He caught
many things with it--willie-wagtails, laughing-jackasses, fowls, and
mostly the dog. Joe was a born naturalist--a perfect McCooey in his way,
and a close observer of the habits and customs of animals and living
things. He observed that whenever Jacob Lipp came to our place he always,
when going home, ran along the fence and touched the top of every post
with his hand. The Lipps had newly arrived from Germany, and their
selection adjoined ours. Jacob was their "eldest", about fourteen, and a
fat, jabbering, jolly-faced youth he was. He often came to our place and
followed Joe about. Joe never cared much for the company of anyone
younger than himself, and therefore fiercely resented the indignity.
Jacob could speak only German--Joe understood only pure unadulterated
Australian. Still Jacob insisted on talking and telling Joe his private
affairs.
This day, Mrs. Lipp accompanied Jacob. She came to have a "yarn" with
Mother. They did n't understand each other either; but it did n't matter
much to them--it never does matter much to women whether they understand
or not; anyway, they laughed most of the time and seemed to enjoy
themselves greatly.
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