‘Correct. A gold star for our Apprentice Ranger. Its habitat is the sandstone country, and you can use the bark to catch fish. How about that?’

‘Really?’ Tilly wasn’t the only one to voice scepticism for the claim.

‘Perfectly true,’ Luke said. ‘There’s a toxin in the bark that de-oxygenates water. The fish can’t breathe, so they drift to the surface and lie there waiting to be picked up. It’s just temporary, with no lasting ill effects. Something to remember if you’re stuck without a feed or a fishing line. Now this next one – I’ll bet everyone recognises this . . .’ It was a wattle. He told them how the seed pods could be used as bush soap, then ran on through a medley of different species, all of which grew on Binboona, each with their peculiar characteristics and uses. His audience clapped loudly at the end and Tilly, helping to pack up the gear, commended his performance.

‘That was really interesting, Luke. You know such a lot.’

He grinned. ‘You will too, by the time you’re a fully fledged ranger. Seriously though, people interested enough to visit here should take the trouble to learn all they can. It’s their heritage after all. Wildlife Reserves are meant to be an experience, not a fun park.’

‘You really love your job, don’t you? I wouldn’t be surprised if half the kids who hear you leave here wanting to be rangers.’

‘They could do worse.’ He shouldered the screen. ‘You got the torch? I mean, fresh air, mozzies, heat, mud – be like joining the army, only nobody shoots at you.’

Poker-faced, she interjected, ‘You forgot about pulling down old fences.’

He snorted with laughter. ‘Not really – I’m saving that up for tomorrow.’

Connor returned on the weekend. Tilly, whose turn it was to cook, heard the vehicle coming and stepped out onto the verandah ready to register the newcomers. She recognised the vehicle and watched, disappointed, as it slowed but failed to stop. Connor simply waved as he drove past. Well, she could see him tomorrow at the camp, not that she had any need to. He’d obviously delivered the money, and she had nothing to report. Matt had been his usual silent self, so plainly he had yet to discover his loss.