The Bush and Outlaw Life

Where it surfaces

• Robbery Under Arms

  The chapter establishes the bush as both a refuge and a stage for lawlessness, with the Marston family's cattle duffing and evasion of the law.

• II

  The remote setting and the father's cattle duffing operations illustrate the outlaw culture of the Australian bush.

• IV

  The rugged terrain of Broken Creek and the hidden gully serve as the backdrop for the outlaw activity, emphasizing the bush as both refuge and site of lawlessness.

• Terrible Hollow

  The chapter vividly depicts the secret hideout of Terrible Hollow, a natural fortress used for cattle duffing, and the skills required to navigate the harsh bush.

• VI

  The Hollow is depicted as a refuge and a trap; the allure of horseflesh and adventure is contrasted with the grim reality of violence and moral decay.

• The Toss of a Coin

  The setting in the remote bush, the use of hidden camps, and the camaraderie among outlaws highlight the allure and danger of the outlaw life.

• XII

  The contrast between the freedom of the bush and the dangers of the city is evident as the brothers enjoy Adelaide's novelties while feeling trapped by the threat of arrest.

• XIX

  The escape and the promise of freedom in the bush contrast with the tomb-like prison, celebrating the outlaw's connection to the land.

• XX

  The night ride through the bush, navigating by stars and evading police, epitomizes the freedom and danger of the outlaw existence.

• Homecoming and Resolve

  Starlight embraces a short, merry life as an outlaw, and the family prepares to flee to the Hollow, a hidden refuge.

• XXII

  The Hollow is depicted as a natural fortress and refuge for the outlaws, emphasizing their separation from society.

• The Ballabri Bank Robbery

  The Hollow serves as an impenetrable hideout, symbolizing the freedom and safety of the bush for outlaws, while the gang debates the risks of leaving their familiar territory.

• XXVIII

  The Hollow provides a refuge but also breeds restlessness; the outlaws balance hiding with forays into town life.

• XXXIII

  The bush serves as both a refuge and a site of ambush; Billy the Boy exemplifies the bush telegraph network.

• XXXV

  The gang's restless idleness in the Hollow and the planning of the gold escort robbery highlight the precarious, lawless existence of bushrangers.

• XXXVI

  The chapter vividly depicts the gang's bush hideout, horse culture, and the planning of a major robbery, central to the outlaw experience.

• XXXVII

  The gang's confinement in the Hollow and their reliance on remote stations and hidden caches illustrate the harsh realities of outlaw existence in the Australian bush.

• XXXVIII

  The chapter details the bushrangers' mobility, use of the landscape, and the constant threat of betrayal or capture.

• Chapter XL

  The chapter emphasizes the dangers and strategies of bush life, including tracking, ambushes, and the constant threat of capture.

• Chapter XLIV

  Describes the widespread bushranging, robberies, and the cat-and-mouse game with police across the countryside.

• XLVI

  Dick and Starlight navigate the Turon races under disguise, blending into society while planning illicit activities.

• XLVIII

  The gang's hideout at the Hollow and their reliance on bush resources (hay, stabling) underscore their outlaw existence.

• LI

  The chapter centers on bushranging activities, including the planned rendezvous at the Black Stump and the attempted robbery of a traveler.

• LIII

  The Hollow serves as a hideout and base for dividing spoils and planning escape, highlighting the precarious existence of bushrangers.

• LIV

  The chapter centers on the fugitive existence of the Marstons, their escape through the bush, and the constant danger of exposure.