A pile of logs were heaped up in one corner, and these had to be cut up into sizes and lengths suitable for the fire.

At one end a space was roughly partitioned off, and this was filled with groceries, flour, and cases of wine and spirits which had been taken from waggons going up country.
In the stable were several sacks of oats; and a barrel filled with water, which was drawn from a spring, a short distance from the hut.

The first time Jim went into the stable the captain accompanied him, and soon saw, by the black's handling of the horses, that his account was so far accurate, and that he was thoroughly accustomed to stable work.
The cooking was also handed over to him, and the gang passed their time in sleeping, drinking, playing cards, and discussing plans of robbery.

For the first few days a sharp watch was kept up on the black, and the men went out themselves to chop wood, or bring in water when it was required.

After a few days, however, they relaxed their vigilance, and Jim gradually took these tasks also upon himself.
He was perfectly aware, although he pretended to be unconscious of it, that the first few times he went out one or other of the bush rangers stole quietly after him, and watched him at work; but as nothing suspicious was observed in his conduct, this supervision was gradually given up.
"It's time to be moving again," the leader of the band said, about a week after Jim had joined them.