She tutted. ‘I’ve got ten says they’ll come out for a look first.’

‘You’re on. Safe trip.’ He watched her drive off, then grabbed the bottles and bird feed. Both cocky chicks seemed to be thriving under his care, and the larger of the two joeys no longer used his bag. He nodded at Tilly. ‘Time you weren’t here.’

‘I know. Matt’s just coming.’ He would drop her off at the camp on his way to work. ‘Hang on – he’ll be gone all day, so how do I get back?’

‘If somebody’s leaving, they might give you a lift,’ Luke suggested. ‘Otherwise I guess you’ll just have to wait. Connor would probably drive you, if you asked.’

‘Okay, I’ll do that, so expect me when you see me. Have fun, and Luke, if you’re going to use the oven today, it needs cleaning first.’

Matt dropped her at the gate and Tilly, carrying the cooler containing her lunch, walked into the camp, heading straight to the ablution block to begin the daily cleaning. It was just after dawn with the first glow of gold visible above the river timber. Most of the tourists were still abed, so she had the shower and toilets to herself. The ashes below the donkey boiler were cold; she raked them out and as before, when she turned from the task, it was to see Connor, this time with a towel slung over one shoulder, ambling around the corner of the ablution block to greet her.

‘Morning, Tilly. Alone again today?’

‘Luke’s turn to cook,’ she said, ‘and Sophie’s off to meet with the WPA directors, so there’s only me left.’ She cast an eye over the diminished wood pile. ‘I don’t have a vehicle, so I hope that wood’s going to last till everyone’s showered.’

‘How did you get here then? Surely you didn’t walk?’

‘Matt dropped me off on his way out to the grader.’

‘I see. Well, we can take my vehicle and get a load if you like. Just let me wash and get my breakfast first. You fancy a cuppa when you’ve finished?’

‘Okay. That would be great. I must admit I didn’t give the wood a thought – besides, Matt was in a hurry. There was a vehicle that sneaked past us in the night, and he wanted to find where it went. The tracks didn’t come through the gate so whoever it was is probably up to no good. He thinks it could be a shooter, or shooters.’

Connor shook his head. ‘Never a dull moment out in the boondocks, eh? Come to my camp when you’re ready.’