John Schumann And The Vagabond Crew - Taking His Chance lyrics

They stood by the door of the Inn on the Rise; May Carney looked up in the bushranger's eyes: `Oh! why did you come? -- it was mad of you, Jack; You know that the troopers are out on your track.' A laugh and a shake of his obstinate head -- `I wanted a dance, and I'll chance it,' he said. At midnight -- the dancers stood suddenly still, For hoofs had been heard on the side of the hill! Ben Duggan, the drover, along the hillside Came riding as only a bushman can ride. He sprang from his horse, to the shanty he sped -- `The troopers are down in the gully!' he said. Quite close to the homestead the troopers were seen. `Clear out and ride hard for the ranges, Jack Dean! Be quick!' said May Carney -- her hand on her heart -- `We'll bluff them awhile, and 'twill give you a start.' He lingered a moment -- to kiss her, of course -- Then ran to the trees where he'd hobbled his horse. They chased, and they shouted, `Surrender, Jack Dean!' They called him three times in the name of the Queen. Then came from the darkness the clicking of locks; The crack of the rifles was heard in the rocks! A shriek and a shout, and a rush of pale men -- And there lay the bushranger, chancing it then. The sergeant dismounted and knelt on the sod -- `Your bushranging's over -- make peace, Jack, with God!' The bushranger laughed -- not a word he replied, But turned to the girl who knelt down by his side. He gazed in her eyes as she lifted his head: `Just kiss me -- my girl -- and -- I'll -- chance it,' he said.