Page 123 of Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt

‘Thank you,’ I said, trying to extend my arm to shakeErnie’s hand. ‘Ouch,’ I said, as a jolt of pain seared through my joint.

‘Try not to move too much, sir. We’ve informed Mr Mackenzie in Adelaide, and he’s assured us that the finest doctors are on their way to you and the other men. But until then, well... Michael’s had an idea.’ He gestured to the foreman stood by the door.

Michael cleared his throat. ‘Would you be open to seeing a member of the Ngangkari?’

‘Ngangkari?’ I asked.

‘An Aboriginal healer, sir. I’ve heard of their presence in a village a few miles away. The doctors from Adelaide will be a few days, but one of the Ngangkari could be here later this afternoon.’

I managed a nod. ‘Anything for the pain in my chest.’

Michael looked relieved. ‘Don’t you worry, Mr Tanit. I’ll be back later on with help. You’re a very brave man.’ He ran out of the shack door.

‘Is he awake?’ asked a voice from outside.

‘Hang on, Mr Tanit,’ said Ernie, standing up to investigate. I heard some conversational mumbling, and he returned. ‘I know you’ve only just woken up, sir, but you’ve got a very keen visitor outside, who wants to make sure you’re all right.’

‘Who is it?’ I asked.

‘Jimmy, sir. He wants to thank you.’

‘Please, send him in.’ Ernie left and was replaced by a fresh-faced individual who looked no older than a boy. He entered with a limp, and removed his sun hat, holding it humbly in front of his stomach. ‘Jimmy,’ I said. ‘How are you?’

‘I am alive, sir. And it is because of you and you alone. The other men have told me that you stayed down there to dig me out, and carried me up on your back. I owe you everything.’ He looked down at the floor.

‘You all work for me, which means your safety is my responsibility. I was just doing my job.’ The young man shuffled uncomfortably. ‘Is everything all right?’

‘Yes, sir.’ He turned around to look at the door. ‘I just have something to return to you.’

‘What do you mean?’ I asked. Jimmy tentatively put a hand in his pocket, and took out a familiar object. I couldn’t help but laugh, which sent an excruciating pain through my chest. ‘Ouch,’ I mumbled. ‘Well, I didn’t think I’d be seeing that again, Jimmy. Do you know what it is?’ After all, the diamond was still covered in glue and boot polish.

‘Yes, sir. I used to work the diamond mines of Canada when I was a boy. I could spot one anywhere. But’ – he shook his head – ‘I’ve never seen anything like this before.’

‘No, I can’t imagine you have.’ I tried to sit up a little on the pile of clothes. ‘How on earth did you end up with it? I readily kissed goodbye to it down there.’

‘I saw you take something out of a pouch from over your head. Then, when you hit the beam with the pickaxe, it literally dropped onto my chest, sir. I held on to it for you.’ He approached my bedside. ‘Here.’ He placed the diamond in my hands.

I stared at it for a few moments. ‘I thought that the last act of its existence in my possession would be to save a life. But here it is. Back once more.’ I rotated it in my hands, then looked up at Jimmy. ‘Why didn’t you keep it? It could have taken you away from all this. You could have gone anywhere you wanted, done anything with your life... And yet you’ve chosen to return it to me.’

Jimmy shook his head ferociously. ‘I wouldn’t dream of it, sir. It’s not mine.’

‘Well,’ I said, ‘thank you for giving it back to me.’

He looked at me timidly. ‘I could ask you the same question, sir.’

‘I’m sorry?’

‘You said it yourself. With a gem like that, you could be whoever you wanted to be. But instead, you’re here with us, a pile of broken men in the desert. You nearly died today. Why don’t you sell it and start a new life?’

I reflected on how strange the concept must be for this young man. ‘You said, “it’s not mine,” didn’t you, Jimmy?’ The young man nodded. ‘Well,’ I replied. ‘I would give the same response. Thank you again for returning it.’ Jimmy turned to leave the shack. ‘Jimmy?’ I called out. ‘There’s no need to tell any of the others about this, if you don’t mind.’

‘About what, sir?’ Jimmy replied. I gave him a nod, and he limped out.

I stared at the diamond. ‘Even when I tried to get rid of you, you came back. Have you not served your purpose?’ I delicately moved the stone into my pocket. Then I closed my eyes and slept.

I was awoken by Michael. ‘Mr Tanit? A member of the Ngangkari is here.’ I rubbed my eyes, and next to Michael stood a tall man in a skirt made of long, dry grass, and a body painted with striking, colourful patterns. He stared down at me, and gave me a wave.

I returned the greeting. ‘Hello. Thank you for coming.’