The Dog
The bushmen's dog is described as a "foolish, four-footed mate," which alludes to the close bond that the men share with the dog. The dog is shown to be idiotic, silly, and aloof. Though the description is largely condescending, there is still a sense of affection communicated about the importance of the dog.
The Yellow Mongrel
The cattle-dog is portrayed in stark juxtaposition to the bushmen's dog. The mongrel is "vicious," "fighting," and "thieving" and nurses "his nastiness" under the kitchen. The description of the mongrel also marks a notable shift in the tone of the story: the bushmen running from their dog because of the explosive in his mouth was presented comically. However, the imagery that accompanies the mongrel's introduction is grave and serious.
The Creek
The site of the mining, the creek, is tranquil and appears to be an easy target of exploitation and domination. It is full of life: "there was plenty of fish... fresh-water bream, cod, cat-fish, and tailers." The creek is also "low, just a chain of muddy water-holes" with an "average depth of six or seven feet." There is nothing formidable about the creek. It is utterly defenseless. If it is to be saved, its savior would not be a function of its own qualities. It needs a stroke of good luck - which comes in the form of the ignorance and playfulness of the dog.
The Cartridge
The author presents the explosives and the process needed to successfully blow up the fish in the creek with intricacy. The inner skin of the cartridge is "stout calico," and Andy sticks the end of a "six-foot piece of fuse well down in the powder" and then "binds the mouth of the bag firmly to it with whipcord." The scientific niceties are given in such detail that the author almost loses the reader in all the technicalities.
