Discovering Treasure Read online

“Come to think of it, you didn’t rob a bank didya?” She stared—, waiting for a reaction. Treasure and Ella were both dumbfounded! How rude! Was this going to be their reception to a new life? Not wanting to disillusion the woman, yet feeling affronted, Treasure cheekily threw a question at Ella.

  “Do we look like a couple of thieves, Ella, my love? Gosh, I thought country folk were friendly or so Granny always said.”

  Removing her hat she placed it on the table.

  “Come to think of it, my grandmother always spoke her mind. When the king appointed Granny the Order of the Thistle for her activity in nutrition and how it benefited and prevented illnesses,” Treasure laughed! “Granny said she was already a Lady, and she didn’t need that name in front of hers, to remind anybody!” She laughed again as she remembered her aunt and mother telling her this.

  The serving lady didn’t laugh. Instead, she held a hand to her mouth with a stifled cough, and looked mortified.

  “Good gum, yer don’t mean to say you be Lady Seymour’s granddaughter! My hat, come to think of it, they said her hair was once red.” She walked behind the counter and plonked down on a seat as if she might fall.

  “George, come here me fella!” she yelled.

  A second later a rolly-poly man popped his head out of the kitchen alcove. “Calm down will ya, dear? Rome wasn’t built in a day, the sandwiches are ready now, and I’ll serve them for you.”

  With a smile he set two plates down on the table, each with a huge beef and mustard sandwich. They looked so delicious and after Ella muttered a quick prayer they tucked in.

  “George, you will never guess who this young lady is? I never thought I’d see the day, she was such a skinny little tyke the last we saw her.” She shook her head and clucked her tongue. George had no idea what his wife was carried on about. Scratching his head he gave her a long stare.

  “What on earth are you raving about Nancy? You’ll be embarrassing these young ladies.” He smiled at the two tucking into their food, which he was pleased to see, they enjoyed with relish.

  Treasure thought about his attitude and liked him; he was not as quick as his wife to judge and jump to conclusions. She savored every delicious mouthful of her meal, with sips of hot tea in between. Never had a simple sandwich tasted so good, but then the bread was likely homemade and the meat obviously country fresh—, it was so tender. She decided they made a wise choice, in coming to live where they could get back to the basics of life. Both girls’ now remained silent, while completing their meal.

  “I believe we should get a couple more like this to take on our trip. What do you think Ella?” With Ella’s nod, two more sandwiches were agreed on. Lamb this time, and with onion gravy. The tantalizing smell, wafting from the kitchen couldn’t be resisted. George brought it back to the table himself, packaged and ready to go. If they arrived late at their destination, then they could relax and not fret about finding something for dinner.

  Nancy watched them with interest while George returned to busy himself in the kitchen. From the banging it sounded like he was cleaning up. What a wonderful husband she had—, Nancy considered now, as she often did. She also wondered what Lady Seymour granddaughter was doing, going back to the valley. She seemed a pleasant young woman and one not easily deterred, very like her grandmother, Nancy reasoned with a nod to herself. She refrained from asking further question’s considering it probably was bad manners, and she had already offended by her previous ones.

  Treasure decided not to talk to Ella about her grandmother while in the café’; it would come later when out of the earshot of those starving for gossip. With both back in the car again and on track, the long dusty road stretched in front of them for miles. Their company being plenty of ghost gum trees and odd scattered herds of wild emu. These wandered on the road oblivious of being in the way, making the girls have tostop and wait. Such funny creatures, their huge eyes stared for ages without blinking, but when they did, the eyelashes were to die for. Treasure blew the horn to make them hurry out of the way, but they still took their time.

  Having topped up with petrol and water, they should get to their journey’s end a few hours before sunset.

  “Yes about Granny, Ella, she was a sort of enigma to all of us. She kept herself busy as a nurse, wife, and mother. But once her daughters left the valley, they only returned on rare occasions. I was taken twice that I remember. And although both of my grandparents were nice to me, I was never spoilt. Perhaps I’ll learn more when I get to see her personal belongings, and photos, and –.”

  “STOP! Oh mercy me, STOP! Please stop the car, Treasure. Treasure slammed on the brakes –.

  “I think I see a dog at the side of those trees. Ella, pointed northward. “Do you see it? Treasure. Treasure’s heart was still pounding like stampeding elephants in her chest.

  “You gave me such a fright!” with her hand to her chest, she narrowed her eyes, looking for what, so disturbed her friend. It took a while to focus, and then she saw it. A scrap bundle of fur, raising it head to lookin their direction? It tried to rise up, but fell down in a heap again, apparently too weak or just plumb exhausted. Treasure was unsure of which.

  “Do you think it’s a dingo, or a dog? Ella wanted to get out and take a better look at the poor specimen.

  Treasure wasn’t sure if it was a good idea, but neither did she consider it kind to drive off, and leave the wretched thing to die.

  “Give me half of one of those sandwiches Ella, if it tries to bite I’ll throw it to the side and we can both make a run for it.” Deciding on this maneuver they both slowly approached where the bag of bones lay. For on closer observation that’s about all it looked. Picking off a piece of sandwich, Treasure threw it near the dog’s mouth. Sniffing with caution, it ate slowly, ever watching amid suspicion.

  “Oh the poor darling,” cried Ella, “he is starving, oh Treasure, what can we do!” Treasure being the logical of the two, wondered how long the dog had been there and suspected it was probably more thirsty than even hungry. “Ella, back up slowly to the car and bring our water bottle here and one of our tin cups, I feel he needs to drink.” And right she was—, that poor dog lapped up a cup of water in no time flat. It would have drunk more, but Treasure remembered that you couldn’t give food or fluid in abundance, when something had been without nourishment for too long. It could make them extremely ill.

  “Well, it looks like we have ourselves an orphan. What do you think Ella? Should we take him home with us?”

  Ella grinned she didn’t need to think of an answer, she knew that neither of them would leave it behind now that they found it. Bringing their travel rug from the car and leaving the back door open ready to place their new friend on the seat, the girl’s prepared to lift the dog onto the rug and carry him back. He was medium sized and reasonably heavy, but settling him on the backseat was accomplished with minimal effort. He didn’t take much notice of his surroundings after a few sniffs at the leather. Treasure gave him another small offering of food, before starting on their way again.

  “We’ll have to give him a grand name you know,” Ella said smiling. “Aunty would have loved to meet him, remember how she once brought home a stray kitten.”

  Ella turned in her seat every few miles to look at their passenger and see what he was doing. There was no evidence of wanting to vomit so after a few more miles, Treasure stopped the car again, and Ella fed him another cup of water followed by another small piece of sandwich. The dog’s eyes glowed, and he seemed to smile, before resting his head back on the seat. He knew he was safe and he knew he would be cared of. For now that was all that mattered.

  4

  Beautiful Vision Valley

  Driving slowly to the top of a long hill, the car was stopped, so they could sit and observe the picturesque valley below. The dirt road continued on, winding halfway down the valley, and into a town larger than the one previously stopped at. It nestled securely on plentiful acres of flat land. At the bottom of the valley, ran a rive
r, shining like silver, glistening in the sun rays. It threaded around like a thin snake coursing the length of the valley before disappearing beyond sight.

  “Oh! How pretty it is,” Ella broke the mesmerized silence.

  Treasure nodded in agreement. The beauty that spread out before them –, was splendor past description –, it required no words. Treasure alighted from the car and for the last time before arriving at their destination, she gave the dog another drink and the last piece of sandwich. Looking closely at him, she now noted tiny dark brown specks, crawling in its matted coat.

  Oh no! Fleas as well! —. But, they could be got rid of in time, and this poor fellow would mend well with proper care. “Okay, let’s be off then.”

  Back in the driver’s seat Treasure placed the car into gear and began the long slow decent. Thank God it wasn’t steep, her reflexes slowed, as fatigue from their extensive day settled into her bones. But still the sun hadn’t set, and hopefully she would recognize her grandmother’s house at the far edge of the town.

  “My granny’s lawyer told me he’s stocked the house with groceries and had it cleaned. Apparently it was quite a job, standing vacant as it has for the last two years since my grandmother’s passing. The grass had to be scythed and the huge yard cleared. I asked him to re-paint the house inside and out, so I hope he followed my directions, as he assured me he would.” With both hands holding the stirring wheel steady over ruts, Treasure appraised the town while cruising through. Her last time here was as a small child. The one thing she could vividly remember was her granny’s sitting room and the afternoon sun shining through French windows leading onto the veranda. There was also the mahogany piano, where her mother sat and played. That would be familiar to see again.

  She spotted the two-roomed school house and yard where she’d sat happily in the dust, drawing pictures with a stick. The old church stood forlorn next-door on a large lot of land with an acre or so between. Both school and church were in need of a good coat of paint. Next a hardware store that also sold animal produce and goods. How often had she stood by Granny’s side listening to the local chat? That quirky little doctor’s house was gone and so likely was he? Treasure thought of his shiny bald head and the wide bracers holding his pants up over his enormous tummy. That stomach had intrigued her as a child, because it bounced up and down when he laughed. Her grandmother caught her staring at it once, and read her the riot act on their return home. Yes, his house was gone and in its place stood a long building with a hospital sign out front.

  ‘Doctor in Residence;’ read a plaque tacked to the front door. On the opposite side of the street stood a grocery store, with a fruit and vegetable stall out front. A couple more shops, one with country clothes and foot wear, and another looked like a book, newspaper, and magazine store. A haberdashery was the largest and most impressive building, with a police station, post office and a lawyer’s office. Seeing these through adult eyes, everything looked smaller. There were a few horse and carriages parked, as well as a lorry and truck, plus one small car.

  People turned to stare as the strangers drove on by. Treasure, feeling cheeky, smiled and waved, which some non-too sure bystanders, hesitantly returned with half-raised arms.

  “You!” Ella laughed. “They don’t know what they’re in for.” She laughed heartily again conjuring up the pranks Treasure was sure to pull, especially if some of these people were snobs like her aunt once warned about.

  “Ah ha, there it is my friend, the house that Jack built.” Seeing the puzzled look on Ella’s face, she added. “My grandfather’s name was Jack and he had this house built back at the turn of the century. That wasn’t long before I was born; or rather it was finished at that time. Apparently, people came from all over to look at it; being modern for here, with an indoor bathing room and separate water closet.”

  Turning into the driveway she drove beside the whitewashed clay brick house. It was large with wide verandahs on all sides. Around at the back they found a four car-garage, with doors open and a smaller square building off to the side. “That’s the wash house, Ella, with a wood-burning copper and funny hand-washer.” Seeing the quizzical look on her friends face she added. “And yes, there is running water from those huge tanks. It’s well set up don’t you think?”

  Indeed Ella did. In fact looking around she was very impressed. She never expected to see a stately home like this, situated in an Australian outback town. “Why Treasure its lovely and real homey with all the shade trees, and large yard. Does that field beyond, belong also?”

  “Hey mate,” Treasure responded with a tired laugh, “that’s called a paddock here, and yes, it’s a good few acres.” Dog lifted his head as the car came to a halt before the garage. He probably wondered what would happen to him now.

  Escaping the confinement of her car and crossing the grass to a small set of shrubs, Treasure looked to the side of them. Just as directed, the door key was uncovered from under a pink flower pot. Walking up the back steps onto the covered verandah, she unlocked and flung open the heavy wooden door. It wasforever—, and what seemed a life time ago, since being in this house. A faint timber and paint smell reached her nose, not the mustiness as expected.

  It looked like the lawyer was dependable and for that she was thankful. Walking down the hallway and looking briefly in each room, it seemed so meaningless somehow, without her family. There was no one left who mattered, except for Ella. Treasure silently thank God, in her own way for her friend, and she felt humbled. No longer was she an icon. She was just a woman like any other, striving to make life have some meaning, and with that came the understanding, that she was better off than many.

  She turned and retrieved her steps back to see what kept Ella. As expected, her kind friend was still beside the dog, talking to it in a soothing voice and stroking the rust brown and white fur.

  “Come on Ella.’ Treasure spoke gently. “We’d best bed him in the wash house for tonight. I’ll go see if there is something to put on the concrete floor, for him to rest on. Tomorrow when we’ve had a break; we’ll give him a bath and see about cutting his hair, to clean him up.

  In the garage, she picked up a few dilapidated feed bags with her finger tips, shaking them slightly as she walked. Accumulated dust flew, but they’d give comfort from the cold concrete flooring. Thrown down in a thick heap, they’d serve the poor dog well, just for tonight. An old saucepan without a handle was retrieved off a shelf to hold water. Half filling this, it was placed beside the dog’s makeshift bed. Heading back to the car, she helped Ella to carry him in.

  A picket fence lined the perimeter of the buildings, so hopefully even if the wash house door stayed open for the night, there would be no problem of the dog getting out or possibly another one entering in to harm him.

  Treasure stood looking out across the expanse that was now her land. The long boundary fences of barbed wire had some broken sections, and her favorite jacaranda tree grew towards one corner, with purple flowers still blooming all over. How she’d loved to sit high up in the branches, fantasizing about a faraway magical land. She could still hear her grandmother’s voice calling to her and pretending she didn’t know where Treasure sat hidden. Inhaling deeply of the fresh country air, Treasure, gave a sigh, and then turned back to reality, and the work at hand.

  It was time to unload and both girls carried their gear into the house. Tomorrow was soon enough to attend to the majority of unpacking; only their personal items need be extracted tonight. In the ice box they found milk, butter, eggs, cheese, tomatoes and apples. Ella searched out the canisters, finding tea, coffee, sugar, flour, and a loaf of bread in the bread-tin. Their provisions were adequate. If necessary the other half of the sandwich could be Dog’s breakfast. Before darkness fell, Treasure walked into the kitchen and sitting room lighting the lamps. She and Ella didn’t need to be staggering about tripping over in the dark.

  “Okay, we have two front bedrooms and both are clean and ready for use, so choose which one you woul
d like and I’ll have the other.” Treasure led Ella to the first one as she spoke, checking that the French doors leading to the verandah were locked –, which they were.

  “Say, it’s a good thing we have the dog isn’t it? A watch dog,” Ella elaborated. “Now we need to think of a lovely name!” Ella threw herself onto the bed in the first bedroom they entered. “I’m happy with this one,” was all she got the chance to say before the telephone rang.

  It rested in Treasure’s grandmother’s office on top of a huge desk. Sitting down, Treasure picked up the receiver, holding the stick mouthpiece with her other hand. The town lawyer, Mr Latham, greeted her, sounding younger than Treasure anticipated. But perhaps that was just his voice. He remained stiff and formal, not what she expected from someone working in a country town. He politely asked whether his undertakings to straighten the house met with her approval. Treasure assured him with thanks, that they did indeed, which softened his voice.

  An appointment to visit was requested for the next afternoon at four. He needed to explain the wills; both her grandmother’s and her aunt’s, and he hoped she would be rested sufficiently by then. “Sure, that’s fine.” Treasure assured him. But questioned? “Why the hurry?”

  “I need to fly to Melbourne, Miss Gilroy, and may not return until the following week, so would like to take any business request from you, with me.” He cleared his throat. “I won’t speak about this any further on the phone.”

  Treasure remembered then, about country towns and party lines, so other ears might be listening. She thanked him politely and asked if he knew how to get rid of fleas. Soft noises, perhaps female giggles, whispered over the line. Ella would need to be cautioned about this. Treasure thanked Mr. Latham for his information, and quickly hung up.

  *****

  A crowing rooster welcomed the morning, forcing Treasure from her slumber. A short time later the Kookaburras, known as the bush clock, began their raucous cackling. Treasure stretched, and then lay looking around at what was once her grandparent’s old room. She luxuriated in their massive bed.