Read Online Jack & Harry by Tony McKenna - Free Book Online Page B

might not instil wanderlust into them like travel at an early age had done to him so many years ago. Not much new now, Paddy thought wryly. Next great adventure is meetin’ me maker.’
    â€˜We’ll be in Kalgoorlie soon, lads; you enjoy the trip?’ he said aloud.
    â€˜Yeah.’ They both replied breathlessly. ‘Seen kangaroos and emus.’ ‘And a wombat,’ threw in Harry. ‘And what about that eagle, Jack?’ ‘Haven’t you lads ever seen yer own wildlife before?’
    â€˜Only seen ’em in the zoo, Paddy, not a lot of wild kangaroos or emus around Perth.’
    â€˜Zoo, eh?’ Paddy said, a tinge of sadness in his tone. ‘Shouldn’t be no such things as zoos, lads. Poor bloody animals and birds and things locked up in cages. Just like they were in jail ya know. Did nothin’ wrong those animals, lads, so why should they be locked away when they didn’t do anythin’ wrong?’
    The boys looked uneasily at each other.
    â€˜I suppose people got to see what they look like and all but to me it’s a shame it is to see those creatures caged up when they should be free to roam about the land. All animals, and men, should be free and not locked away somewhere.’ It was quite a speech for Paddy and the boys saw a seriousness to him they had not seen before. It was a sensitive side that Paddy kept well hidden behind his jokes and jovial smile.
    The train eventually steamed to a stop at the Kalgoorlie station and passengers disembarked to be met by family or friends on the platform. Most lugged heavy cases with them but Jack and Harry were travelling light with only a bag each. Paddy had a small sugar bag tied with a rope that he put over his shoulder. The unlikely trio left the station together and stepped into the searing heat of a Kalgoorlie summer day.
    â€˜Now, me lads.’ Paddy stood looking thoughtfully at one of the many hotels that serviced the thirsty mining town. ‘What are ye plans now, goin’ off to see your Aunt I suppose?’
    â€˜Er … that’s right, Paddy.’ Jack had almost forgotten the story he had told.
    â€˜Where’s she live then?’
    â€˜Oh, don’t worry about that, Harry’s got her address on a note in his bag and there are directions on how to get there. Me dad sort of drew a map.’ Jack didn’t like this subterfuge but they had to keep their secret or be discovered and maybe turned in to the police. He shuddered at the thought that like the animals they could be locked away behind a cage and never get to be free like Paddy had said.
    â€˜Well, me lads, about the game?’ He lowered his voice and looked suspiciously around him. ‘Can’t let on about it now you know, it’s illegal and the police crack down on it now and then. Bloody spoil sports they are, can’t be lettin’ a few blokes have a bit of fun and win a few quid. It’s a shame it is, a shame.’
    â€˜Yes, what about it?’ Jack also whispered as he looked at the people passing them on the street.
    â€˜It’ll be on this evenin’ but I have to find out where. Now can you meet me back here later in the afternoon?’
    â€˜Suppose we can.’
    â€˜All right then, lads, we’ll be winnin’ some money tonight I can feel it in me bones I can, we’ll be rollin’ in it.’ He appeared excited at the prospect and it was catching. Soon both boys were excited and looking forward to the evening with the chance to increase their kitty.
    â€˜Now, lads.’ Paddy was suddenly serious again ‘Would you be standin’ me a small advance on the winnin’s’? Just ten bob so I can get me’self a little drink and talk to some old friends to find out where the game is at. It has to be moved regular like so the coppers don’t get wind of it.’ He licked his lips in anticipation.
    Harry looked at Jack and they didn’t answer