But it was only for a httle while. In an evil hour he
discovered that a cheque from another man's book answered
aU purposes if it bore that magic tracery, and Happy
Dick was never solvent again. Gaily he signed cheques,
and the foreman did all he could to keep pace with him
on the cheque-book block ; but as no one, excepting the
accountant m the Darwin bank, knew the state of his
account from day to day, it was like taking a ticket in a
lottery to accept a cheque from Happy Dick.
" Real glad to see you," Happy Dick said in hearty
greeting to us all as he dismounted, and we waited to



i6o We of the Never-Never

be entertained. Happy Dick had his favourite places
and people, ajid the Elsey community stood high in his
favour. " Can't beat the Elsey for a good dog-fight and
a good game of cribbage," he said, every time he came in
or left us ; and that from Happy Dick was high praise.
At times he added : " Nor for a square meal neither,"
thereby inciting Cheon to further triumphs for his approval.
