Colin Meets an Emu by Merv Lambert Page A

others, she said, “I do apologise for my husband. He gets a little drunk and then does really silly, really stupid things. By the way, I’m Buffalo Bryony. I run the Wild West Show.”
    â€œPleased to meet you, ma’am,” said Colin and he introduced all the others to her.
    Â 
    Within ten minutes all the prisoners had been released. They received a severe tongue-lashing from Buffalo Bryony, who assured Chief Jellysox that these cowboys and her husband would cause the Redskins and the library no more trouble. She shook hands with Chief Jellysox, Colin and Olivia and hurried her troup of very downcast cowboys into their wagons. Some of them had even said sorry, but Buffalo Brian remained silent and miserable because of his wounded foot. Soon they were gone.
    â€œHey,” said Jilly. “What a great adventure!”
    â€œReally cool,” agreed Billy, patting Sammy.
    The bookmark throbbed in Colin’s pocket. “It’s time we went home,” he said.
    â€œOh, by the way, Colin, before I forget to tell you,” remarked Olivia, “I hope you don’t mind, but I’ve invited Abigail to our wedding.”
    Colin was puzzled. “Who’s Abigail?”
    â€œSquaw Big Gull of course. She’s really rather nice. I like her”.
    â€œO.K.” replied Colin. “If you say so, but I hope she doesn’t indulge in too much of the fire-water!”
    â€œWhat do you mean?”
    â€œI’ve seen Mrs. Biggle in action before. I just hope she doesn’t get too drunk!”
    Olivia shoved him playfully on the shoulder. Then all of a sudden they were back with Sammy at Colin’s house, and, yes, Colin was clutching another souvenir – a black stetson with two feathers stuck in the brim. He wondered though how well the wedding would go, although first he had to introduce Olivia to some other friends of his. But that’s another story.
    Â 
    Â 
The Return to Sherwood
    Â 
    Colin had just placed his special bookmark, which was now glowing a deep red, between pages 380 and 381 of his own special book. M was not with him today. The emu had gone back home to Colin’s cousins Billy and Jilly, and was already involved with them in some other adventures. Colin glanced at his two companions. Olivia was clutching his right hand and was holding his little dog Sammy firmly under her other arm. In his left hand Colin was holding a rather large, rather long bag. He looped the handles of the bag over his forearm and, gripping the bookmark safely in his fingers, after checking that it was in the right place, he said, “Let’s go.”
    Moments later - at least it seemed only a few moments - they found themselves in a wooded glade with sunlight streaming through the leaves of the tall trees all around them. It looked to be a glorious summer’s day.
    â€œWhere are we?” asked Olivia. Sammy woofed happily, as he already knew.
    Colin was grinning mischievously at her. “I told you this was going to be a surprise. I hope, in fact I’m sure , you will like it.”
    Olivia grinned back at him. “Oh, all right then. Go on being mysterious, if it pleases you so much.”
    â€œCome on,” said Colin. “There are some people I want you to meet.”
    Sammy trotted happily in front of them along the woodland path, stopping occasionally to sniff at things and odours that interested him, and looking back at Olivia and Colin strolling arm in arm.
    â€œWherever we are, this is just perfect,” Olivia said softly. The next moment, however, a distant sharp cry came from somewhere ahead of them in the trees and they heard squabbling voices raised in anger.
    â€œHow dare you!” one of the voices yelled. “How dare you! I am a respectable merchant. I pay my taxes and I go to church!”
    â€œHo, ho!” a mocking voice replied. “You may go to church, but my master says you owe him