remove her from the work force. The men, except for Dave, were unaware of the undercurrents round Holly's position. Dave, she soon realised, had spotted it and without mentioning the subject had seen she was kept occupied well away from the central hub of the ranch, therefore out of sight if not mind of Hayes. At first Holly thought the problem had been solved, but it soon became apparent it had not. One evening she was back late, having spent most of the day with two of the boys fixing fences on the south boundary, and arrived to find an extremely annoyed Hayes waiting for his evening meal. Holly was given no chance of sneaking in and getting washed and changed before putting in a belated appearance at the dinner table as he was waiting for her in the unsaddling yard. 'A little late on parade, aren't we?' he demanded in a voice loaded with sarcasm. Holly's dusty eyebrows rose as she studied his crisp appearance against her dust-plastered clothing. She wasn't sure what to say. So far she had kept out of his way, and it wasn't her fault a broken fence had been found at the time they were due to start back. His next words proved she had been suffering under a delusion that her movements had gone unnoticed. 'What was the hold-up? There were only two fences in that section requiring attention,' he stated with narrowed eyes. Holly's heart sank. Was there nothing the wretched man missed? 'The boundary fence on the run side was down near the water hole,' she said defensively. 'We couldn't leave it.'

'You could have done,' he pointed out grimly. 'John and Tim are fixing those fences. I don't remember detailing the work to anyone else.' Holly flushed. Dave could be in trouble, and she knew another sinking feeling. 'No one detailed me,' she said quickly. 'I do all sorts of things. Just go where I can be useful.' 'Odd,' he murmured, 'how I never catch a sight of you.' He glanced at her quickly, catching her unawares, and saw the way her lips set obstinately. 'In future,' he said brusquely, 'you'll be in or near the homestead boundary. Got that? I've enough to cope with without the worry of what you're getting up to. I dare say,' he added darkly, 'Milly could do with some help about the place.' Holly wondered what Milly would have to say about that. What he actually meant was 'Toe the line or else', and it infuriated her. Her eyes showed her feelings. 'You promised you wouldn't interfere with what I chose to do,' she blazed at him. 'I'm not interfering, am I? I'm doing what I've always done.' She drew her slim boyish figure up straight and tossed her head back defiantly. 'I was brought up on this ranch, Mr Chester. There's not a job I haven't at one time or another helped with.' 'In case you haven't noticed,' he drawled, 'the ranch is under new management.' While Holly digested these true but hurtful words she was further infuriated by the way his eyes travelled over her slim figure, resting for a moment on her small high breasts. He didn't have to say what he was thinking. She felt herself flush and hated herself for showing him she had read his thoughts. Her eyes sparked fire. 'So I'm a girl! What difference does that make? There are jobs I can't do, but a lot I canand will do!' she flashed at him. 'Only on my say-so,' he said quietly. 'So watch your step, young lady. Now go and get cleaned up. I'm hungry. You have just five minutes.' To her further fury he caught her shoulders and swung her round in the direction of the shower rooms and gave her a firm push.

Holly showered in double quick time and went to vent her feelings on Milly before joining Hayes. 'Why didn't you serve up?' she demanded crossly. 'He wouldn't have known I wasn't back then!' Milly's innocent eyes raised heavenwards. 'Lordy, child, there ain't nuthin' you do that fella don't know. I put his food on the table, but he said to wait for you.' Holly felt ashamed of herself; she ought to have known Milly would try to cover up for her. She gave her a brief hug. 'Guess I'm a bit tuckered, Milly,' she said, and dashed out to the dining room. During dinner Hayes outlined jobs she could doif she really did want to make herself useful, that was. Inwardly Holly fumed, but held her temper. They were mundane jobs normally given to someone recovering from a spill or illness, in fact light work of a menial nature. Holly sensed his purpose; she would soon kick over the traces and that was what he was waiting for. Next would come banishment to the homestead proper. She gritted her teeth, determined to give him no such cause to carry out the veiled threat. She thought of the muster due to start the following week and knew orders had been given to round up all existing stock ready for the new breed of cattle to be brought in, some from Coomela and some from other ranches on a similar project. Holly loved mustering time and was afraid she would be cut out of the working team. She glanced at Hayes absorbed in his meal. He had only meant to spend a short time there, but a fortnight had come and gone still with no sign of his departure. Already the ranch was buzzing with activity; the men, now settled, went about their work happily; she knew by their constant tuneless whistling and occasionally sung ditties that all was well with them. It was almost, she thought sadly, like old times when her father was alive and Hal was there; but Hal was not there, and it made all the difference to her existence. Hayes Chester didn't understand and definitely did not approve of her. She was made to feel an interloper on her own ranch. Miserably she wondered why Hayes was staying on and when the manager he had

mentioned was going to take over. Things were going smoothly and Holly couldn't imagine any project Hayes embarked on not doing so; he was too sure of his facts to make any errors of judgment in that direction. She sighed inwardly. She would just have to stick it out until the new man arrived. He might turn out to be a very understanding man and Holly was not above using her feminine wiles to get her own way, and that was to stay on the working force; she asked for nothing more. Such tactics would not work on Hayes, and she was too proud to risk receiving a rebuff; besides, he was a little too astute for her liking.

CHAPTER FOUR RIDING full pelt beside Dave, Holly saw Hayes moving in on the flank of the strays. With a skill only Hal could match she watched him slowly gather them into a bunch and turn them northwards towards the valley. Out of the corner of her eye she glimpsed a movement in the bush beside her and reined in ready to flush the beast out of its hiding place. When the large limping form showed itself she smiled and called across to Dave, who had swung back to join her. 'It's only old Pegleg,' she said. 'You go on.' Dave grinned and went to join the rest of the boys. Holly moved cautiously round the thick bush. 'Where are you, you old sinner?' she called softly. There was a rustling sound and a great shaggy bull's head appeared opposite her and slowly moved out of its cover. With a pang she noticed the beast's limp was even more pronounced. Pegleg, as she had christened him, had a special place in Holly's heart. The great white bull no longer lured the heifers away from the herd and was therefore harmless. Known as 'Holly's white

knight', he was left in peace to roam the bush. 'Well now,' she smiled, 'I trust you're behaving yourself?' The great head flicked the flies away from the blunt nose almost as if answering. Holly smiled. It had taken her months of patience in getting its trust. 'Well,' she went on softly, 'watch it. We've lost Hal now, you know, and I'd hate anything to happen to you.' She did not hear the approach of the rider, but Pegleg did, although not a sound was heard until he was almost upon them. With a snort he turned and limped back into the scrub. 'What the devil are you doing?' demanded Hayes. 'Haven't you more sense than to try and round him up on your own? I want no heroics on this muster,' he snapped. 'Now get back to camp.' Holly stared at him and saw him raise an arm and point in the direction Pegleg had gone. 'No!' she cried, knowing full well what that gesture meant. 'It's only old Pegleg. He's harmless; he's so lame he can't cause mischief.' Dave and Tim rode up and Hayes, ignoring Holly's plaintive plea, nodded curtly towards the scrub. 'I want him out of there and with the rest,' he said. 'Get to it! I hear the beast's lame, so you shouldn't have much trouble.' Holly appealed to Dave. 'Tell him about Pegleg, Davehe's harmless, isn't he?' she pleaded. Hayes eyes narrowed. 'No strays I said, and no strays I meant,' he said in a deadly soft voice. 'What are you waiting for?' he asked the men. Dave's rueful eyes met Holly's for a brief second and Tim shook his head slightly at her. She knew she had lost. Hayes was boss and they knew it. They took off in pursuit of the lame bull. 'As for you, young lady,' Hayes said furiously, 'I had my doubts in letting you take part in the muster. I will not repeat not, have my orders questioned, understand? You no longer have any authority in the running of the ranch. We made an agreement, remember? From now on you will confine yourself strictly to the homestead affairs. Now get back to camp !'

Holly was beyond words, in any case she didn't trust herself at that particular moment. Her fingers clenched round her whip, and seeing the action his eyes opened a fraction wider as if in disbelief, then narrowed again. Holly's eyes spoke volumes. Not a word passed between them. His said, 'Try me and see what you get!' She abruptly turned Silky and spurred her into a mad gallop, wanting to go as far and as fast as she could away from his presence. As she flew along she could hear Pegleg's furious bellows as the riders closed in on him. The tears gathered in her eyes, it was her fault; if she hadn't spoken to him he would be well away by now. Pegleg was a past master at avoiding round-ups. Within a short space of time she was back at the now deserted camp. Cookie alone reigned supreme and was preparing the evening meal. He looked up quickly as Holly thundered into the clearing and threw herself out of the saddle. 'Brew up in five secs,' he told her, grinning. 'Don't bother for me, Cookie,' she said breathlessly. 'I'm off again once I've packed my gear.' In the act of placing the billy on the fire, he stared at her. 'To where?' he said. 'No panic on, is there?' 'Where I'm concerned, yes,' she replied grimly. 'I'm going back.,' and she carried on with the packing of her sleeping bag. 'Be dark afore you get back,' he commented. 'Boss know?' Holly's eyebrows rose haughtily. 'No affair of his,' she said coldly. Cookie took the hint and grinned. 'I get it,' he said. 'In a paddy, are you? What happened?' Holly tied her gear to Silky's saddle and frowned at him. As her eyes met the old pale blue ones it was all she could do not to burst out crying. She set her lips firmly. It was what Hayes Chester would have expected her to do, so she didn't. Swinging herself back into the saddle, she said quietly, 'They've rounded Pegleg up.' Her green eyes misted over. 'You know he's harmless, Cookie, but he wouldn't listen.'

Cookie nodded slowly. He knew of her attachment to the old bull. 'Must be nigh on rounding up time for him anyway, girl,' he said quietly. 'He's had a good run.' She flashed him a look of utter disgust. 'You're as bad as he is,' she said furiously. 'I thought you'd understand.' 'Now hold on, girl,' he protested. 'It don't do to get sentimental over cattle.' He shook his grizzled head at her. 'Hal ought to have knocked that out of you years ago. Too soft with you, he was.' Holly's indignant eyes met the old ones. 'Soft!' she ejaculated. 'All I seem to remember is being told off!' Her mouth set. 'No, Cookie, Hal wasn't soft, he was human which,' she added scathingly, 'is more than can be said for Hayes Chester !' There was another shake of the head. 'You're wrong, you know, girl. He's a fine man, as you'll find out one day. Time was you went on about Hal when you couldn't get your own way.' He grinned up at her. Holly gave up. She didn't know how Hayes had done it, but the men not only respected him, they stood up for him as they had once done for Hal. Look at Dave and Tim, she thought wearily. They hadn't even tried to come to Pegleg's defence. She absently stroked Silky's soft mane. Noshe had to admit that was not quite fairthey had no choice in the matter; they were under orders and had they tried to help the result would have been instant dismissal, and Holly could have only blamed herself for it. She raised a hand to Cookie and turned Silky. He had one more try to get her to wait for the boys. 'They'll be back soon,' he said coaxingly. 'Boss won't like the idea of you going back on your own.' She stared down at him. 'I know every inch of the way,' she said scornfully. 'So does Silky,' and she spurred her into a gallop. Green Paddocks was in sight just before the sun went down. Jamie appeared from nowhere as she reached the yard and she knew he had heard her coming long before she had reached the homestead boundary. Holly handed Silky

over to him. 'That round-up finished?' he queried in his soft voice. 'For me anyway,' she replied, trying to sound cheerful, and before he could ask another question she walked towards the homestead. Once inside, she made straight for her room, not feeling able to answer the same question posed by Milly. Perhaps later when she was more in command of herself, but right now all .she wanted was solitude although she had had plenty of that on the long ride back, but her thoughts had been far from peaceful. Pegleg wasn't just any old bull; if it hadn't been for him she wouldn't have made that ride back any ride, come to that; in fact she wouldn't be around anyway, for Holly was convinced Pegleg had once saved her life, when as a belligerent twelve year-old she had disobeyed Hal's order to keep away from the muster and, determined not to be thwarted, had followed the team at a safe distance, moving closer when attention was concentrated elsewhere. When a clap of thunder turned the terrified beasts in her direction she didn't stand a chance. With wide eyes Holly had sat mesmerised, watching the huge herd pounding down on her. Her horse had reared in terror and she was flung to the ground where she lay huddled, a small figure waiting for the inevitable. There seemed but a few minutes between life and deaththen she saw the great white bull. At first she thought he was the foreleader of the mob and pressed her face into the earth. The sound of pounding hoofs intensified, then suddenly they seemed to be slowing up and away from her. Holly had looked up unbelievingly and saw they were heading away from her. The white bull was standing by her. Then had come Hal's voice, a frantic, 'I'm coming, Holly girl!' The next minute the beast near her lumbered off into the nearby bush and Holly saw he was lame. After satisfying himself that she was unharmed Hal had shaken her hard and shouted at her. Holly had never heard Hal swear before but knew it was a furious reaction on his part because of the fright she had given him, so she didn't

mind a bit. Later, she had told Hal about the bull and had described him. He had been inclined to put her story down to the terror and confusion she had gone through, but there was no denying that something had turned that herd from its course. Holly was determined to prove that Pegleg was not a figment of her imagination and had spent days searching for him. After a fortnight's fruitless searching, Holly herself wondered whether he existed or not, then she found him, and Hal knew no peace until he had agreed to accompany her and see for himself. She remembered him sitting astride his horse, his eyes screwed up in that characteristic way of his with his hat pushed back and looking at Pegleg warily watching them from the shade of a gum tree. She could even remember what was said. 'You see, Hal,' she had said excitedly. 'He knows me, I know he does ! He did save my life I know he did !' Hal's answer had been a thoughtful one. 'Guess he knew you were a young 'unit's a sort of instinct to protect the young.' The story soon went round the ranch and Pegleg was given another name, 'Holly's white knight'. She knew they were all inclined to think it had been a quirk of fate; a terrified mob of cattle were apt to veer off course for practically no reason at all. Even Hal, she suspected, had his doubts on the matter, but not Holly. Inside her room Holly stood staring at herself in the dressing table mirror. Her eyes took in her appearance; there were streaks of dirt across her face and she knew she ought to get out of her dusty clothes and make for the shower, but she just stood there, then with a half-hearted gesture she flung off her bush hat and ran a dust-streaked hand through her hair, not caring about the result. Since Hayes Chester had joined them she had found herself making some attempt to at least appear feminine, if only to show him she did know how to behave as a woman even though he treated her as a young girl. Well, she'd plenty of

time to clean up now hadn't she? All the time in the world; her mustering days were over. She sat down wearily on the bed. Never had she imagined this happeningto be turned away from the life she had led since she was old enough to sit in the saddle. Her fingers played with the leather handle of her whip. Pete would not have treated her like thatone incident and she was out. Hayes Chester had been waiting for just such an opportunity. Holly had not missed his disapproval of her fraternising with the stock hands round the camp fire in the evenings. With Hal gone, Dave and Tim had taken on his role and Holly would sit with them, leaning against Dave's broad back while they listened to Cookie's guitar. She knew all her movements were closely watched by Hayes and nothing went unnoticed. She had been amused at his direction of her sleep-out, usually alongside the men, but this time: placed in the centre of the camp and ringed round by the men. It could have been a protective gesture, but Holly was sure it served another purpose. The light from the camp fire illuminated her position, so it was just another way of keeping an eye on her. As far as he was concerned she was a potential troublemaker. He wouldn't know she had grown up with these menin a sense they were part of her family, the only one she had ever known. Her hand clenched round the whip. Pete, she thought miserably, would not have rounded old Pegleg up either. At the thought of the bull she swallowed convulsively. She hated him! Not content with ignoring her pleas, he had to rub her position in, as if she had not noticed day by day the way he had completely altered the familiar routine of the ranch to a way that suited his purpose. Even where the homestead was concerned there had already been several alterations. Milly now had a huge deep freeze which was her pride and joy. The old stove had been replaced by the latest on the market. There were certainly no complaints where Milly was concerned. Right now, Holly thought scathingly, she would be up to her ears in baking; Hayes had told her he was expecting company that weekend, and a room had been prepared in Holly's section of

the house, so it was obvious a female was expected, and that was something else that had made Holly furious. He had told Milly, not her. Her presence, it seemed, served as an irritant he had to put up with. At the meal table he was withdrawn and cold and Holly wished he would make some other arrangement such as taking his meals in what was now his section of the homestead. He might just as well for all the company he gave. It did occur to Holly that he was probably afraid she would begin to get ideas about him since the evening they had confronted Pete, yet this was hardly plausible. The man was impregnable, his cold and distant manner was effective enough to quash even the slightest approach at familiarity. Her thoughts were interrupted by the man himself. After a perfunctory knock on the door he strode in. Holly sat staring at this autocratic behaviour. Had she no privacy? He stood and looked down at her. He was as dusty as she was, and Holly knew he was furious by the muscle that worked by the side of his mouth. 'Have the goodness to let me know next time you decide to take off, will you?' he bit out. 'I've enough on my hands without wet-nursing you !' 'There won't be a next time, will there?' she spat out at him. 'You're dead right!' he flung out as he stalked to, the door and before he left he added coldly, 'I've ordered an early dinner, I'm off back to camp afterwards. I suggest you get cleaned up or you'll miss it.' Holly pulled one of her boots off and flung it at the now closed door. It was war ! It was not as if she hadn't tried to get to know him. From the very first day he had joined them Holly had had to admit reluctantly to herself that Hal had been right in confiding in him. She was also grateful for the way Hayes had explained the position to the men. He was under no such obligation to do so, he could have just told them they were now on his payroll and if they didn't like the way things were run they could get outthis would have been Pete's attitude to them. In view of this, Holly had made a special effort to try and show him she was grateful, only to

be snubbed again and again for her pains. Milly had said some men were like that. Social chatter did not appeal to them, but it did not make them any the worse for that. 'Give it time,' she had advised Holly. 'He ain't no Pete Mills.' Hot tears of resentment filled Holly's eyes and spilled over. It wasn't only the fact that Hayes refused to treat her as a person in her own right; knowing nothing but protective friendship from those around her as she did, the kind of treatment he meted out not only hurt, but puzzled her. Holly might have a temper, but she was a friendly soul for all that, and not vindictive. She would have been the first to admit they had got off to a bad start. Impatiently she wiped the tears away. The episode of Pegleg had brought the whole thing to a head as far as she was concerned. She had, she decided, had enough ! In future she would take her meals with Milly etiquette or no etiquette ! Milly could object as much as she liked, but it wouldn't make any difference. Milly had definite ideas on Holly's status and in her way saw it was preserved. Holly kicked off her other boot and removed her blouse and jeans, then lay down on the bed. She would get cleaned up when his lordship had left for camp. From now on he was welcome to his own company and the girl-friend he had invited that weekend. Again the tears spilled over. She must have dozed off and only knew something had awakened her as she opened her eyes to find her door opening again. Thinking it was Milly, she blinked lazily and yawned. 'What time is it, Milly?' she asked sleepily. 'Time you washed some of that dirt off you !' came the curt answer. Now fully awake, Holly grabbed the counterpane from under her and held it over her scantily clad body. Her eyes blazed back at Hayes, now fresh after a shave and shower. 'This is my room!' she told him furiously. 'Have the goodness to get out! I'm not dressed, in case you hadn't noticed.' 'Oh, I noticed all right,' he drawled. 'Perhaps you'll have the goodness to get cleaned up and report for dinner. You've five minutes. Afterwards I want a word with you.'

'I'm not having dinner,' Holly bit back. 'I'm sure whatever you have to say to me won't take long. It doesn't usually, does it?' she added sarcastically. She felt him glance at her bare shoulders and saw him shrug, and guessed his thoughts. 'Do go on, Mr Chester. It's not as if I embarrass you, is it? I'm only a young girl, after all.' His eyes narrowed. 'A damn spoilt one at that,' he ground out. 'However, as you said, if you've no pride in your appearance that's your concern. I just wanted to tell you Miss Fields will be arriving at noon the day after tomorrow. I was going to ask you to see to her entertainment for the first day as it's possible I shall still be on the last lap of the muster, but I hardly think it would be a suitable arrangement, do you? You wouldn't have much in common.' He started to leave, then paused at the door, obviously expecting a furious tirade from Holly. She was hard put to it not to shout and rave, but felt it was not worth the bother. She smiled sweetly at him. 'For once I entirely agree with you,' she murmured with glinting eyes. 'Any friend of yours would hardly find much in common with me.' Again she saw the muscle move at the side of his mouth. The next moment he had gone, slamming the door behind him. Holly found her hands were trembling. Only on one other occasion had she been deliberately rude to him, and this was shortly after his arrival at Green Paddocks. Her conscience had made her go and apologise, and he had accepted the apology with an equanimity that had surprised her. It was as if he had been expecting it. If he thought she was going to apologise this time, he had another thought coming! He had been as rude to her, even though he thought he was dealing with a spoilt brat. She would apologise if he did and that would be never! Ten minutes later Milly appeared with a loaded tray. 'Land sakes, child!' she exclaimed. 'Get yourself cleaned up. What would Hayes say if he saw you?' 'He has,' said Holly darkly. 'Seen me, I mean.' Milly stared at her. 'Like that?' she almost! squeaked.

Holly couldn't help grinning. 'Practically,' she said. 'I did manage to pull the bed cover over me. Serves him right, anyway. He had no right to come to my room. This is my home, although goodness knows you wouldn't think so.' Milly gave her a searching look. 'You bin crying?' she demanded. Holly shrugged and got off the bed. She was in no mood for an inquisition. 'Why, Holly girl?' Milly persisted. Holly collected her toilet bag. 'I guess things got on top of me,' she answered quietly. Milly folded her arms across her ample chest. 'You got nuthin' to cry about,' she said censoriously. 'That fella's putting things right. You got no worries. He knows what's what.' Holly gave her a sardonic look. 'That fella,' she said firmly, 'knows he knows what's what! And I wish to goodness I'd never set eyes on him!' With a shocked look Milly said, 'Now you don't mean that. Why, he's the best thing that's happened around here since your dad died.' Holly walked to the door. 'That's your opinion,' she said tartly. 'He's rounded up Pegleg and I'll never forgive him !' With that she rushed out of the room and cannoned into Hayes looking for Milly. Holly brushed past him without a backward look, not caring whether he had heard or not. The fact that she was still only in bra and panties did not disturb her either. He could think what he liked ! Perhaps from now on he'd keep away from her section of the house.

CHAPTER FIVE WHEN Holly set her mind to something she usually saw it through, and she was set on avoiding any future contact with

Hayes. The next day presented no problem; he was at camp. She made it quite clear to Milly that no amount of persuasion would serve to get her to sit down to meals with him again, guest or no guest. 'They can entertain each other,' she said obstinately in reply to Milly's protest. 'I'm uncomfortable enough now in his presence and don't intend to be made to feel the awful child ever again. I can just imagine the scene, sitting there trying not to look or listen to their conversation. No doubt,' she went on scathingly, 'he would include me in it at one point while he makes eyes at his woman.' Milly's eyes went heavenwards. 'Lordy, girl! Where you learn these things, huh? This Miss Fields is probably just a nice girl. Cause you got a bee in your bonnet 'bout that old bull no reason to take it out on her.' 'She's his friend, isn't she?' Holly replied crossly. 'And I'll tell you another thing, she'll be all dressed up to the nines and a chocolate box beauty to boot. Why do you think he got the deep freeze in and the new stove? So you could cater for her sophisticated tastes, that's why! Just good old plain fare wouldn't suit his type of woman.' Milly grinned, showing an even set of very white teeth. 'Well,' she conceded, 'Hayes did show me how to mix a highball the other day.' 'There you are, then !' Holly said triumphantly. 'No doubt she'll be showing you how to make her favourite dish !' Placing her hands on her waist, Milly asked with a twinkle in her eyes. 'You jealous, huh?' Holly almost snorted. 'Jealous? Of course not! She's more than welcome to him. I only wish she'd persuade him to go back with herI presume she's only staying the weekend?' Milly shrugged. 'Nuthin' said about time limit. Do you good to have someone your own age about the place.' Holly stared at her. 'She'll be years older than I,' she said cuttingly. 'Probably a widow. Why, I believe he's even older than Hal!' Milly's laughter echoed down the hall as she went to prepare lunch.

Holly stood frowning after her. Just how old was he? she wondered, then shrugged; even if he wasn't as old as Hal was, he certainly acted as though he were ! The muster was completed by the following day, and Holly heard the horses' hoofs pounding towards the homestead long before the men were in sight. In a cloud of dust she watched them gallop by full of high spirits and looking forward to a day's lay-off after the rigours of the round-up. They must, she thought, have finished late the previous evening. Her heart was heavy as she listened to their gay chatter and looked longingly towards the men's quarters; she dearly wanted to know what had happened to Pegleg. Was he to be driven with the rest on that long run to the meat town? She shivered; he would find it hard going keeping up with the herd. She saw Hayes arrive in the saddling yard just below her bedroom window, and her lips twisted. He had pushed them hard, hadn't he? They hadn't expected to finish until that evening. All on account of his lady love, no doubt. In a way Holly was relieved. She had now no qualms about entertaining the visitor, in spite of her spirited refusal to have anything to do with her. Good manners demanded that some effort should be made to welcome her to Green Paddocks. When noon approached, Holly was well away from the homestead vicinity in case Hayes sought her out. He might as well learn now as later that she had meant what she had said. She longed to go in search of Dave for news of Pegleg, but knew he would be busy catching up on jobs held over during mustering. He now held Hal's job of head stockman and the responsibilities that went with it. She made for the water hole and on reaching it dismounted and perched on a log overlooking the greenery surrounding it, leaving Silky patiently grazing behind her. Looking down at the water, she thought of Hal and what he would have done in the same circumstances; he would have driven Pegleg out of the ranch boundaries and into the bush beyond and he would have survived. There was of course a chance he might have attempted to return but with the kind of

fencing Hayes had had erected, even Pegleg would have had his work cut out. Thinking of Hal increased her misery. Holly had never realised how much she had depended on him for company until now. Hal had never talked down to her. She remembered the day at the motel and the way he had suggested marriage as a solution. She sighed heavily; if only she had waited to see him that evening and agreed to it! Her eyes narrowed. If Hayes Chester had not interfered Hal would be with her right now and her life a much happier one. She might still live at Green Paddocks, but what was she? Nothing! What friends did she have? None! Dave and Tim and the rest of the men were Hayes Chester's men now. She was just an incidental clause he had gathered in his business dealings. The thought of the visitor he was now entertaining sent a surge of anger through her. He had not had the decency to ask if he might invite her; but had gone ahead in his usual highhanded fashion and casually informed Milly. Milly ! Not Holly, his so-called partner and owner of the homestead. Her fingers crushed the stem of a blade of grass. She was well within her rights in refusing to have anything to do with this Miss Fields. Only when the sun began to descend slowly, telling her it was well past six, did Holly begin the homeward journey. On reaching the homestead, she bypassed it and made her way to the men's quarters, knowing they would be having their evening meal. Her eyes pricked slightly at the shouts of welcome that hailed her as she joined them in the cookhouse. 'Where did you get to?' was the main call. At least, she thought sadly, they had missed her. Dave made a space for her to sit beside him and more banter followed. Dave half scolded her for leaving camp like that. 'Boss was furious,' he said. 'Wouldn't give anyone else the job of going after you either.' Holly accepted a plate of steak and chips passed down from Cookie behind the serving hatch. 'You should have told him I'd be all right,' she answered.

Dave shook his head. 'You don't tell that man anything,' he said. 'He tells you.' There was no resentment in his voice, if anything a kind of pride. She looked at him. 'You like him, don't you?' she said. Cutting himself a slice of steak, Dave grinned. 'Sure,' he murmured. 'Knows what he's talking about. And I'll tell you something else; wouldn't ask you to do anything he couldn't do himself.' His brow darkened. 'Not like that jumped-up grazier Pete Mills.' Holly sighed; Dave spoke the truth, but it made her feel all the more like an outcast. Apart from her there was not one person who didn't like Hayes; even Milly sided with him. She looked at her food and listlessly tried to do her portion justice. After a short silence she asked abruptly: 'Dave, what happened to Pegleg?' Dave gave Tim a meaning look end met Holly's anxious eyes with a touch of ruefulness in his. 'Rounded up with the rest,' he said. 'They'll do the run on Monday.' It was as Holly feared. 'He'll never keep up,' she said despondently as her knife and fork clattered down on the plate. Dave laid his arm across her drooping shoulders. 'Guess he won't at that, but he's old, girl. It's for the best, you know.' Holly swallowed convulsively. 'You mean he'll just drop out, don't you?' His arm tightened about her. 'Look, girl, one way or another it comes to the same thing, doesn't it?' Holly couldn't answer; the run covered miles of arid desert land. Dave's meaning was clear. Even if by some stroke of fate Pegleg did make it there was the same ending. She couldn't bear to think of him taking that long trek. Hayes wouldn't have known of his existence if it hadn't been for her. 'It's my fault,' she said aloud. 'If I hadn't encouraged him he'd still be free.' 'Not for long,' affirmed Dave. 'Hayes don't miss much. He'd have spotted him sooner or later and had him routed out.' Suddenly the talk around the table ceased and Holly felt Dave's arm draw slowly away from her. She looked where everyone else was looking and met the stormy gaze of

Hayes standing in the doorway, then she looked away quickly. 'Dinner,' he said quietly but furiously, 'has been held up for you. Perhaps you've forgotten you have a guest.' Holly flushed. She wanted to scream out that it was his guest, not hers, and that she was quite happy where she was. However, it would have, meant trouble for Dave if she had stuck her heels in. She rose reluctantly and thanked Cookie for the meal, then slowly walked to join Hayes. She could feel the boys' eyes on her and felt like a small girl being hauled back home. Once outside she turned furiously on the cold silent man by her side. 'How dare you!' she blazed. 'Treating me like a truant in front of my men!' 'My men,' he corrected her coldly. 'And if you continue to act like a child you'll be treated like one. Just thank your lucky stars I didn't put you across my knee then and there, audience or no audience.' 'You'd love to do that, wouldn't you?' She ground out. 'The bigger the audience, the better. Anything to show who's boss around here,' she ended bitterly. He stopped and stared at her. 'There's no question who's boss,' he said harshly. 'Just that a certain person doesn't seem to be getting the message. But you will,' he added grimly. 'I've plenty of time.' 'So have I!' stated Holly. 'And no one browbeats mebut no one!' 'Is that what you call it?' he asked sardonically. 'I'd call it being brought to heel. You've been allowed too much rope, young lady, and it's high time you realised the world doesn't exist for your benefit alone.' Holly gasped: he certainly had a biased opinion of her. What had she done to deserve it? And what business was it of his anyway? 'I thought we'd agreed,' she murmured bringing a sugary note into her voice, 'that you wouldn't interfere with me. Yet here you are hunting me down and routing me out of the canteen just to meet someone I don't know and don't wish to know.'

She knew she was being extremely rude and ill-mannered and sounding remarkably like the spoilt child he accused her of being. It must be the effect he has on me, she thought bewilderedly. I'm not usually like this. She felt her shoulders caught in a steely grip and she was shaken hard. Holly had never had as much as a finger laid on her before by anyone except Hal, and struggled furiously to release herself from that iron hold. When he had finished the treatment he released her so abruptly she nearly lost her balance and staggered back a few steps until she had regained it. She was so furious she couldn't find her voice, but her eyes said it all. 'Now you'll go to your room and change into a dressif you possess one,' he said scathingly, 'and do something about your hair. Miss Fields is expecting to meet a young lady and by heaven, a young lady is what she will meet. Do you hear me? Or do you want another shaking?' he threatened. 'As for doing as you choose, fineas long as you keep out of my hair. I choose not to allow you to hang around the men's quarters. The homestead is your domain and the sooner you realise it the better ! Now get going!' He thrust her through the side door of the homestead. 'We'll give you precisely ten minutes,' he said crisply. 'If you're not down by then I'll come and drag you down.' Holly's shoulders ached from the rough treatment, but she was by no means cowed. 'That would-look well, wouldn't it? she bit out. 'And what would your Miss Fields think of that?' 'Miss Fields,' he stated haughtily, 'is well aware of the position. She will no doubt make allowances for you.' Holly saw no point in arguing; he was bigger than she was. She walked away with shoulders stifly erect. It hurt to keep them straight, but she wasn't going to let him know how much. Once in her room, she stared at herself in the mirror, unable to believe the events of the last few minutes. As if her life had not been unhappy enough there was now a new threat to be added to her existence. Hayes Chester had decided to take her in hand. He didn't have to say so; it was painfully obvious. She saw a miserable future stretched out before her. After promising to let her go her own way, too!

She had not foreseen this, neither had Hal, or he would not have let her in for it. She bit her lip remembering Hayes' warning; ten minutes and he would be looking for her. Her lips twisted bitterly. She could well imagine how she would be treatedas a young delinquent, no doubt ! She could also imagine how Hayes had described her. Her eyes narrowed; she was not beaten yet. If he thought he had got the better of Holly Drew he would soon begin to think again. She feverishly searched in her wardrobe for the dress she required. When she found it a small sigh of satisfaction escaped her and she dragged it out of its protective covering and eyed it carefully. It was all she had remembered it was, but would it still fit her? She hastily cast off her blouse and jeans and tried it on. She had not altered much size-wise over the years and the last time she had worn the dress she had been fourteen years old. She stared at her reflection; the dress barely came to her knees, otherwise it fitted perfectly. Her glance went over the bright pink silk material and rested on the flounce round the hem, then travelled up again to the embroidered front and puffed-out sleeves. It had a wide belt that tied at the back in a large bow. Holly thought of Milly; she would have a fit if she could see her. The dress was Holly's first party dress and Milly had sentimentally refused to throw it out. Serves her right, Holly thought, for siding with Hayes! The next thing on the agenda was shoes; Holly found a pair of black pumps used for the rare occasions she attended a dance. Lastly there was her hair and she scowled as she recalled Hayes scathing comments on it. She wished it was longer and she could really go to town; as it was, there was not much she could do with it. She frowned. Hadn't she worn a ribbon with the dress? A quick look through her dressing table drawer produced a dark red one, but Holly was not entering a fashion parade. She twisted it into a large bow and set it on the crown of her head, fixing it into position with a hair grip. Then she looked at the final result. She ought, she thought, to look like something out of a pantomime, but she didn't. Vaguely she was disappointed and, sadly, saw why Hayes Chester insisted on referring to

her as 'young lady'. Her slim boyish figure hadn't changed much over the years. Her small bust could easily belong to the child she was now depicting. Her heart-shaped face with eyes that looked larger than she could ever remember them looked back at her solemnly. One more glance at her watch told her she had exactly two minutes in which to put in an appearance. As she made her way to the sitting-room she fervently hoped Milly would be busy in the kitchen and not see her until it was too late. Hayes had his back to her as she entered the room; he was busy pouring out a glass of sherry for the woman reclining in one of the easy chairs. Holly stood hesitantly on the threshold as if afraid to enter without permission. The woman was all that Holly had predicted she would be, blonde and quite lovely. Her bright hair fell in soft golden waves to her shoulders and with a flash of annoyance Holly saw she had dressed for the occasion and wore a filmy blue dress more suitable for a banquet than an ordinary dinner. Perhaps it wasn't ordinary to her, thought Holly; she was Hayes' guest, wasn't she? Determined at all costs to impress, it seemed. Not for nothing had Holly spent a year at finishing school. She knew enough about correct wear to know that Miss Fields was overdressed, to put it mildly. Her sapphire blue eyes were fixed on Hayes' broad back and Holly recognised the proprietorial expression in them; then she became aware of Holly. 'You must be Holly Drew,' she said with a husky inflection in her voice, and again Holly had the impression of a calculated effort to achieve that particular inflection. 'Well, come in, I won't bite you,' she murmured. The condescending voice put Holly's teeth on edge as she moved into the room. Hayes turned to hand his guest her drink and stopped in mid-stride as he took in Holly. For a brief second his eyes met her innocent-looking ones, then she dropped her lashes in a manner that did credit to the finest vamps of the seventies, studying the carpet and fiddling with her belt as if ready to bolt to the door at the first given opportunity.

She heard Miss Fields murmur a husky, 'Thank you, darling,' as the drink was handed to her. Holly knew Hayes was still studying her and kept her eyes on the carpet. 'Would you care for a sherry, Holly?' he inquired smoothly. 'Hayes!' murmured a shocked Miss Fields. 'Orange juice, please,' Holly requested in a small voice. 'Orange juice it shall be, then,' answered an amused Hayes. As he handed it to her Holly accepted it, still keeping her gaze away from him, She knew he was vastly enjoying himself, but it didn't worry her one bit. His amusement was going to be short-lived, she promised herself. 'Come and sit here,' gushed Miss Fields. 'And tell me all about yourself.' 'Holly,' Hayes blandly told her, 'has led a very sheltered life, Dulcie. As you can see, she needs a little bringing out.' He was almost purring. Holly's teeth clenched together. Her adopted role of shyness helped avoid giving her thoughts away, lowered lashes hid the glint in her eye. 'Haven't you any friends of your own age?' queried a sweet, too sweet Dulcie. Holly doubted whether she was all that much older than herself. She judged her height to be around the five foot nine mark, tall for a girl, but inclined to be on the plump side; a nicely curved Amazon, in fact, against Holly's slight dimensions. 'Mr Chester,' she murmured, 'doesn't like the friends I have,' adding in a small timid voice, 'He wants me to stay near the homestead.' She took a sip of her drink and cast a quick speculative glance towards him. Seeing him start and his eyes narrow, she knew he was no longer amused. Holly began to enjoy herself. 'I'm afraid Holly's choice of friends,' he answered silkily, recovering swiftly to Holly's annoyance, 'happen to consist invariably of the opposite sex. As you can imagine, she needs a little guidance there, too.' Holly's fingers clamped round her glass, but she held herself in check. A trilling laugh floated out from Dulcie Fields. 'She has to learn some time, Hayes. Don't be a spoilsport !'

Holly gave her a limpid look. 'I like you,' she said. 'You understand.' She could sense Hayes' fury and half expected him to put an end to the farce there and then. 'Nevertheless,' he said coldly, 'spoilsport or not, she's going to learn.' Dulcie stared at him. 'For goodness' sake!' she exclaimed. It was perhaps as well that Milly arrived to serve the meal at that precise point. Holly met her incredulous expression with a bland look and Milly stared from her to Hayes as if trying to assess the position, and receiving no help from either, shook her head bewilderedly and retreated to the kitchen. Holly could not say she enjoyed the meal one bit, what with Hayes' eyes on her when they should have been on his guest, not to mention the message she read in them and Milly's stern countenance also promising retribution at no late date. Dulcie Fields, blithely unaware of the currents passing around them, directed a chatty flirtatious conversation at Hayes. Covertly studying her, Holly wondered if her eyelashes were her own, they were so incredibly long. Her musings were interrupted by an order from Hayes to 'Eat her greens. She doesn't,' he explained to Dulcie, 'eat as much as she should do. She's much too thin.' Dulcie looked surprised at the abrupt change of conversation. She had been angling for a long stay at Green Paddocks and looked somewhat impatiently at him, then turned her attention back to Holly. 'When I was young I hated greens,' she said undiplomatically. 'In fact,' she added firmly, determined to push the point home that she thought Mayes was neglecting her, 'I'm still not very fond of them.' Holly was fast reaching the end of her tether, if she lost her temper, she would lose the only chance she had of getting back at Hayes, and he knew it. Somehow she had to accept his deliberate goading and remain calm. Trouble was, she wasn't sure how long she could hold on and decided on a grand slam. She fixed another limpid gaze on Dulcie. 'When Mr Chester marries you will you come and stay here?' she asked hopefully. 'It's nice to have someone on my side.'

'Really, dear,' purred Dulcie, 'you've embarrassed Mr Chester ! You mustn't say things like that; I mean, nothing's settled yet.' Mr Chester looked anything but embarrassed; he was white around the mouth. His palm hit the table with a force that shook the cutlery. 'Enough of this !' he thundered. 'You've gone too far this time, my girl.' For one shocked minute Dulcie thought he meant her. 'Hayes?' she said hesitantly. Holly was under no such illusion and for the first time felt apprehension run through her. With a movement worthy of the holder of the cup for the four-minute mile, she was out of the room and on the way to her quarters. Not satisfied with just shutting her bedroom door, she pulled her dressing table against it, jamming it firmly into position with a feeling akin to panic, then stood back trembling and staring at her handiwork. Would it be proof against an extremely angry man? With weak knees she sat on the bed. After a few seconds' silence she began to feel a little more composed, but a tap on the door and the sound of it being pushed against the dressing table made her pulses race again until she heard Milly's plaintive, 'What's got into you, girl? You gone plumb crazy? You open this door !' 'I can't, Milly,' Holly replied, all bravado gone and close to tears. 'What you mean, can't?' queried Milly in the sort of voice that told Holly she was upset. 'Please leave me alone, Milly,' she pleaded. I'm bushwhacked, I'm all right otherwise, honestly. I'm going to bed.' 'I'll get Hayes,' threatened Milly. 'You all worked up 'bout something, and I want to know what.' 'Don't you dare get that man,' Holly said furiously. 'He's the reason I've barricaded myself in. I've annoyed him and he's on the warpath.' She heard Milly give a loud sniff and knew she was satisfied. It was something she could understand. 'No use you fighting that fella,' she advised Holly. 'You ain't going to win, no how.'

Holly did not reply, and Milly chuckled, 'Guess you did ask for a whacking at that. Turning up in that dress like you was a twelve-year-old !' The chuckle echoed down the hall as she went back to the kitchen. Five more minutes passed and Holly, with heightened senses straining for the least sound of footsteps in the corridor, began to relax. She had been let off; perhaps Dulcie Fields had intervened for her. She felt her pulse rate begin to slow down to normal, and with a sigh of pure relief began to remove her dress, wondering whether she dared risk slipping out to the shower room, but decided against it. No sense in pushing her luck. Hearing voices, she hastily switched off her bedroom light. Had Milly still not been satisfied and fetched Hayes? She stood transfixed by the dressing table, hating herself for her cowardice. The voices came again, this time appearing to float up to her, and she placed them; they had come from outside the house. She slipped to the window and gazed down on to the saddling yard, now almost as bright as day, bathed in the light of a full moon. She saw two figures strolling in the direction of the paddocks, and again a sense of relaxation stole over her. Hayes and Dulcie were taking a moonlight walk. Hayes was fully occupied and would be for the rest of the evening. Holly lay on the bed. It was too early for sleep and her mind was too active anyway. What she needed was a good gallop; it would not be the first time she had taken a moonlight ride. In days gone by it had served as a kind of therapy whenever she was worried about her father's state of health. Flying along with the warm wind caressing her face and hair, Holly had felt her worries dwindle into obscurity and a sense of peace instil her mind. Now resentment flooded through her. She was denied even this. There was no chance of slipping out and saddling Silky without the risk of running into Hayes and his companion. Her hands clenched by her side. Who would have thought that she, Holly Drew, would find herself in this position? Intimidated by one man ! Not only that, but completely annihilated by him. With all her heart she wished Dulcie Fields would captivate him and wring a proposal out of him. Her brow creased, he must be more than just

interested in her. Hadn't he asked her to join him? She thought of his appearance, yes, he had made an effort on her behalf. Not that he ever looked anything but immaculate in whatever he chose to wear, even in what was termed as 'working gear' he still looked the 'boss cocky', as Hal would have put it, but he had donned a crisp white shirt and dark slacks for the dinner and forgone his usual casual wear. Holly was forced to admit to herself that he had looked more than presentable, his tan accentuated by the white of the shirt, and his thick dark hair glistening still damp from the shower. She shook herself mentally; what was wrong with her? Of all the times to remember things like that. She must be going soft in the head! Recalling what she had said before she had to make that undignified exit, Holly grinned to herself; she had certainly hit him where it hurt most. Nothing could have more infuriated him. He probably had a string of girl friends, and he had already given her an insight of his views on marriagesaid, like Hal, he preferred his freedom. She grinned again. Served him right! She only wished she could hear him talk his way out of that situation ! Her thoughts ran on and eventually came back to the crux of her miseryPegleg, now in the valley with the rest of the strays waiting for the run on Monday. There had to be something she could do about it; it was useless appealing to Hayes; he would take great pleasure in laying down the law. Besides, Holly had burnt her boats as far as he was concerned. She considered asking Dave to help her get Pegleg out of the valley, between them they could drive him beyond the boundary fences, but then she rejected the idea. It would be unfair to ask him, for he would hate refusing. She sighed. There was nothing for it but to tackle it herself. Then a frown creased her forehead. It was not going to be easy, but it was better than just sitting around and wishing she could do something about it. With Dulcie Fields keeping Hayes occupied, Holly would never have a better opportunity. At first light she would be on her way. Even if she failed, she thought drowsily, at least she would have tried.

CHAPTER SIX HOLLY was awake long before sun-up the next morning and making her way quietly down to the stables, she had Silky saddled and out of the yard in a very short space of time. She did not risk riding her until they were well clear of the homestead, but led her out and on to the green verges of the paddock, so as to lessen the chance of an early riser hearing them. When safely out of earshot, she mounted and touching Silky's flanks urged her into a gallop. At sun-up, Holly had reached the valley and sat looking down on the herd now peacefully grazing. Her eyes searched for the large bull. She was certain he would be apart from the rest, for Pegleg was a loner, and her gaze probed the outer parts of the gathering. She did catch sight of two lightcoloured beasts, but neither was Pegleg. Her brow creased; she had a perfect view of the small enclosed area and he should have stood out a mile, distinguishable not only by his colour, but his size. For one small moment Holly wondered if he had been too clever for them and somehow got loose, in which case he would now be back on his old stamping ground; then she recalled the look Dave had given Tim and her hands tightened on the reins. Her eyes misted over; one part of her knew a tiny relief that he would not be making that long trekthen an intense hate of Hayes Chester surged through her. He had taken no chances of Holly making a bid to free the bull. She bit her lip; Dave would not have wanted to tell her, and Hayes's timely intervention in the canteen must have relieved him of the task. She turned Silky slowly feeling sick at heart, it was no comfort to know she had not had a chance of saving him. Her return to the homestead was not hurried, and a quieter and much subdued Holly handed Silky over to Jaimie and made her way to the kitchen. Milly was in the act of

preparing a tray of coffee for the breakfast table, and taking one look at Holly's strained features she murmured casually, ' 'Bout time that vegetable patch was dug.' Holly nodded and walked out again straight down the back garden path to a small outhouse where the gardening tools were kept. Collecting a spade, she moved to a partially dug plot of land, then wiping her hands down the side of her jeans, started digging. As she turned over the light dry soil her eyes pricked. She couldn't remember the last time Milly had said that. Her mind went back over the years; this was Milly's answer to trials and tribulations one could do nothing aboutor when she was much youngertantrums ! Noticing a freshly dug patch a little way further along the plot, she surmised that Milly had taken some of her own advice at some past date. Holly rather suspected it was when Pete was in residence! Time passed and Holly went on digging, not bothering to move from the one spot she started on. She was so absorbed in her task she did not hear the approach of Hayes and glanced up to find him watching her with some interest. He looked from her to the hole. 'Do you usually go around digging holes?' he asked mildly. 'Or have you a specific purpose in mind?' Holly had worked most of her feelings out of her, but was beginning to have a relapse. Couldn't she even have a fantasy without the victim himself standing large as life in front of her? When she did not answer he went on conversationally, 'You ought to be careful, you know. You could fall in.' Holly flung him a look of fury. 'You'd like that, wouldn't you?' she ground out. 'Why don't you go ahead and push me? It would be one less thorn out of your hair, wouldn't it?' 'Don't tempt me,' he replied grimly, then said airily, 'I've a much more subtle way of dealing with you, my girl.' Holly's eyes narrowed. 'I'm not Pegleg,' she said slowly. 'Subtle or not, you're not going to find me so easy to deal with.' She renewed her digging with added fervour. 'You see,' she muttered, 'I'm not at all subtle. I'd push you in if I had the chance.'

He chuckled and it was like adding wood to the fire raging inside Holly. 'If I were a man' she choked out. He caught her hands and prised the handle of the spade loose, then studied the soft palms, now a dull red from chafing. 'You've a blister forming,' he remarked. She pulled her hands free. 'I'm out of practice,' she snapped. 'You mean you haven't been mad enough, don't you?' Holly's lips tightened. It was no help to know he had worked out the reason for her sudden activity, 'Well, never mind,' he murmured soothingly. 'I'm sure it's good for you. At least I shall always know where to find you after one of our little talks.' 'Why, you...' blazed Holly. Hayes chuckled again and began to walk away. 'You've a smut on your nose,' he said helpfully. Left in peace once more, she slowly filled in the gap she had dug. She was tired and all incentive had gone; she was also very thirsty and wondered miserably whether Hayes and Miss Fields planned to spend the morning at the homestead, in which case she would have to stay clear, having no wish to meet the elegant Dulcie in her present mood, or indeed any mood. She sighed; she couldn't understand why Hayes had insisted on her presence at dinner the previous evening. It was highly unlikely, she thought sourly, as she took the spade back to the outhouse, that he would ask her again; at least that much had been achieved, but precious little else, if Hayes' mood was anything to go by. He did not look like a man in a predicament, or sound like one; he had actually chuckled. Holly stopped in her tracksdid that mean he had proposed and been accepted? A small ray of hope surged through her. It would mean his departure in the very near future. Her step lightened as she walked back to the kitchen, then remembering the remark passed by Hayes about her face she changed direction and made for the shower room. After changing into a fresh blouse and trews and giving her hair still damp from the shower, a quick comb through, she made her way to the kitchen and a belated breakfast.

Hearing the sound of hoofs passing the homestead, she gave a small nod of satisfaction. Hayes would be taking Dulcie Fields on a tour of the ranch. With any luck they would be gone all day. The cold 'Good morning' coming from the open-door of the lounge as she passed gave her quite a start. Miss Fields had apparently not accompanied Hayes. Holly would have given anything to walk on by as if she had not heard the greeting, but she could not. Sighing inwardly, she retraced her steps back to the lounge. Dulcie was standing by the window gazing out, probably watching Hayes ride out into the distance. It occurred to Holly that Miss Fields must have been on the watch for her, which meant that it was a calculated meeting, the purpose for which was soon made clear to her as she entered the lounge. Turning icy blue eyes on Holly, she drawled, 'I thought we ought to have a little talk.' Holly eyed her warily. She did not look like a woman who had just received a proposal. She was, to say the least, distinctly unfriendly. Holly watched her settle in one of the deep armchairs, her tailored trews and ice green thin silk blouse with frilled bodice and cuffs, utterly and entirely feminine. Remembering the dress of the previous evening, Holly could well imagine the frills and furbelows that would go to make up Dulcie's wardrobe, negligees of pure gossamer or floating chiffon. She came to with a start when Dulcie gestured grandly to a chair opposite her, indicating that Holly should sit down. A spurt of anger swept over her. How dared she ! Anyone would think she owned the place! With raised brows Holly signified her displeasure at the casual yet insolent gesture. 'I haven't had my breakfast yet,' she said quietly. 'Do you mind if we postpone our talk until afterwards? Have you breakfasted yet? Rude of me not to inquire beforeand did you sleep well?' The quick frown these words brought gave Holly some compensation. It was one way of showing Dulcie Fields whose house she was in. She knew Hayes had given his interpretation of her behaviour at dinner, probably her age

too; she didn't have to be told thisit was obvious by Dulcie's attitude to her. 'Keeping out of Hayes' way, I suppose,' commented Dulcie with narrowed eyes, completely ignoring Holly's solicitous inquiries. 'I don't blame you. He doesn't like being made a fool of. Neither do I. Just what you hoped to accomplish by your little act is beyond me. Mind you,' she added spitefully, 'you passed with flying colours. But as Hayes said, it's time you grew up.' Holly's eyes flashed. 'Thank you,' she answered. 'Do you mind if I get my breakfast now?' 'It can wait,' the girl replied carelessly. 'Hayes will be back shortly, no doubt you will make yourself scarce again and I want to find out just what you're up to. Hayes and I' she shrugged elegantly. 'Well, I suppose I needn't spell it out to you. Suffice it to say what affects him affects me, and I rather gather you've not proved cooperative and I'm wondering why.' She flashed Holly a quick speculative look. 'You see, there could be several reasons, but only one really concerns me. If you've fallen for him, forget it. These childish pranks are not likely to cut much ice with him. As far as he's concerned you're just a spoilt little madam he'd rather not have to deal with. I'm telling you this for your own good,' she went on. 'The sooner you face up to the fact that you haven't a hope with Hayes and stop obstructing him, the sooner he'll be able to get on with his other affairs.' She studied her well manicured nails. 'I'm extremely glad I came down here,' she said carefully. 'I couldn't understand why he was staying on. Hayes, Miss Drew, is a very busy man, he's not likely to have much more patience with this kind of foolishness. I don't know much about the business side of this venture but if he decided to pull out I rather think you would find yourself in some financial trouble. You would do well to consider this possibility.' Holly stared at her, too surprised to be angry. It was amazing how everyone insisted on linking her romantically with Hayes. Where Dulcie was concerned it was understandableshe was jealous. As she had said, she wondered why Hayes had not returned to Coomela and

thought Holly was the reason, which simply was not true. A man of his calibre was not likely to let someone he considered a tiresome child stand in his way. Whatever the reason for his delay in returning to Coomela it had nothing to do with her, and the sooner Dulcie Fields realised this the better. 'Look,' she said abruptly. 'You've got it all wrong, you know. I wouldn't take Hayes as a gift.' She passed a hand over her hair. There must be some way she could make Dulcie understand. 'Haven't you ever been mad at someone?' she demanded. 'So mad you'd do anything to get your own back? Even something entirely out of character? Well,' she went on before her question could be answered, 'that's just how Hayes gets me. He insists on treating me as if I were ten years old and I'm sick of it! Take last night,' she went on earnestly warming to her subject. 'I made a special point of leaving you alone to dine together, and what do I get for my pains? Dragged out of the cookhouse as if I'd committed some misdemeanour, and toldtold, mind youto dress as a young lady ought to dress. Well?' she demanded furiously. 'What would you have done?' Dulcie's eyes showed anything but sympathy. 'The question,' she said coldly, 'wouldn't arise where I was concerned.' She fixed a narrowed gaze on Holly. 'Worries you, does it? That he doesn't see you as a woman?' Holly gaspedher explanation had not had the desired effect, in fact the reverse. Dulcie's claws were out. Well, at least she had tried. 'Not in the way you think, Miss Fields,' she answered haughtily. 'I just don't happen to like the label tagged on me. I can assure you you've no need to worry about my forming any attachment to Mr Chester. You're more than welcome to him; I wish you every success. If you could persuade him to go back to Coomela with you I'll be your friend for life !' she added fervently. 'There speaks my fiance of hardly more than two weeks,' drawled Hayes from the doorway. As Holly swung round to face him, she heard Dulcie gasp, 'Hayes!'

Holly glared at him. 'You see?' she told Dulcie bitterly. 'He actually enjoys baiting me.' Her teeth clenched. 'All right!' she ground out. 'I'm used to it, but Miss Fields isn't.' She shrugged. 'Or perhaps she isshe's known you longer than I have, after all. Perhaps a perverted sense of humour appeals to her.' She looked back at Dulcie, whose eyes were fixed on Hayes in mute appeal, and felt a sense of pity. Poor girl, she loved him. Holly turned back to Hayes still standing nonchalantly by the door with that bland expression of his that gave nothing away. 'Now you can apologise,' she said quietly as the explanation for his extraordinary behaviour hit her. They had quarrelled; a lovers' tiff was not unusualit would account for the reason Hayes had left Dulcie like that, and for the attitude Dulcie had adopted to her. It might also account for the reason he had stayed at Green Paddocks, forcing Dulcie to come to him. Holly almost nodded to herself. He was that kind of man, he would demand complete obedience all along the line. Dulcie must have annoyed him in some way. 'Kiss and make up,' she advised him airily, feeling quite lighthearted at the thought that he would soon be on his way back to Coomela with his beloved. Her step was light as she walked to the door. Hayes waited until she reached him, then murmured, 'Yes, let's,' and to her astonishment caught her in his arms. Her protests were never allowed to surface as his lips stifled them with a hard, almost vicious pressure. When she was allowed respite, Dulcie had gone. Holly stood dazed and gasping for breath. 'How dare you!' she got out, very near to tears. 'How dare you use me to make Dulcie jealous ! I really p-pity her.' She drew a deep breath. Her heart was hammering, partly from shock and partly from an emotion completely new to her. 'W-what has the poor girl done to deserve such treatment?' 'Have you had breakfast yet?' he asked conversationally, 'I could do with a cup of coffee.' Holly did not answer, she was beyond speech. Hayes watched her with narrowed eyes. 'And that poor girl, as you put it, would save herself a lot of grief by accepting

the fact that I prefer to do the running when and if I start courting. I did not invite her here, she invited herself. As for my using you, you're quite right, I did use you. As,' he said softly, 'you used meto remove a similar obstruction. So we're even.' Holly stared at him, then blinked. 'It was your suggestion we pretended we were engaged,' she reminded him angrily, 'not mine.' He shrugged casually. 'Served the same purpose,' he said dryly. 'Useful, isn't it?' he added harshly. 'Neither of us is likely to let it go to our heads.' She knew an odd sensationas if chains were being woven about her, maybe for life, and that frightened her. She had not liked the previous label he had tagged on her, but it was preferable to this one. 'Until I do decide to marry,' she said pointedly, 'it doesn't really matter, does it? As long as you refute it then I couldn't care less.' She turned to leave in search of her belated breakfast, but her arm was caught fast and she was swung round to face him. She did not care for the expression in his eyes. 'Got someone in mind, have you?' he grated out. Holly knew surprise, her eyes registered it, then she thought of Hal. He was still worried he might lose him. 'Oh, not Hal,' she said airily. His fingers pressed hard into her arm and Holly winced. 'Who, then?' he inquired softly. She began to wish she had never started this. 'No one you know,' she said hastily. 'Will you please let go of my arm, you're hurting me !' 'Pete Mills?' he persisted. 'For goodness' sake, no !' she said crossly. 'And it's no use bullying me, you're not going to find out. I have some private life, you know.' Her chin went up in the air haughtily. For a long moment his eyes studied her, then he released her. 'Just remember, as your partner I'm entitled to know of your future plans. We'll leave it at that for the moment,' he said abruptly. A very cross Holly eventually made her way to the kitchen.

Dulcie left that same afternoon, and Holly did not see her again. Hayes must have seen to all the arrangements as Holly saw his car was gone and presumed he had driven her to the stationwhich was something, she thought, he could have detailed Jaimie to do it, for it was Jaimie who had fetched her on her arrival. She still felt a little sorry for Dulcie not too sorry, for she was inclined to be of the opinion that she ought to have had more sense than to fall for Hayes in the first place. Holly still nursed hopes that Hayes would relent and make it up with Dulcie. He must have some feeling for her, surely? When Holly heard his voice an hour later, she knew acute disappointment, hoping against hope that he had decided to return to Coomela with Dulcie. The disappointment changed to a cold rage. What a heartless brute he was! He had probably waved her off with a smile and poor Dulcie would be enjoying a good cry on the train back. Her eyes narrowed. She could almost see the pattern of the future; Green Paddocks would be his refuge from all future involvements. It was ideal] for someone with his ideas on marriage. There was even a prefabricated 'fiance' in residence! Holly needed a change of view and a change of thought, so she made her way to the stables to collect Silky, only to find Hayes in the stabling yard. He was staring up at the homestead and gave no sign that he had seen her. As she went to pass him, he remarked casually, 'It's time something was done about that verandah. I noticed several slats need replacing. Think I'll do the whole thing while I'm about it. Windows too could do with being made largersay one opening out on to the verandah.' Her reaction was swift; replace the verandah indeed ! This was her domain, he was making a big mistake if he thought he was making any changes here. He might be right about the slats; they were loose, but would not take much repairing. As for larger windowsshe liked things as they were: 'Only a few slats need replacing,' she answered coldly. 'I'll see Jaimie does it.' She started to walk away. 'I'm afraid it's too big a job for Jaimie,' he said mildly.

Holly ought to have been forewarned by that mild tone of his, but she was slow on the uptake. She looked back at him. 'Nonsense!' she said sharply. 'It will only take him an hour or so.' His brows rose in mock surprise. 'To fit a new verandah?' he drawled. Holly finally caught on; her cheeks flushed and her eyes sparked. 'I can't afford a new verandah and I don't want one. I like it just as it is,' she snapped. His brows rose higher. 'If I say we can afford it, then we can afford it,' he said coolly. The 'we' bit hit Hollyit was about time this autocratic character was put in his place for once and for all. 'There's no "we" about it, Mr Chester,' she said haughtily. 'I own the homestead, remember. What I say goes. That means no new verandah no new windowsno new anything!' 'Pity,' he murmured. 'I thought it was worth saving, myself.' Holly gave him a surprised look, and waited; no doubt he would elucidate, and he did. 'I'd give it perhaps two years, not much more,' he went on. 'Still, if that's the way you want it. It's up to you.' 'Give what two years?' she demanded. 'The homestead,' he answered calmly. 'Of course, I couldn't expect you to notice things like rotting timber and plumbing on its last legs.' Holly bristled. 'It was good enough for my father and it's good enough for me,' she snapped, now sure she knew what he was after. Modernising the whole place just to suit his convenience! This was one battle he wasn't going to win. 'And your children?' he queried softly. Holly flushed. He hit low, didn't he? As if she was likely to marry I 'Plenty of time for those kind of thoughts,' she managed to answer airily, 'if I ever marry.' 'Oh, you'll marry all right,' he assured her steadily. Her flush deepened; she didn't care for the turn the conversation was taking, and turned away to end it. 'Of course,' he went on smoothly, 'you'll probably have to move away then anyway. Once these old places start to go, the deterioration rate is pretty fast.'

Holly's lips set. He was pretty determined, wasn't he? 'So it falls down,' she snapped. 'Why should you worry? Your manager will be rehoused, no doubt.' 'You know,' he murmured softly, 'you really do have to be saved from yourself, don't you? Would you really let it rot just to spite me?' Holly looked away quickly. The answer was a plain yes as far as she was concerned ! All the same, she was worried. The wretched man was probably righthe had a nasty habit of being right, she thought bitterly. She swallowed her resentment and looked back at him. 'Is it really as bad as that?' she asked quietly. His eyes mocked her. 'Yes,' he drawled. 'If anything's going to be done it ought to be done soon.' Holly was out on a limbto refuse to listen to good advice would be churlish and she did love Green Paddocks. She couldn't imagine herself living anywhere else. She glanced back at the homestead. 'And we can afford it?' she asked, unconciously linking them together. He gave a slow smile that startled her. Hayes smiling was a rare sight, but a nice one. Anyone but her would have floated on air after receiving it, but Holly had not received much of that kind of treatment from Hayes. Besides, she hadn't forgotten what had happened to Pegleg. Her lips thinned; he could be nice enough when he got his own way, couldn't he? 'I don't usually repeat myself,' he said slowly. 'I believe I did say so.' 'I'll think about it,' she said casually. Hayes' own lips thinned, and she watched his hands clench into fists. 'Why, you little minx,' he began furiously. 'All right ! If that's the way you want it! I don't know why the devil I bothered to mention it. I ought to have known I wouldn't get anywhere. Still, as I said, someone's got to save you from yourself. It's Milly I feel real sorry for, having to look after you. It's the only home she's gotbut that wouldn't worry you, would it? I'm going ahead anyway, whether you like it or not!' With that he turned sharply on his heel and walked away, leaving Holly staring after him.

CHAPTER SEVEN MILLY'S thoughts on the subject of repairs were pretty definite. 'Your pa would have agreed; what for you so mad at Hayes, eh? You so all-fired set on disliking that fella, you got no sense nohow. Milly thinks it's 'bout time you took a good look around you. You so hornery these days, you forget to say thank you. I teach you better than that, don't I? Now you listen to old Milly, girl. That fella does what he thinks right. He ain't asking for no bouquets, like someone else we know,' her brow darkened. 'He sees what's wanted and gets on with it.' 'He'll modernise every inch, of it, just you see,' Holly muttered. Milly stared at her. 'There you goes again,' she said. 'How you know, eh? Milly tell you something, she hear him ask Jaimie if we could still get that red wood for the verandah ! That don't sound like modernising to mesounds just like it's going back as it was before. Now you get some tucker inside you, and don't go looking for trouble.' Holly felt like a castaway on a desert island, the only record she had on hand was one that repeated, Hayes is wonderful, over and over again! It was not often Holly had an hallucination, in fact she could not ever remember having one before, but she was certainly having one now, she thought, as she stared at the familiar form of Pegleg standing half hidden in the thick scrub of the ranch outer boundaries. Sitting transfixed on Silky's back, and hardly daring to breathe in case the apparition vanished as suddenly as it had come, Holly wondered if he had been so much in her thoughts she had conjured him up out of thin air. A snort and a rustling as he moved further out into the open quickly brought her out of her state of trance. He was

real! He was really there! A feeling of exhilaration poured over her, comparable only to the day she had proved his existence so long ago. Dismounting hastily as if to reassure herself she was not dreaming, Holly walked slowly towards him. His brown gold-flecked eyes watched her steadily as she approached, and Holly's eyes misted over. 'Pegleg, you'll never know how glad I am to see you,' she murmured. 'I don't know how you did it, but I'm proud of you.' He raised his great head and snorted again, as if to say, 'You should be!' Then he turned back into the scrub again and was soon out of sight. Holly was sorry to see him leave so soon, but the wily beast had no doubt remembered their last encounter and the resulting indignity. Another surge of joy went through her. He could have bolted, but he had let her get quite close. Her brow creased in thought. How had he got out? The valley was absolutely secure, the only way out was through the gates and it was not likely one had been left open by mistake. Dave? 'He wouldn't risk it,' she muttered; he knew only too well the eagle eye of Hayes would soon spot him on the loose. A pretty thorough job had been carried out clearing the ranch of all strays and Pegleg didn't have a hope of avoiding round-up once Hayes had seen him. Hayes? Disbelievingly she shook her head. It just wasn't possible ! Not Hayes, of all peoplebut who else would have dared to set him free? As she remounted Silky, Holly's mind was in a whirl. It had to be Hayes! The idea was utterly inconceivable, yet it was the only answerbut why? As far as he was concerned Pegleg was an ordinary old scrub stray. Holly did not feel at all easy in her mind; it was not the sort of gesture folks at war usually made. Was it his way of making some sort of peace pact? He would know sooner or later, she would find out he was free. Her brow creased againthen what? What was she supposed to do? Behave herself and start saying 'Yes, sir, no, sir,' to him? Her mouth set stubbornly. That would mean Pegleg's freedom for hers. Her brows rose; now why should she think that? Besides, she thought darkly as she spurred Silky into a gallop, she wasn't at all convinced Hayes was behind it. She had to find Dave, he would know.

Unable to wait for an opportunity to show itself when she could talk to Dave, Holly disregarded Hayes' orders and started looking for him. It was vitally important for her to know the answer. She eventually located him in the stores checking on the wire supplies for the reinforcing of the fences before the new stock were moved in. Holly found him squatting on his heels examining a length of steel wire neatly packed on the bottom shelf. He glanced up quickly as she approached. 'Well, look who's here !' he grinned. 'Thought you'd forgotten us.' Holly smiled back. 'Been busy,' she lied, not able to lower her pride enough to tell him she had been banned from taking part in the ranch affairs, or from fraternising with the men. Dave straightened up and put a tick against an item on a list he held. 'Socialising, I suppose,' he murmured with twinkling eyes. 'Heard you had company.' Holly made a wry face. 'Mr Chester's guest,' she said, then remembered that Dulcie had not strictly been his guest, she had invited herself; still, none of that would matter to Dave. 'Dave? Could Pegleg get out of that valley?' she asked abruptly, holding her breath for the answer. He gave her a quick look and shook his head. 'Nope, he couldn't,' he said dryly, then gave her another of those darting glances of his. 'And it's no use you hoping he could, and,' he went on, shaking a finger at her, 'no use you thinking of cutting him out of that herd, either. Once those gates are open half of 'em would be through before you could turn roundjust in case you got any ideas on that score buzzing round your head.' Holly felt ashamed; she had simply refused to credit Hayes with a single act of kindness, had actually been hoping it was Dave. Milly was right, she was so set on disliking him she had lost all sense of fairness. Dave watched her closely and she gave him a rueful grin. 'I did think of doing something like that,' she said quietly. 'Now, girl, you know very well' he began, but Holly interrupted him.

'I didn't have to,' she said simply. 'He's free. I've just seen him on the outer boundary.' Dave started, and stared at her with narrowed eyes. 'There'll be hell to pay if that lot's got out,' he muttered, and began to head for the door. It's all right, Dave,' she said quickly. 'Only Pegleg's on the loose, honestly. I only found out because I went out to the valley early yesterday morning.' She looked away from him. 'As I said, I did have a mad idea of somehow getting him out, but he wasn't there. I couldn't have missed him, I thought you'd got him out, or he'd been trucked to town.' She fiddled with her hatband. 'You know what I mean.' Dave whistled through his teeth. 'Well, I'll be danged! He sure was there to start with,' he said slowly. 'Yesterday morning, you say? Well, they've been checked since then and all secure.' He gave her a lopsided grin. 'Well, girl, looks like you got yourself another white knight, don't it? Human this time!' he teased. Holly felt dreadful about the whole thing. No name had been mentioned, but both were aware of the identity of the 'knight'. 'Getting on a bit better now, I take it?' Dave grinned. Holly moved away quickly to cover her embarrassment and started looking idly round the stores. Her eye caught the shelf on which some material was stored and rested on a roll of deep green velvet pushed to the back of the shelf. She must have seen it dozens of times before, but now she looked at it with interest. An idea was forming; Hayes had said something about a window opening out on to the verandah. It meant a large one, casement type. Well, it would need curtains, wouldn't it? She thought of the present curtaining, a heavy beige-patterned material that hung over every one of the homestead windows. It was time for a change, surely? But was there enough material? Climbing up on a slightly unsteady chair, she attempted to get the roll down. 'Hold on,' called Dave, 'let me get it for you.' Reaching out, he brought the roll down for her putting it on the long store

counter. 'It's a party dress we're wanting now, is it?' he teased. Holly's brows creased as she carefully removed the plastic wrapping from the roll and fingered the velvet. 'Of course not! Curtains, that's what I want,' she replied, as she tried to assess how much material was there. It looked a complete roll. 'Stand at the other end of the counter, Dave,' she ordered. 'I want some idea of how long it is.' 'As long as you don't want me to model it,' he grinned, and moved to the end of the counter. Holly watched as the smooth expanse of the rich green was exposed. Her eyes pricked slightly; something told her this had been her mother's choice of curtaining. She didn't know how she knew, but she was certain. She couldn't think of a more fitting purpose it could be used for than as a peaceoffering to Hayes. He would know the reason she had applied herself to the task. Milly was not going to be given the job of making them upshe, Molly, would sew them every single inch of them. When the length of the counter had been covered Dave held the remainder of the roll, about half, up against his body. 'Sure looks as if you've got enough to fix the town hall,' he commented, then peeped over the top of the material at Holly still lost in thought. 'Get me for Queen of the May!' he grinned. She glanced up abstractedly, but the sight of Dave's rugged face peering at her over the soft folds of the material pulled her out of her reverie and she burst out chuckling. 'No, Dave,' she managed to get out. 'It's just not you !' 'Would someone mind explaining just what the hell's going on?' said an icy voice from the door. Dave dropped the material as if it burnt him and looked sheepishly towards the man striding towards them with a grim expression on his face. Guiltily aware that she had got Dave into trouble, Holly tried to make amends. 'It's my fault, Hayes. I asked Dave to help me unravel this roll ...' she ended lamely, for something told her her explanation was just not going to help one little bit. The reverse, in fact, as she saw the tightening of Hayes'

jaw and the glacial touch of the eyes. Grey ice, she thought absently. He turned his attention to Dave. 'I know,' he said cuttingly, 'the duties of head stockman are varied, but not this varied. Would you mind applying yourself to the work you're supposed to be doing?' Dave's deep tan took on a deeper hue, he picked up his list and pushed his hat on his head. 'Sorry, boss,' he muttered, and made a hasty exit. Holly's fingers closed round the soft material, her heart going out to Dave and the humiliation she had brought on him. It was so unfair ! 'Need you,' she said quietly, 'have been quite so hard on him? He'd finished checking the wire store when I arrived and it couldn't have been more than a few minutes anyway.' 'He has his orders,' Hayes replied harshly. Holly looked at him. Orders? she thought. What orders? To keep out of her way? Was Hayes so certain she would try and make trouble? She had given her word, hadn't she, not to interfere with the running of the ranch. She felt very close to tears, it didn't seem as if she could do anything right where Hayes was concerned. She turned away hastily and looked back at the material. It appeared she wasn't the only one with a biased opinion. It was all very well for Milly to scold, but how would she like to be in the same position? Her lips set. Watching the stubborn expression set on her face, Hayes nodded silently. 'Perhaps,' he said, 'I ought to tell you what will result from your continual flagrant disregard of my orders. Instant dismissal for the men concerned. I have no authority over your movements, but my men are a different proposition. Dave was damn lucky I didn't make an example of him. Not,' he said bitterly, 'that it would have been his fault. I'm well aware of the awkward position he was placed in.' He stared down at the velvet with a look of disdain on his face. 'And for what?' he said harshly. 'For a length of dress material I Did Dulcie's clothes give you an appetite for softer living? Will Milly have to pore over dress patterns on top of everything else she has to do?' He caught the material Holly

was lingering and flung it out of her grasp with a force that threw the roll on to the storeroom floor. 'The colour will suit you,' he ground out. 'In fact, it's perfect. It could have cost a good man his job, but I'm sure that wouldn't worry you.' He turned on his heel as if to leave. Holly went white. Again she felt a sense of waiting on his part, waiting for her to shout and rave at him, and for this very reason she held the emotion surging through her in tight check. She hit back the only way she could. 'You've got it all wrong,' she said, trying hard to bring a light note into her voice. 'I wouldn't dream of emulating Miss Fields. You see, I didn't care for her taste at all. In fact, I feel extremely sorry for her.' He took a quick intake of breath, then grated out, 'Then I shall convey your sentiments to her tomorrow. You will no doubt be pleased to hear I've finished my end of the business. The manager will take over some time during the week.' Holly could be forgiven for wanting to let out a shout of joy, but she managed to restrain herself, and bent to gather the material from the floor. 'You'll be giving a celebration party, I suppose,' he sneered. Holly nodded vigorously. 'I'll get Milly to drop everything,' she declared wildly. 'I just must have the dress in time. You did say it suited me, the colour, I mean?' The only answer was a slamming door, the force of which nearly took it off its hinges. She stared down at the material. To the devil with the curtaining! She would rather have died than for Hayes to find out what she wanted the cloth for. He was right ! It would make a fine dress and it would suit her! And what was more, she would get Milly to drop everything and make it up into the most beautiful evening dress possible. Milly was pretty clever with a needle. This mood persisted until the evening. Holly did not go to the dining room for dinner, but ate in the kitchen with a very subdued Milly who after one attempt at making her put in an appearance said, 'It's his last night here, girl, couldn't you just...?'

Holly couldn't 'just'. It would make no difference; they were incompatibleat this thought she found herself grinning. It was what was said of married folk, wasn't it? Her mood sobered as she caught Milly's downcast expression. She sighed; Milly could not understand her attitude, and indeed there were times when Holly herself could not justify her belligerent behaviour towards Hayes. His very presence seemed to bring out the worst in her. It might of course have helped if he hadn't had such a down on her. She had not been given much of a chance to prove herself. Recalling his words on her not caring what happened to Milly, she felt a rush of indignation. That was as much as he knew! She sighed again; it was too late now for recriminations. She bit her lip. Well, he was going now, wasn't he? At last she would be able to have a little peace without the feeling of Big Brother breathing down her neck. Soon after ten Holly went to her room. She could no longer stand Milly's funereal face or unspoken censure. Anyone would think it was all her fault he was going. Milly wasn't worldly enough to realise that a man like Hayes Chester did exactly what he wanted to do, regardless of any opposition. Leaning her elbows on the bedroom sill, Holly gazed out across the bright moonlit paddocks, seeing how the moonbeams played on the trees and shrubs, lighting up bright patches here and there. The peace of the scene bought a softening to her heart. Her eye caught a streak of light coming from the study and her lips twisted. Hayes would be there winding up his affairs before his early leave the next morning. Her eyes swept out to the paddocks again. She had never known a man like him beforetotally unbending. She couldn't ever visualise him going back on his word, and yet he had ... She paused for a moment. Pegleg ... Guiltily Holly remembered Hayes' one kindly gesture, and the way she had spoken to him in the vegetable garden, and what she'd said to him not much more than a few hours ago. She straightened up slowly and squared her shoulders. Someone had to make the effort, and she couldn't see him doing it after what she had said. With a determined

expression she went to the study, telling herself that just for this once she would eat humble pie, come what may. The study door was open and Holly stood uncertainly on the threshold. Hayes looked up suddenly from the papers he was studying and the look he shot her hardly helped to give her encouragement. 'Well?' he asked coldly. Holly swallowed and moved further into the room. As her eyes met the cold grey ones she looked away quickly. 'I'm sorry, Hayes,' she said quietly. 'I oughtn't to have said what I did.' There was a moment's silence and she looked up to find him studying her, as if, she thought desperately, she were some insect that had wandered in. What more can I say? she thought. Does he want me to go down on my knees? He turned his attention back to the papers again and Holly felt a surge of the familiar anger sweep over her. Her hands clenched into small fists by her side. 'So you're sorry, are you?' he murmured sardonically. 'Is that all you have to say?' Holly stared at him, then coloured. She had not thanked him for what he had done. 'No,' she said quickly. 'I want to thank you for all you've done.' She saw his brows rise in eloquent query. 'NoI really mean it,' she went on, desperate now to convey her feelings to him. Somehow it was very important he understood how she felt. 'If it hadn't been for you,' she earnestly assured him, 'I wouldn't still be at Green Paddocksand not only that,' she rushed on, 'I know the men are grateful they still have work.' His head bent to his papers again, giving no sign he had heard a word she had said. Holly stood feeling lost and utterly miserable. She couldn't reach through that thick wall between them and she never would. She turned slowly towards the door, 'I'll miss you, Hayes,' she said simply, and was astonished to find she had told the truth. She would miss him! The taunting answer stopped her in her tracks before she had taken two paces. 'Not going soft and developing a tendresse for me, are you, Miss Drew?'

Holly gasped. Of all the despicable creatures ! And she had almost gone down on her knees to him! For a moment she could not bring herself to answer. Besides anger, she knew another emotion she was hurt, and not only her pride was suffering. 'Of course not!' she managed to get out lightly. 'I've seen what happens to the unfortunate ones who do, haven't I?' and she walked swiftly to the door. As she reached it, he said slowly but very distinctly, 'Very sensible of you. For one moment you had me worried. I don't tangle with little girls, I prefer the sophisticated, more feminine type. You might do well to bear that in mind, in case, that is, I pay any future visits.' A bowl of cold water thrown at her would have had much the same effect as his words. It was an entirely uncalled-for comment, adding insult to injury. Holly turned back slowly and met his insolent gaze. 'I don't think you need have any fears in that direction,' she said quietly. 'No doubt you will be leaving early in the morning, so I shall wish you a good journey. Goodnight and goodbye, Mr Chester.' Her head was held high as she made her exit.

CHAPTER EIGHT A FORTNIGHT passed; for the first week Holly felt slightly lost. Without the restraining hand of Hayes, she felt like a puppy let off its leash with no clear indication of how it should behave. She had been looking forward to this period in time for what seemed like years, and now it had actually arrived everything had gone flat on her. She began to look around for some occupation to put her mind to, and it was not long before she remembered the curtains. In spite of her angry reaction to Hayes' remarks, she had stuck to her original purpose and put the material aside for future use. Now she brought it out from the bottom of her wardrobe

where she had pushed it out of sight and remembrance of his stinging words. Work had already begun on the verandah and windows, and a team of plumbers busy at work inside the house, which gave Holly the incentive she needed. Milly was not exactly cheerful during this period and had gone around shaking her head, not convinced that the new manager Hayes had sent would see to the ranch affairs half as well as Hayes had. She was still of the opinion that Hayes would have stayed on if Holly had been a little more friendly towards him. Not that she actually said so, but Holly knew her well enough to gauge her thoughts. 'He's a very busy man, Milly,' she tried to explain one morning after Milly had grumbled about Mr Jenkins not looking right for the job. Here, Holly was forced to agree with her. The new manager looked more like a bank official than a cattleman, but knowing Hayes Holly was sure the man knew his job; Hayes did not make mistakes like that. 'Coomela is his home, it's far larger than Green Paddocks. I was surprised he stayed as long as he did. My being friendly, as you put it, wouldn't have made the slightest difference.' Milly remained unconvinced and Holly gave up, resigning herself to a future with a miserable-looking Milly. However, at the start of the second week Milly suddenly perked up and was back to her usual cheery self. If Holly thought it odd, she said nothing, being only too grateful to have the old Milly in residence again. There was a little argument over the making up of the curtains during which Milly tried to pull rank over her, but Holly stood firm, and surprisingly Milly gave way without looking hurt. Thinking about this later, Holly had given a wry smile. Milly had realised how much Holly needed to be kept occupied and had only really made the gesture of doing the work herself. While she sewed, Holly often found herself wishing Hayes would walk in and find her at the task, then she would hastily pull herself together. He would no doubt sarcastically inquire whether Milly had not found the time to make the dress yet,

and had she to do it herself. That Holly was doing something for a useful purpose would never enter his autocratic head. Within three weeks, all the work had been completed. Holly had been so absorbed in her task she had not noticed the comings and goings of the workmen and Milly had not complained either, so it came as something of a shock when Milly pulled her out of the small parlour at the back of the homestead to look at the finished work. One thing Holly had to admit, when Hayes decided to go ahead, he went ahead I She had had visions of weeks and even months of workmen tramping about the place. A few days later, Holly stood in the saddling yard and gazed back at the homestead. A thrill of pride touched her as she saw the way the curtains blended in with the mellow old structure. She sighed and ruefully acceded that Hayes had been right; the enlargement of the windows and the addition of a casement below added dignity to the fine old house. Care had also been taken to keep to the original structural design. The verandah, though new, was a replica of the old one. In other words the old lady had received a face lift. Holly's brow creased; it must have cost a lot of money rather more than she could lay claim to. Then she shrugged. It was typical of Hayes' way of doing thingsnothing but the best for him. He must, she thought sadly, think an awful lot of Milly. With the sewing finished, Holly was at a loose end. She was vaguely restless and wondered what on earth she had found to do with her time beforeapart, that was, from quarrelling with Hayes. It was as if life had quite suddenly come to a full stop; it was a homestead without a man. Mr Jenkins did not, as expected, reside at Green Paddocks, but had elected to take up quarters with the men. On rare occasions he would work in the study and make his reports from there, presumably to Hayes, each morning. Holly wondered whether Mr Jenkins would carry through Hayes' policy of sacking any hand found chatting to one Holly Drew, even in their 'free time'. She sighed; it was simply ridiculous. What did he think she could do? Incite the men to disobey orders? He had refused to see Holly as just

another hand in a working team, and he had, she thought crossly, very peculiar ideas about women. In his book they were creatures of ornamentation, born for the sole purpose of decorating the homestead and to give a little light relief when necessary. She blushed a little at these thoughts and decided not to pursue that line. Then her brow darkened. Dulcie Fields was typical of his type of woman, so it was no wonder he had found Holly an oddity. To his way of thinking she didn't add up: either she was still an adolescent or man-mad. Holly presumed he'd done her a favour by choosing the former I He must, she mused, have had a very conservative upbringing, and was probably an only son. If he had had sisters he might have understood. She shrugged impatiently; these kind of thoughts were useless and did not help in her present state of chrysalis. One thing she knew for certain was that she could not go on like this. There had to be something she could do to relieve the loneliness and make herself feel a useful member of society again. Hayes Chester had effectively quashed all her hopes and her self-confidence had taken a bit of a hammering. Anyone with less spirit would have folded under such treatment, but not Holly Drew. She felt the familiar prick behind her eyes and despondently shook her head as she made her way to the stables. She most certainly was not the girl she used to be, and was even beginning to dabble in self-pity. It was as well Hayes had gone back to Coomela, Holly thought, for had she been on the receiving end much longer she would have burst into tears right in front of him and never forgiven herself for it. That was the sort of reaction Dulcie would have given. It was at this point that she remembered his words. He was seeing Dulcie again, wasn't he? After what he'd said in front of her! How would he explain that away? Her lips set. Oh, he'd think of something, no doubt. Poor Dulcie was so besotted she would believe anything if it meant seeing him again. As Holly galloped past the homestead she passed Mr Jenkins, who gave her a polite nod. Going to report to his

lordship Holly thought sourly, as she headed Silky out of the homestead grounds and towards the outer boundaries. With any luck she might see Pegleg; he was about the only friend she had left, as even Milly had joined Hayes' retinue. A cockatoo screeched past her, its brilliant colours making a kaleidoscope in the bright sunlight. Holly reined Silky and sat for a few minutes gazing about her, drinking in the peace and the expanse of country before her. Her eyes lighted on a patch of scrub and memories flooded back to her. That precise place was where she had watched spellbound as Hal had thrown a bull; she must have been about eight years old. Holly remembered thinking how wonderful he wasand still was, she gulped. How she missed him! Would she ever see him again? Would he come to see them when he had leave? She swallowed hastily. That remained to be seen, but not if Hayes Chester had anything to say about it; he had made it quite clear he thought Hal should cut free from any involvement with her. She pushed these thoughts away quickly, and turned them elsewhere. It was strange seeing no stock or men carrying out their various duties but she knew a little of what was going on. News filtered through to Milly via Cookie when he came to replenish his stores from the freezer. Holly knew the high class stock were expected some time the following week and the men were spending much time being clued up on the new procedures to be carried out. 'Looks like we're landing up as a bunch of nannies to a brood of calves,' Cookie had laughingly told Milly. Holly had felt envy; in spite of Cookie's joking, it was a scheme he would be proud to be included in. Any cattleman worth his salt would want to take part in the scheme. Not every rancher could afford either the money or the time to carry out such an ambitious project. Holly would have loved to be given the chance of partaking, but there was not a hope. All she would know about it would come from snips of information from Milly now and again. She bit her: lip. She couldn't bear it! It was bad enough being banned from the work she had known all her life, and now to have this tantalising project so near, yet utterly out of reach,

was the last straw. If Hayes had deliberately set about making her existence unbearable he couldn't have thought of a better way of doing it. She blinked hard. Snap out of it, she reproached herself, you're not too old to start another occupation, and she spurred Silky into action again. Now what could she do? Her mind went over various jobs. Secretary? She'd have to take a course first, then perhaps get a job on a ranch or farmat least she would know Something about the work, it should give her a flying start. The thought of sitting in an office all day was somewhat quelling, so she explored other possibilities. Some ranchers took on girls as cooks, didn't they? She grimaced; she had no culinary experienceas Hayes had so often pointed out, she was spoilt as far as domestic work was concerned; What about a dairy farm, milking cows? She shook her head wearily; most used mechanised aids these days. Well, there were other things to do on a farm, surely? the state was fairly littered with them. There must be one in which her peculiar capabilities could be used. Of course, she mused, it meant leaving Green Paddocks, but it wasn't as if she had any choice. It was stay and vegetate, plus being thoroughly miserable, or striking out and making a new future for herself. Milly would object, but Holly did not have to worry about her now; she had only to tell Milly Hayes would expect her to stay on, and she would not argue, for Milly thought the world of Hayes. Holly thought if she were lucky enough to get fixed up within striking distance of Green Paddocks, enabling her to visit every now and again, Milly would have even less cause to argue. Now that her mind was made up Holly felt better. A feeling she hadn't experienced for a very long time swept over hershe was master of her own ship again. Immersed in these thoughts, she did not see the roan until it was almost beside her, then it was too late to avoid the encounter with Pete. It was almost a month since she had seen him and then she had had Hayes' protection. She frowned. Had Pete heard that Hayes had returned to Coomela? He hadn't set foot on Green Paddocks since his

encounter with him. Her heart sank, she would have to play it by ear. She reined Silky as he got level with her. 'Hallo, Pete,' she smiled. 'What are you doing this side of the boundary?' Pete dismounted and walked over to her, waiting for her to do the same. Holly hesitated. 'I'm joining Tim on the west bore,' she fibbed. Pete caught her bridle strap. 'I'm sure he can manage without your help,' he said. 'What's that man of yours doing letting you carry on as an ordinary hand?' It was said as if he didn't know Hayes had gone, but Holly was sure he did know. 'Oh, I like the work,' she said airily. He watched her carefully. 'Going to let you carry on after you're married, is he?' he asked, a little too casually. Holly studied the distant hills. 'Perhaps,' she said quietly, then straightened up. 'I really must get going, Pete.' 'Not yet,' he said, still holding on to Silky's reins. 'Long time, no see. Why don't you come over to Bullora one afternoon? You never did get to see Sirius's foal, did you?' Pete did know something, Holly was sure; she also knew she wasn't going to be allowed to go before she had accepted his invitation. She had seen that stubborn set to his mouth before. 'All right,' she said breezily. 'Not this afternoon, though,' she added. 'Tomorrow, then,' he said firmly. 'I'll lay tea on for you.' Holly nodded and held her hand out for the reins. His hand held hers before he gave them to her. 'Till tomorrow, then,' he said as she prepared to leave. 'If you're not there by two I'll come and fetch you,' he added meaningly. Holly did not reply; he meant it. A feeling of utter dejection swept over her as she lightly touched Silky's flank breaking from a trot into a full canter. It was all very well for Hayes Chester, he was now out of it all, leaving her to cope as best she may. Pete had worked it outit didn't take much brain power, at that. He must have been awfully impressed by Hayes not to have taken him up on it before. No; he'd waited until he'd gone. From now on Holly knew Pete would be a

frequent visitor to Green Paddocks. As Hal had once said, she ought to have seen it coming. Holly did not mention the meeting to Milly or the proposed visit to Bullora the next day. Milly was as opposed to Pete as she had accused Holly of being to Hayes. Holly did not feel up to a lecture on the subject of how stupid it was to encourage Pete again. As if she had any choice in the matter, she thought bitterly. The sooner she got away from the homestead, the better. It was now absolutely imperative to find some kind of employment.

CHAPTER NINE BULLORA had none of the old-world charm of Green Paddocks. Although the original homestead had been built not long after Green Paddocks, it had since been modernised and added to, and now looked as if it would be more at home in a city than as a dwelling on a sheep farm. Pete had met her about half-way, and Holly was glad she had started out a little earlier in provision of such an event. The foal was in the paddock fronting the homestead and Holly, stroking its velvety nose, was very much aware of Pete's eyes upon her. She did not miss the studied look directed at her left hand and knew he was looking for an engagement ring. She abruptly turned away and looked beyond the paddocks. 'Are you sure you can spare the time to entertain me?' she asked. 'It's your busy time, isn't it?' Pete's brown eyes gave the answer, and Holly hastily dropped hers. 'Where you're concerned, I make time,' he murmured. Holly wished she hadn't asked; she had only been playing for time, not compliments. He caught her arm. 'Let's go and rustle up some iced drinks,' he said, and led her towards the homestead.

Pete's maiden aunt, Miss Mills, hovered in attentive servitude as they arrived on the verandah and proceeded to made a great fuss of Holly. She was a timid creature and supervised the homestead affairs. Holly suspected she was bullied by Pete, judging by the way she made nervous attempts to please him. No doubt she had been given her orders. Holly was glad when she withdrew after mixing their cold drinks. Her twittering comments made Holly slightly embarrassed. As she watched her depart, she felt Pete's eye on her. 'Hear you're going into some sort of experimental work,' he commented idly. Holly nodded, hoping he wouldn't pursue the subject too far, for there was precious little she could tell him about it. He suddenly switched the topic. 'When's the wedding?' he asked quietly. Holly flushed, her fingers playing along the rim of her glass. She might as well get it over with; for her part it would be a relief. 'Well,' she said slowly as if she were considering things, 'I'm not sure there's going to be one.' Pete's voice held triumph. 'Thought better of it, did you? I guessed the guy had rushed you off your feet. Too damn sure of himself by half! Is that why he's gone back up north?' he asked abruptly. So he did know Hayes had gone back! Holly knew she had to be very careful here. 'Oh, he's only gone back to make arrangements for the new stock that's coming,' she lied. Pete's eyes narrowed. 'So it's still on the cards, is it? Marriage, I mean.' 'Never !' said Holly belligerently. Pete grinned. 'Now you're talking, sweetheart,' he drawled. Holly winced at the endearment. 'Guess,' he went on, 'you're pretty bored these days. Things aren't as they were, are they?' He shot her a quick calculating look. Holly started. Just how much did he know? 'Thing is,' he went on casually, too casually, 'I could do with some help. We'll get our usual quota of orphans now that lambing is here.' He shrugged. 'I've not the staff to cope if we get more than the usual amount, in fact I'm going to be

pretty pushed as it is. Ensor's left, you know. Aunt Jean's offered. She means well, but I can hardly see her coping with round the clock feeding without going into a flap, can you?' He shot Holly another quick look. 'Kinda thought you might like to help out. No problem about space, you can move into Aunt's quarters, plenty of room, you know. Say just for a week, or so,' he met Holly's doubtful eyes. 'Think about it,' he said abruptly. 'I'll give you a ring some time.' He did not pursue the subject and the rest of the time was spent in general conversation. Holly had a feeling he had said what he wanted to say, and a lot more besides, she thought with narrowed eye's after he had escorted her back shortly after tea at her insistence that Milly would be expecting her for dinner. He had not argued when she had told him there was no need for him to come any further when they reached the homestead precincts, and again Holly sensed he knew the reason. Really, she thought, as she showered before dinner, he had shown a subtlety she hadn't known he possessed. He had been extremely clever; she was in no doubt now that he knew a lot more about her circumstances and her relationship with Hayes than he had let on. Offering her a job was a master stroke and she was sorely tempted to accept, as he had known she would be. The following day proved to be an even more boring day for Holly. Milly suddenly decided to spring-clean the whole house and turned down Holly's offer of help. 'You go and get some of that fresh air,' she said in her forthright way. 'You looks a bit peaky to me.' Holly knew that was that; Milly had her own way of doing things. All the same, this spurt of activity way rather sudden, she thought, and suspected Milly was hoping Hayes would be bringing the new stock down the following week. Somehow Holly did not see this as a possibility at all. He had only just gone back to Coomela and there must have been heaps of work that end to keep him busy for months. Nevertheless, even the outside possibility disturbed Holly. She had not forgotten their last conversation, and Pete's offer began to look like something in the nature of a

reprieve. She wouldn't have to see Hayes at all if she accepted the job. Her chin lifted; wouldn't she just like to see his expression when told where she was! On second thoughts, it might be better if Milly were to tell him she was staying with friends! Then she caught herself up; all this was pure supposition and the situation hardly likely to arrive. After breakfast, Holly was all but pushed out by an industrious-looking Milly with turban wrapped round her head, Holly knew the signs and went quietly. Armed with a picnic lunch, she spent most of the day roaming the now quiet acres of land, trying to come to some decision. No matter how desperate she was she knew there would be strings attached to Pete's offer; it was a question of whether she could prevent them from completely binding her. It could be used as a stand-in until she could get other employment, as long as there were no hitches. Having to move in to Bullora also provided food for thought. On the face of it, it was a reasonable arrangement. She couldn't very well manage round-the-clock feeds if she were at Green Paddocks, but all the same, Holly didn't like it. If it had been anyone else but Pete she wouldn't have hesitated. She bit her bottom lip; there was Hal to consider, too. He wouldn't like it one bit; having rescued her from one predicament only to find she had calmly walked into another was hardly likely to please him. She sighed. It was all so difficultsurely Hal would understand if she explained the position, he would know she could not be happy sitting twiddling her thumbs and acting the lady, not the Holly he knew. Holly arrived back at the homestead just before dinner, still undecided. Pushing her hat back off her head, she wondered whether another night's sleep would bring the answer, she also wondered whether Pete had rung she couldn't see him patiently waiting for her to make up her mindhe would use it as a way of keeping in contact with her. Of course, she mused, as she entered the homestead, it was quite possible Milly would not tell her he had rung, but Pete was not likely to be put off by Milly and would ring again. As if her thoughts had triggered it off the shrill summons of the phone rang as she walked down the hall.

Milly was there before Holly reached it. 'If it's Pete,' Holly said as she passed, 'tell him I still haven't made up my mind. I'll give him a ring later on.' Milly stared at her, then listened to the voice on the other end. After a second or so, she handed the receiver over to Holly. 'Hayes,' she said. Holly blinked and backed away from the instrument. 'I've only just come in,' she said hastily. 'Take a message, Milly.' She did not get far. 'You come right back here,' ordered Milly. 'Hayes says he ain't giving no messages.' Holly glared at her but was forced to take the receiver. 'Yes?' she said abruptly. There was a tiny silence, then Hayes said softly, 'So he didn't take my advice. What haven't you made up your mind about?' Holly saw no need for subtlety, in fact she was rather pleased to tell him. At least someone thought she was capable of doing something! 'He needs help,' she said blithely. 'My help,' she added for good measure. 'Now if there's nothing else, I've got to get cleaned up for dinner. Milly's still here,' she said hastily. 'I'll hand you ...' 'You just hold on,' he said furiously. 'I'll talk to Milly when I'm through with you. You keep well away from Pete Mills, got that? How long has he been hanging around?' Holly saw red. 'He is not hanging around,' she ground out. 'I happened to meet him on the boundary yesterday. His land borders ours, in case you've forgotten.' 'And what were you doing that far out?' he demanded, adding softly, 'It didn't take you long to disobey orders, did it?' 'I needed exercise,' Holly blazed back at him. 'Your precious stock's not here yet, so I couldn't upset your plans, could I? If you want to know I'm bored to tears. Pete was good enough to offer me something useful to do.' Her voice caught. 'I thought it was pretty kind of him.' 'Kind!' he sneered. 'Where I come from it's called devious, and if you still haven't got the picture look it up in the dictionary !'

'Thank you,' Holly replied icily. 'I do know the definition. Devious or not, I think I'm going to accept.' 'Pity,' he said. I was thinking of getting Munt to bring the stock down some time, but of course if you're over at Bullora, you won't see him. I expect he'll understand, though,' he added offhandedly. 'I'll have a word with Milly now, if you please.' With set lips, Holly handed the receiver over to Milly, who was watching her with a frown on her face. She did not wait to listen to the conversation; she was in no mood to explain the whys and wherefores to Milly at that particular moment, and made straight for her room. Once there, she flung off her hat, feeling a distinct urge to jump on it. 'Devious' just about summed up Hayes's casual comments on Hal's reaction to her working for Pete. As for getting Hal to bring the stock down, she didn't believe a word of it! He wouldn't risk it! Holly might persuade him to stay on at Green Paddockshow, she couldn't imagine, but she was sure Hayes Chester's imagination could conjure up something, and what ever it was, it wouldn't be to her credit! It wasn't easy, she thought, dealing with two men bent on preserving their pride. Not that it was all pride on Pete's side. He would want to get back at Hayes, and Holly didn't blame him, those were her sentiments too. But Pete had another axe to grind; he really wanted her, which rather complicated things from her point of view. If it weren't for that, she would have loved to join forces with him and cock a snook at Hayes. And there was HalHal was more important than either of them; he had no axe to grindhe just wanted what was best for her. She couldn't do it! Deep down, Holly had known she would have to refuse the job, as desperate as she was, and preparing for her shower she felt a tiny spurt of relief now that the decision had been made. It had nothing to do with Hayes' remarks either, she told herself, as she walked to the shower room. Meeting Milly's accusing eyes later at the dinner table, Holly gave a wry smile. 'It's all right, Milly, I'm not taking the job.'

Milly sniffed loudly, partially placated. 'Like I said,' she grumbled, 'you got no sense these days. How you get talking to Pete Mills, huh? Hayes fix him good, he no right on our land.' Holly shrugged. 'I guess he was looking for me,' she said. 'Then he looking for trouble,' snorted Milly as she dished up a heavenly-smelling beef casserole. 'And that fella sure get it if he starts pestering you,' she added darkly. 'For goodness' sake !' exploded Holly. 'Apart from Hal, who's miles away, he's the only person who realises just how miserable I am!' Milly stared at her, the spoon she was dishing the vegetables out with was held poised. 'All right !' rushed on Holly, 'you don't like him. Nobody likes him!' she said wildly. 'But he can't be all that bad,' and she hiccoughed as the tears sprang to her eyes. 'Even if he has a motive he saw what nobody else sawthat I need something to do!' She got up swiftly from the table. 'I'm not hungry, Milly. I'm s-sorry,' and she rushed out of the room straight to her bedroom. As she flung herself on the bed the tears gushed out. She felt the work-roughened hand of Milly smoothing her hair. 'I knows it's not been easy, girl,' she said soothingly. 'Just takes a bit of time, that's all. Come right in the end, just you see. Milly knows what she's talking about. You ain't no Ma Bartar, that's for sure.' Holly did not answer; the sad fact of the matter was that Milly did not know what she was talking about. Holly was sure she was nursing a scheme of pairing her up with Hayes and the thought only made her more miserable. It just went to show how far off beam she really was. Pete rang the following day and Holly told him of her decision. He did not seem a bit surprised. 'So he bullied you out of it, did he?' he said sourly. 'Tried it on me last night, but I'm a bit wiser than I was, so it cut no ice. By the way,' he added sarcastically, 'the wedding's fixed for November, in case you'd forgotten when I asked you.' He waited a moment or so for Holly's reaction. Holly stared at the receiver, beyond speech for a second.

'Do I take it it comes as a bit of a shock?' he inquired softly. Holly bit her lip. So Hayes was still determined to carry on with that farce, was he? All she had to do was tell the truth. Her fingers gripped the receiver, it was what Pete was waiting for but knew she would be walking into the den without a hope of getting out again, and she didn't much care for the bait laid out by either of the men. At least, as Hayes had pointed out so forcefully, she was in no danger from him. She had answered before she realised. 'N-not really,' she lied. 'He sort of likes things cut and dried, as you might say,' she ended lamely. 'I wish,' Pete said between his teeth, 'I knew what the hell was going on ! Just remember I'm here and it's not too late to back out.' With that he slammed the receiver down and Holly winced as she laid hers down. She stood for a few minutes in thought. It didn't look as if seeing Dulcie again had altered Hayes' views on marriage. Somehow the thought pleased her, and she didn't understand why. Perhaps it was because she had been proved right about him and his intention to use Green Paddocks as a refuge from future involvements! Shortly after the call, Holly went to collect a picnic lunch. Milly gave her a suspicious look. 'You keep out of that fella's way,' she ordered. Holly nodded absently. No need to ask which 'fella'. She was wondering whether to warn Milly that she might be a little late back and decided against it. She would be bound to start asking questions, and apart from the fact that Holly did no want to disclose her destination, she couldn't give the answers until she had asked a few herself. It was a chance remark of Milly's that had prompted Holly to make the trip to a small turkey farm about twenty miles to the east of Green Paddocks. Setting Silky into a sedate trot, Holly realised Ma Bartar might almost be called a neighbour, only she didn't happen to be a very neighbourly person, if half the tales Milly had told her in her youth were to be believed. It was not until a few years ago that Holly had found out that Ma Bartar actually existed; she had always thought she

was a figment of Milly's imagination, as one might conjure up a bogeyman to come and scare the living daylights out of small children who misbehaved. Not that Ma Bartar had quite that reputation, but as far back as Holly could remember, each time there had been an altercation between Milly and an extremely rebellious small Holly over the matter of discarding her beloved jeans and shirt for a dress to attend some party given by a neighbouring rancher, Ma Bartar's name was brought into the argument. Holly smiled to herself as she recalled some of them. 'You want to grow up like Ma Bartar, huh? All right, why should Milly care? No one likes Ma Bartar, she so hornery folk keep away. Got no friends, nohow. You want to be like that, huh?' And on another occasion that came to mind, the time she had worn that dress, the one Milly had so sentimentally savedher first party dress when she had attended a barn dance given on that occasion by her father, and a rash youth, carried away by half a glass of home-made cider, had attempted to kiss her. A very indignant Holly rewarded his efforts by throwing the contents of her lemonade glass at him and declared afterwards to Milly that all boys were 'soppy' and barn dances even 'soppier'. On that occasion Milly's remarks had been directed at Ma Bartar again. 'So now you a man-hater, huh? Jus' like Ma Bartar.' Holly remembered hotly replying that she was not a man-hater. 'In fact,' she had told Milly airily, 'I'm going to marry Hal one day, you'll see.' Holly's lips twisted at this memory; she very nearly had! Her smile widened as she recalled Milly's cool answer to this bald statement. 'That's as maybe,' she had said. 'First you gotta look like a young lady, Hal ain't marrying no one looking like Ma Bartar, that's for sure.' Poor Ma Bartar, thought Holly, she was probably just a bit of a recluse; perhaps had some disappointment in her youth and had preferred her own company after that. It was amazing how these tales got about. She didn't think it had been kind of Milly to capitalise on it. Even though, she grinned again, she had probably been a very awkward child, not to mention a holy terror!

Some time later, Holly began to wonder whether she was on the right track. There had been no signs pointing the way and surely if it was a turkey farm, folk would visit for business reasons if not social ones. She was thinking of turning off at the next track, certain that she was on the wrong one, when she came to the boundary fence of the farm. Now there were signs, and not very welcoming ones either. 'Keep out' was the most frequent one. The further Holly advanced the more intimidating the notices. Passing one that stated: 'Picnickers warned. Shotgun on premises.' Holly's eyebrows raised. It didn't look quite right, but she was beginning to feel a little apprehensive about the whole thing and had a nasty feeling Milly's comments on the said lady were based on fact, not fantasy. When she arrived at the entrance, another notice confronted her. 'No two-legged male critters allowed past this point. State your business and leave note in box on fence. THIS MEANS YOU!' Holly swallowed. Did it mean her? She squared her shoulders. It said 'male critters', didn't it? She swung the gate open and shut it firmly behind Silky as she led her through. She did rather wish she looked a little more feminine, and recalled Milly once saying she would rather point a gun at a man than talk to him. Holly knew she might easily be taken for a young boy and hoped Ma Bartar had nothing on the younger generation. A few yards further down the track she was halted by a gruff voice. 'That's fer enough !' Holly started and reined Silky, then looked back to where the voice had come from. She didn't know what she expected to see, but the woman facing her looked amazingly like the species she so hated. Her tanned, weathered skin was burnt black by exposure to the sun. She wore shirt and trousers, and a red kerchief was knotted round her wrinkled neck as protection from the heat. Why, thought Holly, she dressed as any stockman might, even her hat resembled many she had seen worn on the ranch, slightly out of shape owing to constant wear in the rainy season. Holly's incredulous eyes slid down from her

face to her arms and down to the rifle held steadily pointed at her. 'Well?' demanded the woman. 'What's your business? I ain't buying nothing, so you can be on your way if that's your bent.' Holly nervously kept her eyes on the gun. 'I wondered if you wanted any help,' she managed to get out, and relaxed slightly as the gun was lowered. 'Well, maybe I does, and maybe I don't,' replied the woman. 'Depends like. Kinda young, ain't you, to be out looking for work?' she demanded, and moved closer. Now that she was nearer, Holly could see her eyes. Brown nuts, she thought, then corrected herself; more like the creatures that stored them squirrels. 'I'm twenty,' she said, thinking it was rude of the woman to stare at her like that. 'Huh !' the woman muttered. 'Well, I guess no harm done in chewing it over. Get that horse of yours tied up.' She stared at Silky. 'Mighty fancy piece of horseflesh there. Yours?' she asked abruptly. Holly was beginning to wish she hadn't come. 'Yes,' she said stiffly. 'Homestead's just round the corner,' barked the woman, and strode off. It was all Holly could do to keep going down the track. She would far rather have turned Silky and made for the exit, but she did need a job and it did look a possibility. Ma Bartar was not likely to waste time on her otherwise. As she was about to tether Silky to a post a few yards from what she presumed to be the homestead, the gruff voice spoke again. 'Trough over there.' Holly murmured her thanks and led Silky over to it. It had been a dusty ride and she was grateful for the thoughtfulness. Ma Bartar was not all prickles, apparently. Following her into the homestead a little while later Holly was apprehensive about what she would find. The homestead as such was really an enlarged wooden hut, not unlike the men's quarters at Green Paddocks. Wooden planking served as a rough verandah, and for the first time Holly realised it couldn't be easy for a woman living on her

own. She almost sighed, but it was what Ma Bartar wanted, apparently. The interior pleasantly surprised her. It was quite homely. The furniture, what there was of it, was home-made, but well made and great care had been lavished on it. The dull red wood gleamed with countless polishings. There was nothing fancy about the furnishings, everything there would serve a purpose, Holly thought. 'Was going to have a brew up,' Ma Bartar said gruffly to Holly. 'Might as well do it now as later,' and she disappeared into a sectioned-off part of the large room. Holly felt another spurt of surprise at the offer of tea and wondered what Milly would think if she could see her now. She also wondered how to address her strange companion. She couldn't very well address her as 'Ma', it would be rude. Was it Miss Bartar? Good gracious, supposing it wasn't her name at all, but a nickname given her! Holly bit her lip. She might well land up with having that gun pointed at her again! Carrying a tin tray on which sat a teapot, and a jug of hot water, plus a dainty patterned milk jug and matching cups, Ma Bartar gestured by an abrupt nod of the head that Holly should sit down Her hat was now removed, and Holly saw that her hair was almost white and cropped close to her scalp. She had also removed the red kerchief and her shirt was now buttoned up to the neck. In some indefinable way, Holly felt she had been honoured. 'So you want a job, do you? Where are you from?' Ma Bartar barked out at Holly as she handed her the tea. Thanking her for the tea, Holly wished she would let her answer one question at a time. 'Green Paddocks,' she answered. 'I'm Holly Drew,' she added, thinking it would not mean anything to Ma Bartar, but she was wrong. 'James Drew's daughter, are you?' the woman answered, and swallowed some of her tea. 'Heard he'd gone,' she commented baldly. 'Guess you miss him, eh?' Holly nodded dumbly. 'Well, we all got to go sooner or later,' Ma Bartar mused, then shot Holly a quick look. 'Sold up, have you?'

'More or less,' replied Holly, which wasn't quite true but not a lie either. 'Hmm. And you want a living-in job, I take it?' Holly hesitated. If she used the car she could still stay at Green Paddocks; she ought to be able to get back for dinner at eight. 'It needn't,' she said carefully, 'be a living-in situation, you see I could still stay at home, and travel in each dayerif that would be convenient?' She received another of those bright looks. 'Not sold up, then? Still hoping to keep the place going, are you? Mind you, admire your spirit, but from what I heard tell it's a big spread. Ain't going to earn enough working for me. A backer's what you want.' Ma Bartar got up and walked over towards the tray and held her wrinkled hand out for Holly's cup. Holly shook her head; she had not finished. Watching the woman pour herself a refill, Holly came to a decision. 'You see, Miss ... I'm sorry,' she apologised, 'but I don't know what...' 'Call me Ma,' was the abrupt answer. 'Everyone else does. At least,' she added darkly, 'them's I talk to,' 'WellerMa,' began Holly tentatively, then as she explained the position all reserve vanished. Soon she was telling her about Hayes and trying to be fair about it. He had, after all, made a going concern of the ranch. 'But you see,' she ended, 'I've absolutely nothing to do, and I'm used to helping around the ranch. There just isn't anything for me any more, and I've got to do something.' 'Marry him,' Ma Bartar advised her dryly. Holly gasped. She had not said one word about any romantic attachment, or indeed about Pete and the ruse Hayes had used in removing him from Green Paddocks. 'How do you know he isn't sixty-five and married with six children?' she countered curiously. Ma Bartar's face creased into what Holly thought must be a smile. 'Cause you so het up about him,' she replied. 'Don't take much working out at that. A fella with six kids wouldn't have much room left, would he? And I kinda think he'd like the homestead for his family. Couldn't see you fitting in

under those circumstances. Wives are kinda funny about that sort of thing.' Holly frowned. 'All right, so he's a bachelor. But marriage is quite definitely out.' Her lips set. 'I'm not the marrying kind, anyway. I'm more at home on a horse chasing strays.' 'My, my !' commented Ma Bartar. 'Can I see myself in you! Just the same at your age. Only I'd more cause.' She frowned. 'I was a fool,' she said abruptly. 'Could have had a good man and kids, but look what I chose.' She stared round at the sparsely furnished room. 'Oh, I got some money stashed away, pay for my funeral okay, but precious little else. Thought I knew it all, you see,' she said harshly. 'Saw my mum go through life shackled to a brute of a man.' Her lips thinned. 'I never called him Dad, and never will.' She sighed. 'But they're not all bad, you know.' She Hung Holly a quick look. 'And I don't want this repeated, mind. Guess I'm only telling you cause I don't want you to make the same mistake. I know what everybody says. Thing was, when I turned Ted down, that's the fella I was telling you about, I wasn't interested in anybody else. If I'd have married anyone it would have been him. The way I look at it, the right fella only comes along once in a lifetime, and if you're too hornery to take himwell, that's that.' There was a faraway look in her eyes as she stared at the matted carpet on the floor and Holly knew she had gone back to the past. 'Always lighting,' she said abruptly. 'You saying that about that fella reminded me.' Her voice softened. 'Climbed down from his high horse and asked me to marry him.' She was silent for a moment or so, then said abruptly, 'And I flung his proposal back in his face.' She got up slowly to collect the tray, and Holly noticed a stillness in her movements. 'Here,' she said quickly, 'let me.' Ma Bartar stared at her in surprise, then gave an expressive shrug. 'Need the exercise,' she muttered, and hung on to the tray. 'Sat a mite too long. Bones get stiff.' Watching her take the tray back to the rear quarters, Holly felt a spurt of compassion. It had been as she had thought, only for different reasons. Her Ted sounded remarkably like Hayes and she could understand the old woman's reasoning

behind her cryptic advice given earlier. Her lips twisted. Only it wasn't like that between her and Hayes. Ma Bartar couldn't know Hayes saw her as a spoilt child. She sighed. In trying to be fair to him she had only given half the story, and could have talked herself out of what might have been an opportunity. 'You did say you were thinking of getting help, didn't you?' she asked anxiously as the older woman returned, wanting to show she was quite set on obtaining work of some sort. Ma Barter lowered herself gently into her chair and fixed her buttonlike eyes on Holly. 'Was thinking of getting someone,' she said slowly. 'Mind you, no good coming if you aim on getting hitched in the near futureor come to that, any future.' She frowned. 'I've got ter get someone I can depend on, see? Got a good business going here, but it ain't so easy keeping a weather eye out for the thieving skunks who try and sneak in at night. Only happened once. Lost half my stock.' Her lips set. 'You don't catch Ma Bartar twice like that. Guess they thought I was fair gameon me own, like. There's sure plenty walking around with the scars of buckshot in their hindquarters, that kinda have a different point of view,' she added, a note of satisfaction in her voice. Holly tried not to smile but failed. Ma Barter's face creased, and Holly knew she was smiling too. 'Not going to be easy,' she went on. 'Finding someone, I mean,' she explained, and Holly's heart sank. Apparently she was not prepared to consider her. 'I don't mind what I do,' Holly said desperately. 'And it's not a question of money either. I only want something to do. And you did say you needed help,' she went on, pushing her point home. 'Surely you can't go on watching for prowlers at night and carry on during the day?' Ma Barter's face creased again. 'Oh, I manage,' she said. 'When you gets to my age catnaps are all you need.' She fixed a bright look on Holly. 'Course,' she said, 'nothing to stop you coming if you really means it. And I ain't asking fer cheap labour either, so don't you go thinking I am. I pays my way. Ain't short of a few bob, as they say. Only thing I'm

saying is, it ain't what I had in mind. Girl like you is likely to get hitched.' Holly was about to repudiate this hotly when Ma Bartar held up her hand. 'Look, girl, I was a sight plainer than you, and I got more than one chance. Don't tell me there's no one hanging up his hat in your direction.' Holly flushed. There was Pete, of course. 'Well, as I was saying,' went on Ma Barter, 'what happens then, eh? I get used to being coddled and find myself out on a limb again. Course, I could sell up and take it soft like, but I wouldn't last six months and wouldn't want to. Them birds are my life. I ain't got much further to go anyway and I plan to die in harness.' Holly was silent for a second or so. A wild idea was floating in her mind. Would Hayes advance her enough to go into partnership with Ma Bartar? It was a flourishing business and she could pay him back in timeand, she thought happily, be out of his hair for good! She didn't know much about turkeys, but she could learn. 'Would you,' she said quickly, 'consider a partnership?' Ma Bartar's eyes widened in surprise. 'With you?' she asked bluntly. Holly wasn't quite sure how to take this. Did she think she didn't have the money? 'Yes,' she replied, lifting her chin a fraction higher. 'I have some money, and I'm sure I could raise whatever sum you wanted. It was a partnership you had in mind, wasn't it? With someone older, I think.' Ma Barter nodded slowly. 'Guess that's what it would come to in the end. Couldn't very well ask someone to take on the donkey work and the responsibility without coming to some arrangement. Now don't get me wrong, girl. I ain't querying your financial state, what I'm saying is, no good your getting involved with this sort of caper at your age and with your prospects. Oh, I know how it is. Said you were like me, didn't I? I just wants you to think it over like. No harm in you coming and trying it out for size like. If it don't pan out, no bones broken. You just comes when you've a mind to. Be glad of the company, see?'

It was left at that, and Holly knew it was no use labouring the point. As much as she was taken with the idea of not only carving out a bright new future for herself but being of genuine help to a lonely and very game old lady, she knew she would have to mark time. Holly's thoughts on the way home were on the whole rather optimistic. She just had to prove herself to her, and she smiled as she thought of Ma Bartar's reaction to her appearing first thing the following morning reporting for duty! It was a very happy Holly who went in search of Milly on her return to Green Paddocks. Without much ado she told her where she had spent the morning, and almost laughed out loud at the expression of something akin to horror on Milly's face. 'Honestly, Milly, she's not half as prickly as people think. She knows what they say about her and she doesn't care. And she wasn't crossed in love,' she added for good measure, 'in fact, she could have married, but she had this thing about men because of her father. I gathered he was rather beastly.' 'She tell you all this?' demanded Milly incredulously. Holly nodded. 'She does all the work on that farm, Milly,' she said earnestly. 'And she's old now; she needs help, you know.' She met Milly's sceptical eyes squarely. 'And I'm going to give her helpwhat's more,' she said a trifle defiantly, 'I've decided to go into partnership with her. I shall ask Hayes to loan me the money,' adding anxiously, 'do you think he might, Milly?' It took Milly a little while to take this in and when she recovered she snorted, 'What you know 'bout turkeys, eh? Have you gone plumb crazy, child? Can't see Hayes putting up money for no turkey scheme, an' you ought to know better than to go around making promises to folk like Ma Bartar.' She shook her head bewilderedly. 'Never thought to see the day you shacked up with Ma Bartar. After all Milly tell youand don't you go feeling sorry for her cause she's lonelyshe's lonely 'cos she's hornery, I tell you what it was like often enough.' 'It's not like that,' broke in Holly defensively. 'She had to be like that to survive. They try to take advantage of her

because she's on her own. Do you know she has to keep watch at night because of thieves?' Milly snorted. 'All comes down to the same thing,' she said. 'Folk would have helped her out if she'd let them. No, you let be, Holly girl. No good you buying yourself into trouble, and no use counting on Hayesthat fella got all his marbles.'

CHAPTER TEN WITH her elbows on her knees and her chin sunk in her hands, Holly gazed listlessly over the empty paddocks. Milly was right. Hayes would no more loan her money for the scheme than he would offer her work on the ranch. As Milly had said, she must have gone plumb crazy to even imagine he would. She could of course still go, but she would hate to let Ma Bartar down. She felt pretty certain Milly would mention it to Hayes the first chance she got. In her eyes she would be protecting Holly from taking a foolish step. Despondency crept over her. She could almost see the result, Hayes coldly informing Ma Bartar that Miss Drew would not be taking out a partnership with her, and shuddered as she thought of the reaction such a communication would bring. Holly would never get past that entrance gate. Ma Bartar had her pride, and Holly blamed herself for not fully explaining how things were. When she heard the softly drawled, 'Hi, princess,' she thought she had imagined it. When it was repeated she swung round from the fence, and her sombre expression broke into a radiant smile of disbelief, eyes that had held sadness opened wide and sparkled like gems. 'Hal!' she exclaimed, and with a quick lithe movement she was off the fence and running towards him. As she neared him his arms opened and she flung herself into them. At first she knew unrestrained joy, then found herself sobbing into his broad

shoulder. 'I'm sorry,' she hiccoughed, 'stupid, isn't it, but I'm so pleased to see you.' A voice spoke behind Hal and Holly stiffened. So he had come, too ! 'We'll see about those schedules after dinner.' It was drawled out and Holly sensed Hayes' disapproval of her emotional reaction to Hal's return. She knew she ought to at least say hello, but could not bring herself to look at him, not in tears like this. Hal, sensing her reluctance, eased her gently round away from the homestead and Hayes' probing eyes. Holly felt him nod to Hayes as he laid an arm around her shoulders and led her away. 'Come on now, girl,' he said gently as Holly tried to stop the tears, without much success. Hal thrust his large kerchief at her. 'Long time since I did that,' he commented with a grin. Holly sniffed and mopped her face. 'It's not been easy, has it?' he said quietly. Holly shook her head dumbly. 'It would have been better if I'd married Pete,' she said miserably. Hal's arm tightened across her shoulders. 'Now you don't mean that. Takes a bit of getting used to, I expect. You'll soon find your feet.' 'Will I?' she answered bitterly. 'Trouble is I don't have any place to put them, except the homestead.' She felt Hal glance at her swiftly. 'You don't help around any more?' he asked. Holly gave another shake of the head. 'I'm confined to barracks,' she said dully. 'The boys' quarters are also out of bounds.' She looked at Hal, the sparkle of tears still in her eyes. 'I've no one to talk to any more, Hal, except Milly. Nothing to do either. You know how Milly iswon't let me do a hand's turn in the house.' Hal's eyes narrowed. 'As bad as that, eh?' he said quietly. 'Guess Hayes didn't quite get the picture. I'll have a word with him.' Holly's small hands clenched. 'It won't do any good, Hal. He put up with me for the first few days of mustering, then because I tried to save old Pegleg from the round-up, he had me out in double quick time. He only wanted an excuse, and that was it.' She gulped. 'He did free Pegleg afterwards, but

it didn't make any difference where I was concerned. I was out.' 'He's not a man to be crossed, Holly girl,' Hal commented. 'As for that old rogue of a bull, there's nothing special about him, except that you singled him out for attention,' he scolded mildly. 'You never did believe me, did you, Hal?' she said sadly. 'You would have rounded him up, too, wouldn't you?' 'It's not a question of what I believe, girl,' he countered gently. 'He's had a good run for his money as it is. If Hayes wanted those strays out, then out they comehe means what he says.' They reached a log bleached almost white by the sun and Holly wearily sat on it. Hal perched beside her, and she watched the familiar action of his rolling and lighting a cigarette. 'Will you be here long, Hal?' she asked hopefully. He looked back at her and gave a wry smile, then shook his head. 'A couple of days, I guess,' he answered. Holly's eyes fell from his quickly and she studied a piece of bark her nervous fingers had pulled away from the soft wood of the log. 'I asked to come,' he said, watching the smoke spiralling up from his cigarette. 'I wanted to make sure you were okay,' he went on slowly, 'but you're not, are you?' The question was abruptly put and made Holly glance at him quickly, then down to the piece of bark again. She shrugged despondently. 'As you said,' she murmured, 'it takes time. Guess I'll get by,' she sighed. 'Mooning around the homestead all day?' he asked dryly. 'Thought I was doing the right thing for you, girl. Now I'm not so sure.' Holly's eyes were gentle as she looked at him. 'It's my problem, Hal, and you did the only thing you could have done. I wouldn't have been able to manage Fete. I thought I could, but it wouldn't have worked.' She made a desperate effort to sound airy about it. 'I ought to be ashamed of myself; I still have my home and Milly, no worries either.' No anything, her heart whispered, but she smiled brightly at him.

'Been offered the northern run; means promotion to manager,' Hal commented idly, too idly. Holly forced herself to sound happy for him. She was really, he deserved the best. It was just that she would not be likely to see much of him in future and Hayes Chester had accused her of bribing him, she thought indignantly. He was making sure Hal didn't change his mind about working out his contract. Had he offered it to him after he'd requested to come down to Green Paddocks with him? 'That's wonderful, Hal,' she said. 'When will you go?' 'Depends,' he said slowly. 'Haven't decided to accept as yet.' Holly stared at him and found a waiting expression in his eyes. For a moment she was puzzled, then she said quickly, 'Hal? Are you refusing the job because of me?' 'I'm not taking work that far up north and leaving you eating your heart out down here, that's for sure,' he said firmly. Holly sighed and shook her head crossly. 'I wish I hadn't come to find you,' she said. 'It's so unfair to burden you with my worries, and they're not really worries. Trouble is,' she added despondently, 'Hayes Chester was right. I've been spoiltI want things to stay as they were for ever, but they never do, do they?' She caught his hand impulsively. 'Promise me you'll accept the job,' she urged him. Hal's fingers closed around hers, and he looked steadily at her. 'I'll accept,' he said quietly, 'on one condition. You come with me, as my wife.' Holly's eyes clouded over. She was very near to tears again. Here he was, sacrificing himself again for her sake. If only she had been prepared for his coming she would not have broken down like that and made him feel obliged to do something about it. 'That's blackmail, Hal,' she said, smiling through misty eyes. 'And I couldn't let you do it, so stop making yourself the burnt offering.' His hand tightened over her small one. 'I mean it, Holly,' he said quietly. 'And you've not got it right, you know. You're the one who'll be making the sacrifice. I've not much to offer

you. Not as much as you were brought up to expect, and what your father would have wanted for you, but I'd make darn certain you were happy.' He looked down at her hand and turned the palm towards him. 'I said you weren't the noticing kind, didn't I?' he murmured gently. Holly started and her wondering eyes met his. He loved her I There was no mistaking that look why hadn't she seen it before? Always taking his firm but gentle guidance for granted. 'Hal?' she said hesitantly, as if not quite sure. He pulled her closer to him and cradled her head against his chest. 'For as long as I can remember, princess,' he said softly. 'Guess I'll have to let you think about it. I know I'm too old for you and if there was a better man I'd let you go. I've steeled myself against that happening for years, so it would be no hardship. Whoever it was, he'd have me to reckon with if he didn't come up to scratch.' Holly's head turned into his shoulder and this time the tears so near the surface broke through. She could not speak. Hal's hand caressed her hair. 'If the answer's, yes,' he told her, 'there's a homestead with the job. It needs a bit of licking into shape, but it's large enough for us to have Milly, too. Guess you wouldn't want to leave her.' Holly swallowed and began mopping operations again, then pulled herself away from his protective hold. 'You're still using blackmail,' she accused him with a catch in her voice. He grinned and ruffled her hair. 'Well?' he asked gently. Holly's troubled eyes travelled over the familiar lines of his face, to the firm moulded mouth and the strong jaw. Yes, Hal would look after her. It was what she wanted, wasn't it? He'd always be there. She recalled the young waitress's words. 'I'd settle for the blond if I were you.' She knew a sharp sense of sadness; if only she loved him as he deserved to be loved ! But perhaps she didhadn't she missed him terribly? Wasn't he a part of her life? The trouble was that she had never been in love, and the only crush she had ever had on a man had been for Hal. She would marry him, it was just that the idea was new to her. She looked back at him. 'Yes, Hal,' she said slowly.

A small light appeared behind his blue eyes and he placed his hand gently under her chin and lifted her face to his. Very gently he kissed her; a kiss of thistledown. 'That's my girl,' he whispered. 'You'll never regret it. I won't rush you, we've all the time in the world.' Holly understoodthey would marry, and Hal would give her all the time she needed to adjust herself to the married state. She vaguely wished he wouldn't; it would be so much better if he rushed her off her feet. Take the kiss he had just given her; it was as if he was afraid to touch her. Holly felt she couldn't bear it if he always treated her like that, as if she were delicate china. She wanted to be swept off her feet to be crushed in his arms and shown that he loved her. With Hal's arm around her they wandered back to the homestead. Holly could feel his quiet happiness at her acceptance as he spoke of the future and how he would get the wheels in motion as soon as he had spoken to Hayes. At the mention of Hayes, Holly felt a cold feeling playing down her spine, and her lips set. He would no doubt be delighted she was finally out of his hair. She also thought of Green Paddocks and a sadness enveloped her, it would never be her home again. She forced herself to listen to Hal's plans for the future. Milly was the first to be told and her reaction surprised them; she burst into tears and bustled out of the kitchen, leaving Holly and Hal staring at each other. Then Hal grinned. 'Thinks you're leaving her,' he said dryly. 'Better go and have a word with her,' he advised. Holly went in search of Milly, leaving Hal to seek Hayes out and tell him of their plans. Milly was making out she was busy folding sheets from the linen cupboard only they had already been folded once. Holly made her leave them alone and attend to her. 'Really,' she gently scolded, 'what was all that in aid of? Poor Hal! I thought you'd be pleased. I've a good mind to leave you here and not ask you to come with us.' Milly sniffed loudly and started refolding the sheets again. It was plain she was not happy. 'What you want to marry that

fella for?' she said plaintively. 'Hal's okay, but he's not your fella.' Holly stared at her. So she had been right ! Milly had been nursing hopes about her and Hayes. 'Hal's the nicest man I know,' she said quietly. 'And I'm honoured he's asked me to marry him.' 'Ah knows he's nice,' murmured Milly, 'but he ain't for you,' she insisted stubbornly. 'You're as bad as Father was,' Holly replied crossly. 'And he wanted me to marry Pete ! Just because Hal's not a landowner you think he's not good enough for me.' Milly gave her an odd sideways look. 'You wait, my girl. You see, you find out soon enough.'

CHAPTER ELEVEN AT dinner that evening it soon became apparent to Holly that Milly was not the only one to disapprove of the engagement. Hayes was distinctly put out and Holly could not decide which of the two, Hal or herself, he was the more furious with. On the whole it was an uncomfortable meal, with Hal's attempts to lighten the atmosphere effectively quashed by a curt Hayes. Holly was slightly bewildered. Did he hate her so much? Did the thought that she would be living on his land rankle? She looked across at Hal, now sombre and concentrating on his food, and felt a spurt of anger against Hayes. She could imagine the arguments he had put forward against the marriage; age, for one thing. He had bluntly said Hal was too old for her the first time she had met him, but what did he know of her and Hal? Nothing ! She would show him! She would make a very good wife for Hal. She was not as useless as he thought.

Hal looked up suddenly and met her eyes. There was a rueful expression in his. almost as if he were saying, 'They're right, you know.' Holly's look of understanding eased his mind and he gave her his familiar grin in reply. Watching this silent communication, Hayes suddenly barked out at Holly, 'I'd like to see you in the study after dinner.' Hal's eyebrows rose at this royal command and he looked at Hayes. Hayes met his look square on. 'Alone,' he said abruptly. Hal looked as if he might argue the point, but Holly caught his eye and gave a tiny shake of the head. She would welcome a chance to put her point of view. If Hayes thought he could dissuade her from the marriage he was in for a big surprise I She acknowledged the order with a curt nod. Entering the study, Holly found Hayes standing by the window with his back to her, looking out across the paddock. He did not turn round when she walked in, but Holly knew he was aware of her presence. 'So you're going through with it in spite of the advice I gave you, are you?' he said harshly. Holly bristled. Who did he think he was, anyway? She curbed her temper and tried a sensible approach. 'I know you mean well' she began, but the rest of the sentence was cut off as he exploded: 'Mean well be damned! I could choke the life out of you !' He swung round to face her and Holly took a step backwards in amazement. He was furious, his eyes blazed at her and she knew he was having trouble keeping his hands off her. Her startled mind tried to account for this ferocious attack and all she could come up with was that he was labouring under the impression that Hal would leave him and manage Green Paddocks, letting his precious scheme for breeding new stock fall by the wayside. Hal couldn't have explained things, she thought. 'I don't think,' she said coldly, 'you've quite understood ...' Again she was interrupted. 'I understand all right !' he muttered savagely. 'And if you think I'm standing by and letting Munt walk off with my property you'd both better think again!'

Holly's eyes narrowed. It was as she thought. 'You can have Green Paddocks,' she answered in a voice loaded with contempt. 'It's yours now, anyway. I'm sick of feeling like a lodger. Hal's going to accept the job you offered him up northin case you thought he'd stay here. I understand there's a property being offered with it. We shall live there.' 'Over my dead body !' shouted Hayes. 'Who the hell wants Green Paddocks anyway ! Didn't it ever enter your lame brain that I could have found a dozen properties in a hell of a better state than this one. Well, did it?' he fumed. Holly blinked. She rather wished Hal had insisted on joining her instead of strolling down to the men's quarters to see Dave and the boys. Why didn't Milly come? Surely she could hear him shouting? With wide eyes she regarded him warily and wondered how far she was from the door. Trying to control her thumping heart, she whispered, 'No!' He moved swiftly and caught her to him, and an extremely startled Holly found herself held in a merciless grip. She felt the blood pound in her head and wanted to cry out. but no sound came. It was as if time stood still; the very magnetism of the man was drawing her closer and closer to the edge of a whirlpool. She didn't understand why she felt this way, it was as if she had no. will of her own. In blind panic she made an attempt to free herself from the spell he was weaving around her. His arms completely enclosed her and she was held tight against his hard body; she could even feel the strong beat of his heart. She gazed up at him with pleading eyes. 'Let me go. Hayes,' she whispered when her efforts to free herself proved unsuccessful. His answer was to hold her closer. His eyes narrowed as they took in every line of her features. 'You don't know much about love, do you, Holly Drew?' he said softly. 'And I'm damned if Munt is going to teach you. I'm afraid you*re going to have to put up with me. Now we start the first lesson,' he murmured. For the second time that day Holly found herself being kissed. Not that the kiss Hayes was giving her had any comparison with Hal's. This one took her to the whirlpool again and this time she went in head first. It was a hungry

kiss that never seemed to reach saturation point; her soft lips were crushed under his demanding ones. Complete and utter domination was ruthlessly sought and Holly wondered vaguely whether she would ever be the same again. She was not given much breathing space, and when he did lift his head his lips roamed the corners of hers. 'I ought to have done that a long time ago,' he groaned. 'Heaven knows I wanted to.' He sought her lips again. 'If you hadn't been such a little spitfire,' he told her an age later, 'and so determined to thwart my every move, we would have been married by now, and I wouldn't have had to spend what seemed a lifetime away from you wishing I'd never set eyes on you.' All this Holly heard, at least part of her heard; the other part wanted him to kiss her again. If this was love she liked it very much! She felt as if she was only just starting to live. Then she thought of Hal and was swiftly brought back to sanity and struggled to free herself. 'Hayes! Stop ! It's no use. Hal,' she whispered. 'Oh, Hayes, Hal!' This produced another bone-shaking kiss. 'If he's the man I think he is,' he said quietly as she lay breathless against his shoulder, 'he'll know I won't let you go.' Holly stiffened in his arms. Hal knew! She pulled herself away from Hayes, and her eyes started to smart. 'You mean he purposely asked me to marry him to make you propose?' she asked slowly, feeling her bright new world crumbling about her. Hayes pulled her firmly into his arms again, and as she struggled furiously to free herself, he murmured, 'You're not going to win, so you might as well save your strength. You're going to need it.' After he had kissed all the fight out of her he said, 'I wish I could say yes. for my peace of mind; but that man really loves you. A selfless love few are capable of: enough to let you go to someone he'd consider more suitable.' He shook her gently. 'Why do you suppose I offered him the northern job? I wanted to put as much distance between the two of you as possible. I wasn't taking any chances of him diving down to see you on his off periods.' His lips touched her hair. 'I'm afraid I haven't Hal's qualitiesI'd light to the death for

you. No man takes you away from me, so you'd better make up your mind to take me. You're not taking anyone else,' he said quietly, 'I'll see to that.' Holly felt a surge of happiness flow through her, tinged with a touch of sorrow at the thought of Hal. She didn't deserve two such fine men caring for her, and she prayed Hayes was right and Hal would not be hurt. She looked back at Hayes studying her with a look that melted her bones. 'You've a funny way of courting,' she murmured wickedly. 'I was absolutely sure you hated me.' His lips twitched. 'I did at times,' he confessed. 'But they say hate is akin to love, don't they? It was safer to adopt that attitude. I knew there had to be a reason why you got under my skin, and why I got under yours,' adding meaningly, 'I fell in a lot sooner that you did, that's all, but I didn't intend to give you much more rope.' 'You said you preferred more sophisticated women,' she reminded him cruelly. Hayes gave a grimace. 'At that precise time I was trying to convince myself as well. I simply refused to believe I'd fallen for a five-foot-nothing bundle of dynamite to which I apparently held the fuse!' Holly chuckled. 'Five foot four, if you please,' she murmured demurely, then thought of something else as he sought her lips again. 'Where are we going to live, Hayes?' she asked, and held her breath for the answer. She wasn't sure she fancied Coomela, it was a bit too grand for her. His finger traced her high cheekbones. 'I have a feeling it had better be Green Paddocks,' he said softly. 'More suitable for bringing up children, don't you think? Also, I shall be able to keep an eye on what's going on with the stock I'm having brought down tomorrow. I've seen to the other end; Coomela now has a manager, a good man I've no worries about leaving in charge.' He raised one eyebrow at her. 'Any other questions?' he asked airily. Holly's gratitude shone in her eyes. She could stay on at her beloved Green Paddocks I She flushed as she said, 'I gathered the wedding's in November.'

Hayes smiled wickedly and pulled her close. 'That information was for Pete Mills,' he said. 'I've no intention of waiting almost a year. You have one month, my girl, no more.' As she nestled contentedly in his arms, Holly had another thought. 'Hayes, may I keep turkeys alter we're married?' she asked hopefully. He chuckled. 'Ma Bartar!' he exclaimed. 'Milly did tell you!' Holly said crossly. This produced another chuckle from Hayes. 'I'm afraid poor Milly was shocked to the coreseemed to think it was all her fault for drumming her into you since childhood.' Holly had a nasty thought. 'Hayes, you didn't ring herdid you?' she pleaded. 'As a matter of fact' he began teasingly. 'Oh, no!' groaned Holly. 'Poor Ma Bartarjust you wait till I see Milly!' 'Hold on,' laughed Hayes, 'I haven't finished. Quite a character, isn't she? Ma Bartar, I mean. I'm afraid she rather took the wind out of my sails. I did have a word with her and all I got for my pains was a demand to know what was I hanging about for, and here I quote "Girls like Holly Drew don't grow on trees" and a lot more besides,' he grinned. 'Seems she quite took to you.' Holly's eyes misted over. 'And I to her,' she said. 'She's getting old, Hayes, I can't see her carrying on much longer, not without some kind of help. Couldn't we do something?' 'Providing she lets me into the farm without filling me full of holes,' he answered, grinning, 'I guess we can work something out. It might be wise if you came along on the first expedition, though. I have a distinct urge to live just now.' Holly buried her head in his jacket lapel. 'I love you !' she declared fervently. 'You better had,' threatened Hayes, gathering her closer. Holly could not be completely happy until she had seen Hal, and her chance came the next morning after breakfast. Hal had spent the night at the men's quarters and come to the homestead for breakfast. Holly knew Hayes had seen him,

and she was a little apprehensive about his reaction, but she needn't have worried. Hal gave her the same old grin and her heart lifted. After coffee on the verandah he held his hand out to her and looked at Hayes sitting beside her. 'Mind if I steal her for a while?' he asked Hayes. Hayes' eyes swept possessively over her and Holly felt her heart lurch. He nodded abruptly. 'For a while,' he said slowly. Holly felt his eyes on them as they walked towards the paddock fences. 'Happy, princess?' murmured Hal. She wanted to fling her arms around him to show him how happy she was, but it wouldn't be fair to him, and Hayes still watching them might just take exception to such a demonstration of affection, so she had to content herself with a fervent, 'Oh, Hal, if only you knew !' Then she looked hard at him. 'But you did know, didn't you?' she said accusingly. Hal gave a rueful grin and leant against the fence. 'Like I said, Holly girl, you don't see things,' he answered quietly. 'Was it your idea he passed himself off as my fianc to get Pete to take the cheque?' she asked curiously. Hal started and stared down at her, then shook his head. 'Well, I'm darned,' he muttered. 'He must have had his eye on you even then.' He grinned at her. 'And I thought it happened while he was down here.' It was Holly's turn to stare. 'You mean it wasn't your suggestion?' she asked bewilderedly. Hal got his tobacco pouch out and started to roll a cigarette. 'No, sir,' he said. 'Hayes isn't the kind of boss one makes those sort of suggestions to.' He lighted the cigarette and drew slowly on it. 'Then how did you know?' she began perplexedly. 'I didn't,' Hal said. 'Not then. When you took off that time, I was all set to chase after you. He called me all kinds of a fool for getting embroiled again. I threw in my notice and we kinda got sorted out after that. His wanting extra land and Green Paddocks going beggingwell, it seemed the answer.' He fell silent. Holly's thoughts went back to that first

meeting. 'Wasn't until he came back,' Hal continued quietly, jerking Holly back to the present. 'When he left he was all set to put a manager in, if the place passed muster, that was. I did hope to be given the job, but Hayes had another man in view, Jack Jenkins. Well, there was Jack expecting to be sent for any day. Hayes hadn't planned to be away more than a week.' He drew on his cigarette again. 'A week goes by, then a fortnight, and still no sign of him returning. We couldn't fathom out what the hold-up was. Well, when he does come back, he was like a man sickening for the mumps, and as touchy as a grizzly to tangle with and twice as dangerous.' He grinned at Holly. 'Like you, girl. I was a bit slow on the uptake until I overheard him talking to Milly on the phone and asking after you, then I fell in. Guess Milly caught on quicker than anybody.' Holly placed her hand over Hal's large one. 'Is that why you proposed, Hal? To bring him up to scratch?' she asked. Hal looked away suddenly, but not before Holly saw the look of pain in his eyes. 'Something like that,' he said, then muttered, 'No, dammit! I wasn't sure how you felt about him. I wasn't going to let him hustle you into marriage, either, if you didn't care for him. When you accepted me I guess I hoped I was right, and you didn't care for him. I knew you hadn't realised he'd fallen for you.' He shook his head at her. 'You gave him a bad time, honey. He's a proud man, not used to females treating him like the odd man out. Guess he was pretty soured too, from what I've heard the females practically throw themselves at him.' He looked beyond the paddocks, 'Thing was, I couldn't make out what game he was playing. Guessed he wanted you, and when a man like that wants something he makes sure the odds are loaded in his favour. When he offered me the northern job I had a pretty good idea what was in his mind.' He sighed and clasped her hand. 'It wouldn't have made any difference, Holly girl, you know, had you felt the same way about me, but you didn't, and I knew it. You'd have married me in all innocence, wouldn't you?'

Holly's head was bowed, and she nodded dumbly. There wasn't much she could say. She loved Hayes, he was the only man for her. Hal went on, 'Hayes was as mad as fire at me for beating him to the punch. Guess I asked for it, but one thing he said hurt most. The truth: You didn't love me, and he knew it. Said I was taking advantage of you, and he was right.' He was silent for a few seconds, then told her, 'He's a fine man, princess. Good enough for me to stand aside for, but remember, I'll always be around.' Holly could not speak, she was too choked. 'Hal' she tried to get out. He pulled her hand through his arm. 'Come on, princess, I've a feeling that man of yours feels we've had long enough.' Holly glanced to where Hal was looking, and sure enough Hayes was striding towards them with a purposeful expression on his face. Her heart swelled with pride as she noted his proud bearing and line autocratic features. His eyes were on her and meeting them Holly saw the half doubt in his as he eyed Hal, then looked back at her. Her thoughts were mirrored in her eyes, the love that shone out of them made Hayes catch his breath, then he moved forward and claimed her hand. Together the three of them wandered back to the homestead. Holly caught sight of Milly standing at the window with a huge smile on her face. She had been right all along. As Milly would have put it herself, Hayes was her fella !