Out of Alice Read Online Free Page B

high tank: ghastly in winter! The house is beginning to need attention now, and the floors are well overdue for resurfacing. The climate’s very hard on timber. But it’s not likely to happen this year – or next. Drought takes everything, you see.’
    â€˜I notice the laundry is outside. Why’s that?’ It was a separate building next to the wood heap; she had spotted it on her return from the goat yard.
    â€˜Because of the copper,’ Beth explained. ‘Len’s mother used to scrub the clothes on a table, then boil them. It was 32-volt power back then on the stations, if they had any at all. We’ve progressed to a washing machine since, so feel free to use it, but only when the diesel is running, please. It pulls too much power from the batteries otherwise.’
    â€˜You’re not on the grid?’ She caught Sam’s look of surprise and something very like a snort from Jack, but Beth’s tone was serene.
    â€˜Heavens, no. We have a solar rig and battery bank. Sam can explain it to you. He knows all about alternative energy.’
    Beth bent a quelling look upon her brother and began collecting plates. ‘Who’s for pudding?’
    Len, who so far had said little, asked, ‘Where’s home for you, Sara?’
    â€˜Adelaide. It’s where I was born, educated and worked until now. Except for a week or so in Mildura, of course.’
    â€˜What did you do?’ he persisted.
    â€˜Oh, office work at the Commonwealth Employment Agency.’ She smiled at Sam. ‘It was very dull. Coming here’s the most exciting thing I’ve ever done.’
    â€˜When I grow up,’ Becky struck in, ‘I’m gonna be a pilot for the Flying Doctors.’
    â€˜Good for you. I wish I’d thought of that. I
did
work in a cake shop once, though,’ Sara admitted, eyes twinkling at the children.
    â€˜Did you get to eat any?’ Sam asked.
    â€˜Sadly, not often. It was mostly sweeping and washing up.’
    â€˜I wouldn’t have stayed,’ he declared, curling his lip. ‘Not in a shop.’
    â€˜I was in high school. I needed the money for books. What do you plan on doing when you’re grown up, Sam?’
    â€˜Help Dad, of course.’ His bald skull, which looked so vulnerable in the light, turned towards his father. ‘And when he’s as old as Pops, I’m gonna run Redhill myself.’
    â€˜And if he gets sick again,’ Becky chimed in, ‘
I’ll
fly the doctor out to make him better.’
    â€˜Sounds like a plan,’ Sara nodded.
    â€˜â€™S’a good one,’ Becky agreed complacently. ‘’Cause when I grow up I’m gonna marry Uncle Jack, and he’s gonna keep my plane working so it won’t
ever
break down.’
    Jack looked at his sister. ‘In that case I reckon I need two helpings of pudding to keep my strength up.’
    Jack left immediately after the meal, the bright lance of his headlights cutting a way through the dark paddock. Becky went out to see him off, then scampered back to the kitchen where Sara was helping clear up, while Len watched the news.
    â€˜Quick, Sara, come and see.’
    â€˜Why aren’t you cleaning your teeth?’ Beth asked sternly.
    â€˜I will, Mum. I want to show Sara the sky first.’
    â€˜Make it fast, then. Has Sam gone to bed?’
    â€˜Yes. Come,’ she tugged Sara’s hand and they went together to the verandah and down the front steps. ‘Shut your eyes,’ the child commanded, ‘and wait.’ A few moments passed. ‘Okay, now look.’
    Sara lifted her head and her breath caught on a gasp. She had never until then seen the night sky in its natural state. There was no chance of doing so in the city and even Mildura’s lights had cast glow enough to diffuse their splendour. But here the myriad stars glittered above her, pulsing with every breath she took. How had Paterson put