# In the Buffalo Camp explained — An Outback Marriage

> Chapter companion for An Outback Marriage by Banjo Paterson.

## What happens

Hugh Gordon enlists Tommy Prince to guide him to Reeves's buffalo camp in search of Considine (Keogh). After a journey through the wilderness, they find Considine with buffalo shooters. Hugh confronts Considine about his marriage to Peggy Donohoe, but Considine refuses to cooperate, burns the summons, and declares he would rather go to prison than be tied to Peggy again.

## Themes in this chapter

### Survival and Resilience

Considine chooses a harsh life with buffalo shooters over returning to a legal entanglement with Peggy, highlighting resilience in the face of adversity.

### Justice and Legal Corruption

Considine's burning of the summons and defiance of legal authority underscore the theme of justice being undermined by personal vendettas and corruption.

### Deception and Fraud

Considine's denial of his marriage and the earlier forgery of the marriage certificate reflect ongoing deception surrounding Peggy's claim.

## Character check-ins

### Hugh Gordon

Travels to the buffalo camp to find Considine and persuade him to testify about his marriage to Peggy Donohoe.

### Tommy Prince

Serves as Hugh's guide to the buffalo camp, organizing the expedition with bushcraft and resourcefulness.

### Patrick Henry Considine

Found at the buffalo camp; refuses to acknowledge his marriage to Peggy Donohoe or give evidence, burning the summons.

### Peggy Donohoe

Referenced as the woman Considine married; Considine vehemently avoids any connection to her.

## Key lines

> You’re just the man I was looking for... I want to get out to Reeves’s buffalo camp, and I hear you’re the only man who knows that country at all.

Hugh tells Tommy Prince he is exactly the person he needs to guide him to Reeves's buffalo camp.

_Hugh enlists Tommy Prince as his guide._

> Well, if that’s what you come for, Mister... you’ve come on a wild goose chase. I never knew no Peggy Donohoe in my life.

Considine denies knowing Peggy Donohoe, claiming his wife was a woman named Smith.

_Considine refuses to acknowledge his marriage to Peggy._

> I’d sooner do a five-stretch than take Peggy back again.

Considine would rather serve five years in prison than be reunited with Peggy.

_Considine's strong aversion to Peggy._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/an_outback_marriage_se/chapters/xxv-in-the-buffalo-camp
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/an_outback_marriage_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/an_outback_marriage_se/chapters