Pat Ritter. Books

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'The Bush Detective' - Page 68:

Allan awoke with a sudden jolt when the horses stopped. Sitting upright, pushing his hat onto the crown of his head. ‘Where are we?’ Allan asked Ned.
‘Our first stop, Barringun. Just crossed the border into New South Wales.’ Ned tied the reins to the coach stepped down called to everyone to have a break whilst other horses replace the present ones.
Allan followed other passengers into the Stagecoach Inn whilst Ned took care of the horses. Refreshments of tea, coffee and sandwiches served for the passengers of the stagecoach. Afterwards Ned joined his passengers to enjoy refreshments before their departure.
‘Roads good.’ Allan said to Ned after they left Barringun heading toward Bourke.
‘Should be. Travelled more often than any other roads around these parts. Wait until you head to Thargomindah. Takes about five to six days to travel similar distance from Cunnamulla to Bourke.’ Ned finished.
‘How long have you been driving for Cobb & Co.?’ Allan asked.
‘Too long to remember. I commenced when they started out here in the west. Been driving ever since’. Ned explained.
‘I asked the Manager at Cunnamulla office about you.’ Allan said raising his voice above the wind blowing in his face.
‘Thought you might. What did he tell you?’ Ned questioned.
‘Said you were the best Cobb & Co stagecoach driver they’ve ever had.’ Allan replied. Ned’s silence told Allan he’d needn’t have praised Ned. ‘What I mean to say is we’re lucky to have you as our coach driver.’ Allan finished.
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'The Bush Detective' - Page 69:

‘You’re lucky we’re not driving to Thargomindah. Takes between five to six days driving. Rough roads. Dry gullies.’ Ned muttered.
‘I bet you have many stories to tell about your time with Cobb & Co?’ Allan asked.
‘You’re right. Been no bed of roses. Horses bolting; drunken men fighting; contending with wild animals plus many hazards along the way.’ Ned commented concentrating on his driving. Thoughts floated through his mind of the stories about his exploits.
‘No wonder you’re a storyteller. To entertain the passengers.’ Allan said.
‘I’ll tell you a funny story. About a month ago I drove the coach to Thargomindah. Inside filled with passengers. A Chinese man wanted a lift. Only place he sat on top of the coach with the luggage. Somewhere between Cunnamulla and Suicide Creek the coach negotiated a bend on the road where many River Red Gums overhung. The Chinese man was swept off into the fork of a tree.’ Ned ed.
‘What happened.’ Allan asked. Intrigued.
‘The road to Thargomindah wasn’t a good road thus would take four to five days. We arrived at Thargomindah. I discovered a missing passenger four days later.’ Ned stated. ‘A search party of Police and black trackers set out to find the Chinese man.’
Allan interrupted, ‘Did they find him?’ Allan asked. Anxious to find an answer.
‘The Chinese man was found in the fork of a tree. Kept his sanity by talking to the birds and trees. The remainder of his trip on the back of the Constable’s horse, a memory he would never forget.’ Ned ed at the thought of the Chinese man stuck in the fork of a tree for four days.
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'The Bush Detective' - Page 70:

‘That’s a great story Ned.’ Allan smiled.
‘Plenty more from where they come from. What about you. Why are you going to Glen Innis?’ Ned questioned.
‘Do you remember Shearers Strike of 1894?’ Allan asked.
Ned thought for a moment. ‘You mean ‘The Great Shearers Strike of 1891’, don’t you? Wasn’t much of a strike in 94 if my memory serves me correct. What happened?’ Ned asked.
‘Do you remember Coongoola Woolshed burning down?’ Allan asked.
‘Sure do. News everywhere. Didn’t William Riley go to court for burning the woolshed to the ground. If my memory serves me better; he also murdered a man around the same time.’ Ned replied.
‘You’re right on both counts. Riley was released on insufficient evidence at the time, then disappeared. The man Riley murdered. A fellow named Martyr. They never found his remains.’ Allan explained.
‘Why are you going to Glenn Innis?’ Ned asked.
‘Riley is being held at Glenn Innis to appear before the court on September 30. I want to be present on his release to arrest him for the murder of Martyr and arson of the woolshed.’ Allan explained.
‘You don’t have much time. If everything goes to plan; we should arrive at Glenn Innis two days before the court appearance.’ Ned said.
‘Which is great. Plenty of time. Will you be driving the coach back to Cunnamulla?’ Allan asked.
‘Sure will. You’ll need to sit with your prisoner inside the coach. Can’t have him up here with us. Against company rules.’ Ned explained.
‘Have you any idea how many passengers will be on our return trip to Cunnamulla?’ Allan asked.
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'The Bush Detective' - Page 71:

‘Not at this time. I’ll have a better idea before we leave Glen Innis. Couldn’t imagine too many travelling to Cunnamulla, only yourself and your prisoner.’ Ned added.
Ned entertained Allan with more stories until they arrived at Bourke to remain over-night.
‘Where are we staying tonight?’ Allan asked.
‘At Carrier’s Arms which is also the booking office for Cobb & Co. Sam Doughty’s Livery Stable is next door to house the horses.’ Ned pulled his team in front of Carrier’s Arms. ‘This is where we stay tonight.’ Ned called to his passengers who alighted from the coach.
Once each passenger alighted from the coach, selected their luggage; they were met by the publican of Carrier’s Arms who welcomed everyone. Each shown to their accommodation. Allan provided with a small room with a single bed. A wash basin beside his bed. After settled into their accommodation each passenger gathered at the dining room for their meal.
Allan enjoyed this country hospitality; guests muttering to themselves about their trip. Allan enjoyed a hearty meal of corn meat; gravy plus vegetables. A mug of tea to finish off the meal. Bread and butter pudding filled his stomach. He retired early so he would awake early to continue his trip to Byrock.
‘Good morning Ned.’ Allan called when Ned entered the dining room for breakfast.
‘Did you sleep well?’ Ned answered sitting next to Allan at the table.
‘Like a baby. Knocked me about yesterday. Never rode on a coach before.’ Allan muttered between eating his breakfast.
‘After the years I’ve been doing this job. I’ll never be used to the roads, animals. Only people keep me going. I love company plus stories of different passengers.’ Ned finished.
‘How many stops do we have today?’ Allan asked.
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'The Bush Detective' - Page 72:
Ned thought for a moment. ‘The Dry Lake Hotel. You’ll love the place. We change horses. Then Enngonia for another stop to change horses. Different country today. You’ll love this country. Dry and hot.’ Ned ed. ‘We better be started otherwise we won’t reach Byrock by dark.’ Ned rose to leave the dining room.
True to his word Ned continued his stories throughout their journey to their next stop. After changing horses’, they continued; remaining overnight to again travel onto their next destination. After listening to Ned’s stories about Cobb & Co commenced business in 1853 by American Freeman Cobb and his partner. Cobb & Co horses were changed at stages every 10-15 miles along a stagecoach ‘line’ often at inns or hotels also to cater for the needs of drivers and passengers.
‘You’re lucky you weren’t travelling with us when we commenced. Around Bathurst where we’re staying tonight.’ Ned told Allan.
‘Why is that?’ Allan asked. Since Ned started telling Allan his stories Allan couldn’t have a word. His brain became bruised with Ned’s continuous talking.
‘Seven months after the company established itself in Bathurst nine coaches were attacked by Bushrangers. Captain Thunderbolt?’ Ned asked.
‘He hasn’t been around for three decades.’ Allan answered.
‘That’s right.’ Ned smiled. ‘We needed worrying about being held up with having ‘The Bush Detective’ aboard.’ Ned smiled.
Allan sat in silence pleased by the fact, highly unlikely to be held up by Bushrangers today of travel by Cobb & Co.
They stopped the night at Bathurst. Early next morning Ned told Allan they were on the final leg of their journey to Glen Innis. Allan thought about what he needed to do when they reached Glen Innis.
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'The Bush Detective' - Page 73:

To Allan’s surprise after they arrived at Glen Innis; he visited the local Police Station to find William Riley in custody to appear before the court the following day. Riley charged with being of an insane mind. What action would Allan now take to arrest Riley for murder and arson?
Early next morning William Riley appeared at Police Court charged with being of insane mind. After hearing medical evidence Riley was discharged. On leaving court Allan approached Riley. ‘Are you William Riley?’ Allan asked.
‘Yes. I am.’ Riley answered.
‘I’m Detective Allan Honor from Queensland Police. I’m arresting you for wilfully setting fire to Coongoola woolshed at Cunnamulla, Queensland in August 1894. I have an arrest warrant in my possession. I arrest you by virtue of this warrant.’ Allan read the words of the warrant to Riley who bowed his head.
‘I’ve been waiting a long time for you to turn up to arrest me.’ Riley submitted bowed his head.
‘You will be in my custody until Cunnamulla for your appearance to answer the charge of arson.’ Allan handcuffed Riley returned him to the Police Station.
Breaking daylight the following morning Allan returned to the Police Station Glen Innis to retrieve his prisoner. Ned waited outside for his two passengers being the only passengers on his return to Cunnamulla.
Allan couldn’t wait to arrive in Cunnamulla. He missed Lynne more than he ever thought possible. Riding inside the stagecoach, Riley handcuffed to the seat Allan pulled his hat down to sleep. His body weary from travel.
‘I won’t escape Detective Honor. I’m pleased you caught me.’ Riley stated. ‘I’ve waited a long time.’
Silence fell between both prisoner and detective on their return trip from Glen Innis to Cunnamulla. Silence is golden thought Allan pleased when the stagecoach pulled up outside Cunnamulla Police Station. Great to be home again. Thanking Ned for his companionship along the journey Allan escorted Riley to the front desk at Cunnamulla Police Station. Riley formerly charged with arson. After being placed in the cells Allan ran to the hotel. Their cries of joy to again be in one another’s arms. Lynne almost choking with emotion to again have Allan home.
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'The Bush Detective' - Page 74:

Chapter 10

Allan realised his love for Lynne when they shared one another’s company the night on his return. Lynne kept Allan up to date with their wedding arrangements. Sergeant Gray told Lynne a report gave approval for them to marry. Exhausted from his trip; mental fatigue, Allan didn’t want to leave Lynne’s side. They fell asleep in one another’s arms on the veranda of the hotel in the same chair they spent their very first night together.
Alec prepared a delicious breakfast before Lynne left for work. Allan prepared his questioning for Riley on Martyr’s murder. They each would enjoy their company after work. Allan considered this moment. His investigative mind told him he had the advantage to this investigation because; on their return from Glen Innis to Cunnamulla, silence between Riley and Allan non-existent. A couple of years before, Allan assisted a detective with a serious investigation. This detective far more experienced than Allan told him not to speak with the suspect whilst they transported him to the police station for questioning.
By the time they arrived at the police station; the suspect couldn’t hold inside any more information. ‘Sang like a bird’ about what he did. Silence is golden. Reason behind this piece of detective craftsmanship: the suspect didn’t have any idea what the police had also by keeping silent caused the suspect to think the police had more evidence about what was committed than he did himself. Walking to the Police Station Allan’s mind worked overtime on his questioning of Riley. He needed to be clever about his line of questioning. For two reasons. One. This act happened thirteen years before. Two. Much water had flowed beneath the bridge of life since the murder.
After conferring with Sergeant Gray of his intention Allan walked to the cell which held Riley. Allan unlocked the cell door. Riley rose from the stretcher where he lay. ‘Detective Honor. I want to tell you about a murder I committed.’ Riley expressed.
‘Are you referring to a man named Martyr?’ Allan asked.
‘Yes,’ Riley replied solemnly.
Before Allan proceeded with his line of questioning; he gave Riley an official warning: Riley didn’t need to say anything because whatever he said would be taken down in writing given in a court of law. Riley understood this official warning and wanted to tell Detective Honor everything about what he did. Riley admitted setting fire to Coongoola Woolshed in 1894. ‘Young Rollie Cole, a lad, went and fetched kerosene to light the fire. He never understood what I was going to do with the kerosene. My reason for setting fire to the woolshed because my bosses treated me like a dog.’ Riley admitted. ‘I wanted payback’.
‘You were tried at Cunnamulla and discharged.’ Allan said.
‘Yes. Wasn’t enough evidence to convict me of either crime. Now I want to tell you everything I did.’ Riley pleaded.
Riley told his story of intentional burning down Coongoola Woolshed using kerosene because his bosses talked to him like a dog. After setting fire to the woolshed he walked along a fence on White’s property. After lighting a fire near the fence Martyr followed him from the woolshed.
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