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diff --git a/16050.txt b/16050.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..115f8fe --- /dev/null +++ b/16050.txt @@ -0,0 +1,35477 @@ +The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Gold Hunter's Adventures, by William H. +Thomes, Illustrated by Champney + + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + + + + +Title: The Gold Hunter's Adventures + Or, Life in Australia + + +Author: William H. Thomes + +Illustrator: Champney + + + +Release Date: June 13, 2005 [eBook #16050] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII) + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GOLD HUNTER'S ADVENTURES*** + + +E-text prepared by Marilynda Fraser-Cunliffe, Josephine Paolucci, and the +Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team +(https://www.pgdp.net) + + + +Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this + file which includes the original illustrations. + See 16050-h.htm or 16050-h.zip: + (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/6/0/5/16050/16050-h/16050-h.htm) + or + (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/6/0/5/16050/16050-h.zip) + + + + + +THE GOLD HUNTER'S ADVENTURES + +Or, Life in Australia + +by + +WILLIAM H. THOMES +A Returned Australian + +Illustrated by Champney + +BOSTON: +LEE AND SHEPARD, PUBLISHERS. +NEW YORK: +CHARLES T. DILLINGHAM. + + + + + + + +[Illustration] + + + + +CONTENTS. + + + INTRODUCTION + + CHAPTER I. + FIRST THOUGHTS OF GOING TO AUSTRALIA.--DEPARTURE FROM CALIFORNIA.--LIFE + ON BOARD SHIP.--ARRIVAL AT WILLIAMS + TOWN.--DESCRIPTION OF MELBOURNE.--A CONVICT'S HUT. + + CHAPTER II. + A MORNING IN AUSTRALIA.--JOURNEY TO THE MINES OF BALLARAT.--THE + CONVICT'S STORY.--BLACK DARNLEY, THE BUSHRANGER. + + CHAPTER III. + TRAVELLING IN AUSTRALIA.--AN ADVENTURE WITH SNAKES.--CARRYING + THE MAILS. + + CHAPTER IV. + EATING BROILED KANGAROO MEAT.--AUSTRALIAN SPEAKS AND + AMERICAN RIFLES. + + CHAPTER V. + THE SOLITARY STOCKMAN.--SHOOTING A KANGAROO. + + CHAPTER VI. + ADVENTURE WITH A DOG.--THE MURDER IN THE RAVINE.--STORY + OF AN OUTRAGED WOMAN. + + CHAPTER VII. + BLACK DARNLEY'S VILLANY.--THE CONVICT STOCKMAN. + + CHAPTER VIII. + AN EXPEDITION.--A FIGHT WITH BUSHRANGERS.--DEATH OF BLACK + DARNLEY. + + CHAPTER IX. + THE STOCKMAN'S DAUGHTER.--MOUNTED POLICE OF MELBOURNE. + + CHAPTER X. + DESPERATE DEEDS OF TWO CONVICTS.--LIEUT. MURDEN'S STORY. + + CHAPTER XI. + SAGACITY OF A DOG.--A NIGHT'S ADVENTURES. + + CHAPTER XII. + DISCOVERY OF A MASONIC RING.--FUNERAL PYRE OF BLACK DARNLEY. + + CHAPTER XIII. + THE STOCKMAN AND HIS PARROT.--DARING PLOT OF A ROBBER CHIEFTAIN. + + CHAPTER XIV. + DISCOVERY OF STOLEN TREASURES IN THE STOCKMANS'S CELLAR. + + CHAPTER XV. + DYING CONFESSION OF JIM GULPIN, THE ROBBER. + + CHAPTER XVI. + A FORCED MARCH TOWARDS MELBOURNE. + + CHAPTER XVII. + TRIUMPHAL ENTRY INTO MELBOURNE. + + CHAPTER XVIII. + LARGE FIRE IN MELBOURNE.--ENGLISH MACHINES AT FAULT. + + CHAPTER XIX. + PARDON OF SMITH AND THE OLD STOCKMAN.--GRAND DINNER AT + THE GOVERNOR'S. + + CHAPTER XX. + DUEL BETWEEN FRED AND AN ENGLISH LIEUTENANT. + + CHAPTER XXI. + PREPARATIONS FOR THE SEARCH FOR GULPIN'S BURIED TREASURES. + + CHAPTER XXII. + DEPARTURE FROM MELBOURNE.--FIGHT WITH THE NATIVES. + + CHAPTER XXIII. + ARRIVAL AT THE OLD STOCKMAN'S HUT.--MYSTERIOUS INTERRUPTIONS DURING THE + HUNT. + + CHAPTER XXIV. + ROBBERY OF THE CART.--CAPTURE OF STEEL SPRING. + + CHAPTER XXV. + STEEL SPRING'S HISTORY. + + CHAPTER XXVI. + FINDING OF THE TREASURE. + + CHAPTER XXVII. + CAPTURE OF ALL HANDS, BY THE BUSHRANGERS. + + CHAPTER XXVIII. + OPPORTUNE ARRIVAL OF LIEUTENANT MURDEN AND HIS FORCE.--ROUT OF THE + BUSHRANGERS. + + CHAPTER XXIX. + REVENGE OF THE BUSHRANGERS.--FIRING OF THE FOREST. + + CHAPTER XXX. + PERILOUS SITUATION DURING THE FIRE.--STEEL SPRING TURNS + UP. + + CHAPTER XXXI. + CAPTURE OF THE BUSHRANGERS, AND DEATH OF NOSEY. + + CHAPTER XXXII. + RETURN TO THE STOCKMAN'S HUT.--SMITH IN LOVE. + + CHAPTER XXXIII. + RECOVERY OF THE GOLD.--ARRIVAL AT BALLARAT. + + CHAPTER XXXIV. + THE BULLY OF BALLARAT.--FRED FIGHTS A DUEL. + + CHAPTER XXXV. + BALLARAT CUSTOMS, AFTER A DUEL. + + CHAPTER XXXVI. + ARRIVAL AT BALLARAT.--MR. BROWN'S STORY. + + CHAPTER XXXVII. + FINDING OF A 110 LB. NUGGET.--CAVING IN OF A MINE. + + CHAPTER XXXVIII. + INCIDENTS IN LIFE AT BALLARAT. + + CHAPTER XXXIX. + ATTEMPT OF THE HOUSEBREAKER.--ATTACK BY THE SNAKE. + + CHAPTER XL. + DEATH OF THE BURGLAR BY THE SNAKE. + + CHAPTER XLI. + VISIT TO SNAKES' PARADISE. + + CHAPTER XLII. + FLIGHT FROM THE SNAKES.--ATTACKED BY THE BUSHRANGERS. + + CHAPTER XLIII. + TRIUMPHANT ENTRY INTO BALLARAT, WITH THE BUSHRANGERS. + + CHAPTER XLIV. + THRASHING A BULLY. + + CHAPTER XLV. + A YOUNG GIRL'S ADVENTURES IN SEARCH OF HER LOVER. + + CHAPTER XLVI. + A MARRIAGE, AND AN ELOPEMENT. + + CHAPTER XLVII. + COLLECTING TAXES OF THE MINERS. + + CHAPTER XLVIII. + MURDEN AND STEEL SPRING ARRIVE FROM MELBOURNE. + + CHAPTER XLIX. + CATCHING A TARL AS WELL AS A CASSIOWARY. + + CHAPTER L. + ARRIVAL OF SMITH.--ATTEMPT TO BURN THE STORE. + + CHAPTER LI. + ATTEMPT TO BURN THE STORE. + + CHAPTER LII. + THE ATTEMPT TO MURDER MR. CRITCHET. + + CHAPTER LIII. + OPPORTUNE ARRIVAL OF MR. BROWN.--THEY SEND FOR STEEL SPRING. + + CHAPTER LIV. + THE WAY THE COLONISTS OBTAIN WIVES IN AUSTRALIA. + + CHAPTER LV. + ADVENTURES AT DAN BRIAN'S DRINKING-HOUSE. + + CHAPTER LVI. + ADVENTURES CONTINUED. + + CHAPTER LVII. + MORE OF THE SAME SORT. + + CHAPTER LVIII. + CONVALESCENCE OF MR. CRITCHET, AND OUR DISCHARGE FROM THE + CRIMINAL DOCKET. + + CHAPTER LIX. + OUR TEAMSTER BARNEY, AND HIS WIFE. + + CHAPTER LX. + MIKE FINDS THE LARGE "NUGGET." + + CHAPTER LXI. + THE RESULT OF GROWING RICH TOO RAPIDLY. + + CHAPTER LXII. + THE FLOUR SPECULATION.--MR. CRITCHET'S STORY. + + CHAPTER LXIII. + THE SAME, CONTINUED. + + CHAPTER LXIV. + MR. BROWN'S DISCHARGE FROM THE POLICE FORCE.--BILL SWINTON'S + CONFESSION. + + CHAPTER LXV. + THE EXPEDITION AFTER BILL SWINTON'S BURIED TREASURES. + + CHAPTER LXVI. + JOURNEY AFTER THE BURIED TREASURE. + + CHAPTER LXVII. + THE HUNT FOR THE BURIED TREASURE. + + CHAPTER LXVIII. + THE ISLAND GHOST.--NARROW ESCAPE OF MR. BROWN. + + CHAPTER LXIX. + CAPTURE OF THE GHOST. + + CHAPTER LXX. + THE GHOST AND THE BUSHRANGERS. + + CHAPTER LXXI. + SAM TYRELL AND THE GHOST. + + CHAPTER LXXII. + FINDING THE BURIED TREASURE. + + CHAPTER LXXIII. + THE ESCAPE FROM THE FIRE. + + CHAPTER LXXIV. + ARRIVAL AT MR. WRIGHT'S STATION. + + CHAPTER LXXV. + SUPPER.--RETURN OF MR. WRIGHT'S SCOUTS. + + CHAPTER LXXVI. + MIKE TUMBLES INTO THE RIVER.--ARRIVAL OF THE BUSHRANGERS. + + CHAPTER LXXVII. + CAPTURE OF THE BUSHRANGERS. + + CHAPTER LXXVIII. + PUNISHING THE BULLY. + + CHAPTER LXXIX. + MR. WRIGHT'S FARM.--DEATH OF KELLY. + + CHAPTER LXXX. + JOURNEY BACK TO BALLARAT. + + CHAPTER LXXXI. + STEEL SPRING IN THE FIELD.--ATTEMPT OF THE COMMISSIONER TO + CONFISCATE OUR HORSES. + + CHAPTER LXXXII. + SAME CONTINUED.--DEATH OF ROSS. + + CHAPTER LXXXIII. + ARREST OF FRED.--TRIP TO MELBOURNE, AND ITS RESULTS. + + + + +INTRODUCTION. + + +Since my return from Australia, I have been solicited by a number of +friends to give them a history of my adventures in that land of gold, +where kangaroos are supposed to be as plenty as natives, and jump ten +times as far, and where natives are imagined to be continually lying in +ambush for the purpose of making a hearty meal upon the bodies of those +unfortunate travellers who venture far into the interior of the +country--where bushrangers are continually hanging about camp fires, +ready to cut the weasands of those who close their eyes for a +moment--and lastly, where every other man that you meet is expected to +be a convict, transported from the mother country for such petty crimes +as forgery, house-breaking, and manslaughter in the second degree. + +My friends have all desired to hear me relate these particulars, and +have honored me with a large attendance at my rooms, and sat late at +night, and drank my wine and water, and smoked my cigars, with a relish +that did me great credit, as it showed that I am something of a +connoisseur in the choice of such luxuries. And then they laughed so +loudly at my jokes, no matter how poor they were, that, for a few days +after my arrival home, I really thought the air of Australia had +improved and sharpened my wit. + +I should, no doubt, have continued feasting those who listened so +patiently to my yarns, had not a sudden idea entered my head, one night, +when the company were the most boisterous. I was in the act of raising a +glass of wine to my mouth, when it occurred to me that before I left +this country for Australia, via California, scarcely one of those +present had assembled on the dock to bid me farewell. + +I placed the untasted wine upon the table again, lighted a cigar, and +was soon buried in smoke and reflection. I thought of the time when I +had not money enough to pay my passage to the Golden State--of the +exertions I had made to raise the amount necessary, and the many +refusals that I had met with at the hands of those who now professed to +be my friends. + +I blew aside the smoke that enveloped my head, and fixed my eyes upon +one red-faced cousin, who owned bank shares, and bought stocks when low, +and sold them when a rise had taken place. He had laughed at me for my +impertinence in supposing that he could loan me money, and now he was +seated at my table, chuckling at my jokes, and swearing, while he helped +himself to liquor, that I was the best fellow alive, and that there was +nothing but what he would do for me. + +Could it be possible that the possession of fifty or sixty thousand +dollars had wrought such a change? I was forced to believe it, and I +grew sad at the thought, and no more jokes escaped my lips that night; +but the company remained as late as usual, and declared by a unanimous +vote that they would meet again at the same place the next evening, and +hear further particulars. + +Before sunset the next day I had changed my apartments, and taken +private lodgings with a friend who had visited me but once since my +return, and had then refused to accept of the hospitalities that I was +disposed to offer him. He had lent me money without security--he had +declined taking interest for the same--he had welcomed me on my arrival +as warmly as I expected--he did not ask me how much dust I had brought +back and he never said a word about his wish to be repaid the few +hundred dollars that he had advanced me when I left home to seek my +fortune. When I did offer him the money, and thrust a diamond ring upon +his finger as a token of my esteem, he blushed like a young school girl, +and declared that he didn't deserve it. + +At his house, then, I took up my abode; and while his family treat me +with respect, they possess none of the fawning which characterizes my +other friends. As the latter have frequently expressed their sorrow for +my sudden removal, and their anxiety to know what events befell me in +the mines of Australia, I have come to the conclusion that I would put +them in print; and now those who used to drink my liquor and feast at my +table will learn how I acquired my fortune, and then, if so disposed, +they can follow in my footsteps and gain a competence for themselves. + +This much I have told the reader in confidence, and with the hope that +it will not be repeated, as my red-faced cousin, who every day is to be +seen on 'Change, might be seriously angry if he was suspected of +mercenary motives. With this introduction I will commence my narrative. + + + + +LIFE IN AUSTRALIA; + +OR, + +A GOLD HUNTER'S ADVENTURES. + + + + +CHAPTER I. + +FIRST THOUGHTS OF GOING TO AUSTRALIA.--DEPARTURE FROM CALIFORNIA.--LIFE +ON BOARD SHIP.--ARRIVAL AT WILLIAMS TOWN.--DESCRIPTION OF MELBOURNE.--A +CONVICT'S HUT. + + +It was as hot an afternoon on the banks of the American Fork as ever +poor mortals could be subjected to and still retain sufficient vitality +to draw their breath. Under a small tent, stretched upon their backs, +with shirt collars unbuttoned, boots off, and a most languid expression +upon their faces, were two men--both of them of good size, with a fair +display of muscle, broad-chested, hands hard and blackened with toil, +yet not badly formed; for had they been but covered with neat fitting +gloves, and at an opera, ladies might have thought they were small. + +These two men, one of whom was reading a newspaper, while the other was +trying to take a _siesta_, were Frederick Button, and his faithful +companion, the writer of these adventures, whom we will distinguish by +the name of Jack, as it is both familiar and common, and has the merit +of being short. + +As I was reading the paper, the contents of which interested me, I paid +but little attention to my friend, until I suddenly laid it down, and +said,-- + +"Fred, let's go to Australia." + +"Go to the d----l," he replied, turning on his side, his back towards +me, and uttering a long w-h-e-w, as though he had found it difficult to +catch his breath, it was so hot. + +"We should find it hotter in the regions of his Satanic Majesty than +here; but that is something that concerns you alone, as no doubt you are +fully aware." + +Fred uttered a grunt--he was too warm to laugh, and I again returned to +the charge. + +"Gold mines have been discovered in Australia, and ships are up at San +Francisco for Melbourne. A party of twenty left there last week, and +more are to follow." + +There was no reply, and I continued:-- + +"It is stated in this paper that a man took out a lump of gold weighing +one hundred and twenty pounds, and that he had been but ten days in the +mines when he found it." + +"What?" cried Fred, suddenly sitting up, and wiping the perspiration +from his brow. + +I repeated the statement. + +"It's a d----d lie," cried Fred. + +"Then let's go and prove it so." + +"How's the climate in that part of the world--hot or cold?" + +"About the same as here." + +Fred meditated for a few minutes, lighted his pipe, and smoked on in +silence; and as there was nothing better to do. I joined him. + +"We are not making a fortune here in California, and if we don't do any +thing in Australia, we shall see the country, and that will be worth +something," I said. + +"Then let's go," cried Fred, refilling his pipe; and that very evening +we commenced selling our stock of superfluous articles to our numerous +neighbors, saving nothing but tent, revolvers, rifles, and a few other +articles that would stand us in need when we reached Australia. + +A week from the day that we made up our mind to try what luck there was +in store for us in Australia, we were on board of a clipper ship, and +with some two dozen other steerage passengers (for Fred and myself were +determined to be economical) we were passing through the Golden Gate on +our way to a strange land, where we did not possess a friend or +acquaintance that we knew of. + +"Well," said Fred, as he stood on deck at the close of the day, and saw +the mountains of California recede from view, "it's precious little fun +I've seen in that country; and if our new home is not more exciting, I +shall be like the Irishman who pined away because he couldn't get up a +fight." + +"Don't give yourself any uneasiness on that score," replied the mate, +who chanced to overhear the remark. "I'll warrant that you'll see as +many musses as you'll care to mix in." + +"Then, Australia, thou art my home," cried Fred, with a theatrical wave +of his hand, as though bidding adieu to the Golden State forever. + +Fred was one of the most peaceable men in the world, and never commenced +a quarrel; but when once engaged in a conflict, he was like a lion, and +would as soon think of yielding as the royal beast. + +For nearly fifty days did we roll on the Pacific, amusing ourselves by +playing at "all fours," speculating on the chances of our arrival, and +making small wagers on the day that we should drop anchor; and after we +had all lost and won about an equal amount, we were one morning +overjoyed by the sight of land. Standing boldly in towards a low coast, +with no signs of a harbor, it was not until we were within half a mile +of the shore that we discovered a narrow entrance that opened into +Hobson's Bay; when we dropped anchor opposite to a town consisting of a +dozen or twenty houses, and over one of them floated the flag of +England. + +"Well, Mr. Mate," asked Fred, as the men went aloft to furl sails, "do +you call that densely-populated city Melbourne?" + +"That!" replied the mate, with a look of contempt at the scattered +houses. "That be d----d. That's Williams Town. Melbourne is a fine city, +seven miles from here, and where all the luxuries of life can be +obtained; but tobacco is the dearest one--so be careful of your weed." + +As the officers of the custom house were even then coming on board, we +thanked him for the hint, and put ours out of their reach. + +Williams Town is situated at the mouth of the River Zarra, on Hobson's +Bay, and at one time actually threatened to become a place of +considerable importance; but the water for domestic use was too bad to +be tolerated, and most of those who had settled there were glad to +retrace their steps to Melbourne, where a better sort of article exists. + +"How are the mines? Do they still hold out?" I inquired of one of the +crew of the custom house boat, who was leaning against the rail in a +languid manner, as though he had been overworked for the past six +months. + +"Yes, I s'pose so," he answered; and he spoke as though each word cost +him an immense amount of labor. + +"Then, Fred, we are in luck," I cried, turning to my partner who stood +near at hand. + +"Intend going to the mines?" the man asked, with a sudden show of +interest. + +"Such is our intention," I replied. + +"'Mericans, I suppose," he inquired. + +"Yes." + +"Then don't go if you want to keep the number of your mess," the boatman +said. + +"Why not?" Fred ventured to inquire. + +"'Cos they kill Yankees at the mines. Jim," he continued, turning to a +comrade, "how many 'Mericans were killed week afore last at Ballarat?" + +"O, I don't know," replied the individual referred to. "A dozen or +twenty, I believe. Might have been more or less. I'm not 'ticular within +a man or two." + +"Thank you for your information," cried Fred. "And now one question +more. Can you tell me how many Englishmen were killed by those same +Americans, before they died?" + +This question appeared to astonish the men; for they looked at each +other, and then examined Fred with scrutinizing glances. + +"I guess he'll do," they said, at length; and finding that we were not +to be frightened, they turned their attention to passengers more +credulous, and actually made some of them believe what they said was +true. + +The next morning we hired a boat to take our luggage to the wharf, where +the steamers, which ply between Sydney, Geelong, and Melbourne, stop. +Our traps did not amount to much, as we had no money to spare for +freighting, and when we first stepped upon the soil of Australia, our +worldly possessions consisted of four shirts, do. pants, two pairs of +boots, blankets, tents, &c., the whole weighing just one hundred and +fifty pounds--not a large amount, but sufficient for two men, whose +wants were easily supplied. + +There were a dozen rough, loaferish looking men, whiling away their time +upon the wharf; but as they confined themselves to simply asking a few +questions as to what part of the world we came from, and received +satisfactory answers, they soon lost all interest in us, and began to +speculate what time the steamer would arrive. + +She did not reach the dock until noon; and as we had seen enough of +Williams Town, we readily embarked, and in an hour's time were at +Melbourne, gazing with interest at every thing that met our view. + +The city was full of life and business: heaps of goods were exposed +ready for transportation to the mines, and large, lumbering carts of +English build were crawling slowly through the streets, drawn by five +and six yoke of oxen, while the drivers, armed with whips, the lashes of +which were of immense length, though the stock or handle was barely two +and a-half feet long, whirled them over the frightened animals' heads, +and whenever they struck the poor brutes, a small, circular piece of +skin was taken out, leaving the quivering flesh exposed to the sun, and +a prey for the numerous insects that hovered in the air. + +We carried our stuff on shore, and then considered what was necessary to +get to the mines; and while we rested upon our bundles, and ate a +portion of the salt junk and biscuit that the cook of the ship had +insisted upon our taking with us, we took a calm survey of +Melbourne--its advantages and disadvantages. The city occupies two sides +of a valley, called East Hill and West Hill, and is well laid out. + +The streets are broad, unpaved, and formed so that during the heavy +rains the water will centre into the gutters, which are flagged with a +substantial kind of stone to prevent the sidewalks from washing away +during the rainy season, when the gutters resemble small mountain +torrents, and enough head is obtained to carry half a dozen sawmills. + +At the place where we landed there is barely sufficient room for the +steamer to turn round for the bay, or arm, of the River Zarra is small, +and the water shoal. Every available place near the landing was crowded, +however, with crafts of all descriptions, from the light-draughted +schooner to huge launches, with loads of goods which they had received +from ships lying in Hobson's Bay. Altogether, the scene reminded one +very much of San Francisco; and so our spirits rose as we contemplated +the bustle going on. + +"Well, my men, are you in want of work?" asked a well-dressed elderly +gentleman, who had arrived in a carriage driven by a coachman in livery, +and a footman, dressed in the same garb. He appeared to own every thing +that he looked at; for we had seen half a dozen men take his orders, and +then proceed to obey them with alacrity. + +"We thought we'd try the mines first," I replied, in answer to his +question. + +"Hard work--hard work," he said, with a smile. "Americans, I see--smart +men in that country. Hope you'll do well here. Afraid not if you go to +the mines. Want men to help get these goods under shelter. Like to +employ you;" and off he bustled. + +"A pretty good sort of man, I guess," remarked Fred. + +"I say, stranger," I asked, turning to a person with a cartman's frock +on, who was seated on a box smoking a pipe, "can you tell me who that +gentleman is?" + +"I didn't see any gentleman," he answered, without even taking his pipe +from his mouth. + +"Why, I mean the one who just spoke to us--the man with the white vest +and gold buttons." + +"Him--he's a ticket-of-leave man, and has more money than half of the +merchants in Melbourne," replied the cartman. + +"What, that man a convict?" I asked, with surprise. + +"Just so--transported for fourteen years for house-breaking. Behaved +himself, and so got liberty to enter into business; and now he is at the +top of the heap. In two years his time will be out, and then he can stay +or go where he pleases." + +After this piece of news the convict became an object of curiosity to +us, and we watched him until he entered his carriage and drove off, his +coachman treating him with as much respect as he would the governor +general. + +"I say," asked Fred of our new acquaintance, "do all convicts get rich? +Because if they do I want to become one as soon as possible." + +"Not all," replied the man; "but some blunder into luck, and others are +shrewd and look after the chances. I don't suppose I shall ever be rich, +although I am doing pretty well." + +"And are you a--" + +I didn't like to say convict, and so I hesitated. + +"O, yes; I was sentenced to ten years' transportation for writing +another man's name instead of my own on a piece of paper." + +"That is forgery." + +The convict smiled, as much as to say, you have hit it, and continued to +smoke his pipe with infinite satisfaction. + +"I should like to know if the company we are likely to meet in the mines +are of the same class?" muttered Fred. + +"Most of them," replied the man, who appeared to be a man of education; +"and you'll find them more honest than those never sentenced, because +they know that their freedom depends upon their reputation." + +We sat staring at our informant for some time; but after a while he +knocked the ashes from his pipe, and arose as though going. + +"If you want your traps taken to the mines at a reasonable rate, I'll do +it for you, as I start to-morrow with a load of goods for Ballarat," he +said, after a moment's hesitation. + +"Is that mine productive?" we asked. + +"It's as rich as any of them. You may sink a shaft and strike a vein, +and you may get nothing. It's all a lottery." + +We consulted together for a few minutes, and concluded to try our +fortunes at Ballarat, and so signified to our acquaintance. + +"Then shoulder your traps, and I'll show you my shanty. You can sleep +there to-night, and, let me tell you, it's a favor that I wouldn't grant +to half of my countrymen." + +As we considered pride out of place in that country, we readily accepted +his offer, and in a few minutes were walking through the streets of +Melbourne with a convicted felon. + +We found his hut to be built of rough boards, with but one room; and the +furniture consisted of a stove, wooden benches, a pine table, and a +curiosity in the shape of a bedstead. + +That night we learned more of the customs of the Australians from our +host, who gave the name of Smith as the one which he was to be called +by, than we should have found out by a six months' residence. + +Over a bottle of whiskey, which was made in Yankeeland, we spent our +first night in Australia. + +"Come," said Smith, about ten o'clock, "it's time we were asleep, for we +start early in the morning, and before to-morrow night you'll not feel +as fresh as you do at present." + +As he spoke he removed the whiskey, and in half an hour deep snoring was +the only sound of life in the convict's hut. + + + + +CHAPTER II. + +A MORNING IN AUSTRALIA.--JOURNEY TO THE MINES OF BALLARAT.--THE +CONVICT'S STORY.--BLACK DARNLEY, THE BUSHRANGER. + + +"Hallo!" cried a gruff voice, accompanied by a gentle shake, which was +sufficient to arouse Fred and myself from a deep sleep, that was +probably caused by the whiskey. + +The time had passed so swiftly that it did not seem an hour since we had +first stretched ourselves upon our blankets on the floor. + +We rubbed our eyes and sat up, looking around the Australian's hut, +almost fancying that we were still dreaming. A spluttering tallow candle +was dimly burning, stuck in the neck of a porter bottle, and a fire was +lighted in the old broken stove, on which was hissing a spider filled +with small bits of beef and pieces of potatoes. A sauce pan was doing +duty for a coffee-pot, and the fragrant berry was agreeable to the +nostrils of hungry men. Our host, the convict Smith, after he had +aroused us, seated himself upon a three-legged stool, and was busily +employed stirring up the savory mess, and trying to make a wheezy pipe +draw; and as the tobacco which he was smoking was damp, and the meat was +liable to burn, his time was fully occupied. + +"Come, rouse up." Smith said, when he saw that we were awake; and while +he spoke, he was trying to coax a coal into the pipe, but it obstinately +refused to go. + +"We'll be off in an hour's time; so I'm getting a little bit of +breakfast ready before we start. Get up, and help me set the table." + +We rolled up our blankets, and in a few minutes had drawn the rough +table to the middle of the room, and placed thereupon our tin plates and +quart pots. + +As breakfast was not quite ready, I strolled out of doors, and found +that the first streaks of daylight were just visible, and the stars +looked white and silverish. There were no clouds to obscure the sight, +and for a short time I stood watching the gradual changes that were +taking place as the sun edged its way towards the horizon. First long +streaks of a bright golden color were extended like huge arms, and then +they changed to a subdued pink tint that defied the art of a painter to +transfer to canvas. Glorious are the views to be obtained in Australia +at sunrise, and if those of Italy excel them, it must indeed be a land +for poets and painters. + +A heavy dew had fallen during the night, and refreshed the aromatic +plants that sprouted beneath my feet; and as they were crushed by my +heavy tread, they yielded up their life with a perfumed breath that +filled the air with fragrance, and made me regret that I had no other +means of locomotion beside my feet. + +The heavy rumbling of carts over the dry streets was heard, and an +occasional crack of the dreadful whip and the fierce shout of the driver +proved that there were others stirring as early as ourselves. + +"Breakfast is ready," shouted Fred from the door of the hut; and I +retraced my steps to the home of the convict, whom I found still sucking +his pipe and pouring out the coffee. + +Our meal was soon over, for the delicacy of civilized life was not +particularly observed, and our long seclusion from the society of +females had rendered us little better than savages, as far as manners +were concerned. + +"Now, then, pack up your traps, and he ready for a start. I'll be along +here with my team in half an hour, as my freight is already loaded." + +"Rut we shall need provisions for the route," I said. + +"Of course you will; but as I have to take some for myself, I'll get a +quantity for you also, and charge just what I pay. At Ballarat you'll +find enough to eat, and men to trust you if short of money." + +Smith left to get his cattle, and while absent we washed the tin pans +and got all ready for a start. Our rifles were reloaded, and revolvers +examined, and after we had indulged in the luxury of a smoke, we heard +the voice of the convict shouting in no gentle tones to his oxen, as +they stopped in front of the hut. + +"All ready?" asked Smith, coiling up his long whip, at the sight of +which the cattle fairly trembled, and pricked up their ears as though +ready for a stampede. + +"All ready," we answered, bringing out our traps and lashing them on the +team. + +The coffee pot and skillet were not forgotten, as we calculated if we +met any game they would both be of service. A keg of water, a bottle of +whiskey, a bag of ship bread, a large piece of pork, a few potatoes, +coffee, a bag of flour, and a bag of sugar, were the articles needed for +our long journey to the mines of Ballarat. + +Smith locked the door of his hut, hung the key about his neck attached +to a thick cord, and then, uncoiling his dreadful whip, he sounded the +signal for an advance. + +The cattle strained at their yokes, and the huge, clumsy, English-built +team creaked over the road, and groaned as though offering strong +remonstrance against the journey. + +There were five yoke of oxen attached to the cart, and as they were in +fair condition and had not been worked for a few days, they took the +load along the level road at a brisk walk; and it was not until we had +got beyond the city's limits and left Melbourne in the distance, that +the animals fell into their accustomed steady walk. + +"I suppose that there is but little use in our carrying our rifles in +our hands?" I asked of Smith, as he walked by the side of the cattle. + +"I have been waiting for you to ask the question ever since we left +Melbourne," Smith replied; "I thought I wouldn't say any thing until you +got tired of carrying them. There is but little fear of our meeting with +bushrangers so near the city; and as for game, we may see some, but not +within rifle range. Put your guns in the cart, and don't touch them +until we camp to-night." + +We gladly followed his advice, for the sun had risen, and began +scorching us with its rays, although, when we started, the air was quite +cool, and a jacket was not uncomfortable. + +"How far is Geelong from Melbourne?" I asked, after we had relieved +ourselves of the rifles. + +"Between fifty and sixty miles." + +"Do we pass near the town?" + +"No, we branch off near Mount Macedonskirt, the range of mountains by +that name, and which you can see in the distance; cross a barren tract +of country, where no water but sink-holes is to be found for forty +miles; strike the mines of Victoria; and then we are near the gold +fields of Ballarat." + +"Where I hope we shall make a fortune and return to Melbourne in less +than six months," Fred cried. + +"Amen," ejaculated Smith; but he smiled as he thought what a slight +chance there was of our prayers being answered. + +We met some half a dozen teams on their way back to Melbourne from the +mines, and we surveyed the drivers as we would rare animals, for they +were covered with a thick coating of white dust that had filled their +hair and whiskers, and looked as though a bushel of corn meal had been +scattered over their heads. + +Each cart contained two or more invalids, who appeared, by their +dejected air, to have taken farewell of the world, and didn't think it +worth while attempting to live any longer; and when a question was asked +them, it was with great reluctance that they returned an answer, and if +they did speak, it was in tones so faint that with difficulty they could +be understood. + +Three times did the convict stop his cart to supply some little luxury +to the invalids; and while he declined payment for his refreshments, it +did not prevent him from requesting the sick men to say, when they +reached Melbourne, that they had been befriended by himself. We were +struck by this peculiarity, and as soon as the team's moved on, we +resolved to inquire the reason. + +"Why are you so particular that those men should mention your name for +the charities that you perform?" asked Fred. + +Smith smiled, but it was of the melancholy sort of mirth, and did not +come from his heart. He hesitated, as though considering whether he +should make a full expression or reserve his confidence. At length he +said,-- + +"I told you that I was sentenced to transportation for ten years. Five +of them have passed, and I am at liberty to trade on my own account, yet +liable at any moment to be remanded back to my old station, and work +worse than a slave on the docks, or at any menial employment. I have so +far managed very well. I have saved money, and own shares in the Royal +Bank of Melbourne, besides two good houses that are paying me a large +percentage. The property is mine, and government cannot touch a penny of +it; yet I would willingly give all that I possess to be at liberty to +call myself a free man, and to know that I am no longer watched by those +in power. When I received my sentence I determined upon the course I +would adopt. I never murmured at my work, no matter how disagreeable it +was--I was respectful and obedient, and after a year's hardship I was +favorably reported at head quarters, and was then allowed to live with a +man who kept cattle, and had made a fortune as a drover. I served him +faithfully for two years, and upon his report I was allowed a ticket of +leave, and commenced business for myself. I am comparatively a free man; +but if any unfavorable report should be heard concerning me, farewell to +my present liberty. For five long years I should be used like a brute, +and before my term expired I should be in a felon's grave; for a man +must possess a constitution of iron to endure the tasks that are +inflicted upon a convict remanded back to the tender mercies of +overseers whose hearts are harder than the ball and chain which many of +their prisoners wear." + +"And you really think that the relief you afford to those returned +miners will be heard of, and that it will mitigate your sentence?" + +"Certainly. The poor fellows will go to the hospital, and while there I +shall be held in grateful remembrance. The physician will hear of my +name, and one of these days I hope to receive a full pardon. But whether +I do or not, I shall be conscious that I have done my duty, and in some +measure atoned for the crime that I committed." + +Smith cracked his long whip to let the oxen know that he was not asleep, +and the cattle, rousing from their snail pace at the sound of the +scourge, accelerated their steps, and strained at their yokes as though +they would tear them from their necks. + +We remained silent while getting over a mile of the dusty road; but, as +the oxen fell into their slow pace again, we renewed the conversation. + +"You think that the system of letting convicts have leave tickets is a +good one, then?" we asked. + +"In some cases I think that it works well; but all men are not alike, +and while some play the hypocrite and profess good conduct, others are +never allowed their liberty because they brood over their past life so +much that they never smile. They are marked as sullen and discontented, +and are worked until their spirits are broken, and they no longer hope +for freedom. The energy and enterprise of liberated felons have +increased the trade of Australia until she is no longer a burden to the +mother country, and I hope, before I die, to see this island conducted +as an independent government. It would be better for England, and I need +not tell you how much better it would be for us." + +"Are the bushrangers, that we hear so much about, really dangerous +fellows to meet?" we asked. + +"They are the very scum of the great cities of England--desperate men +who are usually sentenced for life, and therefore have no hope of mercy; +and many of them desire none. As soon as they can effect an escape they +do so, and fleeing to the wilds of the island, either join a band of +ruffians like themselves, or else, fearful of trusting to men that are +as treacherous as wolves, will roam without companions for many days, +living upon sheep, which are easily obtained from herds without the +knowledge of the shepherds, and very often with their consent, to be at +last betrayed and shot by the very man who was trusted most. There are +hundreds of them upon the very route that we must take, and every day +there are murders and robberies committed, and all the vigilance of the +guard, who escort gold dust from the mines to Melbourne, is necessary to +insure its protection. + +"Teams like our own, however, are most attended to, and if we should +wake up in the night, and by the light of the camp fire see half a dozen +ferocious-looking fellows standing over us, it would be better to let +them take what they want, and go their way in peace, than to trust to an +appeal to arms or oppose them. Once rouse them to anger, and our lives +would not be worth a sixpence; for they think no more of shedding the +blood of a man than they would that of a sheep." + +"I think it would be better to give them a trial than be robbed, +especially when we possess weapons like these," cried Fred, touching his +revolver, which he carried in a belt around his waist. + +Smith looked at my companion for a moment in silence, as though trying +to satisfy himself whether Fred was in earnest, or only talking because +danger was remote. + +"I've carried many men to the mines," he said at length, "and been +robbed some half a dozen times; but I always found that while my +passengers were firm for resistance at the beginning of the journey, yet +at night a different opinion was formed, and the boldest has consented +to give up a shirt or pair of boots without a murmur." + +Fred laughed good naturedly, and spoke jestingly in reply. + +"That was because you never freighted Americans. Englishmen may consent +to have their boots pulled off, but Yankees would be apt to +remonstrate." + +"I hope that we shall have no occasion to test your courage," said +Smith; "but if we meet Black Darnley, I shall not blame you for keeping +quiet." + +"And who is Black Darnley?" we asked. + +"An escaped convict, who has been at large for three years; and, in +spite of the two hundred pounds reward, no one has ventured to attempt +his capture. He swears that he will never be taken alive, and he will +keep his word. He has no fear of two or even three ordinary men, for he +possesses the strength of a Hercules and the desperation of a wounded +tiger. Of all the bushrangers on the island, he is the worst; and yet he +always treats me well, and lets me pass without levying toll, for he and +I are old acquaintances, and often have a social chat together about +times gone by." + +"Tell us where you first met him," we said, crowding nearer the convict +to hear his story. + +"Wait until we halt for a rest and feed the cattle. Half a mile from +here is a small stream of water, and under the shade of some trees near +at hand, we'll boil our coffee, and then I'll tell you about my first +meeting with Black Darnley." + +As it was about noon, and we had travelled near twelve miles, the +proposed halt was any thing but disagreeable. Besides, the sun was +nearly overhead, burning and scorching us with its intense rays, and +causing the oxen to protrude their tongues and drag their weary feet +along as though they hardly possessed life enough to reach the water +spoken of. + +A sharp crack of Smith's whip and the cattle started into life again; +and as he continued to flourish the dreaded lash over their heads, they +kept up their speed until we reached the stream, which slowly trickled +through dry plains, with scorched grass and withered shrubs; but, near +the banks of the river, which during the rainy season became a mighty +torrent, green trees and rank grass afforded an agreeable shade from the +burning sun. + +The cattle were unyoked, and allowed to wander where they pleased, Smith +being confident of finding them near the water when he got ready to +start. + +"Black Darnley, as he is called, owing to his swarthy complexion," began +Smith, after a fire was made, and water for the coffee started to +boiling, "was transported in the same ship as myself; but our conduct +during the passage to Australia was widely different, he was rebellious, +and I docile. He was half the time wearing irons, and when free from +fetters endeavoring to create a mutiny. I never meditated any such +project, and threatened one time to disclose his plans if he did not +give them up. + +"He swore vengeance against me, and after that I always avoided him. Six +different times during the passage he was severely flogged, and when +that was found to have no effect, he was starved into a respectful +demeanor; but as soon as he had recruited his exhausted strength, he +would again commence his old career of insolence, and once more be +punished. He is a strong man, and stands nearly six feet six, with +shoulders broad and arms covered with muscle, while not a pound of +surplus flesh is on his body. Before he committed the crime for which he +was transported, he was a prize-fighter; but having lost a battle, he +turned his attention to house-breaking, as an agreeable diversion from +his former course of life. He was betrayed by a comrade, and sentenced +for fourteen years. He will never live to see his sentence expire; for, +cunning as he is, his day of capture will not long be delayed. + +"Upon our arrival at Sydney, he was branded with a black mark against +his name, and the most laborious work was his daily task, besides the +privilege of dragging a chain and ball after him. He managed to secrete +a knife about his person one day, and when the guard the next morning +ordered him to perform some heavy work, he struck the man to the heart +with his weapon, broke his chain, and fled. + +"A horse standing near the dock where he was employed, he mounted, and +escaping the shower of balls that flew after him, and defying all +opposition, he reached the wilds of Australia. + +"It was a bold strike for liberty, and only one time in a thousand could +it be achieved. + +"Before he effected his escape I had been taken into the service of a +man who owned large herds of sheep, and on one of his immense tracts of +land was I stationed to look after a flock of nearly ten thousand. I in +fact became a stockman, and lived a solitary life, with no one to speak +to unless it was to those who brought me a few necessary articles once a +month, and then departed to supply other stations. + +"I was not discontented with my lot, and yet at times I longed to see a +human face and hear a voice speak in my native tongue. I used to receive +visits occasionally from the miserable natives, who hang around a sheep +station; but as I never encouraged their intrusions, and watched their +doings with a sharp eye, they generally avoided me. Twice they tried to +murder me, but I was wary and escaped. + +"The hut in which I lived was built of logs, plastered on the outside +with clay to keep out the rain, and contained one room, with a +fireplace, a bed made of sheep skins, a table and two stools. The door +was a stout one, made expressly to resist a siege in case the natives +grew vicious, and was secured on the inside by a large bar. + +"I have been thus particular in my description of my habitation, because +one night, when the rain was pouring down in torrents, and the wind beat +against the hut as though it would take it from its foundation, I was +startled by hearing a loud knock at the door. + +"I had been sitting before the fire for a long time, trying to picture +out my future life, for my past was already too well known, when the +summons disturbed me. I started to my feet, and sought the door, where +my dog was already snuffing and uttering angry growls, as though +suspicious that the person on the outside was not exactly such a guest +as his master would wish for in that lonely habitation. While I was +uncertain what to do, another knock, louder than the first, startled the +dog into a howl; but I hushed his noise, and taking down my gun, that +hung over my bed, I asked what was wanted. + +"'In the name of God give me shelter,' cried a voice that I thought I +recognized, although I could not call to mind where I had heard it. + +"'Who are you?' I asked. + +"'A stranger who has been to various stations for the purpose of buying +cattle, and has lost his way. Give me shelter for the night, and God +will reward you.' + +"The latter part of the solicitation sounded as though uttered in a +hypocritical tone, and I was undecided whether to comply with the +request, or send him to the next station, about ten miles distant. A +fresh gust of wind influenced me; I slipped off the bar and opened the +door; but next moment I would have given all the sheep under my charge +to have had my guest where he was five minutes previous, with the oak +bar across the door; for by the flickering fire that blazed upon the +hearth I saw that my visitor was Black Darnley. + +"He was greatly altered since I had seen him last. His clothes hung in +tatters about his body, while his large feet were shoeless and bleeding +profusely: but the fire of his black eyes was unquenched, and the bony +form, still upright in spite of the hard labor to which he had been +subjected, gave assurance, to my dismay, that he still possessed his +giant strength. + +"The instant he entered the hut he closely scrutinized my face, and then +cast hurried glances around the room to see if I were alone. Satisfied +that I was, he strode to the fire, and seated himself near its cheerful +blaze. + +"'I have seen your face somewhere,' he said, looking at me keenly. + +"'I should think you would remember it,' I replied, 'for we were both +passengers in the same ship.' + +"He started up with a fearful oath, and would have rushed upon me; but I +brought my gun to my shoulder, and kept him at bay. + +"'I remember you now,' he said, and seemed inclined to dash at me in +spite of the weapon which I held in my hand. 'You are the one that +threatened to betray me when I wished to take the ship. I swore to have +your life for your cowardice; but I retract the oath, and now let us be +friends. Give me shelter, and something to eat, and to-morrow I will +leave you for a distant station.' + +"'You are deceiving me,' I said, still retaining my hold of the gun, and +looking at him suspiciously. + +"'No, by ----, I'm not,' Darnley cried, with a look of sincerity: 'here, +let me prove it. Ten days ago I murdered one of the guards, and fought +my way to this part of the country in hopes of joining a gang of +bushrangers. Since that time I have been pursued and hunted like a wild +beast; but they haven't captured Black Darnley yet.' + +"He laughed triumphantly as he spoke, and thought of the long chase that +he had given the police of Sydney. + +"'You are a strong man, much stronger than myself, and if I am upon an +equal footing with you, could crush me as easily as an eggshell.' + +"I still retained my hold of the gun, but I no longer covered his huge +body with its barrel. + +"'Look at me!' he said, baring his arms, which were shrunken, and +holding them up for my inspection. 'For three days I've not tasted food, +or closed my eyes in sleep. I've run and skulked from tree to tree +during that time, and heard the tramping of horses as the policemen +strove to follow my trail. I am weak, exhausted, and a child could +overcome me now.' + +"'But after your strength is recruited, you may act the part of a +serpent, and sting the one that warmed you into life,' I answered, half +resolved to trust him. + +"'I don't blame you for your suspicions,' he cried, moodily, seating +himself by the fire again, and holding his hands towards the blaze to +dry his ragged shirt. 'I am defenceless, and you hold a loaded gun. +Discharge its contents into my body, and then go and obtain a full +pardon from government for the murder of Black Darnley.' + +"He bowed his head and sat scowling at the fire, as though he cared not +what became of him, and was rather anxious, than otherwise, that I +should end his career of crime. + +"'I'll trust you,' I said, replacing my gun over the bed and taking a +seat beside him, and I did so with perfect confidence. + +"'Your clothes are wet and ragged,' I remarked, after a few moments' +silence, during which he did not remove his eyes from the fire. + +"'A starving man cares but little about his dress,' he answered, +glancing over his ragged suit, and stooping to wipe the gravel from his +bloody feet. + +"'You shall have all that you want to eat,' I answered; and I hastily +put a kettle of water upon the fire to make him a cup of tea, and then +laid upon the table nearly the whole carcass of a lamb which I had +roasted that day. He still sat by the fire and gazed at the flames as +though he read his past life amid the coals that glowed upon the +hearth, and was trying to read the future. I went to my small stock of +clothing and took out a flannel shirt and pair of trousers, much the +worse for wear, but still warm and dry. + +"'Strip off your wet garments," I said, 'and accept of these.' + +"He started, and looked me full in the face, as though reading my +thoughts. + +"'I have wronged you,' he cried, while doing as I directed. 'I thought +when I proposed to take the ship, that you were a coward, because you +refused to join me. You are a braver man than myself.' + +"'It was because I knew that certain death not only awaited you and I, +but half of those who were not aware of the plot. The innocent and +guilty would have been massacred without mercy by our taskmasters.' + +"'But we could have slain half a dozen of them before dying ourselves,' +he exclaimed, with a touch of his old fierceness, and a wave of his long +arms, as though, even then, weak as he was, he would like to strangle +his oppressors. I made no reply, but assisted him to dress; and after he +had squeezed his body into my clothes, which were two sizes too small +for him, the water on the fire boiled, and I made a strong cup of tea, +and then bade him eat to repletion. He needed no second invitation, but +fell to work like a wild animal, and craunched bones and flesh between +his strong teeth in such a ravenous manner that I had expectations of +his choking himself; and I don't know that I should have been sorry if +he had. The lamb rapidly disappeared, but not until every bone was +picked, and half-eaten, did he evince that he was satisfied, and again +drew towards the fire, into which he continued to gaze until he began to +nod with weariness. + +"'You are sleepy,' I said. 'Occupy my bed to-night, and I'll sit by the +fire.' + +"'The floor will do for me. Give me a sheep-skin and let me stretch +myself before the fire.' + +"Finding that he was resolved not to deprive me of the bed, I spread +half a dozen skins upon the hearth, and giving him a pipe well filled +with tobacco, retired to my couch, and lay watching his huge form by the +faint flicker of the fire, which had begun to grow dim. + +"In a few minutes Darnley's head, which he had supported upon his hand, +sank upon his pillow; 'the pipe dropped from his mouth, and by his heavy +breathing I knew that he slept. Wicked thoughts then crowded upon my +mind. Within my reach was a gun, well charged with slugs, and there, +lying upon the hearth, was an escaped convict, whose life was forfeited +by the laws of Australia, and pardon and official patronage granted to +any man that shed his blood. Nay, more, I had the moans of purchasing my +freedom by exhibiting proofs that I had taken his life, and I thought of +the many years that must elapse before my term would expire. + +"I reached towards the gun, and considered that I should but do my duty +in slaying him as he lay; but other thoughts succeeded, and I now thank +God that my hands are not stained with the blood of a man who trusted to +my goodness of heart. I fell asleep during my meditations, and when I +awoke, Darnley was still sleeping in front of the cold fireplace. + +"I moved about the room as gently as possible, and tried to avoid +awakening him; but while I was endeavoring to kindle a fire, he suddenly +started up, his countenance inflamed with passion, and his deep-set eyes +glaring like those of a tiger. + +"'I'll never be taken alive,' he shouted, throwing his huge form upon +mine, and crushing me to the ground with his weight, while his hand +sought my throat which was compressed in his grasp until my eyes started +nearly from their sockets. + +"In his half-awakened madness I should have been strangled, had it not +been for my dog, that flew at his leg, and inflicted a savage bite that +caused Darnley to relinquish his hold and turn upon the brute; but by +the time that he had staggered to his feet, he awakened to his +situation, and became calm and penitent, and asked my pardon a dozen +times for his mistake. I forgave him, but resolved to keep at a +respectful distance the next time he slept. + +"I gave him a hearty breakfast, and when he got ready to leave placed a +pair of sheep-skin shoes upon his feet; but all my arguments did not +induce him to accept of the garments that belonged to me, as he feared +that in case he was taken they would be traced and involve me in +trouble. It was considerate in him certainly, but from that day to this +he has baffled all attempts at capture; but how much longer he will be +permitted to go at large is only known to God." + +"And did he ever pay you another visit at the hut?" I asked, as Smith +paused. + +"Quite frequently; but he always came alone, and would not allow one of +the gang whom he gathered about him to molest my flocks. I saw him on my +last trip to the mines, and he tried to bribe me to purchase him a pair +of revolvers; but I refused, and he left me without a word of reproach." + +It was nearly four o'clock when Smith finished his account of the +bushranger; and as the heat was not so oppressive as at noon, we decided +to travel eight or ten miles farther that evening, before we camped for +the night. + +The oxen were found, driven towards the cart, and yoked; and, with many +a sharp crack of the stockman's whip, we crossed the stream, and once +more pursued our way towards Ballarat. + + + + +CHAPTER III. + +TRAVELLING IN AUSTRALIA.--AN ADVENTURE WITH SNAKES.--CARRYING THE MAILS. + + +During the rainy season in Australia, the roads leading to the mines are +almost impassable, as the soil is light and the water easily penetrates +to a great depth. Teams, with half a dozen yoke of cattle, can scarcely +draw a heavy cart, as the brutes sink to their knees in mud at every +step, and the wheels of the vehicle are buried to the axletree most of +the time. Five or ten miles per day is as great a distance as animals +can travel; and even at that rate it is quite common for the oxen to +give out, and be left by the roadside, a prey for dogs and other wild +animals. + +The natives of the island,--for the race bears no resemblance to that +class of people to whom we are wont to ascribe an elastic step, a noble +bearing, and undaunted courage--have been known to follow a team for +twenty-four hours, expressly for the purpose of picking the bones of an +ox which they imagined would soon give out; and when the poor brute is +left to die, they crowd upon him like vultures, and hack off huge strips +of quivering fresh before his breath has departed. + +In the summer season, when no rain falls to lay the dust or irrigate the +earth, the streams, which, during the winter, are like mountain +torrents, and sweep every thing opposed to them towards the ocean, +become puny little rivulets, and as the summer advances, disappear +altogether from sight, and nothing but deep gulches mark the spot where +but a few months before a large body of water flowed. + +Then the roads become hard and dry, and the light earth, pulverized by +the numerous wheels which are continually passing over it, is taken up +by the hot winds and whirled along the vast, plains, obscuring the sight +as effectually as though there was a deep eclipse. The eyes and nostrils +of the traveller become irritated by the fine particles, and the dust is +sifted into his ears and mouth. The latter gets coated with dust, and +all moisture is denied the palate. Vainly the tongue is rolled from side +to side to check the burning thirst, until at last the member gets so +swollen that it becomes incapable of motion, and then, unless relief is +soon afforded, death ensues. Water, slimy, stagnant water, is drank with +as much eagerness as a glass of iced Cochituate in summer. + +The various sink holes with which the prairies abound are drained of +their contents, and if the traveller is unacquainted with a miner's +life, he does not wait until the liquid is strained and boiled, and thus +relieved of many of its bad properties, but swallows a large quantity of +the nauseous filth, and for many days after repents of his folly. He +that drinks at a sink hole, and suffers long and repeated attacks of +fever and ague, or dysentery, in consequence, learns to avoid it in +future. + +As Fred and myself were old miners, and had tramped over a large portion +of California, and knew the dangers of such indulgence, we were not +likely to be caught; although we had a good guide with us in the person +of the convict, who really appeared to take an interest in our welfare, +and gave us much friendly advice. + +The sun did not set for three hours after we started, on the afternoon +that we crossed the gulch; and while we found the heat growing less +oppressive, we certainly did not feel much refreshed by its +disappearance, as our legs, unaccustomed for many days to long walks, +began to grow stiff, while blisters formed upon our feet and galled us +extremely. + +We would have given a small sum to have been enabled to halt for the +night; but pride prevented us from asking Smith to do so. We were +fearful that he would laugh at us, and we had our reputation as +Americans at heart too much to let him think that we were failing even +on the first day from Melbourne. But as mile after mile of ground was +got over, we could keep silent no longer. + +"How much farther do you intend going before camping for the night?" I +asked of the convict in a careless sort of way, although I could hardly +prevent limping. + +"Feel tired?" he inquired, with a grin. + +"O, no," I answered, with an indifferent air. + +"Well, as you are not tired, and night is the best time to travel, +suppose we keep on until daylight?" + +"I'll be ---- if I do," broke in Fred. "I've got a great blister now, on +my great toe, bigger than a silver dollar, and my boot seems inclined to +raise others. I'll tell you what it is, Smith, for the last two months +we've been on shipboard, and not walked five miles during that time, and +if you think we can compete with you as a pedestrian, you are mistaken." + +Fred jerked out his words as though each step he took cost him an +immense amount of pain, and I've no doubt it did. The convict laughed +silently, and relieved his feelings by cracking his long whip, bringing +the end of the lash to bear with great precision upon the flanks of the +leading yoke of cattle, which testified their appreciation of his +attention by kicking at the heads of those following; and as such +playful amusement was calculated to inspire vitality in the animals, +they started off with renewed speed, and Fred and myself, with many +groans, limped after. + +"I can't stand this," cried my companion, after a few minutes' brisk +walk. "My feet are raw, and getting worse every moment. I'll try an +experiment." + +He sat down in the middle of the road, and while the team rolled on, +jerked off his boots and stockings, and declared, as we hastened to +overtake Smith, that he felt he could walk all night, and that hereafter +he would go barefooted. + +"Well," cried Smith, as we reached the team, "how do you feel now?" + +"Fresh as a daisy," returned Fred, clapping his boots together as though +they were a pair of cymbals. + +"What have you got in your hands?" asked Smith; for, it being already +dark, it was hard to distinguish objects at a short distance. + +"My boots," cried Fred, triumphantly. + +"Are you barefooted?" asked the convict in surprise. + +"Yes." + +"Then if you value your life, put on your boots again, and keep them on +as long as you are in the mines. You are liable at any moment to step +upon a poisonous snake; and if bitten, no power on earth can save you. +The natives pretend to cure bites, but I have some doubts on the +subject." + +Smith spoke seriously, and as there might be much truth in what he said, +Fred willingly complied, although he groaned with pain as he drew on his +boots, and once more hobbled along beside the team. + +"About three months ago, I was freighting a party up to the mines," said +Smith, "and a youngster became foot-sore. He took off his boots, +although I told him there was danger of treading upon snakes in the +dark. He laughed at me; but before his mirth had ceased, he uttered a +yell, and sprang wildly towards the team, which I had suffered to get a +little in advance. + +"When he started, I suspected the cause, and groping carefully about in +the dust with my whip, soon discovered a small snake, not larger in +circumference than my lash, but which I readily recognized as one of the +most poisonous in the country. The natives call them _capi-ni-els_, or +what signifies little devils. As the impudent scamp was hissing and +darting out his tongue at me, I gave him a blow on the head, ground him +into powder with the heel of my boot, and then passed on to overtake the +team. + +"It had got some distance from me; but before I reached it, my young +passenger could no longer walk, and by the time I had checked the oxen, +he had swollen to twice his usual size, and was lying panting by the +side of the road, incapable of moving or speaking. I got a large +quantity of brandy down his throat; but it had no effect, and in twenty +minutes' time he was a dead man. We buried him where he fell, and I'll +show you his grave when we reach it." + +"I for one shall take good care to keep my boots on," I replied, after +the convict had finished his story. + +"Why do they frequent a road in preference to other parts?" asked Fred, +who seemed to have almost forgotten his lameness, while listening to +Smith's yarn. + +"Because the light dust over which we are passing retains the heat of +the sun longer than the soil by the road. Snakes are fond of dragging +their forms over it, as it is soft, and keeps them warm during the +night. I have known teams to be stopped, and obliged to seek a route on +the prairie, simply because a large number of snakes were not disposed +to yield the right of way. + +"The first load that I ever carried to the mines, and when I was anxious +to make as much money as possible in a very short space of time, I was +stopped in this same way. I was jogging along one night, all alone, and +urging my oxen to their utmost speed, when all at once the leaders shied +out from the road, and then stopped. I cracked my whip, and roared at +them frantically, but it was of no use. + +"Forward they would not budge, and at last they fairly turned, and were +making very good time towards Melbourne; but I soon stopped that game, +and once more got them headed the way I wanted them to go. When they +arrived at the spot at which they had balked a few minutes before, they +went through with the same antics, and then I thought it best to see +what was the matter. Walking forward, I was saluted with a hissing +sound, that greatly resembled the noise which an enraged gander emits +when a stranger trespasses upon his brood. + +"I paused for a moment, and tried to discover, through the darkness, +what occasioned the noise, but could not, although I thought I saw +something moving not far from me. I retreated, quieted my cattle, took +my lantern and gun, and walked back to the spot. By the light of the +candle I saw about half a bushel of snakes, coiled up in a heap, and all +alive with rage at being disturbed. I hardly knew what to do. There they +were, and gave no indications of leaving the road; and I no longer +wondered at the reluctance of the oxen in refusing to pass over them. +Had they done so, it is very probable I should have lost every one of +the animals, for they could not have escaped being bitten; and then they +would have died in a few hours, and I should have suffered a great +pecuniary loss. + +"I had a quantity of fine shot in my wagon-box, which I used for small +birds. I drew the charge I had in the gun, and instead of a bullet, put +in about a handful of the shot, and then setting my lantern as near the +mass of snakes as I dared venture, I retreated a few paces, and taking +deliberate aim, fired at them. + +"The charge made dreadful havoc, and dozens of them were killed and cast +out of the heap by those unharmed; but instead of causing them to escape +to the prairie, they only seemed more determined to dispute the right of +way, and hissed and ran out their thin, forked tongues as though defying +me to do my worst. Their eyes sparkled like precious stones, and by the +light of the lantern I could see them change, as they moved their +position to face me, and assume a hundred different hues. It was a +terrible and fascinating sight, and for a few minutes I stood and +watched them twist and writhe themselves into a thousand different +shapes. Seeing that I should have to make a regular business at +slaughtering them, I went to work after a while, and poured volley after +volley into the mass, until not more than half a dozen escaped alive. + +"Even after they were dead I could not get my cattle along the road +until I had first taken a shovel and thrown the bodies a considerable +distance from the spot. I never saw such a large collection of serpents +before, and I have often wondered why they were gathered in such a +mass." + +"Have you ever arrived at any conclusion?" I asked. + +"I have thought that they expected an attack from some enemy of the +serpent tribe, and so formed themselves into that shape for resistance." + +While Smith was speaking, we heard a team behind us that appeared to be +tearing along at a rapid rate; and even before we could discover its +outlines, we distinguished the cracking of a whip as though the driver +was anxious to see how many times he could snap it in a minute. + +"I hear you," muttered Smith, driving his oxen to one side of the road, +and stopping them. "There is no occasion for you to make so much noise +to let people know that you are coming." + +Even while Smith was grumbling, a light-bodied cart, with lamps on each +side, drawn by a span of horses, and driven by a man who wore a sort of +uniform, whizzed past us, and by the side of the team rode two soldiers, +dressed in the livery of England. They were out of sight in a moment, +but they threw a jest at us as they passed, and before Smith could +reply, the soldiers were lost to view. + +"A hard time you have of it," cried Smith, as he started his team again. + +"Who are they?" we asked. + +"That is a government team, and carries the mail between Melbourne and +Ballarat. Day and night they are upon the move, and only stop long +enough to change horses and escort. To-morrow at this time the miners +will be in possession of their letters and papers, and I need not tell +you how anxiously news is looked for from home." + +"But are we to keep on day and night until we reach Ballarat?" asked +Fred. + +"No," replied Smith, touching up his cattle. "Do you see yonder light +far ahead?" he cried, pointing with his whip. + +"Yes." + +"Well, at that light we'll prepare a cup of coffee, and sleep until +morning. Cheer up; it's only a mile distant, and there is where you will +get your first view of the natives of Australia." + + + + +CHAPTER IV. + +EATING BROILED KANGAROO MEAT.--AUSTRALIAN SPEARS AND AMERICAN RIFLES. + + +The natives of Australia are remarkable for the slight quantity of +clothing which they wear, and the thinness of their limbs. Their dress +consists of a dirty piece of cloth, or skin of kangaroo, tied about +their waists, leaving the upper and lower parts of their bodies naked. +Their color is a dingy black, although what exact shade they would +represent were they washed quite clean is a matter of conjecture. A more +filthy race of beings I never saw; and if we adopt the hypothetical +theory of eminent medical gentlemen, that when the pores of the skin are +closed, and perspiration ceases to flow, the patient dies, then the +natives in Australia should, according to that reasoning, have all been +under ground years ago; for I am confident that during my residence on +the island, I never saw one guilty of ablution, or manifest the +slightest anxiety to mingle a little water with their dirt. + +With grease upon their faces, filling their long black hair, shining +upon their hands, and smeared upon their bodies, they are as disgusting +a race as can be found upon the globe; and after a brief survey of their +huts and habits, men of a cleanly nature never desire to see them more. +Their limbs bear about as great a proportion to their bodies as the stem +of a pipe to the bowl; and to see them walking, is apt to suggest an +idea that their legs were never intended to carry their frames. The +latter part of their bodies presents a protuberance, even in the +youngsters, caused by their inordinate gluttonous nature, which prompts +them, when fortunate enough to have killed game, to gorge themselves to +repletion, as though they never expected to eat again, and were +determined to fill their stomachs even if they burst. + +We soon saw a party of natives of this description seated around a fire, +black with dirt, and gorged with the flesh of a kangaroo. The stockman, +Smith, was busy with his team, and had declined our assistance, as he +saw that we were tired and nearly exhausted with travel. Telling us to +go to the fire and see how we liked the looks of the natives, we +followed his advice, and walked towards them. There were ten or twelve +of them huddled together in a circle, squatted upon their haunches, each +with a piece of raw flesh lying upon the ground, while other junks were +broiling on the coals, to be transferred from thence to the fingers of +those claiming them. + +They manifested no surprise or curiosity when Fred and myself halted +within a few feet of them, and regarded their feeding operations with +considerable disgust. Their minds appeared to be too much occupied to +pay the least attention to outward objects, and as they poked their +burning food among the ashes, and licked their fingers, and grunted with +satisfaction, they certainly did not seem better than so many swine. At +least they were not half so clean. + +"Well, of all the eating I ever saw, this is the worst," cried Fred, +after a few moments' contemplation. + +"Even the Indians of California would be ashamed to look so dirty," I +remarked. + +"Hullo," cried Smith, advancing with the sauce pan filled with water, +which he had obtained somewhere in the vicinity, although we could not +in the dark see any evidence of a stream. "Hullo," he cried; "what is +the matter? Why don't you sit down and join the gentlemen? Well, old +Bulger, how are you getting along?" addressing a native that looked +older than the others, and consequently more dirty. + +The brute grunted, and paid no farther attention to the address; but +Smith was not to be bluffed that way. + +"Let me have a chance at your fire," he said, holding the sauce pan +towards him; but the native gave no attention except to his burning +meat, which he turned over in the ashes with a stick, and apparently had +a great desire to eat raw. + +"I know of a way to start him," muttered Smith. "Stand by and watch the +fun," he continued, addressing Fred and myself. + +He canted the sauce pan a little one side, and allowed the water to run +over the rim, and strike upon the native's naked shoulder. The fellow +uttered a howl as though seared with a hot iron, and scrabbling away +from the fire, left the convict free access. + +"There is nothing like water to start them," cried Smith, laughing, as +he put his dish upon the coals, while those who still kept their places +watched his motions with their little glittering eyes, as though fearful +they should also be subjected to a bath. + +The native whom the convict called "Bulger" lingered around the fire for +a short time, as though he had not entirely relinquished all hope of +again joining the circle; but when he found that Smith showed no +indication of yielding his place, he grunted his displeasure, got one of +his companions to rake from the ashes his lump of flesh, and placing the +burning mass upon leaves, walked towards some rude huts which were built +of branches of trees and leaves of the _giro_. + +"Good night, Bulgy," shouted Smith, as this latter toddled off; but the +native paid no attention, and soon disappeared within the pile of +leaves. + +"You have met these poor devils before--haven't you?" I inquired of the +convict. + +"For the last three months they have been camped on this spot, and as +water is convenient here, I generally manage to reach them in the course +of the night. Besides, I make them useful in case my cattle stray away; +and for a piece of tobacco not larger than my thumb they are willing to +run all day." + +"Bah," grunted half a dozen voices in chorus, apparently roused to +animation by some word that Smith had spoken. + +They extended their small hands, not larger than the paws of an +orang-outang, and greatly resembling them in formation and looks. + +"What do they want?" Fred asked. + +"They heard me mention tobacco, and now they are begging for some. They +love the needful as well as I do;" and Smith proceeded to fill his pipe, +and then coolly replaced the tobacco in his pocket, much to the +disappointment of the natives, who had followed his motions with anxious +eyes. + +"Give them a piece," I said, quick to trace disappointment in their +expressionless faces. + +"Not I," returned Smith. "If I want them to-morrow to run after my +cattle, I shall have to give them more, for they would not recollect +that I had supplied them to-night without compensation." + +"Then I'll stand treat," cried Fred, handing a small piece of the +needful to the nearest native, who grunted, but whether as an expression +of thanks, or disappointment that it was not larger, is unknown. + +The glittering eyes of the gorged natives were instantly fastened upon +the fortunate possessor of the tobacco, greatly to the injury of their +broiling meat. But the native upon whom the present was bestowed showed +no signs of making a dividend. He carefully concealed the tobacco in a +small pouch at his girdle, and after sitting a few minutes in silence, +staggered to his feet, and waddled off. + +"'It is get all you can and keep what you get,' with them," said Smith, +as he watched the native enter his hut. + +The water in the sauce pan at this moment gave indications of boiling, +and as we all felt hungry, we determined to have supper before +stretching our forms under the shelter of the cart. Our stock of coffee +was produced, the pork and bread unpacked, and while the convict busied +himself frying slices of the former, we soaked cakes of the latter in a +pan of water, and sliced a few potatoes to add a relish to our meal. + +At length our supper was cooked; when seated within the light of the +blazing fire, we prepared to enjoy ourselves and perhaps emulate the +natives in their feasts. + +"How do you like your coffee?" asked Smith, as I raised my tin pot to my +mouth. + +Before I could reply, my attention was directed to a blaze that suddenly +enveloped one of the huts, and which threatened to extend to the others. +As the materials of which it was built were light and dry, but few +minutes' time would be necessary to consume it; so I started up, +intending to assist in extinguishing the flames. + +"Let it burn," exclaimed Smith, leisurely sipping his coffee, and +watching the progress of the fire; and even the natives kept their +places, and appeared unmoved at the sight. + +"There may be somebody in the hut," cried Fred, rising. + +"Then let them get out the best way they can," answered Smith. "If these +dirty scamps can't assist a comrade, I don't see why we should bother +our heads." + +We waited to hear no more, but rushed towards the flames; and our steps +were quickened by hearing what we thought was the cry of a child. + +We seized the dry branches, of which the hut was built, and tore them +from their fastenings, scattering the leaves that formed the roof, and, +regardless of the heat, continued to work; the flames were too powerful +for us, and we were obliged to beat a retreat. + +We were about to return to our supper, when we heard a shrill cry issue +from the hut--not aloud, prolonged sound, such as a man would utter when +in agony, but a sharp, short yell, like the wail of an infant. + +"Smith," I shouted, turning to the convict, who was still eating his +supper, "there is a child burning to death." + +"The deuce!" he cried, springing to his feet, and rushing quickly in the +direction of the fire. "Let us save the young 'un at any rate." + +Upon the ground in front of the hut were half a dozen long, +sharp-pointed spears, belonging to the natives, and almost their only +weapons for defence or attack. We seized those, and charging on the fire +as though it was an enemy, we poked away branch after branch, until we +had made an entrance sufficiently large to admit one of us, when Smith, +reckless of the heat, rushed forward and entered the hut. + +We waited anxiously for his reappearance, and when he did emerge from +the smoke and flames, instead of carrying a child in his arms, he was +dragging the inanimate form of the native whom Fred had made happy with +a present of tobacco a short time before. + +The native was apparently insensible; but as Smith dragged him along the +ground, and let his body drop when beyond reach of the fire, he uttered +a groan, as though half disposed to remonstrate against being saved. + +"Well, of all the lazy scamps that I ever saw, he is the worst," cried +Smith, wiping his brow with his hand, and looking towards us for a +confirmation of his words. + +"At least you have the gratification of knowing that you have saved his +life," cried Fred, almost inclined to laugh at the rueful look of the +convict. + +"His life?" repeated Smith; "why, if I had let him roast he would have +been much more gratified than he will be when he awakes. He is going +through with a fit of digestion now, and is as torpid as a toad in +winter. Ah, you brute, eat until you can't move another time, will you?" + +The convict hit the native a kick with his foot, and then went to finish +his supper, grumbling as he did so at being disturbed. + +The natives, who had retained their positions around the fire in spite +of the burning hut, and danger of their comrade, uttered a low grunt +when they saw Smith drag the brute from the flames; but whether that +expression was intended for satisfaction or regret, I was too little +acquainted with the customs of the tribe to tell. They took no further +notice of either their torpid companion or our party, until suddenly an +idea appeared to enter the head of one, smarter looking than his +fellows. He got with difficulty upon his feet, leaving his burning meat +upon the coals, and waddling towards the insensible native, knelt beside +him. + +"Look!" cried Fred, suspending the operation of eating supper to call +attention to the fact. "Look, and never say that the natives are +destitute of feeling again." + +Fred intended to be particularly severe upon Smith; but that worthy +merely glanced in the direction indicated, and, after a brief shrug of +his shoulders, took himself to his meal with renewed energy. + +"You are convinced, I suppose?" Fred asked. + +"Convinced that the lazy scamp recollects where the tobacco was put, and +is determined to rob the over-fed brute of his treasure." + +We found that the convict was right, for the native, after fumbling at +the insensible man's girdle for a moment, reappeared at the fire, and +something like a grin of triumph lighted up his greasy features, as he +exposed to the admiring gaze the piece of tobacco which Fred had given +away. + +Tired with our day's journey, and feeling sleepy after our meal, we soon +returned to the shelter of the cart for a night's rest; but before we +went, we were careful enough to pack up all of our cooking apparatus, +and also to place our rifles close at hand, although Smith told us that +the precaution was useless, as the natives never waged warfare upon full +stomachs. + +It was long past daylight, when the hearty voice of the convict roused +us from a deep sleep, where dreams of home and comforts of civilization +were much pleasanter things to contemplate, than the half-naked bodies +of ten natives, who were lying upon the ground, circling the cold ashes, +where the night before a fire blazed. They lay like black snakes gorged +with carrion--lifeless and torpid, and nothing but repeated doses of +water upon their naked backs would rouse them. + +"Go and take a bath," cried Smith, as we sat upright and rubbed our +eyes, and yawned sleepily. + +He pointed to a small stream of water, ten or fifteen rods distant, and +as we thought it would be likely to relax our muscles, and relieve us of +a portion of the soreness which we felt, we took his advice, and upon +returning from our aquatic excursion, found coffee boiling, and salt +pork hissing in the spider, and potatoes roasting in the ashes. + +After a hearty breakfast, we were ready to think about starting; but the +cattle had strayed to a considerable distance, and the convict +determined not to run after them, when he had aids so near at hand, who +could be induced for a trifle to undertake the job. + +"Hullo!" he shouted, giving the nearest native a nudge with his foot; +but the fellow only grunted, and went off to sleep again. + +Smith in a rage seized a pail of water that was near at hand, and dashed +part of its contents over the head and shoulders of the sleeping native, +who, not being accustomed to shower baths, started up with a cold +shiver, and hurriedly wiped the water from his face. + +"Run and collect the cattle," cried Smith, who appeared to have +forgotten that not a word of English was understood by the native. + +But a series of telegraphic signals was carried on by the convict, that +at last gave the barbarian to know what was wanted, and the sight of +half a hand of tobacco sharpened his faculties wonderfully. + +He picked up his spear that was lying near at hand, and with the end +pricked into life half a dozen of his torpid companions; and although +blood flowed where the sharp-pointed wood touched, yet they bestirred +themselves very slowly, and did not appear to think that their brother +had used them any ways cruelly. + +A short series of guttural grunts--for no other term will apply to +express the sound of their language--was carried on for a moment, and +then off started three of the natives to find the cattle of the convict, +which were, perhaps, half a dozen miles down the stream, attracted by +the sweetness of the grass which grew on the river's banks. + +"As we shall have to wait some time, let's have a little amusement," +cried Smith, who appeared to take the straying of his cattle in the most +philosophical manner. + +"Agreed!" we cried. "What shall it be?" + +"I'll make the natives show us a specimen of their skill with the +spear," the convict said, in the true style of Englishmen, who generally +think that all creation was created expressly for their service. + +"Are they expert?" I asked. + +"You shall see;" and forthwith Smith commenced another series of +telegraphing, and an admirable imitation of throwing the spear was not +forgotten, although, to tell the truth, even the natives did not disdain +to grin slightly at the clumsy gestures of the stockman. + +They comprehended him, however, and pinning a small piece of paper upon +a huge tree, whose trunk had served many times as a fireplace for +parties of emigrants, like ourselves, bound to the mines, and by that +means had nearly destroyed the vitality of the noble cedar, the native +who had received the shower bath motioned to one of the youngsters of +the tribe to try his hand at the target. + +He selected his spear, and retired from the tree about two rods; and +then, for the first time, did he appear to rouse himself, and wear the +air of a human being. His eyes, which were dull a few minutes before, +now lighted up, and imparted an animation to his face that I had not +believed possible; there was an activity and grace in his position, as +he faced the target, that proved there were some traits in their +character which would have made them formidable enemies. + +The youngster balanced his body, throwing his right leg back as a brace, +and advancing his left foot, holding his spear upon an angle with his +eye, and drawing it back and forth, as though testing the strength of +his little, skinny arm, until he had apparently got the right balance, +when, with a quick motion, he hurled it at the mark; and as the spear +sped through the air, it produced a humming sound, like the noise of a +stone when thrown from a sling by the vigorous arm of a strong man. + +So quick was the motion, and rapid the movement of the spear, that the +eye could not follow its flight; but we could hear the dull sound that +it produced within two inches of the mark, which was not larger than a +man's two hands. + +"Well done," shouted Fred and myself in a breath; but the natives +manifested no applause, and even Smith shook his head and muttered,-- + +"He can do better than that; but the youngster is nervous and hardly +awake. Come, old boy," turning to the older native, "try your hand at +the business, and let's see what you can do." + +After the usual telegraphing, he was made to understand what was +wanted; and taking a spear a trifle heavier than the one before used, +retreated nearly ten paces farther from the mark, and without apparently +using the same precautions for accuracy, let it fly. + +It struck the piece of paper nearly in the centre, and penetrated the +tree four or five inches, quivered for a moment, but before it had +ceased, the native had snatched up another spear and hurled it after the +first. The second struck within an inch of its companion, and the united +strength of Fred and myself was necessary to draw them from the tree. + +"Now let them see what Americans can do with rifles," cried the convict, +as he saw that the natives were rather jubilant over the feat of their +companion. + +Neither Fred nor myself were what was called crack shots, either with +revolver or rifle; but we were fair, and had no need to feel ashamed of +our shooting. Determined to let the natives witness a specimen of our +skill, we pinned a piece of white rag, not larger than the palm of my +hand, upon the tree, discharged our rifles and carefully reloaded them +to be sure that they were not foul, and then retreated until we could +just see the rag. + +The natives watched our proceedings in silence, but with considerable +curiosity, squatting upon the ground, and looking first at the target +and then at ourselves with an expression which seemed to say, "if you +hit that rag you are smarter than we think you are." + +Indeed, so important did they consider the occasion, that they dragged +from the huts half a dozen women, and as many naked children, to witness +the exhibition. + +I was to fire first; and as I drew a bead upon the mark, I carefully +calculated the distance, and with such accuracy that the bullet cut the +end of the mark, and carried a portion of the rag far into the body of +the tree. + +"Hurrah for the rifles," shouted Smith, waving his hat, after he had +pointed out to the natives what had been done. + +The crowd which had clustered around the tree stepped back as Fred took +his station. He was not so long sighting as myself, but his bullet +struck about an inch above my own, and nearly in the centre of the mark. + +"Better and better," cried Smith, in tones of surprise; and when we +joined him, we saw by his actions that we had risen in his estimation, +while the natives, still squatting on their haunches, looked as though +we were gods, or beings of a superior order. + +"Here come the oxen," cried Smith, after a few words of congratulation. +"We must get over thirty miles of ground before twelve o'clock +to-night." + +"We are willing," we said. + +"And the lameness and blisters?" he asked. + +"The lameness is nearly gone, and the blisters are broken." + +"Good; help me yoke the cattle, and before to-night you will taste, for +the first time, broiled kangaroo; and I'll tell you beforehand it's no +mean dish. Ge-long, ye brutes," and with hard cracks of the whip the +cart rumbled on, and we left the natives still squatting upon the +ground, and looking after us, as though wondering why we would travel +when it was so pleasant to sit still. + + + + +CHAPTER V. + +THE SOLITARY STOCKMAN.--SHOOTING A KANGAROO. + + +About ten o'clock on the morning that we took our leave of the natives, +after witnessing their extraordinary skill at spear-hurling, the sun +shone out with a brilliancy and power that caused the cattle to protrude +their tongues, and lift their feet as though they wore shod with +fifty-sixes. + +At twelve o'clock, when it seemed impossible for the oxen to go much +further without drink, our eyes were gladdened by the sight of green +trees and shrubs, which grew as if marked by a straight line, far off on +the prairie. The convict pointed to the well known signs of water, with +an encouraging smile, if, indeed, a smile could be seen when a man's +face is plastered over an inch thick with dust; but at any rate we were +willing to consider it as an expression of joy; although, perhaps, some +people might have thought our countenances resembled those of fiends +rather than human beings, for no flesh was visible, and the eyes looked +any thing but inviting, inflamed as they were by heat and dust. + +"There is water close at hand?" I gasped, as the convict pointed to the +dark green line. + +"Yes; and plenty of it," he replied, snapping his long whip, and +encouraging his tired animals with a hoarse shout. + +The brutes appeared to sniff water even in the hot air, for they bent +their sturdy necks to the yoke with renewed energy, and plodded along at +a rate that required all of our exertions to keep beside the team. + +In an hour's time we were standing upon the banks of a stream that had +forced its way through the level prairie, and which, during the rainy +season was unfordable; but now, when the hot sun had drank up most of +its water, a child could have passed over and not wet its knees. + +It required the united exertions of all three of us to prevent the oxen +from rushing down the banks of the rivulet, and quenching their thirst +before the formality of unyoking had been gone through with. The +stock-whip was often raised, and its long lash exercised with terrible +severity, and every time it touched the flanks of the brutes, a small +piece of skin not larger than a sixpence was clipped from their +quivering flanks, leaving the flesh exposed to the mercy of the numerous +insects which hovered in the air and darted upon the defenceless spots +with the greediness of starvation. + +"It's a shame," cried Fred, indignantly, "to torture poor animals that +way." + +"Would you have them plunge down the banks of the stream, over-turn the +cart, spoil my cargo of goods, and perhaps lose two or three animals by +strangulation?" demanded the convict, with the first symptoms of +irritation that we had witnessed during our journey. + +"No, I would not certainly desire to witness any thing of the kind; but +I still think that it is a harsh way of treating animals," cried Fred +dogmatically. + +"I used to think so, and perhaps am of the same opinion still; but I +have too much confided to my charge to suffer loss for the want of a few +applications of the whip. After you have been in the country a few +years, you will not feel so tenderly for the sufferings of others." + +"God grant that I may never be insensible to others' woes," cried Fred, +with a genuine burst of feeling. + +"Spoken like a man," exclaimed the convict, enthusiastically. "Here," he +continued, extending his hand, "is a palm soiled by the commission of +crime; but I have lived long enough to repent of the errors of which I +have been guilty, and at times think of a mother's prayers when I was a +boy. Your words have recalled the days when I used to sit upon her knee +and listen to her words, and promise that when I grew old I'd imitate +the virtues of my father, and be a comfort to her in her declining +years. If my hand," he said, looking at it, "is soiled, my heart is +not, and I offer it to you as a pledge of friendship." + +"And if your hand were stained I would accept it," returned Fred, +shaking his palm warmly. "I look upon you in the light of a friend, and +the folly of other days weighs not the weight of a feather towards +warping my judgment in considering your good and bad qualities." + +The two men shook hands, and looked into each other's eyes as though +they had just found out one another's worth; and when the convict had +squeezed Fred's palm, he bestowed the same favor upon myself. + +"Come," cried the convict, who appeared to be inspired with new life, +"let us get a bit of dinner, and then I will take you to the old cattle +station, where I once lived a solitary life, and where I harbored Black +Darnley." + +"Is it far from here?" I asked, casting an anxious glance towards the +shadow of a tree, and thinking how pleasantly I could pass away a +portion of the afternoon by sleeping. + +"Scarce a quarter of a mile, and I'll warrant that you will feel amply +repaid, tempting as the shadow of yonder tree looks," Smith said, having +guessed my weakness for repose. + +"Then I will go," I replied. + +"I will show you after we pass the bend of the stream," the convict +continued while on his hands and knees trying to ignite a fire with +prairie chips, "a flock of sheep that are counted by thousands. They +stretch over the land for miles in extent; even the owner does not know +how many he possesses, and has never visited his stockman, but trusts +all to an agent. Of course the latter has full authority to act as he +pleases, and sometimes, by some mysterious process, the agent gets +richer than the owner, and often buys his property, although where the +money comes from, I leave you to guess." + +"Then an agent's station is better than an owner's," laughed Fred. + +"It would not be if all men were honest," replied the convict, with a +gloomy brow; and from that time until the coffee was boiled, he did not +speak another word, but appeared to be meditating profoundly upon some +difficult problem. + +The cattle had quenched their thirst, and were lying beneath the shadows +of tall trees, lazily cropping the rank grasses within their reach. Fred +and myself had bathed and felt refreshed, and as soon as dinner was +over, we announced to the convict our readiness to accompany him upon +his visit to the stockman's house, where he had spent so many days of +solitude. + +"Take your rifles," Smith said, when he saw that we were about to depart +without them. + +We looked at him inquiringly. + +"We are now in regions where escaped convicts range freely; and ten +miles from here, by following the windings of this stream, is a forest +of gigantic trees and dark recesses, where the police of Melbourne dare +not venture. In that dreary retreat bushrangers find homes--stealing +forth as they do during the night, to feast upon slaughtered sheep, and +rob travellers; they lead an anxious life, as they never know who is +about to betray them, and give them up to the merciless rigor of the +authorities of the city, or else shoot them down as thoughtlessly as you +would a kangaroo, in case one should cross your path." + +"I would like to know if we are to carry our rifles for the purpose, of +guarding against bushrangers or to kill kangaroos?" I asked. + +"Perhaps for both intentions," replied Smith, glancing up and down the +stream, as though he was not certain that one animal or the other might +not be in sight. "We might meet a bushranger, and if we were without +arms he could do his will, and we should be powerless. As for kangaroos, +I've killed many on the very spot where we now stand; so let me warn you +to keep your eyes open, for they are like lightning in their movements, +and it requires a quick eye and steady hand to cover them with a rifle +when once they commence their leaps." + +"A dollar to a shilling that I hit one the first fire, if not more than +thirty rods distant," cried Fred, glancing along his rifle as though one +was already in sight. + +"I accept the wager," replied the convict, with a laugh at some thought +that appeared to strike him at the moment; but without enlightening us +he strode along the bank of the stream, leading the way towards the bend +of the brook, which was a few rods distant, and concealed a portion of +the prairie from view. + +As we turned the elbow, or bend of the stream, a small hut met our view, +situated near the banks of the brook; while, covering the vast plain +were herds of sheep and lambs, so numerous that they seemed like grains +of sand upon the shore, and I should as soon have thought of counting +the latter, as the former. + +The animals raised their heads and looked at us with alarm as we came in +sight, and then, appearing to think that we were there for no good +purpose, they started off into a run, tumbling over each other in their +flight, until they had placed a proper distance between us, when they +once more crowded into one dense mass, and then again scrutinized us +suspiciously. + +"I will show you that I have not forgotten my old trade," Smith said, +after we had expressed our wonder at the number of animals before us. + +He placed his hand to his mouth as he spoke, and uttered a shrill +whistle, which could have been heard for a mile or two. Twice did he +repeat the signal, and as he finished, the animals came slowly towards +us, as though confident that one who could produce sounds like those was +incapable of injuring them. + +"Ah!" laughed the convict, "how many times have I called my flock in +that manner! and although years have passed since I was a stockman, I +have not yet forgotten the trick of the trade." + +"Your signals appear to have awakened some one," Fred said, pointing to +a man who emerged from the hut, gun in hand, and who seemed undecided +whether to treat us as friends or foes. + +"I will tell you a few circumstances connected with that man's history," +the convict said, as we walked towards him. "Ten years since he was on +trial for the murder of his wife. The evidence was not very clear, so +the jury brought in a verdict of manslaughter, thinking that they might +as well convict on that ground as to let him escape. He was sentenced to +transportation for life; but after he had been in the colony three +years, new facts were brought to light which made his innocence +apparent. His counsel petitioned government for a release; but the +ministers turned a deaf ear to all entreaties, and said that as a jury +had presumed upon his guilt, they would not think of requesting her +majesty to grant a pardon; and the only thing they would attempt, would +be to send orders to treat the poor fellow as leniently as possible. In +consequence, he was allowed a parole, and entered the service of the man +who owns the vast flock of sheep which you see before you. He has grown +morose since he has led a solitary life, and if he answers questions at +all, it is in monosyllables. But do not treat him as if you knew for +what he was transported." + +The latter part of Smith's remarks were spoken hurriedly, and in a low +tone, for we were close to the unfortunate man when they were uttered, +and he feared to be overheard. + +I looked at the stockman with singular interest as we approached him. He +was, apparently, about fifty years of age, thin and slightly inclined to +stoop. His face was strongly marked and peculiar, and at one time he +must have passed for an exceedingly good-looking man. + +His hair, which was quite white, gave him a venerable appearance; while +a long, flowing beard of jet black, combed, and carefully trimmed, +reminded me of a distinguished minister that I had once listened to, and +whose sermon made an impression upon my mind that has never been +effaced. + +The stockman retained his defensive attitude, until he recognized the +features of Smith, when his gun was rested against the side of the hut, +and he once more dropped his head upon his breast, and with folded arms +awaited our coming. + +"Well!" cried Smith, with assured cheerfulness; "how do you get along +nowadays?" + +The stockman raised his head, and looked at the questioner as though +referring him to his face, with its wrinkles and lines of care, for an +answer. A moment after, his head was bowed upon his breast again, and he +appeared unconscious that we were present. + +"Have you seen Darnley's band lately?" Smith inquired. + +"Yes," replied the stockman, still retaining his position. + +"Has he visited you within the past few days?" queried Smith. + +"Yes," replied the man. + +"Ah, his supply of provisions was short," cried Smith, as his eyes +sought the flocks as though wondering how many sheep satisfied the +bushranger and his gang. + +The stockman returned no answer, so we passed him and entered his hut. +There were two bedsteads made of hides, a table, two rough chairs, that +looked as though introduced during the days of Sir Francis Drake, a few +pans hanging against the wall, an old chest with a broken lid and no +lock, and these were all the articles of luxury or convenience that +graced the cabin of the stockman. + +Smith pointed out the spot where Darnley had slept on the night of his +visit; and after we had gratified our curiosity, we left the room, and +bidding the stockman good-by, started on our return to the team. + +The poor man did not reply to our salutation, and after we left the +house a number of rods behind, we turned and saw that he was still +buried in profound reflection, and that his head was, as usual, resting +on his breast. + +"Poor fellow!" I muttered; "his unjust sentence has broken his heart." + +"He feels the wrong keenly," Smith said. "He has but one wish on earth +now; and that is, to see his daughter before he dies." + +"He then has children living?" Fred asked. + +"Only one, and she was a mere child when he left home. After his +misfortunes the girl was placed with a respectable family in +Lincolnshire. He has often heard from her--she married a hard-working +man, and now has one or two children. The stockman has saved every +shilling of his earnings for the last few years, for the purpose of +paying their passage to this country, where he thinks the husband can +prosper, and where he will have the privilege of seeing his +grandchildren grow up around him. Ten months since a hundred pounds were +sent for the object he had in view, but during the whole of that time no +word has arrived that the money reached its destination." + +"A hard case, and one deserving of our warmest sympathy," cried Fred, +once more stopping to look at the solitary man, who still stood with +folded arms and bowed head, meditating upon his wrongs. + +"A kangaroo! a kangaroo!" cried the convict, suddenly, pointing with his +hand towards a tall, slim animal, that was standing under a tree, as if +to shelter itself from the sun. + +We looked at the kangaroo with considerable interest. It was nearly six +feet high, when standing upon its hind legs, of a dark red color, with +small spots of white upon its breast, while two short arms, or flippers, +were dangling from its fore-shoulders, which were narrow and lean, as +though, clipper-like, it was intended for speed. + +The animal watched our movements narrowly; but as the distance was too +great for a rifle shot, we slowly edged towards it with the expectation +of getting within range. + +Cautiously we crept along the prairie, sometimes partly concealed by +tall, rank grass and sweet-scented shrubs, until we were forty rods from +the tree under which the kangaroo was sporting. + +"Hist!" said Smith, holding up his hand, to command our attention. "The +poor brute is a female, and has her young 'uns sporting around her." + +A closer scrutiny revealed the presence of two kangaroos, who were +playing about their mother, unconscious of all danger. They were of a +much lighter color than the old one, and the fur upon their bellies was +nearly pure white. For some time we watched them, and then, desirous of +obtaining fresh meat for supper, Fred and myself crawled a little +nearer. + +"Remember our wager," the convict cried, as we moved along on our hands +and knees. + +Fred nodded in reply, but after we had got a few rods from Smith, the +latter suddenly started to his feet and uttered a loud yell. + +So rapidly that our eyes could hardly follow their movements, did the +young animals run towards their parent and disappear from view; but we +had no time to wonder at that, for the mother, after a hasty glance +around, and comprehending the danger in which she stood, suddenly sprang +from beneath the shelter of the tree, and with the most extraordinary +bounds, some of which would measure over thirty feet in a straight line, +and nearly ten feet high, was passing us like a streak of lightning, +when Fred raised his rifle and fired. + +The kangaroo continued her bounds without relaxing her speed; when, +thinking that I might be more successful, I also fired. + +I heard the convict laugh heartily at our failures; but before his +merriment ceased, another gun was discharged, and with a mighty bound +the poor brute sprang into the air, alighted on the ground, and, rolling +over and over as though even in her death struggle she sought to escape, +yielded up her life. + +We looked towards the stockman to see if he had discharged his gun. He +was leaning on his old musket, and a bright blue smoke was curling over +his head. For a moment he seemed to be warmed into life by the +excitement of the sport, but before the kangaroo had breathed her last, +his head sank upon his breast again, and he appeared no longer to take +an interest in the affairs of life. + +We hastened to the animal, and wondered at her immense muscular power. +Her legs appeared like springs of steel, while a powerful tail, long and +bony, was also used to help the animal make those tremendous bounds, +which have become proverbial in Australia, and have excited the +attention of the most eminent naturalists. + +"But where have the young 'uns disappeared?" I asked, after we had +sufficiently admired the animal. + +"You would hardly think that they are still about her person," Smith +said. + +We laughed incredulously, but Smith maintained his gravity and persisted +in his statement. + +"It is an easy matter to settle," said Fred. "Just prove to us the truth +of your statement, and we shall be as knowing as yourself." + +The convict bent over the body and inserted his hand in a small opening +in the belly of the animal that resembled the mouth of a pouch, but +which had escaped our attention. He drew forth, as the result of his +investigation, a little, struggling kangaroo, that tried to induce Smith +to relinquish his grasp by snapping at his hand with its toothless +mouth. + +While we were admiring the softness of its skin, the second one was +dragged to light; but it uttered shrill cries of terror, and endeavored +to effect its escape from the rough hands that held it. + +"It is as bad as murder, killing the poor brute," cried Fred, +indignantly, he having recovered from the mortification of missing the +animal. + +"And there are no judges upon earth to sentence its murderer," cried a +solemn voice. + +We looked and found that the stockman had left the shadow of his hut, +and was occupied the same way as ourselves, gazing at the carcass of the +kangaroo. + +"Man is merciless, and God punishes us all in his own good time," the +stockman continued, as he listened to the grief of the motherless +animals. + +"Then why did you take her life?" demanded Fred. + +"A man that is wronged seeks to shift his burden so that the load which +weighs him down may grow lighter." + +The old man, without another expression of sorrow, turned away and +walked towards his hut again; while Smith, who was used to such scenes, +and therefore had hardened his heart, deliberately commenced skinning +the dead brute, and allowed the young ones to escape wherever they chose +to run. + +That night we supped upon the meat of the kangaroo; and while feasting +there was little thought of the sorrow which we experienced at its +death. + + + + +CHAPTER VI. + +ADVENTURE WITH A DOG.--THE MURDER IN THE RAVINE.--STORY OF AN OUTRAGED +WOMAN. + + +The flickering light of a fire, around which was seated three men with +sunburnt faces and long beard, hardly illuminated the bank of the river +sufficiently to distinguish objects ten yards distant. The men were +Smith the convict, Fred, and myself. Each of our mouths were graced with +dingy pipes, and while we puffed away diligently, our eyes were fixed +upon the cheerful blaze, silently watching the ever-changing embers, and +meditating upon the events of the day. The wind had gone to sleep with +the sun, and the heated air had given place to a coolness that felt +doubly refreshing after the scorching which we had undergone on the +prairie that forenoon. + +The air was still perfumed with the smoke of broiled kangaroo meat, +attracting large numbers of a fox-like species of animals, that rarely +ventured from the surrounding darkness, into the light of our camp-fire, +but skulked in the vicinity, and waited for the time when sleep would +overpower us, and allow them free pillage of our larder. Occasionally an +impatient one would utter a short bark, as though expressive of his +disgust at our watchfulness, and after he had thus given vent to his +feelings, slink away into darkness again; but their fiery, eager eyes, +could be distinguished as they prowled around and jostled each other +while taking counsel. + +It was near ten o'clock. We had lapsed into silence, and each one was +busy with his own thoughts, perhaps laying plans for the future. From +the time that our pipes were lighted not a word had been exchanged, and +I was just about knocking the ashes from mine, and proposing a +retirement to our blankets beneath the nearest tree, when the prolonged +howling of a dog attracted my attention. + +I looked towards Smith for an explanation, but found that he was as much +puzzled as myself, and was holding his pipe in one hand, while his head +was bent in the direction of the sound, as though waiting for a +repetition before he ventured to express an opinion. + +Again did the mournful sound ring across the prairie, and this time it +seemed nearer than when first heard. I thought I knew the bay, and could +have sworn that the animal was a staghound, and a full-blooded brute at +that. I had seen none of the breed since I had arrived in Australia, and +I thought it singular to find one at such a distance from Melbourne. + +"What is that hound baying for at this time of night?" I asked of the +convict, who still remained speechless. + +"Are you sure that it is a hound?" Smith inquired. + +"Quite positive. There he goes again. The brute has treed some animal, +and is informing his master of its whereabouts," I replied, listening to +see in what direction the sound proceeded from. + +"You are wrong there," cried Fred. "The dog is evidently coming this +way, and perhaps has started a kangaroo. If it comes within sight I'll +try it, even if I miss as I did this afternoon." + +Fred laid his hand upon his rifle which was lying by his side, and tried +to peer into the darkness, but a moment's experiment convinced him of +the folly of his thought, and he laid the gun down again. + +"I've never heard a sound like that since I left old England," the +convict said, as the baying continued, and grew nearer at each +repetition. + +We all three felt an anxiety that we tried to conceal from each other. +The loneliness of our location, and the uncertainty of meeting with +friends in that part of the country, the frequent robberies that had of +late been committed, and the daring of the bushrangers, were all ample +cause for vigilance on our part; and perhaps we suspected that the dog +was used by some gang to discover the presence of travellers, and +expedite the work of pillage. + +Nearer and nearer did the hound approach, and we had just time to snatch +our rifles from the ground, and start to our feet, when the animal +sprang into our narrow circle, and with subdued bays seemed to claim our +notice. + +"Give him a wide berth," shouted the convict, swinging his sharp axe +over his head as though in readiness to bring it down upon the skull of +the dog if he showed signs of hostility. "Keep clear of the brute," he +continued, "for he may be mad." + +The hound, a noble animal, with long, wiry limbs, and heavy jaws, around +which drops of foam were hanging, instead of shrinking from the uplifted +arm of the convict, seemed to measure the danger in which he stood at a +glance, and before we could interfere, or the heavy axe descend, sprang +full at the throat of Smith, and such was the impetuosity and suddenness +of the attack that the convict was borne to the ground, and for a moment +was at the mercy of the dog. + +Fred and myself raised our rifles simultaneously, but before we brought +them to bear, the animal had quit his grip and began craunching some +bones which were lying near the fire, tearing the meat which adhered to +them in the most ravenous manner, and exhibiting all the signs of +starvation. + +"Don't fire," shouted Smith, struggling to his feet. "Don't fire; you +see the poor brute is nearly starved." + +We still held our rifles ready, however, and were half inclined to use +them; but, as we looked at the dog, and saw how greedily he was +devouring his food, we concluded to wait and see what he would do after +he had satisfied his appetite. + +"The dog is rather quick and spiteful," cried Smith, rubbing his throat +and adjusting his shirt collar, which had been somewhat disarranged. "It +served me right for threatening him, when it's evident that he has +sought us peaceably." + +The convict, instead of harboring malice, cut large pieces of flesh from +the body of the kangaroo and fed him. He greedily devoured all that was +offered, and wagged his long, rat-like tail in satisfaction. When, +however, he had nearly demolished one fore-quarter of our prize, he +walked a short distance from the fire and renewed his howling, +commencing on a low key, and gradually ascending, until the yells could +have been heard for miles. + +"What is the matter with the brute?" asked Smith, turning to Fred and +myself, who were too perplexed to answer the inquiry; and, before we +could speak again, the hound walked slowly back to the fire, looked +piteously into our faces, and, strolling out into the darkness, +commenced baying as loud as ever. + +Three several times did the intelligent animal seek to induce us to +follow him, without our comprehending his meaning; but when it was +evident that such was his desire, grave questions arose as to the +expediency of our doing so. We thought that possibly it was a trick to +induce us to leave our baggage so that the owners of the dog would have +an unrestricted opportunity to plunder the cart. Such things had +happened before, and why not again? + +We glanced suspiciously at the hound as he stood near the fire, looking +at our faces and appearing to understand every word that was said on the +subject; indeed, when Smith stated, during the conversation, that he +would not on any account leave his wagon, the brute uttered a howl as +though he despaired of success, and turned all of his attention to Fred +and myself. + +"Let us follow him," cried my friend, grasping his rifle as though he +feared nothing with that in his hand. + +The dog, as soon as Fred had uttered the words, crouched at his feet and +licked his shoes, while a low bark testified to his joy. + +I looked towards Smith for advice and guidance in the matter. He was +musing on the subject, but when he saw that we only waited for his +decision, he shouldered his axe, and nodded his head. + +"Let us follow the brute," he cried. "We may be the means of saving +life, and, perhaps, much suffering. Lead the way, good dog, and take us +to your master." + +The hound sprang from his crouching position at Fred's feet, and +started on a dog-trot along the road that led towards Melbourne. In a +few minutes, despite our exertions to keep pace with him, he was out of +sight; but we followed along the course which he had started, and after +a short time he returned to our sides, wagging his tail, and apparently +urging us to increase our speed. + +A dozen times did he disappear in like manner, yet never for any length +of period; and after we had walked nearly three miles, the animal +abandoned the beaten track and continued across the prairie. + +"I don't want to go a great ways in this direction," muttered the +convict, glancing around, and trying to pierce the darkness. + +"Why not?" I asked. + +"Because, a few miles farther and we shall be near the forest which I +spoke to you about. It is infested with men better seen at a distance or +not at all." + +In spite of Smith's fears, however, we tramped on quarter of an hour +longer, and then, by the uneasy movements of the dog, concluded that we +were not far from our destination. + +Suddenly the animal sprang forward with a bay of warning, and +disappeared as if by magic. The next moment we were upon the steep bank +of a gulch, nearly thirty feet deep; and had not the actions of the dog +rendered us careful, we should have plunged headlong upon its rocky bed. + +For a moment, we remained motionless, hardly daring to move, for fear +that one false step would lead us to our ruin; but, after listening for +a while, we heard the dog as he reached the bottom of the ravine, and +then we determined to follow at all hazards. + +With careful steps we worked our way down the steep bank, and after half +an hour's toil found ourselves at the bottom. The hound was waiting for +us, and testified his impatience by a deep bay. The instant, however, +that we joined him, he became silent, and trotted on as before. + +Suddenly a groan, but a few feet from us, caused us to halt, and hastily +look around. But a short distance from us were the indistinct outlines +of a cart, and near the vehicle was the hound, busily occupied in +lapping something that was lying upon the ground. + +Another groan, and we moved towards the individual that seemed in such +deep distress. By the bright starlight, but which hardly penetrated the +gulch, we saw the form of a woman extended upon the rough rocks, while +near her lay the body of a man motionless. + +"Here is work for us," cried Smith, all his genuine feeling returning; +and he threw his heavy axe aside, and in a twinkling had the woman's +head upon his knee, and was pouring down her throat a potion from a +black bottle which he carried in his pocket. + +"Look to the man," he cried, assuming the leadership at once; and in +obedience to orders I knelt beside him, and placed my hand upon his +heart. He was cold, and his heart was motionless. As I withdrew my hand, +I felt that my fingers were moist and sticky. I tried to discover what +adhered to them, but the darkness was too great. + +"Give me the matches, Smith," I said, quickly. "We will strike a light, +and investigate this affair." + +A large quantity of drift wood was lying on the bed of the gulch, and +well dried by the hot summer's sun. I cut a few shavings, and a bright +fire was soon under headway, and cast its ruddy glare upon the group +collected around the cart, which was broken in half a dozen different +places, and had, apparently, been thrown from the banks above. + +As soon as sufficient fuel was added, we turned our attention to the +woman whose head Smith was holding. Her eyes were closed, and her teeth +clinched like those of a person in a fit. There was not a vestige of any +color in her face, while her garments appeared as though they had +experienced rough usage, and were torn in a dozen different places. In +spite of the strong decoction which Smith had poured down her throat, +she did not revive, or appear to comprehend what was said to her; and +after rubbing her hands for a while, and finding that it did no good, I +devoted a few moments to an examination of the body of the man. + +I now comprehended the meaning of the sticky substance which adhered to +my hand, for upon his breast were two large, ragged wounds, either of +which was sufficient to let out the life of a man, and from each had +oozed his blood until it had congealed in large lumps, and was held, +bag-like, by his thick flannel shirt. + +"There has been murder committed here," I cried, holding up my hands, +stained with the vital fluid of the dead man. + +"There has been more than murder," replied Fred, in a low tone. "There +has been violence offered to a woman." + +"Impossible," I cried, with a shudder at the thought. + +"Look and convince yourself, then," Fred said, seizing a burning brand +and holding it so that the light was thrown upon the face and body of +the insensible woman. + +Upon her neck was a large, discolored spot, and a near examination +revealed the impression of finger-nails, as though she had been seized +with no gentle hand, and choked, until forced to yield compliance to +unholy wishes and desires. + +Upon both sides of a neck that retained traces of beauty, although +bearing the impression of the sun's burning rays, were the dark marks to +be seen; and the hand that had left its impression was none of the +smallest, nor its grip the weakest, as we could readily see. + +The hound had crouched close to us, and watched with wary eyes our +movements. Often did he rise and lick the face of the insensible woman, +and after uttering a howl of grief, retire to his resting place, to +mourn in secret for his loss. + +"Force more of the liquor down her throat," cried Fred, who was rubbing +a hand that appeared accustomed to toil, for its palm was hard and +broad. + +Smith once more brought his bottle into requisition, and forcing apart +the teeth, emptied a portion of its contents into her mouth. Whether the +chafing began to have its effect, or the liquor was uncommonly strong, +is a matter of doubt; but at any rate she strangled as though she would +never recover her breath, and ended by opening a pair of very frightened +blue eyes. + +She raised her head from Smith's knee, glanced hurriedly and with +frightened looks first at Fred and then at myself, and before we were +aware of her intentions, sprang to her feet, and with loud shrieks +sought to escape. Before she had taken half a dozen steps, however, +Smith's stout arms were thrown around her, and he was calling to her in +gentle words to listen to reason, and to look upon him as a friend--that +he would protect her, and help avenge her injuries. + +Part of his words were lost during the momentary struggle which occurred +between them; but when her strength failed, and she sank exhausted and +panting into his arms, for the first time she appeared to comprehend +that we were not bushrangers, but human beings and friends. + +"Compose yourself," cried Smith, as gently as though he held an infant +in his arms. "See, even your dog is satisfied that we mean no harm; he +led us to this place, or you would have perished before morning. Tell us +what has happened, and how we can assist you." + +"Where is my husband?" she asked, after a moment's silence, during which +her wild eyes wandered from face to face, as though seeking to verify +the truth of his words. + +We returned no answer, and she repeated the question, though in a louder +tone, and appeared to doubt us because we kept silent. + +"My husband! where is my husband?" she shrieked; and as she turned her +restless eyes towards the cart, she suddenly appeared to comprehend +every thing. + +"He is dead--he is dead," she cried, starting to her feet, in spite of +the gentle restraint which Smith sought to impose upon her. + +She saw the body of the man who had been murdered, and with a loud cry +she fell upon it, laid her head upon its cold bosom, and sobbed as +though her heart would break. We did not interrupt her grief, but the +faithful dog lay down beside her, and added his subdued howls to her +tears; and when she mourned the loudest, he would lick her hands and +face, and seek to comfort her with his love. + +We heaped up fuel on the fire, and waited patiently for the time when +the woman would exhaust her grief, and give us some account of the +proceedings by which she and hers had suffered. + +While Smith and Fred remained near the fire, they examined the cart to +see if it contained any thing that would be useful to the unfortunate +woman in her present hour of grief. There were a few culinary utensils, +besides a thin mattress and blankets--all thrown in promiscuously, as +though the load had been ransacked and rifled of every thing that was +valuable, and the remainder not considered worth taking away. + +The night wore on, and light would soon herald the approach of day. It +was necessary that we should return to our camp, and look after our +effects; for who could tell how long they would he safe unless guarded +by a display of rifles? Besides, the cattle needed looking after, and +collecting, or they would be likely to stray back towards Melbourne and +get mixed with the wild animals which belonged to some of the numerous +stockmen on the road. Or the bushrangers might take a fancy for a change +of diet, and prefer beef to mutton; and in this case they would not be +likely to ask the permission of the owner of the animals, unless he was +stronger-handed than the robbers. + +I saw Smith glance uneasily along the ravine, and edge towards the woman +as though he wished to cheer her in her affliction, and yet explain +about the large amount of property which he had left unprotected. As +her sobs had somewhat subsided, worn out by the violence of her +emotions, she appeared more calm; he made the attempt, and kneeling +beside her spoke,-- + +"We are strangers," he said, taking her sunburnt hand between his rough +palms, and looking at her as tenderly as though she had been his sister; +"we are strangers, but there is not a man present but will shed his +blood in your defence; and while we have strength there is no fear of +your suffering. Have confidence in us, and explain how this dreadful +affair happened." + +He waited patiently for an answer, but some few minutes passed before +she could repress her sobs, which commenced anew at the sound of his +voice. At length she raised her head, brushed back the heavy masses of +hair which partly screened her face, and with an uncertain voice +replied,-- + +"I thank you for your offers of assistance, and accept them; for what +can I do alone in this desert without friends? My troubles are so +unexpected that if I do not appear grateful, attribute it to a want of +realization of the dreadful scenes through which I have passed since +yesterday. My husband--" + +She threw herself upon his corpse again, and for a while her grief +recommenced with all its former violence. Smith soothed and comforted +her, and gradually was enabled to draw all the facts connected with the +murder from her unwilling lips. + +"It is ten days since we arrived at Melbourne," she went on to say; "my +husband thought that we had better leave our two children at the city +with some friends, who were passengers in the same ship with ourselves, +until he had settled upon what occupation he should pursue. He had a +strong desire to try his luck at the mines, and as we had a little money +left after reaching this country, he invested it in buying a cart and +horse, and a few articles which were needed on the route. I was very +reluctant to part with my children, but I now perceive that it was for +the best; for it is probable that the little dears would have shared the +fate of their father, had they travelled with us. The chief object of +our visit to this country, however, was not so much a desire for wealth, +as the thought of meeting a parent whom I have been separated from since +I was a child." + +She paused for a moment, and buried her face in her hands, as though +reluctant to proceed. Smith and I exchanged glances of surprise, while +the woman continued her rambling story. + +"I am almost ashamed to say that my father was transported to Australia +for life; but he was innocent of the charge against him, and it has +since been made manifest; but government refuse to give him his liberty, +and he is still a convict." + +"What was the charge upon which he was convicted?" asked Smith, with +breathless anxiety. + +The woman hung her head and remained silent; and Smith was obliged to +repeat his question before he obtained an answer. His pertinacity seemed +cruel, but he had an object in view. + +"He was charged with the death of my mother," she answered, her voice +stifled with tears. + +"And your name before you were married was--" + +"Mary Ogleton." + +"It is the same," muttered Smith; but instead of revealing the good news +to her, he waited to hear the balance of her history since leaving +Melbourne. A few soothing words, and she continued,-- + +"Ten months since we had letters from my father, strongly urging us to +come to him, as he thought my husband would make a better living here +than in England. We were the more inclined to follow his advice, as the +letters contained drafts for money to help us pay our passage, which we +otherwise should not have been enabled to have done." + +"Tell us about your journey since leaving the city," cried Smith, "for +we already know your history before that period." + +She looked surprised, and continued,-- + +"Father wrote us that he was tending a flock of sheep on the road +leading to Ballarat, and that he could not leave his station even for a +day; but we were to write him if we intended coming, and he would have a +friend on the lookout for us. We answered his letter, saying that we +should embark on board of the first ship that sailed for Australia; but +when we reached port we found none to welcome us; and it was only after +diligent inquiries that we learned where he was located. Yesterday, +about noon, we thought that we must be near his home; and on inquiring +of a man that we met, he said that he knew him well, and would conduct +us to his hut. By his advice, we left the road which we had travelled +for four days, and struck across the prairie. I did not like the +appearance of our guide, and expressed my fears to my husband; but he +laughed at me, and placed implicit confidence in all that the stranger +said." + +"What sort of looking man was your guide?" asked Smith. + +"A dark-featured man, with long black beard, tall, and strongly framed. +Upon his forehead was a large scar, that looked as though recently +inflicted. I noticed him particularly, because I mistrusted him the +instant he offered to act as our guide." + +"It was Black Darnley," cried Smith, in reply to my interrogation; "the +villain--he shall yet suffer for his treachery." + +"That was the name by which his companions addressed him," cried the +woman, who overheard Smith's remark. + +The convict encouraged her to continue her narrative, and motioned Fred +and myself to remain silent. + +"He led us to the bank of this ravine, and said that we must here +abandon our team, and walk a few miles to father's hut. My husband +refused to follow his advice in that respect, and while Darnley was +urging him to do so, our dog, which had faithfully remained with us +since we left England, started in pursuit of a strange animal that +bounded along the prairie faster than the hound could run. We all became +interested in the chase, and when we lost sight of dog and animal, I +looked up and found five rough men close beside me. I started with +surprise; but before my husband could say a word, or use the gun which +he carried, Darnley discharged a pistol full at his breast, and he fell +dead. I remember nothing more, or, if I do, I pray to God that I may +soon forget it, or else join my husband in heaven. Were I childless, I +would dash my head against these rough stones, and so end my days." + +As she finished her story, she bowed her head upon her husband's cold +bosom, and her tears flowed fast and freely, while her frame shook as +though she was laboring under an attack of ague. + +"Listen to me," said Smith, at length, laying his hand upon her arm to +attract her attention: "we have a long journey before us, and time is +precious; but we will lose a day for the purpose of restoring you to +your father. Trust me, I know him, and if you think you can walk a few +miles, a few hours from now will see you in his arms." + +"I am strong now," she said, rising, as though the news had given her +new life. + +"Then lean on me, and I will assist you up this bank. Courage--remember +you live for your children and parent now." + +As Smith offered his strong arm, she accepted it; but a sudden thought +took possession of her mind, and she quitted his side and once more +threw herself upon the body of her husband. + +"I cannot leave him," she shrieked, clasping her arms around his neck, +and pressing her head upon his bosom. "He has been my only friend for +years; he did not despise me when he knew that my parent was a convict; +he has loved me, and is the father of my children. Let me remain with +him, and die upon his breast." + +"This is madness," Fred cried, impatiently. + +"Hush," said Smith. "Consider what the poor thing has suffered, and +treat her gently as a sister." + +The stout convict, whose heart had been strongly touched by her story +and deep love, raised her in his arms, soothed her, spoke words of +comfort to her, and promised if she would but leave the spot, that the +body of her husband should soon follow her, and be buried in a +Christian-like manner. + +She listened like one who did not comprehend his meaning, and all the +time that he was talking, her eyes were fixed upon the pale face of her +husband, as though she expected each moment to hear his voice, and see +him start to his feet, and open his arms for her protection. + +With gentle force we urged her away from the distressing sight, and +when, after long labor, we had gained the bank of the ravine, we found +that the poor woman was nearly unconscious, and hardly capable of +moving. + +"Where now?" I asked of Smith, as we carried her along. + +"To the hut of Ogleton," he cried; "and then, if I mistake not, we shall +have work before us." + +"What kind of work?" asked Fred, who was carrying the rifles, and the +sharp axe of the convict. + +"The work of revenge," cried Smith, solemnly. + +"I am ready for it," exclaimed Fred, brandishing his rifle; "God only +grant us all strength to perform it." + +And as we staggered along the prairie with our burden, the dark clouds +in the east broke away, and revealed the glowing tints of the rising +sun; and a hundred bright-plumed birds darted through the air, awakening +the solitude of that vast plain with their shrill calls, and each cry +seemed to say, "Revenge! revenge!" + + + + +CHAPTER VII. + +BLACK DARNLEY'S VILLANY.--THE CONVICT STOCKMAN. + + +A brighter sun never shone upon the barren plains and fertile valleys of +Australia, than that which appeared above the horizon on the morning +after the murder and deed of violence committed by Black Darnley and his +gang of bushrangers. Our party had not closed their eyes in sleep during +the night, yet not one of us felt the least fatigue or desire to rest, +until the woman, who was under our protection, had been placed beneath +the shelter of her father's roof, humble as it was, and removed from all +society and scenes of civilization. + +As we supported the unhappy woman towards the habitation of the convict, +and spoke words of encouragement which fell upon listless ears, we +thought of a parent's love, and how strong it must exist in the heart of +that old man, who had grown morose under his wrongs, yet still clung to +the recollection of his child, and fancied her a girl, instead of a +full-grown woman, and the mother of a family. + +We had no doubt that her reception by her father would be warm; but we +dreaded to know how he would deport himself upon the news of the harsh +treatment which she had received being explained to him. He was +represented to us by Smith as a man of quick passions--bold and +fearless, or he would never have accepted the situation to which he was +attached--surrounded, as he was, with dangerous neighbors--convicts, who +cared no more about shedding the blood of a man than they did for the +lamb which they slaughtered when hungry--wild beasts, who prowled around +the fields at night, and skulked near during the day, and who, if urged +by starvation, would attack the shepherds, provided they interposed +between them and their prey. + +This was the kind of man that was to be told that his daughter had +suffered at the hands of men whom he had spoken with weekly for months, +and who respected him only because they knew him to be no coward, and a +convict like themselves. + +Our walk across the prairie was slow and laborious. We were compelled to +govern our pace with that of the woman, and as she was half-dead with +grief, and insensible to our words of encouragement, we concluded to let +her cry without hindrance on our part, and only hoped that our wagon +might escape pillage during our long absence. + +It was about nine o'clock when we reached the place where we were camped +the night before. The wagon remained where we had left it; but it needed +no tongue to tell that it had been visited, while we were away, and that +a portion of the load was removed. Boxes of goods were overturned, and +tops wrenched off, bales were cut open, and their contents scattered +upon the ground; and, upon a near examination, we found that the +impudent robbers had used our dishes to feast from, and that there were +still smoking brands upon the fire where they had boiled their coffee, +as though they knew we should be absent all night, and had plenty of +time to enjoy themselves before our return. + +For a few minutes, after Smith had seen the havoc which the bushrangers +had made with his cargo, he seemed to need as much comforting as the +unfortunate female under his charge. But he was a man, and had seen too +much of the world's trials to get discouraged, so he proceeded to gather +up his goods in the most philosophical manner, although an occasional +oath did escape him as he missed some article of value which he knew +could not be replaced except in Melbourne. + +While Smith was occupied with his cargo Fred and myself proceeded to +cook breakfast, a meal which we stood very much in need of, considering +the labors of the night; but before we did so, our female friend was +placed upon blankets and screened from the hot sun. She refused all +offers of nourishment, and would not drink even a cup of strong tea +which we proffered her. Coffee, we unfortunately had none, as the +bushrangers had taken a fancy to the few pounds which were on the cart, +and carried it with them, rejecting with seeming contempt the green +leaves of China, of which there was a large box undisturbed. + +Even the flesh of the kangaroo which we had hung upon the limb of a tree +was saved; but our store of salt pork was gone, also the few vegetables, +worth almost their weight in gold at the mines, which had been treasured +until we should arrive at our destination. + +Fred uttered a curse when he found that there was not a single potato +left; but, after he had vented his displeasure, he applied his energies +to the matter before him with all his usual determination. + +Fred's clothing and my own, contained in one small canvas bag, was gone, +and we stood in all that we owned. That did not distress us, however, +for we were not likely to go into society where a change of dress was +expected, but we did growl when we found that the scamps had carried off +all our powder, excepting what our flasks contained. + +"Whose work is this?" asked Fred, who was broiling a piece of kangaroo +on a stick, and in a very artistic manner, for the purpose of tempting +the poor woman's appetite. + +Smith, to whom the question was addressed, straightened his stout form, +and held up a number of flannel shirts, which he was taking to the mines +on a venture. They had been cut with knives in the most wanton manner, +and hardly a square inch had escaped. + +"There is evidence enough of the perpetrator," replied Smith, pointing +to the holes. + +"Well, who is he?" cried Fred, sprinkling a little salt upon the burning +flesh. + +"There is but one gang of bushrangers in these parts who inflict wanton +injury upon the goods of carriers. That gang is Darnley's!" + +"And yet you pardoned him once when he was in your power," I said. + +"True; and had I been here my cargo would have escaped molestation. He +little thought that he was injuring me. I will do him the justice of +saying that." + +"He and his gang should be swept from the face of the earth," cried +Fred, who, having cooked and seasoned the meat to his satisfaction, now +approached the woman, who was lying upon a blanket, apparently +unconscious of what was going on around her. + +He had but uttered the words when she started to her feet, grasped his +arm with a vehemence utterly at variance with her previous docility, and +exclaimed,-- + +"You are right, Kill the monster! Kill him, for he is unfit to live. +Kill him, for he has wronged an unprotected woman, and committed +outrages that will condemn him to eternal punishment in the next world." + +She released her grasp of Fred and fell to the ground, where she sat +rocking her body to and fro, uttering moans of anguish. But she no +longer shed tears, and her eyes looked wild and threatening, as though +her troubles had affected her reason. + +"Who talks of killing?" cried a deep voice. "That is God's prerogative, +not man's nor vain woman's." + +We started, and turning saw that the convict stockman had approached us +unawares, and was leaning on his long gun, keenly scanning the features +of the unfortunate woman. + +"There are some crimes which God designs man to punish," answered Smith, +desisting from his occupation of gathering up his traps. "I think that +the scoundrels who robbed my team deserve hanging, and I don't want to +wait until they are dead to know that they are receiving punishment in +the next world." + +"The world to come is one of darkness to us mortals, and who can pierce +its blackness. But God has promised light, and behold the angel of the +Lord will reveal all things, for so sayeth the Book of all books." + +"I don't know what you mean," replied Smith, who had listened +attentively to the wild, rambling speech of the convict without +comprehending its import; "but this I do know, that I would mash the +heads of the bushrangers who robbed my cart, if they were within the +reach of my axe." + +"Trust in God for vengeance, for to him does it belong," exclaimed the +convict, drawing a dirty looking and well-thumbed Testament from his +pocket, and turning over leaf after leaf as though seeking for a +particular chapter. + +"We must get him to put up his book, or he'll read from now till +sundown," cried Smith, with visible alarm at the idea of being compelled +to listen. + +"Here is an unfortunate woman that needs your assistance," said Smith, +laying a hand upon the old man's arm, and calling his attention to his +child. + +"Does she need spiritual assistance, or only food for the body? Her +looks are like those of a person who has been suffering." + +"She has suffered much within twenty-four hours, and her only friend now +is that dog that keeps so close to her." + +"Let her be comforted," the convict cried, approaching her; "if her +sorrow is ever so deep, it can be healed." + +He closed his book as he spoke and approached his child, who sat with +downcast eyes, and apparently unconscious of his presence. + +"Daughter," he began; but at the sound of his voice so near, she raised +her eyes hastily, and on her face could be seen the emotions and +struggles to recollect where she had before heard his tones. She +pressed her hand to her forehead as though forcing memory to reveal its +secret, but suddenly the truth was revealed to her. + +"Father," she cried, starting to her feet, and throwing her arms around +that white-headed man's neck, venerable before his time. "Father! O God, +is it you?" + +She laid her aching head upon his bosom, and, with her arms around his +neck, shed tears as freely as she did the day that she was separated +from him, as she thought, forever. + +The convict staggered back, and would have fallen, had not Fred's strong +arm supported him. He glanced from face to face as though trying to read +the meaning of the surprise, and then he turned his looks upon his +daughter. + +"Mary," he cried, after pushing the hair from her forehead, "can it, +indeed, be my child--has the little girl whom I left in England grown to +be a woman!" + +He held her close in his embrace as though he feared that something +would happen to prevent his seeing her again. He kissed the tears from +her cheeks, and begged her to be calm, and to tell him about her voyage, +and lastly to speak about her husband and children. + +Her sobs were her only response. He grew impatient at her refusal to +answer his interrogations, and then suspicions of foul play entered his +imagination. + +"There has been some wrong done you," he cried, appealing to his +daughter. + +She answered with tears and moans. + +"Speak, and tell me who has dared to injure you," he cried vehemently. +"Was it your husband?" + +His brow grew threatening and black, as he put the question. + +There was no reply, but his daughter clung to his neck with a more +convulsive grasp, as though she feared to lose her parent also. + +He glanced from Smith to Fred, and from the latter to myself, as though +debating whether we were the guilty party. + +"Tell me," he cried, lifting her head from his shoulder, and seeking to +get a glimpse of her face, "who has wronged you?" + +There was no response. He placed her gently upon the blankets, and then +with a face that was livid with rage, grasped his musket which had +fallen to the ground. + +"Which of you has dared to do this?" he asked, and the ominous click of +the lock of the gun proved that he was in earnest, and that all of his +worst passions were aroused. + +No one answered. I looked towards Smith, expecting to hear him explain +every thing; but, to my surprise, he was silent; evidently too much +astonished at the unexpected turn which the affair had assumed, to +speak. + +My look was misconstrued by the indignant convict, for before I could +speak, the long gun was levelled at the breast of Smith, and in another +moment all his hopes and fears would have been at an end, had not his +child started up and rushed towards him. + +"Not him!" she shouted, wildly. "O God, not him!" + +He dropped the muzzle of his gun, but his fierce eyes still glared from +Fred to me. + +"Which of these two?" + +He indicated us with a motion of the hand that held the gun, and looked +in his child's face for confirmation. + +"Neither, father--so help me Heaven, neither. Without the aid of these +friends I should have perished." + +He dropped the muzzle of the gun, and each of us felt thankful as he did +so, for we had witnessed the accuracy of his aim the day before, and +while the muzzle of the musket was pointed towards us, one of our lives +was not worth insuring. + +"You are tired and distressed," the convict said, addressing his +daughter with a degree of tenderness that I thought wonderful after his +late outbreak. + +"My head," she murmured, "feels as though it would burst; while my heart +is broken already." + +"Rest a while, until I confer with your new-found friends, and then you +shall accompany me to my home. It is a hut, but it is all I have to +shelter you." + +It was singular to witness how soon the recluse had once more become an +active man of the world, and for a while forgotten his Bible and +religious fanaticism. + +"Tell me all that has happened," the convict said, motioning for us +three to follow him a short distance from his daughter, so that our +conversation could not be overheard by her. + +Smith related the strange visit of the hound, and his leading us to the +scene of the murder--our finding his child in an insensible +condition--the story of her wrongs, and our surprise at finding that she +was in search of him. He listened with clinched teeth, and only +interrupted the narrative with groans of rage and anguish. When he knew +all, we waited to see what course he would pursue. + +To our surprise, he did not speak, but turned away as though about to +seek his home. + +"Stay one moment," cried Smith, laying his hand upon his shoulder. + +"Well," cried the convict, impatiently. + +"What do you propose to do?" we asked. + +"Are you Americans, and ask that question?" he demanded. + +"You think of seeking Black Darnley?" Smith continued. + +"I do." + +"Alone?" + +"Alone." + +"You shall not," cried Smith, with sudden energy. "You are no match for +him and his gang." + +"My daughter's injury must be avenged. I go alone to consummate it." + +"Stay until to-morrow, and we will accompany you," Fred and myself cried +with one accord. + +The convict hesitated for a moment, then suddenly extended his hands, +and while he wrung ours, promised a compliance. The next instant he had +lifted his daughter in his arms, and was walking with the burden towards +his hut. + +We saw no more of him until towards night, and then he was in front of +the hut cleaning his long, heavy musket. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + +AN EXPEDITION.--A FIGHT WITH BUSHRANGERS.--DEATH OF BLACK DARNLEY. + + +"I don't like the expedition," said Smith, pettishly, as he saw Fred and +myself examining our powder-flasks and counting bullets. + +"Then stay here and await our return," cried Fred, bluntly, looking up +from his work. + +Smith moved uneasily, muttered something in an under tone, felt the edge +of his constant companion, a heavy axe, and then replied,-- + +"If you two harum-scarum youngsters are determined to get your throats +cut, I don't see but that I shall have to be near at hand. But I tell +you it is bad business, and none but crazy men would think of +penetrating that dark forest in search of bushrangers." + +"You wouldn't let that old man go alone, would you?" we asked. + +"No; but then--" + +He stopped a moment, as though to collect his thoughts, and pettishly +exclaimed,-- + +"D---- it, you are going in search of the worst gang on the island. +Black Darnley is equal to all three of us in a personal encounter." + +"But suppose we kept him at bay, and tried the effect of rifle shot?" I +asked, holding up a short, heavy, instrument, carrying about twenty-five +to a pound. + +"The rifle looks like a true one, and I know that you boys can shoot, +but suppose that you didn't get the chance?" + +"Then we must trust to luck," answered Fred, coolly. + +"I'm no great hand at bush-fighting," replied Smith; "but we have joined +our fortunes for a trip to the mines, and I'm not the man to desert you +at the time of need." + +"Then you'll go?" we asked. + +"Yes; if I get killed it matters not much." + +In half an hour we were ready; each man carried a small knapsack, +containing a few cakes of bread and the remains of the kangaroo, while +Smith provided himself with a small bottle, the contents of which he +kept a profound secret. + +Not knowing whether we should ever be fortunate enough to return and +claim the few articles of property that belonged to us, Fred and myself +paused for a moment to bid them farewell. + +Standing in the doorway of the stockman's hut, we saw the form of his +injured daughter watching us on our tramp. She remained motionless' +until we turned to continue our march, and then she waved a blood-red +handkerchief as though bidding us remember her injuries and avenge them. + +Right before us, at a distance of five miles, was a dark line of trees, +extending for many leagues along the horizon. In the depths of that +forest few white men had ever penetrated. Once, a dozen of the police of +Melbourne attempted to break up a gang of bushrangers who sheltered +themselves upon the edge of this wild region. On the alarm being given, +the villains discharged a volley at the officers and then fled. Five of +the police were killed or wounded, but the remainder, nothing daunted, +started in pursuit. They got separated amidst the thickets, and but one +man returned alive to Melbourne. The remainder either got lost and +starved to death, or else were killed by the bushrangers. After that, +government was content to offer large rewards for the apprehension of +the escaped convicts, but the police did not care to venture a second +time into their dread abode. + +I have mentioned these circumstances to show that the undertaking upon +which we had embarked was one of no ordinary kind; that there was much +peril and little honor to be gained in an encounter with half a dozen +desperate men, who knew that their lives depended upon the stout +resistance which they should offer, and of course would fight to the +death. + +If we did look sharply to the loading of our rifles, and felt the long +bowie knives that we carried at our waist to find whether the blades +worked easily in their sheaths, it was because we expected to use them, +and knew that our only hope to return alive was by a prompt employment +of the deadly weapons when an encounter took place. + +It was near nine o'clock when we halted upon the outskirts of the dark +forest. Hardly a ray of the hot sun penetrated the woods; all was gloomy +and silent. Occasionally a parrot upon the borders of the forest uttered +a shrill scream, and then spreading its gaudy wings sought shelter upon +the bough of a tall tree, from whence it could watch our movements +without danger. + +The hound, which we had taken with us, ran with his nose close to the +ground, sometimes moving within a few feet of the trees, and then +starting off, scouring the prairie in his search, but always returning, +until he suddenly stopped before what seemed a dense thicket. During all +the time that he had been upon the scent not a cry had escaped him; +indeed, he seemed to realize that silence was our only safety, and acted +accordingly. + +"The dog has found the trail of the bushrangers," the convict said, +suddenly halting, and waiting for the rest of us to join him. + +"The dog is keen on the scent, and acts as though trained to track +runaways," cried Smith, resting his heavy axe upon the ground, and +rubbing his shoulder where the skin was nearly worn off by friction. + +The animal bounded towards us, wagged his tail, looked into our faces +with his knowing eyes, and then trotted slowly back to the thicket +before which he had halted in the first place. + +"Don't let us stand here all day under this broiling sun," cried Fred, +impatiently. "If we are to search for bushrangers, let's begin and get +through with the job as soon as possible." + +"There is no haste," cried the aged convict, in a tone of reproach. "Our +success depends upon the degree of caution that we employ. Our object is +to surprise the party we are in pursuit of, and not let them surprise +us." + +"O, I understand," replied Fred, indifferently; "something of the Indian +style of warfare, hey? Well, we are somewhat used to that, and can +follow a trail as well as any amateur hunters in the country." + +The convict made no reply, but examined the priming of his gun, +tightened the sash which he wore around his waist, and then, briefly +surveying the little party, as though calculating on the relative +strength of each man, he moved forward. + +We gained the thicket, where the dog was awaiting us. No entrance +through the dense undergrowth met our view; and had we not known that +the dog came from a breed of hounds that never deceive, we should have +deemed it impossible for human beings to have entered the forest in that +direction. + +For some time we examined the premises to find an opening; but none +appearing, Smith swung his axe over his head and let its sharp edge +strike the bushes, intending to cut a passage. As if by magic the boughs +gave way, and we discovered an opening which bore the appearance of +having been frequently used. + +A brief examination convinced us of the fact. The branches of young +trees and the tops of the bushes were so interlaced that no one would +have suspected that an entrance into the forest was possible in that +quarter. It proved to us that we were near the encampment of +bushrangers, but whether the party we were in pursuit of, was more than +we could tell. + +We motioned to the hound to lead the way, and the noble animal, after a +brief examination of the ground, trotted slowly forward. + +Our steps were taken with caution, for we wished to come upon the +outlaws unexpectedly. + +For ten minutes we continued our silent march, the dog leading the way +with unwavering instinct, avoiding the thickets and dense growth of +trees,--hardly noticing the small wild animals of the hare species that +ran before his very nose,--until he suddenly stopped and looked into our +faces, as much as to say, "Now, pray be cautious." + +"Hist!" cried the convict, who led the way, holding up his finger. "I +smell smoke." + +"And I can see it," replied Fred, pointing to an opening in the trees +nearly a quarter of a mile distant. + +We all strained our eyes in the direction that Fred indicated, and I no +longer doubted that we were in the vicinity of an encampment, although +neither Smith nor the convict was ready to testify that they saw signs +of fire. + +"I call my eyes as clear and keen as most any one's," Smith said; "but +if you can see smoke it's more than I can do." + +"My eyes are not so good as they were twenty years back, and I trust +more to the scent than the sight. Now I can smell smoke, but see none," +the aged convict said, inhaling his breath as though trying to +distinguish from what direction it came. + +"You Englishmen have never lived in one of our American forests, or you +would be better acquainted with the appearance of smoke when it came +from a fire that has long been neglected and is about dying out. I will +wager a pound of good rifle powder that in yonder clearing we shall find +a camp of bushrangers, and that the smoke which we see comes from the +fire they made when they returned from their nocturnal excursion last +night." + +"You may be right," the convict said, in a musing tone. "If we are," he +continued, "in close proximity to those we seek, what do you advise?" + +"I would advise a seperation of forces--let Jack and myself approach the +encampment in one direction, while you and Smith can steal towards it +from another. There are many reasons why we should act in this manner, +and you do not need my advice to be convinced of its force." + +"May the God of battles aid us," muttered the convict, _sotto voce_, as +though fearful we should catch his words and fears. "I see," he +continued, "the force of your reasoning. When you are ready for the +attack, discharge your rifles, and mind and not waste a single shot." + +The convict stalked on as he ceased speaking, following the lead of the +dog. We were about to start in a different direction, but still verging +towards the smoke, when we were detained by a few words from Smith. + +"Remember, boys," he hurriedly whispered, "that if any thing occurs, you +are to take charge of my property and remit the sale of it to my mother. +She is somewhere, in London, I believe. Take care of yourselves, and +remember that it was not I that proposed this confounded excursion." + +He squeezed our hands as he spoke, and the next minute we lost sight of +his burly form as he followed in the wake of the convict. + +Still keeping the smoke in view, Fred and myself struck off in another +direction. We carefully picked our way through the forest, hardly making +noise enough to alarm the numerous birds that were perched upon the +trees, in the deep shade, to avoid the heat of the sun. Not a dry stick +was trodden upon to send forth its crackling sound--not a bough was +brushed past rudely for fear its waving top should give an alarm. +Silently we stole along, and were, as we thought, near the camp. We +crept upon our hands and knees until we came in sight of an open space, +and then upon the first glance we knew that we were close to a gang of +bushrangers. + +In the middle of the clearing was a low hut, covered with the hides of +bullocks, which were nailed on shingle fashion, for the purpose of +excluding rain. The logs did not fit very snugly together on the sides +of the cabin, and grass was crowded into the chinks, although in some +places it had been pushed out as for the purpose of enabling those +within to take a survey of the different approaches to the hut. A fire +was smoking before the door, looking as though it had been kindled many +hours before and allowed to die out for want of fuel. + +The only other sign of life was a grass hammock, which swung from the +branch of a tree, not more than four feet from the ground, and which +appeared to contain some person who was sleeping. For ten minutes after +we reached our allotted station we waited for Smith and the convict to +gain a position and give the signal for an attack. + +[Illustration: Throwing down the weapon with an oath, the ruffian drew a +long knife; but before he had an opportunity to use it, the heavy axe +descended upon his unprotected head, and crashing through skull and +brains, it clove him to the chin. Page 66.] + +There were no signs of them, and we began to fear that they had strayed +from the right path, when a small kangaroo dog walked lazily from the +cabin and stood near the door, as though debating whether he should +return and finish his nap or exercise in the open air. He was not long +in making up his mind, for his keen scent detected something in the +atmosphere that was not right; and where we were lying we could see his +sharp eyes glance suspiciously around, and saw the stiff hair upon his +back rise as though getting ready to meet the danger that was near at +hand. + +There was suddenly a bay--a loud, angry bark, and then the hound which +had belonged to the murdered man bounded into the enclosure and fastened +his strong teeth into the neck of the dog, the latter hardly offering +battle so sudden was the onslaught. + +There was a yelp of pain as the hound shook the smaller animal in his +strong jaws, and that cry raised an alarm that brought half a dozen men, +with long red and black beards, and repulsive faces, to the door of the +hut. + +We saw their look of surprise as their eyes alighted upon the fighting +dogs--we saw them glance hastily around, and raise their guns, which +they carried in their hands, as though to get ready for a sudden attack; +and while we were in a state of uncertainty, and almost ready to +commence the fight, a tall, powerful-built man, with heavy beard and +long hair, rolled from the hammock in which he had been swinging, and +rushed towards the yelping brutes. + +"Whose dog is that?" he shouted, "and why do you stand there like a pack +of fools, allowing them to make noise enough to wake the whole forest? +We shall have the beaks upon us if this continues;" and as he spoke, he +raised the branch of a tree which was lying near the fire, and lifting +it as easily as a common man would a walking stick, he struck at the +hound, who still held the kangaroo dog by the throat, and growled at his +slightest movement as though he feared that one of the parties concerned +in his master's murder would escape. + +I held my breath while the huge club was suspended in the air, wielded, +I knew full well, by the strong arms of Black Darnley. Twice I raised my +rifle to my shoulder; and thought to interpose against what I considered +certain death to the brute, but a fear that Smith and the convict were +not at their stations prevented me. + +I almost shouted a warning to the dog as the club descended, but my +fears were vain; for the animal sprang aside, and the stick fell heavily +upon the sharp-nosed dog of the bushrangers. He gave one yell, and was +crushed into a shapeless mass. + +The ruffian uttered an oath of rage; but before he could renew the +attack the hound flew full at him, and fastened his long fangs into +Darnley's throat. The latter staggered back, surprised at the sudden +attack, but only for an instant. His stout hands were quickly raised, +and then his grasp encompassed the dog's throat so tightly that his eyes +nearly started from their sockets, and he was glad to unclinch his +teeth, and gasp for breath. + +Full at arm's length did Darnley hold the animal, and we could see a +grim smile steal over his face as he thought of the pain he was +inflicting. The gang started forward to assist the ruffian, but with an +oath he bade them keep back and let him alone. I feared the dog's life +was short, and determined to save it, but I was anticipated. + +I heard the sharp crack of Fred's rifle close by my side, and following +the direction of his aim, I saw Darnley loosen his hold of the dog, +stagger back, press one hand upon his side as though he felt a sudden +pain; but still he kept his feet, and waved to his gang encouragement, +while his voice exclaimed,-- + +"The beaks are upon us, d----n 'em; show no quarter or mercy; fight till +you die, or you'll all be hanged." + +He staggered towards the hut as he spoke, but in trying to keep his +balance, removed his hand from his side. A torrent of blood gushed +forth, and dyed the ground a scarlet hue; he strove to keep upon his +feet, but his strength was ebbing fast, and with a reel and lurch, like +some strong ship before foundering, he fell to the ground, never to rise +again. + +His gang had rushed into the hut upon the first discharge, leaving their +leader alone, unsupported; but as he fell, they issued forth, each armed +with muskets and long pistols, and a profusion of knives. + +"Fire," whispered Fred, as he hastily loaded his rifle. + +I disliked the idea of shedding blood, and hesitated; but before Fred +had driven his rifle ball home there was a discharge opposite to us, and +another bushranger fell bleeding to the ground. + +They raised a startling yell for vengeance, and rushed towards the spot +where the smoke was ascending from the discharged musket. Before they +had reached half way across the clearing, Fred and myself poured in our +deadly fire, and two more of the escaped convicts fell mortally wounded. + +They were then seized with a panic, and separating, each one seemed +determined to seek safety in flight; but before they gained the shelter +of the woods our revolvers were brought into requisition, and one more +ravisher was made to bite the dust. + +"May the God of Israel give us strength to kill them," shouted the +convict, bursting through the thick bushes with his long gun in hand, +and his white hair streaming over his shoulders. + +"No mercy to the scoundrels," cried Smith, waving his heavy axe over his +head, and advancing at a run in pursuit. + +That cry came near being his last; for one of the bushrangers, seeing +that he had no gun, suddenly turned in his flight, and raising his +musket, presented it full at the broad breast of Smith. The latter did +not falter or dodge, but rushed towards the robber with uplifted axe, +uttering, as he advanced, a wild cry that startled me, it was so loud +and shrill, and sounded like the last yell of a dying man in agony. + +I feared to see the villain discharge his musket, for I knew that Smith +was so near that he could not well be missed. I would have shot the +fellow myself, but my rifle was empty; still thinking to save him, I ran +hastily towards the parties; but before I had advanced ten steps I saw +the bushranger's musket flash in the pan, but no report followed. His +gun had missed fire. + +Throwing down the weapon with an oath, the ruffian drew a long knife; +but before he had an opportunity to use it the heavy axe descended upon +his unprotected head, and crashing through skull and brains, it clove +him to the chine. + +With no groan or word he fell; and when I reached the side of Smith +there was not another bushranger left to battle with. We were masters of +the field, and not one of us had received a wound. + +"Let us praise God for this victory," cried the aged convict, removing +his apology for a hat, and casting his eyes heavenward. + +"Humph," grunted Smith; "we'd better make preparations for quitting +these woods, instead of praying, according to my fancy." + +"To Him alone belongs the praise for this day's work--for this mighty +triumph," cried the old man, whose religious feelings were all awakened +by the carnage. + +"I don't dispute that the Lord lent his aid, but to my mind, if it +hadn't been for these two Americans, he'd deserted us in the hour of +need. Two good rifle shots are a great help towards obtaining a +victory," exclaimed Smith, wiping his axe of the crimson gore which +still adhered to it, and glancing around the clearing, as though he +expected there might be more bushrangers starting up to offer battle at +any moment. + +"The Almighty is powerful, and can crush at his pleasure." + +"We all know that," cried Smith, impatiently, "but to my mind it's +better to examine yonder hut, and then make our way back to the team as +fast as possible, for there's no knowing how soon we may have a new gang +to contend with." + +His advice appeared so reasonable that we instantly prepared to follow +it; but first we stopped by the side of Black Darnley, and examined to +see whether he was dead. The rifle ball had made sure work, having +passed through his left side in the direction of his heart, and made its +exit below the ribs opposite. On the dark face of the dead man was a +look of defiance, as though even in his death-struggle he had tried to +gain his feet, and to face his enemies with his latest breath. + +I removed the pistols which he wore in his belt, and as no one presented +a better claim for them than Fred and myself, I divided with him; and +during our long sojourn in Australia, he kept one, and I the other. He +still clings to his, while I have deposited mine in the office of the +American Union, as a sort of memento of times long past. + +A visit to the hut was next paid, and there, heaped up in a corner, we +not only found the goods which were stolen from Smith's cart, but +numerous other articles; and while we were sorting them, I kicked aside +some dirt, and saw a flat stone. Curiosity prompted me to move it, and +underneath was a hoard of gold dust, gold coins, silver dollars, and +English shillings and half crowns, the whole amounting to about two +thousand pounds. + +Without stopping to divide it, we gathered it up with the most +convenient articles for carrying away, and then setting fire to the hut, +left it blazing, knowing full well that those of the gang who escaped +would return before long with reenforcements, and that our lives were +not worth much if we were taken by surprise. + +We gained the open prairie, and without stopping to rest, continued our +march, until we reached the hut of the convict stockman. The daughter of +the latter came out to us, and as she laid her hand upon her father's +arm, she whispered,-- + +"Is he dead?" + +He nodded his head, and then I saw a gleam of satisfaction cross her +face, as she thought of her injuries, and the prompt manner in which +they had been avenged. + + + + +CHAPTER IX. + +THE STOCKMAN'S DAUGHTER.--MOUNTED POLICE OF MELBOURNE. + + +The day after our return from the excursion in pursuit of bushrangers, +the cattle were yoked together, and had been attached to the cart for an +hour, before the convict issued from his hut. + +Twice had Smith cracked his long whip, each time crushing large green +flies that had alighted on the flank of the nearest ox, and yet the lash +so lightly fell that not a hair of the animal was ruffled, or a particle +of pain inflicted. I never understood the science of using a whip until +I learned it upon the plains of Australia, and saw stockmen, with one +wave of their weapon, cut chips of hide and quivering flesh from the +panting sides of frightened or contrary cattle. + +As the convict advanced to meet us, Smith rose from his seat with an +expression of gratitude at the prospect of soon being enabled to move. + +"Well," said Smith, speaking first, "you see we are ready to start, yet +we could not go without bidding you good-by." + +"I have much to thank you for," he said, his eyes cast to the ground as +though fearful of looking up and exposing the weakness which oozed from +them, and wet his long gray beard. "My child thanks you all for the +promptness with which you have revenged her wrongs; and to these two +Americans she says, that her prayers shall ever ascend for your safe +return to your country, and that happiness may await you when you have +rejoined the friends of your childhood." + +"Can we bid her farewell, at parting?" asked Fred. + +"If you wish it, yes," answered the convict: "but I have prayed with her +all night, and have besought the Lord to strengthen her heart under this +load of affliction. She is calm now, and when you speak do not allude to +her bereavement, or recall yesterday's bloody tragedy." + +As he ceased speaking, he returned to the hut, and emerged leading the +widow. Her looks were much changed since we had seen her the day before. +Weeping and fasting, and sleepless nights, and above all, the thoughts +of her husband's sudden death, had so preyed upon her spirits that she +seemed like another person. + +"Here are the two Americans, child, who wish to bid you farewell," her +father said, when he saw that she was disposed to pay no attention to +us. + +Twice did he speak before she comprehended him; and after she had placed +her hands to her head, as though to recall a recollection of our +features, a faint look of recognition came over her face, and her leaden +eyes were lighted up with some such expression as we had seen the day +before, when she asked if Black Darnley was dead. + +"You are sure that he is dead?" she asked in a low whisper, seizing Fred +by the arm, and gazing into his blank-looking face. + +"Whom do you mean?" Fred inquired, evading her question. + +"You know; Black Darnley,--the wretch who killed my husband, and injured +me. You look like him; but your face is not so black, and your hair is +lighter. But you may have changed it for the purpose of deceiving and +wronging me again. Ah, the more I look at you the firmer am I convinced +that you are the wretch." + +She pushed his arm away, and turned with flashing eyes upon her parent, +speaking vehemently,-- + +"You told me that Darnley was dead, and that my injuries were avenged; +and yet you see him standing before you alive, and insulting me with +infamous propositions. Have I no friend here to protect me?" + +"We are all your friends," I replied, in a soothing tone. + +"It is false! There is not a man here, or Black Darnley would not live +to see another sun. Men, indeed? Ha, ha! my husband possesses more +spirit than a dozen of you." + +She folded her arms, and rocked her body to and fro, shaking her head, +and muttering incoherent sentences, with her eyes fixed upon the ground +intently, as though trying, amid the dirt, to discover the blood of her +destroyer. + +Poor Fred, who looked about as much like Black Darnley as the man in the +moon, turned slightly red with mortification; and to this hour, an +allusion to his wonderful likeness to the celebrated bushranger is sure +to bring on a fit of the sulks that will last a day or two. + +Fred retired as soon as he found that his presence irritated the unhappy +woman, who, it was very evident, was slightly deranged by her +accumulation of trouble. + +"We are all friends here," I said, at length, "and are willing to do +your bidding. See, here is your father; and do you think he would stand +unmoved in the presence of a man who had wronged you. You must surely +recollect my face. Look at me closely." + +"Ah, I do remember you now," she cried. + +"That's right," I said, encouragingly. "I thought you would know the man +you had leaned upon and talked with on the night--" + +Before I had a chance to finish my remarks, with a wild, mad cry, she +sprang forward, and, with a movement like lightning, drew my bowie +knife, which was stuck in a belt around my waist, and had not Smith +intercepted the blow I should not now be writing sketches about my +adventures. + +In spite of his interference, however, the knife, sharp as a razor and +ground to a point like a needle, fell upon my unprotected forehead and +opened a gash two inches long, almost penetrating the brain. The hot +blood blinded me for a moment as it gushed from the wound. I staggered +back from the unexpected attack, but before the mad woman had an +opportunity to repeat the blow, my faithful friend was by my side, and +had wrenched the steel from her hand. + +"Ha, ha!" she shrieked; "blood!--blood!--his blood flows freely, and I +avenge my own wrongs. Look at him bleed!--'twas my hand that struck him, +and now he'll die like a dog. I triumph--I--I--" + +She could say no more, but fell back in convulsions. Smith caught her in +his strong arms, and was about to bear her into the house, when he was +interrupted by what appeared like so many apparitions. + +Mounted upon strong, well-trained horses, were a dozen of the mounted +police of Melbourne, who, during our interview with the convict's +daughter, had stolen upon us unperceived, and had formed a circle in +which we were the centre, to prevent an escape had we been so disposed. +So quiet had they ridden, that it seemed as though they had sprung from +the ground at the command of some genii of the lamp. + +We did not form a very prepossessing group, and, at first, much less +suspicious people than police officers would have imagined that +something was wrong. + +"Hello!" cried the man who appeared to command the squad, riding towards +us; "what have we here--a wounded man and a dead woman. Whose work is +this?" + +"We can explain this to those having authority to ask," cried Fred, +carelessly throwing his rifle across his arm; yet it was done in such a +manner that the officer reined his horse back several paces, and +shouted,-- + +"Ready with your carbines, men!--we have fallen upon a gang of +bushrangers." + +I heard the ominous click of the locks of the guns, and cleared the +blood from my eyes to get a view of our assailants. + +"We are no bushrangers," shouted Smith, starting forward and fronting +the officer. "You should know my face, lieutenant," he continued, to the +man in command. + +"Ah, Smith, is it you?" the lieutenant said, in a sort of patronizing +way, and riding forward. "Put up your guns, men; we are not among +bushrangers, I think." And in obedience to his command, the men slung +the carbines at their backs, and rode forward. + +"What is the matter with that fellow?" the officer of police asked, +pointing to me. + +"He was just injured by a knife, sir, in the hands of this woman, who +has lost her reason," answered Smith, in the most obsequious manner. + +"Lost her reason, hey," said the lieutenant, carelessly. "Then she has +no business here; or rather I should say that no persons of sense would +be here if they could help it." + +The mounted troop laughed, as in duty bound, and even Smith suffered his +features to relax in token of appreciation of the officer's +facetiousness. + +"Where are you two fellows from?" inquired the lieutenant, turning +towards Fred and myself abruptly. + +By this time I had bound up my head with a handkerchief, and wiped some +of the blood from my face. The wound had nearly ceased bleeding, thanks +to some lint which I always carried about me. + +"Are you talking to me?" asked Fred, in a careless tone. + +"To whom else?--speak!" cried the officer, impatiently. + +"Perhaps you would not know where the place is located, even if I told +you its name," replied Fred, with provoking indifference. + +"I am the best judge of that," answered the lieutenant, turning red in +the face. + +"O, you are?" Fred laughed. + +Smith, who had acted in a nervous manner ever since the conversation +commenced, approached and whispered in Fred's ear,-- + +"Speak civilly to him, or he may take you to Melbourne." + +This, instead of having the desired effect on Fred, only rendered him +the more impudent; for he didn't relish being called "fellow," even if +he had on a flannel shirt. + +"Will you tell me where you belong?" demanded the officer, angrily. + +"O, certainly." + +"Well, where?" + +"Have you ever heard of such a place as Boston?" Fred asked. + +"Yes--it is in England." + +"Not the Boston that I mean," Fred exclaimed, drawing up his form to its +full height. "I mean Boston near Bunker Hill." + +A sudden change came over the lieutenant's face. The dark frown passed +away, and a smile crossed his sunburnt countenance. + +"You are Americans?" he asked, with an air of politeness. + +"We claim that land as our home," Fred answered. + +"I might have guessed as much, for you both carry an emblem of your +country." + +He pointed to our rifles and smiled. We saw that he was disposed to be +rational, and therefore laid aside our reserve. + +"There are but few of our people," I said, "but know how to handle these +weapons; and it's rare that they venture into an unknown country without +one for a companion." + +"I think so; for I have met a number of Americans in Australia, and yet +every one clings to his rifle. But, while we are talking, the woman is +suffering. Maurice, assist to take her into the hut, and open a vein if +you think it necessary." + +The man addressed as Maurice gave his bridle to a companion and +dismounted. The convict and the stranger raised her in their arms, and +removed the unfortunate beneath the rude roof, where at least she could +be screened from the sun. + +"Well, Smith, what is there new in these parts?" inquired the +lieutenant, carelessly. "Seen any thing of Black Darnley and his gang, +lately? I understand that you have been seen conversing with him a +number of times recently. Take care--I give you fair warning; if I +report you, your ticket of leave is withdrawn." + +"But you wouldn't do that?" cried Smith, his face showing the alarm +which he felt at the threat. + +"I don't know but that it will be my duty to do so before long," cried +the officer, shaking his head like a petty tyrant, who wished to inspire +fear. + +"I have been two days on the road," he continued, "searching for his +gang. If you can give me any information, Smith, that is of real value, +why, perhaps--" + +"But I can give information," cried Smith, who, awed by the great man's +presence, appeared to have forgotten all about the death of Darnley. + +"Ah! of the scamp's gang?" the officer asked, with eagerness. + +"Where are they?" demanded the lieutenant, leading Smith one side. + +"Six of them are dead--and with them, Black Darnley," cried Smith. + +"You are trifling with me," said the officer, sternly. + +"No--upon my word; but ask the Americans, they will tell you all." + +"Is it so?" asked the policeman, turning towards us with an air entirely +changed from that with which he had first addressed us. + +We confirmed the report, and gave the particulars. + +He listened to us with astonishment; and yet his wonder was not unmixed +with admiration. I saw him try to suppress that feeling, but it would +find vent, John Bull like, and with an oath he exclaimed,-- + +"By G----! you Americans are a wonderful people. You seek adventures +with as much gusto as a knight-errant of the olden times. If I had a +dozen such as you two under my charge, I'd soon free this neighborhood +of bushrangers." + +"There would be but one difficulty," answered Fred, with a laugh. + +"And pray what is that?" asked the lieutenant. + +"Why, Yankees have a great desire to lead, instead of being led." + +He drew us one side, so that his men could not overhear his remarks, and +said,-- + +"Of course you knew that a large reward was offered for the death of +Darnley and his gang." + +We reiterated our ignorance, and the officer looked at us in +astonishment. + +"Then let me give you joy--for you have completed one of the best day's +work that you ever began. Give me the proof that Darnley and his gang +are dead, and I will put you in the way of obtaining the reward." + +"We did not sell our rifles for gold," replied Fred, "but to assist an +old man to revenge his daughter's injuries. If you can serve Smith and +the old convict, we will willingly forego all thoughts of a reward." + +In a few words we stated the case, and put him in possession of the +facts relative to our taking up arms. He listened to us patiently, and +when we had finished, said,-- + +"If you can give convincing proof that the gang of bushrangers has been +broken up, I can certainly promise you a free, unconditional pardon for +Smith and the stockman. But I must first see the bodies of the dead men, +and have your certificate of the gallantry of the parties named." + +"How can we manage that?" we asked. + +"By delaying your journey, and accompanying me to the spot." + +Fred and myself consulted for a moment and agreed to do so. A day or a +week was nothing to us, if Smith could be made a free man. We called to +him:-- + +"Smith," said Fred, "do you wish a pardon from government?" + +The poor fellow flushed red in the face, and then the blood receded and +left his cheeks pallid as death. + +"If you wish a free and unconditional pardon, you must go with us back +to the haunts of Darnley," Fred said. + +The tears started to his eyes with delight, and for a moment he was +incapable of motion; but in another second he bounded to the side of the +cattle, and with nervous fingers was unhitching the yokes and turning +the brutes loose upon the wide prairies, to feed upon the rank grasses +which abounded on the sides of the stream. + + + + +CHAPTER X. + +DESPERATE DEEDS OF TWO CONVICTS.--LIEUT. MURDEN'S STORY. + + +The sun was pouring down with Australian brilliancy and power, but we +cared but little for the heat, if we could gain the scene of the battle +before a gang of bushrangers reached the spot, and concealed the bodies. +It was, therefore, with considerable uneasiness that we saw the +lieutenant of police coolly dismount from his horse, throw the bridle to +one of his men, with directions to remove the saddles from the animals, +and let them drink their fill at the stream, and afterwards be allowed +to graze on the rank grass. + +"How is this?" I asked; "are we not to start immediately? Delays are +dangerous." + +"Patience, my friends," returned the officer, leading the way towards +the stockman's hut. "I value your lives too much to think of asking you +to undertake a jaunt of twelve or thirteen miles at noonday, when the +sun is hottest." + +"But we are capable of the task," replied Fred, energetically. + +"I have no doubt of it, gentlemen; but if you can endure heat and +privation, my men and horses cannot. Why, before we could gain the edge +of yonder wood, half of the men would be sun-struck, and two-thirds of +the animals would expire for the want of water. No, no, trust to me, and +let us take the cool of the evening." + +"But we shall reach the woods too late to make an investigation," I +said. + +"It is very probable," answered the officer, entering the hut, where the +convict's daughter was lying on a rude bedstead, made of the skin of an +ox. + +"But have you no fear of an ambuscade?" exclaimed Fred, who began to +entertain an opinion that the lieutenant was not well posted on the +subject of bush-fighting. + +"Not in the least," replied the Englishman, removing his coat and heavy +sword belt, and stretching himself on a box. + +"O, then you will keep skirmishers in advance of the main body, I +suppose?" Fred said. + +"No," answered the officer, lighting his pipe: and then, observing an +expression of surprise on our faces, he continued,-- + +"Do you take me for such a greenhorn as to suppose that I would enter a +wood after dark? No, sir; I've studied the habits and cunning of +bushrangers for many years, and seen much service during that time. I +shall start near dark, halt half a mile from the edge of the forest, and +remain there until daylight. Does that suit your ideas of our peculiar +kind of warfare?" + +We could offer no objections to the plan proposed; and as we were to +spend the day in idleness, looked around the hut for something to make a +breakfast on. The policeman guessed our thoughts, for he called one of +his men, and gave him an order. + +"Get coffee and breakfast ready, Maurice," he said, "and when ready, +serve it here." + +The man bowed, saluted his superior, and retired with military +precision. + +"An old soldier," said the lieutenant, carelessly; "he has served +through half a dozen campaigns in India." + +"And did he never rise above the ranks?" I asked. + +"Never obtained a position higher than that of corporal; but that is not +extraordinary in the English army. Promotion with us goes with birth and +influence, not merit and brave deeds. Maurice has distinguished himself +in many a hotly-contested field; yet now, in his old age, he draws a +trifling pension, and is glad to be enrolled in the police force of +Melbourne, where better pay and quick promotion awaits him." + +"As you have been in the country for many years, suppose that you give +us a short account of your experience," cried Fred. + +"Willingly; but wait until after breakfast. That woman is getting +better--hear her breath, regular and natural. Let her father come in to +tend her, if he wishes." + +The latter remark was made to one of his privates, who stood at the +door, and had prevented the entrance of the aged convict. The father +entered with a humble air, and seated himself near his daughter's side. + +He appeared too grateful for the privilege of thus remaining in the +presence of his superior to pay any attention to his conversation; and +when breakfast had been disposed of, and our pipes were lighted, each of +us chose a comfortable place to rest at full length on the floor of the +hut, and discuss matters and things in Australia. I found the lieutenant +a rare companion, and a man that had seen much service in the country. + +"We have a number of hours to spare before we undertake our expedition," +said Fred, during a pause in the conversation; "suppose you favor us +with a short history of some of your adventures in this country. You +have seen many years' service as a police agent, and tales of no +ordinary kind must be familiar to you." + +"If I should tell you of the murders which the bushrangers sometimes +commit, when they have a thirst for blood, you would think I was +romancing," answered the officer. + +We both protested against such an idea, and Lieutenant Murden--that was +his name, and I am glad to see that, since I left Melbourne, he has been +promoted to a captaincy--knocked the ashes from his pipe, carefully +reloaded it, told the sentinel at the door to keep his eyes open, and +not let a gang of robbers approach the hut unperceived, wet his lips +with the contents of a flask, which he carried about his person, lighted +his pipe with a match, and then began. + + * * * * * + +LIEUTENANT MURDEN'S STORY. + +"Not long since, the whole police force of the country was thrown into a +state of great excitement and vigilance, owing to the desperate deeds of +two convicts, who seized a schooner on the coast, compelled the crew, on +the pain of instant death, to navigate her to a distant part of the +island, and by keeping their guns pointed at the heads of the +frightened men, and relieving each other at the task, were enabled to +accomplish their ends. + +"The convicts were landed, and to repay the sailors for their kindness +and forbearance, they shot the two men that rowed them ashore; and, from +the time that they set foot on land, until the day of their death, their +course was marked with blood. + +"They took the life of every human being that stood in their way. The +most unreasonable request, if there was a moment's hesitation, was +rewarded with a bullet; and it seemed as though demons, not men, were +thirsting for the blood which was shed so profusely. + +"The news of the murderers' doings was brought post haste to Melbourne, +and I and my troop were ordered to start immediately for the bush, and +secure them, dead or alive. Extraordinary powers were granted me by the +government. I could take horses or cattle, or even press men into my +service, if I thought desirable, for the purpose of capturing the +bushrangers. Hardly a moment of preparation was allowed me, beyond the +choice of twelve men, whom I knew I could rely upon; and even while I +was conversing with the superintendent, another messenger arrived with +the news of fresh butcheries, more bloody and brutal than the last. + +"At eight on the evening of the day that I was ordered to take my +departure, my troop was leaving Melbourne on the road leading towards +Ballarat, in which direction I learned the convicts were travelling. + +"At two o'clock we halted at a cattle station; and while some of our men +changed saddles from our tired horses to fresh ones, the remainder +cooked a kettle of coffee, and broiled a piece of beef, to stay our +stomachs during our long ride. From the stockman we obtained some +information, as the bushrangers had visited his cattle station two days +before, selected what animals they wished, and then shot the companion +of the man we were conversing with. + +"At seven o'clock we again halted at a cattle station, but for ten +minutes we could not find a soul to answer our questions. We searched +the hut and an adjoining piece of woods, in hope of finding somebody who +would give us a little information. As time was precious, however, I was +on the point of borrowing what animals I wanted, when two of my men +brought in a native, half dead with fear. He had been found secreted +under some brush in the woods, and all our persuasions could hardly +convince him that his life was not in danger. + +"After an immense amount of questioning, I learned that the two +murderers had visited the cattle station the day before, had shot the +keeper, and would have killed the native had he not fled to the woods +for protection. After the deed, they ransacked the hut thoroughly, +possessed themselves of a quantity of rum which they found, renewed +their supply of ammunition, mounted fresh horses, and were off in the +direction of Ballarat at full gallop, according to the account of the +native. + +"It only remained for us to follow as fast as possible. In twelve hours +we had travelled a distance of one hundred miles; and although we felt +the want of rest, yet I knew that time was too precious to waste in +sleep. A hasty breakfast, and we were off; but before we had rode twelve +miles our attention was attracted near the roadside by seeing a flock of +birds hovering in the air and uttering shrill cries. I endeavored to +get my horse to approach the place, but with starting eyes and every +indication of terror, he refused to move. + +"I dismounted, and entered the hushes, and found my suspicions +confirmed. Two men were lying dead on the ground, both with bullet holes +through their heads. I made a short examination, and satisfied myself +that the murders were committed the day before, and that the bodies were +dragged amongst the bushes, after being robbed of every thing valuable +about their persons. + +"Time was too precious to give Christian burial to the dead men, even if +we had had the proper tools to open the earth. With a sigh, we left the +birds their prey, and once more continued our journey through the +wildest part of the sterile country between Melbourne and Ballarat. + +"On, on, we went, urging our panting, tired beasts without mercy; and +just as we thought we should have to halt, to allow the animals a +resting spell, we reached the large cattle station of Witon Martells. +Here we found every thing in confusion; and although usually half a +dozen men were employed at the station, only two came out to greet us, +and they wore frightened visages. + +"We soon heard their story. The murderers had rode up to the hut about +six o'clock the evening before, and wished to exchange horses. The +stockmen refused; and hardly were the words from their mouths before one +of the convicts drew a revolver, and fired upon those standing in front +of him; and while he was thus amusing himself, his companion sat on his +horse, and laughed to see those not instantly killed endeavor to get +away! Three men fell under the fire, and hardly knew what caused their +death, it was so sudden. One man, mortally wounded, was just dying as we +rode up; and the two that came to greet us had saved their lives by +taking to their heels, and entering the bush. + +"They had watched the convicts pick from the herd of horses the most +able and strongest nags, and then, after eating what they could find +ready cooked in the hut, started for Ballarat, where, no doubt, amongst +the crowd of miners, they thought they would escape detection. + +"Throughout the long night we spurred onward, and when daylight +appeared, tired and sore with our journey, we stopped at another station +to change horses. The murderers had left their mark at that place also, +and in front of the door was the stockman shot through the heart, and +stone dead. + +"The men selected a number of animals, and after our never-failing +stimulant, a cup of coffee, and a piece of broiled meat, we were in the +saddle again, and galloping towards the next station, where I knew it +would be impossible for the convicts to obtain fresh horses, as sheep +only were kept there. + +"At twelve o'clock we reached the station, and drew up at the door. +There was no sign of life about the premises, and with sad misgivings, I +dismounted, and entered the hut; but I started back in horror, for on +the floor were a dozen men, motionless and lifeless, as I at first +thought; but a closer examination convinced me that they were bound hand +and foot, and their mouths gagged. + +"It may seem to you incredible, but it is nevertheless true, and only +proves what resolute men can accomplish when opposed to weakness. +Twelve men were surprised and bound, and made to lie flat on their backs +at the word of command, and so well did they obey the instructions of +the murderers, that the latter, very probably, were too much pleased +with their compliance to waste powder on them. + +"I did not upbraid them with their cowardice, for I know what human +nature is, and perhaps, had I been of the party, I might have submitted +to the same degradation. + +"There was one thing that I learned from the released prisoners that +pleased me. The convicts had left their horses at the station, and +expressed a determination to return in a few hours' time for them. Where +the villains had gone they did not know, or in what direction they +departed. A native, however, who was employed at the station, searched +for their footsteps, and was not long in finding them. + +"The trail led to the woods, and the men stationed at the hut expressed +an opinion that the convicts were in search of a gang of bushrangers, +that had been secreted in the vicinity for many months, but had recently +disbanded, and gone to the mines. + +"I expected that the murderers would return to the hut for their horses, +when they found that the men they wished to join were no longer +organized as a gang; so bidding the men conceal the horses, and retire +within the walls of the stock-house, I waited hour after hour for them +to come in sight. + +"About four o'clock, my wish was gratified. Two stout, black-whiskered, +desperate looking men, with rifles in their hands, and revolvers in +their belts, came in sight, and advanced towards the hut, conversing in +earnest tones, and apparently unsuspicious of the change that had taken +place during their absence. + +"I can only account for their boldness in returning, by the supposition +that they had been so long accustomed to see men tremble when they +raised their deadly weapons, that they were regardless whether the +prisoners had released themselves or not. + +"In fact, when the two convicts were advancing, I looked around on the +numerous stockmen, and was surprised to see that they trembled and +turned pale; and yet they were surrounded by twelve policemen, as brave +as Melbourne could produce. + +"When the convicts were within a dozen paces of the door, they suddenly +stopped, surprised by the number of prints of horses' feet which they +discovered in the soft earth. They glanced suspiciously at the hut, and +cocked their rifles, and debated the question as to whether they should +advance or retire. + +"The latter course was decided on, and as they turned to go, I ordered +half a dozen of our light carbines to be discharged at their retreating +forms. + +"The effect was like magic, for, although both were wounded, yet instead +of endeavoring to make their escape, they turned towards the hut, and +charged towards it with a cheer and a yell, as though determined to have +blood for their injuries. + +"Almost before the remainder of my men could bring their guns to a cock, +the villains were upon us, discharging their revolvers to the right and +left, and creating such a scene of confusion as I never witnessed +before. The stockmen endeavored to make their escape from the windows, +and those who could not squeeze through, tried to shelter themselves +behind my men, and some of the cowards even seized the police around +their waists, and held them as shields to ward off the shots which were +flying thick in that little square room, densely crowded with human +beings. + +"I saw two of my men fall, owing to the struggle which the station men +made to escape, and then fearful that we should all be defeated and +murdered, I seized a carbine that one of my people had dropped, and with +a blow, I struck one of the murderers senseless to the ground. + +"The remaining one fought like a demon. After discharging the contents +of two revolvers which he carried about his person, he drew his bowie +knife and rushed into our midst, cutting to the right and left; and so +impetuous was his onset that we fell back a few feet, which the villain +seeing, turned and attempted to escape. Before he had taken two stops +towards the door, my men recovered from their surprise, and rushed upon +him. He fought like a devil, and his knife was red with the heart's +blood of one of my bravest men, before he was lying powerless, with +irons on his hands and ankles, at our feet. + +"The villain that I had struck senseless, now began to show signs of +animation; but before he had recovered, he was loaded down with irons, +and a watch placed over both, with orders to blow their brains out if +they made the least attempt to escape. + +"You would hardly expect that men, conquered as they were, and +momentarily expecting death at our hands, would have the hardihood to +boast of their deeds, and plan other crimes in case of their escape. Yet +those convicts dared to tell me to my face that we should never live to +reach Melbourne, and death was far from their thoughts. + +"I had a great mind to end their days on the spot; but doubtful of my +authority in the premises, and fearing their deaths would be the subject +of a judicial examination, prevented me. My men, half of them wounded, +and three dead, were frantic for the villains' blood, and it was with +difficulty that I could restrain them. + +"I attended to the injuries of the men as well as I was able, and then +making the stockmen provide as good a supper as they could get, we +satisfied our appetites; but even while doing so, sleep overpowered us, +so tired were we with our long journey. + +"I determined to halt for that night, at the station, and let the men +get recruited. One of the stockmen and one of my men were placed on +guard over the prisoners, and relieved every two hours during the night, +with express orders to shoot them if they moved hand or foot in the way +of attempting to escape, was the means of keeping the murderers quiet, +and enabling my men to attain that rest which they stood so much in need +of. + +"Not to tire you too much with minute particulars, we next day buried +our killed and started for Melbourne, where we arrived safe with our +prisoners, and a few days afterwards they were hung in the jail-yard." + +"Maurice," said the lieutenant to the sentinel at the door, who had been +listening to the recital, "do you wish to meet with two more such +villains?" + +"God forbid, your honor," answered Maurice, crossing himself; for he was +a devout Catholic. "I have hardly recovered the use of my arm where the +devils struck me with a knife." + +By the time the lieutenant had concluded, and we had drank a strong cup +of tea, the sun was just setting behind the dark forest, which we had +penetrated the day before, and word was passed from mouth to mouth to +bring up the horses and get ready for a start. + + + + +CHAPTER XI. + +SAGACITY OF A DOG.--A NIGHT'S ADVENTURES. + + +"Gentlemen," asked Lieutenant Murden, as the policeman brought the +horses to the door, "I hope you know how to ride." + +"We have done a little in that line," answered Fred. + +"Then I shall allow three of my men to remain behind, to lend the +stockman and his daughter such assistance as they may want, while Smith +and yourselves will take their animals. Now, then, mount." + +We slung our rifles over our shoulders by the means of leather straps, +and in a few minutes were cantering across the prairie at an easy gait, +and in the direction of the bushrangers' late retreat. + +It was near nine o'clock when we reached the edge of the forest, and +drew up near the spot where we had entered the day before by the secret +path. + +The stillness of the woods was oppressive; for not a tree waved its +bough, nor did a breath of air sigh over the plain. The night owl alone +sent forth its discordant shriek, as though troubled with ominous +forebodings regarding its future fate, and was protesting against them. + +"This silence is more dreadful than the howling of wolves," cried Fred, +at length, as he sat in his saddle, and regarded the dark forest before +him. + +"Those trees, if they could speak, would tell of tales of blood and +cruelty, equal to that which I related yesterday," said Murden, after a +short pause. + +"And do you think that there are other gangs of bushrangers concealed in +those dark recesses?" I asked. + +"There must be near half a dozen different ones, for it's the most +extensive forest in Australia; and ten thousand soldiers, with every, +equipment necessary, would be obliged to retire from its shades, baffled +and defeated, before a few hundred men who knew the ground thoroughly." + +"Well, let us get beyond the range of a bullet," cried the lieutenant, +after a moment's pause; and as we presented a fair mark for any robber +who might be in ambush, we were not slow to turn our horses' heads and +trot a short distance from such dangerous concealment. + +We were about to dismount, and post our sentinels, when I heard a deep +bay in the direction of the stockman's hut, which recalled to my mind +the many scenes through which Fred and myself had passed since the same +sound had first broken upon our ears. + +"Do you hear any thing?" I asked, of my companion, pausing to listen. + +"No," he replied; "why do you inquire?" + +"Did you, Smith, hear no sound that is familiar to your ear?" + +"No, sir," he replied, pressing forward, "I did not hear any sound but +the shrieking of yonder owl." + +"Our friend is getting nervous," cried Murden, with a laugh. + +"There," I cried, suddenly, as a deep bay, many miles distant, came +floating over the prairie, "you must have heard that howl. The hound is +on our trail, and his following us at this time of night means +something." + +"You are right," said Fred, quietly; "I could distinguish that dog's bay +amid a hundred. Let us return, lieutenant, and find out what has +happened at the hut." + +Murden laughed at our folly, as he termed it, and could not he induced +to understand that the animal was endowed with rare instinct; and even +when we related how he had sought us out on the night that Black Darnley +had murdered his master, he tried to argue that it was purely +accidental; but even while we debated, the bays of the hound grew louder +and nearer as the scent became fresher, and while we were listening +attentively, as the animal searched along the edge of the woods for a +trail, I thought I heard the report of firearms, but at such a distance, +that I did not venture to call attention to my surmise. + +In a few minutes the dog was with us, bounding towards Fred and myself, +as we sat on our horses, and seeking to attract, our attention by a +number of artifices. With a low whine, he would look in the direction of +the hut, where his mistress was supposed to be, and then trot off a +short distance, when, finding that we paid no attention to his +movements, he would return and whine as though his heart was breaking by +our coldness, in refusing to notice his appeals. + +"I can't stand this any longer," cried Fred, suddenly. "Lieutenant, if +you will not lead your troop back to the stock-hut, Jack and myself will +go alone. I am satisfied that there is something wrong going on there, +and that the dog has been sent by the old convict to recall us." + +"What can have happened to them since we left? There were no indications +of bushrangers in that quarter, and to return would be waste of time," +returned the commanding officer. + +"Then we will go alone. We should like Smith as a companion if you have +no objections; but as the horses are under your charge, we will leave +them, and walk to the hut. If matters are right there, we can join you +by daylight in the morning." + +As Fred spoke, he dismounted, and I was about to imitate his example, +when Murden altered his mind. + +"Do you think," he said, with all the warmth of an honest John Bull, +"that I will permit you two Don Quixotes to leave me, and cross this +wide prairie on foot, at this time of night. No, sirs. If you are +determined to go, thinking there is fighting, why, I am bound to +accompany you, and get my share. A quick trot, men, and keep in a +compact body." + +The men, without a murmur at the sudden order, struck their spurs into +their horses' sides, and followed us at a gallop, the dog leading the +way in the direction of the stock-hut, and no longer uttering loud bays. + +An hour quickly passes when there is something to occupy the mind, and +at the end of that time we were not more than half a mile from the house +which we had left at sundown. + +"You see," said the lieutenant, "your surmises were groundless. We have +had our journey for nothing, and for once the dog has proved a false +prophet." + +I began to fear that I had rendered myself liable to ridicule, and was +thinking how I should recede, when the sharp report of a gun was heard, +in the direction which we were travelling. + +"The d----!" cried Murden, suddenly; "I know the sound of my carbines as +well as I know when pay-day comes. That gun was discharged by one of my +fellows, and there is trouble, or he would have been asleep before +this." + +Three or four flashes of light were seen, and then the report of an +irregular volley was heard, as though some force outside of the hut was +firing at it from spite. + +"The affair is explained," the lieutenant said; "a gang of bushrangers +have attacked the hut, and my men are defending it bravely. Forward, +men, to the rescue." + +"One second," cried Fred, laying his hand on Murden's arm. "Let us +reason for a moment, because there is no pressing haste; those in the +hut can keep twenty men at bay until daylight, and I think if we use a +little stratagem, we can secure a few of the gang, and run but little +risk." + +"Speak quick," cried the impatient officer, who longed to be where he +could smell the burning powder, and as another discharge of muskets was +heard, he almost broke away from the cool, indifferent Fred. + +"There are two suggestions which I have to offer," Fred said. "In the +first place, the party that is attacking the station think that the +force under your charge is gone for the night." + +"Well, what then?" cried Murden. + +"Or else the party, not knowing that your command is near here, rallied +to avenge the death of Black Darnley and his comrades. Now, if we charge +up to the very door of the station, we shall most probably get a volley, +not only from the bushrangers, who will hear the sound of the horses' +feet, but as likely as not receive a shot from our friends." + +"At any rate, we can capture two or three of the villains," cried the +officer. + +"I doubt it," answered Fred. "Knowing that they will have to raise the +siege, two or three saddles will be emptied, and when we seek to return +their fire, we shan't find an enemy to contend against. They will +scatter in various directions if their force is small; and if large, +why; a bushranger is a dangerous foe, and fights with a halter around +his neck. Let us oppose craft to craft, and surprise the scamps, as they +have surprised us." + +"But how?" asked Murden. + +"You have never lived in a country where waging war against Indians is +regarded as mere pastime, or you would have comprehended my meaning. +Let us dismount from our horses where we are, and let my friend and +myself steal forward, and mingle with the bushrangers; or if that is +impracticable, find out their numbers, and whether they have made any +impression on the hut--where the main body is stationed, and whether +they suspect the presence of your force. An hour will be ample time to +go and return. What say you to the proposition?" + +"I like it," answered the lieutenant, after a moment's musing; "but I +object to one thing." + +"Name it" + +"The idea of your going forward and exposing your lives in a service +that does not concern you. You remain with my men, and I alone will +venture into the midst of these villains." + +"And let the Australian government lose a valued officer? No, sir, stay +with your men, and let Fred and myself do the scouting duty," I said. + +"But you're not going without me," Smith exclaimed, abruptly; "I made a +bargain with you, gentlemen, to take you to the mines, and I'm not going +to lose sight of you for a moment." + +"You shall go with us, Smith," we answered; and I could feel the warm +pressure of the honest fellow's hand at being allowed the privilege of +still adhering to our fortunes, although the duty which we were about to +enter upon was one fraught with no common danger. + +"I don't see but that I shall be obliged to give my consent, after all," +Murden said; "if you are rash enough to thrust your heads into the +lion's mouth, why, take my best wishes for your success, and start at +once. Ah, there speaks one of my carbines again. The garrison is on the +alert." + +As we started on our expedition, the hound, which had been lying near +without a sign of impatience, bounded to his feet and led the way. We +debated for a moment as to the expediency of allowing him to accompany +us; but while discussing the question, he returned, and, as though +guessing that he was the subject of our talk, looked into our faces and +uttered a low whine. + +"Let him go with us," I pleaded; "I'll warrant that he'll prove +discreet." + +The animal planted his fore paws upon my shoulder, and sought to lick my +face, in gratitude. It might have been accidental, but to me it looked +as though there was something besides animal instinct in the act. + +There was a unanimous vote in favor of the dog, and we once more started +on our way. + +Gun after gun was discharged, both by besiegers and besieged; but as the +night was dark, and it was very evident that those in the hut did not +understand the Indian mode of warfare, of firing at the flash of their +enemies' pieces, it was pretty certain that not much harm was done to +the bushrangers. + +"Come," said Fred, in a whisper, after we had watched the conflict for a +short time, "let us forward and count the number of our opponents, and +perhaps make a prisoner. Smith," he continued, addressing our stout +friend, "I need not tell you to be cautious, and make no reply if you +chance to encounter one of the scamps, and he speaks. The tones of your +voice would betray us if the party is small. Now let us move forward +and take up our positions near yonder clump of bushes by the bank of the +stream." + +Fred led the way, and by his side walked the dog, with head erect, and +eyes glaring like balls of fire; but not a single yelp issued from his +capacious throat, as we strode towards the bushes and concealed +ourselves. + +We had not remained long at our station before two men passed us, +talking earnestly together; and we learned enough to know that the +presence of the police was not suspected by the bushrangers, and that +the party attacking the hut was one got up for the purpose of avenging +the death of Black Darnley and his gang. + +Smith's cart, filled with merchandise when we started, had been rifled +of every thing which it contained of value, and I could hear the poor +fellow groan as he thought of his loss. + +"I tell you, Jim," cried one of the gang, "we are only wasting time +here; let's pack up what we've got, and be off. Bill says that he saw a +police force on the road day before yesterday, and our wasting so much +powder may bring 'em to this spot." + +"And let the death of Darnley go unrevenged?" exclaimed the ruffian +addressed; "I'm blastedly ashamed of you, to hear a man talk that way! +You knows as well as I does that these fellers has got all the money +that Darnley's gang has made for six months past, and now there's a +chance of making a spec you want to be off." + +"But I don't like the idea of getting nabbed by the police. I'm well +known, and curse 'em, there'd be a jolly time in Melbourne if they could +put the hemp around my neck." + +"Your neck's no more precious than mine," replied the second bushranger; +"I for one don't quit this place till I've cut the throat of every man +in the hut. I'll learn 'em to attack our people. They shall be made +examples of." + +"Well, Jim," replied the milder ruffian, "if you have set your heart on +fighting 'em, why, I'll stand by. But let's make short work of it, and +storm the hut without delay." + +"And lose half of our gang, hey?" answered the bushranger. "There's good +marksmen in the hut, as the death of Sam just now should convince you. +We can't afford to throw away men, as we've none too many to do the +work." + +"Then how are we going to get at 'em?" + +"I'll tell you the plan I've hit on, and I think we needn't lose more +than one man in putting it into execution. Remove every thing from that +cart, and let half a dozen men keep up a brisk fire in front of the hut, +while I with the rest, will take the team to the back of the shanty. We +can push it close under the roof and shelter ourselves from the fire of +those within, if they discover the trick, which I don't think they will. +By starting a board or two, without much noise, we can command every +part of the room, and pour in half a dozen volleys without being +injured." + +"That is a deused good idea, and I'll go and tell the boys. They've got +hold of that keg of rum, and I suppose I shall have hard work to choke +'em off; but they must leave it for a while, and attend to business." + +The two bushrangers, who appeared to be the leaders of the gang, +separated, one stealing towards the object of his attack, and the other +hastening in the direction of the ford which crossed the +stream--possibly where the men were carousing. + +"My poor goods," whined Smith, "the cursed brutes have stolen them all. +I wish that keg of rum had a pound of arsenic in it; there would be some +consolation in knowing that the devils were destroying themselves." + +"Hush!" cried Fred, for that instant the growl of the dog gave token +that some one was approaching. With one hand on the animal's leather +collar to restrain him, and another on his massive jaws, we waited his +approach. + +The bushranger walked with hasty step towards us, and then suddenly +stopping, he spoke aloud,-- + +"Jim," he said, evidently thinking that he should find his companion +still there, "the men won't leave their rum; come and speak to the +devils." + +He turned in every direction to get sight of his companion, and as he +was facing the hut, I felt a warm pressure from Fred's disengaged hand, +and understood him without a word being spoken. + +We noiselessly arose, and relinquished our hold of the dog; but strange +to say the animal appeared to understand our movements, and did not +spring forward as we feared he would. He looked into our faces, wagged +his tail, and remained silent. + +"Jim!" cried the bushranger, in a louder tone of voice than he had used +before, "Jim, the boys--" + +He had no time to utter more. Fred placed his strong hands around the +fellow's throat, and compressed his grasp until I fancied I heard bones +crack; at the same moment I dropped upon my knees, and seizing both his +legs we had him at our mercy. He kicked violently, and struggled +manfully, but in spite of all we bore him to the bushes, when Smith, +beginning to understand our attack, uttered a chuckle of delight, and +threw his whole weight upon the prostrate bushranger, and began to bind +his arms with cords which he always carried about him in case of need. + +Even the hound was not idle, for standing over the astonished ruffian, +with his powerful jaws in close proximity to his face, he showed such a +set of strong teeth that the bushranger manifested many symptoms of +terror, and endeavored to move from such a dangerous neighborhood of +ivory. + +The feet and hands of the robber were soon bound by the active Smith, +and then holding a knife at his throat, with an understanding that it +should be plunged into him if he gave an alarm, Fred relinquished his +grasp, and asked a few questions. + +"How many are in your gang to-night?" Fred inquired. + +The villain looked from one face to the other, as though he was almost +resolved to evade the question; but receiving no encouragement from the +scowling countenances which he encountered, replied,-- + +"There's twelve of us." + +"Who's your leader?" he demanded. + +"Jim Gulpin." + +"As big a scamp as ever went unhanged!" ejaculated Smith; "I have heard +of his tricks, before." + +"What is your object, in attacking the stock-hut?" + +"To recover the gold which was stolen from Darnley, and also to revenge +his loss." + +"And you expect to succeed?" demanded Fred, ironically. + +The bushranger made no reply, and as we had got all the information that +we expected, and had other work in view, we gagged him, and had just +secured the wretch, when a low growl from the hound attracted our +attention. + +"If this is the leader," whispered Smith, "you had better let me have a +clip at him first, as he is a man of great strength, and a regular +dare-devil!" + +"You may pin his arms, while Jack looks out for his feet," replied Fred. + +"I understand," answered Smith, and we fell back into the darkest shade +of the bushes, as Jim came in sight. + +He walked with a hasty step towards the spot where his companions were +drinking, and we knew that they must be getting drunk quite fast, for +more than once had we heard their voices mingled with oaths and +execrations. + +We stole after him, following on tiptoe to prevent our steps from being +audible, and at a given signal, threw ourselves upon his burly form. + +Although taken by surprise, he readily shook us off and gained his +liberty. Once did he free one of his arms from Smith's embrace, and +brought it down upon that unfortunate man's head with a clang that +sounded as though he had fractured his skull; the stout-hearted +Englishman only clung the closer. + +Once the bushranger, by his desperate struggles, freed his neck from +Fred's vice-like compression; but instead of using his voice in calling +for help, as a more cowardly man would have done, he uttered fierce +invectives and expressions of defiance. + +We bore him to the earth and closed his mouth, and threatened with +steel, but he still defied us; and not until his limbs were securely +bound, and a piece of Smith's flannel shirt was thrust into his mouth, +and the hound standing over him, expressing, by his deep growls, the +most intense desire to taste the robber's flesh, did he become calm and +submit to his fate with resignation. + +"Curse you," muttered Smith, "what have you done with my goods?" + +"Never mind the goods now, Smith," said Fred. "We shall find them all, I +think, when we capture the gang. Do you take care of the prisoners, and +above all things, keep them quiet. Jack and myself will take a near +survey of the rest of the robbers, and then return." + +"I'll keep them quiet--never fear," replied Smith, and he glanced +towards his long knife in an unmistakable manner. + +We followed the edge of the stream along for a few rods--each step +bringing us nearer the voices which we had heard while lying in ambush; +and although the bushrangers were sensible enough not to build a fire to +reveal their location, yet the clamor which they raised while drinking +from Smith's cherished keg of rum, was sufficient to lead a party to +their seclusion without fear of being discovered. + +We skulked behind a clump of bushes, and for a few minutes listened to +the conversation. Oaths, robbery, and murder were themes as common on +their lips as prayers from a minister desirous of getting an increase of +salary. + +"We have heard enough of this, Fred," I said. "Let us return, bring up +Murden and his party, and take the villains alive." + +"Agreed," cried my companion; and retracing our steps, we were once more +by the side of Smith, who sat, in company with the hound, watching his +two prisoners with great diligence. + +"Your keg of rum is a blessing, Smith," I said. "The bushrangers are +taking to it finely, and in an hour's time they will be unconsciously +drunk." + +"We are now going to join Murden and his policemen, and bring them up +for the purpose of capturing the remainder of the gang." + +"Good--I'll wait here with these two, and give a good account of them +when you return. Let me keep the dog," he said, as the hound rose to +follow us. + +I spoke a few words to the animal, and he quietly returned to the chief +bushranger, and laid down by his side with a brilliant show of teeth. + +There had not been a shot fired from the hut for more than half an hour. +The inmates were evidently puzzled at the silence of those on the +outside, and as the gang were too busy getting drunk to attend to +business, it was not probable that another attempt would be made before +our return. + +Ten minutes' brisk travelling brought us in sight of Murden's force. +They were on the alert, for we were challenged as we drew near, but were +received joyfully by the officer and his men. They suspected, from the +sudden ceasing of the guns, that we had been surprised; and it was with +the utmost astonishment that they listened to an account of the capture +of the two men. + +"We will lose no time," cried the lieutenant "Mount, men, and proceed." + +As we trotted towards the hut, Fred suggested to give those on the +inside an intimation of our presence, and as they would be likely to +recognize the voice of their officer sooner than any body else, Murden +rode to the door, dismounted, and rapping, spoke to his men in tones +they well knew. + +The bars were removed cautiously, but when convinced that their officer +was speaking, the men were overjoyed. They rushed out to be +congratulated by their comrades, and tell the short story of their +siege. But there was no time to lose, if we desired to capture the +bushrangers; so, leaving the horses in charge of one man, we joined +Smith, and finding that his prisoners were safe, left them in charge of +the dog, and then walked rapidly in the direction of the gang, still +swilling from the rum keg. + +They did not suspect our presence, although we heard a number of calls +for their chief, and a few drunken surmises as to the reason of his long +absence; and in the midst of their discussion, the loud voice of Murden +rang out,-- + +"Surrender, villains, you are surrounded!" + +We could hear them start to their feet, and search for their guns, and +then whisper together; and then a deep-toned voice exclaimed,-- + +"Who asks us to surrender?" + +"The police of Melbourne!" cried Murden. + +"Curse the police of Melbourne! Come, my hearties, let's give it to the +fools!" + +An irregular discharge of half a dozen muskets followed his words, and a +man at my side was struck down, and wounded terribly. He was shot +through the heart, and died instantly. + +Their firing revealed their position, and we saw that they were +determined to rush to close quarters, and try the odds, drunk as they +were. Murden no longer hesitated. + +"Give them a volley, my men," he cried; and the police, enraged at the +loss of a comrade, poured in a murderous discharge from their carbines. + +Yells and imprecations followed, and loud above the groans we could hear +one or two shouting that they would surrender, and begging the police +not to fire again. Murden granted their prayer, and when daylight made +its appearance, the dead bodies of four bushrangers, and three mortally +wounded, were lying by that quiet stream, the waters of which received +their blood, and bore it to the ocean. + + + + +CHAPTER XII. + +DISCOVERY OF A MASONIC RING.--FUNERAL PYRE OF BLACK DARNLEY. + + +Knowing the treacherous character of the bushrangers, Murden would not +allow one of his men to venture to the assistance of the wounded +robbers. He formed a circle around them, and with carbines on the cock, +his force waited until daylight before relieving their wants. + +In vain Fred and myself offered to venture among the wounded, and take +to them water. Murden would not listen to the proposal for a moment; not +that he was naturally hard-hearted, but he knew the men whom he had to +deal with better' than ourselves; and he imagined that we should get a +few inches of cold steel for our charity. + +As daylight appeared, one by one of the gang that had escaped uninjured, +were called out, manacled, and confined to a tree, to prevent all +possibility of flight. There were many fierce oaths uttered by the +wretches, as they felt the bracelets slipped over their wrists by +Murden; and two of the hardened villains boasted of the murders which +they had committed, and laid plans for a continuance of their crimes +when they escaped, as they expected to do. + +It was with difficulty that the policemen could be restrained; and once +when Murden was absent for a few moments, and had left the charge of +the prisoners to Fred and myself, one of the men, carried away by sudden +rage at the taunts which the bushrangers hurled at him, raised his +carbine, and if Fred had not struck up the barrel just as he did, the +sheriff of Melbourne would have been spared the necessity of finding +hemp for one robber. As it was, the ball whistled harmlessly over his +head. + +"You are mad!" cried Fred; "would you murder the wretches in cold +blood?" + +"Ay!" shouted the indignant policeman; "they have committed many +murders, and it is time their career was ended." + +"I grant that," returned Fred; "but these men are now in the hands of +the law, and are entitled to a fair trial. You are paid for protecting +them, as well as apprehending. Do not let your conscience ever accuse +you of murdering a prisoner." + +"You are right, sir," returned the policeman, with evident respect; "I +was foolish to be so moved, and beg you to forgive me." + +"I have nothing to forgive," replied Fred, amused at the man's +earnestness; "but if you wish to do a really good action, lend Jack and +myself aid to bind up the wounds of these poor, grumbling wretches." + +"That I will," cried the policeman, laying down his carbine, and +following us to the bank of the river, where the sufferers were still +lying, groaning with pain. + +Just as we began washing the blood from their wounds, Murden joined us. +He looked astonished to think that we took so much interest in the men, +and after a moment's hesitancy, said,-- + +"I have been trying to arrange with Smith to return to Melbourne with +his team, and carry these wounded men and my prisoners. He refuses to +consent until he has obtained your acquiescence in the measure. I have +told him that his goods, which are scattered around here, are nearly +ruined by rough handling, and that he will have to sell them at a +sacrifice at the mines. While he is gone, they can be stored at the hut, +and sold most any time to travellers at an advance, while, if taken +where the market is glutted, he is sure to lose on them." + +We were so much surprised at the communication, that we looked at the +lieutenant in astonishment, and for a few minutes did not answer. + +"Come, come," said Murden, with a smile, "don't look as though you had +lost all your friends. Say you will go with us. Two weeks' time is all +we ask, and then you can go to the mines in any other part of the island +you please." + +"But you forget," I said, "that we are not rich, and can but ill afford +this inactive life. We came to Australia to make a living, and so far, +with the exception of the booty which we captured from Black Darnley's +gang, we have not made a dollar. Even our prize money will have to be +given up to the government, to be returned to its rightful owners, and +besides--" + +"There, there, that will do, most honest Americans," said Murden, with a +smile. "Now listen to me for a moment. You made a good thing by seizing +on what treasure Darnley had. The government will be too rejoiced at his +death to care whether he had money at the time he was killed, or not. +Keep what you have got--say not a word about it to any one, for if you +do, you will be the laughing-stock of all Australia. The originality of +the act would surprise our good people, and you would be looked upon as +fit subjects for an insane asylum." + +Fred and myself looked at each other, and I read in my companion's face +that he considered the advice, in our present circumstances, as being +sound and rational. + +"We have resolved to keep the money," we said; "but as for retracing our +steps to Melbourne, we hardly think that it will pay. We have already +been two weeks in the country, and have not dug the first ounce of +gold." + +"And you may be six months here, and yet be unable to do so. Let me +reckon, and see how badly you have done. In the first place, there are +one thousand pounds reward offered for Darnley, dead or alive. Prove to +me that he is dead, and the money is your own. For every bushranger +killed or captured, one hundred pounds are offered, and I need not tell +you that we have twelve here which I can verify--four dead, two wounded, +and six prisoners. That is not a bad night's work, I should think." + +"But we think it wrong to accept of money for shedding human blood," +Fred said. + +"But you don't think it wrong to delay your journey half a dozen days +for the purpose of hunting men who would have cut your throats for a +sixpence. Throw aside all such ideas of propriety, and remember that you +are in a country where the struggle for gold engrosses all other +passions; men will look upon you as fools, to reject that which you are +entitled to. Go with me to Melbourne. Help escort these villains to the +city, for remember my force is weakened now, and I promise that you +shall receive more pay for the service than you can make at the mines." + +"It is to help me to freedom," cried Smith, who had approached us +unperceived, during our conversation, and had listened to it +attentively. + +"For you we will do any thing, old friend," we said, extending our hands +to the honest convict, who grasped them eagerly, and shed tears of joy +at the fair prospect which he possessed of once more being called a free +man. + +After making up our minds in regard to the course which we intended to +pursue, we entered into the spirit of the undertaking with our whole +hearts. We prepared lint and bandages, and bound up the wounds of the +bushrangers, and placed them beneath the roof of the hut which they had +endeavored to storm the night before. After we had accomplished this +painful duty, we selected a place for the burial of those killed. + +Beneath the branches of a cedar tree we scooped out the earth with a +broken shovel, and then were about to place the bodies of the +bushrangers in the grave, when the glistening of a ring on the middle +finger of the right hand of one of the dead men attracted my attention. +I stooped down and removed the ring, and attentively examined it. + +To my surprise, I found that it bore the emblems of the masonic +fraternity--a square and compass upon a broad disk, while on each side +were small flakes of gold in their native state, placed layer upon +layer, like the scales of a fish. The ring I judged to weigh near an +ounce, and was a massive hoop of gold, and made by some artist of rare +talent. + +I knew that the ruffian could not be a mason, and I was lost in +conjecture, for a few moments, as to the probable fate of the owner. +There was no doubt that the robber had taken a fancy to it, and to +obtain possession, had undoubtedly committed murder. While it was passed +from hand to hand, Smith suddenly exclaimed,-- + +"I knew the owner of this ring. It was I that freighted him and his +goods to the mines. He was an American, and had had the ring +manufactured in California expressly to order. I am certain that I am +correct, for when we passed this very stream, the owner requested me to +wear it while he bathed." + +"But his name?" I asked. + +"I only heard him called Edward by his companions; but I know that he +was an American, and he said he belonged in New York, or New England +city, I don't know which." + +I could but smile at Smith's geography, although the scene before me was +not well calculated to provoke mirth. I sighed over the unhappy fate of +Edward, and handed the jewel to Murden, when he returned it, saying,-- + +"Keep it, my friend, and may you at some future day be enabled to trace +the family of the owner, and tell them of the sad fate which their +relative probably met." + +[With this object in view, I have left the ring with the publishers of +the American Union, thinking that probably these sketches might attract +the attention of some person cognizant of the manufacture of the jewel, +and the rightful ownership. The publishers in Boston will be happy to +answer all questions concerning the property, and considering the scenes +which the ring has gone through, it may indeed be regarded as a +curiosity. I shall always retain the ring, and when I gaze at the +emblems which are engraved upon it, my thoughts will wander back to the +sad scenes which I witnessed while in Australia, and the violent death +of the wearer.] + +"In with the bodies," cried Murden, "we have much to do before sunset." + +As soon as the grave was filled in, the troop regained their former +jocularity, and they began dividing among themselves the property which +they had found upon the persons of the bushrangers. + +The amount was not large, not more than a hundred pounds, yet Murden +received his share without a blush, appearing to think that he was doing +no more than his duty. Even the dead policeman was remembered, and as he +had left a widow in Melbourne, his portion was deposited with the +lieutenant, to be paid to her. As Fred and myself were offered our +portion, we declined, and begged that it might be given to the lady in +question, which action on our part raised us in the estimation of the +men immensely. + +"Dare you venture across the prairie this forenoon?" asked Murden; "I +would not ask you, were it not necessary to use all despatch to reach +Melbourne as soon as possible; but to benefit you and your friends, the +convicts, I must get a sight of Darnley and his gang." + +"If that is your object," we replied, "we are prepared to accompany you +as soon as you are ready. Let us get a cup of coffee and a piece of +broiled lamb, and then start." + +"But my prisoners?" suggested the lieutenant. + +"Leave them in charge of a portion of your men until we return," I +replied. + +"That is easily said; but while I am gone, my men, who are but human, +will probably make free with that keg of rum, which I have thus far kept +from their reach; and if they are without restraint, would be just as +likely to let the prisoners escape, or shoot them, or get to quarrelling +among themselves, as any thing else." + +"Where is the keg?" asked Fred. + +The officer poked aside some bushes where he had placed it, and revealed +its hiding place. + +"I'll soon quiet your anxiety," Fred said, and as he spoke he pulled out +the spigot, and the Jamaica rum mingled with the earth. + +"A harsh proceeding, but the best under the circumstances," cried the +lieutenant, with a mournful look, as he heard the rum gush forth as +though saying "good, good;" "I love a drop of good liquor, but men, when +drinking, have no discretion." + +Murden turned away with a sigh, as though the strong fumes which +assailed his nostrils were suggestive of lost hopes, and for the +remainder of the day, he was melancholy. + +On reentering the stockman's hut, we found him seated beside his +daughter's rude couch, tenderly bathing her head with fresh river water. +She was conscious now, but still very weak and feeble, and spoke in +whispers. She held out her hand to us when we entered, and smiled, as +though thanking us for the care which we had taken to revenge her +injuries. + +Her pulse we found to be more regular, and if she received no fresh +shock, we thought there was a prospect of her being entirely well in a +few days, and so we told her. + +At our request Murden stationed one of his men at the door with strict +orders to admit no one who would be likely to disturb her, and after we +had partaken of our rude repast, we got ready for our hot ride over the +plain to the forest. + +Before we started, however, we paid a visit to the bushrangers, still +chained to trees, and incapable of assisting each other. We were greeted +with derisive shouts and fierce taunts, which did not disturb our +equanimity in the least; and when the robbers discovered such to be the +case, they again stretched themselves upon the ground, as well as their +irons would permit, and relapsed into sullenness. + +Murden left eight of his men to take charge of the prisoners, with +strict orders for two of them to keep guard without rest or sleep. We +were about to mount our horses, when a brawny ruffian we had made +prisoner the night before shouted,-- + +"Aren't you going to give us something to eat, or are we to be starved +like dogs? You are all cowards, and dare not give us fair play, and an +open fight, but I didn't suppose that you were so frightened as to +refuse to let us have a mouthful." + +"Dress a sheep for them, and let them eat their fill," ordered Murden; +"but mind that they escape not, on your lives." + +We rode off, followed by the shouts and maledictions of the gang, and +even when we were one hundred rods distant I could hear the ruffians +call after us, bidding us return and learn bravery from them. + +"You now know why I feared to leave the prisoners in charge of my men +when a keg of rum was near at hand. The bushrangers, knowing that +hanging is certain, would try and provoke a sudden and easier death. I +do not fear the temper of the men when free from liquor." + +Smith, Fred and myself, besides two policemen, composed the party, and +regardless of the heat, which poured down as though it would melt our +brains, we urged our panting horses over the plain, and hardly drew rein +until we reached the edge of the forest, where we halted for +consultation. + +It was a bold experiment to venture with a small force to the retreat of +the once formidable outlaw, for there was no telling whether or no a +portion of his gang were living at his haunt. The officer looked up to +us for advice, and we consulted the hound, which had accompanied us, and +now stood by our sides panting and lolling out his great tongue, and +wondering, I suppose, why we did not stop at the river. + +"Let us dismount, and shade the animals as well as possible," I advised, +"and then trust to the sagacity of the dog to detect an ambush. My life +on his shrewdness." + +The advice was acted on, when leaving one man to take charge of the +animals, we examined our guns and pistols, and made sure that they were +in order; and then, with a few words of encouragement to the hound, +which he appeared to understand, we moved along the path we had +travelled when on our first visit. + +With guns on the cock, and examining every thicket of bushes to see if +it concealed an enemy, we made but slow progress. Yet trusting more to +the dog than to ourselves, we at length came in sight of the scene of +our former exploits. All was quiet and still in the vicinity. Not a twig +moved, unless displaced by a gaudy-colored parrot, too lazy, under the +withering influence of the heat, to even chatter. + +The hound had bounded into the enclosure, and rushed towards a pile of +branches which had been placed in the clearing since we were there. +Regardless of every thing else he tore away at the wood with his teeth, +and uttered fierce growls, as though he had found an enemy beneath that +pile, and was determined to get at him. + +We sent a man to examine the neighborhood, and then went to our +four-legged friend's assistance. With angry growls the dog helped us to +throw aside the branches, but long before reaching the last one, we +suspected the contents of the pile. A horrible stench had for some time +warned us that we were in the vicinity of carrion. + +The last branch was removed, and lying in all their ghastly ugliness +were Black Darnley and his crew. Darnley had greatly altered since his +death; but there was no mistaking that massive mouth, filled with strong +teeth, firmly set together, as though striving even with his last breath +to overcome the King of Terrors. + +"Are you satisfied?" we asked of Murden, turning away from the sickening +sight with a shudder. + +"I am," he replied. "Black Darnley has committed his last crime in this +world; and the man who has caused the police of Australia to turn pale +with fear is now but a home for worms." + +"Let us rid the earth of his remains," cried Fred, "and not let them +fester here to breed pollution in the air." + +"Well said," replied we all; and after every one had satisfied his +curiosity, we gathered up dry branches and leaves and heaped them upon +the pile, and then set it on fire, and as the flames roared and +crackled, and licked the green corpses, we took our leave of that black +forest, the home of bushrangers, natives, and poisonous reptiles. + +As we turned to have a last glance at the fire, we saw the hound +stalking solemnly around that putrid pile, and watching as though not +satisfied until every particle of his enemy had mingled with his mother +earth. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII. + +THE STOCKMAN AND HIS PARROT.--DARING PLOT OF A ROBBER CHIEFTAIN. + + +Tired with a hot, dusty ride across the prairie, we felt more like +resting after the sleepless night and busy scenes through which we had +passed, than commencing our journey at sundown, and so we intimated to +Murden; but he was deaf to our hints, and gave his orders for getting +ready regardless of them. + +A hasty supper of roast lamb and hot coffee was awaiting us when we +returned from the water, and while we were eating, a number of the +policemen were despatched along the banks of the river to drive in +Smith's cattle, while others stored his goods, which they had collected +during our absence, in the hut, and returned to the stockman a correct +schedule of the same. + +About sundown, the oxen were yoked together and attached to the cart. +The horses were saddled, and awaited their riders, and the only thing +that detained us was the transfer of the bushrangers from the trees to +the cart in which they were to be transported to Melbourne. The wounded +men were too seriously hurt to endure the journey, and, indeed, it was +doubtful whether the poor wretches would survive many days, removed, as +they were, hundreds of miles from a physician's reach, and with no fit +nourishment to sustain them. + +Murden, when we remonstrated against the wounded men being disturbed, +and given an opinion of the fatality of the act, received the news with +the utmost sang froid, and expressed no particular desire that the men +should live, under any circumstances; and finding that he could do +nothing with them, and that they would never survive the journey to +grace his triumphant entry into Melbourne, he wisely turned them over to +the care of the aged convict and his daughter, both of whom promised to +take care of them to the best of their ability, and in case they +recovered, to hold them close prisoners until the lieutenant sent an +order for their delivery. + +One by one the prisoners were transferred from the trees to the cart. +Desperate was their resistance, and loud were the curses which were +heaped upon our heads. Manacled as they were, with heavy handcuffs +around their wrists, in some instances four men were required to lift +one of the villains to his place in the team, and it was no easy task at +that. + +The police worked with patience, and never once lost their temper, +although I expected every moment that they would resort to extreme +measures. To keep the robbers quiet, and prevent their committing any +violence on those who rode in the team, a stout, spare chain was passed +from the forward end of the cart to the back part, and fastened +underneath. To this the feet of the men were secured, so that it was +impossible for them to move, or commit any sudden act of violence. The +method was severe, but the only safe plan, and Murden was too old a hand +at rogue-taking to adopt half-way measures. + +At eight o'clock we were ready for our journey. Three of the police were +to ride on the cart as a means of precaution, and Fred and myself were +promoted to horses. Smith resumed his old position by the side of his +cattle, and after an affectionate leave-taking with the old convict and +his child, we started; but, to our surprise, the hound trotted along by +my side, and all words or gestures were useless in forcing him to return +to his mistress. + +Knowing that she valued the animal, I rode back with him, and requested +her to call him into the hut and close the door, but to my astonishment, +she declined; and when I urged that I could not induce the animal to +return unless I accompanied him, she requested me, in a quiet manner, to +accept of him as a gift, and the only conditions that she imposed were, +that I should treat him kindly during his life. + +I joyfully accepted her offer, and once more saying good-by, I rejoined +the troop, and with Rover, as I called the dog after I owned him, by my +side, bounding towards me to receive a friendly pat on the head, as +though he rejoiced in the change that had been made, I journeyed on, in +company with Murden and Fred. + +All night long did we urge the oxen to their quickest paces, so that we +could reach a stock-hut by sunrise, where we could obtain food and rest, +both of which we needed. A dozen times did I fall asleep in the saddle, +only to awaken when I found that I was likely to pitch headlong to the +ground, and when, by the sudden efforts which I made to recover myself, +I got thoroughly awakened, I saw that my companions were equally as +sleepy. + +Had a strong force of bushrangers but attacked us that night, not a man +would have been left to tell the story; for so thoroughly used up were +the force, that I doubt if even the report of a gun could have roused +them from their lethargy. + +About daylight we left the main road, and took a course nearly parallel, +over a plain where not a sign of a wagon wheel was visible. After we had +lost sight of the road, we began to meet cattle grazing upon the +prairie, and by their wildness, we imagined that visitors were a rare +sight to them. + +At length, two Australian natives were discovered, nearly naked, and +armed with their favorite weapons, spears and boomerangs, squatting +under a tree, and watching our cavalcade with great interest. + +Murden spoke to them in their native language, of which he understood a +little, and inquired the distance to a stock-hut; and with an almost +imperceptible motion of their heads, they intimated the direction which +we were to pursue, and then relapsed into their former state of +stoicism. + +"Some of our heaviest cattle-raisers are trying an experiment," said +Murden, as we rode. "Thinking that these poor devils are fit for +something, they are employing them to look after cattle on these immense +plains. The plan has worked admirably so far, for they appear especially +adapted for this kind of work, as it suits their idea of freedom and +idleness." + +"And what pay do they get?" I asked. + +"Their pay is trifling, but they are assured of good, healthy food, and +clothing if they will wear it, which in some cases they reject with +disdain. Our countrymen have never treated the natives as human beings, +and hence they have never looked upon us with any love; fear alone keeps +them in subjection. A new theory is to be attempted, and with what +success remains to be seen." + +When we came in sight of the hut, we started our horses, and left the +cart and men to follow at their leisure. The place was not very +inviting, and did not reflect much credit on the stockman who had charge +of the station. + +The hut was built of rough boards, patched in a dozen different places +with bullocks' hides, to keep out the rain in the winter, and the hot +sun in the summer. A small shed was placed at one end of the house, +under which all the cooking was done during wet weather. + +Two upright sticks, with necks, on which a cross bar was placed, formed +the fireplace, and that was all that was required by men who live on +meat day after day, and year after year, until, as one stockman informed +me, he "felt horns growing on the sides of his head." + +Basking in the sun, which was high in the heavens, was a parrot, +confined in a rough board cage, evidently whittled out with a jackknife, +during the leisure hours of its master. The bird was shrieking out a few +words of unmistakable English, and appeared to utter them with the +greatest glee, as though charmed by having a number of new listeners to +whom it could show off its perfections. + +"D---- it, where do you come from?" the bird yelled; and then changing +his tune, he shouted, "take that dog away--take him away! take him +away--cuss him!" + +We could but feel amused at such proficiency in the English language, +and were admiring the display of his rare talent, when the proprietor of +the bird came to the door, evidently awakened from a nap by his protege. +He first told the parrot to "shut up," and then turned his languid +attention on his visitors, whom he did not appear pleased to see, or +indeed displeased. In fact, he seemed too lazy to exhibit much emotion +any way; and the only energy he displayed was when he used his long, +dirty finger nails on his head, the hair from which hung down on his +shoulders in tangled masses, and afforded refuge to thousands of +animals, that would have been homeless, had he had those locks clipped +close to his skull. + +The stockman was barefooted, and his feet looked tougher than any sole +leather ever brought to market. Dirt, a hot sun, and an entire absence +of water as a cleansing agent, had rendered them of an indescribable +color, and us he afterwards boasted, he was "not afeerd of any varmin +biting them 'ere, 'cos they was toughened." + +An old flannel shirt, and a pair of canvas trousers, completed the +costume of a man who said he preferred to live on a cattle station, and +receive about ten dollars per month, than to trust to luck, and work +hard at the mines. + +"Hullo, Bimbo," shouted the lieutenant, as the stockman came in sight, +and leaned languidly against the door, as though too lazy to support his +own weight. + +The fellow muttered something which we did not hear, and Murden shouted +again,-- + +"Did we disturb you from a refreshing nap, Bimbo, or have you grown +lazier than ever? Come, stir yourself, and start a fire; we want +breakfast. In a few minutes there will be a dozen more here, and they +will eat you out of house and home, unless you are smart. Bushrangers +always have good appetites." + +It might have been fancy, but I thought I saw the indolent Bimbo +suddenly start at the word "bushrangers," and his apparently +heavy-looking eyes were lighted up with an energetic look that I little +expected from a man such as his outward appearance denoted. Whether my +surmises were correct or not, the man resumed his old habit in a moment, +and if possible looked more fatigued than ever. + +"I don't see what you want, coming here at this hour in the morning," +Bimbo said, with a yawn. "I was just dreaming that I could live without +work, when you roused me. What is up that takes you from Melbourne?" + +The question was asked in the most indifferent tone that a person can +imagine; but I thought I detected an eagerness to know the mission upon +which Murden had been engaged that but ill compared with the man's +general indifference and lazy deportment. + +"We have been after bushrangers, Bimbo," answered the lieutenant, +dismounting from his horse and approaching the stockman, who still +retained his reclining position against the side of the door. + +"And did you meet any?" asked the stockman, indifferently, stealing a +look at the face of the officer as though anxious to obtain his answer +before he uttered it. + +"Meet any?" replied Murden, "why, of course we did. You will not be +troubled with robbers in this part of the country for some time to come, +I'll warrant you." + +I saw a black frown gather on the stockman's brow, but it was dispelled +as soon as formed, although I could not help feeling that the news +troubled the man exceedingly. + +"Come, stir yourself," cried the lieutenant, when he saw that the +stockman did not appear disposed to move, and as he spoke, he laid his +hand lightly upon the fellow's shoulder, and pulled him from his +position in the doorway. + +"Come, awaken, old fellow, and let us have the best quarter of beef you +possess, for we are all hungry, and I'll warrant that Jim Gulpin and his +gang--" + +"So help me, God, lieutenant," cried Bimbo, hurriedly, "I don't know him +or his men, and I don't see what right--" + +"Why, what is the matter with the man?" laughed Murden. "I didn't say +that you knew him. I meant that he and his gang, or what remained of +them, are my prisoners, and in less than a week their necks will be +stretched a few inches longer. There's news for you, Bimbo." + +"Gulpin and his band prisoners," I heard the fellow say, in an +undertone, as though he could scarcely comprehend the news, and then an +expression stole over his face, that for a moment was frightful to +contemplate. + +"Ah, here they come at last," Murden said, pointing to the cart, which +was slowly creeping along, and had been screened from view by the house. + +"You don't mean to say you and your men took the bushrangers without, +any 'sistance from others, do you?" Bimbo asked. + +"Why, these two Americans lent their valuable aid," replied the officer, +pointing to Fred and myself. + +"P'raps it would have been as well if they staid in their own country +and looked after robbers, instead of coming to Australia," replied the +dirty scamp, with an aside glance at us that spoke murder as plainly as +if he had a knife at our throats. + +"Cease your grumbling," shouted Murden, angrily, "or I'll lay my bridle +over your shoulders until they ache. Why, you miserable dog, have you +not complained to me a dozen times that you feared your life was in +danger from these same prowling gangs, and that they stole your cattle +in spite of all you could do? Another word, and I'll give you cause for +muttering. Away with you. Start a fire, and then I'll set one of my men +to cook breakfast. You are too dirty to be intrusted with food." + +Bimbo must have exercised a strong control over his emotions, for in +spite of the dirt and grease with which his face was smeared, I saw it +flush angrily; but no other sign of passion was displayed. He thrust his +hands into his pockets, and with a slouching gait, as though too +indolent to move without strong inducement, sauntered towards the shed +and began kindling a fire. + +"A grumbling cur," muttered Murden, looking after him; "I have half a +mind to tie him up and scar his back, and see if it will not make him a +little more energetic." But with all of the bluster of the officer, I +saw that he did not suspect the man's honesty, and I was glad that he +did not. + +By the time Smith had joined us with his cart and prisoners, Bimbo had +started a fire, and produced a hind quarter of a young bullock, killed +the day before, and which had been rubbed over with fine salt to protect +it from the millions of insects which infest the air of Australia. The +fellow made an offer to cut the meat for us, but a look at his hands was +sufficient to deter us from accepting the proposition. + +Maurice, the lieutenant's never-failing resort when a meal was to be +prepared, was set at work to get breakfast for the officer, Fred, and +myself, while one of the men was detailed to perform the same duty for +his companions. Another man was stationed as guard over the bushrangers, +and the balance were ordered to look to their animals, which attention +consisted in watering them at a spring near the hut, and then turning +them loose with their fore legs tied together to prevent their straying +to any great distance. One animal, however, was kept ready saddled in +case of an emergency, and not permitted to roam beyond the extent of a +long rope, like the reattas of Spain or Mexico. + +Although I must confess that I was intensely hungry, and tired and +sleepy with my long journey on horseback all night, yet I felt too +uneasy in my mind to spend much time eating greasy beefsteaks and +drinking strong coffee. I had watched Bimbo from the time the cart had +reached the hut to the period when the prisoners were to be allowed to +eat their morning meal; and I had noticed the nervous manner in which +the fellow had acted in spite of his assumed indifference. + + +Twice had he sauntered towards the cart in which the bushrangers were +still confined, and each time had the sentry ordered him back, as no +communication was allowed with the prisoners; but I saw the grim face of +Jim Gulpin raised as he heard the voice of Bimbo, and an almost +imperceptible sign passed between them. + +More than ever convinced that there was an understanding with the +parties, I watched for other tokens, but in vain; and it was not until +one of the policemen ordered the stockman to carry the bushrangers' food +to them that I determined to be present and keep an eye upon his +actions. + +The handcuffs were removed from the prisoners' wrists to enable them to +eat, but the irons were not taken from their feet, for Murden had no +idea of trusting them with their liberty even for a moment. + +"Here's your grub," shouted Bimbo, who was allowed to pass the sentry +this time, as he had a wooden pail in his hand, none too clean, in which +the food of the prisoners was placed. "Here it is," he continued, as he +set it down in their midst, "and a darn'd sight too good for you it is +too, and mighty thankful you had oughter be that you fell into a +gentleman's hands, and one that knows how to treat you. If I had the +right I'd starve you all, blast your picters." + +The ruffians replied with oaths and jeers, but they were too energetic +to be sincere, and I suspected they were intended expressly for my ear, +as I stood not far from them listening to every word that was uttered. + +Had the bushrangers not said so much, I should have suspected less, and +while I pretended to be admiring the parrot, I still watched the doings +in the cart. + +I saw the stockman glance around to see if his actions were observed, +and that stealthy look was like a cat's watching for its prey--I saw +that the sentry was examining the lock of his carbine, and paying no +attention to Bimbo's movements, while the rest of the men were engaged +in smoking and lounging near--and then for a moment the heads of Jim +Gulpin and the stockman were close together, as though whispering +confidentially. It was only for an instant, however. With renewed oaths +and abuse Bimbo hurried the robbers in their meal, until Murden +interfered, and ordered that they be allowed to eat in peace. + +"The idea of letting such scamps as these eat," cried Bimbo, with a kick +of his bare, horny foot against one of the bushranger's ribs. "I'd sarve +'em if I had my way." + +Bimbo was replied to with interest by the robbers, and to stop the noise +the lieutenant sent the fellow to the hut to get it ready for the +reception of the latter, as it was thought to be a good place to keep +them during our halt, which we expected to extend to sundown, owing to +the intense heat of the day. + +The robbers were removed to the hut, and their manacles taken from their +feet, but the handcuffs still confined their hands, and as they were +chained two by two they were powerless. A sentry was posted, and the +men, glad to obtain a few hours' sleep, stowed themselves under the +shed, and wherever they could screen their faces from the sun. + +Fred and myself, taking our saddles for pillows, repaired to the back +part of the hut, the coolest place we could find, and in a few minutes +both of us were sleeping soundly. I had not slept long, however, before +I was awakened by a peculiar noise, that sounded like the grating of a +saw. Instead of starting up to investigate, I pretended to sleep, and +partly opening one eye, saw to my surprise that Bimbo was on his knees +near my feet, and working with cautious energy upon a board which he was +endeavoring to remove. The instrument he was operating with was an old +knife, with notches on the blade, made to resemble a saw. + +I continued my position, and by my regular breathing convinced the +fellow that I was sleeping soundly. A dozen times did he pause and +listen, and scrutinize my face, and then I read the man's true character +in his wicked eyes, for they gleamed like those of a serpent, and I saw +murder in every look. + +I resolved to continue counterfeiting, and await the result. Half a +dozen times did Bimbo suspend work, and steal to the front part of the +hut to discover if his operations were suspected, and each time he +returned, and after a glance at Fred and myself, commenced work with +renewed energy. + +At length a hole large enough to run his hand in was obtained, and then +I heard low whispers pass between Bimbo and the robber chief. + +"You must get us out of this scrape," said Jim, authoritatively. + +"But how can I at present? Better wait till night, and then I know half +a dozen coves what will strike for you. We can easily get ahead and wait +for you near the Three Forks." + +"It wont do," said Gulpin, impatiently. "Go and pick the pocket of the +man that has got the key of our irons, and then we can kill every devil +connected with the troop." + +"Hush," replied Bimbo, after a hurried glance at my face. "Them two +blasted Yankees are sleeping close here, and I think both of 'em has +spotted me. I'd like to cut their throats bloody well." + +"I have no doubt of it," I thought, "but I'll save you the trouble." + +"Go and get the key," repeated Gulpin, with an oath, "and then pass in +all the guns and knives that you can get hold of. When I give a signal, +knock down the sentry at the door, and mind that you hit him hard enough +to prevent his squalling--you understand?" + +"Yes, yes; but if I do all that, what share'll I get in the swag in the +cellar? I've kept it for a long time now, and you know it." + +"You shall have Darnley's share, if you do as I tell you," replied +Gulpin. + +"What'll Darnley say to that?" + +"He won't say much, 'cos he's stiffened out--dead as the devil." + +This piece of information so elated the stockman that he did not stop to +make further inquiries, but disappeared around the corner of the house, +and when I raised my head to consult with Fred in regard to the matter, +I found that he was as wide awake as myself, and was apparently debating +what course he should pursue. + +"Have you heard all?" I whispered. + +Fred nodded his head, and laid his hand upon his lips. Then, by a +gesture which I understood, he counselled that we should remain quiet +for a short time, and see how matters worked. + +Following this advice, however, did not prevent us from examining our +revolvers and rifles, and also bringing the handles of our bowie knives +to a better position. When Bimbo returned, with a cat-like tread, I +could see by his carrying a carbine that he had been successful; and +when I saw him thrust it into the hole, and then give up the key of the +irons, I had a great mind to shoot him on the spot. + +"Here," cried Bimbo, "is the key of the ruffles. Remain quiet for half +an hour, and by that time I'll be ready for you. Remember your +word--Darnley's share." + +"All right!" exclaimed the robber, grasping with his manacled hand the +precious key to his irons, and as soon as he had possession of it, Bimbo +glided away to complete his plot. + +"We must be acting," said Fred, springing to his feet; and as he spoke +we sauntered to the front of the hut, and saw that the stockman was just +raising a carbine, which he had taken from a sleeping policeman. + +Bimbo looked astonished when he caught sight of us, and I saw by the +flashing of his eyes that he was almost determined to begin the battle +immediately, and trust to the robbers for the result. + +If such was his intention, however, he had no time to carry it into +effect, for with a sudden spring Fred landed in front of him, and with a +blow of his fist knocked the dirty fellow down, and before he could rise +a revolver was pointed at his head, and instant death threatened, if he +moved. + +The noise awakened Murden and his men; and just as they began inquiring +the reason of our violence, there was a loud shout heard within the hut, +the door was rudely thrown open, and at the head of the robbers, +brandishing his carbine, was Gulpin. + +The police fell back a few paces in astonishment; but a rallying cheer +from Murden reassured them, and in spite of the known desperate +characters of the bushrangers, they charged on them. + +Gulpin did not stop to discharge the weapon which he held, but swinging +it over his head he brought it down upon the skull of the foremost man, +with a crash, shivering the gun into a hundred pieces, and knocking the +fellow senseless. + +Gulpin did not wait to repeat the blow, but eluding the many hands +thrust out to seize him, he sprang one side, and leaving his gang to +continue the unequal combat, ran swiftly across the prairie, as though +determined to escape at all hazards, even if his gang were captured. + +"The villain will escape!" shouted Murden, more anxious to secure the +person of Gulpin than his men. + +The lieutenant rushed to the shed to mount the horse usually kept in +readiness, but Bimbo had turned him loose upon the plain. + +With a bitter oath the officer grasped one of his men's carbines and +discharged its contents after the runaway. The ball flew wide of its +mark, and we could hear a taunting laugh from the fugitive, at his aim. + +"Show me a specimen of your American skill," cried Murden, after a hasty +glance at his men, and finding that every robber was secured excepting +the chief; "cripple that devil for me, and I am your debtor for life." + +Gulpin was about forty rods from us, when the lieutenant spoke, and was +running almost as rapidly as a kangaroo dog. In a few minutes he would +have been beyond our reach, and recommenced his career of crime. + +Under these circumstances, Fred felt that he owed a duty to the world. +Hastily bringing his rifle to his shoulder, he glanced along its deadly +tube and fired. For a few seconds we could not perceive that the shot +had affected the bushranger, and I was about to try my skill, when the +villain staggered and fell heavily to the earth. + +His leg was broken near the knee, and the bone was terribly shattered by +the rifle ball. + + + + +CHAPTER XIV. + +DISCOVERY OF STOLEN TREASURES IN THE STOCKMAN'S CELLAR. + + +Lying upon the ground were the bushrangers, bruised, bloody, and dirty, +groaning with disappointment and pain, and one or two of the most +violent ones cursing so loudly that the air smelt sulphurous. Across the +bodies of the fallen wretches were the policemen, with huge beads of +perspiration standing on their brows, and faces red with the sudden and +unusual exertion which they had endured to conquer the desperate +robbers. + +The poor fellow whom the leader of the robbers had injured by breaking a +carbine over his head, was lying on the ground, bleeding profusely from +a long gash in his skull. He was assisted into the hut, and left for a +few minutes, until more pressing demands had been attended to; and after +the prisoners were once again ironed, and chained to the cart, some one +asked what had become of Bimbo; as that individual had not been seen +since the commencement of the attack. + +"I'll warrant the lazy rascal has gone to sleep somewhere, and not +awakened during the disturbance," Murden said, not suspecting the trick +which the stockman had played him. + +"And what has become of my dog?" I asked, surprised to think that he had +also disappeared. + +Fearful that he had got tired of my society, and left for his mistress, +I whistled shrilly, and was happy to hear a response, in the shape of a +deep bay, back of the hut. We hurried where we could get a view of him, +and, to my surprise and delight, I saw that he was standing over the +prostrate body of the miserable, treacherous Bimbo, and showing a set of +ivories at every movement of the wretch, which would have delighted a +gentleman versed in dentistry, or an admirer of white teeth. + +The Lieutenant, Fred, and myself, proceeded to the spot, and as we +approached, Bimbo attempted to rise, but the vigilant animal, with an +angry growl, grasped him by the neck, and the dirty fellow was content +to lie quiet, although he used his voice well, and broke forth with +lamentations at the hound's rough treatment. + +"Is this the kind of usage a cove meets for giving you something to eat, +and looking after yer hanimals. Take the cuss off, can't ye, and not let +him stand over me this way?" + +"Call off the dog," whispered Murden; "I am afraid that the animal will +choke him to death, and then, lazy as he is, he still would be a loss, +for he gives me information at times concerning the movements of +bushrangers, which I can obtain nowhere else." + +"Did he ever give you tidings that led to the arrest of thieves?" I +asked. + +"No. I think not," replied the officer, after a moment's reflection; +"but that, you know, is no fault of Bimbo's. By his advice, I have twice +been near capturing parties of marauders. Something, however, has +happened to prevent me--either I would get the intelligence too late, or +the robbers had just changed their haunts." + +"I see," replied Fred, with a grin; "the lazy, ignorant Bimbo has +blinded the eyes of one of the smartest lieutenants of police in +Australia, and by pretending to furnish information, has gained his +confidence, simply to place him on the wrong track." + +"What mean you?" asked Murden, astonished. + +"I mean that this scamp"--and by this time we were beside the fellow, +whose face bore every mark of the most abject terror--"has been in +league with the bushrangers for years; that he just entered into a +contract with Jim Gulpin, to set his gang free, and that he picked the +pocket of Maurice to get the key of the robber's irons, and that our +deaths were deliberately planned, and would have been carried into +effect, had we not chanced to overhear the bargain." + +"So help me God, lieutenant, it's a lie!" shouted Bimbo, struggling to +his feet, a proceeding which the hound did not exactly like, and he +looked into my face as much as to ask whether it was all right, and +manifested hostility even when I called him away. + +"You knows very well, lieutenant, that I've been the best spy on this +route for years, and that I always tells you all that happens, and now +to think that these strangers should come here, and try and take my +character away, it's too bad, it is," and the dirty scamp dug his filthy +fingers into his eyes, and tried to force a tear, but the effort was a +failure. + +"How about the stolen articles in the cellar of the hut, a portion of +which you were to receive for setting the gang free?" asked Fred. + +"There's none there," whined the fellow, "so help me God, there's none +there, and there's no use in searching." + +"Well, examine the hut at all events," replied Fred; and bidding Bimbo +walk to the house, we followed close at his heels, and threatened him +with the fangs of the dog when he hesitated. + +By the time we had reached the station hut, the policemen were just +depositing Gulpin near the door, having brought him in a blanket from +the spot where he fell. The wretch was suffering great pain, and huge +beads of perspiration were streaming down his forehead from its effects. +The men had stripped off the leg of his trousers, and revealed bones +protruding near the knee. But little blood flowed from the wound where +the ball had penetrated, and I considered it, with my imperfect +knowledge of surgery, as looking decidedly bad for saving the robber +chief's life. + +I stooped down, and sought to examine the limb, but with horrid +imprecations, the bushranger ordered me off, and swore that no one but a +regular physician should attend him. + +As we were over a hundred miles from Melbourne, and there was not a +doctor, probably, between us and that city, I gave the man up for lost, +and so I told the lieutenant, who merely shrugged his shoulders, and +declared that there would be one the less to hang, and that it was +always bad travelling with wounded men in company. + +"Let that man be kept within musket shot," said Murden, pointing to the +guilty Bimbo, who was still snivelling, and endeavoring to excite our +sympathies. + +"And what shall we do with this poor wretch?" Fred asked, gazing with +pity at the prostrate form of the robber chief, who, an hour before, was +a model of health and strength. + +"What can we do?" asked the officer, with a puzzled expression. + +"I am no surgeon," replied Fred, "but I will, if the poor wretch is +willing, attempt to amputate the limb, and it may be the means of saving +his life." + +"Save it for a halter, hey?" asked Gulpin, opening his eyes; and for a +moment they were lighted up with a fierce fire, that showed the bitter +hatred which the man entertained against his captors. + +"That is not for me to judge," replied Fred; "I offer to save your life, +if possible, and you must depend upon the courts of Melbourne whether it +is continued." + +The outlaw shook his head, and after wetting his parched lips with water +exclaimed,-- + +"I would rather die as I am; no surgeon's knife shall hack my flesh +while living, and I'm too far from the big town to think they will +string my bones on wires after death. I shall live; and if the +bushrangers in these parts get the alarm, I may defy you yet! See, I +grow stronger, and my leg no longer troubles me with a racking pain." + +In his desperation, the outlaw struggled to sit upright, and smiled a +ghastly smile, at his supposed triumph over death. + +"Foolish man," I replied, "the cessation of your pains is a sure +harbinger of death. Already has mortification set in, and the best +surgeon in the world cannot save you." + +"Is it so?" he asked, hoarsely, after a sharp glance at my face to see +if he could not read trickery, and an attempt, to deceive him. + +"Upon my word as a man, you are dying," I replied. + +"Well, death and me has met many times, and why should we fear each +other? Let him come; he will not find me unprepared." + +"But your peace with God?" I asked, earnestly. + +"Look you, young man," the outlaw said, "for ten years I've led a life +of crime; I've committed murders, and robbed all who crossed my path, +and laughed at the agony of those I have rendered penniless. Do you +think that God is willing to pardon sins on such short notice?" + +"There is hope for all," I replied. + +"You may think so, but I don't believe in that kind of mummery. Go away +from me, and let me die in peace." + +"But, consider," I urged. + +He waved his hand impatiently, as though the conversation wearied him, +and he wished to terminate it without farther discussion. I joined +Murden, who was standing a short distance from the dying man, calmly +smoking his pipe, and apparently indifferent to the remarks which his +prisoner made. + +"Has he been grumbling?" asked Murden. + +"No, he appears to be rejoiced to think that he will cheat the courts of +Melbourne of a victim, and declares that if a man is accused of being a +bushranger, his death is scaled, whether innocent or guilty." + +"There is much truth in what he says," replied the officer, after a +moment's thought; "the judges act upon the principle that it is better +ten innocent persons should die, than one robber escape. They do not +prove a man guilty, but require him to prove that he is innocent; hence +the burden of proof rests upon the defendant, and he has no means of +establishing, unless possessed of unbounded wealth, the fallacy of such +reasoning." + +"And the people of Australia call that law?" I asked, indignantly. + +"That is law, and very good law, too," replied Murden; "you can hardly +wonder at such a state of things, when you take into consideration the +lawlessness of the bands swarming over these vast plains, and attacking +every party weaker than themselves." + +Murden walked towards the hut as though he declined to converse any +further on the subject; but just then his eyes fell on Bimbo, who was +seated under the shed, within sight of the sentry, and the idea occurred +to make search on the premises for the goods which we had overheard him +talk about. + +"Ho, Bimbo," he said, "show us where the stolen property is kept, and +perhaps I may interfere to save your life." + +"So help me, God, lieutenant, I don't know what you mean. I never stole +a single thing in my life." + +"Then how came you to be sent to Australia for ten years?" asked the +officer, with a sneer. + +"Because I was unjustly suspected, as I am now. A man swore that I broke +into a store when he knew I was nowhere near the building." + +"It won't do, Bimbo," replied the officer, sending the fellow back to +his place. "Remember, I have offered you a fair chance to act as a +government witness, but you decline." + +I thought the follow had half a mind to confess, but he apparently +considered the offer, and resolved to brave it out. + +"Bring me a couple of hatchets," Murden said to his men; and when they +were brought he led the way to the hut, and began splitting the boards +of the floor and removing them; but no signs of a cellar were +discovered, and I began to think that the conversation must have +reference to some other stock-house, when one of the men uttered an +exclamation of surprise, and tearing up a board that was pinned against +the wall, we saw a large hole, which, instead of being directly under +the floor, extended beyond the sides of the hut, and formed a sort of +magazine that could only be discovered by removing, as we had done, all +the planks and timbers. + +"Jump down, one of you," said Murden, addressing his men. + +An exclamation of surprise was uttered by the man that descended. + +"Here's a large room," he shouted, "and nearly full of different +articles." + +"Go and slip a pair of irons on Bimbo," Murden said, turning to Maurice, +"and chain him to the cart with the rest of the thieves." + +A moment after we could hear the prayers of the fellow as he was led to +the cart, and his entreaties to speak with the lieutenant just for a +moment. + +"He is too late," was all the remark that the officer vouchsafed upon +being informed of Bimbo's desire. + +We entered the secret cellar, and then had the articles which were found +there passed up for an examination. Clothes, powder, and lead, liquors, +boxes of pickles, preserved meats, China ginger, and other sweetmeats, +and in fact it is hard to remember all the names of the different +articles stored in that underground cell. The collection looked as +though it had been plundered from various teams on their way to the +mines, and such we afterwards found to be the case; as Bimbo confessed +that he had acted in the capacity of storekeeper for three or four +years, and even before the mines were discovered he was in league with +bushrangers, and always gave them information when he knew a party of +policemen were on their trail. + +There was another piece of information which Bimbo gave us, more +pleasing than any thing which he had said. By his directions, one of the +men was set at work digging in the cellar, and after throwing up a few +shovelfuls of earth, a canvas bag was reached, which proved to be +remarkably heavy. The men crowded around, wild with excitement, when +Murden loosened the string tied around its mouth, and we all gave a +shout when particles of gold dust were discovered, and a louder cheer +when the lieutenant emptied into a basin about forty pounds of gold of +the first quality. + +"This is a prize worth something," Murden said, overjoyed at his good +fortune. + +"The government will make its expenses on this trip," I remarked, as I +calculated the worth of the gold. + +"Do you suppose that government will ever see the color of this dust?" +asked Murden, with a laugh. + +I replied that I expected he would render an account of it to his +superior officer. + +"And let my superior officer retain the whole of that which we have +worked hard for. I know a trick worth two of that. Stand by and let me +divide it according to grade, men." + +A pair of scales was produced in a twinkling from one of the saddle +holsters of the men, and with great dignity the lieutenant weighed out +the full amount, and then made a calculation. + +"I am going to let these two gentlemen share equally with me. They +deserve more, but according to the rules of the service, volunteers must +rate with lieutenants." + +Fred and I looked at each other in surprise, hardly believing our +senses, while the men declared with one accord that it was but right we +should receive our share, and that we were an honor to the police force. + +"There's twenty-two hundred dollars to be divided among the men, and +about two thousand dollars for us three," said Murden, after finishing +his calculations. + +"And do you expect us to take the money?" Fred asked. + +"I certainly do," replied the lieutenant, with the most refreshing +coolness. + +"But suppose an inquiry should be made by those in authority at +Melbourne, regarding the finding of this money? What answer should we +return?" + +"You can say that you should like to find more on the same terms, and +refer inquirers to me for further particulars." + +"But shall you say nothing about the discovery when you reach the city?" +we asked. + +"To be sure I shall. I intend to mention in my report that I found a +large quantity of stolen goods, and present a schedule of the same." + +"And the gold?" I asked. + +"The gold! why, I have lived too long in Australia to think of giving up +my lawful prize-money, and if I did I should be dismissed from the +police force as not worthy of a command. Follow my example and pocket +all that you can get, and say nothing to any one, or you will be laughed +at for your weakness." + +The argument of the officer was not convincing as far as the honesty of +the transaction was concerned; but when I saw the men empty their share +of the dust into pouches which they wore around their necks, I confess +the desire to do likewise was overpowering, and Fred and myself received +our thirds of the gold, valued at two thousand dollars, without farther +argument, or, indeed, caring particularly whether we were doing right or +wrong. + + + + +CHAPTER XV. + +DYING CONFESSION OF JIM GULPIN, THE ROBBER. + + +"If you please, sir, Jim Gulpin is dying, I think, and wishes to speak +to you," said one of the policemen, with a military salute. + +I found Jim breathing with extreme difficulty, and already the moisture +of death was on his brow. His eyes were set, and presented the peculiar +appearance characteristic of a sudden demise. + +A cloud of insects was hovering around the poor fellow's head, and many +of them had alighted upon his face, and were sucking his blood as +eagerly as though they knew they must improve their time. Gulpin was too +weak, or else unconscious of their stings, to make an effort to drive +them from their feast; and as for the police, they were too busy in +dividing the gold found in the secret cellar to pay any attention to the +dying robber. + +I sent one of the men for a pail of fresh water from the spring near the +house, and the only place where water could be had within a circle of +twenty miles, and then with a wet towel I bathed the dying man's face, +and wet his parched lips. He appeared revived, and grateful for the +attention which I bestowed upon him, and murmured some words, the +meaning of which I did not comprehend. I thought his mind wandered, and +remained seated by his side, fanning his heated face, and listening to +his respiration, which appeared to become more difficult at every +breath. + +All at once the robber chief roused himself from his lethargic state, +and carefully scanned my face with his lack-lustre eyes. I met his gaze +without flinching, and perhaps the bushranger read pity in my looks, for +he merely uttered a sigh, and I heard him moan. + +"Pardon me," he hoarsely whispered, extending his hand, "I have been +harshly used during my life, and what I am the laws of England have made +me. Once I was honest, and free from sin as a child, but an unjust +accusation and an unjust conviction made me a bandit. The laws warred +against, me, and I turned on them and have vented my spite against not +only those who framed the laws, but every body who lived under them." + +He paused for a moment, and I again moistened his mouth with the wine +and water. It revived him, and he continued, although in a subdued +tone,-- + +"I will tell you why I feel this bitter hatred for my enemies, and then +you can judge whether I am entirely in the wrong. Raise my head +slightly, for I feel that I am sinking fast." + +I propped his back against some spare blankets, and heard the +bushranger's story. I thought he told me the truth at the time, and a +few subsequent inquiries convinced me that such was the fact. + +"I was born in the west of England," Gulpin began, "and although you may +doubt my story when I tell you that my family is rich and honored, and +the only blot upon the name was when I was accused of crime, yet such +is the fact. I am the youngest of three sons. My brothers are in the +army, and hold commissions, and are no doubt, by this time, if alive, +high in rank and power. My wish was to enter the army also, but my +father thought he could not afford to purchase me a commission, and he +had exhausted his favor with the ministry in providing for his eldest +sons. Accordingly I was sent to a banking house in London, with which my +father had correspondence, and was admitted as a clerk. + +"I knew that the business was unsuited for one of my restless +disposition, and I should have left and sought my fortune in other parts +of the world without a parent's sanction, had I not been bound to my +place with chains stronger than iron, and with all my firmness I could +not break them." + +The robber paused for a moment, and while I wiped the moisture from his +brow I thought a tear fell upon the cloth. He soon recovered his voice, +however, and continued:-- + +"Owing to the position in which my father moved in society, I was +treated by my employers, the eminent bankers, B---- & Brothers, with +considerable favor; and was often invited to the house of the senior +member of the firm. Mr. B---- was a widower, but had an only child who +presided over his palace, situated away from the noise and confusion of +London, at the West End. + +"Miss Julia B---- was just one year younger than myself; and both of us +being motherless was in a measure the reason why we so soon became on +intimate terms. I know not how it happened, but I had not seen the lady +more than twice before I felt that if I could not possess her, I did not +care to live. Her father, who was subject to attacks of the gout, which +frequently confined him to the house for weeks, often desired my +presence to receive his instructions, and I never left his apartment +without trying to see the object of my passion. + +"You smile," the robber continued, as he caught my glance at his bearded +face, blackened skin, and hard hands. "I was not always as I am now, and +once would hardly let the sun touch my cheek, for fear it should mar its +whiteness; Many years have passed since then." + +The bushranger paused and remained silent for such a length of time that +I feared his spirit was passing away; but after a while he rallied, and +continued:-- + +"I will not tell how I contrived, by one pretext and another, to get +speech with Julia, and how rejoiced I felt to see that my arrival was +hailed with real satisfaction by the fair girl; nor need I tell how we +had stolen interviews, and exchanged vows, and swore to be true to each +other, until one day we were surprised by Mr. B----, who, pale with rage +and indignation, ordered me from the house, and his daughter to her +room. + +"I left his presence without a word, and for two days I did not go near +the banking house; but when I did, I was ordered to the presence of the +man who of all others I dreaded most to see. + +"For three years I have roamed the plains of Australia, and dared death +in a hundred different ways, but I never felt so timid as when I was +called before that weak, old man, whom I could have struck senseless +with a blow, and crushed as easily as I and my gang have crushed an +escort with gold dust under their charge. + +"I was received with a lowering brow, and an expression that boded me no +good, and I nerved myself for harsh words and reproaches, determined, +let him say what he pleased, I would not lose my temper. + +"'I need not refer,' Mr. B---- said, 'to the base ingratitude of which +you have been guilty in seeking to compromise my daughter's honor and +happiness. I do not wish to upbraid you; and to give you an opportunity +of showing that I can forgive an indiscretion, I offer you an honorable +position in our house at St. Domingo; the junior manager has vacated his +situation, and we have concluded to give the berth to you, knowing that +a few months will cure you of the foolish passion which you now profess, +and that a few years' time will place you at the head of the house, and +at your disposal a handsome fortune.' + +"'Then there is no hope of my seeing Miss Julia once more?' I faltered. + +"'Foolish boy, read that article and see,' the banker said, tossing a +copy of the Times towards me. + +"I read, and my brain grew wild while I read. I felt the hot blood +tingling in every vein, and boiling as though it would burst its bounds, +and all the time that the paper was trembling in my hands--they shook as +though I was under a fit of ague--I knew that the banker was +scrutinizing every gesture with his calm, cold eyes, calculating the +effect which it would have upon my love. + +"'You do not read,' he said, at length, reaching out his hand to take +the paper. + +"He spoke the truth, for, although I had glanced over the Times, I did +not exactly comprehend the meaning, and I was staring at the banker, +with his cold eyes, as though I read in them triumph at my confusion. + +"I mechanically handed him the paper, when he adjusted his spectacles +with his usual precision, and in a calm voice read;-- + +"'We understand that the Hon. Fitzroy Summerset Howard, second son of +the Earl of Paisley, is soon to be united in marriage with the only +child of the rich banker, Mr. B----. A fortune of one hundred thousand +pounds is to be her dowry.' + +"'That latter clause is the bait that attracted you, no doubt,' the +banker said, with a sneer; 'but luckily your project is defeated.' + +"'I solemnly swear,' I exclaimed, with sudden energy, 'that I love Miss +Julia dearly--better than all the world, and that if you will allow me +two years' time to win her, you may keep your fortune, and bestow it +upon whom you please." + +"'Pshaw!' he said, with an expression of contempt; 'I but waste words +with you. In one week my daughter weds, and to benefit you, and rid her +of an annoyance, I have offered you a position at St. Domingo; will you +accept it or not?' + +"'And fall a victim to the yellow fever in a month after my arrival,' I +said, with a taunting smile, for I felt the devil rising within me, and +I did not care to suppress it. + +"'Perhaps,' was the laconic answer; and the cold eyes gleamed like those +of a basilisk. + +"'Then hear me, and know that I too have firmness. Your daughter and +myself have pledged our mutual faith--we have exchanged vows which soar +above your money bags, and as long as I possess my reason, my liberty, +and health, so long will I endeavor to see the lady, and hold her to her +word.' + +"I turned to leave the room, but the banker recalled me with a word. + +"'Is that your firm resolution?' he asked, with as much unconcern as he +could assume. + +"'It is,' I answered. + +"'Then I must try other means,' he said; and as he spoke, he touched a +bell. + +"A door leading to the outer office was instantly opened, and a clerk +made his appearance. + +"'Is the officer still in attendance?' asked Mr. B----. + +"'Yes, sir.' + +"'Let him enter.' + +"I did not suspect any thing unusual, and was about to pass out of the +room, when I found myself in the embrace of a police officer, and before +my surprise was over, a pair of handcuffs was slipped over my wrists, +and I was a prisoner. + +"'What is the meaning of this, sir?' I demanded, indignantly. + +"'Be quiet,' the man said; 'it's only for a bit of forgery.' + +"'Forgery!' I gasped, astonished beyond belief. + +"'Take him away, officer,' the banker said; 'he has confessed every +thing to me, and made restitution of a portion of the money, but an +example must be made. Forgery is too common, nowadays, to go +unpunished.' + +"The police officer almost carried me from the room, I was so +overpowered by the unexpected, cruel, and unjust accusation; and as I +staggered from the banker's presence, I saw the smile which I had +remarked more than once upon his features during our interview, change +to one of satisfaction, as though he now saw his way clear, regarding +his daughter's marriage." + +The outlaw paused for a few minutes, closed his eyes, and breathed hard, +as though trying to suppress his emotion; but in spite of his firmness, +I saw tears trickle flown his haggard cheeks, as though the revival of +his ill usage was too much for even his rugged nature to bear. At +length, he opened his shirt collar, and exposed a gold cross, of rare +workmanship, upon his bosom, and confined around his neck by a gold +chain. + +"This cross," he said, raising it to his lips, "was presented to me by +the only woman I ever loved. I need not tell you that her name was +Julia, and that through all the changes which I have passed, I have +retained possession of it. See, I press my lips to it, and solemnly +swear that I never committed forgery in my life, and that I was innocent +of crime until after I was transported. I have but a short time to live, +and do you think I would commit perjury upon the brink of the grave? Do +you believe me?" he asked, earnestly. + +"Most sincerely I do," I answered, for I saw that the dying bushranger +was in earnest. + +"Then I am satisfied that I can trust you, and will continue my story. I +was taken to prison, and confined in a dungeon, as a forger. I asked the +amount of money which I stood charged with obtaining, and the turnkey +laughed in my face, and told me that I ought to know better than he the +sum of my villany. + +"By a liberal expenditure of my scanty funds, I was enabled to send a +letter to my father, informing him of the circumstances of my arrest, +and vowing my innocence. I received a reply, that I had disgraced his +name, and that he never desired to see me again. + +"I sank under the blow, and for hours I lay senseless; but at length I +rallied, when a letter was placed in my hands. It was in the handwriting +of Julia, and with eager haste I broke the seal, and scanned its +contents. It was but another species of torture, but more pointed than +the accusation of crime. + +"Her letter was worded coldly, and contained expressions which I little +thought she would ever use to me. She believed me guilty of the crime +with which I stood charged, considered that I had taken an unfair +advantage of her father's kindness, and concluded with a hope, that if I +lived to serve out my sentence, I would always remain in exile, and +never distress my family with my presence. + +"Twice did I read that short, heartless letter, before I fully +comprehended its meaning; and when I realized that I was discarded, +believed guilty, I sat down, and bowed my head upon my breast, and shed +tears of agony. I cared no longer to live, and almost wished that +forgery was, as formerly, punished with death. + +"During my grief, I was summoned to the court, placed in the prisoners' +dock, and heard, for the first time, that. I was charged with forging +Mr. B----'s name to a draft for a thousand pounds, and that I had +confessed the crime, and made restitution of most of the money which I +had obtained, and that on that account I was entitled to mercy, and that +the liberal, patriotic banker would have spared me, if he had thought I +would have sinned no more. + +"I was like one in a dream all the time that I was in the court room. I +was asked by the judge, in a severe tone of voice, if I wished counsel, +and mechanically I answered in the affirmative; and after I had +consulted a moment with him, I recollected no more, until I was led from +the room, and told that I was transported, for ten years. + +"The next day I was sent to Liverpool, in company with house-breakers, +thieves, and men accused of all crimes, and from thence I was taken on +board of a ship loaded with felons, and bound for Australia. Even after +I was safely chained between the decks of the vessel, I did not escape +the vengeance of the man whose daughter I had dared to love. A newspaper +was thrust into my hand by some person, who directed me to read, and +then disappeared. My worst fears were realized--Julia had become the +wife of the earl's son on the same day that I was condemned. + +"I tore the paper into ten thousand pieces, and then vowed, that as I +was with criminals, and classed as such, I would show a felon's spirit. +I no longer was meek and dejected. I became a leader, and planned for +the capture of the ship, and should have succeeded, had not a +treacherous hound betrayed us to punishment. + +"But I was not discouraged by my failure, and when I was beaten for my +rebellious spirit, I had satisfaction, for one dark night I drove a +knife to the captain's heart, and laughed to think I remained +undetected. + +"You shudder," the robber said, when he saw that I shrank from his side +at this avowal. "I grant that the deed was wicked and cruel; but I had +been trampled upon as a man, betrayed and condemned, and my feelings +underwent such a change that I was no longer human. + +"After a long and dreary passage, the ship arrived at Hobson's Bay, and +we were landed. My reputation was too bad to be allowed to serve outside +of the hulks, and accordingly, day after day, I dragged my chain and +ball, attached to my right foot, after me, and performed labor that +caused many of my fellow-prisoners to sink by my side and expire, while +others would fall to the ground, and be lashed by the whips of our +taskmasters into renewed activity. + +"One hope alone kept me alive--the expectation of an escape. I planned, +and sought to carry them out, but the vigilance of my keepers frustrated +my intentions, and it was not until the gold mines were discovered that +I found an opportunity. Many of our overseers then left the employ of +government, and flocked to the mines. Of course, more men were engaged, +but they were too green in the service to understand all of the tricks +which prisoners resorted to to blind their eyes. + +"One dark night, a convict about my own age, and myself, resolved to +make an attempt at escape. Our chains were filed off, and knives placed +in our hands by men outside of the prison walls; these we had kept +secreted for many weeks, in hope of finding a use for them, and when we +heard the rain' dash against the roof, we resolved that the hour had +arrived for an attempt for freedom. + +"Most of the sentries were under shelter, when we crossed the court +yard, with steps like those of a cat, and stood before the astonished +turnkey, who kept watch upon the inner gate. Before he had time to raise +an alarm, we struck, and he fell without a groan. We hastily tore the +clothes from his body, and I dressed myself in them, casting away the +prison suit which I wore, and then with the key of the massive gate, I +unlocked it, and continued on to the outer lodge, where I knew we should +meet with another keeper. + +"The latter was busily engaged in writing when we entered, and did not +notice but that we were servants of the prison. He never probably knew +what killed him, for he fell--" + +"Good God!" I exclaimed with horror, "did you assassinate him, also?" + +"How could we have escaped unless we did? By the keeper's side was a +bell rope, a touch of which would have brought, a dozen soldiers upon +us, and then death would have been certain. We had been prisoners too +long to scruple at murder when our safety was involved. + +"My fellow convict removed the man's clothes, even before the breath had +left his body; and while he was dressing himself, I glanced my eye over +the letter which the keeper had been writing. I saw, to my astonishment, +that it was addressed to Mr. B----, the banker, and that an account of +my health, my work, and rebellious disposition, were set forth, and a +hope was manifested that I should break down under the severe +discipline of the hulks, and that if I did not, other employment would +be found in a few weeks, which would surely end my days. A donation of +twenty-five pounds was acknowledged, and thanks were returned for the +same. + +"I ground my teeth with rage, and then added a line in the letter, to +let the villain know that I still lived, and hoped to get square with +him before I died. + +"Time was too precious, however, to waste it there. Every moment was +worth an hour to us, for we were liable to be interrupted; and if seen +at large the whole city would have been aroused, and capture inevitable. + +"The huge key that unlocked the outer gate was hanging on its accustomed +peg, and to take possession of it, and emerge into the street, was but a +moment's work; and then to give our oppressors all the trouble possible, +we locked the gate, and hurled the key into the river, which ran hard +by. + +"The night was pitch dark, and, as I said before, the rain poured down +in torrents, for winter had set in with uncommon severity. The streets +were without light, and the gutters were like small rivers; but by the +latter we were enabled to find our way. You are aware that Melbourne is +partly built on a hill, so by following the course of the water, as it +rushed towards the bay, we gained the outskirts of the city, and struck +across the broad fields, and toiled on through the long night, and when +daylight came, no sign of house or inhabitants was to be seen. + +"That day we rested for a few hours, and continued our journey towards +night, hardly knowing where we were wandering to, almost famished with +hunger, and dead with fatigue. + +"I have not breath to tell you all that we suffered while getting +towards the bushranging haunts; our days of hunger and wretchedness--our +adventures with the natives, and their attempts to kill us--the +desperate risks which we ran of being captured and taken back to +prison--and last of all, our reaching this hut, which is to be the scene +of my death. + +"Here is where I first met Bimbo; and as he is already a prisoner, there +can be no harm in my telling you that be provided for our wants, kept us +in his secret cellar over a week, until we were fully recruited, and +able to grasp a musket, and then introduced us to Black Darnley, as +possessing spirit enough to belong to even his gang. + +"By him we were accepted; but after I had served in the ranks a short +time, I raised a band of my own, and have pillaged and murdered to my +heart's content." + +The robber ceased speaking, and a spasm passed through his frame, that I +thought would result fatally; but a drink of wine restored him, and he +again spoke, but in a voice not above a whisper. + +"I have a commission which I wish you to take care of," the bushranger +said, scanning my face to see what effect his words would have upon me; +"can I trust you to take charge of it?" + +I promised faithfully to fulfil his wishes, no matter what he required +of me. + +"This cross," he said, touching it to his lips, and uttering a sigh as +he did so, that came from the heart, "I promised to send to Julia, only +when death overpowered me. Will you take it to her, and say that the +wearer has gone to another world, where treachery and crime do not +exist, and where I hope to meet her and her father, and then disprove +the unjust accusation that was brought against me?" + +I promised to obey his wishes, and a look of gratitude stole over his +dark face. + +"My name," he whispered, "is engraved upon the jewel: do not give it to +the world, but know me as Jim Gulpin, the robber. I do not wish to +disgrace my father's name, even if I have been unjustly accused by him." + +I also promised compliance with this request, and asked if there was any +other matter which he wished to confide to me. + +"You know where the hut of Darnley stood in the black woods which you +visited?" the robber whispered, with a painful effort. + +I replied in the affirmative. + +"Near the hut I buried all my ill-gotten gains, and there they remain +yet; to you I bequeath them, to do as you see fit. There are thousands +of pounds' worth of gold dust there, besides jewels of value. After +searching the hut, walk in a south--" + +The robber's voice failed him; he made painful efforts to recover his +breath, and during the struggle his eyes rolled fearfully in their +sockets, and his hands clutched the earth convulsively. I feared that he +would die without revealing the hiding-place of his hoard, and impressed +with this idea, I dashed a pot of cold water in his face, and poured +more wine down his throat. + +"Thanks," he gasped, "I'm--going--farewell--ten paces--in a south--" + +There was a gurgle in the bushranger's throat, a convulsive movement of +his limbs, and then all was quiet, and the spirit of the outlaw chief +had taken flight to a better world. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI. + +A FORCED MARCH TOWARDS MELBOURNE. + + +I removed the cross from the neck of the dead robber, placed it around +my own, and reported his death to Murden. + +"Dead, is he?" repeated the officer, carelessly; "did he make any +confession?" + +"He spoke about an unjust sentence," I replied, "that is all of any +importance, excepting a history which he confided to me; it would be +uninteresting to you, however." + +"Ah, I dare say," answered Murden, languidly; "but to tell you the +truth, the man always passed for a person of good birth, even at the +hulks; and there was some romance connected with his sentence, but what +it was, I have forgotten. Old Pete, however, the same whom Gulpin +murdered when he made his escape, used to receive money from some source +or other, for keeping them posted concerning his health and habits, but +the old fellow was a sly dog, and never divulged secrets." + +"If a portion of his story is correct, why not the whole?" I asked +myself, as I thought of the hidden treasure, buried somewhere in the +vicinity of the last resting place of Darnley. + +The more I pondered over the subject, the more firmly I became convinced +that Gulpin meant honestly by me, when he said that thousands of +dollars' worth of gold dust, taken from people returning from the mines, +was deposited in the earth for safe keeping, and perhaps with a hope +that some day it might be removed, when its owner was ready to flee the +country. + +Resolving to consult with Fred, as soon as I could do so without +exciting suspicion, I left, the lieutenant and Fred talking together, +while I went in search of a proper place to bury the dead bushranger. + +I had been employed but a few minutes, when Smith joined me, and in +spite of my remonstrance, relieved me of the work which I was +performing. + +I did not think it necessary to tell him, at that time, of the +confession of Gulpin, although I knew very well that his assistance +would be necessary when we commenced our search for the gold. + +In spite of the intense heat, Smith soon had a grave large enough to +admit, the body of the bushranger, and then we returned to the hut, and +got Murden to allow three or four of his men to carry the body to the +spot. + +Fred, Smith, and myself followed the procession, and consigned the body +to the earth, without a word being spoken. It was a solemn moment, and +as I heard the dirt fall upon the corpse, my thoughts wandered to the +proud lady, and the stern father through whose instrumentality the lover +and son became a leader of bandits, and died a violent death, while +setting at defiance the laws of his country. + +Fred and myself lingered behind, and suffered the rest of the party to +reach the hut in advance of us; and while we sauntered leisurely along, +I confided to him the confession of Gulpin, and asked his opinion +regarding the means to be employed to discover the dust. + +"I think the man was honest," Fred said, after a pause, "when he made +the confession; in fact, the gang must have gold dust buried somewhere, +for it is notorious that two escorts have been plundered by bushrangers +within three months. The robbers have not been able to go into town to +squander their money; they buy nothing, because they take every thing by +force, and therefore it is very evident to me that the treasure which +they have stolen must be in the ground; but the question is, to find the +spot." + +I repeated the last words the robber had uttered,-- + +"Ten paces in a south--" + +"He may have meant south-east, south-west, or even south; there are a +dozen points of the compass governed by south, and the only way we can +solve the mystery is to visit the spot, and trust to our tact in finding +earth recently disturbed. If there is money within the radius of ten +paces from that hut, we'll find it, unless some one gets there before +us." + +"And Smith," I asked, "we shall want his services." + +"Of course, and a better man we could not have to accompany us. His team +will not only carry all the tools that we shall need to work with, but +provisions sufficient to last us a month, if we think it will pay to +spend that length of time in the search. We must have Smith as a +companion, by all means." + +"Let us promise him a share, if successful, and if we fail, nothing," I +said; "he is too stout a friend to be offended, and his knowledge of the +country can be turned to a profitable account." + +"We must hurry Murden," Fred remarked, "and get him to use more +expedition, or we shall not reach the city for a week. Time is precious +to us, until we find the buried treasure." + +"But, remember," I whispered, as Murden came out of the hut to meet us, +"do not lisp a word of this to him." + +"You appear earnest, gentlemen," said Murden, as he joined us; "pray, +what perplexes your minds now?" + +"We were conversing on the subject of making a forced march to +Melbourne," Fred replied, gravely. + +"And why need that trouble you?" the officer inquired. + +"It does not trouble us much, but we were discussing the probability of +losing our prisoners before reaching the city, in case the various bands +of bushrangers in this part of the country should concentrate their +forces, and make a sudden onslaught. We do not number many fighting men, +for remember that Haskill's skull is cracked, and he can do nothing but +hold it with both hands and groan. The man is threatened with a brain +fever, and should be in a hospital, instead of on the plains." + +Murden cast his eye over his men, who were cooking their suppers, it +being near sundown, and was apparently debating in his mind the force of +our words. He knew that we were no cowards, for we had given him proof +of our fighting qualities; and not understanding the secret motive which +actuated us in pressing for a speedy march to Melbourne, began to think +that there might possibly be reason in what we said. + +"I hardly think the robbers would dare to attack us," Murden said, at +length; "the scamps know that my bullies can fight when roused." + +"But you do not look at things in their true light," Fred said. "Your +present expedition is the first one that has ever been able to cope with +the lawless scoundrels: and you can readily comprehend how the +bushrangers will feel when they know that two of their most formidable +bands have been broken up, and by only a dozen men. In Melbourne, one +dauntless escaped convict is considered more than a match for four +policemen, because the former fights with a halter around his neck, and +unless he conquers, death is certain. Be assured that the gangs in the +vicinity understand the advantage of having a terrible name, and that +before we reach the city they will seek to retrieve it. I should not be +surprised if even now our trail was followed, and runners sent, from one +haunt to another, for the purpose of arousing the devils to fall upon +us, and take vengeance." + +"If I thought so," muttered the lieutenant, glancing along the trail +which we had made on the broad plain, as though he already saw squads of +enemies in the distance. + +"We cannot, of course, be certain that we are followed, but I think that +it is better to be over-cautious than neglectful. One hundred pounds on +each prisoner delivered to the government, is a sum of money that should +not be thrown rashly away." + +"By St. George!" cried the Englishman, with warmth, "that last argument +decides me. I don't fear a battle with bushrangers, but I should dislike +to lose my prize-money. Hurry through your suppers, men, and bring up +the animals. In fifteen minutes we start, and there will be no rest +until we reach Boomerang River." + +"Come and share my supper--there's not much of a variety, but what there +is you are welcome to," Murden said, turning to us, after he had given +his order. + +"You did well," whispered Fred, as we followed the officer to the hut; +"don't let him grow cold." + +"We've said enough for once; let him allude to the subject the next +time, or he will suspect," Fred rejoined, in the same low tone; and +without renewing the conversation, we sat down upon the floor of the +hut, and ate our beefsteak, broiled upon coals, and drank our strong +coffee, with a peculiar relish. + +There was no allusion to the dead robber we had just buried, and, in +fact, Murden already appeared to have forgotten that there ever existed +such a person. But if his memory was so defective, mine was not, and I +could hear the last words of the bushranger ringing in my ears, as he +gasped for breath, and exclaimed, "Ten paces in the south--" + +The gold cross, too, which I had taken from the dead man's neck, seemed +to sear my bosom, and parch the skin, so heated did I fancy it grew when +my thoughts wandered to the dying man and his buried treasure. + +"What are we to do with these goods, which make such a display?" I asked +of Murden, glancing around at the miscellaneous collection which +surrounded us. + +"Return all but the wine and provisions to the hole from whence they +came, and let government send after them," answered Murden. + +"And the wine?" I asked. + +"We'll take it with us, and drink it on our way to the city. We shall, +by that means, prevent some other party from being led into temptation." + +Many hands made light work of returning the goods to the secret cell, as +there was not much formality in stowing them, and then the floor boards +were replaced, and we were ready to start on our long journey. + +"Are we all ready?" asked our commander. + +"All ready, sir," was the answer, and a loud crack of Smith's whip, as +he touched up one of the leading oxen, which appeared too eager to start +before the word was given, made us think of the time when we first left +Melbourne under his guidance. + +"Then forward we go!" cried Murden; and we had got some paces from the +hut, when a shrill voice exclaimed,--"O, don't leave me--go to +thunder--who cares for bushrangers? Bimbo--Bimbo--where's Bimbo?" "I +had forgotten the parrot; what shall we do with him?" asked Murden, +ordering a halt. + +"Let me stop and look after him until you come back again," cried the +innocent Bimbo, raising his dirty face from the team, and gazing at us +with an air of simplicity charming to behold. + +"Silence, you miserable traitor!" shouted the exasperated officer, "or I +shall be tempted to beat you with my whip." + +"I don't see what this cove has done, that he should be snatched up and +lugged off this way. P'aps Mr. Sherman, who owns this stock-house, won't +scold when he comes to hear of it. He won't say nothing, and swear to +think that his cattle is all running wild, 'cos nobody takes care of +'um." + +"Lend me your whip, Smith," Murden said, as the fellow raised his voice +in a sort of howl, at the thought of being carried away from the hut +which had sheltered and screened his rascalities for so many years. + +Smith handed the short-handled instrument of torture to the officer, who +waved it over his head with a scientific flourish, like one accustomed +to its use, and in another instant Bimbo would have had something to cry +for, but the cunning rogue ducked his head just in time to escape +punishment. The long lash passed over his body, and cracked like the +report of a pistol; and while the officer was drawing back his arm for +another attempt, the impudent, dirty face of the rogue was raised, and a +leer of contemptuous pity expressed upon it. + +Neither Fred nor myself could prevent laughing at the fellow's coolness, +and our mirth extended to Murden, who began to be aware that he was +making a ridiculous exhibition of his temper, and tossed the stockman's +whip to the owner, exclaiming,-- + +"I was foolish to allow the fellow to provoke me, and am glad that I did +not touch him with the lash; although if he had not been as quick as +lightning, I'd have taken a good piece of his hide." + +"But what are we to do with the parrot? Remember we are losing time," I +said. + +"Yes, what's to be done with me--where's Bimbo?" shrieked the bird. + +"Put the cage into the cart--he will excite curiosity when we reach +Melbourne, and perhaps bring a round sum." + +The order was obeyed, and with shrill screams of delight the bird and +his cage were stowed among the prisoners, and long after dark we could +hear the talkative parrot ask the bushrangers how they felt, and when +they were going to die? Questions of great significance to them at the +time. After a while he dozed off to sleep, but during the night awoke +about once every half hour, and with a shout of,-- + +"Where's Bimbo--darn Bimbo--lazy Bimbo!" and then would drop off to +sleep again. + +At about nine o'clock we reached "Boomerang stream," the same place +where we had witnessed the natives of Australia gorge themselves with +kangaroo meat until stuffed to repletion. The place was alive with oxen +and stockmen, and carts filled with stores on their way to the mines. +Many of the drivers had just arrived, having been on the road from +Melbourne all night, and were turning their cattle loose, intending to +pass the day by the side of the stream, for the purpose of recruiting, +and avoiding the heat of the noonday sun. + +We forded the river, the waters of which were not more than twelve +inches deep, and with many flourishes of his immense whip, Smith drew up +his cattle directly under the shade of a friendly tree growing near the +bank. + +Before the cattle were turned loose, we were surrounded by anxious +inquirers desirous of asking a dozen questions regarding the safety of +the country, and what the men whom we had ironed had been guilty of. + +Murden, who was both cross and hungry by his night's ride, attempted to +satisfy their curiosity by replying; but he might just as well have +attempted to dam a river with a sieve; and the few words which he spoke +were almost lost in the confusion. + +"We shall never get any breakfast or rest at this rate," he whispered to +Fred and me, "so lend us a hand to clear the ground, and then I'll keep +them at a distance, or break their necks." + +We mounted our horses, and telling the stockmen, miners, adventurers +like ourselves, speculators, and two or three fat old fellows, who were +visiting their cattle-raising districts to see how their stock thrived, +that we feared some of them were in league with bushrangers, and that we +would have no one that did not belong to our force inside of the lines +at present, drove them back until we had cleared a sufficient space for +our convenience, and then the men stretched a rope from two posts, and +inside of that barrier no one dared to venture without permission. + +"Hullo, you feller with the blue flannel shirt," cried one of the +rough-looking outsiders, addressing Fred, "did you do any thing towards +grabbing them ere chaps?" alluding to our prisoners. + +"Them ere two fellers is hextry policemen, I suppose," cried a newly +arrived cockney, with great staring eyes, watching our movements as +eagerly as though we were wild animals confined for his especial +amusement. + +"I wonder if the stealings are good in that department?" asked another. + +"Do you hear, Murden?" Fred inquired, with a laugh, and a thought how +appropriate the question was under the circumstances. + +"Curse the fellow's impudence," muttered the lieutenant; "but I'll learn +him a lesson that he'll remember for a few days," he continued; and then +turning to Maurice who was unsaddling his horse, he said,-- + +"Take a man with you and arrest that blackguard. I suspect him to be a +bushranger in disguise." + +The policeman abandoned his horse on the instant, grasped his carbine, +spoke a word to a companion, and before the inquisitive genius, who +wished to know whether the stealings in the police force were good, had +a chance to think of his unfortunate remark, he was in custody, and +threatened with instant death if he even made a movement towards +resistance. He was hustled before the commander of the corps, and with +an indignant look and blustering voice, wanted to know for what he was +seized. + +"You think that I don't know you," said Murden, in a tone of pretended +sternness, "but you are mistaken. You are Sam Firefly, the leader of a +gang of bushrangers. I knew you the instant that I got sight of your +face." + +"So help me God, I'm not--I don't know the gentleman you speak of. I'm +a stranger here--I only arrived in Australia week before last;--for +God's sake let me go, and I won't do any thing but what you wish me to;" +and the fellow wrung his hands, and looked the very picture of woe and +fright. + +"I think I'd better order you to be shot, for if I should let you off, +and find that you are Sam after all, I should always regret it," the +lieutenant said, with mock gravity. + +"Don't shoot me; please don't--I never hurt anyone in my life. I'm only +in the country to make my fortune, and when I get it I'll leave. I swear +that I will." + +"On those conditions, then, I will let you go--but remember, I shall +have an eye on you hereafter." + +The fellow expressed his thanks in a confused manner, and darted from +the enclosure, and during the remainder of our stay at the stream we did +not hear an impudent remark concerning our blue flannel shirts or the +perquisites of Australian policemen. The heterogeneous maps were +suddenly struck with Murden's display of authority, backed as it was by +about a dozen men, well armed and ready to do his bidding without a +question or murmur. + +Fires were lighted and kettles soon boiling, and the smell of burning +meat, as it crackled on the coals, made not only the hound but the weary +guard look with eager eyes for the call to breakfast. + + + + +CHAPTER XVII. + +TRIUMPHAL ENTRY INTO MELBOURNE. + + +In spite of the intense heat and dust which greeted our arrival at +"Boomerang stream," we managed to sleep for a few hours, and then, after +a bath in the river, felt somewhat refreshed, and were anxious to +proceed on our journey. The sun was too high, however, and the plains +too heated to induce Murden to consent, so Fred and myself went on an +excursion through the various camps near us, and after much hard work we +were fortunate enough to get hold of a Boston paper, and then selecting +the most secluded spot that we could find, and the freest from dust, we +read to each other all the items of interest, and then commenced on the +advertisements, which latter we finished just as Michael called us to +supper. + +Each party camped on the bank of the stream, had a fire burning, and the +never-failing dish of coffee preparing for their evening meal. Parties +of men were searching for their cattle, and driving them in, preparatory +to a start; and a scene of confusion, it appeared to me, seemed +inevitable; but to my surprise the oxen walked slowly towards the carts +to which they belonged, and submitted to having yokes placed wound their +necks, without that resistance which I had anticipated. + +The sun had hardly disappeared before the first cart started on its +long journey for Ballarat. Another and another followed, and in a short +time we were the sole occupants of the camping ground. + +In a few minutes after we had wished success to the last party that +crossed the stream our horses were saddled, and once more we resumed our +journey for Melbourne. + +Nothing of general interest occupied our attention until we were within +a few miles of the city, when Murden sent one of his men forward to +announce his arrival to the captain of police, and to confide to him the +success which had attended his enterprise. + +Maurice, the person sent, must have imparted the news to a dozen +friends, and they, probably, in turn told it to every one they met, for +just as we came in sight of the city, we were surprised to witness a +vast concourse of people on the road. + +Some were on foot, and some on horseback, and every description of +vehicle in Melbourne appeared to have been pressed into speedy service, +and loaded down with men and women, anxious to get a glimpse of the +ferocious bushrangers, whose names had long been such a terror to all +having business beyond the limits of the city. + +"We are in for it," said Murden, pointing towards the fast approaching +crowd. "Close up on each side of the cart, men, and let no one speak to, +or insult our prisoners!" + +Before the crowd reached us, Smith deserted the side of his oxen for a +moment, and laid his hand upon my horse's bridle, saying,-- + +"You remember where you and Mr. Fred slept the first night you landed in +Melbourne?" + +"To be sure I do," I replied; "in your house." + +"And remember," he said, "I want you both to take up your quarters there +again. You will promise me this?" + +"I think that we had better go to some hotel," I replied, fearing that +we should cause him trouble and expense. + +"Don't think of such a thing; you will squander all of your money, and +receive no equivalent for it. Go to my house, and we'll live like +princes at a quarter the expense. Or, if you feel that you are too good +for the company of a felon--" + +"Hold there, Smith," I said; "have we ever given you occasion to speak +thus?" + +"No; but you will be petted and praised, and I fear that perhaps so much +attention will turn your hearts against me." + +"Do not fear that," I rejoined, pressing his hand, which he returned, +until I thought my fingers were in a vice; "we found in you a friend, +and as such we shall continue to regard you until we leave the island." + +"Then you will make my house your home?" Smith inquired. + +"If you still insist, I answer that we had rather keep together, and be +under your roof, than to be lodged in the proudest hotel in Melbourne." + +Smith's broad, red face was actually radiant with happiness, as he fell +back to his place; and as he had no other way of testifying his +happiness, he began cracking his long heavy whip, which started the +cattle into a trot, and shook up the bushrangers and the parrot so +roughly, that the latter yelled out,-- + +"Hullo! what's the row? Where's Bimbo? Stop, will ye?" questions which +were not answered, for just then our attention was attracted by a body +of mounted men, dressed in the same kind of uniform as our companions, +only their clothes did not look so soiled, and their arms were radiant +with recent polishing. + +At their head rode a fine-looking, stout, red-faced man, who weighed +about two hundred pounds, and was a good specimen of a hale, hearty +Englishman. + +"Hullo, Murden," he said; "what have you been doing to thus set the city +on fire? Is the news true, that you have had several engagements with +Darnley and Gulpin's gangs, and came out best?" + +"Yes, sir," replied the lieutenant, touching his cap with an air of +respect; "I am happy to report that both Darnley and Gulpin are dead, +and that their gangs are either killed or prisoners." + +"Why, you have done yourself and the police force great credit, Murden, +and I must talk with the lieutenant-governor about settling a pension on +you. But how is this--do you let your prisoners go at large?" and the +speaker pointed to Fred and myself with his riding whip. + +"Your pardon, captain," replied Murden, "but those two gentlemen are +Americans, and volunteers of my force, and without their aid I should +have come back as wise as I went." + +"Where did you pick them up?" I heard the police captain ask, in a half +whisper, as he rode beside the lieutenant. + +"Hush, sir," we understood Murden to reply; "they are easy to take +offence, and are different from the majority of people who visit +Australia in search of gold." + +"Americans, did you say?" the captain repeated; and as he glanced at us +from the corner of his eye, I heard him mutter, "They are not dressed +exactly in dinner costume, but there's a plucky look about the fellows +that I like, after all." + +"I'm sure you'll like them, sir, after you've seen something of their +Yankee shrewdness," replied Murden; "if we could only get them to accept +of commissions in the police service, I'd pledge my pay for a year that +we'd free this part of the country of bushrangers in less than six +months." + +"But won't they join?" inquired the captain, turning completely round in +his saddle, where he was riding in advance of us, to get a look at our +faces. + +"I am afraid not," replied Murden; "they have got their American ideas +of independence, and are as firm set in their notions as our +countrymen." + +"I'll have them yet," returned the captain. "I'll have them dressed up +and presented to Latrobe; he is an old courtier, and can wheedle the +devil with his tongue. When we reach the city, see that they are clothed +in decent suits, and are provided for." + +Fred, who was riding by my side, overheard the conversation as well as +myself. We looked at each other and smiled, and thought how little the +captain knew of the American character, if he thought, we intended to +depend upon the bounty of himself or the lieutenant for clothing while +we possessed a dollar with which we could purchase for ourselves. + +While the officers were conversing, the sergeants had formed their men +in such a manner that the crowd, which began to press eagerly forward, +was completely excluded from the cart, and could only get a sight at the +prisoners through a broken rank, or by peeping between the horses' legs. + +Our entire into Melbourne was a perfect triumph; and to this day, I am +uncertain which excited the most curiosity--the chained bushrangers, +confined in the body of the cart, or Fred and myself, with our short +beards and unshaven faces, ragged clothes, and deadly array of rifles, +revolvers, and bowie knives. + +The escort of policemen cleared the crowd, who stopped to gaze and ask +questions, and as the former advanced with their heavy horses and drawn +sabres, the latter receded to the right and left, leaving a space for +the procession to pass. + +Down through Collins Street we went, every window on the thoroughfare +filled with eager faces anxious to get a sight of the novel procession, +and I don't know how many times Fred and I were pointed at by women, who +appeared to possess as much curiosity to see murderers as the sterner +sex, and called us bushrangers and villains; and once we were hooted at +by an excitable old lady, who did not for a long time discover her +mistake; and Smith afterwards told us in confidence, that he heard her +muttering, that if we were not bushrangers, our countenances belied us +shamefully, and she would not like to trust herself with us, after dark. + +"Where do you intend to confine the prisoners, sir?" asked Murden of his +captain. + +"At the barracks; as I consider them safer than the jail at the present +time," replied the captain of police. + +"Why safer now than at any other time, sir?" inquired the lieutenant. + +"Because, I do not know how many of the faces which I see around me may +belong to men who have an interest in the escape of the bushrangers. +Since you have been gone some strange things have come to light, and I +am induced to believe that men living here under our protection, and +trusted with our secrets, have been in league with the robbers of the +plains for months. How have the bushrangers always known when an +expedition was to be started for their extermination, and so faced it, +or kept out of the way, according to the numbers we sent, unless word +was carried by people who had our confidence? Be assured, Murden, that +as patriotic and great as we may think ourselves, there are those in our +midst, and, I believe, high in power, who do not scruple to accept of +bribes, even if the gold which is offered is stained with blood." + +I thought, the lieutenant's cheeks blanched a shade paler than their +wont, and I imagined, considering he had a few hundred pounds' worth of +gold dust in his pockets, which formerly belonged to some honest man, +that he would get confused, and confess to the secret hoard which we had +discovered; but to my surprise he did no such thing, and returned an +answer that elicited my unbounded admiration, it was so cool. + +"We must ferret out the parties," he said, in reply to his superior, +"and make an example, and that will strike terror to the hearts of those +disposed to accept bribes, hereafter." + +"We will talk of this another time," replied the captain; "I feel now so +rejoiced to think that we have secured a number of bushrangers, that I +can hardly talk on any other subject. It was only last night Latrobe +sent for me, and wanted to know why I had done nothing towards rendering +a passage to the mines safe? The old fool! Why don't he send a company +of his idle soldiers to scour the country, if he thinks it is so very +easy to find those devils incarnate--the bushrangers?" + +"Perhaps he keeps them in Melbourne because he has fears of his own +safety," replied the lieutenant, laughing. + +"Perhaps so; but I'd rather trust to my police force than all the +soldiers in Australia. I suppose your two American friends will share in +the reward which has been offered?" + +"I hope so, for right well do they deserve it," replied Murden, +heartily. + +The multitude moved to and fro, and struggled to get glimpses of the +bushrangers in the cart, and a number of times the police were obliged +to strike those who pressed too near with the flat of their sabres, as a +slight rebuke for their curiosity; but with all the struggling I heard +no angry words pass, and for so large a crowd, it was the best natured +one I ever saw. + +We drew up before a substantial-looking building, with an open square in +front, where a company of soldiers were parading. + +A large gate was opened for our admission, and as soon as our party had +entered, it was shut and bolted, and the crowd excluded, although many +crawled upon the walls and sat there patiently, until the bushrangers +were placed under lock and key, in a strong dungeon, where hardly a ray +of light penetrated. A guard was stationed before the door with orders +to allow no one to converse with those inside, and then, for the first +time for many days, I and my friend found ourselves at liberty. + +"Come," whispered Smith, "place your arms in the cart and we will go +home. There is nothing further for us to do." + +"Hullo," we heard Murden shout, "where are you going to?" + +We waited for a moment, until he, in company with the captain, came +within speaking distance, and then we replied,-- + +"We are going where we can get shelter and something to eat." + +"Take them to the station, Murden, and let them stop there for the +night, and see that they have something to eat. To-morrow we will see +what we can do for them." + +"We are able to take care of ourselves, sir," replied Fred, haughtily, +"and do not need the charities of a station house. When we do we will +let you know." + +I saw the face of the captain turn a deep purple, as we continued our +walk, and I was not surprised to hear him thunder out,-- + +"Stop, sir; I wish to speak further with you." + +"Any communication that you may have to make, we shall be pleased to +listen to, sir," I answered. + +For the space of a minute the captain surveyed us from head to foot, as +though hardly knowing whether to be pleased or offended at our dignity; +but at length he exclaimed,-- + +"Who, in the devil's name, are you?" + +"We are happy to say that we are Americans," rejoined Fred, +straightening his muscular form, and looking as proud of the title as a +senator just elected to congress. + +"Blast it, that is not what I mean. Are you born gentlemen?" pettishly +exclaimed the captain. + +"No one can be born gentle, but every man an be a gentleman if he but +studies the courtesies of life," remarked Fred. + +"And have you so studied?" asked the captain, with a smile. + +"All Americans study," replied Fred, "though perhaps no two are alike. +We try to be civil and attentive to all, and those qualities will pass +for good breeding all the world over." + +"By heavens, you are right," cried the captain, with genuine English +bluffness, "and I should have known better than to have thought you +would have accepted of a bed at the station house. Come with me, and +make my house your home. I assure you both a welcome." + +"You will excuse us, but we made an engagement before we entered the +city to stop at Smith's house, and we told him to rely upon our word." + +"And do you prefer his company to mine?" asked the captain, with +astonishment. + +"We are better acquainted with him," Fred said, evasively. + +"But the man has been convicted as a felon and is only at liberty now on +parole." + +"He has atoned for his fault, and has shown himself a brave man," I +replied. + +"But with one word I can order him to prison again, and make him serve +out his sentence." + +"You would not think of doing such an unkind act, I know," rejoined +Fred, with a smile. + +"I don't know but I shall have to for no other reason than to get his +company away," said the captain, smiling; "you will pardon me if I +misjudged you both on account of your dress; we have many strangers +landing at our port, and if they disguise themselves in the clothing of +workmen, they must not feel slighted if they are taken for such." + +"We are but workmen," I replied, "and to prove it, I will commence now. +You have it in your power to help confer a benefit, and I mean to work +until I get your consent to the scheme." + +"Pray, what is it, sir? Any thing in my power I will do willingly." + +"We wish the pardon of Smith, and your lieutenant will tell you that he +richly deserves it for the gallantry and mercy which he has shown." + +"Your request is one fraught with difficulty, but I will see the +lieutenant-governor, Mr. Latrobe, and lay the subject before him. +Perhaps you would like to speak to the gentleman himself on the matter." + +"Perhaps it would be better if we did," replied Fred, with no expression +of astonishment on his face at the proposal. + +"Then I will get you an audience to-morrow afternoon, and mind, don't be +afraid to speak to the governor when you see him." + +"Have no fear on that point," I replied, with a smile. + +"Then good-by until to-morrow; I'll send Murden for you when the +governor is ready." + +The captain so far forgot his aristocracy that he actually extended his +hand at parting, and shook our fists with a right good will. + +We joined Smith, who was standing a short distance from us, and had +listened to every word that had been uttered with a face of scarlet, but +as we turned away, I heard the captain remark,-- + +"Those are singular young fellows, and somehow I begin to like them." + +"Well, Smith," I said, as he drove his team from the yard, "we are to +have a hearing to-morrow, and perhaps in the evening may be able to +celebrate your liberation." + +"It will hardly be of use to me," he replied, bitterly. "Let a man do +ever so well, the charge of once having been a convict will be repeated +in his ears until he is no longer able to hear it. God knows I have +repented of my crime, and only ask an opportunity to commence a new +life; and I heard the very man who should have shielded me, say, 'he's +only a convict,' and wonders that you dare trust your lives with me." + +"He don't know you, Smith," replied Fred, consolingly. "Wait until he +hears of your bravery, and knows what you have done, and then you'll see +how quickly he will shake you by the hand, and congratulate you." + +"Do you think so?" asked Smith, musing over Fred's words. + +"I know it will be so; but be you ever so exalted or humble, Smith, +there's no man on the island we would sooner call friend." + +"Then let them call me convict--if I but possess the esteem of two +honest men, who know me thoroughly, hard epithets will fall harmless." + +Not another word was spoken during our walk through the streets of the +city to the suburbs, where stood the rough board house of Smith, exactly +as we had left it a month before. A dozen or twenty buildings had been +thrown together in the vicinity during our absence, and were occupied by +respectable looking people, who were engaged in business in Melbourne. + +A number of fresh, rosy-faced women, true models of English wives, came +to their doors as we stopped, and apparently wondered who we were. + +We unlocked the door, and found every thing undisturbed; and while Smith +drove off his team for the purpose of taking his oxen to pasture, I +started a fire in the old stove, and Fred went after water, and to get +the materials of a good supper together, which, by long fasting, we +keenly felt the need of. + +By the time we had eaten our meal it was past sunset, when, recollecting +the business which was laid out for the morrow, we pressed Smith into +service, and started towards Collins Street for the purpose of buying +clothing suitable to wear when ushered into the presence of the +lieutenant-governor, who, we were given to understand, did not relish +flannel shirts and heavy boots, even if they did cover valued colonists. + +By good luck we found a man who kept an assortment of really excellent +ready-made clothing, and after chatting with the fellow until he had +reduced his prices one half, we purchased two complete suits. + +Pleased with our purchases, we carried them to the house, drank one bowl +of good punch, which Smith made as a sort of night-cap, as he termed it, +and then lighting our pipes, turned in, and after a brief review of the +events of the day, sank into a deep sleep. + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII. + +LARGE FIRE IN MELBOURNE.--ENGLISH MACHINES AT FAULT. + + +I know not what the others were dreaming about, but I imagined myself +standing by a pile of brush and branches, on which was placed the dead +bodies of Black Darnley and his gang, and I thought that I had just +applied a match to the dry wood, and that the flames were soaring +heavenward, filling the sky with a luminous, blood-red color, and that +the corpses, as the fire licked their bodies, began shouting, in +derisive tones, for more fuel, when a hand was laid upon my shoulder, +and my dreams vanished in an instant. I sprang to my feet, and even then +but half awake, I reached for my revolver, and tried to recollect where +I was, and how I came there. The room, was as light as day, and through +the single window streamed the glare of such a fire as I had seen in my +dream. + +I could hear the roaring of the flames, and a shouting of voices afar +off; and an old cracked bell, upon a church a short distance off, was +laboring hard to start into life the sleepers of the city. + +"The city is on fire!" cried Smith, giving me another shake to awaken me +into consciousness; "all Collins Street appears to be in a bright +blaze." + +"Wake Fred, and we will go and lend what assistance we can," I replied, +thoroughly aroused. + +While Smith proceeded to do so, I stepped to the door, and surveyed the +scene, which was grand in the extreme; and I felt my blood course +through my veins wildly, as old recollections of volunteer service were +brought back, when gentlemen of the utmost respectability petitioned for +admittance to our organization. + +That fire was like the blast of a trumpet, and all the old feelings, +which had lain dormant for many years, were revived, and I wished that I +had an engine and a brave company, to rush to the rescue. While I stood +surveying the flames, I was joined by Fred, an old fireman like myself, +but cooler, and not so impulsive. + +"Do you see!" I exclaimed; "half of the city appears to be in flames, +and I do not hear the working of an engine. Let us hasten, and render +what assistance is possible." + +"Where are your engine houses?" asked Fred, turning to Smith, who +appeared to be remarkably cool and unconcerned. + +"That's more than I can tell, and I don't believe that even the captain +of police can find one, try he ever so hard," replied Smith. + +"Do you mean that there are no regularly organized companies here, to +take charge of engines?" I asked. + +"There are no engines nor companies, to my knowledge," Smith answered, +after a moment's thought. + +"Then how do you arrest conflagrations like the present?" I asked. + +"Well, we send for the police," he answered, with a laugh. + +"Pshaw!" I replied, impatiently, "this is no time for joking. Your city +is burning down, and I do not hear the first effort to extinguish the +flames." + +"But I do. Hark! do you not hear that trumpet?" + +We all listened, and loud above the roaring of the flames, which were +filling the sky with showers of sparks, and dark, pall-like clouds of +smoke, we heard the shrill tones of a trumpet. + +"What is the meaning of that blast?" I asked. + +"It means that the soldiers are marching to the scene of the +conflagration," rejoined Smith, promptly. + +"Ah, then they are to lend their aid in suppressing the flames?" + +"They merely go for the purpose of seeing the building burn," replied +Smith, laconically. + +"Explain yourself," I cried, impatiently. + +"I will. They are marched to the fire simply for the purpose of being +drawn up in a line, and keeping people, who are disposed to work, away +from the flames." + +I looked at Smith's face, to see if he was not joking; but no, he was +perfectly serious, and I began to have doubts about the ability of the +Australians to subdue a conflagration under such difficulties. + +"Then nothing is done by the thousands of people standing idly by, +witnessing the destruction of property?" I asked. + +"Well, sometimes I've known water-carts to bring water from the river, +and then a few adventurous fellows will offer to throw it on to the +fire. But the carts are not always to be depended upon." + +"Let us go and see what we can do, Fred," I exclaimed, after the above +explanation; and although Smith told us we had better remain in the +house, for we should get no thanks or credit for our readiness to +assist, yet we did not heed his advice, and when he saw that we were +determined to go, he grumblingly offered to accompany us. + +I locked the hound in the house, much against the animal's will, and +then we started for the scene of the conflagration. On our way, we met +and overtook hundreds of people bound on the same errand as ourselves; +but to our surprise, they manifested no show of excitement, and appeared +to regard the fire as a matter of course. + +We hurried through the streets until we reached the thoroughfare in +which the conflagration was raging. A long line of soldiers was drawn up +to prevent people from approaching within twenty or thirty rods of the +fire, and within the circle which they formed, were mounted policemen +with drawn sabres. + +There appeared to be no effort made to extinguish the fire; the +soldiers, instead of being employed to carry water, or save goods, or in +blowing up buildings to arrest the flames, leaned on their guns, and +looked as though they didn't care if the whole city was consumed, as +long as they got enough to eat and drink. The mounted police did not +seem employed to any better purpose, and the most that I observed them +do was to chase after a poor devil who squeezed through the lines in +some way, and appeared anxious to save his property, or what there was +left of it. + +"Thank God!" exclaimed a stout man at my side, "the fire is confined to +the stores of Jews. I think I'll go back to bed again." + +That remark made me begin to comprehend the reason of the apathy which +prevailed. The Jews were not entitled to sympathy on account of their +religion. They paid their taxes, and were as much entitled to protection +as Episcopalians, or men of other religious principles; but the stigma +of being a Jew followed them even to Australia, where people were none +too moral, and if they had not sold their Saviour it was because no one +wished to buy, thinking the investment a bad one. + +I longed to get to work, and once or twice I asked an officer standing +near me to let us pass, and assist in extinguishing the flames. The +young fop looked at me with the utmost astonishment for a moment, and +then, thinking that I was an escaped lunatic, recommenced sucking the +hilt of his sword with renewed energy, and without returning any answer +to my petition. + +"Don't mind him, poor fellow," said Fred, with a laugh at my want of +success in eliciting an answer from the office: "don't you see that he +is hungry, and misses the comfort which his Mother has been in the habit +of yielding." + +The sword hilt was withdrawn from the young fellow's mouth in an +instant, and his face flushed as red as his scarlet uniform. He felt the +more annoyed, because half a dozen fellows, just from the mines, all of +whom were standing near, and had heard the conversation, set up a shout +of laughter. Even the soldiers smiled when their officer's back was +turned. + +If the young fellow intended to make a reply, he was prevented, for just +then the rolling of a drum attracted his attention, and there was a +murmur through the crowd that the lieutenant-governor was coming to see +what could be done towards suppressing the conflagration. + +The soldiers presented arms, as half a dozen plainly-dressed gentlemen +walked towards the end of the line where Fred, Smith, and myself were +stationed. They did not stop until within a few feet of us, and from the +attention which was bestowed upon one man, I had no difficulty in +deciding which was the governor. + +"God bless me!" exclaimed the gentleman I supposed to be the governor, a +rather small man, with gray hair, and, I judged, about sixty years of +age; "God bless me!" he repeated, wringing his hands as though washing +them, and gazing upon the fire, "what a dreadful conflagration." + +"The fire is making great headway, your excellency," said one of the +gentlemen in the governor's suite. + +"God bless me, so it is," replied the governor. "How careless of the +Jews to let their stores get on fire. They give me a great deal of +trouble." + +"But shall we not do something towards suppressing the flames?" asked +the first speaker, with an impatient gesture. + +"God bless me, what can I do?" cried the governor, peevishly. + +"There are two small engines in the city--they might be brought here and +worked to advantage," urged the aide-de-camp, for such I judged him to +be. + +"Yes, yes, I know; but, God bless me, they won't _suck_." + +I saw the governor's suite vainly endeavoring to suppress their smiles, +and for a moment, such was their mirth, no further conversation ensued. + +At length the aid said,-- + +"That difficulty can be overcome, your excellency, by pressing the water +carts into service, and letting them bring water from the river for the +engines to use. Much property can be saved, also, by dismissing the +soldiers to the barracks with their arms, and then letting them return, +and pass water in buckets. I assure your excellency that the police +force is amply sufficient to keep order without the troops." + +"God bless me, I believe that you are right," cried the governor, "but I +don't like to set the soldiers at such work. They spoil their uniforms, +and then the government has to supply them with new clothing, and I am +blamed for it." + +"Then let the engines be brought here, and I pledge you my word that I +will find men enough in the crowd to work them without the soldiers' +assistance!" exclaimed the aid, energetically. + +"God bless me, if you think they are of any use, bring them here; but I +don't know a person in Melbourne who understands working them." + +His excellency's remark appeared to stagger the aide-de-camp, for by the +light of the flames I saw him bite his lips with vexation, and glance +over the crowd, as though wishing that he could find somebody who would +come to his rescue. + +Fred and myself could no longer keep silent. We thought, that we saw an +opening for our talent that should not be lost, so giving the nearest +soldier a slight push one side, and narrowly escaping a thrust from a +bayonet in return, we suddenly stood before the astonished group. + +"We have come to ask permission to take charge of your engines," Fred +said, before the aide-de-camp could find breath to order us into +custody, and the soldiers appeared disposed to make prisoners of us +before the word was given. + +"God bless me, what is the meaning of this?" cried the governor, putting +his eye-glass up, and surveying us from head to foot, as though we were +animals of the _rara avis_ species. + +"Stand back, soldiers," cried the aide-de-camp, in a tone of command, +when he saw that the men were disposed to force us amongst the crowd +again, "return to your ranks, and leave me to deal with these men." + +"Now, my men, what do you wish?" asked the aid; and we knew by the tones +of his voice that he possessed the spirit of a man, and would know how +to appreciate the services which we were disposed to render. + +"We accidentally overheard a remark from the governor, that there was no +one in Melbourne who understood the working of your fire-engines, so we +have come to volunteer our services," Fred said, boldly. + +"God bless me, but this is most extraordinary," said the governor, +turning to his suite for confirmation of his words. + +"Have either of you ever been accustomed to the working of an engine?" +asked the aid. + +"We have both belonged to a volunteer fire department," I said, "and if +the machines are not entirely out of repair, we think that we can work +them to advantage." + +"I was not aware that there was a volunteer system in England," said the +aid, whom we now understood was Colonel Hensen. He spoke in a slightly +sarcastic manner, as though he had caught us in a falsehood and was +determined to fathom our motives. + +"We were not speaking of England, sir," I said, with some little +asperity. + +"Pray, what country do you allude to, then, if I may ask?" the colonel +inquired. + +"We meant our country, sir; we are not Englishmen, but Americans." + +I saw the frown vanish from the brow of Colonel Hensen, and a look of +good nature passed over his face; but before he had an opportunity to +speak, the governor had his eye-glass up, and exclaimed,-- + +"God bless me, you don't mean to say that because you are Americans you +can extinguish this fire? Pray, what part of the United States do you +come from, that you possess such assurance?" + +"We were both born within the shadow of Bunker Hill, your excellency, +and that famous spot overlooks Boston, a city of some importance in +America." + +I heard a good-natured laugh at Fred's speech, although I was fearful +that those present would not relish joking at their ancestors' expense. +But I was mistaken; even the withered features of Mr. Latrobe relaxed +their expression of distrust, and he cried, "God bless me," and wrung +his hands for a minute or two before he spoke. + +"If these young men think they can do any good with the engines, why, +God bless me, I don't know but they had better take charge of them," the +governor said, after a brief survey of the fire, and seeing what headway +it was making. + +"I will answer for these two young men, your excellency," said a deep +voice, whose tones we recognized; and looking up, I found that our old +acquaintance, the captain of police, had approached us, unseen, and +overheard a part, of the discussion. + +"Ha, captain," cried the governor, "you don't mean to say that you know +these two persons? God bless me, how singular." + +"Not very extraordinary, sir, when I tell you that these are the +Americans whom I asked your excellency to receive to-day, and whose +petition I hope you will grant," replied the captain. + +"God bless me, it isn't possible that these are the two Americans who +have been killing and making prisoners of those bushranging villains? +Why, they have hardly grown to be men!" + +The governor seemed to forget the fire, for he surveyed us through his +eye-glass, and whispered to members of his suite, and said that he hoped +"God would bless him;" and I am sure I hope that the Almighty will, for +Mr. Latrobe has asked for it often enough. + +Fred and myself were the centre of observation, and perhaps our modesty +was a little touched, for we heard the captain whisper to Colonel +Hensen, something like the following:-- + +"Murden tells me they are perfect dare-devils, and care no more for a +gang of bushrangers than for a troop of kangaroos. I am going to coax +them to enter the service." + +I don't think that by morning there would have been a single Jewish +house or Christian store left in Collins Street if we had not again +reminded the governor that the fire was raging more fiercely than ever, +and that if the flames were to be checked it was high time to commence +work. + +"Our American friends are right," said Colonel Hensen, "and if your +excellency is disposed to comply with their request no time is to be +lost." + +"God bless me, then let them go to work without delay. I give them full +power to take as many men as they please to work the engines, and if +they succeed in quenching the flames they shall be well rewarded." + +"We ask for no reward, sir," I said, "but we do ask for one hundred of +these soldiers. Let them be despatched after the machines without +delay." + +The governor hesitated for a moment, and then gave Colonel Hensen +directions to comply with my request. + +Two companies deposited their arms in a building near by, and were +detailed for the duty, while an officer was sent to hunt up the water +carts, and get them filled at the river, so that the engines could have +something to work upon. + +We set Smith at work hunting up buckets, and then accepted volunteers, +who formed a long line, and passed the pails back and forth with great +rapidity. + +A dozen reckless miners, just from the diggings, clambered to the tops +of the houses nearest to the fire, and dashed the water on the roof and +sides, and by this means held the flames in check until other lines were +formed. In half an hour nearly fifteen hundred buckets were at work, and +thrice that number of volunteers were lending their aid. + +Fred and myself were every where, encouraging and giving directions; the +police, seconded our efforts, and saw that our orders were carried into +effect, and they did so the more readily because we recognized all of +our old companions of bush-hunting memory, and they quickly imparted our +history to the rest of the force. + +By the time our lines were in good working order we heard the rumbling +of the engines, and with hearty cheers the soldiers dashed into the +hollow square, the crowd opening to the right and left to admit them. +With perfect firemen's enthusiasm they ran the machines close to the +flames, unlimbered the huge tongues which obstructed half the street, +and were nearly as large as the engines themselves, and then, with a +recollection of their discipline, touched their fatigue caps, and asked +what was to be the next move. + +We looked at our unpromising machines and found that they were of +English make, and capable of throwing a stream about as large as garden +engines. They were covered with dust and dirt, and had not been worked +for a twelvemonth; but nothing discouraged, we washed some of the +thickest of the cobwebs away, examined the screws, filled the dry and +cracked boxes with water, adjusted the hose, and then applied the +brakes. A low, wheezing sound was heard, which resembled the breathing +of a person troubled with asthma, but no water was ejected. + +The soldiers laughed, and ridiculed the machines, and the crowd outside +of the square getting wind of our failure, shouted in derision at the +"governor's pets," as they were called. + +"I say, old fellows," cried a voice, "I've got a syringe in my trunk at +home that you can use. It will be of more service than those machines." + +"Grease 'em," shouted another. + +"Play away, No. 2," yelled a loafer. + +"Hold on, No. 1," shouted a fourth; and as No. 1 had been compelled to +hold on for the want of water, which leaked from the boxes almost as +fast as put in, the joke told hugely. + +"You can do nothing with them," said Colonel Hensen, joining us, and +noticing the condition of the machines. "I think that you had better +send them back to the houses, and depend upon the buckets. The fire has +not gained headway for fifteen minutes." + +"We are not easily discouraged, sir," replied Fred, and together we +proceeded to examine the boxes of the engines attentively. + +We found a screw, which regulated the flow of water, nearly off, and the +plug in the bottom of the box out. The latter explained the leakage at +once, and by the time we had regulated matters the water carts arrived, +and once more we filled the boxes and started the brakes. After wheezing +and sputtering a moment, a slight stream appeared at the nozzle of the +hose. It was greeted with yells of laughter, not only from those who +were passing water in buckets, but even the soldiers joined in the +cries. The crowd took up the yells, and in a few minutes it seemed as +though Bedlam had broken loose. + +Not discouraged by the ridicule heaped upon us and the engines, we kept +the boxes full and the soldiers at work on the brakes. The result was as +we had anticipated. The stream grew larger and larger as the wood and +leather began to swell, and in a few minutes after the brakes were +applied the second time a noble stream was playing on the flames, and +the root's and sides of houses in danger of burning. + +Crowds are always fickle, and easily swerved by success or failure. In +this instance we had no reason to complain of want of applause, for +cheer after cheer was raised in honor of our perseverance, and Colonel +Hensen was despatched by the governor to thank us on the spot for our +labor. + +Leaving the hose to be directed by an intelligent sergeant of one of the +companies, we next turned our attention to the second engine, and +succeeded in repairing that also; and although at times we were obliged +to await the arrival of the water carts to keep the boxes filled, having +no hose for draughting, we managed to keep up two decently sized +streams, and with the assistance of the buckets, prevented the fire from +spreading to other buildings. + +All night long did we work, sometimes up to our knees in mud, +encouraging and directing--running greater risks of being crushed under +falling buildings than I should like to enjoy again--resisting the +appeals of Jews, who offered large amounts of money if we would only +direct the men to save their houses and stores, and getting well abused +when we refused to comply--treating all alike, working for the greatest +good, until daylight appeared and the fire was subdued, and Melbourne +was saved from destruction. + +I looked around for the lieutenant-governor. He had wrung his hands +three hours before, and asked "God to bless him," and declared that he +was tired and must retire to bed, and to bed he had gone; and the only +member of his staff on the ground was Colonel Hensen. + +"You have worked hard enough, gentlemen," said the officer, shaking our +hands with a friendly grip. "Go to your home, and leave the rest to me +and my men." + +"We do not feel near as tired as those gallant fellows," Fred said, +pointing to the soldiers who still manned the brakes of the engines. + +"I intend to have them relieved immediately, and allow them all day to +get rested," answered the officer. + +"Then we will return home, for our presence is no longer needed here," I +replied. + +"Before you go let me thank you in the name of the lieutenant-governor. +Through your instrumentality thousands of pounds' worth of property has +been saved; and our merchants owe you a debt of gratitude which I hope +they will repay before you leave the city." + +"We hope thanks will be the only coin offered," cried Fred, quickly, +"for we would not have you think that we have labored through the night +for hire. If we have been instrumental in doing your city a service we +are glad of it, because it may be the means of obtaining a better +reputation for Americans than they have hitherto enjoyed in Australia." + +"I shall ever look upon Americans with respect from this time forward," +the colonel said, warmly. Once more he shook our hands, and then we +called Smith and edged our way through the crowd to the rude house, +where I found the hound had broken half a dozen panes of glass in his +desperate attempts to escape and join me. + +Tired and almost exhausted with our night's work, we quickly threw +ourselves upon our hard beds, and slept soundly, nor did we awaken until +the loud baying of the hound aroused us. + + + + +CHAPTER XIX. + +PARDON OF SMITH AND THE OLD STOCKMAN.--GRAND DINNER AT THE GOVERNOR'S. + + +"Hullo," I heard somebody shout; "is this the way you receive your +friends? Call off the dog, or he'll eat me for his dinner." + +I started up and spoke to the hound, and then saw, to my surprise, that +our visitor was no other than the captain of police. + +"Excuse me for disturbing you," he said, taking a seat, and looking +around the room with a quiet smile upon his broad face. "I know that +you have had a hard night's work, and need rest; and I should not have +presumed to awaken you, had I not feared that you would forget the +audience which his excellency has granted on this afternoon." + +"At what time, may I ask?" I inquired, trying to look as though I was +awake--in which I did not fully succeed, I am afraid, for the captain +said, kindly,-- + +"There, there, go to bed again, and let the audience be postponed until +to-morrow. Latrobe will readily understand why you are not present, and +if he does not, I will get Colonel Hensen to explain the reason. By the +way, speaking of the colonel, he has grown to be a sworn friend to both +of you, and as he has the governor's ear in all matters, I think it will +be well to speak to him in a candid manner, and enlist his aid." + +We bowed, without speaking at the advice, and the captain continued,-- + +"Then I will ask the governor to postpone your interview until +to-morrow, if you desire it." + +"By no means," exclaimed Fred, the last words thoroughly arousing him. +"We have not had much rest for a number of nights, but we are not so +tired that we cannot keep an appointment. We shall be ready at the time +you state." + +"Then in two hours' time I will send Murden for you. By the way," the +captain continued, in a careless tone, "if there is any thing I can help +you to, command me." + +We knew that the captain alluded to our clothes, but we merely shook our +heads and declared that we had a full supply. He looked incredulous, but +was too polite to contradict, and was about to depart, when he suddenly +said,-- + +"By the way, I don't suppose you have seen the morning papers? Here are +the Argus and Herald. You may like to look over them, as they contain an +account of the fire, and mention the gallant conduct of two American +gentlemen who were present." + +The captain laid down the papers, and was off without a word of +explanation. We felt that keen curiosity characteristic of Americans +when they know that their names are in print, and hardly had the sound +of the hoofs of the captain's horse died away before we spread open the +sheets, and after hunting over a column of matter which related to +losses, with the names of individuals, we came across the following, +headed,-- + +"INCIDENTS.--During the fire this morning, two young men, whose names +are unknown, but whom we hope to discover before our next issue, made +their way to his excellency the governor, and volunteered to take the +whole charge of the fire, and put the two hitherto almost useless +engines in working order. After some hesitation on the part of his +excellency, consent was given, and two companies of a regiment allotted +to man the brakes. Under the direction of the young men the machines +were brought into action, and were the means of saving property to a +large amount. We also hear it stated that the same parties organized the +lines of buckets, although we do not vouch for the truth of the +statement." + +"P.S.--Since writing the above, we learn that the young men are +Americans, and are the same who appeared in the procession yesterday +afternoon. They have been engaged by the police force for the last three +weeks in hunting bushrangers. We shall give the public the most reliable +information to be obtained concerning them, and shall issue an extra +containing a history of their lives and adventures, illustrated with +correct likenesses." + +"I wonder how the editor expects to get a history of our lives, and a +correct likeness?" laughed Fred, laying down the Argus and taking up the +Herald. + +The latter paper was more disposed to glorify the governor and his +government than ourselves, and as Mr. Latrobe was not in great favor +with the citizens of Melbourne and the miners at the time, an attempt +was made to create some capital for him. The article read as follows:-- + +"Our readers will recollect that the lieutenant-governor promised the +miners that the roads between the city and Ballarat should be free of +robbers in less than six months. Hardly three months have passed, and we +find that his excellency has made good his assertion. He has taken the +most active measures to bring to speedy justice the numerous gangs of +bushrangers who have preyed upon travellers and escorts, going to and +returning from the mines. Already have two of the most formidable +robbers in the country fallen, and with them the destruction of their +followers. Black Darnley and Jim Gulpin are both dead. They have paid +the penalty of their crimes, and the community will thank the government +for the active measures which were taken to bring about such a result. +Our police department is now in a better state of efficiency than ever +known before; and it is the determination, we understand, of the +governor to increase its force until he has redeemed his pledge, and +made Australia a law-loving and law-abiding country. + +"We understand that the two men whose dress and appearance occasioned so +many remarks while the procession was moving through our streets +yesterday afternoon, are two recruits who are to be added to the police +force with the rank of sergeants. They were both born in the United +States, but their parents are English, and still claim Great Britain as +their homes. We understand that they distinguished themselves gallantly +in the conflict which ensued between the bushrangers and the police, and +for that reason they are to be rewarded by being taken into our +municipal force. + +"P.S.--We understand that the men mentioned above were very active at +the fire this morning, and that if any property was saved by their +efforts the governor should have the credit for the same, for to him +belongs the suggestion of allowing the police force to work as firemen, +and also giving his consent, that the military should have charge of the +engines. We hope the citizens of Melbourne will remember these facts, +and know in what light to regard the attacks made upon his excellency by +the Argus, whose editor left England for causes which have not yet +transpired, although we dare say that communications addressed to the +Home office would be promptly answered." + +"Well, of all the impudence," laughed Fred. "The puppy should be +whipped--and I've a great mind to go and do it" + +"I don't see any thing to be enraged at," I replied, coolly. "Because he +says that we are to enter the police force, does not make it so; and as +for the rest of his remarks, you are too good an American not to think +highly of the man for his ingenious effort to create popularity for his +favorite office-holder." + +Fred smiled as he thought of the freedom of the press in our country, +and I heard no more about whipping the unfortunate editor of the Herald. + +"Come," cried Smith, who had sat silent during our reading of the +papers, "you must be getting ready for your visit to the governor. He +receives at three, and dines about six." + +"I suppose we shall have to stop and dine with him," said Fred, with a +sly wink at me. + +"You surely don't think of such a thing?" demanded Smith, with horror +depicted upon his face. + +"Why, you don't pretend to say that the governor is any better than us +poor adventurers?" asked Fred. + +Smith struggled a moment with his feelings, as though trying to find a +suitable reply in which he should not offend us, and yet not outrage the +exalted idea which he entertained respecting his excellency. At length +love for us overcame his reverence, and he blubbered out.--"Hang it, you +know what I mean--the governor is placed in a high position, but I'd +rather have a shake of your hands than fifty men like him. Don't talk to +me any more, but get ready to visit him; and if he don't ask you to +dinner, all that I can say is, he don't know you as well as I do." + +We followed the advice of Smith without a word of remonstrance, and in a +short time our long, ragged beards had fallen before the sharp edges of +our razors, and after a refreshing bath in a tub, the only bathing-pan +we could find in the city, we dressed ourselves in our new clothes, and +once more felt that clean linen was more becoming to gentlemen, in spite +of its democracy, than blue flannel. + +For the first time for many months were our limbs encased in +broad-cloth, and our feet denied the privilege of an extended range of +sole leather. Smith surveyed us, and rubbed his hands with delight. We +had evidently made an impression upon him in our new dresses, and to +tell the truth, we felt somewhat vain of it. + +Punctual to the hour, we heard some one drive up to the door, and were +in a moment greeted by Murden, although at first he did not recognize +the two demure looking strangers seated in the room as his late +companions. + +His grip was none the less hearty, however, and even while he was asking +a half dozen different questions concerning us, he hurried us along into +a vehicle that somewhat resembled a chaise, although much heavier, and +drawn by two horses. + +The lieutenant assumed the reins, and away we rattled, the hound +bounding by the side of the carriage, and sometimes making playful snaps +at the horses' heads, causing the animals to swerve from the middle of +the road, much to Murden's disgust and the dog's delight. + +"I heard of your doings last night," Murden said, as we rattled towards +the government house, causing people to stare in astonishment at the +recklessness of our pace. "You did nobly, I am told, and those blasted +Jews had ought to come down liberally with their dust, in the shape of a +present." + +"We were not working in the expectation of reward," Fred began, when the +lieutenant cut him short. + +"I know all about that, but if those cussed Jews are disposed to give +you any thing, don't refuse to accept it, because it would gratify them +too much." + +Before we had an opportunity to enter into an argument, the carriage was +driven, with much parade, up to the door of a substantial, freestone +house, before which a number of soldiers were keeping guard, as though +there was danger of the governor being run away with by some +evil-disposed persons unless there was a show of force. + +We were shown through a long entry, or corridor, and ushered into a +reception room, plainly furnished, and with only one engraving hanging +from the walls. It was a likeness of the queen, in coronation robes, +opening parliament. + +Half a dozen persons were lounging in the room, awaiting an audience; +and as we were the last comers, of course all eyes were directed upon +us, and we could read an expression upon their faces, as much as to say, +"what in the deuse do they want with the governor?" + +Murden nodded carelessly to those present, and when one, more +inquisitive than his fellows, took him by the button hole, and, in a +whisper, asked him who we were, I heard him say, in reply,--"Hush! don't +pretend to look at them, or they will shoot you without mercy. They are +Americans, and carry revolvers and bowie knives by the dozen." + +The inquirer, rather a small sized man, after that hardly removed his +eyes from us, and when word came from the governor that we were to be +shown into his room, the little fellow looked after us as though he +never expected to see such a sight again, and was determined to improve +his opportunity. + +We mounted a flight of stairs, broad and imposing, as became a +governor's palace, and then the servant, who had us in charge, stopped +before an open door, at which was stationed a man in livery. To the +latter was given our names, and in a loud voice the fellow repeated +them; at the same time he stood aside and allowed us to pass into the +presence of his excellency, the lieutenant-governor. + +Mr. Latrobe was standing near a window, which overlooked the street, and +was conversing with Colonel Hensen, the captain of police, and a number +of other gentlemen, whose faces we were not acquainted with. + +Colonel Hensen advanced to meet us as we entered, and then, in due form, +presented us to the governor. + +"God bless me," said his excellency, rubbing his hands as though he had +caught cold the night before, and he wished to quicken the circulation +of his blood, "God bless me, can it be possible?" + +He didn't say what it was that surprised him so much, but I gave a +shrewd guess that our change of costume had improved our appearance to +such a degree that we should have been passed in the street by our most +intimate friends unrecognized. + +"Don't be backward in making known your wants," whispered the colonel, +while the governor was wringing his hands. + +"Both of you, gentlemen, are entitled to my warmest gratitude for the +zeal which you displayed last night," the governor at length said, "and +I embrace the present opportunity to thank you. God bless me, I wish +that all of the emigrants who reach our shores were of the same stamp. +We should be more prosperous and happy." + +"We trust, for the honor of America, that all who claim our country as +their home will never give your excellency cause of uneasiness," Fred +said, with a slight how. + +"God bless me, I hope not," echoed the governor. "But I have great cares +on my mind, great cares; and sometimes I think that I shall have to +return to old England, and let some younger man occupy my place." + +The governor's suite maintained a profound silence, which struck us as +very singular; but then we did not know that a new ruler was on his way +to Australia, and that the home government had got most heartily tired +of the vacillating policy of Mr. Latrobe, and that the several gentlemen +who surrounded him were aware of it, and were all ready to pay court to +the rising star, as soon as he set foot ashore at Melbourne. + +Finding that no one replied, the governor slowly chafed his hands, and +said-- + +"We owe you another debt of gratitude, I believe, for the gallantry +which prompted you to risk your lives, when you joined forces with our +police. You intimated that you had some request to make of me, as a +reward for your conduct. Pray, let me hear what your petition is, and if +it be reasonable, I will grant it." + +For the first time did the governor seem to act the part of a ruler. He +threw off, as with a violent effort, all of his shuffling and weakness, +and stood before us a man. Perhaps the little sympathy which he saw +expressed upon the faces of his suite was the cause of his changing. + +"If we have been instrumental in freeing your roads of robbers," I said, +calmly and distinctly, "it is not because we thirsted for the blood of +the unfortunate men, but simply from a desire to pass to and from the +mines without molestation. We do not, of course, know in what light the +captain of police has reported our conduct, but there are others more +deserving than ourselves, and to them should be awarded all the credit, +if, indeed, there is any credit in resisting when attacked." + +"I think that mention was made concerning two convicts who had displayed +considerable bravery, but it had nearly escaped my mind. Do your remarks +refer to them?" inquired the governor. + +"They do, sir," I said, "and in their behalf do we appear before you +to-day, knowing that your excellency will kindly consider all we say, +and grant our petition." + +"Go on, sir," said the governor, with a wave of his hand that was full +of grace and dignity. + +"The two convicts who were brought to the notice of your excellency +fought with us side by side, and in one engagement, a band of desperate +bushrangers were destroyed before the police made their appearance. +Black Darnley, the leader of the gang, was killed, and knowing that a +large reward was offered for his arrest or death, we thought your +excellency would exercise your usual clemency and grant the men a free +pardon for their past offences." + +"You know not what you ask for," said the governor, hastily, and I +thought impatiently; and then in a milder tone he continued: "I am so +hampered by the home government that I rarely interfere in such matters, +and would much rather some other request were preferred." + +"But let your excellency consider. These men have been on tickets of +leave for a number of years, and not a word of complaint has been +received against them. I believe that I am justified in referring to the +captain of police for confirmation of my words." + +The captain bowed, and smiled at my earnestness, and I continued: + +"One of them, by honest industry, has accumulated a large property, but +the dreadful sentence of the court still clings to him, and if an enemy, +actuated by the desire to despoil him of his fortune, should prefer a +complaint, he would be arrested and consigned to the hulks, to die +perhaps of a broken heart. That is not the proper fate of a gallant man, +who has the good of the colony at heart, and is willing to shed his +blood in its defence." + +"Ask of me any thing but the pardon of the two persons you mention, and +I shall be most happy to grant it," replied the governor, after a +moment's thought, and a half irresolute glance at Colonel Hensen, as +though asking his opinion before deciding. + +"We have no other request to make, may it please your excellency," +answered Fred, with dignity. "We came to Melbourne expressly to ask for +the men's pardon, and as it is not granted, you will allow us to take +our leave." + +We bowed and stepped towards the door. The governor looked astonished at +our independence, and after a moment's whispering with his suite, he +recalled us. + +"On one condition will I comply with your request," he said, and I saw +that the old weakness had returned to his face, and that he was no +longer the dignified executive officer. + +"We await the proposition," I said. + +"Why, the fact is, I have heard such good accounts of both of you, that +I am desirous of retaining your services. You are anxious for the full +pardon of the two convicts. I will comply with your request provided you +enter the police service for five years. The rank of lieutenants will he +bestowed on both of you." + +"We are under the necessity of declining your intended kindness," +replied Fred, ironically, "and as we cannot obtain what we wish without +sacrificing our independence, we again take our leave." + +I saw a smile of satisfaction beam on the face of the colonel, and I +knew that our course met his approval. + +"God bless me, what do they want?" asked the governor, in an agony of +irresolution, appealing to the colonel. + +"They ask for no more than what your excellency should grant," replied +the colonel, bluntly. + +"But suppose the convicts should commit fresh crimes after I have +pardoned them?" asked the governor. "What would the home office say?" + +"Point to the good which the men have done, and see if it does not +outweigh heavy faults," replied the colonel. + +"You are right, and the petition of the young men is granted. Call +to-morrow at the office of the secretary, and obtain the documents; at +the same time let me inform you that if the home office does not concur +in my decision, the pardons are void. I do not anticipate any serious +objections, however, when I state the reasons which have governed my +conduct." + +We thanked his excellency in suitable terms, and were about turning +away, when an almost imperceptible movement on the part of Colonel +Hensen claimed our attention. Slight as it was, we understood him, and +determined to strike while the iron was hot. + +"We do not wish to give your excellency unnecessary trouble, but if you +would instruct your secretary to furnish the pardons this afternoon, we +know of one man who will receive it as the greatest birthday present +that can be given him." + +"God bless me, is that the case?" cried the governor. + +We repeated our statement that Smith's birthday would be celebrated in a +becoming manner, if his excellency was disposed to be lenient. + +"Then God forbid that I should be the cause of any one's unhappiness. +Mr. Secretary, prepare the documents, and I will sign them immediately." + +The governor had hardly ceased before the gentleman referred to had left +the room. While he was absent a number of questions was asked us +concerning our country, and I think a few of our replies surprised not +only Mr. Latrobe, but the staff which surrounded him. + +"God bless me! it's marvellous to think of. The Americans are a great +people, there's no denying it, and I think in time will even equal the +parent country." + +We did not enter into any argument with those present concerning the +relative strength of the two nations, but just as a question was +addressed to us regarding our navy, the secretary returned and handed +two papers to the governor, who, after a brief glance at their contents, +affixed his signature, and handed the documents to us. + +"There, I have gratified you, young gentlemen, and now I request a +return for my kindness," said the governor, smiling. + +"Any thing that your excellency may wish," stammered Fred, hardly +knowing what was coming. + +"I wish both of you to stop and dine with me to-day, and if you refuse, +never ask me for another pardon." + +The governor smiled good-humoredly as we hesitated, and before we knew +how to frame an excuse we were moving towards the dining-room arm-in-arm +with Colonel Hensen and the captain of police. + +That dinner will long live in my memory, not only for the good cheer, to +which we had long been strangers, but for the social manner in which we +were treated by the governor and his guests. + +Even the hound, who had received a large share of attention, was +permitted to enter the dining-room, and by the manner in which his eyes +glistened I thought he appeared to enjoy himself as well as the rest of +the company. + + + + +CHAPTER XX. + +DUEL BETWEEN FRED AND AN ENGLISH LIEUTENANT. + + +Even at this distant day, I think that I have a faint recollection of +walking through the streets of Melbourne at a late hour on the afternoon +that we dined with the governor--and I also think that we were escorted +to our home by Colonel Hensen, and a number of other gentlemen, although +who they were I have not the slightest recollection. + +It was a late hour the next morning, when we awoke with aching heads and +parched throats. Our faithful friend, Smith, was stirring, and by the +aroma we knew that a strong dish of coffee had been prepared by his +hands, and that it awaited us as soon as we rose--an act which we had no +inclination to do; but a sight of his sorrowful face as he spread the +table, made me alter my mind. + +I slipped on my clothes, and bathed my heated head in cool water just +taken from the river, and felt refreshed by the operation; and by the +time Fred had gone through with the same process, breakfast was +pronounced ready, and down to it we sat with but scant appetites. + +"What have you got such a long face on for this morning?" I asked of the +stockman, who hardly raised his eyes while he was drinking his coffee. + +"Can you ask?" he replied, looking up, and I saw by the expression of +his face that he had not slept during the night. + +"Can I ask?" I repeated, "to be sure I can. We got a little out of the +way last night, but the circumstance is too common to provoke remark in +Australia." + +"Ah, it was not that I was thinking about. I was considering how unkind +the governor has treated me, in not granting me freedom after so many +years of good conduct," replied Smith. + +"O, is that all?" I cried, with an appearance of indifference. "I +thought you were sick, or had heard some bad news." + +I saw the poor fellow's face flush at my apparently unkind speech, and I +saw an expression of surprise in his blue eyes which cut me to the +heart. I sprang from the table, and taking from my coat pocket the two +pardons, laid them before him without a word of remark. + +His eyes were, the instant he read his name, blinded with tears. He laid +his head upon the table, and wept long and bitterly without speaking, +and his stout frame shook with the violence of his emotion. We suffered +him to continue without interruption; but when he did look up, he +grasped our hands, and pressed them convulsively, muttering,-- + +"At length, O, at length, I'm a free man, and no longer subject to a +keeper's nod. I can call my soul and body my own property, and look a +policeman in the face without trembling. Ah, blessed liberty, how much I +have longed for thee!" + +He kissed the pardon--he kissed his name, which was written in a bold +hand on the document--and then pressed to his lips the signature of the +governor. + +"Do you now feel truly happy?" asked Fred. + +"I feel so joyous that there is nothing on earth which I crave," replied +Smith. + +"Then we may ask you to lend us your aid before many days, and I hope +that you will not refuse." + +"Me refuse? Ask of me the most difficult task and I will do it; for to +you do I owe freedom," cried our friend, enthusiastically. + +Fred was about to confide to him the secret of the buried treasure, and +solicit his aid, when we were interrupted by the entrance of a stranger, +dressed in the uniform of an English officer. + +"I beg your pardon, sirs," he said, glancing around the hut with a +slightly supercilious air at the want of comfort which was plainly +manifest, "but I think I have entered the wrong house." + +"We cannot tell whether you have or not, until we know what your +business is," replied Fred. + +"My business has reference to two gentlemen who dined with the governor +yesterday, and were conspicuous at the fire night before last," replied +the officer, who was a young man, and of prepossessing appearance. + +"Then it is very probable we are the parties," said Fred, carelessly. +"We dined with the governor yesterday, and we did something towards +extinguishing the fire on Collins Street night before last." + +"One other question, gentlemen, and I shall be certain. Are you +Americans?" demanded the officer. + +"We claim the United States as our home, and to the best of our belief, +we were born there," I answered, wondering what the fellow was driving +at. + +"Then you will excuse me for the disagreeable duty which I have taken +upon myself. Night before last one of you gentlemen addressed words of +an insulting nature to a brother officer. As long as he thought you were +beneath the rank of gentlemen he did not choose to notice them, but the +governor having recognized you as an equal, my friend feels that he can +safely demand satisfaction, or an ample apology for your remark." + +"Why," said Fred, with a soft smile, "this looks to me like a +challenge." + +"It is one," replied the Englishman. + +"And I am expected to retract the words which I uttered, or be shot?" +asked Fred. + +"If you are the gentleman who uttered them, I must reply, yes," answered +the officer. + +"Well, upon my word. I hardly know what I did say," cried Fred. "Do you +recollect?" he added, appealing to me. + +I shook my head, and remained silent. I was thinking of the danger my +friend was in, and wondering how I could get him out of it. + +"I think that my friend had the hilt of his sword in his mouth, and your +allusion was to the infantile instinct which prompted him to do so," +replied the officer, looking red in the face. + +"O," laughed Fred, "did the youngster take offence at my words? Tell him +that hereafter I will swear that he was brought up on a bottle.' + +"This is no apology, sir," cried the officer, inclined to laugh. + +"Isn't it? Well, it's all that I am disposed to give, at present;" and +Fred helped himself to a fresh cup of coffee. + +"By the way," I continued, "perhaps you have not been to breakfast. Pray +be seated, and have a dish of coffee." + +The officer hesitated for a moment, but thinking, perhaps, that he could +best arrange the affair while sipping coffee, he finally took his seat +upon an old box, while Smith helped him to a cracked cup minus a saucer. + +"Then there is no way of arranging this little affair, is there?" asked +the officer, whom we now understood was Lieutenant Merriam. + +"O, yes, there are half a dozen ways," replied Fred, coolly. "In the +first place, your friend can withdraw his challenge--" + +"Never!" exclaimed the officer, firmly. "We feel too deeply injured." + +"And in the next place, I can refuse to accept it," Fred continued, +without noticing the interruption. + +"But you will apologize," cried Merriam, eagerly. "Say that you will do +that, and I will take my leave." + +"Then I shall do no such thing, for we are not often forced into the +company of her majesty's officers, and we wish to improve the +acquaintance." + +The lieutenant looked at Fred as though mentally calculating what kind +of a man he was, but in spite of his dignity and bold face, he smiled, +and held out his cup for more coffee. + +"Then I suppose that you will refer me to a friend with whom I can +consult, and settle all preliminary arrangements?" inquired the officer. + +"Tell me," asked Fred, for the first time looking serious, "is your +friend really in earnest in this matter?" + +"I have to inform you that, he is, sir; and that, as his friend, I have +promised to see him through the affair with honor," our visitor replied. + +"Then I will gratify his lighting propensities, as I do not feel +disposed to retract words which, under the circumstances, he should have +considered as harmless. Jack, my boy," Fred said, turning to me, "will +you settle with this gentleman when the affair shall come off, and act +by me the part of a friend?" + +I knew the nature of the man too well to try and dissuade him from the +duel--the most that I could do was to stand by him and endeavor to turn +every thing to his advantage. I gave him the promise he required, when +turning to Smith, who had sat at the table a patient listener, during +the whole conversation, Fred said-- + +"Come, Smith, you and I will visit the scene of the fire, and leave them +together." + +"Now to business," the lieutenant said. "You are the challenged party, +and have the right to choose weapons. I have a beautiful pair of pistols +at the barracks, which I wish you would make choice of. You will fall in +love with them at the first sight." + +"Very probable," I replied, coolly; "but if pistols are to settle the +quarrel, have a pair of Colt's revolvers which I know will command your +admiration. Here are the two instruments," and, as I spoke, I laid them +on the table. + +"A murderous looking weapon, and not suited for the use of gentlemen at +ten paces," Merriam said, handling the revolvers with great respect. + +"So I thought," I replied composedly, "and have resolved to have nothing +to do with pistols of any kind. They are an unsatisfactory weapon, and a +man has got to be a good shot to put a ball just where he pleases at ten +paces." + +"Ah, then you have concluded to try the sword? A more gentlemanly weapon +it would be hard to find. Let swords decide it, then." + +I saw a glow of satisfaction upon the face of the lieutenant, and I knew +that his principal was an adept in the use of the sword as well as +though he had told me in so many words. + +"I cannot make choice of the sword," I replied, "because my friend does +not understand its use, and therefore the advantage would be all on your +side." + +"Then pray name what weapon you will fight with," Merriam said, +impatiently. + +"This is the weapon we will use," I replied, producing, to the +astonishment of the officer, my three foot six inch barrel rifle, which, +during our absence the day before, Smith had cleaned and polished up +thoroughly. + +"What is that?" he asked, astonished. + +"This," I replied, "is an American rifle, and a very good one it is, I +assure you." + +"But we cannot fight with only one, and unless another is produced +precisely like it, some other weapon will have to be resorted to," cried +the officer, with a slight expression of joy. + +"I am aware of that," I replied coolly, and to his astonishment I +presented him with a fac-simile of the first. + +"These rifles," I remarked, "were both made by the same person, and he +was instructed to manufacture them without a shade of difference in +regard to size or weight. The only method we have of telling them apart +is to consult the stocks, where our names are engraved. Examine them +attentively, and then select whichever you please. One is as good as the +other, and each carries well." + +The Englishman stared at the rifles with a countenance blank with +dismay. They were weapons which he was entirely unacquainted with, and +he felt that the safety of his principal demanded a remonstrance against +their use. + +"I object to the use of rifles," he said, at length, firmly and +decidedly. "My friend is entirely unacquainted with these kind of +weapons, and it would be madness on his part to go to the field with +such odds against him." + +I listened calmly, and with my mind unchanged. I knew that Fred's safety +depended upon my selection, and inwardly vowed that if he had got to +fight, he should settle the difficulty with his own weapons. + +"This quarrel," I remarked, "is not of our seeking. A few words were +spoken in jest by my friend, and as soon as spoken were forgotten; and +it is probable that even now we should not remember the man we insulted. +If my friend has got to fight, he shall be placed upon an equality with +his adversary." + +"But I do not call this equality," echoed the lieutenant, gazing with +looks of dismay at the rifles. + +"Neither do I feel disposed to risk my friend's life with swords, a +weapon which he knows nothing of," I replied. + +"Then perhaps we had better settle the matter satisfactorily without +fighting," Mr. Merriam said. + +"With all my heart," I cried, with alacrity. "I will meet you half way +in any scheme of pacification." + +"Then let your friend say that he is sorry for using the words, and send +a note to that effect to my principal." + +"We can't do that," I replied, after a moment's thought. "But I will +tell you what we will do. We will say that during all our travels we +never saw a man who could suck a sword hilt so gracefully as your +friend." + +"Pshaw," cried the Englishman with a grim smile, "don't let us trifle +over the matter, it is too serious." + +"I know that, and it's the very reason why I wish to settle the quarrel +without bloodshed," I answered. + +"Then you decline to apologize?" inquired Merriam, after a short pause, +during which he helped himself to another cup of coffee. + +"Only on the grounds which I have stated," I answered. + +"And you still insist upon rifles being used?" continued he. + +"A just regard which I have for my friend compels me to say that I +cannot conscientiously consent to use any other weapon. At the same time +I protest against being called to the field for a few words spoken in +jest." + +The Englishman slowly sipped his coffee and remained deep in thought, as +though there was some matter on his mind in which he wished +enlightenment, yet feared to broach the subject. At length he showed his +hand, and I saw his move. + +"The rifle is extensively used in America, I believe," Merriam said, +carelessly. + +"In some sections of the country it is a favorite weapon," I replied. + +"I have heard much of the rifle shooting in the United States, and have +often longed to witness a specimen of the skill of its marksmen. Has +your friend seen much service with that weapon?" + +"He has lived in a city since he was twelve years of age," I replied, +evasively, "and in cities there is not much chance to practise." + +"Then he is not a skilful marksman?" cried Merriam, eagerly. + +"He is fair," I replied. "In Vermont he would be called only a +third-rate marksman." + +"And pray, may I ask what you call a first class marksman?" + +"A good rifle shot is a man who can hit a shilling piece five times out +of six, standing at a distance which requires a telescope to see the +money." + +"And what is a third-class marksman?" asked the lieutenant, in dismay. + +"He can hit the same only twice out of six times," I replied, +composedly. + +"The devil!" I heard my visitor mutter, between his teeth; but he was +too much of an Englishman to retreat, and I fancied that he grew more +and more determined when he learned that the odds were against him. + +"The only matter that now remains unsettled," the lieutenant said, "is +when the affair is to come off. What time do you think you shall be at +leisure?" + +"At any hour that suits your convenience." + +"Would to-morrow morning be too soon?" hinted the officer. + +"That time is as well as at a later period." + +"And the distance? We must not talk about feet, but how many rods our +friends are to be placed apart?" Merriam said. + +"I have given the subject a moment's consideration," I replied, "and +think that ten rods will be better for your friend than double that +distance." + +"I shall certainly venture to disagree with you on that point," replied +the lieutenant. "I think that twenty rods is full near enough." + +"Why, they will hardly be able to distinguish each other so far apart," +I said; "but you shall have it as you wish." + +"Thank you. Then nothing farther remains but to point out a very +beautiful spot where the business can be settled in the most amicable +manner. If you will step to the door I think I can show you the field, +with not a tree or hill that can line either party on ground. Ah, yes, +there it is, away to the right after passing the end of the road, and +beyond the white fence. Do you see it?" + +I nodded in the affirmative. + +"Well, say five in the morning to be on the ground. Does that suit your +convenience?" + +"Perfectly." + +"Then good-by. By the way, may I ask you to bring the rifles to the +ground? I am sorry to trouble you, but in the case you know--" + +"I understand. Be under no concern; I will see that the guns are in good +condition, and ready for your loading." + +"Thank you. Another request I have to make. May I ask that you will not +bring a surgeon on the ground, but trust to the regimental one whom we +shall have present. You are strangers, and by expressing a desire for a +doctor, might communicate an alarm to the police, which would have a +tendency to postpone the meeting." + +"I thank you for the suggestion, sir," I answered, "and will do as you +request; although I frankly tell you, that I hope there will be no +occasion for a surgeon to exercise his duties." + +"The affair has gone too far to be stopped without blood-letting, I +think," replied Merriam, shaking his head, "although with some men I +should not yet give up all hope of a pacification." + +He shook me warmly by the hand as he took his departure, and I was left +alone to meditate on the disagreeable duty which I had assumed for my +best friend. I little thought, at the time I was so calmly making the +arrangements for the duel, that his adversary, Lieutenant Wattles, had +already killed two men, in spite of his youth, and that a more +determined duellist did not exist on the island. + +I had just mixed a strong glass of punch, and was about to raise it to +my lips, for the purpose of looking cheerful when Fred returned, when I +heard his voice. + +"Ah, that is stealing a march on us, old boy," he shouted, pleasantly. +"Here have we been parading the dusty streets of Melbourne, and my eyes, +ears, and mouth are filled with dirt and cobble stones. However, we saw +nothing of the city, for such clouds of dust filled the air that we had +to hire a boy with a lantern to lead us home. Hand me the bottle, for +I'm famished for want of a drink." + +While he was filling his glass, he ran on, talking about half a dozen +subjects, and it was not until Smith asked the result of the interview, +that he would be quiet enough to listen to my communication. + +"I have arranged every thing," I said. "We are to use the rifles, and +meet to-morrow morning early." + +"And did you make no attempts at a reconciliation?" demanded Smith, +reproachfully. + +"Don't answer that question, Jack," Fred said, seriously. "I placed my +life and honor in your hands, and I am satisfied that you dealt with me +as though I were a brother." + +I grasped his extended hand, and for a few moments we sat thus, without +exchanging a word, both buried in thought and conjuring up reminiscences +of the past, when a few months before we had left Boston to search for +gold in California, and then, actuated by a spirit of adventure, had +emigrated to Australia, still cherishing the hope of returning home with +riches and with honor. + +"I shall write a few letters to-day, Jack," Fred said, at length. "One +of them will be addressed to you, and if any thing should happen you +will find full directions how to dispose of the few things which I own." + +"Let me meet the man," blubbered Smith. "I'm of no account, and if +killed, shan't be missed, while both of you have something to live for." + +"It cannot be," replied Fred. "I insulted the gentleman, and to me alone +does he look for redress. God knows I do not desire the man's blood, and +still hope that I shall not be forced to spill it." + +"At least promise that I may accompany you to the field?" Smith said. + +His request was readily complied with; but all day long Smith's face +seemed as though he had lost his only friends. + +The day wore away slowly. We dined with Murden, and chatted gayly about +old times, and congratulated him on an addition which had been made to +his pay, owing to the capture of bushrangers which had been effected by +his command. We hardly touched our lips to the wine which he freely +circulated; and at an early hour took our leave, much to his surprise, +and without his suspecting the business which was to occupy our +attention in the morning. + +We went to bed early, leaving Smith to wake us at a suitable hour in the +morning, which he promised to do, as he declared he felt too nervous to +sleep. Sure enough, daylight was just stealing along the eastern horizon +when we were called and found a steaming pot of hot coffee upon the +table, which the careful stockman had prepared for us previous to our +leaving for the field. + +We drank our coffee in solemn silence, and then started for the +rendezvous, Smith carrying the rifles and ammunition, and uttering +comments at every step at the folly of our proceedings. Just as we +locked the door, the old cracked bell upon the church, near the villa +of our friend, struck the hour of four. Finding that we had plenty of +time, we walked along quite leisurely, meeting only a few people, and +those longshoremen, who were hurrying to their work on the quays, and +fearful of being late. + +No one paid any attention to us, for the carrying of arms in Melbourne +was common in those days; and so without remark we gained the crossing, +and then continuing on for a short distance, entered an open space, far +enough from the road to escape observation, and there awaited our +adversaries. + +We did not have to wait long. A carriage containing three persons +stopped within gunshot of where we stood, and presently we saw Merriam +and his friend, and a short, fat gentleman in an undress uniform, +carrying a small box under his arm, advance towards us. + +Lieutenants Wattles and Merriam were smoking, and appeared perfectly +cool and unconcerned regarding the result. We heard the old gentleman, +whom we presumed to be the surgeon, remonstrating at something that did +not appear to please him, and from what we could overhear, we found that +he disapproved of the use of cigars at so early an hour in the morning. + +"Ah, the divil, smile, will ye, at what I say, but it's poor Harris, of +the thirty-sixth, who had cause to regret it. A finer officer the queen +never had; and yet he would disarrange his nerves by the use of tobacco +at an early hour in the morning, and what was the consequence? Killed at +ten paces by a fellow who hardly ever saw a pistol before. Its truth I'm +spaking, and ye well know it." + +The doctor's companions did not pay much attention to his remarks, for +they continued to smoke perfectly unconcerned, and while they were +advancing slowly towards us we could hear the Irish surgeon lecturing +them for their want of generalship. + +"It's a pretty mess ye're in now, and the devil thank ye. The young +fellows are on the ground afore us, and that don't look like fear, and +by the same token, they have got their murderous-looking instruments +with them. Bad luck to it, couldn't ye manage somewhat differently than +to want to fight two Americans, who were born wid rifles in their +hands." + +Wattles made a reply, but it was too low and indistinct for us to hear, +and the next moment the party were within speaking distance. + +The principals raised their caps and then walked one side, while Merriam +and myself shook hands, and then I was introduced to the surgeon, Doctor +Michael O'Haraty, a genuine specimen of an Irish gentleman. + +"We arranged the distance yesterday, and there is nothing to be settled +but who shall give the word," Merriam said. + +"Don't let that bother your brains, for I'll do that without, the +asking. Ah, it's many a signal I've given, and sometimes they've bin +fatal ones, too," the doctor said. + +I agreed to that, and then calling Smith, I desired Merriam to make +choice of the rifle which he liked best. He was some time selecting, but +at length hit upon mine, thus leaving Fred at liberty to use his own +weapon. + +"I use the same size balls that you do," I said, selecting one from some +half a dozen that Smith held in his hand. + +I carefully loaded Fred's rifle, and offered to assist Merriam, but he +declined; and even when I told him that he had got a third more powder +than was necessary, he did not heed my advice, and perhaps I was glad +that he did not. + +"Now, thin," cried the doctor, "do you take hold of this tape line, my +man, and we'll measure off twenty rods in a jiffey." + +Smith, who was appealed to, did as he was directed, and in a short time +we had our men stationed and waiting for a signal which I longed for, +yet dreaded. + +Fred looked a shade paler, but he was as firm as a rock; and when I +shook hands with him and handed him his rifle, I could not discover the +least tremor of nerves, or any unusual agitation. + +"If I should fall," Fred said, once more shaking me by the hand, "you +will find in the letter which is directed to you, full instructions how +to dispose of my effects. God bless you, Jack; I never loved you half as +well as I do now." + +I brushed away a tear, and with a voice choked by emotion asked if there +was any thing which he wished to say before the word was given. + +"I did think," he replied, examining his adversary's bearing, "that I +would fire over his head; but I see that he is bent on mischief, and is +determined to kill me, if possible. Under the circumstances I think that +I shall do no great wrong if I touch him slightly." + +"Do as you please," I replied, stepping back, and joining the doctor, +who held a white handkerchief in one hand and his snuffbox in the other. + +"Let me speak to Mr. Fred before you give the signal?" asked Smith. + +"Not a word, my man," returned the doctor, regaling his nose with a +pinch of snuff, and scanning the bearing of the men with evident +delight. + +"It's beautiful they look," murmured the doctor, in a low tone, and then +elevating his voice, he continued, "the signal will be 'one, two, +three,' and then, the dropping of this handkerchief. Mind, gentlemen, +and reserve your fire until you see the handkerchief lave my hand. Now, +thin, are ye ready?" + +Wattles and Fred braced themselves as though expecting a shock, drew +their caps a little more over their eyes, and signified that they were. + +"One!" cried the doctor, in a loud voice. + +The duellists brought their rifles to their shoulders, fully cocked. + +"Two!" exclaimed the doctor. + +The rifles were levelled, and eager eyes glanced along the tubes. + +"Three!" + +For a second after the word was spoken the doctor held the white +handkerchief aloft; but as it slowly fell towards the ground, there was +but one report, so closely did they fire together. + +I had not taken my eyes from Fred, and to my joy I saw that he did not +move. I glanced towards Wattles. He had dropped his rifle and was +rubbing his right arm, which hung down powerless by his side. + +"By the mass," cried the doctor, grabbing his box of instruments and +running towards his brother officer, "the Americans have got the best of +this fight, as I knew they would with their d----d rifles. But, by Saint +Patrick, it was illegantly done, and that I'll stick to as long as I +live." + + + + +CHAPTER XXI. + +PREPARATIONS FOR THE SEARCH FOR GULPIN'S BURIED TREASURES. + + +I started to congratulate Fred, but, quick as were my movements, I found +that Smith had taken the lead, and was shaking hands with him at a +tremendous rate. + +"Are you injured?" I asked, running my eye over his form to see if I +could discover any signs of blood. + +"No, thank Heaven, I have escaped; although my adversary's bullet +whizzed close over my head," replied Fred. + +"I knew that he was overcharging the rifle when loading it," I cried, +delighted to think that Merriam had done so. + +"It was the means, perhaps, of saving my life, for the fellow aimed with +good intentions, and I saw by the expression of his face that he was +bound to hit me if possible." + +"Well, since you are safe, I'll run and see how your adversary is +doing," I said, glancing towards the doctor, who, with coat off, was +kneeling on the ground, and wiping away blood with a cloth which he had +taken from his mysterious box. + +"Do so," replied Fred, "and if I can be of any assistance, let me know; +I have no enmity against the man, and should really like to shake hands +with him before parting." + +I ran to the spot where Wattles was lying on the ground, and found him +looking very pale and weak. Merriam and the doctor had ripped off the +sleeve of his coat, and torn off the arm of his shirt; and while one was +making bandages, the other was cleaning a ragged looking wound, just +above the elbow of the right arm. + +"If I can be of any service, doctor, I will assist you," I said, in a +half-hesitating way, for I feared that they might consider it an +intrusion. + +"Sarvice, my dear boy?" echoed the doctor, stopping to look up for a +moment from his work. "Of course ye can be of sarvice. Stoop down here +and lind me a helpin' hand by straightening out the arm a bit, so that I +can see if the bones are smashed, or only one broken." + +I readily complied with the request, and the doctor continued,--"There's +no raison in the world for ye to be inemies now. Your friend has had a +pop at the lieutenant here, and, I'm sorry to say, he's got the worse of +it, although it's about time, for Wattles has been mighty lucky in these +things, and was hardly ever hit afore." + +Here the wounded man opened his eyes, and uttered a suppressed groan; +whether at the recollection of his numerous duels, or because the doctor +wrenched his arm, is more than I can tell. + +"Ah, man, don't groan, for it's only a broken arm ye have; but I'll tell +ye privately that it's yer life it would have been, had the American +been disposed to take it, for a divil a fear but he put the bullet jist +where he intended. I saw, the instant he raised the rifle, that it was +only a flesh wound he wished, and that he didn't know whether to pop ye +on the right or left arm. Here, swallow that, and see if it don't put +the life into ye, and make ye open yer eyes and sing psalms." + +The doctor emptied a teaspoonful of cordial into the wounded man's +mouth, and its strength must have been very beneficial, for he opened +his eyes, a healthy color came to his face, and he spoke without any +painful effort. + +"Ah, a divil a fear is there of ye now, and if I can save the arm, ye'll +be at it again in less than six months," muttered the doctor, as he +applied a balm to the wound, and then covered it with lint. + +"There is no fear of that, is there, doctor?" asked Wattles, who was a +youngster not more than twenty-two years of age. + +"I'll do all that I can; but rifle bullets are different intirely than +pistol balls. It's many's the good wound I've cured made by the latter, +and well ye knows it, Wattles; but who'd have suspected ye of fighting +with murdering rifles?" + +The young officer made no reply, and the doctor, tearing a piece of +linen cloth into strips about two inches wide, continued working and +talking at the same time. + +The bandages were all tied on, and Smith had been sent after the driver +of the carriage to tell him to bring his vehicle as near as possible, so +that the wounded man could enter without exerting himself to walk. While +we were waiting, Wattles looked at me, and a grim smile crossed his +face, as he said,-- + +"Your friend is in luck to-day, sir." + +"If you think that he considers it luck because you are wounded, you are +mistaken," I replied. + +"He had the advantage in the use of a weapon with which he is +accustomed, and therefore I did not expect a favorable result. Had we +used pistols, he would now be occupying my place." + +"Ah, have done with your boasting, lieutenant, and think no more of the +quarrel. Ye challenged the gentleman, and he accepted and chose his +weapons; and it's mighty lucky ye may think yourself to get off with +life, for he could have killed ye as easily as a kangaroo. It's myself +that knows he could have done it," said the surgeon, warmly. + +"Is that so?" asked Wattles, turning to me for confirmation. + +"He could have killed you, had he been so disposed, even at twice the +distance," I replied. + +The lieutenant looked sober and thoughtful for a moment, when, thinking +to make an impression, and get him to drop the quarrel forever, I +continued,-- + +"My friend did contemplate firing over your head, and would have done so +had not your looks convinced him that you intended mischief." + +"By the Lord, I aimed for a vital part, but am glad that I missed my +object. Ask your friend to shake hands with me. From all accounts I'm +convinced that he is a gentleman to cherish and know." + +"Ah, Wattles, divil fear ye but yer heart is in the right place, afther +all," cried the doctor, delighted at the proposed reconciliation. + +I told Fred the request of his adversary, and without a moment's +hesitation he joined the group, and extended his hand to the wounded +man. + +"You have got the best of me, sir," Wattles said, faintly, his pain +beginning to grow excessive. + +"I trust that it is a mere gun-shot wound, and that you will soon be +well," replied Fred. + +"I don't know--I don't know," moaned the lieutenant. "It seems as though +the doctor would kill me with his cursed probing and punching. Half of +it is unnecessary, I believe." + +"Do you hear that?" cried O'Haraty, appealing to us, in astonishment. +"It's like an infant I've treated him, and now ye see how he abuses me." + +"Excuse me, doctor," replied the lieutenant, faintly, "but I hardly know +what I am saying, I feel so weak. Get me into the carriage as quick as +possible, and take me to the barracks where I can be quiet." + +"We'll do that, Wattles; but it's a great pity that you don't know who +your friends are. Come along with yer carriage, ye blackguard, and don't +stop there looking behind ye, as though ye were a light-house." + +The latter portion of the doctor's remarks was addressed to the driver +of the vehicle, who, instead of paying any attention to the words of +O'Haraty, was gazing, with an anxious glance, towards the city. + +"What is the spalpeen looking at?" demanded the doctor, angrily. "Come +here with the horses, and waste no more time." + +"I see a cloud, as though a party of horse was galloping this way, and +kicking up a dust. I'm suspicious that it's the police, and divil a bit +do I want to be put into limbo for being concerned in the duel," cried +the driver, making preparations to turn his horses. + +"Are ye certain that it's the police?" demanded O'Haraty, eagerly. + +"Yes, I'm certain; for now I can see over the bushes, and distinguish +their blue coats. Every one for himself, and the devil take the +hindmost. I'm off, sure." + +The fellow turned his animals' heads, and started towards the opening, +but a loud threat from O'Haraty caused him to stop for a moment--and +only for a moment. + +"Curse ye for a cowardly villain!" yellen the doctor. "If yer don't stop +this instant, I'll drive a piece of cold lead through yer thick skull." + +He drew from his breast pocket a rifle pistol as he spoke, and aimed it +at the runaway. + +The driver looked over his shoulder, and seemed half inclined to obey, +but the sound of approaching horses stirred him into life. He struck his +animals a smart blow with his whip, and they sprang forward; but as they +did so, the doctor raised his pistol, sighted hastily, and fired. + +The fellow's hat fell to the ground, and with a yell of triumph at his +lucky escape, the driver continued on, and in a few minutes would have +been beyond reach; but just at that instant my noble dog--the hound +which I had left under lock and key at Smith's house--bounded towards me +and covered my face with his kisses. + +A lucky thought occurred to me; I glanced at Wattles, and saw that he +had fainted from exhaustion and pain, and that it was certain death for +him to be exposed to the hot rays of the sun for any length of time, so +I determined to save him at any hazard. + +"Here, Rover," I said, calling to the dog, and pointing to the +retreating carriage, "seize him, good dog--seize him," I shouted. + +The animal did not hesitate for an instant. With a mighty bound he +cleared over twenty feet of the distance which separated him from the +object which I had called his attention to, and almost before I could +think, he seized the near horse by the throat, and brought him heavily +to the ground. The driver rose from his seat and plied his whip with +desperate energy, in hopes of beating the dog off, but such was the +agility of Rover that not a blow reached him, and while his attention +was thus occupied, O'Haraty stole forward, grasped the man by the leg, +dragged him to the ground, and commenced to beat him unmercifully, +mingling his blows with such exclamations as-- + +"Lave us, would ye?" May the divil saze ye, ye mane thief of the world. +Whin I hired ye to tend us and behave like a dacent man, ye up and cuts, +jist because me friend gets a scratch on his arm." + +"The police are coming," roared the fellow, rendered desperate by his +beating. + +"Let them come, if they will, but ye shan't go," cried the doctor, +sitting astride of his fallen foe and glancing at Fred and I in triumph, +while the perspiration streamed down his face in torrents. + +"I saw the police trotting down the road," yelled the fallen man. + +"Who calls the police?" cried a deep-toned voice near at hand. + +I knew the speaker well, although I confess that it started me to hear +him so unexpectedly, and looking up I saw that Murden sat on his horse, +a few paces off, calmly surveying the strange group before him. At a +short distance were six of his men, also mounted and drawn up in line +awaiting their chief's solution of the difficulty. + +"I think that my presence is needed here if you intend to murder that +fellow, doctor," Murden said, good naturedly, addressing O'Haraty, who +kept his position, looking somewhat foolish at being caught. + +"The mane scamp," began the doctor, when Murden checked him. + +"What, is the cause of the gathering, and why do I find an officer of +her majesty, lying on the ground wounded and insensible?" + +"Why, the fact of it is, Mr. Officer," Merriam began, but apparently +afraid of the consequences, he stopped and looked hard towards the +doctor, as though asking him to take up the answer and carry it through +in the best manner possible. + +"O, the divils," roared the doctor, rising from his seat, much to the +relief of the driver, who apparently thanked God that he was rid of such +an incumbrance. + +"O, the spalpeens," continued O'Haraty, shaking his fist at an imaginary +enemy a long distance off. "O, if there is law to be had in the land +we'll pursue ye wid not only the police force, but the whole army, and +then we'll see if ye are so bold." + +"What is the matter, doctor?" asked Murden, who I thought suspected what +had taken place, and was disposed to overlook it, yet not a word of +recognition had he bestowed upon Fred and myself, so we kept in the +background. + +"Matter?" yelled the doctor, apparently desperately angry; "why, here's +me friends and myself out for a bit of a walk and to kill a kangaroo or +two, when a party of sneaking bushrangers ups and fires at us, and down +tumbles Wattles, shot in the arm quite nately. It's chase we gave to the +villains, but run they did, and when we came back we found that this +scamp was disposed to escape to Melbourne and lave us to foot it back to +the city." + +"Indeed! Pray which way did they go?" asked Murden, not moving a muscle +of his face. + +"Over the hill, there. Ride quick, and I think it's prisoners they'll be +in no time," cried the doctor. + +"Did you count how many there were?" asked the police officer. + +"Count them? How the divil could we, there were so many?" replied +O'Haraty. + +"O, then if the bushrangers were in such force, it's surprising they +should run from only six men. I thought better of their courage," and a +sarcastic smile stole over Murden's face as he watched the doctor's +companion. + +"Well, well," stammered O'Haraty, "if ye had heard us shout, ye would +have thought we could have frightened the divil himself." + +"Well, whether Wattles was wounded by a bushranger or a companion, it +will do him no good to remain here in the hot sun. Place him carefully +into the carriage and drive to the barracks. I'll follow shortly, and +continue my investigation of this mysterious affair." + +Murden spoke like one accustomed to be obeyed. The driver of the +carriage, who hardly moved two steps without keeping his eyes on the +dog--the animal appearing to have some strong antipathy against +him--readily lent his aid, and with Smith's assistance the wounded +lieutenant was propped up on a seat, and the doctor stowed his corpulent +person alongside of him. + +"Why did you not tell me of this yesterday?" asked Murden, beckoning to +me, and whispering in a low tone. + +"Because we were fearful that you would interrupt the proceedings," I +replied. + +"I certainly should have done so. Are you aware that Wattles is a most +experienced and successful duellist? That he has been out half a dozen +times, and always came off without so much as a scratch?" + +"No, I was not aware that such is the case," I answered. + +"He is all that I tell you, and if I had suspected that a duel was to +come off between Fred and the soldier, I should have had both of them +arrested and locked up, and kept them until they were ready to swear +that they would not lift their hands against each other." + +"And then Fred and myself would have been imputed as informers, and a +stain would have rested on our reputations, and we should no longer have +been considered fit company for gentlemen." "That does not necessarily +follow," answered Murden. "No one who knows you both can call you aught +but brave men." + +"But did we not dine with you after we had received the challenge? We +made no secret of our going--hundreds saw us enter your house, and +hundreds saw us depart. Had we but lisped a word of our intended doings, +it would have been said that we visited you on purpose. Come, look at +the matter in a sensible light, and you will take a different view of +the affair." + +Murden shook his head as if he considered it not only a breach of the +law but a breach of friendship to fight a duel without his knowledge; +and he intended to reply, but the doctor poked his jolly looking face +from the window of the carriage, and bade us good-by, and requested the +pleasure of our company to dinner on the next day. + +"And do you come too, Murden. I've a few bottles of the rale Irish +whiskey, and better cannot be found in the world, and if ye come I'll +brew a jug of punch that'll make ye think ye are in paradise after +drinking a few tumblers. Good-by, boys, and, Murden, keep a sharp look +out for the bushrangers." + +The driver started his horses, and for a few minutes after the carriage +had left the field we could hear the mellow voice of the doctor laughing +at the idea of his quizzing the police lieutenant with his story about +bushrangers. + +"Come and breakfast with us," I said, turning to Murden. "We cannot +celebrate the escape of our friend Fred in a more appropriate manner." + +"Agreed," he cried; and then turning to his men, he said, "return to the +station and report that Lieutenant Wattles was severely injured this +morning by the accidental discharge of his rifle while hunting +kangaroos. If I am wanted you know where to find me." + +"Pray, how came you on the road so early?" I asked Murden. + +"Because I got wind that there was trouble between you and Wattles. One +of my men overheard Fred's remark, the other night, and then he saw +Merriam leaving your house, and putting all and all together--the fact +that your party were early on the road, and Wattles being seen in a +carriage--he considered it of sufficient importance to report to me, +which he did an hour too late this morning, while I was dreaming of +bushrangers and prize money." + +"But how did you find us, and how came the dog loose?" I inquired. + +"That is a secret, but I don't mind telling you. I rode to your house +and tried the door. It was locked, but I heard the hound making an awful +howling within; so I just fitted a key to the lock, and opened the door, +and was nearly knocked down by the dog, who thought his master had +returned. However, Rover, after his disappointment, received me with a +wag of his tail, and then, after snuffing around for a moment, started +in a trot towards the field we have just left. We followed close to his +tail, and then the trot became a gallop--the gallop a run, and to save +our distance we drew our reins, and jogged along, keeping a good lookout +on both sides of the road; but I believe that we should have missed you +had not the report of your pistol given us token of your whereabouts." + +Chatting thus in an old familiar manner, we reached "Smith's villa," as +we called it, and prepared for breakfast, a meal we were ready to enjoy, +as our early rising had sharpened our appetites. + +"By the way," cried Murden, suddenly, "your portion of the money due for +the capture and death of the bushrangers will be paid whenever you are +disposed to call for it." + +"How much does it amount to?" I asked. + +"Why, for you three, I think near two thousand pounds. That of course +includes Black Darnley and his gang." + +"Most ten thousand dollars!" cried Fred, surprised at the large amount. + +"I wish, with all my heart, it was twice the sum. Join me, and in less +than two months we will have a bill against the treasurer which will +cause him to look wild." + +"We can't spend our time hunting men," replied Fred, "when there is so +much gold in the earth that we have only to dig to obtain it. As to the +rewards which are offered for captured bushrangers, I must own that I +feel none too willing to accept that which is due to me, without +striving to earn more. It looks to me as though we were only butchers +and dealers in human blood." + +"If we were the only ones who ever accepted of rewards for murderers and +thieves, I might be induced to respect your conscientious scruples," +replied Murden, with a laugh. "But as it has been the custom from time +immemorial for rewards to be offered for shedders of human blood, and +many men whose respectability cannot be questioned have received rewards +for services so rendered, I think that I shall pocket my share, and +consider all three of you very weak and spleeny not to do the same." + +Murden swallowed his coffee with a dogmatical air, as though his +arguments were unanswerable, and shortly took his leave, after making us +promise to breakfast with him the next day, and go and draw the money +which was awaiting our orders. + +We studied over the subject for some time after Murden had gone, and +hardly knew how to proceed. Smith was consulted, and was willing to +abide by our decision, at the same time he did not scruple to inform us +that his last trip, owing to the treatment his cargo had received from +the bushrangers, was a most disastrous one; but still he had a few +thousand pounds which he could place his hand upon, and should commence +purchasing another load immediately, as every day lost was money out of +pocket. We then considered it a fitting time to speak to the stockman +about the business we were desirous of entering upon. We told him of the +confession of Jim Gulpin, and the determination to which we had come to +search for the buried treasure. + +He listened attentively, and then pledged his word to aid us with all of +his ability. He would make no bargain concerning his team and labor, but +agreed to let his promised reward depend upon the success with which we +met. If nothing was found, we would continue on our way to the mines, +and were welcome to his labor and time. If we succeeded we might give +him what we pleased. + +We closed with him immediately, and contributed money to buy provisions +and luxuries which we never dreamed of buying on our first passage. +Smith was also directed to purchase a tent for our use, shovels and +pickaxes, and three or four boxes of claret--a perfect luxury in a warm +climate--and a number of articles which we desired for a residence in +the mines. + +We also wanted three good saddle horses, but found that our funds would +be greatly reduced by the purchase, and after a short debate we +determined in council that necessity compelled us to accept of the money +paid for the capture of the bushrangers, and after that question was +decided we felt that a great load was removed from our minds, and that +we began to look upon it as a mere matter of business. + + + + +CHAPTER XXII. + +DEPARTURE FROM MELBOURNE.--FIGHT WITH THE NATIVES. + + +During the following week we were busy, visiting; dining with one, and +supping with another, yet we were obliged to decline many pressing +invitations, and offered as an excuse, our speedy departure for the +mines. + +Through the kindness of Murden, we were enabled to purchase three +excellent horses, saddles, &c., which belonged to the police department. + +The animals were just what we wanted, for they were quick in their +actions, and had been taught to stand motionless while firing guns or +pistols from their backs. We were enabled to buy them, owing to a +surplus of horses which the department owned, and had no use for. + +Our hardest task was when, on the evening of the seventh day after Fred +had met the officer in mortal combat, Smith yoked his oxen, attached +them to a moderately filled cart, and declared he was ready for a start. + +Murden, Wattles, Merriam, Doctor O'Haraty, and a dozen others, whose +acquaintance we had cultivated during our brief residence in Melbourne, +were assembled at "Smith's villa," and came to say farewell. + +"You heard the word, gentlemen," said Fred; "our leader says that he is +ready, and we must not detain him. We wish to place twenty-five miles +between us and Melbourne before morning, and to do so requires an early +start. The next time we meet, I hope that our days will not be limited. +In the mean time, if any one present should visit Ballarat, don't fail +to make our tent his home." + +"Ballarat be blessed!" growled O'Haraty; "the idea of two dacent, +sinsible people digging for gold, when there's so much can be had +without work." + +"I have only my left hand to offer you," said Wattles, presenting it to +Fred, "but my grasp is as friendly and sincere as though both were +free." + +"Your arm is improving?" inquired Fred, who had not seen his adversary +before, since the morning of the meeting. + +"Thanks to the doctor, and your kindness in not aiming at a more +vulnerable part, I shall soon be well. Do we separate as friends?" + +"I say yes, with all my heart," cried Fred, eagerly. + +Some one locked the door of "Smith's villa," and handed him the key, and +then once more bidding good-by, the oxen were started, and in company +with Murden, we soon reached the outskirts of the city. + +It was past dusk when our friend, the police lieutenant, drew rein, and +decided to return to the city. We allowed Smith to continue on, while we +stopped and chatted for a few moments. + +Murden appeared sad at parting, and more than once he declared that he +wished he was to accompany us, for now that we were to leave him, he +should have no one who would enter into his adventures with the same +degree of interest which we had shown. + +"There is one question which we wish to ask, Murden," I said, a few +minutes before he left us. + +"Name it," he replied. + +"How many of the bushrangers whom we captured have been condemned to +death?" + +"Why do you ask?" he inquired. + +"Because you know that we have not been able to obtain any information +on the subject. A select few were admitted to see them; but they had no +formal trial, that I am aware of." + +"You are right, they had no formal trial, and they did not deserve one. +The examination was secret, and even now not more than fifty people in +Melbourne know that the bushrangers are dangling by their necks in the +prison yard. + +"All?" I cried, surprised at the secrecy which had been maintained. + +"Not a man is now alive. They rightly merited their fate, for their +careers were stained with cruel crimes; and may God forgive them, for +man would not." + +Murden wrung our hands, and the next instant he was galloping swiftly +towards Melbourne. + +We resumed our journey, feeling somewhat saddened by the intelligence +which we had received; yet we felt that we had only done our duty in +assisting in the arrest of the robbers, and with this conviction, we +tried to banish the thoughts of their death. + +We soon overtook Smith, who was mounted like ourselves, and through the +night we jogged along by his side, relieving the loneliness of the +journey with stories and reminiscences of our other expeditions. + +It was just about daylight, on the morning of the fifth day from +Melbourne, and we were pressing the oxen to their utmost to reach a +camping ground before sunrise, when Rover, who had been jogging far in +advance of us, stopped suddenly before a thick clump of bushes, which +extended some ways along the roadside, and with an angry howl, remained +regarding some object which was concealed from our sight. + +I called the animal, but he refused to move, and I began to suspect that +some kind of beast was concealed among the brush, and that he was too +formidable for the dog to attack alone. With this view, Fred and myself +unslung our rifles and examined the caps, and rode slowly forward. We +were not more than ten rods from the hound when we saw a spear whiz past +him, and enter the bushes on the other side of the road. We then knew +what was concealed; but whether the purpose was hostile or friendly, we +did not have an opportunity to ask, for we had barely time to call the +dog from such a dangerous locality, when another spear passed near our +heads. + +"Turn back!" shouted Smith, who was jogging on with the cattle, a few +rods distant, and saw the whole transaction. "Turn back," he continued, +"or you are dead men." + +We wheeled our horses and galloped from a place where nothing but spear +heads were to be seen, for we did not like the idea of fighting people +who ran no risk. + +When we joined Smith, we found that he had turned his oxen, and was +driving them at full speed towards an open plain half a mile distant. + +"Are you going back to Melbourne?" asked Fred. + +"I am going to gain yonder plain as fast as possible," the stockman +cried, casting an uneasy glance over his shoulder, as though fearful of +pursuit. + +"For what reason?" we asked. + +"Because I've no idea of risking my life by running an ambush, where, no +doubt, twenty or thirty natives are stationed, determined to kill the +first one who passes." + +"I thought they were harmless," I replied. + +"So they are, when they choose to be; but it's very probable that miners +have been committing outrages upon their women, and now they are +determined to revenge their injuries upon us. Keep your eyes upon the +bushes, and don't mind me if you see signs of their following. Escape to +the open plain, and trust to me to join you. Once there, we can hold +fifty of them at bay." + +"Do you think we are so cowardly as to desert a comrade?" demanded Fred. +"Let them attack us if they will, but we will stick to you and the team +as long as life remains." + +"I expected the answer," cried Smith, applying his long whip to the +sides of the reeking cattle, and starting them into a run. "But if you +will not save yourselves, at least take care of the oxen and let me +cover the retreat." + +"Do you think they will dare to follow us?" I asked. + +"Here is your answer," cried the stockman; and as he spoke a slim poled +spear whistled within an inch of my head, and passed out of sight, far +to the other side of the road. + +"And here goes my reply," exclaimed Fred, who held his rifle in his hand +ready for use. + +He raised it, and hardly took time to sight a naked, black body, which +was visible for a moment before he fired. + +A yell of bodily pain followed the explosion, and for a moment we could +hear a great commotion among the bushes, and then all was still. + +"Help me to urge the cattle forward," shouted Smith. "Now is our time to +escape, while the devils are with the wounded imp." + +We were about to comply, when a club, about three feet long, flew over +our heads, touched the ground in advance of the cattle, bounded from the +earth, and came towards us with undiminished velocity. + +"Look out for their boomerangs," shouted Smith, and we dodged our heads +in time to save them from a blow that would have unhorsed us. + +That was the first time we made the acquaintance of the most skilful +weapon in use by the natives. They throw the boomerang with unerring +precision, and had we not heard of the manner of its working, and been +apprised of the necessity of avoiding its flight, by the warning voice +of Smith, one of us would have made a meal for an Australian native that +morning. + +The boomerang is a piece of hard wood about three feet long, slightly +curved in the form of a bow; and when a native wishes to strike an +object, he does not throw his weapon directly at it, but from it, and by +some unexplained principle of retrogradation, the boomerang touches the +ground, and then flies with great force directly at whatever it is +aimed. I have seen the natives exhibit their proficiency a hundred +different times--and the more I saw of the game, the more I became +bewildered at the science displayed. + +We did not stop to fight an unseen enemy, but continued our headlong +course, and at length had the pleasure of reaching an open space where +we could wait the approach of those disposed to attack us, although +whether they would venture to make a demonstration on the plain was +uncertain. + +Smith, however, was determined to be prepared for the worst. He unyoked +his cattle, but instead of turning them loose, when they soon would have +fallen a prey to the rapacious appetites of the natives, he grouped them +around the cart, and chained them, to prevent their flight in case of an +attack. By this method they served as a shield to us, and did not +interfere with our rifle practice. + +We had no sooner got our arrangements completed, than a dozen or twenty +of the filthy-looking wretches--naked, with the exception of a mat +around their hips--appeared at the edge of the bushes, and seemed to +survey our disposition of the order of battle. Two or three of them, +self-elected leaders, apparently wished for an immediate assault; but we +could see that the proposition met with no approval from the mass, and +the motions were made towards the men, as though to wait until night +time. + +"We shall have a sleepless night, and must be prepared for the black +devils' mischief," Smith said, surveying the force and comprehending +their meaning. + +"Do they often attack teams?" we asked of Smith, who, now that his +cattle were safe, had regained all of his cuteness and colloquial +powers. + +"During all my freighting to the mines, this is only the second time the +scamps have manifested hostility. Once I got clear by giving them an ox, +and thought I got off quite cheap at that. But this time they appear to +be serious; and if we get clear with a whole skin, may think ourselves +lucky. Some team ahead of us must have trespassed on their rights in an +outrageous manner to render them as rebellious as they are." + +"I have a great mind to try the range of my rifle," Fred said. "I think +that I can send a ball into their midst, and make them scatter to the +bushes, instead of standing there and quarrelling among themselves." + +Smith measured the distance with his eye and shook his head. + +"It's over a half mile," he said, "and I never yet saw the shooting iron +that could do damage at such a distance." + +"Then look at one for the first time;" and as Fred spoke, he sighted a +native, who appeared desirous of making an immediate attack, for he was +gesticulating in the most absurd manner, and shaking his long spear at +us as though trying to get at close quarters, where he could do instant +execution. + +The act of Fred was observed, and a yell of defiance greeted his hostile +attitude. Before it had died away, the sharp report of the rifle drowned +their shrill screams, and then the conspicuous native, who had +flourished his spear so threateningly, threw up his arms, and with a +most unearthly yell, fell to the ground. + +In an instant not a native, with the exception of the wounded one, was +to be seen, and a stranger would hardly have supposed that the clump of +bushes near us contained a couple of dozen human beings, who were +watching every motion which we made, and speculating as to the best mode +of putting us to death, and sharing the goods and provisions loaded upon +the cart. + +"An American rifle forever," shouted Smith, who suspended his work of +getting out a water keg, containing eighteen or twenty gallons, which he +had taken the precaution to fill with water and place upon the cart, so +that his animals and companions need not suffer with thirst during the +long stretch across the prairies. + +"A few more such shots as that and the black devils will retire in +disgust, and we shall have the road free," Smith continued, with an +admiring look at his American friend. + +"There is no use in wasting our powder by firing at random, and until +the natives show themselves I shall rest, so as to be able to keep my +eyes open to-night." + +Under the shadow of the cart Fred spread his blanket, and after +assisting Smith to water the cattle, and taking a good drink myself, I +joined him, and left Rover and the stockman to keep guard. + +We slept until dark, and, upon awakening, found that Smith had joined +us, and left the whole responsibility of giving warning, if the natives +approached, to the dog. The latter, however, was worth a dozen men for +such a purpose, and we commended Smith for his sagacity in securing rest +before the time arrived when we knew that demonstration would be made +against our encampment. + +We gathered some dried grass and made a fire, sufficient to boil a +teakettle, and then deliberately prepared a dish of coffee, not knowing +but that it would be our last. After we had concluded our supper we +examined our rifles and revolvers, found them in good order, and then +carefully reviewing the animals so that it was impossible for them to +get loose without cutting their fastenings, we took up our positions at +an equal distance apart, and in a circle outside of the cattle. + +Rover placed himself by my side, and looked into my face as much as to +say that he understood all that was going on, and hoped that he was to +be trusted with any important business which might come before us. + +The night wore slowly away. Sleep we did not, for the insects were so +troublesome that it seemed as though we inhaled them at every breath. +They filled the air and dashed their dry wings in our faces while +flitting over our heads, and their eternal buzzing was like the +murmuring of a distant waterfall. + +I judged that it was near two o'clock, and at the period when sleep is +the strongest, that my attention became riveted upon the singular +movements of some animal which appeared to be feeding upon the withered +grass which covered the plain. Sometimes it moved near enough to allow +me to almost discern what it was, and then it would recede and be lost +from sight for a few minutes, to again appear and approach nearer than +at first. + +Rover appeared to be as deeply interested in the animal as myself, for +his eyes glowed like balls of fire as he watched the movements of the +strange nondescript, and appeared to wonder why I did not tell him to +investigate the matter instead of sitting there with staring eyes. + +Presently a second and then a third animal came in sight, and their +movements were like that of the first. Slowly and in an irregular line +they approached me, halting every two or three seconds as though feeding +upon the grass, which was rank and tasteless, and at length I came to +the conclusion that they were animals peculiar to Australia, and such as +I had not seen before. + +"Smith," I said, calling to that worthy man, who, I thought, was nodding +in a mysterious manner. + +"Well," he answered, rubbing his eyes and trying to appear as though he +had not thought of sleeping on his post. + +"What kind of animals are these within a rod of the camp, feeding so +quietly?" + +When I spoke and pointed to them, I was astonished to find that, during +the short time my attention was occupied, half a dozen others were in +sight, but they were no longer feeding--they appeared to be surprised at +the sound of a human voice, and were listening attentively. + +"Why, hang it, man, do you mean to say that you don't know a kangaroo +when you see one?" and Smith laughed at my greenness. + +"Do you mean to say that those are kangaroos?" I demanded. + +"Of course they are; see that fellow sitting on his tail near you. He is +almost as large as a native, and were it not for showing the black +devils our position I would knock him over, and we would have fresh +steaks for breakfast." + +"But I supposed that the kangaroo was a very wild animal," Fred said, +joining in the conversation. + +"So they are; but in the night time I have known them to mingle with +horses and not leave until daylight. They appear to have a remarkable +attachment for horses; and a man riding over a prairie can approach them +within a few rods without exciting suspicions." + +I was listening attentively to Smith, but still I kept an eye on our +visitors, and noticed that they gradually lessened their distance +between us, and were so near that they could not fail to note our +positions. + +"Do kangaroos usually carry spears in their paws?" I asked of Smith, in +a whisper. + +"What do you mean?" he demanded. + +"I mean that instead of animals we have natives to deal with, and in +another moment our throats would have been cut by the sly scamps." + +I snatched up my rifle, and hardly waiting to place it at my shoulder, +fired. + +The kangaroo, alias a native sewed up in a skin, sprang towards me, but +with a yell of agony fell dead at my feet. + +I seized my revolver, but before I could use it Fred's rifle and Smith's +double-barrelled gun answered my lead, and two more natives were +bleeding upon the field. + +The smoke slowly drifted past, but no more live kangaroos were to be +seen. + +I looked for Rover, but he had disappeared during the firing, and he did +not return for ten minutes, when by his panting I knew that he had +pursued the natives to the bushes, but what other damage he had done the +latter only knew. + +"We shall rest in peace for the remainder of the night," Smith said, +"that is, provided any one can get rest with so many blasted bugs +buzzing in the air. The natives will not make a second attack upon us, +you may be assured." + +Smith's words were found to be correct, for, when daylight appeared, a +flag of truce was sent to our camp, and an old native demanded +permission to remove the bodies of his fallen friends. We gave a willing +consent on condition that we were allowed to pass on our way without +further molestation; and after accepting our terms, we detained the old +fellow as a hostage until we were safe from their ambush, when we +dismissed him with a number of presents, and he returned to his camp +apparently delighted at his treatment. + +We urged our cattle to their utmost exertions, and at sundown we were in +sight of the old convict's hut, and in close proximity to the buried +gold. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII. + +ARRIVAL AT THE OLD STOCKMAN'S HUT.--MYSTERIOUS INTERRUPTIONS DURING THE +HUNT. + + +As we drew near the hut which had withstood so hot an assault from the +gang of Jim Gulpin, we saw that its proprietor was seated before his +door, busily engaged in reading a book, in which he appeared deeply +interested, for he never raised his eyes until Rover, who recognized +him, thrust his cold nose on his hand and demanded a welcome. + +The old man looked surprised, dropped his book, and then apparently +comprehended that we must be near, for he glanced eagerly round, and +when his eyes fell upon Smith, he started towards us at a brisk pace, +and in a few minutes the two were shaking hands like friends who had +been separated for months and years. + +"But where are your companions? Where are the two generous Americans +who fought so bravely when I revenged my daughter's injuries? demanded +the old man, who did not recognize us, dressed as we were in a +respectable-looking thin suit of clothes, and with our beards shaven +off. + +"O," answered Smith, carelessly, "they became infatuated with the +pleasures of Melbourne, and have remained behind." + +"And our pardons?" asked the stockman, after a moment's silence, during +which we could see that he was struggling for fortitude and composure. + +"Here," exclaimed Fred, "a free and unconditional pardon is granted to +convict No. 2921, subject only to the approval of the Home office, for +distinguishing himself in an encounter with a gang of desperate +bushrangers." + +The old man knew his voice, and tears, which he had before suppressed, +now flowed freely. He grasped Fred's hands and pressed them +convulsively, and then fell upon me and nearly smothered me with his +embrace. + +"Read it again," he cried, handing the pardon to Fred. "Let me once more +be assured that I am a free man." + +Fred complied with his request, and was about to inquire concerning his +daughter, when she made her appearance at the door of the hut, and +appeared to be slightly astonished at seeing her father conversing with +strangers. + +"Come here, Becky," he cried, "I have news for you--great news." + +Followed by the hound, who had sought her out a few moments before, she +came to meet us; and being a more acute observer than her parent, she +readily recognized us in spite of our change of costume. + +"Here, Becky," cried the old man, with childish eagerness, "read that +document that his excellency the governor has sent me. I am a free man, +Becky--a free man, and can travel to any part of the island, and not a +soldier or police officer can harm me, or lay the weight of his hand +upon me, and ask why I leave my flocks without permission. I shall yet +be rich, and instead of tending sheep I will own them, and have +shepherds who will look to me for orders. I'll not be known as the +shepherd convict, but the rich landed proprietor. O, I will show you, +Becky, if it pleases God, how I will work, and you shall be a lady, and +no longer dress in cheap stuff, but wear silks, and be waited upon. I +know a thing or two which you little suspect." + +"I am contented as I am, if I can but be near you, father," she +answered, trying to check the old man's sudden energy. + +"I know, I know; but we must bide our time, and remain poor for the +present, Becky--only for the present." + +"Perhaps our visitors would like supper," the young woman suggested, in +hopes of turning the conversation. + +"By all means; they shall have the best that we can give," replied the +stockman, emerging from his deep reverie, and playing the host to +perfection. "Cook them the hind quarter of the lamb I killed to-day, and +add whatever else you may have in the house." + +"But we object to that," said Fred. "We did not come here to rob you of +your provisions, and while we have a full supply will not trespass upon +your store. It is you whom we invite to share our supper. Recollect we +are just from Melbourne, and have a rare quality of tea in our cart +which we want you and your daughter to test." + +"There surely can be no harm in accepting of your offer," replied the +old man, musingly. "When I am rich, it will of course be a different +thing--then you can partake of my hospitality." + +"If we proposed to you to help us to wealth, what answer should you +return?" Fred asked of the convict. + +"The answer of a grateful, honest man. Show me that the means to get the +wealth are honest, and I will work without complaining, for months, and +when you are satisfied with your share of worldly goods, I will seek to +get mine," returned the old man, promptly. + +"Then we ask your aid for the space of a few days. In yonder forest, a +treasure is buried, and we expect that some work is required to find it. +Will you aid us?" + +"With all my heart," replied the stockman, without a moment's +hesitation. "I am under too great an obligation to you, gentlemen, to +refuse assistance in so small a matter. When shall we start?" + +"To-morrow morning, at daylight. Time is precious to us until we find +the treasure." + +"I hope you will not be disappointed in your search," returned the old +man, apparently restored to his usual clear-headedness with the prospect +of something to do. "A secret like Gulpin's must have been known or +suspected by others beside his band. For a few days past I have seen +strange men wandering around the edge of the wood, although they did not +appear to be regular bushrangers. They may have the same object in view +as yourselves, but without your knowledge of the locality of the gold. + +"If they are bushrangers we will fight them, but if honest people in +search of the treasure, we will laugh at them for their pains, and +ridicule them for their trouble," the old man continued. "I see that +Smith and my daughter have managed to get something to eat. Suppose we +have supper first, and discuss the best means of accomplishing your ends +afterwards?" + +"By the way, we forget to tell you that your share of money, for the +capture of bushrangers, is awaiting your order," Fred said, during +supper, speaking to the stockman. + +"I feel content with the paper which contains my pardon, and think that +I am amply rewarded. I desire nothing more from government." + +Finding that the subject was distasteful to the old man, we said no +more, but after the table was cleared away, we lighted our pipes and +planned the business which was to occupy us early the next morning. Our +arrangements were soon completed and agreed upon. We readily came to the +conclusion to unload all of our baggage excepting what we should want +while absent; and instead of taking eight oxen, we concluded to take +only four, as that number could be provided for much easier than all of +them. We also concluded to leave our horses, and let the old man's +daughter keep her eyes on them during the day, and confine them in the +enclosure which was used for herding sheep during the night. + +With this idea, we began making our preparations for an early start. Our +shovels and pickaxes were articles which we should want in digging, and +three days' provisions were also placed upon the cart, together with our +bedding and mosquito bars to prevent the insects from eating us alive +during our sleeping hours. + +Our rifles were also examined, and at length satisfied that we were +ready for an early start, we bid our host and daughter good night and +retired to our usual sleeping place, under the cart, with Rover at our +feet, ready to give notice of the slightest appearance of danger. + +It was still dark when the stockman aroused us, but a pale light in the +eastern heavens showed that day would soon break. Although we were tired +with our long journey, yet we did not stand a second call, and in an +hour's time after being aroused, we had despatched our hastily cooked +breakfast, and were on the road and urging the cattle towards the dark +and sombre appearing woods where the gang of Black Darnley had been +signally defeated. + +It was about eight o'clock when we reached the place where we had +entered formerly. Every thing appeared as we had left it. The forest +path seemed to have been untrodden since the day when we had made a +funeral pile of the remains of the bushrangers, yet there was one +peculiarity that struck me as rather odd--the entire absence of parrots, +whose croakings used to attract our attention, and whose plumage, gaudy +and varied, commanded our admiration. + +While Smith unyoked the cattle and chained them to a tree, under which a +good supply of grass was to be had, I took my rifle, and calling to +Rover, started towards the bushrangers' camp, or rather where it had +stood before we had given it to the flames. + +I had not walked ten rods before I thought I saw the figure of a man +glide from behind a tree and disappear in a thicket of brush. I stopped, +and with rifle on the cock, waited for his re-appearance; but as I heard +nothing from him, I concluded that I would beat up his quarters before +the rest of my party came along. + +I examined the thicket, and to my surprise, found that it was composed +of a species of brier, with long, needle-like thorns upon every twig, +and that the idea of a man's passing through it, unless dressed in +armor, was impossible, as he would have been punctured in every pore, +and would have shed blood at every step. I did not like to think that I +had been subjected to an optical delusion, and so I continued on for a +short distance, but could find no trail, although I observed that Rover +snuffled around in an unusual manner, and appeared uneasy. + +"Hullo," cried Fred, who had now entered the woods with the rest of the +party, "what are you doing away from the path?" + +I returned a trivial answer, and joined them in their walk towards the +clearing; yet I felt as though I had not done my duty, and examined the +mysterious disappearance of the shadow which I saw, with sufficient +attention. A fear of ridicule and a dread of wasting time alone +prevented me from speaking. + +"The woods are unusually quiet," the stockman said, as we moved along in +Indian file. "I never visited here without being provoked at the +ceaseless chatter of the parrots, and yet to-day but few are to be heard +and none seen. They have become shy, and an explanation would be +satisfactory to account for the fact." + +As no surmise was made by either of the party, the conversation +dropped, and it was not until we were standing over the half charred +bones of the bushrangers, which had been pawed around by the fox-like +animals of the woods, that we again spoke. + +The ashes of the burned hut were still visible, so that its location was +defined without trouble, but the great question to be solved was where +the treasure lay buried. To determine this we had purchased an excellent +pocket compass in Melbourne, and upon taking the bearings we found that +the bushrangers were exactly in a south-west direction from where the +hut stood. + +"Now," said the old stockman, "repeat the exact words of Gulpin, when +telling you of the buried money." + +"Ten paces in a south--," I replied, promptly. + +"Nothing more?" he demanded. + +"Not a syllable." + +"Then let us set the compass and pace off the distance in a south-west +line, and begin digging." + +The ten paces were gravely gone through with, and I found that the grass +where they terminated bore no indications of having been disturbed. I +shook my head and expressed a decided opinion that no ground had been +broken there for a year, at the least calculation. Fred was of my +opinion, and began to have serious doubts of the truth of the story of +Gulpin. + +I was still hopeful, and glanced over the opening to see if I could +discover signs of the earth having been recently disturbed. While I was +thus occupied, Rover was scratching among the bones which were +plentifully strewed around, and a sudden thought occurred to me. I +consulted the compass, and was glad to find that my surmises were not +contrary to the dying confession of Gulpin. + +I paced off ten paces in a south-east direction, and the last step +brought me exactly in the midst of the bones and ashes of the +bushrangers. + +I seized a spade and struck it into the ground, and was about to call my +companions' attention to the spot, when a sharp report was heard near at +hand, in the bushes, and a musket ball whizzed within two inches of my +head. + +We were all too much accustomed to life in the bush to remain in open +ground when an unseen enemy was disposed to exercise his skill on one of +us, so that in less than half a second's time we were under cover, and +watching with tolerably sharp eyes for the first movement of the man who +had attempted to riddle my carcass with his confounded bullet. + +For half an hour we waited, and not a leaf stirred. The dog had ranged +through the forest, and once, by his peculiar howl, we thought some +mishap had befallen him, but beyond a few spots of blood on his nose, he +appeared to be quite unharmed, and seemed anxious to again go in search +of our enemy. + +Fearful that his life would be endangered, I kept him near me, and for +another half hour we waited, motionless, in anticipation of an attack, +yet none came. + +Presently I heard a slight noise behind me, and turning suddenly, with +my rifle presented, I found that the muzzle was lodged against the head +of the stockman, who had been reconnoitring in the vicinity, and yet so +quietly that I was not aware that he had left the bush under which he +sought shelter. + +"I have examined the bushes carefully, and no signs of a bushranger are +to be seen," the old man said, laying the long gun which he was +accustomed to use by his side, and brushing off a few specks of dust +which had collected on the barrel. + +"It is a mystery to me how he disappeared so soon after discharging his +gun," I said. + +The old man shook his head, and, laying one finger on my arm, +whispered,--"Do you believe in spirits?" + +"Do you mean this kind?" I asked, drawing a flask of excellent whiskey +from my pocket and offering him a drink. + +"No, I didn't mean this kind," the stockman said, slowly raising it to +his mouth, and I could hear the liquor coursing down his throat in a +stream. + +"No," he repeated, removing the bottle from his mouth, and drawing a +long breath, "I didn't mean these kinds of spirits, because there's no +harm in them, and the more a man gets the better he is off. I meant the +kind of spirits which wander about the earth, and play tricks upon +living men." + +"Ah, a sort of ghost, I suppose you mean," I answered. + +"Precisely," replied the stockman, mechanically taking the bottle from +my hand and again applying it to his lips; "ghosts are the fellows--they +do every thing without being seen; and why should not the spirit of +Gulpin hover around this spot, and repel all attempts to get at his +money?" + +"I know of but two reasons," I replied, gently taking the bottle from my +friend's hands, for fear that my share of its contents would be very +meagre; "in the first place, ghosts usually don't care about money, as +they have no use for it in the country in which they spend a large +portion of their time." + +"That's true," replied the man, making a dive to get the bottle in his +possession, but I prevented this, by applying it to my own lips. + +"In the next place," I continued, pausing to take breath, "fire, but not +fire-arms is furnished to refractory spirits; and if I am any judge of +worldly matters, it was a piece of lead that whizzed past my head half +an hour ago." + +"Then you don't believe that the sound which we considered the report of +a gun was produced by evil spirits, who are set here to guard the +treasure of Gulpin?" + +"It is more likely a bushranger was secreted in the bushes, or behind +the trees, and that when he aimed, he intended to make short work of one +of us, in hope of frightening the remainder." + +"Then give me another drink, and if the scamp wants a muss he can have +one, for I'm not going to remain here, broiling under the hot sun, all +day." + +The old man snatched the flask from my hand, and before I could stop +him, had nearly drained it of its contents. I discovered, for the first +time, that day, that the stockman was no longer under self-control when +he had tasted liquor, and from that period until our acquaintance ceased +I never again offered it to him. + +I sought to restrain him, but in vain; with a fanatical yell he plunged +into the clearing, and waving his long gun over his head, he dared +spirit, ghost, or bushranger to meet him on even ground. + +There was no response to his challenge, and considering that it was +cowardly to let him remain there alone, the rest of us quickly gathered +around, and requested him to lie down for a short time. + +He repelled us with scorn, at the imputation that he was drunk; and +finding that it was impossible to reason with him, we left him digging +away as though for life, and throwing the dirt in the form of a parapet. + +We separated and scoured the woods within a radius of half a mile, but +not a sign of a bushranger could we detect, and somewhat reassured by +our search, we returned to the stockman, who was working most +industriously, and leaving Smith to remain concealed, and give us +warning of the approach of danger, we joined labor with the old man, +although not in the same place in which he was at work. + +I had reasoned on the subject, and came to the conclusion that if Gulpin +had buried his money, he would like to destroy all evidence of its +concealment. He and his gang were on friendly terms with Darnley, and +the former had piled up the dead bodies, with the evident intention of +consuming them with fire, as we had afterwards done, on our second +visit. + +Now, it struck me as being likely that the spot where the gold was +buried would be chosen by a man who was inclined to be superstitious, +for the finale of the grand tragedy, and perhaps impressed with the +thought that the dead men would guard his treasure securely. + +With this conviction, Fred and myself broke ground amidst a heap of +ashes, without a thought or care of the invisible guard, and in a few +minutes we had excavated a moderate sized hole, and would have continued +working, had not Smith interrupted us by pointing to the sun, and +advising a respite, owing to the danger of a sun-stroke. + +As our hands were somewhat blistered, and we had as yet not discovered +the first sign of gold, we readily took his advice, and upon repairing +to the spot where the stockman was supposed to be at work, we found that +the bottle had proved too much for him. He was lying on his back in the +place which he had excavated, with his face exposed to the sun, the +shovel clasped tightly in his arms, and his snoring sounded like distant +thunder. + +It was with some difficulty that we at length aroused him, and got him +to the cart, where he was allowed to rest and sleep as long as he +pleased, and while he was thus employed, we made another discovery, +which set us to wondering. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV. + +ROBBERY OF THE CART.--CAPTURE OF STEEL SPRING. + + +What caused us so much surprise was the fact that during our absence the +cart was visited, our provisions overhauled, a portion carried off, and +one or two bottles of claret emptied. It was evident that the thief was +in too great a hurry to draw the cork, even if he had had a corkscrew, +of which there was some doubt; so he had just broken the necks of the +bottles on one of the wheels, and then drank to satiety. + +Our visitor was no ghost-like character, who could pass through a hole +and not feel inconvenienced. According to the quantity of provisions +which he had eaten and carried off, he must have possessed a human +stomach of remarkable voracity. + +It was very evident that we had a thief of extraordinary shrewdness to +deal with, and that unless we were a little sharper we should be cheated +of our gold and fleeced of our provisions--two reflections not very +comforting. + +We held a long conference and debated the best way to entrap our +opponent, and yet we could reach no conclusion, and were about to +provide our dinners, when Rover bounded from the bushes with a piece of +cloth in his mouth, which he shook and played with for some time before +he would relinquish. + +It was the remnant of a blue flannel shirt, and the idea struck me that +our visitor had not only taken our provisions, but had stolen a portion +of our clothing. I examined the few articles which I had brought and +found that my surmise was correct. A pair of pants and a shirt were +missing; but I felt glad to think that the exchange had been made, as +now I considered that we had our friend on the hip. + +I explained to Fred and Smith the manner in which we could track our +visitor, and they agreed to assist me in trying the experiment. I called +the hound, and laid the remnant of the shirt before him. Thinking that I +meant to have a lark with him, he began to tear the flannel and play as +formerly, but I touched him with a small switch and he crouched at my +feet, and looked up so reproachful and timid that I was almost sorry to +think I was obliged to correct him. I steadily persevered until I +impressed upon the mind of the hound that he was to follow the one who +had worn the shirt, and if there was not scent enough the thief was not +to blame, for the article looked as though it had seen service. + +At length the dog comprehended me. He trotted to the cart, walked around +it once or twice, with his nose close to the ground, and when he had got +track of the thief he uttered a low bay of satisfaction, and looked up +into my face as much as to say, "shall I go on?" + +We caught up our rifles, and leaving the sleeping stockman to continue +his nap, we motioned the dog to start, and followed close at his heels. + +He led the way along the path until he came to the spot where I imagined +I had seen a man disappear, and after snuffing for a moment, the hound +trotted on, sometimes leaping over bushes four feet high, a feat which +we found not easy of accomplishment, tired as we were, and the heat up +to over a hundred in the shade of a forest. + +If the animal got two rods in advance of us, a word was sufficient to +check him until we came up, when, receiving our praise with an +acknowledgment in the shape of a wag of his tail, he would trot on with +renewed watchfulness. + +We observed that our course led us towards the spot where we had been +digging a few minutes before, and as we neared the clearing our +watchfulness increased. Not a tree was passed without anxious glances +being cast among the branches to see if an enemy lurked there, but +nothing in the shape of a man was to be seen. + +At length we were within a few steps of the bushes from whence we +supposed the gun to have been discharged. Immediately in front of us was +a low tree of the balsam species, with branches and leaves so close +together that it was impossible to see through the top. The foliage was +most dense, and the thought suddenly occurred to me that if a man wished +to secrete himself that tree would be the one which he would choose from +amongst the thousands within sight. I was not, therefore, greatly +surprised when Rover suddenly stopped and exhibited signs of having +treed his game. + +"The thief is lodged in that tree," shouted Fred, eagerly. + +"It is singular that we did not think of examining it before," I +remarked, as we sheltered ourselves behind trees, for we had evidence +that, whoever he was, he possessed a gun and know how to use it, and +therefore we did not wish to needlessly expose our lives to his aim. + +Rover acted in a frantic manner. He stood upon his hind legs and sought +to get at his enemy, and when finding that he could not, he appealed to +us for assistance; and for fear that he should get injured I called him +away,--an order which he obeyed most reluctantly. + +"Come down from the tree," shouted Fred, "and we will give you quarter +and kind treatment." + +There was no answer; we listened, but not a movement was to be heard. An +old parrot, that was perched high upon a blasted tree, attempted to +imitate our cry, but he got no further than the first word, and that +appeared to puzzle him so much that he gave up in despair and remained +mute with disgust. + +"Do you surrender?" he yelled. + +Not a word was heard in reply. + +"He is like the flying Dutchman," cried Smith, a slight superstitious +feeling beginning to creep over him. + +"Give him a shot, then, and see if he cannot be brought down," Fred +said. + +I saw that Smith had no particular relish for the duty, but for fear +that we should laugh at him he raised his gun and discharged one barrel. + +The leaves flew as though the tree had been struck by a whirlwind. A +small branch was cut off by the bullet and fell to the ground; but no +sign of an enemy was manifest. + +"It's no use," cried Smith, with a lengthened visage. "We might waste +all our ammunition and the result would still be the same. It's no human +being in that tree." + +"We'll see," replied Fred, briefly, and he aimed his rifle near the top +of the tree, and fired. + +Not near as many leaves fell as at Smith's discharge, but the effect was +more astonishing. The tree swayed back and forth as though some one was +moving in its centre, and from amidst the dense foliage a voice +exclaimed,-- + +"Blast yer hies, vot is yer doing?" + +"Here, Smith," cried Fred, "there is a cockney countryman of yours up +there." + +"Come down," we roared. + +"See ye hanged first, and then I von't," repeated the voice in the tree. + +"Then we shall have to send another bullet into the tree to start you." + +"If ye don't cut hout of these diggins, yer'll wish that ye had," +replied our defiant acquaintance. + +"Once for all, will you surrender?" was demanded. + +"See ye blasted fust," was returned, in a dogmatical manner. + +Fred let fly another bullet into the tree, and this time with remarkable +success; for suddenly a singular-looking genius, with wonderful long +legs, and those dressed in untanned skins of the kangaroo, hair side +out, tumbled from the tree, feet foremost, and with bounds which I +thought no human being capable of, sprang over the bushes and attempted +to escape, which he no doubt would have done, as we were too much +surprised to think of checking his career with a bullet, had not the +hound, with a yell of satisfaction, followed in pursuit. + +We started as fast as possible for the purpose of preventing the dog +from killing the man outright, as we feared he would, but our alarm was +groundless; for after a smart run of a quarter of a mile, we found the +hound standing over his victim, and exhibiting a wicked set of grinders +at every motion which his prisoner made to escape. + +"Vot is the meanin' of this 'ere kind of a go?" demanded our prisoner, +as we gravely took seats upon fallen trees, and regarded him with great +interest. + +The fellow was a curiosity, and I have often laughed at the ridiculous +appearance which he made upon our first meeting in the woods of +Australia. + +His long legs and feet were encased in the skins of kangaroos, which +accounted for the ease with which he passed through the bushes and left +no scent but of the animal, for Rover to follow, and as I had often +punished him for chasing kangaroos without permission, it sufficiently +explained why the poor dog was so puzzled. + +The skins of the animals appeared to have been fitted to the legs and +feet of our prisoner while green, and by drying them on his limbs he was +then unable to remove them without an hour's washing in water; a process +which, by the looks of the fellow, he seemed to have no relish for; the +dirt was glued upon his face as though it was warranted to wash, +although it's doubtful if he ever tried the experiment; and I may as +well observe here that water was his abhorrence, and he never drank it +unless he couldn't get something stronger. Upon the back of the scamp +was a new blue flannel shirt, which he had stolen from the wagon, +leaving his old one in exchange, and by the means of which we had traced +him to his resting-place. Around his neck was a silk handkerchief +belonging to Smith, and on his head was a skin cap, with a long tail +which hung over his shoulders and resembled the brush of a fox. + +"Will ye call hoff the hanimal, and let me up?" cried our new +acquaintance, casting rueful looks towards us. + +"Where did you come from?" asked Fred. + +"Vy, didn't you see? I dropped down from the tree." + +"Yes, we are aware of that; but how came you in this part of the country +alone?" + +"How does you know I'se 'lone?" asked the fellow, with such a +significant leer that we involuntarily glanced over our shoulders as +though expecting a gang of ferocious bushrangers to be within gunshot. + +"Answer me," cried Fred, with pretended sternness, placing the muzzle of +the rifle against the fellow's heart. "Tell me where you came from, and +what you wish in the neighborhood?" + +"Vell, I vill, if ye von't hinger my feelings with the cold iron. Take +away the gun and I'll do the right thing. 'Pon the 'onor of a gentleman, +I will." + +We laughed at his last remark, and the fellow joined in with us good +naturedly, as though he did not expect to be believed. + +"Very well, sit up and tell your story," we said; and calling off the +dog, who manifested a great reluctance to obey, we permitted him to take +an easier position. + +"Vell, the fact of the matter is, I am strolling round 'ere just for the +fun of shooting parrots." + +"You know that you are lying," Fred said, sternly. + +The fellow seemed to think a compliment had been paid him, for he +grinned so hard that the dirt actually cracked on his face and peeled +off in scales. A motion towards our rifles brought him to his reason. + +"Stop that," he cried, "and I'll tell hall." + +"Go on," we repeated. + +"Vell, then, I s'pose I'm 'ere for the same thing as vot you're here +for." + +"Well, what is that?" I asked. + +"Vy, you know--the hold boy's tin vich he buried afore he vas taken up +and dished." + +"What do you mean?" I inquired, wishing to see how much he knew. + +"O, don't 'tempt to gammon me, 'case I knows by the way that yer +does--that yer knows all 'bout the trick. But I say, can't I come in for +shooks?" + +"Then you know that there is money buried near here?" + +"Hof course I does. Didn't I see Jim Gulpin ven he planted it, and +didn't I run hoff the next day, and ven I hears that Jim is a goner, and +had got into the hands of the beaks, didn't I leave the mines, vere the +vork is jolly 'ard, and come 'ere with the intention of raising it, and +having a jolly good blow out at Melbourne?" + +"Then you have been connected with a gang of bushrangers?" Fred asked. + +"Vell, I did use to do the cookin' for 'em, vile they did the robbin'; +but then you wouldn't blow on a fellow, would you?" + +"What did you make a target of my body for?" I inquired. + +"Vell, I vill be plain, and no mistake. I did think that if it killed +von of ye, vy the rest vould run, and then I should be left alone to +ring the blunt." + +"And why did you not continue to fire at us?" + +"'Cos I hadn't got any more bullets," was the frank answer; and on +examination of his powder pouch, we found such to be the case. + +"What have you done with your ammunition?" + +"Vell, I had to live on something, so I used to shoot into flocks of +parrots; but I've skeered 'em all hoff, I believe." + +"And why did you not try to get hold of a sheep? There are plenty of +those within five miles of the forest." + +"And get pinked by the hold shepherd wid the long gun?" he demanded, +with a knowing grin, which showed that he had heard of the skill of the +old man with his smooth bore. + +"You have confessed that you once belonged to a gang of bushrangers, and +you may have been guilty of many crimes. It is a duty which we owe to +the government to either hang you, or else deliver you to the police. +Which do you prefer?" + +"Vell, to tell the plain truth, I don't like neither plan, and I don't +b'leeve that you will do it." + +"Why?" we asked, astonished at his assurance + +"'Cos, then I couldn't help you get the dirt out if you give me up to +the police. I'd peach 'bout it," and then you'd have to fork over to the +government, and would get nothing for your pains." + +"But suppose we should despatch you on the spot?" + +"But there's no use s'posing any thing of the kind. 'Mericans don't +often kill people in cold blood." + +"You know that we are Americans?" we demanded, in astonishment. + +"Of course I does. Didn't I 'ear all about ye vile I vas at the mines? +Didn't the papers bring hus the news?" + +"But how do you know that we are those which the papers mention?" + +"'Cos I guess at it, and I don't think I'm a great deal hout of the +way." + +"And if we consent to spare your life you will consent to lend us your +aid in searching for the gold?" I asked. "Won't I? You just try me and +see if I don't serve you 'bout right. I'm a regular hout and houter ven +I takes a likin' to any one." + +"On these conditions we will consent to protect and spare you. But mind, +no tricks. The first indications which we discover of your playing us +false, shall be your last moment on earth." + +"All right," replied the long-legged individual, with a chuckle of +delight. + +"Now, tell us what your name is," Fred demanded. + +"Steel Spring," he answered, with another grin. + +"Then, Mr. Steel Spring, as you say that you are a good cook, we will +test your truthfulness. Return with us to the cart, and let us see a +sample of your skill." + +"I'll do that, and you'll say that, however ugly I look, I'm just the +feller to sarve as a cook." + +Uttering these words in a chanting sort of way, Mr. Steel Spring +stretched out his legs with a jerk, which resembled the sudden opening +of a jackknife. He stood upon his feet, and then we had an opportunity +to see how long and lank he really was; and yet beneath all his withered +skin we saw that his muscles were of prodigious size, and that his +strength must he astonishing. + +We motioned for him to lead the way, and in a few moments we reached the +cart, beneath which the old stockman was still snoring. + + + + +CHAPTER XXV. + +STEEL SPRING'S HISTORY + + +Steel Spring made no idle boast when he said he was famous as a cook. In +a shorter space of time than I conceived possible, he had built a fire, +boiled water, and made an excellent dish of coffee, and then spreading +our provisions under the shade of a tree, he informed us that our +dinners were ready. + +By this time Hardum, the stockman, was awake, and repentant, as most men +usually are after a drinking bout. He seemed surprised that we had made +an addition to our company during his snoring hours, but he was too +proud, or too much ashamed, to ask any questions concerning the mystery. + +As for Steel Spring, I observed that that amiable, long-legged +individual eyed the stockman rather narrowly, as though he expected a +few words of reproach, or something worse; but in this he was mistaken; +for Hardum contented himself with expressing surprise at the length of +his pedal extremities, and wanted to know if he was not sired by a +kangaroo--an expression which our new acquaintance laughed at, as he +wished to conciliate the old man. + +As the sun poured down with scorching severity, and two hours would +elapse before we could venture to return to our work without fear of +being sun struck, we lighted our pipes, and stretched our forms beneath +the shade of a gum tree, leisurely watched the smoke of the fragrant +tobacco as it curled over our heads. + +For a long time we smoked in silence, until at length Fred grew weary of +the monotonous stillness, and wishing to add a slight stock of +information to our store, exclaimed,--"Steel Spring," and he regarded +that wonderful being with a knowing glance, "you have a history. All men +have histories, and I know that you are not exempt from the common lot." + +"Well, I don't deny that I've seen a thing or two in my life, and that +it has been an eventful one," he answered. + +"Then," said Fred, refilling his pipe, and composing himself in an +easier attitude, "you will be kind enough to tell it for our +entertainment." + +"I'll villingly do that, sir, if you'll promise not to go to sleep." + +"We can give no pledges," replied Fred, with a grin. "Whether we go to +sleep or keep awake remains with the historian to decide." + +"Veil, then, I'll do my best," and Steel Spring crossed his right leg, +as though it had helped him on many occasions. + +I will relate his account of his life, although I shall leave his +cockney expressions out, as much of it may mar the beauty and humor of +the recital. I don't vouch for the truth of what he told us, and, in +fact, I don't believe that Steel Spring himself meant that we should. +However, he always swore that he spoke the truth, and, in lack of +evidence, we were bound to believe him. + +"I was born twenty-six years ago, in the vicinity of Belgrave Square, +London, and as the locality was an aristocratic one, I need not mention +that my parents were wealthy, and circulated in the highest circles in +the kingdom. There was great rejoicing when I came into the world, and I +have been told that Parliament adjourned in honor of the event." + +"I wish to ask if the narrative is to consist of lies?" inquired Fred. + +The fellow grinned as though he had been complimented, and without +replying, continued,--"I was sent to Eton when I grew old enough, and +all that money could do was expended towards completing my education. +Latin and Greek, however, are languages which I was never able to +master, and it's owing to my dislike to them that I am now here. I will +explain the reason, so that you may not interrupt me with expressions of +astonishment. I was destined, when only ten years of age, to succeed the +ambassador to Greece, an uncle of mine, who was full of years and +honors, and wished to retire on half pay, like an invalid soldier or +gouty bishop. You will see the reason why I was supplied with Greek +roots, until I thought my brain would turn in digging them. But tasks +and whippings were in vain. The more I was beaten the less I learned, +and the upshot of the matter was that I was sent home, and then kicked +out of doors by an indignant father, who swore in good English that if +my head was only as long in proportion as my legs, I should have +comprehended the dead languages in less than a month. + +"Alas! how little do parents understand the feelings which animate the +bosom of their offspring. I who was--" + +"Quit your moralizing, and drive on with your story," growled Fred. + +"All right, sir," replied Steel Spring, not the least disconcerted. + +"I had, when kicked from the home of which I was destined to be the +ornament, only a half crown in my pocket--smuggled there by an indulgent +mother, who dreaded her husband's wrath. I knew that the money would +purchase me a rasher of bacon and half a dozen pots of half-and-half, +but that would not support me forever, you know, and it was necessary +that I should stir these stumps which my heartless father had ridiculed. + +"With this idea I exchanged my elegant suit of black clothes which I was +wearing, and dressed myself in others of a less attractive nature; and I +will also state that I received a half crown from the Hebrew with whom +I traded--a piece of generosity on his part as unexpected as any thing I +ever met in this world. + +"After I had made the exchange I hardly knew myself, and I thought with +joy that if my father's heart relented, he would not be able to discover +me in the disguise which I wore. In fact, it was perfect; and for the +purpose of testing it, I went to Hyde Park, and stood near the ring, and +as the noble lords and ladies passed me--those, I mean, with whom I was +on visiting terms--it made my heart swell to think that they did not +even deign to look at me." + +"I have no doubt of it," said Smith, dryly; and the fact of his being an +Englishman made him appreciate the story of Steel Spring the more. + +"I quitted Hyde Park, and to preserve my spirits I went to a public +house, and drank a full quart of beer--a feat which I had often +performed, but never with such good will. The proprietor of the house +noticed the ready manner in which I emptied his pewter, and then +surveying my legs, judged, very rightly, that I would make an excellent +pot boy. He hinted at his want of assistance, and made me an offer of a +crown a week, and the privilege of drinking the slops left in the pots. +He did not have to make the proposal twice; I accepted without delay, +donned a white apron, and the intended ambassador to the classic land of +song and ruins went to work supplying workmen with beer and pipes. No +one, to have looked at me in the bar room, would have mistrusted my +noble birth, and I have often thought of the singular freaks of fortune. +Some are raised by the magic wand, and others are depressed. How little +did the nobility, as they gazed on my fair face, when an infant, think +that the object of their admiration would one day become--" + +"Will you go on with the story, and drop the nobility?" demanded Fred. + +"With the greatest pleasure, because I bear them no love, they having +dropped me at an early age. At that public house all of my misfortunes +commenced; and, singularly enough, I had no serious suspicions, until I +was arrested and lodged in prison, that the proprietor of the concern +was a dealer in counterfeit silver. I had often observed that all the +change that came from the bar was new, and looked as though fresh from +the mint, but I didn't dream that it was counterfeit; and when a police +officer nabbed me, and searched my pockets, and exhibited a few bad +shillings, I thought I should die with shame, for I little suspected +that I was the medium through which the money was circulated. + +"I protested my innocence, but the wretches said that my appearance was +not in my favor, and that my sweet face was certain to lead me to the +gallows; and faith, I was afraid that it had, yet my pride did not +permit me to send for my parents and the nobility, a word from whom +would have set me free." + +"Steer clear of the nobility, if you please," cried Fred. + +"All right, sir; well, would you believe it, the villains had the +audacity to arraign me before the beak, when I pleaded not guilty, and +dared them to the proof. + +"I have a faint recollection that my defiance availed me but little, +for I was brought in guilty; and when the old beak sentenced me to +transportation for twenty years, he took occasion to say that I was the +worst looking prisoner he had seen for many years. I thought, even then, +how much respect he would feel, were he but aware that I was connected +with the nobility--" + +"Never mind the nobility," broke in Fred. + +"I don't intend to, hereafter, as I think that I am better off without +their acquaintance. Well, in a few days I was put on board of a ship, +with a number of other distinguished gentlemen, and I started on my long +voyage to Australia. + +"Jim Gulpin was one of the passengers, and I early made his +acquaintance, and won his friendship by a few acts of kindness, which +distinguished strangers should always extend to each other. In fact, I +became so useful to the officers of the ship that I was installed as an +assistant cook; and when I was obliged to part with them, owing to the +pressing solicitations of the wretch who has the charge of the hulks at +Hobson's Bay, I don't think that there was a dry eye on board, from the +captain to my illustrious commander, the chief cook. + +"Owing to good recommendations, I was set at work doing scullion's duty +at the hulks--a situation which I filled to the satisfaction not only of +myself, but to the officers who had charge of me. I got plenty to eat, +for I looked out for that, and I think that I should have served out my +time with great contentment had I not learned that my old friend Gulpin +had made his escape, but not until he had done for one of his keepers. A +sudden desire to travel possessed me; I longed to see the world, to be +free, and accumulate wealth so that I could return to London, and +astonish the nobility and my hard-hearted parents. + +"I watched my chance, and one day when I was on a visit to Melbourne for +the purpose of carrying a bundle for one of the keepers, I thought I +would begin my travels; so I started on a dog trot, in a direction +opposite from the hulks, and when a pistol was discharged at my fine +form, it had the effect of quickening my pace materially. Finding that +the shot had no effect, the keeper ran after me; but what chance do you +suppose he had with me, the possessor of such a pair of legs? In five +minutes I had run him out of sight, but after I got outside of the city +I did not lessen my speed, for I recollected that there was a mounted +police force in Melbourne, and that they had a fancy for scouring the +country in search of escaped convicts. + +"With nothing to eat, excepting what I was enabled to steal--I don't +mean steal--but then I didn't pay for such as I got, because I had no +money in my pocket--I managed to subsist, and by skulking in the woods +during daylight, and travelling at night, I struggled on, undetected. + +"I used to visit encampments, and load myself with every thing that I +considered necessary for my happiness, and by such means I soon was +enabled to dispense with my convict suit, which was calculated to +attract more attention than was desirable. + +"A number of miners must have been greatly astonished, upon awakening in +the morning, to find that most of their stores were gone, and perhaps +they attributed their disappearance to magic. If they did they were +wrong, for I hold myself personally responsible, and intend some day to +settle for all that I took, and I will not only pay interest, but +principal also. Can any thing be more honorable?" + +"But how are you to know whom to settle with?" demanded Fred. + +"That is none of my business," replied Steel Spring, with a cunning +leer. "It is sufficient for me to know that I am ready to settle when +the bills are presented, and I don't consider that I am bound to hunt +all over the world for the purpose of finding my creditors." + +"Your ideas are certainly original, and deserving of consideration," +returned Fred, amused at the fellow's impudence. "But finish your +history." + +"By such honorable means I was enabled to work my way along, striving to +reach the mines, where I expected to earn an independence, when one day +I fell in with a few notorious characters called bushrangers. The +villains searched me, expecting to find gold, thinking that a gentleman +of my respectable appearance must be loaded with wealth; but for the +honor of mankind I am glad to say that they didn't get so much as a +shilling piece. + +"The robbers, intensely disgusted, swore that I must go with them, as +their captain wanted a cook; and although I insisted that I was not +qualified for the station which they intended to elevate me to, they +only replied that I must either be hanged or work. I need not tell you +which I preferred. + +"When I was taken prisoner I had a large supply of provisions on my +back, and they asked me why I hadn't stolen more while my hand was in. +In vain I protested that I was innocent of crime. I was laughed at and +marched off towards this forest, when their renowned captain was +introduced to me, and who should he prove to be but my old friend, Jim +Gulpin. + +"Of course, I was at home at once, and for many months I shared the +meals and confidence of my illustrious commander; but at length getting +dissatisfied with my share of the prize money, I procured a dishonorable +discharge, and went off to the mines in the night time, where I managed +to subsist by my honesty." + +"You mean," replied Smith, "that you were afraid of being dishonest, as +the miners have a summary method of disposing of thieves." + +Steel Spring grinned, as though he didn't wish to gainsay the truth of +the remark. + +"But about the buried money. You have said nothing about that," I +observed. + +"I knew that there was money buried there, because one day Gulpin sent +his gang away on an expedition, and then started me after a sheep, (no +offence to the old shepherd.) I thought something was up, so instead of +hurrying to do his bidding I skulked around until he thought I was out +of the way, and then I saw him dig a hole and put a bag into the earth +and cover it up, and try and make the place appear as though it had not +been disturbed. I smelt a rat, but never let on that I knew any thing of +the matter, and it was not until I heard that Jim and Darnley's gangs +were destroyed that I thought I would visit my old haunts and endeavor +to get rich at once. I have been in the neighborhood a week, skulking +about to see if any other person was lurking near for the same object as +myself, and you may imagine my surprise when I saw four men marching up +to take possession of that which I considered my own." + +"Do you still entertain the same opinion?" I inquired. + +"My opinion since I have entered your service is your opinion, for you +are four and I'm one;" and Steel Spring, with a contented look, knocked +the ashes from his pipe, and gathered up the remains of our dinner and +placed them in the cart with wonderful despatch. + +"We will trust you," said Fred, after scanning the man's face; "but if +you serve us a trick we shall remember it." + +"You will find it for your interest to do so," was the composed reply, +and bidding him follow, we took our rifles and led the way towards the +buried treasure. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVI. + +FINDING OF THE TREASURE. + + +By the time we reached the scene of our gold digging operations the +greater portion of the heat of the day was passed, and we felt refreshed +and ready to commence work with a will. Steel Spring, who had promised +his valuable aid in searching for the treasure, in consideration that we +would befriend him and save his neck from the grasp of the police, had +led the way with immense strides, and a confident air that inspired us +with renewed hope and bright anticipations of success. + +Upon reaching the ground we found that our shovels and picks were +undisturbed, and it was evident that no visitor had intruded during our +_lengthy absence_. + +"Come, Steel Spring," I said, addressing that worthy personage, "point +out the right spot for us to dig, and then we will go to work _without +delay_." + +"But I can't do that vithout some calculation and study. All great +hengineers has to investigate before vorking, and I'm no exception to +the rule." + +"Why, you miserable scamp," cried Fred, angrily, "didn't you say that +you could lead us to the very spot where the treasure was buried?" + +"Vell, vot if I did? Can't a man make 'stakes--and vouldn't you 'ave +said that you knew something, if a rifle vos placed agin your brains, +and a feller threatened to blow 'em hout?" + +"Then you mean to say that you have imposed upon us?' I asked, coolly, +seeing that Fred was likely to get into a passion. + +"No, I don't say that, 'cos tain't so; and I should but tell a lie if I +spoke in that way. A falsehood is an abomination vich I can't stand, and +I was never guilty of one," answered the fellow, with a grin which +proved how well he liked to stretch the truth. + +"Explain your meaning," said Fred, "or I will hang you on a gum tree, +and use you as a scarecrow." "Vell, didn't I tell you I saw the money +buried from a distance? You don't s'pose that I would be very near when +Jim Gulpin was doing secret things, does you?" + +I made no answer, and he continued,-- + +"I took good care to be hoff so far that he couldn't even smell me, 'cos +I knew that if I had but vinked once vithin ten rods he would have seen +me, and then vot would 'ave been the consequence?" + +Fred replied that he supposed he would have been kicked in a summary +manner, and he was not sure but he deserved it. + +"Had it only been kicking I could 'ave taken it very comfortably and +thought nothing of it--but no, sir, it would have been nothing of the +kind. It would 'ave been after this fashion." + +He made an expressive motion with his hand across his throat, and +judging from the habits and antecedents of the illustrious bushranger, +there is but little doubt that he did wisely in placing a great distance +between them. + +"Well, point out the spot which you think contains the money," I said. + +"Vell, I can do that, although I'm not to be 'bused and deprived of my +supper if I don't happen to hit right." + +"You shall be treated according to your merits," cried Smith, who had +listened patiently to his woes, and was amused at his impudence. + +"Vell, if I is treated according to my merits it's all I vants, 'cos +I'se certain to get 'nuff to heat and drink without vorking very +hard--and vot can a gemman 'spect more in this vorld?" + +We returned no answer to his suggestion, and finding that we were +disposed to be serious, and not likely to stand any more of his +nonsense, he requested permission to occupy the same place where he had +secreted himself when the bushranger buried his gold; and while one of +us walked over the clearing he thought he could tell when we reached the +exact spot. He gave as a reason that he had taken the bearings of the +place by a tree which stood on a line with the bushranger while digging. + +We gratified his humor, but to prevent trickery Fred was despatched to +watch his movements and prevent escape. Steel Spring vowed and protested +that he meant honestly by us; but he was too notorious a liar to be +believed, and when he found that we would not trust him, he appeared to +be highly pleased, and considered it a proof of his sagacity and +cunning. + +We watched them as they walked to the spot which Steel Spring +indicated--a distance of nearly a quarter of a mile from the clearing; +and when the fellow announced that he was ready for the test, I slowly +passed over such portions of the ground as I thought contained the +money. + +Three or four times did I pass over the ashes where the bodies of the +dead bushrangers were burned, and yet I heard no indications from Steel +Spring. At last I set my compass, and walked in an exact south-eastern +direction, about ten paces from the location of the hut, and within a +dozen feet of the hole which we had already dug. + +"Stop," said the long-legged biped, "don't move for your life! Vait till +I comes--you've hit it for a farding." + +With springs which caused Rover to howl with jealousy, the fellow +bounded over the bushes towards us, and in a minute's time was beside +me. + +"Give me the shovel!" he cried, in an excited manner. "I is certain that +you is standing on the place." + +"Here is a shovel," said Smith, with a wink of mischief at us; "let us +see how soon you can bring the dust in sight." + +"It won't take me long, I can tell you," replied Steel Spring, throwing +out a few shovels full and then pausing to rest, as though a new thought +had entered his long head. + +"Dig away," yelled Smith, who was wielding a pickaxe with great effort. + +"I was thinkin' how much better I could direct than work," said the +cunning fellow, too lazy to dig. + +"Then stand aside and give me the shovel," cried Fred, impatiently. + +Steel Spring willingly relinquished it, and pretending that he felt +exceedingly nervous and faint, he squatted down upon the ground and +watched with eager eyes every particle of dirt that was thrown from the +hole. + +Before we got fairly to work the sun had set, and the shades of night +began to be thrown upon the dark forest of gum trees by which we were +surrounded. We had wasted so much time talking and listening to Steel +Spring, that the afternoon had passed away almost imperceptibly. To be +caught in the woods over night was a joke which we did not care about +indulging in, and we made strenuous exertions to complete our task +before darkness had entirely set in. + +Already had we piled up a large mound of earth, and excavated a hole big +enough to bury an ox, and yet nothing was to be seen of the treasure; +and as each additional shovel full of dirt was thrown up I began to grow +discouraged, and felt that I had been deceived, and almost cursed the +folly which led me to believe in the dying declaration of the +bushranger. + +"I don't see any use in digging here," said Smith, pausing, and wiping +the perspiration from his heated brow; "the dirt we are removing now has +not been disturbed since the formation of the island. If there is any +gold dust buried in this clearing, we must search in another direction." + +"But haven't I told you that you was in the right spot?" ejaculated +Steel Spring. + +"Keep your advice for those who ask it," returned Smith, bluntly, want +of success having made him cross. + +"Vell, haven't you all been haxing me, and don't I tell vere the money +is? If you 'spect to get it, you must vork." + +"Then take hold of this pickaxe, and see how you like it. Jump into the +hole without a word, or I'll help you with my heavy hand!" cried Smith, +somewhat irritated. + +Steel Spring would have hesitated, but a glance at the face of his +opponent decided him, and, with many a groan, he entered the hole and +commenced working. + +The rest of us discussed the propriety of suspending labor until +morning, as the evening was so far advanced that it was impossible to +see half a dozen yards from our faces. Fred and myself were opposed to +cessation, as we knew that we were in a dangerous part of the country, +and how soon we should be interrupted by gangs of bushrangers it was +hard to tell. The forest was full of outlaws--desperate men, who would +shed blood freely for the sake of gold or revenge, and should we be +surprised, there was no possibility of escape. + +Under these circumstances, we urged that we had better work that night, +dark as it was, than remain there two or three days, and expose our +lives needlessly. + +During the time that we were debating the question, Steel Spring was +apparently busy at work, although I noticed that he paid considerable +attention to what was going on, and listened to every word uttered with +an interest that appeared unaccountable. I thought it was from +curiosity, and did not call any one's attention to it; but when I +suggested that a small fire should be made, so that its light would +enable us to work to more purpose, to my surprise he urged the advantage +of the scheme, and was clamorous for the privilege of tending it. + +The project was dismissed as soon as formed, for I recollected that the +light of a fire would attract visitors that we were not anxious to see. + +As a last resort, however, we resolved to go over the whole ground, and +endeavor to detect the spot, by discovering if the earth had been +recently removed. + +We no longer placed confidence in the story of Steel Spring, yet we +thought it better to keep him at work in the hole, which was now even +with his neck, than permit him to mingle with us in the dark, for +somehow, we began to have strange suspicions that he was not dealing +fairly by us. + +Luckily, the sky was cloudless, and the stars shone with uncommon +brilliancy, as though the constellations wished to afford us every +facility for carrying our designs into effect. + +The clearing was sufficiently large to enable the light to penetrate the +open space, and with no other guide, we commenced striking our shovels +and picks into the earth, in hopes of reaching the right spot. + +I still clung to the idea that the money was buried under the ashes of +the burned bushrangers, and with this impression, carefully scraped them +aside, and felt with the point of my shovel, until I touched earth which +I considered had been disturbed. + +I said nothing to my companions, but worked diligently for a few +minutes, until I became convinced that the ground had been moved at no +distant day. + +Wishing to be convinced that I was on a track which corresponded with +the last words of Gulpin, I set the compass, and by the light of a +match, noted its bearing. + +The place where I had been at work bore in a south-west direction, and +on pacing off the distance where the hut stood, I found it to be exactly +ten paces. + +"Hurrah, boys!" I shouted, commencing work with renewed energy, "I think +that I have discovered the spot!" + +My comrades hurried to my side, and all of us concentrated our energies +upon that particular spot, and none worked harder than the aged convict, +who appeared, since his recovery from the effects of too intense an +application to my flask, to be desirous of making amends for his +weakness. + +"You are not vorking in the right place!" shouted Steel Spring, from his +excavation, stopping his labors to watch our movements; "you will find +nothing there, I gives you varning. Come and hassist me, and we shall +find all the gold!" + +"Cease your cries," said Smith, sternly; "do you wish to bring a band of +bushrangers upon us in this lonely spot, where they can murder us +without opposition?" + +"There's no fear of 'um," retorted the fellow, raising his voice to an +unnecessary pitch; "but listen to my varning--you'll find not a bit of +gold there." + +We paid no attention to his words, but worked with energy, and while +Smith examined with his hands every shovelful of dirt that was thrown +out, so that we should not miss any thing, Fred and myself dug along the +edges of the ground, carefully, yet rapidly. + +Still Steel Spring persisted in calling to us that we were wasting time, +and that we should find nothing; and just as he echoed his words for the +third or fourth time, my shovel struck upon some tough substance. +Breathless with hope, I stooped and felt of it with my hands, and to my +joy I discovered a small canvas bag, which appeared to be stuffed with a +heavy substance, for I found some trouble in lifting it. + +"I have found it!" I cried, so excited that I could hardly stand; +"here--feel of it, lift it, and see if its contents are not gold!" + +I was about handing the bag to Fred, when a wild, shrill scream, +apparently proceeding from our very midst, was heard, startling us by +its unnatural character. + +Fred dropped the bag, and sprang for his rifle, which was lying near +him, ready for use, while Smith and the stockman appeared paralyzed with +terror. + +"For God's sake what noise was that?" asked the stockman. + +Before we could reply, we heard an answering yell, which appeared to be +distant about a quarter of a mile, while near at hand, the rustling of +the bushes showed that either an enemy or a wild beast was regarding our +movements. + +"Who goes there?" cried Fred, bringing his rifle to his shoulder. + +There was no reply, but I thought I detected a chuckling laugh which +sounded familiar. Before I could interpose, Fred had fired at the moving +bushes, and for a brief second the clearing was lighted up with the +flash of his rifle. I glanced towards the hole in which Steel Spring had +been at work; it was empty; that notorious liar and singular genius had +made himself scarce. + +Hardly had the echo of the rifle died away, before another yell, more +searching and protracted than the first, again started our party, for it +seemed to proceed from a tree not more than a rod distant; even the +hound appeared disconcerted at the noise, and seemed undecided whether +to attack or wait for more decided manifestations. + +"God be with us," cried the stockman, suddenly grasping his +long-barrelled gun; "let us make the best of our way from the forest, or +by morning we shall not be alive." + +"Of what are you afraid?" demanded Fred. "A wolf cannot harm you, and +at the worst, a wildcat or two are no match for us well-armed men." + +"There are no wolves on the island, and wildcats are unknown," replied +the stockman, calmly. + +"Then name the animals which produced those screams," cried Fred. + +"I wish that they were animals," rejoined the stockman, "for then there +would be hope for us miserable sinners. The screams which we have heard +are produced by men bent upon destruction." + +"What do you mean?" + +"I mean that we have been duped by Steel Spring to reveal the burial +place of the treasure, and that now, in answer to his signal, a band of +murderers are already enclosing us in their meshes, and in a few +minutes, unless we act with promptness and prudence, we shall be in +their power." + +"We will sell our lives dearly, at all events," muttered Fred, "and +sooner than their blood-stained hands shall grasp this gold, we will +lose it forever." + +Again we heard a chuckling laugh amid the bushes, and angry at the +imposition of the long-legged scamp, I raised my rifle, and guided by +the noise, let drive its contents. A yell of agony, such as is often +uttered by a wounded man, met our ears, and I rejoiced to think that I +had punished his treachery. + +"God be merciful to him a sinner," exclaimed the pious old stockman. + +"You have punished him for his tricks," said Fred; but almost before he +had finished the sentence, a scream of sardonic laughter, in a different +direction, proved that he was uninjured. + +Again did we hear shrill, prolonged yells from several parts of the +forest, and from their distinctness we knew that the bands of +bushrangers, or whoever were the utterers, were gradually closing in +upon us, and to stay where we were for half an hour was certain +destruction. + +The light was not sufficient to see each other's faces, but I had but +little doubt, from the manner in which my friends grasped their weapons +and examined their contents, that they were determined to sell their +lives as dearly as possible. + +"I am an old man," sighed the stockman, "and of little use on earth, and +were I but certain that my child would be cared for, feel that I should +be content to die." + +"Die?" repeated Fred, cheerfully; "your sight is still good, and your +hand does not tremble. A bushranger at forty rods is as good as slain +when you draw a bead on him, and yet you talk of yielding up your life +because we have been caught in a trap by a crafty spy." + +"Man's destiny is like--" + +"Spare your proverbs," exclaimed Fred, impatiently, "until we are in a +place of safety. I feel like making my way out of these woods as fast as +possible, and if I have got to cut through a line of robbers I shall +leave my mark before completing the job." + +"Then let us lose no time," Smith said, speaking after a profound +silence. "I can hear the devils calling to each other as they make their +way through the forest, and if we wait for their arrival we shall be +hemmed in on every point." + +Even while Smith was speaking, we could hear the calls of Steel Spring, +repeated in rapid succession, as though urging his comrades to renewed +exertion. I raised the heavy bag of gold to my shoulder, and away we +went, tramping through the bushes, stumbling over decayed trees, and +bumping heavily against growing ones. Every few minutes we halted and +listened attentively; yet strange to say, not a sound was to be heard +except quick breathing and beating of hearts. The stillness seemed worse +than the noise, for during the latter we were enabled to define the +position of our opponents, and knew that they were at arm's length; but +now, when every thing was quiet around us, we knew not but our next step +might bring us under their fire, and then farewell to life and fortune. + +"Forward," whispered Fred; and on we struggled, the forest apparently +growing more dense at every step, and at length we seemed so surrounded +with impenetrable thickets that we were obliged to halt and consult as +to the best route to the team, which we were anxious to reach. + +Suddenly the cracking of a twig beneath the foot of a man who appeared +to be making his way in the direction from which we came, started us. +Rover uttered a short growl, and would have sprung upon him, but Fred +held the brute with hands of iron and whispered a word of caution, and +then the dog became mute as stone. + +The invisible robber continued on his way towards the clearing, passing +so near us that it seemed as though we might have touched him, had we +been so disposed. He evidently was on the lookout for our party, for he +would stop and listen attentively, and then proceed with careful and +certain steps. + +We waited until he was beyond hearing, and then extricated ourselves +from the thicket and continued our course. For more than two hours we +toiled and worked, until at length we saw an opening through the trees. +With eager but careful steps we moved towards it, thinking that the +worst part of our expedition was over, and I was just about to throw the +gold to the earth and thank God for our escape, when I looked up and saw +that we were at the very point from whence we started--that we were +standing on the edge of the clearing, and that directly in front of us +were twenty or thirty bushrangers, with levelled muskets, evidently +taking our bearing with great familiarity. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVII. + +CAPTURE OF ALL HANDS, BY THE BUSHRANGERS. + + +There was no time to retreat, had we been so disposed; and though Fred's +rifle flew to his shoulder with the quickness of thought, he apparently +considered it better policy not to commence hostilities until the +bushrangers showed their disposition. + +Fighting was not to be thought of; for who would think of taking part +in a struggle when eighteen or twenty guns were aimed, and ready to be +discharged upon the least sign of resistance. + +There was one thing which I had the presence of mind to do. I stepped +quietly behind the stockman and Smith, and dropped the bag of gold +amidst a thicket of bushes, and I inwardly prayed that whatever might be +our fate, the robbers would not get sight of the treasure. + +"Do you surrender?" asked a voice; and following the bushranger's words, +we could hear the ominous clink of the muskets as they were brought to +their shoulders. + +"What promises do you make us?" replied Fred, undaunted. + +"What do you wish us to promise?" continued the bushranger. + +"Our lives and arms." + +"Our promises are easily broken. Why do you request mercy at the hands +of bushrangers?" + +"Because, in this case, if we do not obtain your most solemn pledge that +our lives shall be spared, we will die with our rifles in our hands. I +need not tell you that when we aim, we do so with the intention to +kill." + +The bushrangers whispered together for a few minutes, and from their +eagerness we could see that a large majority of the men were in favor of +complying with Fred's request. Once or twice we heard the word "gold" +mentioned, as though that was the chief theme of their discussion. +Presently the whispering ceased, and the man who appeared to be the +leader of the band again spoke:-- + +"I have talked with my men, and they are willing to comply with your +desire, provided you will deliver to us the gold which you found buried +in this clearing." + +"As for the gold," returned Fred, "we dropped it some time ago, and you +are welcome to it if it can be found." + +"Then lay down your arms and step towards us. We are not to be taken by +surprise, having heard of your Yankee tricks." + +"We had better trust to darkness and our guns," muttered the old +stockman; but his warning was too late, for Fred advanced towards the +bushrangers and placed his rifle in their hands, and with a sigh I +followed his example. + +"Come!" shouted the leader, his voice growing harsher as the disarming +proceeded--"there are two more of 'em; hurry up, and don't keep us +waiting too long." + +"I make the third," said Smith, handing in his double barrelled gun. + +"Ha, driver, are you here?" laughed the ruffian, as his eyes fell upon +Smith's burly form. "You had better have stuck to the teaming business +than digging up dead men's gold--I think you would have found it more +profitable and less dangerous." + +"There is where we differ in opinion, Sam Nosey," replied Smith, quite +coolly. "I work at any kind of business where I think I can make an +honest shilling, and don't see but this expedition comes under the head +of regular trade. At the edge of the wood you will find my team and two +pair of good oxen, with a bottle of brandy such as you have not tasted +for many a day." + +"You mean that I would have found things as you describe, an hour or two +ago; but the fact is, my men were hungry; so two of your cattle were +knocked in the head, and a right jolly feed we had, I assure you." + +"I wish they had been so tough that their flesh would have choked you," +was the unsatisfactory exclamation of the stout-hearted Smith. + +"Your wish is unkind, considering the favor which we intend to show +you," sneered the bushranger captain. + +Smith uttered an oath, and I thought, that in spite of the number around +us, he would make a push for freedom; but after glancing around and +seeing that his intention was anticipated, and that the crowd had +enclosed us in a circle, he gave up the idea. + +"There is one prisoner missing--where is he?" demanded the chief, +abruptly. + +"There's no other to be seen," cried half a dozen voices. + +"Fools! why do you talk in that way? The old stockman is one of the +party, for I saw him not more than five minutes ago. Bring him out of +the bushes and let us see if his hair has grown any whiter since the +time he shot at me for killing a lamb. I have an account to settle with +him." + +"He has made his escape, for no one is to be seen," cried the men, after +searching for a few minutes. + +"It can't be, for only a moment ago I saw him mumbling prayers and +hoping that his life would be spared. Fire the pile of brush, call in +the scouts, and let me hear their report." + +As the chief spoke, a huge pile of brush was fired, which illuminated +the open space and cast a bright glare upon the faces of those present. +Involuntarily, I looked at the person of the man who appeared to hold +such despotic sway over his followers, and I shuddered while I gazed, +for a more horrible face I never saw, except in my dreams. + +His cheeks were seared until the flesh appeared livid and raw, and I +expected to see blood trickle from the half-healed wounds. His eyes were +large and glaring, being entirely unprotected by eyelashes, and as for +eyebrows, they seemed to be eaten away and destroyed. The fellow's nose, +however, was the most disgusting part of his face; for the nasal organ +was entirely gone, and nothing was to be seen excepting two small holes +which led to the chambers of the head. + +I understood the reason that he was nicknamed Nosey, without asking a +question, but it was not until some days after that I learned how he +came to be so badly disfigured. + +Charles Bowen, alias Nosey, was sentenced to transportation for +twenty-five years for appropriating about ten thousand pounds to his own +use by means of a forged will. He was a man of a good education, and +withal shrewd and unscrupulous; but sharp as he was, it did not prevent +his getting convicted and sentenced--and from the time that he stepped +foot on board of the transport he began his career of defying officers +and all wholesome discipline. + +One day he attacked an assistant surgeon, who was attached to the +vessel, and the doctor repelled him by hurling a bottle of oil of +vitriol at his head. Bowen closed his eyes when he saw that the liquid +was about to strike his face, and by resolutely keeping them closed +until the powerful acid was cleaned from his flesh, managed to save +them, and then the surgeons of the ship commenced and arrested the +progress of the vitriol, and preserved his life; but not until the +fellow's nose was entirely gone, and his eyebrows and cheeks nearly +eaten away. + +A more hideous-looking wretch, as he stood by the blazing pile of brush, +I never saw; and it appeared to me that he gloried in his deformity, for +he rolled his glaring eyes at me, and chuckled immensely when he saw +that I regarded him rather closely. + +"The stockman has given us the go-by," said one of the gang, returning +from his pursuit of the old convict. + +"Have you examined every bush and tree between this and the prairie?" +asked the chief. + +"As well as we can in the darkness," was the answer. + +"Return to the woods, and don't allow a space as large as a man's body +to escape inspection. Away with you--our triumph is not complete without +the head of the old shepherd." + +"I can find nothing of the gold," said a voice that I had heard before, +and looking up I saw our treacherous companion, Steel Spring. + +The fellow regarded me with a sly grin, and winked his eye as he pointed +to the deep hole where he had labored when we discovered the treasure. + +A frightful expression came over the robber's face as he heard the +report. His staring eyes seemed to become injected with blood, and the +scars on his countenance turned to a more livid hue. + +"Where have you secreted the gold?" he asked, with a voice trembling +with passion. + +"What gold?" I demanded, indifferently. + +"The gold which Jim Gulpin buried here. You know what I mean; and let me +tell you that a civil and correct answer will stand your friend, just at +this time. You have no police to fall back upon, and if I but give the +word, your lives are not worth a farthing." + +"It is true, we were after the gold, but what evidence have you that we +found it?" I demanded. + +"The evidence of the man who has been on your track ever since you +entered the forest--saw you remove the sack, and then saw you attempt to +escape with your plunder. Come here, Steel Spring." + +The long, lank, lying wretch came at the call of his commander, and with +a gracious nod towards us, stood ready to answer any questions. + +"At what time did you give the signal, Steel Spring?" + +"The hinstant that I sees they had got the money. I didn't know vether +you had returned from the trip vich you vas to make, but I vas +determined to try the signal agreed upon, and to my great joy, I heard +you hanswer the first time I calls." + +"And you saw them remove the sack?" demanded the chief. + +"Yes, hindeed I did; and 'cos I calls to you, these fellows fires at me, +but they vas not quick enough for Steel Spring." + +"You hear what my man says; you were seen to take the gold. Yield it to +us, and go, and the devil go with you, for all I care; but deprive us of +it, and to-morrow's sun shall not see you alive." + +Fred, Smith, and myself held a whispered conversation for a few minutes, +and concluded that it was better to give up the money and save our +lives, and trust to chance to recover the treasure. + +"Have you decided?" asked the chief, his voice growing more rough at +each moment's delay. "We have." + +"Enough; lead us to the spot where it is secreted." + +"You have but a few steps to go," I said, as I motioned for the +bushrangers to stand one side and allow me to approach the spot where I +had dropped the bag. + +"Let him pass!" exclaimed the robber; and, obedient to his word, the +gang stepped aside, but closed in upon me, so that I had no chance to +escape, even had I been so disposed. + +"You will find the gold there," I said, pointing to the spot where I had +dropped the sack. + +Half a dozen arms were thrust eagerly forth, and searched amidst the +rank grass and stunted bushes. Suddenly, one of the men uttered an +exclamation and sprang back, holding aloft his hand, upon a finger of +which was fastened a deadly snake, of a pale orange hue, with a fine +ring of black around its neck. + +With oaths, and cries of terror, the robbers sought to escape from the +vicinity of their companion, who, with yells such as I thought no mortal +man capable of uttering, endeavored to unfasten the firm grip of the +adder's teeth. + +We could have escaped at that time, and no one would have thought of +pursuit, so busy were the gang in regarding the contortions of the +wretch, who rushed wildly back and forth, begging, cursing, and praying +in one breath. + +Once I thought of starting alone, after vainly endeavoring to attract +the attention of Fred and Smith; but I considered how cowardly it would +be to desert my friends, and banished the idea, unless we could all go +together. + +"Will no one save me?" shrieked the wretch, running first to one and +then another of his comrades; but as fast as he approached them, they +would retreat, and hurl imprecations at his head for seeking to bring +destruction upon themselves. + +"Curse you all for a pack of cowards!" he yelled; "may you all die by +the hands of a hangman! Will no one save me? Will no one relieve me of +this cursed snake?" + +"Hold your hand still, for a moment," cried Fred, suddenly starting +forward, and picking up a bowie knife, which one of the men had dropped +in his terror. + +The poor fellow sought to obey, but his fright was too great; and as the +adder curled its tail over his arm, without relinquishing its hold, he +endeavored to shake it off, and succeeded so far as the tail was +concerned, but the jaws were too firmly clinched to be made to let go so +easily. + +Fred's eye was quick, and his hand steady, and as the snake hung full +length, pendent from the finger, he struck at it with the knife and +severed it in two parts. The tail fell to the ground and wound itself +into knots, but the jaws did not relinquish their hold until the last +drop of blood had drained from the trunk, when, with an expiring gasp, +the teeth were unlocked, and the robber's finger was free. + +Stout-hearted as the fellow undoubtedly was, he no sooner saw that the +reptile was dead than he fell to the ground in a fit. Foam issued from +his mouth, and by the light of the fire I saw that the poison was +already performing its work, and that it was mixing with his blood and +coursing through his veins with the speed of thought. His face grew +black and commenced swelling rapidly, and all the medical science in the +world would have been unable to give him an hour's life. + +"Can you do any thing for him?" asked the chief, turning to us. + +We replied in the negative. + +"Then let him die where he is, and one of you take a torch and find the +money. Be careful; there may be more snakes in the grass." + +The men obeyed the heartless speech, and forsook the writhing wretch to +look for the gold. + +"There is nothing here!" they cried, in chorus. + +"I put the bag there but a moment ago," I replied. + +"You lie!" roared the chief; "you are deceiving us, and think to escape +with life, and pocket your stealing. I tell you, if the money is not +forthcoming, I'll hang you like dogs. Tie them up and lash them to a +tree; I will give them a short time to think the matter over." + +The robbers threw themselves upon us and bound our arms, in spite of +resistance, and with an expedition that proved they were experts in the +matter; we were then fastened to trees, and taunted with our +instrumentality in destroying the gangs of Darnley and Gulpin. + +Luckily, Fred and myself were fastened to the same tree, so that we +could condole with each other in our misfortunes. This was the hardest +situation in which we had ever been placed, and yet we felt no fear of +immediate death, although we knew that an injudicious word would seal +our doom without a moment's delay. + +"Where can the money have gone to?" whispered Fred. + +"I know not," I replied; "you saw me throw it amidst the bushes, and +yet, now, it cannot be found." + +"One of the gang must have watched our movements, and, during the +confusion, moved the bag to another place." + +As Fred ceased speaking, the dying man, who was lying at our feet, +raised his head, and sought to get up; the effort was unsuccessful, and, +with a groan of agony, he fell back and called in feeble tones for +water. + +"Water," he cried; "for the love of mercy, give me a drink of water; I +feel as though I was burning to death. My mouth is parched, and my +tongue swollen to an unnatural size." + +"Give him a drink, one of you," grunted the chief. "It's probably the +last one he will ever ask for." + +"Don't say that," exclaimed the snake-bitten man, struggling to rise. "I +am not going to die just yet, I can tell you. I have not half revenged +myself upon those who injured me." + +"Live, and be hanged, if you can," retorted the chief, coolly, seating +himself upon a log, and lighting his pipe; "I don't hinder you from +getting well, do I?" + +"No, no. Nosey, I know that you would rather assist me," said the man, +with a faint attempt at a smile, but it was soon banished from his face, +and then he again sought to rise, but without success. + +The poison was spreading swiftly through his veins, and we could almost +see his body swell, so rapidly was it bloating him. He had unbuttoned +the wristbands and collar of his shirt, for the pain was too great to +keep them fastened; and as he lay at our feet a spectacle too dreadful +to be looked upon without pity, we wished that we had the means to save +a life that had been passed regardless of laws or man. + +"If one of you fellers are acquainted with a prayer or two, p'raps it +would be well to mutter it over the poor devil, so that his soul may not +be snatched by the evil one as soon as it leaves his body," said a +bushranger of grim aspect, speaking to Fred and myself. + +"I will willingly do all that I can to comfort the dying man," I +replied; "but first I want my arms untied, so that I can hear his last +words." + +"Well, that's only asking for a reasonable thing, and hang me if I won't +risk it," replied the grizzly robber, proceeding to untie my hands. + +"Hullo," shouted the chief, "what are you about?" + +"I'm going to let this feller confess Ben, 'cos I believe he's half +priest or parson, and I think it's hard if a man can't have a little +religion occasionally." + +"Tie the prisoner up again," said Nosey, sternly, laying his hand +carelessly upon a pistol which was stuck in his belt. + +"Shan't do any thing of the kind," replied the robber, firmly. "Old Ben +is going to die, and he wants religion before he starts. I'm not the one +to refuse him." + +"Once more I tell you to make the prisoner fast to the tree," cried +Nosey, drawing the pistol and cocking it. + +"Look a-here--is that your game?" demanded the humane robber; "let me +tell you that you had better put up the barker, 'cos I've got one that +can speak when it's told to." + +The old bushranger drew a pistol and held it in his hand for a moment, +and then, turning to his companions, said,-- + +"You ain't going to see me shot 'cos I want to 'friend as good a man as +was ever transported? How do we know how soon we may want a prayer or +two to help fix things up in the other world." + +"Let him have the prayers," muttered the gang, with one accord. "What +harm can they do?" + +Thus backed up, the old robber, who had formerly been a sailor, +continued to unbind my hands, while Nosey replaced his pistol without +further remonstrance. + +I knelt by the side of the dying man, but he was past consciousness, and +no longer appeared to heed what was going on around. His tongue had +swollen to such an extent that his jaws were open to their fullest +width, and it was impossible to close them. His eyes were set and nearly +concealed in their sockets, so rapidly had his face bloated from the +effects of the poisonous virus that was coursing through his veins. + +I spoke to him, but he did not heed me, and in answer to the robbers' +questions, I predicted his speedy death. They received the news with +great coolness, and fell back to their old occupation of smoking pipes, +leaving me alone with the body. + +For a few minutes I sat there endeavoring to relieve the poor fellow's +sufferings by welting his lips with water, and while I was thus engaged +I was startled by hearing a slight rustling in the bushes; I looked up, +thinking that the companion of the dead snake was about to visit us in +search of its mate, and as I did so, I caught a glimpse of the wrinkled +face of the stockman. I did not start or manifest symptoms of surprise, +for I had lived too long in a country where Indians were my nearest +neighbors to allow such an emotion to be observed. I continued my +occupation, therefore, and while I kept my eyes on the hiding-place of +the convict, I did not neglect to note the movements of the bushrangers, +who were grouped around the fire, and wholly unsuspicious of the +presence of their most deadly enemy. + +"Hist!" said the stockman, after successfully imitating the singing of a +cricket to attract my attention. + +I turned my head towards him, but I still pretended to be busy attending +to the wants of the dying man. + +"Cut Smith and your friend loose, and then stand ready to aid us in +striking a blow. Be cautious, and not a word." + +I was left in wonder, for the head disappeared so quietly, it was only +by a slight rustling of dried leaves that I knew the stockman was +working his form through the bushes to rejoin whomever he had enlisted +to assist him. + +I puzzled my head for a few minutes, trying to think who was near at +hand, but it was in vain; and I at length concluded that a passing train +of miners had volunteered, under a promise of a large reward, which now +I had not the means of paying. I tried to invent excuses for the purpose +of approaching Fred, and at length I hit upon a plan. + +"I think," I said, speaking to the old sailor, "that I might relieve the +man's sufferings were I to bleed him." + +"Go ahead, then, matey," he answered, with a nod of his head. + +"Let me see," I said, feeling in my pockets; "I believe that my friend +has my lancet. Will you get it, or shall I?" + +"Get it," he replied, mechanically, not even taking his pipe from his +mouth to answer. + +I had carefully secreted a knife which I had found upon the person of +the bushranger, and with it I cut Fred's bonds, whispering words of +caution as I did so. + +"I haven't got the lancet," cried Fred, with a sudden shake, as though +to prevent me from searching his pockets. "You know that I gave it to +Smith." + +"I'm sure that you didn't," Smith said, surprised at Fred's assertion. +Before he could utter further remonstrance I had severed his bonds and +repeated my words of caution. + +"Are you ready?" I heard a voice whisper close behind me. + +I glanced to the spot where the rifles were lying, and then surveyed the +bushrangers, as they lay stretched out before the fire, perfectly +unconscious that we were plotting their destruction. + +"All ready," I responded, making a signal to Fred to be on the alert. + +"Stoop down a little," was the whispered injunction. I obeyed the order, +and no sooner did I bow my head than the bushes appeared to be +illuminated with a sheet of flame. A roar of musketry that seemed to +shake the forest followed the flash, and over my head I could hear the +bullets whiz as they sped on their errand of death. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVIII. + +OPPORTUNE ARRIVAL OF LIEUTENANT MURDEN AND HIS FORCE, ROUT OF THE +BUSHRANGERS. + + +I heard a wild yell, such as men utter when taken by surprise--I heard +groans and curses, and then, loud above all, arose a cheer which could +only have proceeded from men who had some great matter at stake, and +were determined to fight to the last for victory. + +Through the smoke, which slowly drifted over the clearing, I saw half a +dozen robbers spring to their feet and fall headlong, like logs, to the +ground, and by the light of the still blazing fire I observed the +astonishment depicted upon the faces of the bushrangers as they looked +in the direction from whence the discharge proceeded, and stumbled over +each other on their way towards the spot where their arms were stacked. + +All this I observed in a few seconds' time, but before I could start to +my feet, wondering who were the attacking party, I heard the voice of +the old convict, shrill and wild, shout out a quotation from the Bible, +and conclude with one of his semi-religious, fanatical expressions. + +"May the God of my fathers," he exclaimed, "forgive me for killing the +devils, but I couldn't help it." + +"Charge, men!" cried a manly voice that I thought I knew. + +A wild cheer arose that shook the very forest, and through the bushes +came the regular tramp of disciplined men. I caught sight of the old +familiar blue uniform, and one glance at the leader of the force was +sufficient. I saw my old friend, Lieutenant Murden, and a strong squad +of Melbourne police at his back. + +I sprang to my feet and cheered lustily, and then grasped the first +weapon that I could find, and joined their ranks. I saw that Fred and +Smith were with me, and like eagles we swept down upon our prey. + +A hasty discharge greeted us, and one man fell badly wounded, but we had +no time to pause to administer to his relief. On we rushed where the +bushrangers were endeavoring to make a stand, and were calling upon each +other to fight to the last. Even Nosey was evidently determined to +sustain his great reputation and die facing his enemies; but as we +advanced upon a run we delivered our fire and tumbled over two or three +others, and that, with the complete surprise which had been gained over +them, completed their confusion. They broke, and dashed into the woods, +but not before half of their number was placed _hors du combat_, and +amidst them, stretched upon the ground bleeding from two bad wounds, was +the old sailor who had released me. + +"No mercy--kill the accursed dogs," roared the stockman, swinging his +long gun over his head, and dashing after a young fellow who had fought +desperately, but now sought to escape. + +"Come back," shouted Murden, in a voice of thunder. "Venture beyond the +edge of this clearing, and your life is not worth a sixpence. The +bushrangers know every turn of the woods, and are already in ambush, +waiting for victims. Extinguish that fire, men, as soon as possible, and +don't too many of you venture near it until it is smothered." + +"You are the last man that I expected to see to-night, Murden," I said, +grasping his hand with a pressure that expressed my gratitude at his +arrival. + +"Well, to tell you the truth," he replied, "I must say that three hours +ago I had no idea of shaking hands with old friends. But let me station +the men to prevent a surprise, for I shall have to stop here all night, +as the risk is too great trying to reach the prairie until morning, and +then we will compare notes. I see that you are well, and that is all +that I care about now. Even Smith has not lost an ounce of flesh since +our last meeting." + +"I may not have lost flesh, but my worriment of mind for the last few +hours has been awful," replied the teamster, with a grin of satisfaction +at his escape. + +"A few hours' sleep will restore you," cried the lieutenant, pleasantly. + +By this time the police had extinguished the fire, which was burning too +brightly for safety. The half-consumed logs were thrown aside to +smoulder and die out, and dirt thrown upon the coals to extinguish their +brightness. + +"Maurice," called the lieutenant, speaking to his old orderly, "station +four men at different quarters, and tell them to give an alarm if they +but hear a stick move. The bushrangers have not gone far, I warrant you, +and perhaps they will beat up our quarters before morning." + +"Yes, sir," promptly replied the policeman. + +"How many of our force are wounded?" the officer asked. + +"Sam, sir, has got a shot in his thigh, and the blood flows pretty fast +from the wound. I have tied it up as well as possible." + +"I will go and attend on him, and see what can be done for his relief;" +and the lieutenant started at a brisk pace towards where the injured man +was lying. + +"Well, Sam, how do you feel?" inquired Murden. + +"Weak from the loss of blood, sir, but I think that I shall get over +it." + +"Get over it?" repeated Murden, in pretended surprise, "of course you +will. I don't want to lose the best fighting man that I have got in my +troop. When we get back to Melbourne you can go into hospital quarters +if you wish to, but not for any length of time. I cannot spare you many +weeks, Sam." + +"I'm glad to hear it, sir," replied the policeman, in a tone of voice +that showed how pleased he was. "Did you see how I brought the fellow +down who was aiming at us?" + +"Of course I did. I knew the instant you sighted him that he was a dead +robber. But don't talk any more. I will have a torch lighted, even if it +brings the devils upon us, and by its light I will bind up your wound so +that you will feel quite nicely by morning." + +One of the men brought a lighted limb of a gum tree, and by it Murden +examined the wound, which seemed quite severe, although he did not say +so. After he had applied some balsam which he carried in a case in his +pocket, he re-bound the leg, and then ordered the torch to be +extinguished. + +"The poor fellow cannot live until morning," whispered Murden, as we +walked one side. "The main artery of his leg is cut, and he is slowly +bleeding to death." + +"What are we to do with these wounded men, sir?" asked Maurice, after he +had stationed the guard. + +"What can we do with them? We have neither wine, nor water, nor medicine +to bestow. But not to let them think we are cruel, call the wounded and +find out how many there are, and tell them that in the morning we will +attend to their wants, as far as we are able." + +"Where is the old stockman?" I asked, not recollecting seeing him since +the fight was over. + +Word was passed for him, but every one declared that he had not been +seen since the moment when Murden recalled him from the pursuit of the +rangers. + +"Let him go," said the officer; "he is perfectly able to take care of +himself, and I have no doubt that he has a project in his head." + +"But how in the name of humanity did he manage to find you at such a +favorable moment?" + +"That is easily explained," Murden replied. "I left Melbourne two days +since in pursuit of a man who has been committing murder in the city. He +started for the Ballarat diggings, and I have been on his trail until +this noon, when I lost it, and had good reason to believe that he had +cut across the country, intending to join a gang of bushrangers, +secreted in the forest. I thought that I should get information from the +old stockman; so I concluded to ride to his hut. + +"To my surprise I saw that your horses were confined in the cattle pen, +and after frightening the old fellow's daughter almost to death, I +learned from her that you had been gone for two days on some kind of +treasure seeking, in which her father was to take the lead and point out +the money. I feared that, you had got caught in some kind of a trap, set +by the frequenters of these woods; so I determined, as I was no longer +on the trail of the murderer, to take a look at your operations, and, if +possible, lend a hand in getting the gold." + +Murden laughed when he spoke of the treasure, and we almost feared that +he suspected us of keeping the secret from him. + +"But where did you meet the stockman?" we asked. + +"I am coming to the point of my narrative. We halted barely long enough +to water the animals, and get something to eat--in the latter, let me +assure you, the woman was pleased to lend her aid, and supplied us with +meat enough to feed a regiment; and when I told her that we did not need +so much, she begged that we would take what we did not want to her +father and Mr. Smith." + +"To whom?" we asked, astonished. + +"To Mr. Smith," replied Murden, gravely. + +"Ho, ho, Smith!" we cried, "you have, it seems, been making a conquest, +and now, for the first time, we are to hear of it." + +"I assure you," stammered Smith, "I had no idea that--" + +"How long has it been going on, Smith?" we cried. + +"There is nothing in it, I assure you; I never said much to her, any +way, and what few compliments I have paid her, are in fact--" + +"Intended to mean nothing. Very well, Mr. Smith, I shall take care to +put the lady on her guard, the next time I see her," said Murden, +pretending to be serious. + +"No, don't do that," cried Smith in alarm, "because I don't know but I +shall marry her, yet." + +"Ah, if that is the case, I'll not interfere on any account. But +remember, I'm to be asked to the wedding." + +"I'll not forget," Smith said; and after that affair was satisfactorily +concluded, Murden went on with his story. + +"I accepted of her offering, and agreed to convey a portion of a baked +lamb to her friend Mr. Smith, and I am bound to say that neither of you +gentlemen was mentioned in connection with the affair. It was near dark, +when we replaced our saddles upon our animals, and started across the +prairie, but before we were half way to the woods, the last glimmer of +twilight had faded out, and we were obliged to continue our journey by +guess work, for no beaten trail leads across the plain. + +"When we were within a mile or two of the secret path, I saw an object +that looked to me like a kangaroo, on the prairie, so swiftly did it +run. Not feeling perfectly convinced that such was the case, I called my +men's attention to it, and one, who has sharper eyes than the rest of +us, declared that what I took to be an animal, was a good-sized man, who +appeared to be making the best of his way across the plain. + +"I started in pursuit, and called once or twice to him to stop, but not +until I had nearly rode him down, did he come to a stand still, and to +my surprise, I found that I had come very near ending the days of the +old stockman. + +"A few questions and a few answers were all that I required to +understand the case. I instantly mounted the old fellow behind one of my +men, and at a gallop I dashed towards the woods, which I had no sooner +gained, than I sent three of my men back to the hut with the horses, and +ordered them not to come near us until after sunrise in the morning. + +"Here commenced the most difficult part of our undertaking, as we deemed +it best to take the robbers by surprise, and exterminate the gang, if +possible. The old stockman undertook to pilot us through the woods, and +the manner in which we crept to within a few feet of you without making +any noise, shows that he performed his part with great success. + +"The large number of bushrangers assembled, astonished me. I found that +my force contained only one half as many as they did, yet I had no idea +of not attacking. Desperate as I knew the robbers were, I thought they +would yield upon being taken by surprise. My expectations were not +disappointed; they did fly, and left one half of their force upon the +ground." + +"We thank you, heartily, for the trouble and danger which you +experienced in saving our lives, for I have serious doubts whether +to-morrow would have seen us alive," Fred said, shaking hands with +Murden, at the conclusion of the latter's account. + +"Say no more, my dear boy, for I know that you would have come to my +assistance as soon as I did to yours. But about this treasure; I see +that you have been digging; have you found any thing yet?" + +Before we had time to answer that question, Maurice called the officer's +attention, and relieved us of a reply. + +"If you please, sir, there's a dog out here at the edge of the clearing, +and he's got a bushranger down, and has had him there ever since they +run for their lives. The animal won't let one of us come near him, and +threatens the throat of the robber, every time he offers to move. I +can't tell, in the dark, what kind of a dog he is, but I think it's the +one the gentlemen own." + +"Poor Rover, I have missed him for an hour or two. Let us go and see +whom he has taken as prisoner," I said. + +We followed Maurice to the spot, and found Rover standing sentry over a +prisoner, whose slightest motion caused a growl of warning. I called off +the dog, and ordered the fellow to get up, so that we could see who he +was. + +"Vell, of all the games that I ever seed, this is a beater!" cried a man +whose voice was familiar to me. + +"Ah, Mr. Steel Spring," said Fred, seizing the individual by the collar; +"we have you in our power again." + +"Vell, if I haint thankful to think that I've hescaped from them ere +villains, and got into decent company again. I 'ave trembled at the +profanity of the brutes, and feared for my life ever since I've been +with 'em." + +"Do you think, you long-legged wretch, that you can impose upon us for +the second time? Do you suppose that after betraying us into the hands +of your companions you are to be spared?" we demanded, indignantly. + +"Vell, 'ere's a go. All through my life I 'ave been suspected vithout +cause. Fust, I'm cast hoff by my hungrateful parents, and left to seek +my living, and artervords I'm made a fool of, and gets transported, and +now the very coves vot I thought friends, turns agin me. Vot a vorld +this is!" + +"Why, you hypocritical rascal, did you not first deceive us by saying +that there were no bands of bushrangers in the woods, and while we were +digging did you not raise an alarm which brought upon us Nosey and all +of his gang?" + +"Ha, ha!" roared Steel Spring; "vot a funny man that Nosey is! so +handsome, too!" + +"You rascal, you will laugh differently in a few minutes. Lieutenant, +let him be tied to a tree, and give him a few dozen across his bare +back." + +"No, don't do that," cried the fellow, in some alarm. "I never could +stand a flogging, and my proud spirit vill break if I get's one." + +"Tie him up, Maurice," said Murden, coolly. "I recollect the fellow, and +a bigger decoy rogue does not exist in the country. He will lie by the +rule of three, and then retract all that he has said, without the least +regard for himself or others. I have heard of him a number of times, and +now think that I shall live to see him punished." + +"I 'opes you vill live a thousand years, lieutenant, but I also 'opes +you'll not joke over my misfortunes. I've 'elped the gentlemen, and now +I'm to be punished for it." + +"Tie him up, Maurice, and use your sword belt over his back until I tell +you to stop," repeated Murden. "I owe him a flogging for the manner in +which he sent me on a wrong scent once." + +'"On my vord ov 'onor, sir, I didn't do so on purpose. I afterwards +found that I vas wrong, and run after you to put you right, but you'd +gone, and I couldn't find you." + +"Lies will not answer your purpose, you long-legged scamp. I'll flog you +now, and then carry you to Melbourne in triumph." + +The fellow uttered a dozen excuses, but they did not avail him, and in +spite of his resistance two or three of the men dragged him to a tree, +and fastened his hands with their sword belts. Steel Spring called on +all the saints to prove that he was innocent of trickery, and when the +strong arm of Maurice, wielding a stout belt, descended upon his +shoulders, his entreaties were pitiful. + +"That's blow number one," cried Murden. "Go on, Maurice." + +"Stop--for God's sake, stop," he yelled. "I vill tell all that I know, +and more too, if you will let me go." + +"Who killed and robbed those two miners on their way to Melbourne this +spring?" asked the officer, motioning the policeman to suspend his +punishment. + +"Do you mean the two men near the muddy brook, or on the Ballarat Road?" +inquired Steel Spring. + +"The two last," replied Murden. + +"Vell, don't strike, 'cos it hurts like thunder, and I don't mind +telling you all about it. You see Nosey heard that they'd got the dust +vid 'em; so I was sent to talk vid 'em and find out how much they had, +and get 'em to stop in a convenient place; and then Nosey and two others +comes up and pretends to be going our vay, and ven a good chance +occurred the miners vere knocked in their heads, and Nosey took the dust +and divided it around, but I didn't get any." + +"Give him another cut, Maurice, for telling the last lie," cried Murden, +coolly. + +"Don't do that," shouted the long-legged wretch, as the blow fell with +awful distinctness upon his back. "Darn it all, you hurt." + +"I intended that the blow should," replied Maurice, making preparations +to repeat it. + +"Don't strike, for God's sake don't. I'll tell the truth this time," he +yelled. + +"How much money did the men have, and what was your share?" repeated +Murden. + +"I don't know how much they had, but I does know that I got a hundred +pounds for my share in the affair. But I didn't kill the men. 'Pon honor +I didn't" + +"I believe you on that point. Wait a moment, Maurice; I have another +question or two." + +"I vish that you'd let me hanser 'em vithout bein' tied up," groaned the +wretch. + +"What became of that young girl who was on her way with a party of +friends to join her father at Ballarat, and who was carried off by a +gang of bushrangers?" questioned the lieutenant. + +"She's dead," replied Steel Spring, dropping his voice and looking +around anxiously, as though fearful he should see her ghost in the +darkness. + +"Who claimed her as a prize?" + +"Nosey took charge of her, and threatened to kill any one vot spoke to +her; but I believe that she got a knife and stabbed herself, sooner than +submit to his vishes." + +"This is horrid," I said, hardly knowing whether to believe all that I +heard, or consider it the effect of imagination. + +"Nevertheless, it is true. You have never heard all the cruelties that +the gangs commit; if you had you would be ready to exclaim, Give them no +quarter, for they deserve none!" + +"Now that I've hanswered all you vant to know, you von't vip me any +more, vill you?" + +Murden was about to speak, but just then a new subject engrossed his +attention, and he had no longer an opportunity to inflict chastisement +upon the begging wretch. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIX. + +REVENGE OF THE BUSHRANGERS.--FIRING OF THE FOREST. + + +The punishment of Steel Spring was suspended, and the stout sword belt +remained in the hands of Maurice, inactive, while all eyes were directed +towards the heavens, from whence a bright light proceeded, which +illuminated the open space where we stood, so that even the ghastly +faces of the dead and dying could be observed with awful distinctness. + +For a few minutes' time, even the busy tongue of Steel Spring ceased to +wag and each turned to the other, and asked the reason of such a bright +light at that time and place. + +"I think it's the moon just rising," one of the men ventured to say. + +"There's no moon to-night," was the brief rejoinder. + +"Then what is the meaning of the light?" was the inquiry; but no one +seemed to fathom it. + +Presently a few clouds passed over the heavens, and then we smelled +smoke, of which they seemed composed. + +"The bushrangers can't have set fire to the stockman's hut, can they?" +asked Murden. + +"They could not have crossed the prairie so soon, and the distance is +too great to allow of such a reflection," was my answer. + +"Hark, I hear the cracking of bushes," said Fred; "some one is +approaching us." + +"Look to your guns, men," called out Murden; "we do not know but this +may be a device of the robbers to get a glimpse of us." + +The policemen cocked their carbines, and sheltered their forms from the +bright light behind trees and bushes. + +We heard the quick panting of a person who appeared to make his way +through the bushes with difficulty, and the next moment the old convict +sprang into the clearing, trembling with fatigue and agitation. + +"You are all lost," he shouted, sinking upon the ground, wringing his +aged hands, and rocking his body to and fro. + +"What do you mean, man?" demanded the lieutenant, sternly. + +"I mean that there is no chance to escape--_the bushrangers have fired +the forest!_" + +I felt the blood at my heart grow cold, for too well did I know the +import of those dreadful words. + +"How do you know this?" asked Murden, calmly. + +"I followed the bushrangers when they fled, and mixed with them and +talked with them, without being discovered. They discussed a plan for +being revenged upon you and your men. They did not dare attack you, +openly, after you caused the fire to be extinguished; so that Satan upon +earth, Nosey, suggested that the forest should be fired at three +different places, and that you would seek to escape from the flames by +going in an opposite direction." + +"And what will prevent us?" asked Murden, glancing his eyes over his +men, who were listening in silence to the revelation. + +"All of the best marksmen are going in ambush to the left of us, waiting +for your force to attempt to escape that way. They now guard the passes, +and not one of us could get out alive," groaned the stockman. + +"But we can make our way through that portion of the forest which is not +burning," Fred said. + +"Impossible," muttered the stockman; "the flames are spreading with the +speed of a horse, and even now a huge wall of fire bars us from the +prairie." + +"Why did you not give us notice before?" I asked. + +"I came to you the instant a torch was applied to the dry leaves and +branches, but before I was twenty rods from the flames I could hardly +have returned without danger of being burned." + +"Well, gentlemen, what is to be done?" asked Murden; "shall we stay here +and be singed like dead rabbits, or shall we push through the forest and +endeavor to escape the ambush?" + +"In either case I don't see but that our prospects of escape are +hopeless," said Fred, quite calmly. + +"Hark!" cried the stockman, starting to his feet; "do you not hear the +flames?" + +We all listened, and a noise like the roaring of the surf on a beach +could be heard, but apparently at a distance. + +"That does not sound encouraging, I confess," remarked Fred; "but I +think that we can yet circumvent the devils." + +"How?" cried Murden, eagerly. + +"Will you be governed by me, for a few hours?" Fred asked. + +"Yes, and my men also," answered Murden, heartily. + +"Then let us commence work, for we have no time to lose. In the first +place, collect all the powder that your men have, and cover it with +dirt, a foot high, we want no explosion to dishearten the men, and +encourage the enemy." + +"Do you hear, men?" cried Murden; "bring to me your flasks without a +moment's delay." + +The policemen hastened to obey the order, and a few shovels full of +earth secured our safety in that respect. + +"Now, then, as many of you as can use shovels and pickaxes, dig away at +that hole, which Steel Spring commenced. Do not spare your labor, for a +gang will relieve you, when tired. Dig deep and wide." + +"But I don't see of what use that is to be," remonstrated Murden. + +"Remember that you have promised to be guided by me. Don't stop to +question, but see that the men work with a will, while I attend to other +important duties." + +Murden no longer sought to fathom Fred's motives, but grasped a shovel, +and set an example of energy which his men were not slow to follow. + +"Now, Smith, you and the stockman and Jack help me. Rekindle the fire, +which has almost died out, and burn every stick of timber within reach +on the left side of us. We will catch the bushrangers in their own trap, +if they are not quick." + +"But vot is to 'come of me? Vho's to take care of me? Vhere's my +friends?" yelled Steel Spring, making desperate efforts to break the +bonds which confined him. + +We were all too busy to attend to the wretch, and merely glanced towards +him occasionally, to see if his bonds held; but Steel Spring was a man +not easily discouraged, and every few minutes we were addressed with +prayers and oaths, to make provision for his safety. + +The fire, which Murden had given orders to extinguish, was easily +rekindled, and then burning brands were thrown upon the dry bushes and +leaves, raising flames that roared aloft and caught at the branches of +the gum trees, and then spread to the trunks, and leaped from bough to +bough, driving parrots and gaudy-plumed birds from their nests, that +vented their displeasure at being disturbed by uttering hoarse croaks of +rage. + +"You will burn down the whole of the forest," cried Murden, alarmed at +the rapidity with which the flames were spreading. + +"I had rather see it down, than a man in this company should be +injured," was the brief reply. + +"Amen to that. But, Fred, it's growing warm here. Is not the hole which +we have dug large enough?" asked the lieutenant, wiping his brow. + +"Not half," replied Fred. "Do you see that long line of fire, which, +urged by a strong wind, is rushing towards us like a furious wave of the +ocean?" + +"Well, a man can't very well keep his eyes off of it when he knows that +it is to crisp him up like a baked pig," Murden answered, with a rueful +look. + +"We have hardly begun to experience the heat from that line of flames +yet, and our only chance of escape is by entering the excavation which +your men are making." "I see, I see!" cried Murden, a new light +breaking in upon him. "It is our only chance, sure enough." + +The officer spoke to the policemen, who, with coats off, were working +like heroes, and they redoubled their exertions. + +"The next question is, what shall we do with these wounded men?" Fred +inquired. "We can hardly hope to save them all." + +"There is but one of my force wounded, and if it is possible to save +him, I will; but as for these cutthroats, I see no chance for them." + +We looked into Murden's face to see if there was any show of pity for +the bushrangers, but there was none. He had already calculated in his +mind that the robbers deserved death, and the sooner they died, the +better for the county. + +"Let us speak to your wounded policeman, and see if he can bear +removal," Fred said. + +We passed over to the side of the clearing, where he was lying at the +root of a tree which had as yet escaped the flames. + +"Well, Sam, do you still feel like having another battle with +bushrangers?" asked the officer. + +There was no response. I stooped down and carefully removed the corner +of a blanket from his face, and the open, staring eyes met my view. In +the midst of the bustle and confusion, the spirit of Sam had taken its +flight without uttering a groan, or one repining word. We gazed upon his +face again, and left the corpse where we found it, to be licked by the +greedy flames which were now roaring around on every side. + +"We must burrow like rabbits," cried Murden, "or we shall be burned to +death. It seems already as though I could hardly breathe. A breath of +fresh air would now be worth all the gold of Australia." + +"Don't talk of feeling suffocated yet," Fred replied, stripping off all +of his surplus clothing--an example which the rest of us were glad to +follow; and to prevent it from being burned, we rolled it into one pile, +and covered it deep with dirt. + +"When the fire reaches the edge of the clearing, and the wind blows the +flames within a few inches of our heads, and the earth blisters the skin +at a touch, then I shall not blame you for asking for fresh air," Fred +continued. + +"I certainly am obliged to you," Murden said, with a rueful look; "but +if you will explain how we are to keep those same flames from melting +our brains while we are huddled in that hole, like sheep in a pen, I +shall feel gratified." + +"Then I will explain immediately, for I see that only a few minutes will +be allotted us by that moving circle of fire to make our preparations. +Let the place which your men have excavated be covered over, with the +exception of a hole to crawl into, with the pieces of half-burned timber +which you see lying around." + +"For what purpose?" asked Murden. + +"To save our heads from being burned, as they otherwise would, unless +protected," Fred replied. + +"But the logs will get on fire." + +"Not if they are protected by a heavy covering of dirt," answered Fred, +composedly. + +"An idea that I should not have entertained," muttered Murden, in +astonishment. + +"But now that you understand me, hasten the men in their work, for +already our clothes give tokens of singeing." + +Our situation was one which might well make a timid man fear for his +life; for on each side of us the flames were roaring and surging like +the grass of a prairie on fire, and over our heads the heavens were +concealed by the black clouds of smoke which, urged by the wind, were +traversing the sky at a rapid rate; and on that same night an alarm was +entertained at Ballarat, ninety miles distant, that Melbourne had burned +to the ground. So dense was the smoke occasioned by the consuming of +hundreds of acres of trees in the black forest of Australia. + +The five on the left of the clearing, which we had kindled to prevent +the bushrangers from approaching us and thinning our numbers at leisure, +had already assumed a fearful aspect, and was running along the ground +rapidly. I hardly dared to stop my work and watch the scene, so fearful +was it. I had serious doubts as to the practicability of the plan which +Fred proposed, yet I gave no evidence of my want of faith, and +encouraged the men with example and words, and when a number of the +trees began swaying to and fro, as the fire consumed their trunks, I +remonstrated against their seeking shelter until the work was entirely +finished. + +During our struggle to secure a place of safety, we had forgotten +entirely the wounded bushrangers, who were stretched out, side by side, +at the farther end of the clearing. Their cries for assistance, however, +soon called our attention to the fact that we had made no provision for +their safety, and while the policemen were hurriedly placing a roof upon +our den, Murden and the rest of us held a brief consultation as to what +we should do with the poor wretches. + +"Speak quick," exclaimed Fred, as a burning tree fell with a tremendous +crash into the clearing, sending the sparks high into the air, and +causing the atmosphere to seem like the breath of a furnace. + +"Speak quick," he continued. "We can endure the heat but a few minutes +longer, and our lives are endangered by the falling of trees. Shall we +save the bushrangers and perish ourselves, or shall we abandon them to +their fate?" + +"I am as humane as any man alive," said Murden, "but I can't think that +I am called upon to expose my command to death for the sake of saving +our most deadly enemy. Were there innocent and unoffending women here, I +should know my duty and behave as become a man, but now I must remember +that I am a commander." + +"I expected that you would prefer your men's safety to that of robbers," +Fred said; "but as you are an interested party, we will hear what Smith +has to say." + +"My life is as dear to me as the rest; but while I cannot see how we are +to save the bushrangers, I would gladly give all my wealth for the +privilege of so doing," was the honest answer. + +"Spoken like a man," replied Fred, rubbing his side, which, owing to his +neglect to turn at the right moment, was somewhat scorched. + +Faint moans, uttered by men who stood upon the brink of the grave, +hastened us in our deliberations. We glanced towards the poor wretches +and found that they were endeavoring to work their maimed bodies towards +us for the purpose of pleading for mercy. + +There was one man, however, who did not move from the spot where the +policemen had first deposited him, and although the flames were roaring +within forty feet of his position, he merely turned a dimmed eye towards +them, and appeared to be resigned to his fate. I thought I recognized +his weather-beaten countenance and grizzly hair, and nearer inspection +convinced me that my surmises were correct. It was the old sailor who +had so manfully resisted the orders of Nosey, and insisted upon allowing +me to administer consolation to the snake-bitten bushranger. "Here is a +man who must be taken care of, if I go without shelter," I said, +pointing to the sailor. + +"It is impossible," Murden replied. "He is badly wounded, and would +occupy the room of three or four men. Let us retreat, for already do I +feel as though my lungs were being boiled." + +"You may go," I answered, firmly, "but not a step do I stir until I see +that old sailor provided for. He saved my life, and I will try and save +his." + +"Don't mind me, matey," cried the wounded man, in a feeble tone; "my +cruise is nearly up, and the log book will soon record my fate." + +"If you die you shall expire without the torture of fire. We cannot save +your companions, and indeed hardly know whether we can save ourselves, +but the experiment shall be tried." + +"Well, well," Murden said, seeing that I was firm in my demand, "we will +share our den with him. Lift him up, men, and place him in our vault as +carefully as possible." + +The policemen performed the duty with an alacrity that I did not +anticipate, and after I had seen the old sailor placed in a corner of +the vault, and Rover by the side of him, I turned to join Fred and +Murden, who were still arguing whether they could desert the other +bushrangers and yet appear honorable in the eyes of the world. + +"The old follow seems a little cast down," said one of the police, as I +prepared to leave the vault. + +I answered in the affirmative, and was continuing on, when the man +touched me on the arm. + +"Hist," he whispered; "don't say a word, but it's a little wine I have +in my canteen which the old robber is welcome to, if you think it will +do him any good." + +I grasped the treasure with more pleasure than I should have experienced +had I found a bag of gold flung at my feet. I thanked the kind-hearted +man for his offering, and in another instant. I had poured a portion of +the contents of the canteen down the grizzly old fellow's neck. + +The drink revived him. He expressed his pleasure at my kindness by a +glance from his sunken eyes that told of a warm heart, even if it beat +within the breast of a robber. + +"Thank you, matey," the old man said; "but it's of little use to try and +right the hull when there's a shot between wind and water, and the +top-hamper is gone. Nevertheless, I take it in kindness." + +I could not reply, for I understood enough of his nautical language to +know that he had given up all hope of living, and that the two wounds +which he had received were fatal. + +I returned the canteen to its owner, and hastened to join Fred and +Murden. The fire was still working its way towards us on one side, and +receding on the other. The heat, however, had lost none of its +intensity, and every breath which we drew appeared to parch our lungs +and consume us internally. + +"Have you decided what to do with the wounded men?" I asked, as I joined +my friends. + +"Our first decision still holds good," replied Murden. "We cannot save +them and save ourselves." + +"Hark! Do you hear that shout?" Fred said. + +We listened intently for a moment, and above the roaring of flames and +crushing of trees we could hear the shouts of exultation which the +bushrangers in a distant part of the forest uttered, as they thought how +we were struggling for life. + +That cry, so joyful in the thought of our misery, steeled our hearts +against the wounded wretches, who, with uplifted hands, were praying for +drink, for life, for protection. + +"In, men," shouted Murden. "We can endure the heat no longer. Already do +yonder trees threaten to fall and crush us with their weight, and a +minute's delay may prove our ruin." + +There was no struggling to see who should first obey the order. With +military precision the men filed in as calmly as though parading for a +drill, and in a short time no one but Murden and myself were uncovered. + +"Enter," motioning to me. "I will be the last man who seeks shelter." + +"But what shall we do with this poor devil?" I said, pointing to Steel +Spring, whose agonizing yells for help had often interrupted our +deliberations. + +Murden made no reply, but walked towards the scamp, who redoubled his +calls for help when he thought it was to be rendered. The officer untied +the hands which confined him, and without a word he retreated with us +towards our vault. + +Steel Spring eyed us for a moment, as though uncertain whether he was +included in the invitation or not, but when he found that the latter was +the case, he broke forth into lamentations that fairly rivalled the +shrill yells of triumph which we had heard his companions utter. + +He pleaded and threatened, promised and protested; and when he found +that we were invulnerable and unmoved, he uttered curses upon our heads +so bitter that it seemed as though he had spent all his life in framing +them. + +I crawled through the narrow opening and found that the men were seated +so close together that not an inch of spare room was between them. A +small space was reserved for Murden, Fred, and myself, but it did not +look large enough to seat one of us comfortably. In the corner opposite +to me was the wounded man, and partly resting upon one of the police was +Rover, as quiet and orderly a dog as ever suffered confinement for the +purpose of saving life. + +"And von't you take me in?" asked Steel Spring, as Murden entered our +over-crowded den. + +"Your miserable system of treachery does not entitle you to that +kindness. Burn, and get a foretaste of what you may expect in the next +world," replied Murden. + +"I'll see you all hanged first," was the indignant answer of the +long-legged brute; and we did not hear another murmur escape him, +although we felt that his sufferings must be intense, and his ultimate +death certain. + + + + +CHAPTER XXX. + +PERILOUS SITUATION DURING THE FIRE.--STEEL SPRING TURNS UP. + + +As Murden crouched down by my side, he loosened his pistols in his belt, +and whispering to me, requested that I would follow his example. While I +wondered at his command, he spoke to his men, and then I understood his +motive. + +"During our long connection with the police force," the lieutenant said, +"we have never been placed in a situation like the present. We have +undergone almost starvation--we have had bushrangers howling at our +heels and ready to kill all who fell behind while on the march--we have +been nearly dead for the want of water--we have been surrounded by +natives wielding poisoned spears, and you know that a prick from them is +death--we have enjoyed good and bad fortune together, have we not?" + +"We have," replied the men, with one accord. + +"And during all the scenes through which we have passed, have I not +shared your dangers and toils?" Murden asked. + +"That you have," the police said, uttered in a tone of voice that showed +they should like to see the man who would gainsay it. + +"I ask you these questions, men, because all dangers through which we +have, passed were nothing compared to the present. Our safety depends +upon our actions." + +"Our actions?" repeated the men, in great surprise. + +"Yes, I repeat it. Our safety depends upon ourselves. You feel that the +air is close and heated within our retreat. In half an hour's time the +present temperature would seem like winter if offered in contrast to +what we shall endure. We shall suffer for water, and perhaps none of us +will survive the ordeal; but let me tell you that our hope of safety is +in keeping still, and enduring all without a murmur. If a disturbance +does come in our midst, and one of you loses his reason, remember I +shall not hesitate to sacrifice him to preserve the rest. I have my +pistols with me--they are loaded, and I seldom miss my aim." + +The men listened in silence, and by their looks appeared to agree in the +conclusion to which Murden had arrived. + +For a few minutes not a word was spoken, and not a man moved from his +position or even offered to fan his heated face, for fear the act would +be construed into one of suffering. + +Almost over our heads we could hear the roaring of flames as they +gathered force and fury in their course; but worse than all, the groans +of the wounded bushrangers fell upon our ears with awful distinctness, +in spite of the falling trees, which at times crashed upon our heavy +roof, and sifted down dirt through the cracks like falling rain. + +The flames were almost forgotten--the heat, oppressive as it was, seemed +endurable when compared to the sufferings which we knew the bushrangers +were experiencing. + +We listened attentively, and could tell when they expired, one by one, +by the cessation of groans, oaths, and curses which they heaped upon us. + +Those who survived the longest appeared to have become insane; and after +dragging their mutilated bodies to the entrance of the vault, laughed as +they told us of the delicious warmth which they were experiencing, and +died cursing their Maker, and their mothers who bore them. + +I stopped my ears, but, long after the most hardy had died, I fancied +that I could hear their dreadful ravings; and even at this late day, I +frequently start from my sleep as I dream of the frightful scenes which +I encountered in that black forest. Better death a thousand times than +again purchase life at such an expense of suffering at the hands of +others. + +Hour after hour passed, and it seemed as though we could not possibly +survive many minutes longer. Our tongues were swollen and hanging from +our months, dry, parched, and apparently ready to crack for the want of +moisture. + +Our eyes were expanded, fierce, and fixed--our brains seemed melting, +and a heavy pressure rested upon our temples. I counted my pulse, and +found that, as near as I could judge, it was beating at the rate of two +hundred per minute. My heart appeared to keep pace with my pulse, and +throbbed so violently that it seemed as though it would force itself +through my side. A feeling of death-like sickness stole over me--I +closed my eyes, and tried to fancy that I was by the side of a cool +stream, and at length, I think that my senses did wander; for I was +brought to myself by feeling a hand laid upon my shoulder, and no gentle +shake aroused me. + +"Courage, friend Jack," cried the consoling voice of Fred. "Cheer up, +man! the worst is over, and in a short time we shall be free again. +Come, cheer up." + +I remember looking at my friend long and anxiously, and trying to settle +in my mind where I had seen his face before. I think that I even +laughed, and told him that he was taking great liberties with a +stranger, and demanded what he meant by striking me on my shoulder. + +I also think that I saw him carefully remove my revolver, and place it +beyond my reach. But all was uncertain; a blur appeared to be before my +eyes which prevented my seeing distinctly. + +"Here, drink of this," whispered Fred, and as he spoke he raised a small +bottle to my lips. + +The draught restored me to full consciousness. The liquor was +claret--warm, almost hot; yet I thought that I never tasted any thing +half so sweet and reviving. + +I saw a score of eager eyes fixed upon the bottle which I held, and even +Murden glared like a famished wolf as he heard the gurgling of the +liquor in my mouth. + +"Softly," whispered Fred, as I was about to apply the bottle to my lips +the second time. "Remember there are others suffering as well as +yourself." + +Noble-hearted Fred! when did you ever fail to sympathize in the +sufferings of others, and use your utmost endeavors to contribute to +their relief? + +"If hell," groaned Murden, "is hotter than this hole, I have no desire +to go there." + +"You would not get liquor like this to cool your tongue there," Fred +said, handing the lieutenant the bottle to wet his parched lips. + +"The bushranger is dying, sir," cried one of the men, who was seated +nearest to the wounded man. + +Murden hesitated while raising the bottle to his lips for a moment. + +"If I thought, that the contents of the flask would save him, I would +yield it," he said; "but all the wine in the universe would not bring +him to active life, while a few drops will help sustain me. My duty is +clear. I will try and preserve my own existence." + +He barely wet his lips, however, but even while he was doing so, I saw +by the appearance of the men that they were perishing from thirst; yet +such was their pluck and discipline that not one of them uttered a +groan, or spoke in an angry tone. + +"Divide it fairly, men," Murden said, passing the bottle to Maurice. +"Remember, each one can only wet his lips." + +The injunction was obeyed, and the half pint of claret went the rounds, +and came back to Fred with a few drops remaining. + +As though to reward the men for their forbearance, a slight breeze, +deliciously cool, swept over our heads, and revived us with new life. At +the same time we heard a hissing on the outside, which sounded like a +piece of hot iron suddenly thrown into a pail of water. We all listened +attentively at the sound, hardly daring to believe that what we heard +was real. The noise grew louder and louder, and through the small +opening we caught, sight of huge drops of rain falling. + +"Hurrah!" yelled Murden, starting to his feet and poking his head out of +the den; "we are all right now--it's raining in torrents." + +The news was so good that we shook hands with each other, and +congratulated ourselves as being under the especial care of Providence. +Even Rover added his joyful barks to our cheers, and so eager was he +that I suffered him to go out and roll in the wet to his heart's +content. + +The fire was being rapidly extinguished by the torrents of water which +were falling, and so eager did our party feel to gain the open air once +more, that they preferred to brave the rain and smoke to remaining in a +place that liked to have been their grave. + +It was rare to have rain at that time of year in Australia, and a number +of the men construed it into an omen of the good will of Providence; but +I reflected, and came to the conclusion that the cause was natural, and +could be produced at any time if there were forests enough to burn so as +to obtain the requisite amount of heat. + +The danger, however, was not all passed. The ravages of the flames were +stayed, but the ground which the fire had burned over was covered with +smoking brands and livid coals, which, unless speedily extinguished by +the rain, would keep us prisoners for a number of days--and with nothing +to eat, the prospect was any thing but cheering. It is no wonder, then, +we all mentally prayed that the rain would continue, and that our eyes +were cast towards the heavens often to see if there was a prospect of +the clouds breaking away. + +Still the rain poured down in torrents, and huge clouds of mist and +vapor filled the air and walled us in until we seemed as though confined +in a steam box. We cared not for that, however; rain, rain in torrents +was all that we prayed for; and so engrossed were we, that even the dead +bodies of the bushrangers, lying almost at our feet, were neglected. + +At length, however, our reason returned, and we found time to pay some +respect to the dead. We resolved to bury them in a grave near the +excavation in which we had sought shelter, and for this purpose three or +four of the men commenced throwing dirt upon a large pile which we had +previously thrown up. Hardly had the second shovelful been added before +an extraordinary movement amongst the dirt took place, and the police +started back in wonder and alarm. + +"What are you afraid of?" demanded Murden. + +"We are afraid of nothing," replied Maurice; "but the dirt appears to be +bewitched." + +"Nonsense! Strike the earth with the point of your shovels and let's see +what witchery there is concealed there," cried the lieutenant, +authoritatively. + +Maurice no longer held back. He raised his shovel and drove it into the +soft earth, and the effect was electrical. + +"Blast yer hies, vot is ye 'bout," roared a voice that we instantly +recollected; and before we could utter a word in astonishment, up rose +the lank form of the genius Steel Spring. + +"Is this the vay to treat a man vot does hevery thing he can to save +ye?" the impudent wretch demanded, in an indignant tone. + +"For God's sake, how came you alive?" asked Murden, looking at the man +as though he expected to see him disappear from before his eyes at a +moment's warning. + +"O, it's wery vell to ax me how I does a thing after I get's out of a +fix," Steel Spring replied, with one of his grins; "but I know'd that I +varn't goin' to kick the bucket vithout vun trial for my life." + +"Tell me how you managed to preserve your worthless life?" asked the +officer, too much astonished to feel indignant, and almost inclined to +believe that the fellow was under the protection of some good genii. + +"Vell, I doesn't think my life very vorthless if you do, Mr. Hofficer; +but in case you should ever get cotched in the same kind of a trap, I'll +tell ye. Do ye see, ven I found that your company vas exclusive, I looks +herround for means of safety, but I didn't find heny wery 'andy; if I +'ad I don't think that I should be here now; vell, the longer I stopped +to consider, the wus I felt; and at length, ven the fire begins to burn +the nice clothes vich I vore, I thought it bout 'time to do somethin'; +so I 'appens to cast my hies on this loose dirt, and then quicker than +lightning I digs a place, and lays down and covers me all hup, leaving +only a leetle 'ole to breathe through. It vas varm, though--hawf'ul +varm; and at one time I feared I should die; but the Lord supported me +in my trouble, and here I is, safe and ready to be of service agin." + +For a short time every one was silent, so astonished did we feel to hear +the treacherous wretch use the name of his Maker in connection with +himself. + +"God has preserved your life for some object which we mortals cannot +understand," Murden said. "I shall not punish you, neither shall my men. +The courts of Melbourne must decide upon your guilt." "Vot, is you going +to take me afore the big vigs?" asked Steel Spring, with dismay. + +"There is only one chance to escape such a fate," replied the +lieutenant. + +"Name it, name it," cried Steel Spring, with avidity. + +"By leading me to the hiding place of that arch fiend, Nosey." + +"Is that all?" cried the fellow, with a look of intense delight. + +"And do you consent?" asked Murden, disgusted at the fellow's +treacherous instincts. + +"Consent?" he repeated; "vy, of course I does; vouldn't Nosey 'ang me +and all of his gang for the purpose of saving his life? and vy should I +refuse; to 'elp stretch his neck ven I can keep mine free of the rope? +Consent? of course I does." + +"Remember," said Murden, with a stern look, "that we are to have no +tricks here. If you even offer to lead me out of the right course I'll +make a hole in your body big enough to throw a Bible through." + +"I should then he sanctified, vouldn't I, lieutenant?" asked the wretch, +with one of his cunning grins. + +"How far from this place is the gang?" demanded Murden. + +"Not more than four or five miles, I guess," was the answer. + +"In the woods?" + +"In the woods," repeated Steel Spring. + +"Easy of access?" + +"Vot is that?" + +"I mean, can I and my men get at the gang without being surprised on our +part?" + +"Vell, if I hoffers to guide you there'll be no difficulty, 'cos I knows +the vay, and no mistake. But my life is to be preserved, you know. +Recollect that, lieutenant." + +"I shall remember my word, and I will keep it in every respect. If you +prove true, your life is safe, but if false, not a man under my command +but will single you out for instant death. I know your tricks, and shall +be watchful." + +"I 'opes you vill, 'cos I can bear a great deal of that kind of +vigilance. But I'm all right now. I know my friends." + +"You'll know them better if you lead me into an ambush," remarked +Murden; and here the conversation with Steel Spring dropped, but Fred +and myself took occasion to speak to the lieutenant on the folly of +trusting to him, but Murden was firm. + +"If I can use this man," he argued, "to break up the gang of Nosey, and +destroy that wretch, I shall think that I have been of real use to the +country, and feel content to retire on my honors. There is some risk, +you say. I grant that there is; but consider how many people have been +murdered by the villains, and then reflect whether it is not better to +entertain the danger and strike a blow that shall free this part of the +country of bushrangers for months to come. Come, come, look at matters +in their true light and promise me your cooperation." + +How could we refuse him, after the trouble he had endured for our sake? +We extended our hands, and with a warm pressure the compact was sealed. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXI. + +CAPTURE OF THE BUSHRANGERS, AND DEATH OF NOSEY. + + +"Vot, is the Yankees going vid us?" asked Steel Spring, when he saw +Murden shaking hands with us, to bind the contract. + +The question was such an impudent one that I did not feel indignant, and +perhaps our calmness restrained the lieutenant from giving vent to his +wrath, which we saw blazing in his eyes. At any rate he managed to +answer in a quiet tone that we were to accompany him, and that the +rifles which we carried, and which he had previously expressed a great +dread of, would cover his body during our march. + +"Then Nosey is as good as dead," cried the lank wretch, hardly deeming +it worth while to notice the allusion to himself; and so elated did he +appear, that he actually borrowed a plug of tobacco from Maurice, and +forgot to return it until asked to do so. + +"A portion of the men may continue digging a grave, while the rest ran +retreat to our late den and get our carbines and arms all ready. There +is no knowing how soon we may want them." + +The orders of Murden were obeyed promptly; and in spite of the rain +which still poured down in torrents, the guns were put in complete +order, and loaded ready for use. By the time the latter job was +completed the grave was announced to be finished, and with not a prayer +or a word of regret did we consign to the earth the remains of the dead +bushrangers. They were all thrown in together, without much regard to +order or decency, for the policemen were too accustomed to such a state +of things to become sentimental; and with a last look at the +weather-beaten face of the old sailor, I turned away and walked towards +the opposite end of the clearing. + +After concluding the burial of the men there was nothing for us to do +but to sit down, light our pipes, and see the rain continue with +unnatural fury. The progress of the flames was completely checked, and +we hoped that if the storm continued an hour longer we should be enabled +to pick our way over the burned district, find something to eat, and +then fall upon Nosey before he thought it time to look after us. + +That he supposed we were dead there was but little cause to doubt, for +he would not anticipate the earthing process, and would feel some +astonishment to find that we had passed through the ordeal in safety. At +any rate, after we had concluded to proceed against him, we felt anxious +to begin the good work, and have it off our minds. + +The morning's sun, however, soon dispersed the clouds and dried up the +rain, and when we examined the burned district we were rejoiced to find +that we could pass over the ground if our feet were protected with +shoes, a precaution which none will omit if an Australian forest is to +be visited. In these important articles of clothing we were well +supplied, and without delay we started. Murden gave the word to move +forward, but first impressed upon the minds of the men the necessity of +caution in regard to the manner in which their guns were carried, for, +as he quietly observed, "we have enemies to kill, and can't afford to +despatch each other. A spark of fire is sufficient to ignite our powder, +and then where should we be?" + +We found his advice good, for sparks from half-burned trees were +showered upon our heads as we carefully picked our way through stumps +that were black and charred and still aglow. On we went, as swift as +possible, the soles of our shoes getting warmer and warmer each moment, +until we feared that our feet would blister and burn with the exposure. +At length, however, we saw the spot where we had left the team, and with +a wild shout of exultation we rushed for it, each man striving to be +first in the race. + +Smith, nimble of foot, and urged by anxiety for the loss of his cattle, +outstripped us all; but the poor fellow's face changed when he saw the +wanton destruction of his property; for the bushrangers, not content +with robbing our cart of every thing which it contained, had +deliberately backed it into the fire, and the "body was completely +burned off. The wheels, however, were good, and so were its axletrees, +and I knew that it would enable us to reach the mines with a little +patching. The most cruel part of the proceedings was the chaining of a +yoke of oxen to huge trees and allowing them to die a lingering, +terrible death. The villains were not prompted to the deed by hunger, +for their bodies remained untouched, burned to a crisp, apparently. + +"If I had a bushranger within reach," cried Smith, surveying the bodies +of his favorites with almost tearful eyes, "I think that I should be +tempted to roast him alive, as my poor oxen have been. Why, of all the +mean acts that the devils were ever guilty of, this is the meanest." + +"Don't repine, Smith," said Murden; "when you get back to Melbourne I'll +see that you have a yoke of cattle to replace them." + +"I don't wish to hurt your feelings, Smith," Fred exclaimed, "but as the +cattle are dead and cannot be brought to life, I think that the best +thing we can do is to satisfy our appetites from their carcasses. I, for +one, am hungry, and think that a pound of steak is almost worth its +weight in gold. Let's strip the skin from one of the brutes, and see +whether the flesh is burned up." + +"A good idea, and one that we will adopt," cried Murden, with alacrity. +"Maurice, where is your knife?" + +The officer did not wait for a second bidding, for he scraped off the +worst of the burned portions of the hide, and then ripped it off, +leaving about the hind quarters as juicy and wholesome looking meat as +a man could wish for when in a state of hunger. Smith turned away, too +much grieved to touch the food thus opportunely prepared, but the rest +of us showed no such signs of delicacy, for in a twinkling our knives +were out and cutting huge slices of the beef. The smell was very +provoking of hunger, and so Smith thought, for he apparently could stand +abstinence no longer. He joined us in our attack, and muttered as he did +so: + +"I don't see why the rest of you should fill up, while I starve; +although I still contend, that to tie the poor things up and let them +die such a death was cowardly and mean." + +And always after that, if Smith wished to express the very quintessence +of brutality and meanness, he would refer to the death of his favorites. + +Our dinner was soon despatched, and once more we shouldered our arms, +and under the direction of Steel Spring, skirted along the edge of the +forest in quest of the lair of the bushrangers. We had proceeded but a +mile or two when we saw the three men left in charge of the horses, +galloping along apparently in search of us; and when they discovered +that we were alive, and but little the worse for our fiery siege, their +astonishment knew no bounds. + +They stated that the flames had lighted up the country for miles in +extent, and that they had tried to raise a party of miners, on their way +to Melbourne, to come to our assistance; but that fear of being robbed +or losing their lives prevented them. In fact, every one they had spoken +to had construed the fire into a ruse of the bushrangers to entrap +people, and would not believe that a large police force was in the +woods, and surrounded by fire on all sides. + +We gladly mounted our animals, for the men had taken the precaution, by +the advice of the old convict's daughter, to bring our own horses with +the rest; and then mounted Steel Spring behind Maurice, first taking the +precaution of tying them together for fear of mistakes, as we told the +former, and not from any doubts of his honesty--an admission which made +the fellow grin until his huge mouth expanded from ear to ear. + +The balance of our company was served in the same way, and after a sharp +gallop of fifteen minutes, Steel Spring intimated that we had better +dismount and approach the remainder of the distance with less noise if +we wished to be successful in our designs. His advice was taken; when +leaving two men to attend to the horses, we went forward at a brisk +walk, and soon found an entrance to the forest that apparently had been +long in use. + +"This is the spot," whispered Steel Spring, "where Nosey's gang enters +hafter a thieving job. Ah, many's the time I've been so loaded with +plunder that I could 'ardly stand." But that's all passed now, you know, +and in future I'm to be 'onest and good." + +"How far from this entrance is the camp?" asked Murden. + +"Not mor'n a mile, sir." + +"Then lead the way. Maurice, walk by the side of him, and if--but you +know what I mean." + +"I think I do, sir," answered the policeman, drawing one of his +formidable holster pistols, and examining the cap with a careful glance. +"Vell, please don't pint it this way, 'cos I'm always nervous about +firearms in the 'ands of inexperienced persons." + +"Don't be alarmed," replied Maurice, composedly; "I'm well acquainted +with the pistol, and once killed a bushranger with it at the distance of +fifteen rods." + +"Did it hurt him?" asked Steel Spring, with a shudder. + +"I don't think that it did, for he never complained to me about the +transaction," replied Maurice, with a grin. Steel Spring regarded the +face of his companion for a moment in silence, and then seemed to decide +that it would be better not to meddle with such a cool philosopher. + +"Are we ready?" asked Murden, after every man had once more examined his +gun and pistols. + +"All ready, sir," answered the squad, eager to push forward. + +"Then step light and keep your eyes about you. Smith, will you and the +stockman defile to the left of us, while Fred and Jack perform the same +duty on the right? It is the post of danger I offer you, gentlemen." + +We readily accepted our location; for we had hinted to Murden that our +safety required some such disposition of our forces, and he had acted on +the suggestion. + +On we stole, slowly, but noiselessly, each man looking to see where he +planed his foot, so that no cracking of dry bushes should give warning +of our approach. In fact, so well had the men improved under Fred's +hints and observations, that they would have passed for old Indian +hunters to a casual observer. + +Rover, as though aware of the nature of the expedition, trotted along a +few yards in advance of us, stopping every few minutes to snuff the air, +and then glance at my face, saying as plain as language could express +the words, "There's no danger yet--come along and I'll give you +warning." + +For over an hour we picked our way, at each step whispering our repeated +vows to shoot our guide if he did not conduct us right; and when I had +begun to think that the fellow was playing us false, he suddenly +stopped, and repeated his caution for silence. + +"Ve is close to um," he said. "A few steps more and ve'll be in sight of +their camp. Now, don't you think I'd better go behind, 'cos I'm not good +at fightin', and Nosey is the devil when he gets in a rage." + +"Don't stop to remonstrate," Murden replied. "Lead us to the very camp +of the bushrangers, and don't think that you can go to the rear, and +escape the action of my pistol in case you play us false. Onward you +go." + +"Here's a precious fix," muttered Steel Spring. "I've got to lead the +way to the presence of that old devil, Nosey, and I know's he'll pin me +the fust." + +"Stop your grumbling," said Maurice, "or I'll treat your lank body to a +dose of this." + +He pointed to his huge pistol, and the threat effectually silenced all +objections on the part of the guide, who meekly continued to move on, as +though under the influence of some charm which he could not resist. + +Ten minutes brought us to the edge of a clearing similar to the one +which Black Darnley and his gang had occupied. It was in the most dense +part of the forest, and well chosen for secrecy. Near the edge was a +spring of water, and directly in the centre of the vacant space was a +log hut of large dimensions, with loopholes through which muskets could +be poked in case of an assault. + +There was no sign of life about the premises, and we were led to wonder +whether the gang was within the hut sleeping off last night's fatigue, +or whether they were off on an expedition. If the latter surmise was +correct, we might have to wait three or four days before they returned, +and that was something which we could not afford to do. + +If the gang was asleep, an excellent opportunity was offered to capture +them without the loss of a man; but who would venture to creep to the +hut and find out, when there was a probability of a dozen men being +encompassed behind those walls, waiting to take us by surprise, instead +of our treating them to such a course of strategy! + +Murden looked first at his men, but they rather avoided his eyes, and +then his glance wandered to the old convict, but he did not appear to +take the hint, and returned the stave with one of mildness. Fred's turn +came next, and in him the right man was found. + +"I see what you want, lieutenant," Fred said, with a smile, "and I am +ready to comply. Keep me well covered with your guns, and think there is +not much danger." + +He left his rifle with me, and then, getting upon his hands and knees, +crept forward, carefully sheltering his body, as far as possible, with +stumps and tufts of grass, until he reached the door, which stood open. +He glanced hastily in, and then, without wasting time, turned his steps +towards us as fast as possible. + +"Well," we whispered, "what have you to report?" + +"The bushrangers are in the hut, and sleeping, I think." + +"Are you sure?" asked Murden. + +"No. I am not sure that they are sleeping, but I am sure that they are +lying on the floor, and apparently are not aware of our approach," +returned Fred. + +"Then let us move onward without delay, for the cracking of a branch +might cost us our lives, and that is something none of us wish to spare, +just now." + +With cautious steps the men moved towards the hut, led by Fred and +Murden. We met with no opposition, although it would not have surprised +me to have heard a discharge of musketry as we advanced. + +We gained the door without awakening our adversaries, and saw them +stretched upon the floor, little dreaming that danger was so near. + +On we stole until all our force was within the hut, and each policeman +held a cocked carbine at the head of a bushranger. Still they did not +awaken, and it could only be accounted for on the supposition that they +had been up all night making merry over our supposed death by fire. + +"Kill the first man that offers to stir, in his defence," the lieutenant +said, after having carefully collected all the guns that could be found +handy. + +The whisper, slight as it was, had the effect of causing the chief, the +hideous Nosey, to open his eyes and look around, as though half +dreaming; it, was not until his eyes met those of Murden that he fully +awoke, then he made an effort to start to his feet, but he found the +cold muzzles of Fred's and my own rifle pressed to his brain. + +"We're betrayed!" he yelled, in a voice so shrill that it awoke every +bushranger as suddenly as though the blast of a trumpet had rang through +the room. + +There were mingled oaths and exclamations, and desperate attempts to +gain their feet; and one young fellow, who, in spite of warnings and +threats, persisted in getting up, was shot through the head, and his +brains spattered upon his comrades, who were lying by his side. + +"Kill all who resist!" yelled Murden, scenting blood like a tiger; "if +they submit, spare them, but death to the refractory." + +The shooting of one appeared to have a good effect on the others, for +although many a menacing glance was east upon us, and many a +half-uttered oath was checked, yet there was no more struggling, or +thoughts of resistance. + +"I thought you dead," muttered Nosey, after a keen glance at the face of +the lieutenant. + +"It is not your fault that we are not," answered Murden, dryly. + +"No, that it is not, for I meant to roast you and your force; in a few +hours we intended to start on an expedition, and look for your bones. +How did you escape?" asked the unabashed robber. + +"That you will never know; be assured that Providence has no such +fortune in store for you, and that if enough wood and rope can be found, +the manner of your death will not remain a mystery." + +"Perhaps you mean by that I shall die on the gallows?" demanded the +bushranger. + +Murden nodded his head in token of assent. + +"I'll bet you two to one, that a rope will never end my existence," +cried the fellow, with an impudence and coolness that almost surpassed +belief. + +"Bind the villains with stout cords, for the present," cried the +lieutenant, returning no answer to the banter of Nosey, who fired with +indignation at the epithet. + +"Whom do you call villains?" he demanded. "We were forced to become +robbers by the tyrants of the hulks, and all the wrongs which were there +inflicted upon us we have returned; and we should not have been human +had we acted otherwise." + +"I have no time to bandy words with you, even if I had the inclination," +returned Murden; "get upon your feet, and submit to be bound like the +rest; we know no distinction, and serve all the same." + +The bushranger slowly rose to his feet, and his hideous face seemed +almost to burst, so livid were the scars which marked it; his eyes were +injected with blood, and glared like those of a wild beast. + +"Bind me as soon as you please; here are my hands; you see that I am +harmless and unarmed; the lion can be taken by his mane, for his claws +are clipped, and his teeth are broken." + +"You bloodthirsty monster, do not compare yourself to a lion; bah! you +are like the skulking wolf that sneaks and steals upon its prey, and +after appeasing its hunger, slays for the sake of showing its strength. +Give his cords an extra twist, men, for his impudence." Murden uttered +the words with an expression of disgust that did not fail to convince +the bushranger of the estimation in which he was held. + +"You think, I suppose," Nosey said, with an angry scowl, "that you will +have the pleasure and triumph of carrying me to Melbourne alive; you are +mistaken." + +"Look well to your prisoner!" shouted the officer, as the men prepared +to slip a cord over his wrists. + +He was too late in his warning, for the desperate robber suddenly thrust +his hand into his bosom and drew forth a huge knife, which he waved over +his head. + +The policemen started back, surprised and confused at the suddenness of +the action; and before they could rush and disarm the prisoner, he was +outside of the door, nourishing the knife, and threatening death to all +who opposed him. + +"Fire on him!" yelled Murden, perfectly frantic at the thought of his +escape. "Kill him--kill him!" + +The robber rushed towards the woods, and it seemed as though he would +escape in spite of the loaded guns which we carried in our hands; but +one of the men, more cool than the rest of us, discharged his carbine, +and the ball struck the right leg of Nosey, and crushed the bone as +easily as though it was a pipe stem. + +Wounded as he was, he did not immediately stop, but continued on, +striving to gain the woods, as though his safety was secure if he could +reach them. But the effort was too much for human endurance. He +staggered, struggled to maintain his erect position, and then fell with +a crash to the ground. We went towards him; he did not move; we turned +him over, and found that he was lying in a pool of blood, quite dead. +Either by accident or design, he had fallen upon his knife, and it was +sheathed to the hilt in his heart. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXII. + +RETURN TO THE STOCKMAN'S HUT.--SMITH IN LOVE. + + +The bushrangers were struck with awe at the sudden death of their chief, +and made no resistance as they were bound in pairs. Indeed their +audacity appeared to desert them, although they maintained a sulken +aspect until they got a glimpse of Steel Spring, who, to prevent +mistakes had been bound to a tree, while we secured his comrades. + +The glances of hate and scorn which were cast upon their betrayer +appeared to have no effect upon his well-tried nerves, and he seemed to +act as though he had done his duty and was not ashamed of it, and didn't +care who knew the part which he had played in the drama. The death of +Nosey, however, appeared to astonish Steel Spring, for when he was +allowed to see the body he grew pathetic. + +"So old Nosey is dead!" he exclaimed, looking upon the face of the +wretch; "veil, he vas a vonderful man, and used to rob more peoples +than hany bushranger in those parts; ve shall miss him, I know ve shall +miss him; and vere shall ve find a man to take his place?" + +"Do you still think of robbery?" demanded Murden, sternly. + +"No, sir; I vouldn't take a shillin' from a traveller to save my life. +But ven I thinks of the times ve've had, I feels like shedding tears! A +vonderful man vas Nosey; so 'andsome, too!" + +"Cease your nonsense, and answer me one or two questions," Murden said; +"the gang has plundered for months; do you know where they concealed +their money?" + +"I'm blessed if I do," replied Steel Spring, with alacrity. + +"Do you think that our prisoners know?" + +"Veil, that feller who is looking at me so cross, as though I'd hinjured +him, could tell if he'd got a mind to," replied Steel Spring, pointing +to a robber who seemed to be regarded as a sort of leader, now that +Nosey was dead. + +"Are you disposed to inform me where Nosey buried his money?" asked +Murden, appealing to the man. + +"And what inducements do you hold out, if I give you the information?" +asked the robber, dryly. + +"I do not promise you your life, but I think that I can get the sentence +put off a few months," the lieutenant replied. + +"And you suppose that I will reveal on such conditions?" demanded the +bushranger, impudently. + +"I do; you have every thing to gain, and nothing to lose." + +"My life, I suppose, you call nothing; that is already forfeited, you +seem to think; but you shall find that, robber as I am, I know how to +keep a secret." + +"Then you refuse to divulge?"' asked Murden. + +The bushranger regarded him with a scornful air, and remained silent. +Murden grew excited, and forgot that he was only an humble instrument of +the law, and that life and death were not at his disposal after men had +surrendered. + +"Throw a tackle over the branch of yonder tree," he said, pointing to a +sturdy gum tree which grew near; "we will save the courts of Melbourne +the trouble of trying the fellow." + +The bushranger did not seem surprised, or appear to be affected at the +news. + +Not so the policemen; they knew that their officer was exceeding his +authority, but their discipline was too good to allow them to cavil at +his orders, right or wrong. + +They threw a rope over the shrub pointed out, and then making a +slip-noose, passed it around the neck of the obstinate robber. Still he +wore his scornful look, and did not even ask for mercy, which Murden had +evidently anticipated. + +"Will you reveal?" demanded the lieutenant. + +"No!" he yelled: and with his refusal was a gesture of the most impudent +and insulting nature. + +"Up with him, men!" cried the officer, beside himself with passion. + +The men tugged at the rope, but with all their strength they could not +raise the man from the ground, owing to the cord being passed over a +limb, instead of through a block, the friction was too great. + +Smith, during all of this time, had been a spectator, instead of an +actor in the tragedy; but when he saw that the policemen were unable to +carry their designs into effect, he appeared to recollect the death of +his oxen, and to think that the present was an excellent time to avenge +their death. + +He rushed to the rope, and pulled away at it with such good will that +the bushranger was raised from the ground a few inches, and by the +spasmodic movement of his feet, I saw that he was choking, and could +exist but a few minutes longer. + +"Are you mad?" I asked of Murden; "you have no authority to hang the +man; the courts of Melbourne will make a noise about the matter, be +assured." + +The lieutenant appeared to reflect, and seemed to think that my advice +was worthy of being taken, for he waved his hand, and the nearly +strangled man was lowered to the ground, much to the disgust of Smith, +who appeared to think that he was cheated of his prey. + +"Once more, I ask you to reveal the hiding-place of the treasure," the +officer said, when he found that the robber had sufficiently recovered +to answer his question. + +"I refused when a rope was tightened around my neck, did I not?" the +bushranger asked, in a gasping manner. + +Murden nodded his head in token of assent. + +"And do you think that, after being half choked to death, I'll reveal +now?" he demanded, in an indignant tone; "I'll see you and your cowardly +police d----d first; and sooner or later I know that you will be." + +"Up with him again!" cried the angry lieutenant; but his rage was only +momentary, and before the men could put his order into execution, he +countermanded it. + +"You are too impudent a scoundrel to die immediately; a few months' +solitary confinement in the prison at Melbourne, with nothing but bread +and water to eat, and the certain prospect of a long, lingering death, +will tame your spirit, and make you docile." + +"Do you think so?" asked the bushranger, with a sneer. + +Murden made no reply. + +"If I am placed in solitary confinement," the robber said, "I shall have +the more time to think upon the many poor devils who have begged their +lives of me, and yet never got their prayers granted. I shall think of +the meet revenge I have had for my injuries during a long term of +imprisonment at the hulks. I shall think of the many pounds of gold dust +which I have robbed from passing trains; and better than all, I shall +laugh to know that the police force of Melbourne cannot find it to +enrich themselves." + +"Devil!" yelled one of the men, more fiery than the rest, "do you mock +us?" + +He raised his carbine, and with no gentle hand let the breech fall upon +the fellow's head. The blow loosened the skin, and let loose a torrent +of blood. + +"Yes, this is a fair sample of the manner in which the police of +Melbourne treat prisoners. Is there any wonder that they fight +desperately to prevent being taken?" + +He dipped his finger into his blood, and held it aloft for his comrades +to see. Had those men been free, our number would have been lessened in +a very few minutes; for such expressions of rage passed over their +faces, that it seemed as though the devil had entered their bodies. + +"You did wrong to strike him, Manuel," Murden said, and that was all the +reproof the man received. + +"When I'm arraigned before my judges, I shall tell them of the blow," +muttered the bushranger, wiping the blood from his brow. + +"Do so, if you think it will help your case any," answered Murden, +indifferently. "When you get before the judges you speak of, let me +advise you to keep a civil tongue, however, or the worse for you." + +"I shall speak my mind," replied the bushranger, who appeared determined +to have the last word. + +Orders were now given to get ready for our passage through the woods; +but before we started we threw the bodies of the dead robbers into the +hut, and then set it on fire. Long before the flames ceased, we were +safe out of the woods, and mounted on our horses, heading towards the +old convict's hut. + +Our travel was slow, as the bushrangers were compelled to walk with +their hands tied behind their backs, and it was only by threatening to +ride them down, that we could get them to move at any kind of decent +pace. + +Smith, whose whole ideas were concentrated on his lost cattle, left us +to see if he could find one yoke which were unaccounted for. When we +entered the woods in search of the gold buried by Jim Gulpin, we had +left two yoke hitched to the cart and a tree, and after our severe +ordeal of fire, we had found two oxen burned to death, while two more +were missing. + +Thinking that, they might have wandered to the corral where the +remainder of the cattle were confined, Smith galloped across the prairie +and was soon out of sight. He did not rejoin us until we reached the +hut, where we found that he had regained his oxen, and was paying +considerably more attention to the old stockman's daughter than to his +own affairs. + +There was one thing which he deserved credit for, and it was accorded +him with all our hearts. The supper which he provided was capable of +making us forget our pains and fatigue; for a roasted lamb was smoking +on a table, and three or four gallons of coffee were all ready to be +drank, to restore us to new life. + +All the articles which we had left at the hut were found in good order, +and nothing was missing. It may seem strange that a stockman's hovel, +miles away from other habitations, should escape the assaults of +bushrangers; but the latter knew their own interests too well to meddle +with keepers of sheep and cattle. + +Many stockmen are in league with escaped convicts, and give them the +earliest information in regard to the pursuit or routes of policemen; +and although such a charge could not be brought against my friend, the +old convict, yet the bushrangers knew that if he was molested or +injured, the owners of the animals under his charge would find it very +hard work to fill his place, and be forced in the end to drive their +herds to other grazing spots. Hence, the supply of provisions which the +bushrangers were in the habit of always considering secure, would have +been cut off, and uncertain means resorted to. + +The only instance of attack on my friend's house, on record, was when +Jim Gulpin and his band required the surrender of a number of policemen +sheltered within its walls. The result of that assault is well known to +the readers of these sketches; so I will not review the circumstances. + +During our absence the old man's daughter, or, in other words, Mrs. +Becky Lang, had attended to her few household duties, and also watched +our cattle, to prevent their straying from the corral. She had supplied +them with water from the small stream, and in every respect behaved like +a courageous woman, as she was. She had, apparently, recovered from the +deepest of her grief on account of the loss of her husband, and her full +ruddy cheek gave ample tokens of good health. + +I saw that Smith was more attentive on our return than perhaps there was +any occasion for; and I also noticed that the woman appeared anxious +that he should have the best of every thing, and helped him twice to our +once. + +There was no occasion for our complaining, however, although we did joke +Smith upon the conquest he had made, and asked if he had named the happy +day; questions which he took in very good part, in spite of the blushes +which mantled his sun-burned face. + +That evening I offered my sincere congratulations, when Smith, after a +confused account of what he wanted to do, informed me with an air of +secrecy, that he had spoken to Becky, and that she had returned an +answer that she thought she could make him happy the remainder of his +life. + +"But when is the wedding to take place?" I asked, coolly lighting my +pipe; for the reader will please to note that it was not I who +contemplated the awful act, and therefore I could condole with other +people's woes with great equanimity. + +"Well, I'd like to have it take place immediately, but there's no parson +near," replied Smith, with great deliberation and solemnity. + +Like all lovers, he wished to hasten his fate, and have the affair off +his mind. + +"But what will you do with your wife while absent with a load at the +mines?" I asked. + +"O, we've fixed all that--Becky and I have. She will live at our house +in Melbourne, where she can be nice and comfortable, until I'm rich +enough to start some kind of business in the city, when I can remain at +home and enjoy her society." + +I looked at the man, and actually compared him to a young lover, sighing +at the first thoughts of his mistress, and picturing to himself how +happy he could be with her in a cottage. + +I filled my pipe afresh, and smoked for a few minutes in silence. + +"Becky tells me that she took a fancy to me on the night that Gulpin +assaulted the house. She thought I acted like a man on that trying +occasion." Ungrateful Beck, to thus forget the valuable services of +Fred and myself. Love had indeed blinded her, for all that was noble and +generous was centred in Smith. + +"Well, Smith," I said, extending my hand, "I give you joy, and hope that +nothing will ever occur to disturb your happiness. I should like to be +present at the ceremony, but I fear that it will be impossible." + +"I don't know as it is so very difficult. There are parsons at the +mines, and Ballarat is nearer than Melbourne." + +I knew what he wanted me to do, but I feared that we should waste too +much valuable time. He looked hard at me to see if I was not intending +to urge him to take the lady with us, but as I smoked on in silence, he +did not continue the conversation. + +We were all tired enough at sundown to stretch our weary limbs upon the +ground, and endeavor to sleep in peace for one night. To prevent our +being surprised, sentinels were stationed around the hut, with orders to +keep their eyes open, and report if any thing of a suspicious character +was seen. + +Whether they acted up to the orders is more than I know, but of one +thing I'm positive. After I rested my head upon my knapsack, I did not +awaken until I felt a hand laid upon my shoulder, when, starting up, I +found that Murden was standing by my side. + +"Day is just breaking," he said; "I am sorry to disturb you, but you +know we must be on the march to Melbourne by sunrise. Have breakfast +with us for the last time, and then we'll to the saddle." + +I could not resist the temptation, and when I had packed my blankets, I +found that the policemen had nearly completed their arrangements for +breakfast, and were feeding the prisoners with the remnants of last +night's repast. + +Coffee was swallowed hastily, and then the clear, ringing notes of the +bugle gave the signal for bringing up the horses. + +"You surely don't intend to make these poor devils walk all the way?" I +asked of the lieutenant, just before he started. + +"They will have to walk until we come across teams on the road to +Melbourne, and then I shall let them ride. There is no other way that I +can do," he replied. + +Even while we were talking, the bugle sounded to mount, so anxious were +the men to reach the city. + +"There will be a large amount of money placed to your credit," Murden +said. "Remember that each bushranger killed or taken prisoner is worth +one hundred pounds." + +"We hope we shall never be poor enough to ask for it," Fred replied. + +"I hope that you never will be in want, certainly," Murden said, "but I +do hope that your sensibilities will not prevent you from accepting that +which is legally your own. I have no time to argue with you more, but in +less than a month I shall be at Ballarat, when we will further discuss +the subject." + +"You will have business there at that time?" I asked. + +"I think that I shall. The miners have suddenly become convinced that it +is not right to pay government taxes for the privilege of digging gold. +Nothing serious has occurred as yet; but how long the storm will hold +off is quite uncertain." + +"This is all news to me," Fred said, after a short pause, "and I hardly +know how to act under the circumstances. We have no desire to violate +your laws, or to foster rebellion, and I have half a mind to abandon our +enterprise for the present." + +"I should be happy to see you both residents of Melbourne, but I cannot +advise you to turn from the course you have marked out. Go to the mines +and satisfy yourselves that the labor of gold digging is the hardest +labor that you ever undertook, and that a week of such work is +sufficient to convince you of the fact." + +We resolved to follow Murden's advice, and were about to bid him +farewell, when he added,--"If you conclude to remain at the mines, write +me a full account of how matters stand, and what you think of the +demands of the miners. I can rely upon you, for you have not mingled +with the men, and of course do not at present sympathize with them. I do +not ask the favor because I wish you to act the part of a spy, but +simply for my own gratification." + +We promised faithfully to keep him advised of our movements, and also +those of the disaffected part of the residents of Ballarat, and with a +hearty shake of his hand, Murden wheeled his horse and galloped after +his command, which had been gone some time. + +"Now, Smith, we are once more dependent upon ourselves. Shall we first +go after our cart, and repair it, or do you feel like resting for a day +or two?" + +"Well, I don't know," answered Smith, in response to Fred's question. "I +feel as though I should like to rest for a few hours; you see the +confounded hole where we roosted was so hot, that I'm pretty nearly used +up." + +I saw through his design, but concluded not to notice it. Like all +lovers, he hated to tear himself from the idol of his heart, and thought +that a few hours might alleviate his pain. + +"Well, we'll postpone our trip until to-morrow, and to be certain that +we shall be ready then, we will take two yoke of cattle and bring up the +team and repair it. Had we not lost that bag of gold which we have +wasted so much time for, I think that we should have bought you a new +cart, of later pattern." + +Fred spoke jestingly, and yet not without a sigh at the magnitude of our +loss. The old stockman, who was seated on a bench at his door, overheard +the conversation, and interrupted us. + +"Who says the gold is lost?" he asked. + +"We all do," replied Fred; "the bag was not to be found where Jack +placed it." + +"I know that," the old man answered, with a silent chuckle. + +"How do you know that it was gone!' I demanded. + +"Why, because when you threw it down, I picked it up, and made my way +out of the woods as fast as possible." + +"And the bushrangers took it from you?" I demanded. + +"I didn't say so," the stockman replied, coolly. + +"You don't mean to tell me that the money is safe?" asked Fred. + +"Well, I should think it was, because I don't believe that any +bushranger would discover the place where I hid it." "Bless your old +heart!" cried Smith, slapping him on the shoulder; "you are worth a +dozen of us young ones. But why didn't you say something about it +before?" + +"And let those police fellers share with us? No, no; I know too much for +that; they would have required at least half the amount found, and I +didn't think my young friends here would be willing to be bled to such +an extent. They shall have the money, and can do as they please. I have +redeemed my word; I promised to assist them, for they have assisted me; +and when I have placed the gold in their hands, I shall think that I +have only paid them a small portion of the debt which I owe them." + +We were too much surprised and delighted to speak for some time, for the +recovery of the money was something we were not prepared for. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXIII. + +RECOVERY OF THE GOLD.--ARRIVAL AT BALLARAT. + + +"Lead us to the spot where you have secreted our gold," we cried, with +one accord. + +"There's time enough," replied the old man; "I tell you that it is safe, +and where I can get it any time. What more would you have?" + +"We would have the assurance that we possess it, so that we can reward +those who have aided us in searching for it. We wish to feel that we are +indeed worth so much money, so that we can lay our plans for the +future." + +"Do you say that you wish to reward those who helped you obtain it?" +asked the stockman, removing his pipe and pricking up his ears. + +"Of course we do," replied Fred, eagerly; "do you think that we are so +selfish as to claim the whole of the prize?" + +"It's not for myself that I ask; 'tis for my daughter, who, in case I am +called to rest, will be destitute. Every pound shall be returned to you, +and then if you think from out of your abundant means, you can spare the +old convict and his child a few grains of dust, why, we shall be +thankful." + +"Don't fear for me, father," the daughter said, with an expressive +glance at the brawny form of Smith, which seemed to say that he is +"strong enough to take care of me in this world of trouble." + +"But I do care for you, for who else have I to love in this world?" +answered the stockman, wiping away a tear. + +"And will you not let another share that love?" she said, fondling his +gray hairs, as though she had just awakened to a sense of his worth. + +"What do you mean, girl?" he demanded, with a suspicious glance at her +face, which was suffused with blushes. + +"I mean," she replied, coloring with contusion, "that if a suitor +should present himself, would you not be willing that I should marry +again?" + +"You have just lost one husband, and who thinks of whispering nonsense +in your ears? Not these young gallants, I hope, for they never would be +willing to introduce you to their homes; and if they mean false, the old +gun is still capable of sending a bullet as true as the day that I took +it from a bushranger for killing my sheep." + +"O, no, father; the young gentlemen have hardly spoken to me, and if I +should wait for them to make love, I should never be married." + +"Then who has caught your fancy, and made you feel as though you wished +to desert your old father?" demanded the old convict, sternly. + +"Not to desert you, father, for you shall come and live with us, and +give up your shepherd's occupation. The work is too hard and dangerous +for one of your years, and if you wish to make money the city offers +larger inducements." + +"I don't understand all of this," cried the old man, wiping his brow, +and staring at us as though he wished we would explain. "You want me to +live with you, yet when, and where, I am left to conjecture." + +"He will tell you all," cried the daughter, breaking away and entering +the hut, her face nearly as red as Smith's, and the latter's seemed as +though burning. He cast an imploring glance towards me, and I helped him +out of the dilemma as well as I was able. + +"A man whom you might well be proud to call son-in-law has taken a fancy +to your daughter, and seeks to make her his wife. The match in one that +you can't help approving, for he is able to support her and be a kind +husband. What more can you ask for?" + +"I ask for the name of the person, and you confuse me with a torrent of +praise," exclaimed the old man, testily. + +"Here he is to speak for himself," I said, leading Smith up. "This is +the man who desires to become your son-in-law." + +"Are you serious, Smith?" the stockman asked, with a suspicious glance +of his keen, gray eye. + +"I assure you that I am, and that I will labor with all my might to make +your child a happy wife." + +Smith bore the scrutiny without flinching, although his words were +uttered by syllables. + +"But my child is poor; I can give her neither wealth, nor a proud, +untarnished name. I have been a sentenced convict." + +"And what have I been?" asked Smith, with a tremulous voice, his head +falling upon his breast. + +"Let us not refer to such matters," cried the stockman, briskly, +throwing off, with an effort, the constraint which the conversation had +given him. "I ask you if you are willing to marry my daughter, poor as +she is, and poor as you know me to be?" + +The stockman's gray eyes were fixed upon the face of the suitor as +though reading his most secret thoughts. + +"I have already answered that question, and told you that I was willing +and anxious to have the ceremony performed without delay. You shall live +with us, and take care of the house while I am at the mines. You shall +never want as long as I possess a shilling," answered Smith, heartily. +"Do those words come from your heart?" asked the old convict, eagerly. + +"Else I should not have uttered them," Smith answered. + +"Then my daughter shall be your wife; but she will not be the penniless +woman you think for. Follow me, and I will show you a sight that will +surprise you." + +Thinking that the invitation was not addressed to us, Fred and myself +held back, and did not offer to follow the old man into his hut. The +stockman saw that we hesitated, and he called to us. + +"Come in, all of you. I can trust friends, and I am sure you have all +proved to be such." + +We followed, wondering what he meant by his words and hasty gestures, +and half inclined to think that the late trials through which he had +passed, had unsettled his brain. + +"Come in," he whispered, "and shut the door. We don't want passing +strangers to see what we have concealed. Becky, where is the iron bar?" +he whispered, still lower. + +His daughter handed a small iron bar to him, and with it he raised the +corner of a heavy stone, which formed his hearth. + +"Now hold the bar in that position for me," he said, addressing Smith. + +The latter complied, with his request, when the stockman inserted his +hand under the stone, and after groping about for a moment, pulled out a +heavy sheepskin bag, and laid it beside him. Once more he reached, and +again dragged to light another bag, similar in size and weight. He +motioned to let the stone return to its place, and then turned to us +with a triumphant air. + +While the old man was thus employed, we remained silent, hardly knowing +what the proceedings on his part meant. With trembling hands he untied +the strings which confined the mouths of the bags, and held them up for +us to view. To our amazement, we found they were filled with fine gold +dust, of an excellent quality, and that the two sacks contained not less +than twenty thousand dollars' worth. + +We uttered an exclamation of astonishment, and could hardly believe that +what we saw was real. + +"Yes, yes; it's all good gold, God be praised," cried the stockman, +eagerly; "you thought that the old man was poor and destitute, but you +see that I'm not. I've wealth, and it's all my own. God be praised." + +"But how came you in possession of so much gold dust?" asked Fred; a +slight suspicion crossing his mind that the old convict might have +employed his leisure hours at a bushranger's occupation. + +"Honestly, good youth, honestly. God knows all things, and he will +acquit me of obtaining the dust otherwise." + +"The amount is large for a person to possess who has received only a few +dollars per year for his services as shepherd," Fred remarked. + +"I know--I know," cried the old man, trembling with eagerness, and +hastily taking up the bags again, and depositing them under the stone. + +"I know," he continued, when he saw that the stone was safe in its +accustomed place, "that the amount is large; and I mean to add to it, +and be rich, and have men bow to me, and say, 'There goes one of our +most worthy men. He is worth a million.'" + +The old convict actually straightened his lank body, and looked proudly +upon his daughter, as he thought of the homage which he should receive +as a wealthy man. + +"But you have not told us how you became possessed of so much gold," +Smith said, rather coolly. + +"Never you mind how I got it--that is a secret. But be assured, one half +goes to you on the day that you marry my daughter." + +"I accept of the woman, but before the gold crosses my palm, I must know +that it was--" + +Smith hesitated, for he did not like to wound the old man's feelings. + +"You would say honestly," cried the stockman, looking Smith full in the +face with his calm, gray eyes. "I like you better for your reluctance to +receive a portion with your wife until you know that you can use it with +honor. Be assured that you can do so." + +"Convince me of the fact by relating how it came into your possession, +and I am satisfied," returned Smith. + +"O James, James, have mercy," murmured the distressed daughter, who was +a witness of the scene. + +The sturdy Smith resisted her appeal, and did not withdraw his eyes from +the face of the stockman, who seemed slightly discomposed at the +pertinacity of his intended son-in-law. + +The old man hesitated and muttered to himself, and at length appeared to +recover sufficient confidence to speak. + +"Will all three of you solemnly promise me that you will not divulge the +secret which I am about to impart?" he demanded. + +"We will readily give our consent, because we have fought too many +battles, side by side, to injure a friend, even if he has been guilty of +imprudence," he replied. + +"And will you also promise not to interfere with my plans, and demand to +share my profits?" he asked. + +We smiled, for we thought how little he was capable of coping with the +energy and enterprise of ourselves. + +"I see that you consent," he cried; "and now for the friend that yielded +all the wealth which I possess. Follow me a short distance." + +He led the way at a rapid pace towards the small stream which we had +crossed so many times, and near the very spot where we had encamped on +our first visit to that part of the country. + +"There is where I obtained my gold," he said, stopping suddenly, and +pointing with his hand towards the bank of the stream. + +"You are misleading us," I said, not knowing what he meant. + +"So help me, Heaven, I am not. Here, on the banks of the stream, I have +dug and washed thousands of pans full of earth, and yet no living soul +ever saw me at work. Here did I collect my gold, a shilling's worth at a +time, some days, and on other occasions by the ounce, until I gained +what I possess. I have toiled for it during heat and wet, and every +grain that you saw was obtained that way." + +We were silent from wonder, and could hardly realize that he spoke the +truth. At length, Fred remarked,-- + +"For months, then, you have been aware of the existence of gold in this +particular spot?" + +"Not only in one spot, but all along the stream can gold be found. Even +where you stand scales of dust can be obtained. The earth is full of +treasure, and requires but little stirring to enrich all who choose to +work." + +"Then there is no occasion for us to go farther," I said; "here will we +rest and try our luck." + +"You can't," shrieked the old man, shaking his withered hands, and +gesticulating violently. "You have promised not to interfere with my +work, and I hold you to your word. To me belongs the exclusive right of +mining on this land. I cannot share it with strangers." + +"Why, how unreasonable and selfish you are, to exclude us from the +privileges which you enjoy!" returned Fred, angrily. + +"Not so," replied the old man, somewhat mortified. "Let a rumor reach +Melbourne that gold is to be found by the side of this small stream, and +thousands of adventurers will flock here. My sheep would be driven off +or destroyed--the stream would be dried up, for there is hardly water +enough to supply my animals at the present time. Men would perish with +thirst, and cut each other's throats in their despair. My home would be +invaded, and the old man forced from the ground, and perhaps lose his +all while struggling in the race for wealth." + +There was too much truth in the old man's words, and we were not +disposed to gainsay them. Still, we did not like to relinquish a chance +for money-making, and therefore we were disposed to argue the question. + +"Here are days," we said, "when not a team or a foot passenger passes +this way. We could always be on the watch, and as soon as we saw +strangers we could desist from digging. Besides, then you would have us +near you to protect and look after your interest. Consider how much we +could assist you." + +"I considered every thing," replied the old man, with a shake of his +gray head, as though he was determined not to be convinced. "I knew +that, unless I exacted a solemn promise, you would be wild to take +advantage of my information. But I know your hearts, and am well aware +that you will not struggle against an old man's wishes." + +"Our company is disagreeable to you, then," Fred said. "We will not +force ourselves upon you, be assured. In an hour's time we shall turn +our backs upon the place, and probably never return." + +"Come, come," cried the old convict, extending his hand, which we were +in no hurry to accept. "You are angry with me, and yet you have no just +cause, for I would expose my life to assist you. You are richer than I, +and need not quarrel with an old friend for the sake of working from the +earth a few scales of gold. Let me remain here in peace; for the +present, without being elbowed by strangers." + +"We are agreed," I replied, pressing the stockman's hand: and as we did +so, a vision of his services rose before us, and amply rewarded us for +the slight sacrifice which we had made. + +"Now," cried the stockman, "we are friends again; and to prove that I am +such, before noon I will place in your hands the bag of gold which we +came so near losing night before last" + +"Ah, now we are convinced that you have our interest at heart," Fred +said, joyfully. "Let us but touch the treasure and you shall share with +us." + +"I want no share--I've been repaid, ay, more than repaid, in obtaining +my freedom through your instrumentality, and if I can make some return I +shall be happy." + +We no longer stopped to discuss the question of working upon his claim, +and in less than ten minutes after our return to the hut, we had saddled +our horses, and leaving Smith to follow with his oxen, for the purpose +of bringing home his half-consumed cart, we started once more towards +the still smoking woods. + +The hot winds of Australia, which begin about ten o'clock in the +forenoon, swept over the prairie with a blast that felt like the flames +of an extensive conflagration, and yet we heeded it not, for our whole +thoughts were fixed, like greedy misers, upon the gold which we were +soon to acquire, and we speculated what we should do with our wealth, +and how expend it. + +We urged our panting horses to their utmost speed, and not until the old +stockman cried out to us to draw up, or we should exhaust the brutes, +did we allow them to take breath. + +"There's no use in being in such a hurry," he said, "because we are near +the spot, and have all the afternoon to get home." + +In fact, even while he was speaking he dismounted near Smith's cart, and +we quickly followed his example. + +"When I made my escape from the bushrangers, and carried off the gold, I +recollected that I had seen a stone near this spot, and that some kind +of animal had burrowed under it. The knowledge served me a good turn, +for when I gained the edge of the woods I scraped away a little dirt and +dropped the bag into the hole. Then I rapidly covered it, and entered +the forest again undiscovered." + +While he was speaking our eyes had wandered in search of the rock which +he was mentioning, and within a rod of us we found it. We hardly waited +to hear the conclusion of his words before we had pushed aside the loose +dirt, and saw the soiled canvas bag which we had taken from the earth on +the day of our capture. + +We raised it carefully from its hiding-place, and found that the weight +had not diminished. With eager hands we untied the strings, and exposed +to our longing eyes the glittering scales of gold dust, mixed with gold +coins, sovereigns, and American ten and twenty dollar pieces. + +"Well," asked the stockman, "how much do you think you are worth now?" + +The old fellow was as cool as an iceberg, and offered a striking +contrast to our excitement. + +"Twenty thousand dollars," replied Fred, weighing the bag with both +hands; and no easy matter he found it to hold the gold at arm's length. + +"More than that," replied the stockman, with a smile of gratified pride +at our pleasure. "Say thirty thousand, and you will come nearer the +mark." + +"Five thousand shall go to reward you for your trouble," I said. + +"Not a penny will I accept," he answered, quickly and decidedly; "I told +you that some time ago. I plead poverty because I did not wish people +to consider me rich, and I suppose by that means I have saved my life: +for if the marauders of those parts knew me to possess gold, my hut +would have been turned inside out, but that it would have been +discovered. No, no; keep your money, and may you do good with it." + +We mounted our horses again, and hugging the bag of gold to my saddle +bow, as though fearful I should meet bushrangers to dispute my right to +it at every step, we recrossed the prairie, meeting Smith on the way, to +whom we imparted our good fortune, and received his congratulations. By +three o'clock the gold was safe under the hearthstone, and then we +breathed free, and felt that we indeed owned it. + +By six o'clock Smith joined us with his dilapidated cart, when we +immediately commenced repairing it, and getting ready for our journey +towards Ballarat. + +By the ingenious use of tree limbs, we were enabled to repair it +sufficiently to carry all of our freight; and after it was loaded on, we +ate our supper, and prepared for an early start. + +The gold, which we were so glad to obtain possession of, troubled us, +however. We did not like to risk its safety with us, for we knew that +the population of Ballarat were wild and lawless, and we were rather +fearful of losing our treasure, now that we possessed it. We consulted +with Smith, and came to the conclusion that the safest place was with +the honest old stockman, buried beneath his stone hearth. He readily +accepted of the trust, and promised to deliver it only upon a written +order, signed by both of us, and with a private mark upon the paper. + +With Smith we settled according to what we considered a liberal reward. +The honest fellow refused, at first, to accept of any thing, saying that +he had only performed his duty, and that he was still in our debt; but +we would not listen to such reasoning, and weighed out five thousand +dollars, as his share, for losses sustained, and time expended. + +After that matter was settled, we retired to sleep, and only awakened to +partake of a substantial breakfast, for which, I have always suspected, +we were indebted to the kind consideration Smith was held in by Mrs. +Becky. At any rate, every thing that we could desire was spread before +us; and when we shook hands with the old stockman and his daughter, I +observed that Smith held the woman's hand with a firm grasp, as though +reluctant to relinquish it. + +Our friends waved an adieu, Smith cracked his whip, and sighed, Rover +barked joyfully, as he saw preparations for moving, Fred and myself +cautioned the stockman, for the last time, to be careful of our gold, +and then we were off; and in half an hour's time had shut out the hut +behind a miniature hill, the first which we had seen for many days. + +For two days we travelled, meeting teams and vehicles of all +descriptions, owned by uncouth individuals, who asked us the news from +Melbourne, and ridiculed us when we said that we didn't know the price +of ale and beer, or what flour was worth per ton. + +As we advanced towards the mining district, the road was filled with +people flocking that way, while hundreds were on their return to +Melbourne or Sydney. + +Wan, ghastly looking men were groaning upon the bottom of carts +destitute of springs. Others, hardly able to lift their feet, were +staggering along for some city where they could receive the attentions +of a physician, being too poor to employ one at the mines, and too +destitute to ride towards civilization. + +Occasionally we saw a poor wretch by the roadside, who had apparently +lain down to die, too exhausted to proceed upon his journey; while +others hailed us, and begged us, in God's name, for a swallow of wine, +or other stimulant, to cheer them on their way. + +Long before we reached Ballarat our slender stock of liquors was +exhausted, and yet we had not administered to the wants of one half of +those who sought aid. Indeed, had we listened to all who begged, our +provisions would also have disappeared, and we should have had to trust +to our purses to replenish our supply. + +Smith was an old campaigner in these regions, and cheeked our +generosity, by giving us a few words of advice, which we afterwards +found were correct. + +On we went, the road growing worse and worse as we advanced, and as the +wheels sunk into the deep ruts, I thought the wagon would be shattered +to pieces in the struggle to extricate it. Dozens of teams were stuck, +and despite the yells and curses of the drivers, the tired cattle +refused to move. + +Smith's oxen, the freshest and strongest we had seen on the road, were +often borrowed to give distressed teamsters a lift, so that our progress +was rather slow; and it was not until five o'clock that we entered the +town of Ballarat, and passed along the main street, which was graced +with huts and tents of rough boards, on each side. + +On we went, passing the "Melbourne Saloon," the "Sydney Saloon," the +"London Hotel," the "American Hotel," the "Californians' Retreat," and +numbers of other tents, decorated with huge letters of black paint, and +all setting forth the peculiar merits which each offered to the weary +traveller. + +At one place, we were told that real London porter could be obtained for +ten shillings per bottle; and at another, that XX ale was selling for +only one shilling per glass. + +Signs innumerable greeted our eyes. Doctors, who informed the public +that their charges were only one pound per visit, cash in advance to +save trouble; carpenters, who offered to build houses at the cheapest +rate; carriers, willing to freight goods to any part of Australia, and +would not guarantee a safe delivery--all these were passed by without +attracting any attention, although the scene was one of novelty and +excitement to us. + +We gained a portion of the town that was comparatively clear of tents, +and near a stream of water. Here Smith thought we had better stop; and +tired, and perhaps homesick, we pitched our tent, and ate our first +supper at the mines of Ballarat. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXIV. + +THE BULLY OF BALLARAT.--FRED FIGHTS A DUEL. + + +Horse stealing is not regarded as a very serious crime, I regret to say, +in Australia. There is a certain class of people who make no scruple of +borrowing an animal without the owner's consent, and if great objection +is made to such a proceeding, a resort to firearms quickly settles the +matter, generally to the disadvantage of the remonstrant. + +The mines are overrun with ruffians, who have no fear of law, and can +only be kept in awe by courage superior to their own. Of this we were +quickly made acquainted, as we were considered, by the old residents, +green, having but recently arrived, and not yet learned the mysteries of +Ballarat. + +The first case occurred even before we had finished our supper, and +perhaps gave us a better insight into the manners and customs of the +miners than we could have otherwise learned for months. + +I have already said that Fred and myself rode two fine horses, formerly +owned by the police department of Melbourne. The animals, owing to the +care which we had taken of them during our journey, were in capital +order, and worth full as much money as when we first purchased them. + +As we had understood that horseflesh was scarce and dear at the mines, +we had determined to hold on to the brutes for a few days, and then, if +we liked Ballarat, and were disposed to locate there, we had resolved to +sell them, to save expense of keeping--no inconsiderable item, where to +turn a horse out to pasture was to lose sight of him forever, and where +barley was worth about ten dollars a hundred. + +We were leisurely sipping our coffee, after looking to the comfort of +the animals, having fed and rubbed them down, and allowed them to drink +their fill of water, when a thick-set, black-bearded man, evidently +partially intoxicated, came swaggering towards us. He wore a blue +flannel shirt, open at the neck, exposing a chest brawny enough for +Hercules; and around his waist was a leather belt, such as is worn by +sailors on shipboard. In the belt was a long knife on one side, and on +the other a pistol of mammoth dimensions; but it looked to me as though +more dangerous to the holder than the one who stood before it, for the +stock was broken, and the barrel rusty and neglected. + +Thus equipped, the ruffian--for we could see that he was a ruffian in +every movement and in every line of his animal face--swaggered towards +us, nodded to Smith in a patronizing manner, and after a broad stare of +half-defiance and half-wonder at Fred and myself,--an act of +impertinence of which we took no notice,--he began examining the animals +as though he was a connoisseur in horseflesh. + +We apparently paid no attention to his movements, and continued +discussing our private affairs, and sipping our coffee. Rover, who was +sharing our meal, once or twice showed his teeth, and manifested a +disposition to commence hostilities; but we silenced him, and thought +that we would let the fellow operate for a few moments without +remonstrance. + +"Who is he?" we asked of Smith. + +"The worst man in Ballarat. He is called the bully of the mines, and it +is as much as a man's life is worth to anger him. His real name is Pete +Burley; he served out his time for breaking a man's head and then +robbing him, in London. Say nothing to him, but if he speaks, answer him +civilly." + +This was all spoken in a tone not above a whisper, and we began to think +that the fellow was indeed dangerous, if a man like Smith displayed +signs of fear in his presence. + +After Mr. Pete had satisfied himself which horse possessed the best +bottom, he turned towards us, and condescended to honor us with his +attention. + +"Is them hosses yourn?" he inquired, with a growl, as though the effort +of asking a question was painful. + +Fred intimated that they belonged to us, and that he considered them, +confidentially, fine animals. + +"I want to use this ere one, to-night; where's the saddle and fixins?" + +"Let him have the animal," whispered Smith, without raising his eyes; +"it's better than having trouble with him." + +The advice was intended for our benefit, but the Yankee blood which +coursed through Fred's veins was opposed to such an inglorious +acquiescence. + +"You don't intend to take the animal without asking our consent, do +you?" inquired Fred, mildly. + +The ruffian actually looked astonished, and for a moment did not reply, +so bewildered did he seem. + +"Have you told them fellers who I is?" asked Pete, appealing to Smith. + +"I don't think that I have," replied Smith, hurriedly; "it's all right, +Pete; you can have the horse, if you want him." + +"If it's all right, I've no more to say; but if it's not all right, I +can make it right, d----d quick," the ruffian said, still looking +towards us, as though he should like to see a little opposition, just +for the sake of showing us who he really was. + +"My friend, here," said Fred, pointing to Smith, "is slightly mistaken +in what he says. I own the horse you have selected for a ride, and I +have objections against loaning him to strangers. You can't have him." + +Fred was as cool as ever I saw him in my life. He reached over to the +coffee-pot while he was speaking, and deliberately helped himself to +coffee, sweetened it to his fancy, and then drank it, without showing +the least agitation. + +To my surprise, the ruffian, instead of answering Fred's speech, burst +into an uncontrollable fit of laughter, which lasted for some minutes. + +"If this 'ere ain't jolly!" he said, after recovering his breath; "why, +you fools, don't you know me? hain't you ever heard of me afore? I'm +Pete Burley, the bully of Ballarat, and can lick any two men in the +mines! Bah, greenies, don't be putting on airs afore you've been in +this ere town two hours. Where's this hoss's bridle?" + +"I have told you once," replied Fred, a small, red spot beginning to +appear on each cheek, "that the animal is not at your disposal. We are +strangers here, it is true, but we are not disposed to be imposed upon." + +"Now, I've half a mind to hammer the whole party till you're black and +blue, and then drive you from the mines. Why, you fools, who am I? what +do you take me for? am I a fighting man or not?'" roared the ruffian, +his eyes beginning to grow bloodshot, and his bloated face livid with +rage. + +By this time, a large number of idlers began to gather around, and +listen to the altercation of words. None of them seemed disposed to +interfere, although I saw that the mass were too much under the +influence of Bully to say a word in our favor, while half a dozen +sycophant curs boldly encouraged him in his course of aggression, and +whispered to each other, that we should soon knuckle into "nuggets," +when the bully got fairly awakened. + +We paid no attention to the crowd, but continued to keep our seats and +sip our coffee; but when we saw that Pete was determined to carry off +the horse at any rate, we concluded that it was time to interfere in +earnest. + +The bully had begun to unfasten the halter which held the horse, when +Fred and myself rose to our feet. The crowd kept at a respectful +distance, for they knew that Bully was a man who did not stop to +consider who were for or against him, when in a rage, and that he had +been known to discharge a pair of pistols in the midst of a party of +friends, if he felt that it was necessary to keep up his reputation for +fierceness and decision. Under such circumstances, there is but little +cause to wonder why men were not disposed to press forward for the +purpose of listening and offering assistance. + +As I said before, Pete had begun to untie the halter, and the crowd +applauded in approbation of his firmness. He held the strap in one hand, +when Fred and myself, followed by Smith at a short distance, reached the +spot. + +"I have told you once, that you cannot have my horse!" cried Fred, +firmly and decidedly; "will you have the extreme goodness to let him +alone?" + +"Look here, you cussed counter-jumper," roared the bully; "if you utter +another word, I'll make you eat the hoss and saddle, and then boot you +out of town in the bargain. I'm going to have a ride; so stand aside, +and don't interfere with me." + +He was walking off with the animal, when Fred laid his hand upon the +halter. The ruffian turned suddenly, and aimed a blow at Fred's head +that would have crushed his skull, had he not quickly avoided it, and +allowed the huge fist to pass within a few inches of his face. + +The impetus of the blow turned the bully half round, so that he exactly +faced Fred, and for a moment he was off his guard; that opportunity was +improved by my friend, who saw his advantage. + +Quick as lightning, I saw Fred's right hand raised, and with a "square +shoulder hit," such as would have felled an ox, he let it fall full upon +Bully's face. I saw the dark blood spurt out from beneath the eye of +Pete, and I heard a crunching sound, as though bones were broken; but +before I had time to think, the ruffian staggered, swung his arms aloft, +and pitched heavily to the earth. + +"By G----d, that was a Yankee blow," yelled a rough-looking genius, who +had regarded the scene with great composure during the war of words. +"Them fellers is Yankees, and my countrymen, and they is going to have +fair play if I can get it. Stand back, all of you, and let us have this +thing out. Bob," our new ally said, speaking to a friend, "you just run +down to the Californe Saloon, and tell the boys a Yankee is in trouble, +and needs help; and mind and tell 'um that they needn't stop to draw the +charge of their revolvers." + +The person addressed as Bob hastened from the spot; but before I could +reward our new friend with a word of thanks, Pete, who had lain as if +stunned for a few moments, began to show signs of reviving. + +"We must look out for his pistol," said our rough friend, stepping from +the crowd, and approaching me. "He will be certain to use it if he is +not too groggy." + +The words were prophetic; for hardly had the fallen man looked around, +after rubbing his eye, when the whole transaction appeared to flash upon +his mind. + +"I have been struck," he yelled, springing to his feet, and stamping the +ground in his rage. "Where is the man that dared to lay a hand upon me? +Show him to me, and his blood shall run like water." + +"Put up your pistol, Pete," said our new friend, laying his hand upon +that weapon, which Burley had drawn, and was about to cock. "You begun +this 'ere quarrel, and you are not going to use the barkers without +giving the other side a chance. Is it a regular stand up and take match +that you want, or do you like ten paces better? If you are for fight, +you can be accommodated; but the fellow that fires the first shot, +without a signal, dies, if there's any virtue in a revolver." + +"A fight, a fight," yelled the outsiders, and even while they were +cheering, I saw a dozen or twenty brawny-limbed fellows break through +the crowd and rush into the ring. + +"We just got word from you, Charley, that an American wanted fair play. +Who is he?" asked one of the new comers; and by his peculiar dialect, I +knew him for a native of old Vermont. + +"These two 'Mericans have been pitched into by Pete Burley, 'cos they +won't let him have their hoss. I happened 'long and saw the whole of it, +and I tell you it was butfully done, and, no mistake. The Yankee give +him Jesse, and yet he fetched him only one winder." + +"We'll stick by you, and no mistake," cried our generous countryman, +standing between the bully and Fred, for fear that the former should do +him some harm. "The fellow is a nuisance, and ought to be kicked from +the mines, for he makes his living by sponging and stealing." + +"Come, Burley," cried the American addressed as Charley, "is it a fair +stand up fight that you want, or an exchange of shots? Our countryman +will accommodate you with either, I have no doubt." + +"I want his blood; d---- him, I'll have his heart out of him," yelled +the ruffian, who was also surrounded by a small circle of admirers. "He +has struck me, and I want revenge." + +"Well, don't cry about it," cried Charley, quite jocular. "I suppose +that there will be no trouble in satisfying you. What say? shall I make +arrangements for a meeting, so that you can have a pop at each other?" +he continued, addressing Fred. + +"The fact of it is," Charley said, dropping his voice to a whisper, "the +fellow is a bloodthirsty wretch, and has committed more than half a +dozen murders, yet they cannot be brought home to him. You have struck +him, and he will take your life on the first opportunity. You had better +shoot him, and get him out of the way. I will explain the matter to the +government inspector, and there will be nothing said about the matter." + +"But you forget that the ruffian may shoot me," replied Fred, with a +smile. + +"Well, the fact of it is, I disremembered that. But I'll tell you what I +will do, if you think it will be of any consolation to you. If he hits +you, I'll challenge him, and revenge your loss." + +"I am much obliged to you, certainly," Fred replied; "but I won't +request you to put your life in danger on my account. If you think I am +bound to give satisfaction for the blow, please act in connection with +my friend as my second." + +"We'll arrange it, never fear," Charley said, with great readiness, as +though the meeting was one of the most natural things in the world. + +Cowards are always fickle, and can be swayed by good or bad success. +Those who a few minutes before were silent, or encouraged the English +bully in his course, now left his ranks, arrayed themselves upon our +side, and many a hand, rough and hard with toil, was stretched out for +us to grasp and receive congratulations. + +"Faith, Mr. Yankee," whispered a Hibernian to Fred, "ef ye can kill the +divil, do so wid all your heart, for a bigger thief never lived. He +stole me boots day afore yesterday, and the spalpeen refuses to return +'um." + +"He licked me last week," said another, in an under tone, "and if you +think you can afford to beat him for a pound, I'll give it, readily." + +"When you aim at him, be sure to fire a second afore the word is given," +cried another new, but not very conscientious friend. "It's a trick the +bully is up to, and it's that way he treated poor Billy Hanes, who +accused him of stealing his dust. Do as I bid you, and you'll be all +right." + +"We've fixed it," cried California Charley, as he was called by the +crowd, interrupting the confidential advice which Fred was receiving. +"We have concluded to let Burley have a shot to heal his wounded honor, +as he calls his black eye. A devilish bad looking peeper he has got, and +a stunning blow you must have given him to have produced such an +effect." + +"When is it to come off?" I asked, almost trembling for Fred. + +"We have decided that it shall take place immediately, 'cos it would be +cruel to disappoint the crowd assembled. They expect a duel, and we must +gratify them. If you are successful, you will be the most popular man in +Ballarat, and there is no knowing what is in store for you." + +"What weapons are we to use?" Fred asked. + +"Revolvers, to be sure. I've promised to let the fellow use mine for +the sake of placing him on an equality with you. I see that you have a +revolver, so that I know you will be able to shoot better with it than a +strange pistol. But remember, we have no fooling about the affair. I +never stand second for a man unless he tries to win, and I should hate +to think that you were foolish enough to throw away your fire. Do you +kill him the first time, or he will kill you." + +Fred thanked our countryman for his advice, and for a moment we +conferred together apart. + +"The same directions which I gave you when I was compelled to fight my +first duel, will answer for this," Fred said. "If any thing should +happen, don't let me be buried near this place. Carry my body to the old +convict's hut, and let me be interred there by the side of the stream." + +I promised, although there were tears in my eyes and a choking sensation +in my throat, as I did so. + +"Don't give way to any weakness, here," Fred whispered. "Remember that +the eyes of a thousand people are upon us. Let them see that we possess +the true Yankee grit." + +He squeezed my hand as he spoke, and the next instant I was restored to +my usual calmness, as far as the prying eyes which were fastened upon us +could discover. + +"Am I to be kept waiting all day for the young feller to say his +prayers?" roared the bully, who began to grow impatient for blood. + +"Don't let him call again," said Charley; "if he does, the people will +think we are rather backward to meet him. Sympathy is now all on our +side, and we must not lose it." + +"I am ready," replied Fred, after a brief inspection of his revolver. + +"That's right--are you certain that those caps are not damp? Do you want +any thing? Can I do any thing for you?" + +With these questions, and half a dozen others in the same breath, which +Charley asked as rapidly as though there was not a moment to spare, Fred +was conducted near his adversary, who uttered an exclamation when he saw +him, that was intended for an intimidation. + +"Where shall I hit the d----d Yankee?" he cried, brandishing his pistol. +"I'll pepper him just where you tell me to, and afterwards we'll drink +his speedy passage to--" + +The balance of the exclamation was so shocking that his only friend +checked him by asking if his pistol was well loaded. + +"It's loaded well enough to kill that d----d pup. I say, what a joke it +will be! I kill a d----d Yankee with a Yankee's pistol. I suppose they +want to thin the breed off." + +The bully's words, instead of intimidating Fred, had a contrary effect, +for I saw by his eyes that his mind was made up, and all feeling of +compassion was banished from his bosom. + +"You're to stand off twenty paces," Charley said, speaking to Fred; "I +had some thoughts of making the distance less, but I was afraid to trust +you so near, considering that you are a new beginne ..." + +Fred glanced at me and smiled. The Californian little, thought that he +was acting as second to a man whose reputation as a hunter of +bushrangers was the theme of every miner's discourse, and that the +newspapers of Australia had spread our fame all over the island. + +"You need not fear that I shall disgrace your patronage," Fred said. "I +have seen an enemy's front before to-day." + +"Gad, I begin to think that you have," Charley cried, noticing that his +man displayed no sign of tremulousness. + +"Stand one side, gentlemen," cried the Californian. "Our men are going +to fire." + +"Let me get in front of them--that's the safest place," roared out some +joker. + +"It's pluck the Yankee is," cried our Hibernian friend. "See, he don't +look a bit like running away." + +"Five to one that Burley hits at the first fire," cried a sporting man. + +"Done," yelled the Irishman. "How much does ye wish to come down?" + +"Five pound to two that neither is killed at the first fire," roared +another. + +"Make it mortally wounded, and Jim's your customer," replied an anxious +miner, producing his small bag of gold to cover the stake. + +"I'll go this nugget that the Yankee hits his man at the first fire," +cried one fellow, holding up a lump of virgin gold as large as a hen's +egg. + +"I'll take it--I'll take it," a number of voices replied, and +straight-way there was a rush towards him. + +"Jim," cried our bully opponent, "do you go into the crowd and take a +few bets on my account, as I am in want of money, and _after_ I've +killed this young sprig of insolence, I intend to go on a spree. Take +all the odds offered." + +I saw no one accept of the mission, so I concluded that the ruffian's +words were merely intended as capital for the crowd, accessions to which +were constantly increasing. + +"Come," said Fred, speaking to Charley; "let us have this concluded as +soon as possible, or the whole town of Ballarat will be here to witness +it." + +"That is just what. I want," replied our new-found friend, with great +coolness. "If you are fortunate enough to kill the bully,--and I am sure +I hope you will be,--every one who sees him fall will swear that the +fight was a beautiful one, and that every thing was perfectly fair and +just; 'while those who did not, will vow that murder has been committed, +and urge the commissioner to arrest you. It's a great satisfaction +sometimes to see a duel, and it's only right and proper that as many as +possible should be gratified with the sport." + +"But it appears to me that the population of the town is all here now," +remonstrated Fred. + +"There's where you are mistaken," replied Charley; "the news has hardly +reached the miners in the shafts, and that class of people will feel +deeply grieved unless they are among the spectators." + +"There comes a gang of men," I said, calling the Californian's attention +to thirty or forty, who, to judge by soiled garments, had just come from +the bowels of the earth. + +"Yes, there are some of the underground miners, and a rough set they +are. Will you hurry up?" Charley shouted, "or are we to wait here all +night?" + +"Why weren't we called afore?" asked one of the party. "This don't look +like the old style of doing things, I must say." + +"I got word to you as quick as I could, and what more can I do? It's all +owing to me that you got an invite at all. This young feller don't know +our customs, and wanted to bang away afore any one was here," replied my +assistant second. + +"Did you tell him how we managed things?" asked the leading miner, +gravely, as though a breach of etiquette had been committed of the +rudest kind. + +"Of course I did," replied Charley, with alacrity. "You don't think I'd +forget my duty?" + +"And what answer did the young feller make?" inquired the miner, as +though a great deal was attached to Fred's reply. + +"He said that he was ready to comply with the customs of Ballarat, and +that he would wait a fortnight, if necessary, to allow the shaft miners +to get out to see the fun." + +"He said that, did he?" asked the spokesman, nodding his head with +pleasure. + +"Of course he did; and let me tell you he is one of 'em," Charley +exclaimed, with enthusiasm. + +"I believe ye, and the fight can go on without any further delay, after +I've filled my pipe and lighted it." + +We watched the miner as he slowly cut his tobacco and stuffed it into +his pipe, and then, with great deliberation, sheltered it with his hands +while he lighted it with a match. + +"Now I'm comfortable--let the fight go on." + +As soon as the miner, who appeared to have great authority over the +crowd, uttered these words, there was a scattering on every side to get +out of range of the bullets. The people fell back and left the two +principals with their seconds in a double line, which extended for some +distance. + +"Let us shake hands again," said Fred, as the two men were brought into +position. "You, too, Smith, are entitled to my thanks, and a farewell." + +"Don't say that--God knows I did all that I could to keep you apart." + +"I know that you did," replied Fred, with a smile; "but we have no time +to talk of such matters. Stand one side, for I see the crowd and my +opponent are impatient to smell blood." + +Smith fell back, and I slowly and reluctantly followed him. + +"Gentlemen," cried the Californian, taking his station about midway +between the principals, "you are to fire when I say 'fire,' and not +before. The man who discharges his pistol before the word is given shall +get the contents of half a dozen different revolvers." + +This piece of intelligence appeared to disconcert Burley, for he +whispered to his second, and they glanced suspiciously towards the +crowd. + +"There'll be no firing afore the time at this fight," I heard the man +say who had requested us to be on the watch for the bully. + +"Now, then, gentlemen, are you ready?" asked Charley. + +"Ready for half an hour past, 'cos I've got to be at old Steve's at +eight o'clock," returned Burley. + +The crowd cheered him for his spunk, as they termed it, and when Fred +only bowed to the question, and pulled his hat a little more over his +eyes, the Californian's party applauded. + +"Now, then, remember what I told you. Are you ready?" + +Both men cocked their pistols, and aimed as though they meant mischief. + +"Fire!" thundered the Californian. + +I heard a bullet whiz past me, and I saw that Fred stood firm upon his +legs, and then I had just time to look towards the bully to see him give +a spring upward and fall heavily upon his face. The earth fairly shook +as he struck it. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXV. + +BALLARAT CUSTOMS, AFTER A DUEL. + + +A wild cheer, whether of joy or rage I could not tell, burst from the +crowd as Burley fell. The vacant space which had been kept clear for +duelling was filled at once by a struggling mass of people, all pressing +towards the fallen bully to learn the result of his injuries. + +Amidst all the confusion and struggling, our California friends managed +to keep close to us, as though to afford protection in case we were +molested by adherents of Burley. But no one appeared to assail us, while +hundreds rushed up and shook our hands, and congratulated us on the +result of the fight. + +"It's well ye did it, by gar," cried our Hibernian acquaintance; "niver +fear but ye is all right now. I'll fight for ye, mind, for faith, I've +won a nugget on ye." + +"Take your men off the ground, Charley," said the stout miner, who +appeared to exercise such unlimited control over the crowd. "Take 'em +off, and if they is wanted we know where to find 'em." + +In obedience to this mandate we were forced off the ground towards our +tent, and when we reached it we did not have to wait long for news. +Indeed, we found some trouble in keeping people out, for crowds were +wishing to get a sight of the man who tamed the bully of Ballarat; and +had not our California friends reported that Fred was slightly wounded +and desired time to have his hurts attended to, I verily believe he +would have been paraded round the town on the shoulders of his +enthusiastic admirers. While we were speculating on the result of the +duel, and Fred was congratulating himself on getting off so cheap, +Charley rushed in. + +"Well, how much injured is Burley?" I asked. + +"He is pretty badly hurt, but I reckon he'll get over it. The shot hit +him on the hip, and if ever he does get well he'll be troubled in +walking, I should think." + +"Then there is a prospect of his recovering?" demanded Fred, anxiously. + +"Well, I should think there was a right smart chance of his getting on +his pins in the course of time. It's hard killing such ugly customers, +you know." + +"I am thankful that he will not die by my hand," replied Fred, with his +whole heart. + +"Well, it's just as one fancies, you know. Now I shouldn't have thought +it a great crime had the old scamp been peppered right through the +heart. But, how's this?" + +The eyes of Charley wandered around the tent as though he saw something +that excited his suspicions. We looked at him with astonishment. + +"It ain't the way the miners have been accustomed to be treated, and I'm +sorry that I had any thing to do with the duel, 'cos I'll be blamed," +Charley said, shaking his head, and looking as mournful as though he had +just heard of the death of his grandfather. + +"Will you be kind enough to tell us what you disapprove of," asked Fred, +anxiously. + +"Well, I hope that I'll be acquitted of all blame, and I want you to say +so when the influential miners make their appearance," our new +acquaintance said, still shaking his head and muttering to himself. + +"Pray, what do you mean?" repeated Fred, beginning to feel a little +nervous and a little angry at the same time. + +"Well, I suppose you know something 'bout the customs of the miners, +don't you?" Charley asked. + +"I know nothing about your customs or laws, for I've been in Ballarat +only two hours, and yet I've fought a duel and eaten supper, work enough +for one man," Fred said. + +"I forgive you," cried Charley, seizing our hands and shaking them in a +sudden burst of friendship.' "Say no more--I forgive you." + +"For Heaven's sake, what have I done that deserves forgiveness on your +part?" demanded Fred. + +"Why, didn't you know that on occasions like these 'ere the survivor of +a duel is expected to have a few refreshments set out in his tent, and +that all the principal men of Ballarat will be here to take a drink?" + +"I certainly was not acquainted with such an understanding, and I don't +think that even my friend Smith, here, who has made many trips to +Melbourne and the mines, ever heard of it," replied Fred. + +Smith shook his head to intimate that he was in blissful ignorance, and +just then one of the Californians, who acted as doorkeeper, put his head +into the tent and shouted,--"They're coming, Charley; are you ready for +'em?" + +"You see," our friend said, with great coolness, "that something to +drink is expected, and yet we have nothing to offer. What are we to do?" + +"What have you been accustomed to do?" interrogated Fred, beginning to +think that he had fallen among queer people, his countrymen included. + +"Well, a gallon or two of gin, or the same amount of brandy, has always +been considered as about right. It all depends on a man's circumstances. +Now, you," and Charley fixed his eyes with great earnestness upon Fred's +form while speaking, "I calculate, is worth something considerably +handsome, and can afford to treat the boys pretty liberal." + +"Is any thing more customary?" asked Fred, with a slight sneer. + +"Well sometimes, when it's a pretty bad case, I've known a feller to +come down liberally with beer; but of course you can do as you please +about that. They sell first rate at the Californe saloon--new tap, just +arrived," and Charley's eyes sparkled at the prospect of getting a +drink. + +"Then, perhaps, as I and my friend are strangers here, you will do me +the pleasure of acting as master of ceremonies, and order what you think +fit." + +"But you'll pay for the fixens, you know," our friend said, with true +Yankee sagacity; and as he spoke he watched narrowly to see if the money +was forthcoming to back up the request. + +"Certainly," answered Fred, with a melancholy smile at the prospect +before him. He drew from his pocket a number of gold pieces and handed +them to Charley, who clutched them with avidity. + +"I say, Bob," our California friend exclaimed, running to the entrance +of the tent; "it's all right. Tell the folks to wait, and we'll have +something to wet their whistles. He's come down handsomely, and no +mistake." + +"Any orders?" asked the fellow addressed as Bob. + +"Yes, indeed; go down to my place and tell my partner that we'll be +there in a few minutes, and that we intend to drink him dry afore +morning." + +"A pleasant prospect," I muttered, in an undertone, to Fred. "It seems +that the fellow is proprietor of a saloon, and is determined that we +shall pay him for his trouble by drinking all that he has got." + +Charley intimated that he would show us the way, but Fred held back. + +"Why can't you drink your ale without my presence?" he asked, +impatiently. + +"'Cos we don't approve of haristocracy here in Ballarat, and it would +make the miners think that you didn't want to 'sociate with 'em. It +wouldn't do." + +"But if you should tell them that I am slightly injured, and need rest, +wouldn't that have some effect?" Fred inquired, driven almost to +desperation. + +"Well, the only effect it would have you'd be obliged to receive the +folks in your tent, and perhaps that would not be agreeable. But you can +do jist as you please, remember. I've been at Ballarat for six months, +and I should think I know'd the ideas and habits of the miners purty +well." + +"For Heaven's sake, let us go to your place without delay, and get +through with the business. I've half a mind to turn my back upon +Ballarat to-morrow," cried Fred. + +"You won't do that, I reckon, while there's so much of the root of all +evil in the ground. Why, I s'pose you come up here to get rich, and you +is going jist the right way to work to do it. To-morrow you'll be the +most popular man in the mines, and there's no telling what the boys may +do for you. Perhaps send you a delegate to the governor-general, to ask +him to clip off the taxes which we have to pay for digging gold. I tell +you there's a brilliant future before you, so come along." + +We could not resist such a plea, and, followed by about half a thousand +miners, teamsters, and idlers, we gained the saloon owned by our friend, +which proved to be the much vaunted "Californian Retreat." + +The saloon was made of sail cloth, not exactly in the form of a tent, +for a slight frame was visible of a square order, and to the joist was +the cloth tacked. A few rough boards, evidently taken from boxes, formed +the bar, or counter, and half a dozen shelves were nailed up behind it, +composed of the same material. + +On the shelves were a dozen or more black bottles, and three cracked +tumblers stood upon the bar ready to use. A pitcher of water, that +almost steamed with heat, was arrayed before the tumblers; but that, I +imagine, was intended as an ornament, and not for use, for I did not +observe, while I was at the mines, a man make use of such liquid to +qualify his liquor. The merchants of Melbourne and the carriers of +freight between the city and the mines saved them the trouble. + +In the rear part of the saloon was a good sized Yankee stove, black with +dirt, and rust, the accumulation of many days' cooking, during which +fried pork was the staple article; and it was evident that the presiding +genius of the _cuisine_ department had been regardless of how much fat +was spilled, and how much dirt his patrons consumed. + +Three or four berths, near the stove, shaped like those found in the +steerage of a ship, completes a description of every thing in the +Californian Retreat worthy of notice. In one of the berths I noticed a +man who appeared to be very sick, for he hardly opened his eyes when the +crowd which followed us to the saloon rushed in in a disorderly manner. + +"Well," said our friend Charley, rubbing his hands with an air of great +satisfaction, and glancing around his premises, "this looks snug, don't +it?" + +"Very," I answered, rather dryly. + +"You won't find in all Ballarat a saloon that can begin to compare with +this in point of neatness, and a supply of all the luxuries of the +season. Our liquors are first rate, and no mistake; and although we is +out of cigars, we have got some of the juiciest nigger-head that you +ever seed." + +The miner, who appeared to exercise such sway over his comrades, edged +his way through the crowd. + +"I came here," he said, "thinking that the duel feller had axed us to +wet our whistles, but it 'pears that I am mistaken." + +The speaker, now that I had time to study his countenance and +appearance, I found was a man nearly six feet, six inches high, broad +across the shoulders, with a face massive and determined, yet not +wanting indications of good nature. + +"Don't be in such a stew, Ben," cried Charley, rushing towards him, and +preventing his leaving the saloon. "The thing is all right. The dueller +feller pays for all, and we're only waiting for my partner to roll in a +keg of some of the slickest Yankee whiskey that was ever made in York +State, I tell you." + +"Is that so?" asked stout Ben, as he was called, and his face appeared +to express satisfaction at the news. "That is r-e-l-i-a-b-l-e, I s'pose, +Charley?" "My word for it, Ben. But come and shake hands with Burley's +tamer, and encourage the youngster with your patronage." + +The giant, drew the back of his hand across his mouth as though it was +watering for the whiskey, but after a slight urging, the second time he +suffered Charley to conduct him to the corner of the saloon, where Fred, +Smith, and myself were standing, receiving congratulations from all who +wanted a drink of liquor free of cost. + +"This is the chap, Ben," Charley said, nodding towards Fred, and that +was all the introduction which was deemed necessary. + +"I am happy to know you," said "Fred, grasping n hand that was about the +size of a shoulder of mutton, and twice as hard and nubby. + +"You did putty well with Burley, and I am glad of it," Ben replied, +shutting his fist and compressing Fred's bind for what he intended as a +gentle squeeze--but I could see by my friend's face that he would be +very glad when it was relinquished. + +"A fine shot you made of it, sir," Ben said, not noticing that he had +inflicted a large amount of pain. + +"Is the poor fellow badly hurt?" asked Fred. + +"Well, he's got an ugly hole in him, and it's hard hunting--the sawbones +will have to find the lead." + +"I hope that, he will live," repeated Fred. "I did not seek his life, +and I should be sorry to think that an act of mine sent him from the +world with all his sins unrepented of." + +"Never you mind about that," replied Ben. "If a feller wants to take +your heart out, you've got the right to say to that feller, you don't +come it; and if the feller still persists, you is bound to act on the +defensive, and either lick him or kill him, I don't care which. I +jinerally lick 'em." + +As I glanced at the sturdy limbs of the giant miner I thought that he +would be apt to meet but few men who would not prefer the shooting to +the licking. + +"You often have trouble here in Ballarat?" Fred asked. + +"Well, no, I can't say that I see much of it. Sometimes the fellers make +a rumpus, but they generally let me alone, and that's all I ax of 'em. +But whar's that 'ere licker we's to have? 'Pears to me it's rather slow +in getting 'long." + +"Here it comes," shouted Charley, bustling around the crowded room, if, +indeed, room it could be called. "I had to wait for it to be unloaded, +Ben, 'cos it arrived only an hour or two ago from Sydney." + +"You say it's the real New York first proof whiskey, do ye?" asked Ben, +holding a tumbler two thirds full of the stuff up to the light, and +scanning its color with a critical eye. + +"The real thing, and no mistake. It's just sich as you used to git when +chopping away down in the backwoods of Maine," replied Charley. + +We then discovered, what we had all along suspected, that the miner was +an American, and belonged in the Eastern State. + +"Come, ain't you fellers a goin' to drink with us? That ain't exactly +the thing, you know. There ain't no aristocracy in these parts. Every +feller is tree and equal, as the old Constitution of the States says." + +We could not withstand Ben's pressing intimation that we were to +consider ourselves no better than others present, and after waiting +five minutes for a chance at a glass, we managed to swallow a few +mouthfuls of the vile stuff. + +"That's the ticket!" he cried, when he saw that we were disposed to +follow his example; "nothing like good whiskey to keep a man all right, +at the mines. I don't drink much myself, but I've no objections to other +people taking a nip now and then." + +As he spoke, he held out his glass for another nip, and the attentive +Charley, with an eye to his profits, quickly filled it. + +"I give you," said Ben, appealing to the crowd for silence--for most of +the miners had grown talkative, under the influence of their drink--"I +give you a toast. Here's to the tax, and d---- the man that wouldn't +d---- it!" + +The toast was received with yells of applause, and even when the +confusion was at its height, I noticed a small, dark-complexioned man, +wearing a blue frock coat with brass buttons, but with no other insignia +of office or authority, enter the room. + +His presence was not noticed by the crowd, which still continued its +revels, until the new comer approached us, when a death-like silence +crept over the assembly. + +"Good evening, gentlemen," said the dark man, addressing Fred and myself +in a courteous manner; "I belive that you are recent arrivals?" + +"Not more than three hours since," I replied, returning his salutation. + +"I believe you have stated the hours correctly," he returned, dryly; "we +live fast, here in Ballarat, yet I think you have outstripped us by your +activity." + +"No one can regret the circumstance which has taken place more than +myself," replied Fred. + +"Perhaps not," answered the dark man with a grim smile; and while he was +speaking, I noticed that those in the saloon edged towards us for the +purpose of hearing our conversation. + +"The quarrel was occasioned by a dispute about horses, I believe?" the +little man said. + +"You are correct in your suppositions," returned Fred. + +"Will you be kind enough to inform me how those animals came in your +possession?" interrogated the stranger. + +"I don't know what business it is of yours," returned Fred, with some +asperity; "but as we seek to disguise nothing, I will frankly inform you +that we purchased the horses and paid for them." + +"A likely story, truly; I never yet knew the police of Melbourne to sell +their spare horses." + +At these words, we saw that the crowd looked at each other suspiciously, +and appeared to regard us as being guilty of some serious crime. + +"When you show us your authority for asking questions, we will explain +matters." I replied, after a moment's hesitation. + +"Perhaps you will explain before it suits your convenience," the little +man said, ironically; "I heard of the quarrel and the duel which one of +you has been engaged in, and while investigating, I took occasion to +look at the horses which you rode. You will imagine that I was surprised +to discover that each animal had upon his hind quarter the private mark +of the police of Melbourne. I repeat, sir, that the authorities of that +city are not in the habit of selling horses to adventurers." + +The little man spoke confidently, and glanced around the crowd to see if +his words were having an effect upon his audience. Thinking that he +would complete our humiliation, he continued:-- + +"Our worthy miners here at Ballarat, have sometimes been put to great +trouble by losing the dust which they have sent to the cities, and I +think that I am right in demanding, in their name, a strict account of +all suspicious people who visit us." + +This was a shrewd bit of acting on the part of the little man, for he +instantly carried all the miners with him. Hardly one present but had +suffered at the hands of the bushrangers, and was anxious to avenge his +loss. + +"Let the fellers show who they is," the crowd began to murmur; and even +our former friend, Charley, I observed, joined in the cry, while Ben +remained silent, and drank two more glasses of whiskey during the +tumult. + +"It is evident that you suspect us of being bushrangers," observed Fred, +coolly. + +"I certainly think that you are," returned the little man, bluntly; "and +it is a matter of surprise to me that I see you in the company of a man +who has, during his trading at the mines, borne a good character." + +This was a hard dig at Smith, and he sought to explain, but Fred checked +him. + +"If we should prove to you that we are honest men, I suppose that you +would be willing to make an ample apology for the manner in which you +have addressed us?" Fred said. + +The little man smiled sarcastically, and intimated that he should be +most happy. + +"Then," Fred exclaimed, drawing a paper from his pocket and handing it +to the little man, "you will please to read that, and see if you are +acquainted with the signatures." + +The stranger called for a candle, for it was nearly dark, and by its +light began perusing the document. + +"What is this?" he muttered; "a bill of sale of two horses, formerly +owned by the police of Melbourne, to Messrs. Frank ---- and James ----, +signed by Hansen, the captain of police, and Murden, lieutenant. Can it +be possible? Yes, it must be; I understand it all." + +The little man threw himself upon us, grasped each of our hands, and to +the intense astonishment of all present, began shaking them as though he +was working a pump. + +"How could I be so mistaken?" he asked. "I really thought; but, pshaw, +my suspicions were so absurd." + +"What's the row?" demanded big Ben, who began to feel the effects of the +chemical whiskey. + +"There is no row, only I am happy to say that I made a mistake in my +man," the little person said. + +"What, ain't they men, after all?" shouted Ben; "if they ain't men, +they must be wimmin, and that's all the better; if one of 'urn wants a +husbin' I'm the feller for her!" + +"Their past conduct don't prove that they are women!" cried the little +man. "They are the two Americans who are known all over the island as +bushranger hunters. We have all read an account of their doings in the +Melbourne papers, and we welcome them to the mines, and hope that they +will be as successful here as they have been elsewhere." + +"The devil they is; why, I thought when I seen that ere feller stand up +to be shot at, that he had smelled gunpowder afore. Give us your hands, +my chickens! Cuss me, if ye ain't an honor to the States!" + +We hardly dared trust our hands within Ben's grip, yet when we did so, +we were delightfully surprised to find that he was reasonable. + +"Well, I allers said that they was all right!" cried Charley, who turned +with the tide; "the instant I seed 'um insulted, I knew that I should be +on the right side. You wouldn't like to pay for the whiskey which has +been drunk, would you?" he asked, in an undertone. + +Fred put a number of gold coins in his hand, but whether our sponging +friend was overpaid, or whether the money fell short, I never knew, as I +saw the little man give him a glance that was very expressive of his +disapprobation, and with an ashamed look, the fellow slunk back to his +whiskey cask. + +"Come, gentlemen," said the little man; "this is no place for tired +travellers. Let us retire, and leave the crowd to drink themselves +drunk." + +We followed his advice, and in a few minutes had left the dissipated +miners to their revels. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXVI. + +ARRIVAL AT BALLARAT.--MR. BROWN'S STORY. + + +We walked slowly along the main street of Ballarat, and chatted with our +new friend on a variety of subjects. He appeared to be well informed on +mining, and shrugged his shoulders when we intimated that our intention +was to get rich by delving in the earth, and bringing its riches to +light. + +"By the way," our new acquaintance said, "it is a little singular that +Murden did not give you a letter to me. He knows that I am stationed +here, and that I would do all in my power to assist his friends." + +I suddenly recollected, that just before we left Melbourne, Murden did +scribble off a letter, and hand it to me, with a remark, that perhaps it +might be useful to us. I had forgotten the circumstance, but I knew +where the note was, and I determined to hunt it up as soon as I returned +to my tent. + +"I have a letter from the lieutenant," I said; "but if I am not +mistaken, it is addressed to a Mr. Brown, although where Mr. Brown is +to be found is more than I can tell." + +The little man laughed in a quiet manner, as though he did not wish to +commit himself by being too jovial. + +"I think that you have hit upon the right one," he said, "for my name is +Brown." + +"Then you shall have the note," I replied; "but I should never have +thought of looking for the one that it is addressed to." + +"O, yes you would," he replied, confidently. + +"Why do you think so?" I asked. + +"Because you will hear my name mentioned oftener at Ballarat than any +other." + +"And pray, may we he so bold as to ask what your position is, that gives +you so great a notoriety?" + +"Ask? To be sure you may," returned the little man; "I am the police +inspector of Ballarat, and my name is James Brown, very much at your +service." + +"We have mingled with the police so much since we have been in +Australia, that we almost consider ourselves as belonging to the +department. We are therefore sorry that we were not introduced to your +notice under better auspices," Fred said. + +"O, you alluded to that shooting affair to-night. That did not amount to +much, although I must say that I wish you had killed the bully, for he +has given me more trouble than any other man at the mines. He is as +desperate a scoundrel as ever went unhanged, and had he been killed +outright, there are few who would mourn his fate." + +"That may be true, yet I have always a great repugnance to shedding +human blood," replied Fred, in a sorrowful tone. + +Mr. Inspector Brown stopped for a moment, as though surprised by the +answer. + +"I had the same kind of feeling once, yet it is many years since. A long +residence in Australia has blunted all my finer sensibilities, and I +have witnessed so much crime and cruelty, that I am unmoved now, even +when a poor wretch is gasping forth his last words. I have often thought +that I would give all the gold that the mines of Australia yield if I +was but young again, and possessed the same sympathizing heart that I +did once." + +By this time we had reached our tent, and our approach was challenged by +a deep bay from Rover, whom we had left to guard our baggage. + +"A splendid animal," remarked the inspector, as he sought to lay his +hand upon Rover's head; but the dog resented the liberty, and growled +menacingly. + +"He deserves all your praise," I replied, pleased at the conduct of the +brute, and doubly pleased to hear a deserved tribute to his ability. + +"If you ever feel disposed to part with him," the inspector hinted, "I +will not haggle about his price." + +"I will never sell him," I answered. + +"Where did you obtain him, for I see that he is of English breed?" asked +Inspector Brown. + +We entered the tent, where we found Smith, who had preceded us from the +Californian's Retreat, and, after finding a seat for Mr. Brown, we +related the manner in which Rover had started us by his deep bays, on +the night of our first encampment by the hut of the old convict. + +"And Black Darnley--when you met him, did the dog appear to recognize +him as the author of the murder?" asked the inspector, who appeared +deeply interested in our narrative. + +I related the scene in the forest, when the bold outlaw yielded up his +life to satisfy the vengeance of an enraged father; and when I had +concluded, the little, dark man's eyes gleamed as though he had taken +part in the battle. + +"How I should liked to have been with you!" he exclaimed; "I can imagine +your feelings, as you crept through the forest, and awoke the +bushrangers with the crack of your rifles. No wonder the +governor-general wished to secure your services in the police force." + +"How did you learn that?" I asked, astonished at his knowledge. + +"A friend at Melbourne wrote to me to that effect, and also sent me +newspapers containing your exploits. The last brush that you had with +Murden was more exciting than any other that you ever engaged in." + +"How did you know that we had been so engaged?" asked Fred. + +"By rumor. A team reached this place this evening, and the driver +reports that he met Murden fifty miles from Melbourne, with eight or ten +bushrangers as prisoners. From one of the police he gained his +information that two Americans were participants in the fight. Of course +I arrived at the conclusion that both of you were present. Come, tell me +all about it." + +"On condition that you relate one or two of your life adventures," Fred +said. + +"Agreed." + +Fred commenced from the time when we began our search for gold, +(although he wisely omitted all mention of finding any,) and recounted +the surprise, and our capture--the rescue by Murden--the fight--the +attempt of the bushrangers to burn us by firing the woods--an escape, +and promise to Steel Spring, (at the mention of whose name Mr. Brown +smiled, as though acquainted with the reputation of the treacherous +wretch,) if he would guide us to the retreat of Nosey--the fulfilment of +his promise, and the death of the bushranger chief, and the capture of +his gang. + +"A splendid, stirring time you had of it," said Mr. Brown, rubbing his +sinewy hands as though he liked to work, and was impatient to think that +he had not been there. + +"But you," Fred said, "must have seen many rough times during your long +service at the mines." + +"My fights have been more with single men, or at least, not over three +at a time. You were speaking of Black Darnley, and the manner in which +he met his fate. I never encountered him but once, and then he slipped +through my fingers; and whether the fellow concluded that we pressed him +too hard, or thought that better opportunities for stealing existed near +the forest, I can't say; but, at any rate, I never heard of his being +nearer Ballarat than twenty-five miles after we met." + +"If not too much trouble, please relate an account of it," I said. + +The little man glanced at his watch, and saw that the hour was still +early, and after asking our permission to light his pipe, which we +readily accorded, and joined him with pleasure in the same agreeable +occupation, he began:-- + +"I think it was about three months since, when a party of three miners, +who had accumulated a considerable amount of treasure by working in +these mines, concluded that they would sell out their claim and return +to Sydney, and from thence take ship to England, where they belonged. +For the sake of saving the small percentage that government charges on +sending gold dust to Melbourne, or Sydney, under the escort of soldiers, +the miners concluded that they would guarantee its safety. + +"I explained to them that they were running a great risk, as I had heard +that Darnley was in the neighborhood; but they only laughed at my +warnings, and pointed to their long knives and smooth-bored guns, and +intimated that the bushranger must be a bold man who dared to ask them +to stand and deliver. + +"If I had not often heard such boasts, perhaps I might have been +deceived; but I knew many men, both brave and daring, who had quailed at +the sight of an armed bushranger, so I put no confidence in the stories +of what they intended to do in case of an attack. I considered it my +duty to warn them once more, and when that failed, I let them leave the +mines without further remonstrance. + +"I think that it was the third day after the miner's departure, that I +was sitting in my office, making out a few records that were to be sent +to Melbourne, when, to my surprise, one of the pig-headed follows +presented himself before me. I should hardly have known him, he was so +changed. His feet were bare and bleeding, his clothes were torn into +shreds, and his whole appearance of the most abject and wretched +description. + +"I asked a few questions, but for a long time my visitor could not +answer me, so overcome was he with grief. He shed tears, upbraided +himself for his obstinacy, and refused to be comforted. At length, by +the aid of a few glasses of stimulants, I was enabled to learn his +story. It was as I had half supposed. + +"About twenty-five miles from Ballarat, a singular looking genius had +joined them, and requested permission to travel in their company. He +manifested so much fear of robbers, and told about his aristocratic +relatives, and the large amount of money on his person, that a ready +assent was given to his request." + +"It must have been Steel Spring," I said. + +The little man nodded his head in token of assent, and continued:-- + +"At noon, on the day that Steel Spring joined the party, a halt was +proposed, under the shade of a gum tree that stood near the road. The +miners, tired with the long walk, readily consented, and after partaking +of their humble fare, Steel Spring produced a bottle, and invited all to +join him in a friendly drink. He did not have to ask twice, and although +no suspicions were entertained by the miners, the relater of the +transaction told me that he noticed that Steel Spring's sups at the +flask were short, and not at all frequent. + +"The treacherous scamp, after he had won their confidence by relating +some incidents connected with his early life, began to examine the guns +which the miners carried; and after he had finished, and when the men +were about ready to commence their journey, a stout, dark-faced, +ferocious-looking man appeared before them. He soon made known his +intentions, for in his belt he carried a pair of pistols, and at his +shoulder, with glistening eyes glancing along the barrel, sighting the +first one that offered to stir, was a heavy gun, with a bore like a +blunderbuss. + +"For a few seconds they stood thus, not a word being spoken, when +suddenly Steel Spring, with a pretended cry of terror, threw himself at +the feet of the stranger and shouted for mercy. It was a trick of his, +and well he played his part; yet the miners did take up their guns, but +found that the priming had been removed by Steel Spring while they were +drinking his liquor. + +"The instant the poor fellows made a motion towards repriming, the +bushranger discharged his gun, and one fell. The other two, struck with +awe at the sight of their comrade's blood, turned and fled--but a pistol +shot brought down one of them, while, by good fortune, the third +escaped, and brought to me a narrative of his sufferings. + +"He had lost all of his hard earnings, for the gold dust was in their +knapsacks, and left behind, a prize to Black Darnley. The survivor +begged of me, nay, entreated, and promised half that he had lost if I +would only recover his wealth. In fact, he appeared to be much more +anxious to get his gold than avenge the death of his comrades; and +amidst all his grief, he had the impudence to ask me if I did not +consider that he was entitled to the wealth of his partners in case I +recovered it. I was almost tempted to turn him out of my room, but I +thought that it would do no good; I recollected that I had a public duty +to perform, and I made preparations for an immediate departure. I took +with me but three men, stout fellows whom I knew I could rely upon, and +whose courage had been tested in a dozen fights. + +"We armed ourselves with pistols and rifles, and mounting the fastest +horses that we could command, started for the scene of robbery, in hope +of tracking the villains to their retreat, and bringing them to speedy +justice. We reached the tree, near where the murders had been committed, +but no bodies were in sight. A short distance from the road, however, +was a long line of dried weeds and rank grass, and as I observed a +number of birds of prey sailing over the place, I concluded that I +should find the remains of the men there. I was not disappointed. + +"The bodies had been dragged out of sight of the road, and then rifled +of every thing of value. I did not stop to give the poor fellows burial +then, because every moment was of importance; but after we had concluded +the expedition, my men returned and covered them with earth, and placed +a rude cross at their heads. + +"We examined attentively for a trail to show the direction that the +robbers had taken, and luckily found it without difficulty. It led in a +direct course towards Sydney, and it was evident that Darnley intended +to cross the country for about fifty miles, and then strike for the +common road, so that he could get provisions or water from those who +happened to be passing. + +"I studied on the matter for a few minutes, and wondered why they should +choose such an extraordinary course; at last I came to the conclusion +that the murderers were really bound for Sydney, and that they had an +object in view, and were determined to get there as soon as possible--or +why should they go over a mountainous country, when they might have kept +the woods? + +"The course which they had evidently taken was many miles shorter than +the usual route, but a road that a horse could not travel. + +"I suddenly recollected, while my men were following the trail for the +purpose of seeing if my surmise's were correct, that the miners had +deposited in the Sydney bank about a thousand pounds, and that it was +subject to their order. Their certificates of deposit must have been +upon their persons when murdered, and Darnley would not scruple to +boldly present himself at the bank, or else send Steel Spring to secure +the money. I reasoned in that manner, and then concluded to act as +though my surmises were facts. + +"I recalled the men, and we started towards Sydney without a moment's +delay. I knew that both robbers were fast travellers, but I calculated +that I could reach the point at which they would strike the Sydney road +as soon, if not sooner, than they did. + +"In this I was disappointed; for although we rode all night, and only +stopped long enough to recruit the strength of our animals, yet when I +made an inquiry of a party bound for Ballarat, I found that two men, who +stated that they were from the mines, had purchased provisions and water +from them, and then continued on their course, as though they had not a +moment to lose. It was noon when the information was given, and the +murderers were seen at daylight. They had ten hours the start of us, +but, nothing daunted, we pushed on, making inquiries of those whom we +met, yet not a word of news could be obtained. I did not wonder much at +that, for I knew that Darnley would avoid the high road as much as it +was possible, and only strike it to obtain provisions. I also knew that +he would conduct himself in a discreet manner, for fear of starting an +alarm; and that he would forego all thoughts of pillage for the sake of +carrying through the business which he had undertaken. + +"Hoping to reach Sydney before him, I pressed on night and day, and only +stopped long enough to recruit our animals when there was a prospect of +their breaking down. On the forenoon of the fourth day after leaving +Ballarat we entered Sydney, and rode direct to the bank. I inquired if +the murdered men had money deposited there, and found that they had, and +that no attempt to draw the same had been made. With a brief caution to +the cashier not to pay out the amount, and to arrest any one who asked +for it, I mounted my force on fresh horses and again sought the road on +which I expected Darnley. + +"I did not report myself to the police of Sydney, for I was determined +to win all the honor, or sustain all the disgrace, of an encounter with +Darnley. Perhaps afterwards I felt sorry that I had not obtained +assistance, but I never acknowledged it to those in authority. I made an +excuse that was considered sufficient for my course, and there the +matter rested. + +"About twelve o'clock on the day that we reached Sydney, we discovered +our men trudging along the road, disguised in a manner that at first +almost deceived me, and I called myself well acquainted with the persons +of Darnley and Steel Spring. I allowed them to get within a few feet of +us, when I suddenly called upon them to stop. Up to this time it was +evident that neither suspected us, but upon my speaking, I saw Darnley's +hand thrust into his bosom, and I knew what he was searching for. + +"'You are our prisoners,' I said, covering the person of Darnley with a +pistol that I had never known to fail me. + +"'You are mistaken in your men,' he answered, edging away from my horse. + +"'It's no mistake," I replied; "I arrest you, Black Darnley, for the +murder of two miners.' + +"Still keeping my eyes upon the bushranger, and suffering my men to +attend to Steel Spring, who cowed as though overwhelmed by despair, I +disengaged one foot from the stirrup, and was just about dismounting, +when I saw the villain draw a pistol and aim at me. He was so quick that +I had no time to defend myself; but his rapid movement started the +horse, and he shied just enough to save me and receive the contents of +the pistol. + +"The poor brute bounded and dashed against my companions, overturning +two of them, and nearly unhorsing the other; and while I was picking +myself up from the road, where I had been thrown, I heard a hoarse +laugh, and saw Darnley and Steel Spring bounding over a fence that +enclosed a number of acres of growing grain. + +"Frantic with rage, I sighted them with my pistol, but the cap alone +exploded; and before I could draw another, the murderers were out of +sight. I looked towards my companions, to ask why they did not use their +weapons, and I found that two of them were just picking themselves up +from the middle of the road, and the third was going towards Sydney at a +rapid rate, and in despite of his utmost exertions to stop the animal +upon which he was mounted. + +"I shouted to the men to follow me, but only one obeyed; the other had +broken an arm in his fall, and was groaning over it piteously. We sprang +over the fence and followed the trail through the grain, each step +leading us away from the city and assistance, but I thought not of that. +My whole desire was to grapple with the villains, and either capture +them or end their career. I encouraged my companion to keep up with me +in the pursuit; but I was either fleeter of foot, or else he sadly +lagged behind, for after ten minutes running I was left alone. + +"I knew that it would be useless to return to the city and ask for +assistance, and in fact, to tell the truth, I didn't want to be laughed +at, as I knew that I should be after telling my story. So on I went, +running with all my might after two men, either of whom was a match for +me in a fair hand to hand fight. + +"At length I caught sight of the murderers, and I redoubled my speed; +and as I ran I placed fresh caps upon my pistols, and prayed that they +would not disappoint me in my extremity. The villains saw me close at +their heels, but they did not stop, supposing, of course, that I was +backed by my men. Once or twice I saw Darnley look over his shoulder as +though calculating the distance between us, so that I was not much +surprised when he stopped suddenly, and aimed his undischarged pistol at +my head. + +"That act stopped me in double quick time, for I had heard accounts of +Darnley's proficiency with the pistol, and I thought I would exchange +shots with him instead of coming to close quarters. + +"I think that I owe my life to the speed with which Darnley had been +running, and I am certain he escaped from the same cause, for when I +raised my pistol I could hardly hold it in a straight line. We fired +both at the same time. I felt something strike my side that appeared to +burn like a coal of fire, and when I put my hand to the spot it was soon +covered with blood. + +"I staggered and fell; but even as I did so, I looked towards the +bushranger to see if my shot had taken effect, I heard him exclaim,-- + +"'Hang him, he's hit me on the shoulder. I'll murder him for it!' + +"'And get kotched by the beaks vile doing so!' rejoined Steel Spring, +who appeared more anxious for flight than for blood. + +"I remember seeing the ruffian start towards me, and then all was a +blank until I awoke in the hospital at Sydney, where, by the way, I was +obliged to stay for two weeks before I could get the physician's consent +to let me return to Ballarat, and nearly three more passed before I was +a well man." + +"Did Darnley strike you after you fell?" asked Fred. + +"He had no time, as I was afterwards informed. Just as he advanced +towards me, the fellow I had outstripped appeared in sight, and the +bushranger evidently thought that it was better to beat a retreat." + +"And the gold, did you recover that?" + +"Not a penny's worth, with the exception of that in the bank on deposit. +I found out the relatives of the men murdered, and sent it to them, and +very glad they were to get it." + +"And the miner who escaped--where is he?" + +"Here in Ballarat, a dissipated, shiftless wretch. The loss of his gold +ruined him, for he has not had ambition enough to do a day's work +since." + +"Is the inspector here?" cried a man, thrusting his head into the tent +just as Mr. Brown had concluded. + +"Yes; what is wanting?" the little man asked. + +"There's a big fight at the 'Pig and Whistle' saloon, sir, and it's +pistols they is using, sure," replied the visitor. + +"I wish they would enact the part of the Kilkenny cats," replied the +inspector, as he rose to bid us good night, "for as sure as night comes +a fight occurs at that den. Gentlemen, I shall see you in the morning, +and if I can be of any service to you pray don't scruple to ask for it." + +The inspector shook hands with us, and then turned to the fellow who had +brought the news. + +"Run to the Whistle and tell them I'm coming, and those not killed by +the time I arrive shall be hanged without judge or jury." + +"Yes, sir," replied the person addressed, and off he started to carry +the message, while the inspector followed more slowly. + +We saw that our animals were safe, and then left them in charge of +Rover, while we retired to get a night's rest--something that we really +stood in need of. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXVII. + +FINDING OF A 110 LB. NUGGET.--CAVING IN OF A MINE. + + +We had hardly dressed ourselves and made our scanty toilet the morning +after our arrival, when the inspector made his appearance, looking none +the worse for the tumult which summoned him away the night before. + +"You are stirring early," he said, warming his hands by a fire which +Smith had started for the purpose of getting breakfast; "I expected to +find you sleeping off your fatigue, for men with nothing to do generally +like to lie abed mornings." + +"Late sleeping will not earn the fortune that we expect to get," replied +Fred. + +"So you still think of sinking a shaft here, do you?" inquired the +inspector, with a grave smile. + +"Of course, such is our intention at present, if we can get a license +for mining." + +"The license is obtained easily enough--government is very happy to +receive ten shillings per month for the privilege of allowing a man to +try his luck," the inspector answered, with an attempt at a laugh. + +"Then if you will oblige us by getting a license, we will commence +operations to-day," Fred answered. + +"Why, you are in a hurry," Mr. Brown replied, seating himself +composedly, and lighting a pipe which he carried in a small box in his +pocket. + +"Wouldn't you advise us to commence mining?" I asked. + +"To answer you frankly, I would not, because I know that you can do +better than by spending your days under ground, and emerge at night to +find that you are killing both mind and body." + +"Why do you speak of working under ground?" I inquired. "Is not mining +the same here as in California?" + +"Bless your heart"--and Mr. Inspector Brown smiled at my +ignorance--"don't you know that at Ballarat a shaft has to be sunk many +feet below the surface of the earth, and after you have reached the +layer of dirt in which the gold is found, you are obliged to work upon +your hands and knees, and excavate for many feet in different +directions, until at last you break in upon some other miner's claim, +and are compelled to retreat and sink a new shaft?" + +This was all news to us, or if we had heard of it before we had not +given the subject any attention. A new light broke in upon us, and we +began to consider. + +"Breakfast is all ready," said Smith, just at that moment. + +We had brought a few luxuries with us from Melbourne that were unknown +at the mines, and I saw the eyes of the inspector sparkle as he snuffed +the perfume of the fried potatoes and warm chocolate. + +"Will you join us, Mr. Brown?" I asked, extending an invitation that I +knew he was dying to receive. "We have not much to ask you to share, but +such as it is you are welcome to." "Well," he answered, "really, I +don't know as I feel like eating at so early an hour, but--" + +Smith opened a hermetically sealed tin canister, which he had been +warming in a pot of hot water, and the steam of fresh salmon greeted our +olfactory nerves. + +"What!" cried the inspector, with a look of astonishment, "you don't +mean to say that you have got preserved salmon for breakfast?" + +"If you will really honor us with your presence at breakfast you shall +he convinced of the fact," Fred answered, politely. + +"Say no more; I'd stop if all Ballarat was at loggerheads." + +We were soon seated upon such articles as were handy, and after the +first cravings of our appetites were satisfied, we renewed the subject +of mining. + +"All the miners," Fred remarked, "are not obliged to work so deep +beneath the surface." + +"If they do not, their chance of finding gold is exceedingly slim," +replied the inspector. "I have known stout, lazy fellows pick around on +the surface of the earth for weeks, and not earn enough to find +themselves in food. To be successful a shaft has to be sunk." + +"And yet, according to your own showing, gold is not always struck by +such a method." + +"True, and I can easily explain why it is so. Mining is like a +lottery--where one draws a prize, hundreds lose. We might dig deep into +the earth where we are seated, and it would surprise no one if we took +out gold by the pound; and yet no one would think of laughing if we did +not earn our salt. The case would be so common that no notice would be +taken of it." We sat and listened to the inspector's words in silence, +and began to think that we had better have remained in Melbourne and +entered into business of a more substantial nature. + +"I know of a dozen cases," the inspector continued, "where not even +enough gold has been found by industrious men, who have sunk shafts, to +make a ring for the finger; and yet not one rod from the place where +such poor success was encountered others have grown rich, and left +Ballarat well satisfied with their labor." + +"But we have certainly read of men taking a nugget from these mines +weighing over a hundred pounds," I said. + +"And the account that you read was perfectly correct. I remember the +circumstance well. It was soon after my recovery from the wound +inflicted at the hands of Black Darnley. A man rushed into my tent one +afternoon with his eyes apparently starting from their sockets, and his +whole appearance that of a crazy man. He was breathless and speechless +for a few minutes, but I at length obtained information that two miners +had come across a nugget of gold so large that half a dozen men were +unable to lift it from the shaft. I hurried to the spot, and as I went +along hundreds of people were flocking to the scene. The news spread +like fire upon a prairie. Saloons and rooms were deserted--miners +crawled from their shafts--sick men forgot their ailments--even gamblers +desisted from playing for a short time, in their anxiety to look at the +largest lump of gold that had ever been discovered. + +"When I reached the opening of the shaft I found many hundred people +present, and fresh arrivals were joining the crowd every moment. I +organized a force, and drove the excited throng from the opening of the +mine, for I feared that the chambers which had been excavated would not +stand the pressure, and that those above and below would be buried +alive. + +"After I had succeeded in my efforts, we set to work and raised the +mighty nugget to the surface, but instead of its weighing two or three +hundred pounds, it weighed one hundred and ten. But it was a splendid +lump of gold, almost entirely free from quartz and dirt, and of rare +fineness and purity.. The finders were overjoyed, as well they might be, +and guarded their treasure with great care until they saw it safe in the +custody of the government agent. A gentleman from Melbourne, who was on +a visit to the mines for the purpose of collecting rare specimens of +gold, offered the lucky finders four thousand pounds for the nugget, but +they got an idea into their heads that it was worth more, and declined." + +"And was that the largest nugget ever found?" I asked. + +"As far as my knowledge is concerned. At the other mines I have heard +that immense pieces have been found, but I consider the rumor as +exaggerated." + +"You would be greatly surprised if we should happen to discover a piece +worth as much," I remarked. + +"I think I should," answered the inspector, dryly, slowly filling his +pipe, and apparently dilating on the subject mentally. + +"Well, we will not pledge ourselves to make such a strike as the one you +have related, but we will guarantee to get more gold than two thirds of +the miners at Ballarat," Fred said, confidently. + +The inspector shook his head. + +"You don't know the kind of work that you will have to undertake," he +said. "In the first place, you have got either to buy a claim, or begin +digging at some spot where no one would think, unless a new arrival +looking for gold. All the dirt that you wanted to work out would have to +be carried to the water, and you can see that our lakes and rivers are +not very extensive. + +"We will imagine that you have resolved to commence operations, and that +a suitable spot has been selected. After a day's digging, you will find, +that to prevent the earth from caving in and burying you up, timber is +wanting. You make application, and find that to buy staves and planks +will cost you as much as a small house in the States. Even a few cracked +branches are valued at the rate of five or ten shillings per stick, and +you can calculate how much the cost would be after sinking a shaft a +hundred or two hundred feet, to say nothing of the chamber work." + +We began to comprehend that mining was rather difficult and uncertain +work. + +"Then, according to your showing, the best thing that we can do, is to +pack up our traps and return to Melbourne," Fred said, after a long +pause. + +"By no means; you are not going to start so soon, I hope," the inspector +replied. + +"We see but little use of remaining here and wasting our means on an +uncertainty," I answered. + +"Have patience, my lads," replied the inspector, softly; "are there no +other ways of making money besides mining?" + +"What do you mean?" I asked, with a suspicious glance. + +The inspector laughed, and slowly refilled his pipe. + +"I don't propose to rob the specie train, or to waylay travellers. I +think that money can be made in an honest manner, and without working +very hard." + +"But how? Show us the _modus operandi_." + +"I will, with great pleasure. Make an agreement with your companion +here, Smith, and let him return to Melbourne and load two teams with +goods, such as I will give you a hint to buy. By the time he returns, +you can have a store or large tent to receive them. Paint on a huge +piece of canvas that you have fresh goods from England and the United +States, and call your place the 'International Store." It will sound +well, and half of the fellows here won't know what it means, and of +course they will patronize you for the purpose of finding out." + +"But where is the capital to come from?" I asked, thinking that I would +test his friendship by pretending that we had but little money at our +command. + +"A thousand pounds will be enough; I will recommend you to dealers in +Melbourne who will be glad to give you three months' credit," the +inspector answered, promptly. + +"That may be true, but a thousand pounds is a large sum of money, and +where are we to find it?" I asked. + +"Why, I have five hundred pounds that I don't want to use, and I am so +certain that what I recommend will succeed, that you are welcome to it +without interest for a twelvemonth." + +Mr. Brown seemed so sincere and honest that we were compelled to shake +hands with him in token of our appreciation of his offer. + +"We are comparatively strangers to you," Fred said. "How dare you to +offer to trust us with money, when you don't know but we may deceive +you?" + +"Because I have met a number of Americans here at Ballarat, and I never +knew one to do a dishonest action, no matter how hard he strove to make +money. But what makes me feel positive in this case that I shan't lose +my funds, is the honesty expressed in your faces." + +"Pray spare our blushes, Mr. Brown," Fred said, laughing, "for we have +not met with so much praise since we have been in Australia." + +"Then you have been thrown in contact with rogues, who didn't give +honest men their due. But speak; is my offer accepted?" + +"We will consider on it, and let you know how we feel disposed, in the +course of the day. But of one thing rest assured. We shall not call upon +you for money, as we can manage to raise enough of our own to commence +business." + +Mr. Inspector Brown looked disappointed, and seemed to think that we had +been playing with him. + +"We only plead poverty to see if you would lend us your powerful +assistance," Fred said. "If we should conclude to follow your advice, we +will be sure and ask aid from you if we require it." + +"Well, on such conditions I forgive the little trick you have played +upon me; and now I will explain more fully the idea that I entertain +regarding my money-making scheme. You must set Smith at work, in company +with another driver or freighter, and let them bring such articles as +will find a ready market. A stock must be laid in, sufficient to last +nearly all winter, for during the wet season the roads are next to +impassable, and provisions go up like a rocket, only they forget to fall +until good weather begins, and freighting gets brisk." + +"But what articles are best for the market of Ballarat?" I inquired, +beginning to grow interested in the inspector's scheme, in spite of +myself. + +"Smith can tell you as well as I, but I may as well answer the question +while my tongue is loose. Flour is our great staple here, and is selling +at a large profit on Melbourne prices. Let Smith, or some one that he +may select, watch the potato market closely, and often great bargains +may be picked up. Ship bread is also paying a big profit, while pork and +rice can be made to cover all expense of freighting other articles. +Pickles and vinegar, and even preserved meats, sell well, and, in fact, +more money is gained by selling luxuries than dispensing more +substantial articles. A large stock of tea, coffee, and liquids of all +kinds, will enable you to open the most extensive store in Ballarat" + +"That is so," echoed Smith, approvingly. + +We were about to make further inquiries, when, breathless with haste, a +miner rushed into our tent. + +"In the name of God, Mr. Inspector, come and help me!" he gasped. + +"Why, what is the matter, Bill?" Mr. Brown asked, quite coolly. + +"It is matter enough. Our mine has caved in, and both Sam and Jack are +buried alive! Help me get them out and you shall have a share of the +gold they have got on their persons." + +"Did I not tell you, no longer ago than yesterday, that you was not +shaping your shaft properly?" demanded the inspector, sharply. + +"I know that you did, but we thought that we could save a few pounds, +and run a little risk," replied the miner, in a humble tone. + +"And a pretty mess you have made of it with your meanness. I have a +great mind to let you do your own work, and save the lives of your +comrades as best you can," and Mr. Brown looked cross. + +"Don't say that, sir, when two poor human beings are probably dying. +Hadn't you better help them first and scold them afterwards, if alive?" +I inquired. + +"Your advice is too good to go unheeded," returned Mr. Brown; "Bill, I +will go with you at once, and do all in my power to assist you to rescue +your comrades." + +The miner led the way towards his claim at a brisk trot, and while we +followed at his heel's, Mr. Brown explained what we afterwards found +often happened at Ballarat. Through neglect to buy staves, or heavy +pieces of timber to keep the sides of the shaft from caving in, the poor +fellows had been suddenly buried, and it was a question whether they +could exist long enough to allow of a force to remove the earth which +blocked up the entrance of the shaft. + +When we reached the scene of the disaster not more than a dozen people +were present, and they did not display any intense affliction at the +catastrophe. Five or six were smoking and lounging about, discussing the +probabilities of the miners being alive, yet showing no great +inclination to commence work and put all doubts to rest. + +One miner--an aged man who had worked in the coal mines of Newcastle, +England--expressed a decided opinion that both Sam and Jack were alive, +and proceeded to demonstrate it by saying that the mine had been worked +for some time, and it was probable that the men were at some distance +from the shaft when the earth caved in; and when I asked how they could +exist without air, he pointed out a large shaft that had fallen in such +a manner that it prevented the dirt from filling up a large space, +although it appeared to me as though hardly a ray of light could +penetrate the crevice. + +"If you think the men alive, why do you not commence working for their +rescue?" I asked, indignantly. + +"Hoot, man, who's to pay me for the time I'd be losing, while helping +other folks. It's me own bread and butter I hiv to earn widout running +after strange kinds of jobs," answered the old miner, a Scotchman; he +was determined to be paid for his labor, and did not believe in +charitable deeds unless one of his countrymen was concerned. + +"Why, you don't mean to say that you require payment for helping dig out +the men buried?" I demanded. + +"Hoot, and why not, man? It's mickle a man gets here for his work, that +he should be after throwing it awa." + +"Is this a fair sample of the charity miners exhibit towards each +other?" Fred asked of the inspector. + +"I am sorry to say that it is; but this is not unusual; before you leave +the mines you will see cases of selfishness that will make you think men +have turned brutes, and possess the hearts of stoics," replied Mr. +Brown, with a shrug of his shoulders. + +"I confess," Fred said, speaking so that those present could hear him, +"that I have not lost all feelings of humanity, and that I never turned +a deaf ear, or calculated what I should make by assisting a person in +distress. The customs of Ballarat may be just, but I must say, that in +my humble opinion, they are heartless and cruel." + +"Hoot, man," replied the Scotchman; "you are but a boy, and have not +been long enough here to understand us. It's little silver or gold ye +will git if ye run after other people's business." + +The Scotchman relighted his pipe, and was walking towards his tent, when +Fred stopped him. + +"What shall I pay you per hour for assisting to rescue the miners?" he +asked. + +"Ah, now man, ye is talking to some purpose, now. What will you give?" + +"Two shillings per hour," answered Fred, at a venture. + +"Ah, well, I don't mind helping the poor fellows, at that rate. I never +could stand distress. But, Misther, ye wouldn't mind paying in advance, +I suppose?" + +"I will be responsible for your pay," the inspector said, seeing that +the man hesitated from fear that he should get cheated, after he had +performed his part of the bargain. + +The fellow, luckily, had an axe with him, so, without more delay, we +lowered him into the shaft, and set him at work shoring up the sides, so +that others could work without danger of the earth caving in. + +We had just got him employed, when Bill, the man who had first appealed +to the inspector for help, again joined us, having been absent in search +of friends to lend assistance. + +"I can't get a man to aid me," he cried, "unless I promise to pay them +for their labor." + +"Well, then, you must pay them," briefly rejoined the inspector, who, +with coat off, was hard at work cutting timber in proper lengths for +shores and supports. + +"And ruin myself by so doing," the heartless wretch exclaimed, in a +sulky manner, and with the expression of a fiend. + +The inspector made no reply, but continued his labor, and without delay +we joined him. + +"I don't suppose these young fellers would be willin' to allow me two +shillin's per hour for workin', would they?" the impudent scamp asked, +appealing to the inspector. + +"Hark ye, Bill," Mr. Brown said; "if you are not stripped and in that +shaft in less than five minutes, I'll not only drive you from the mines, +but I'll levy on your property to pay all the expenses of this job. I +know where you keep your dust, and can lay my hand on it at any time." + +The brute, without a moment's delay, removed his heavy guernsey frock +which he wore, and was lowered to a place beside the Scotchman. + +By the time we had got fairly at work, we were joined by Smith, who had +remained behind to attend to the wants of his cattle, and the honest +fellow, without a moment's delay, lent us his powerful aid. + +The novelty of seeing three strangers at work endeavoring to save the +lives of unfortunate miners, began to attract attention, and we soon +found that a large crowd was assembling. + +Fred, in his eager and impetuous manner, appealed for volunteers; and he +painted the duty that man owes to man in such fine colors, that a dozen +or twenty burly fellows presented themselves, and demanded a chance to +assist in the benevolent work. + +It was a great triumph for us, and so Mr. Brown informed us, for he +declared that he had never known the people of Ballarat so liberal +before. Just as the old Scotchman was about to leave the shaft for +dinner, he requested silence, as he thought he heard the voices of the +imprisoned men. + +We all listened, and found that he was not mistaken, and the knowledges +that I the men were alive was a sufficient incentive to urge us all to +renewed exertion. + +Men forgot their dinners, and worked as though their own lives depended +upon their labors, and without stopping to rest or eat, we continued on +until four o'clock, when we raised the poor fellows to the surface of +the earth, and found, with joy, that they were as well as could be +expected, after so long an imprisonment. + +Shouts rent the air, and hundreds of miners rushed towards the shaft to +congratulate the rescued men, and amid all the confusion, Fred, Smith, +and myself walked off quietly, and sought that rest at our tent which we +so much needed. + +We were just engaged drinking a pot of coffee, when, to our surprise, +all three of the miners, Bill, Sam, and Jack, entered our tent, without +ceremony. + +"We are not very rich," Sam said, wiping his heated brow, and remaining +uncovered while he addressed us, "but we can't let three strangers, who +have worked so hard for our deliverance, go unthanked. Bill, here, has +told us all about it, and how the d----d Scotchman refused to work +unless paid. Don't let the latter affair trouble you, 'cos we've settled +with him, and now we want to fix things with you." + +"We are already settled with," I answered; "it's pleasure enough to us +to know that you are both safe, and for that object we would work as +hard again." + +"Would you, though?" demanded the speaker, a look of delight +overspreading his face. "Well, if I ever see my children or wife again, +they shall learn to pray for you, and I would, if I knew how." + +"When the shaft caved in," Jack said, "we had just found three nuggets +of gold, and even during our extremity, we retained our hold of them. We +are not rich, as Sam states, but if you will accept of the nuggets, and +keep them as a remembrance of our deliverance, we shall feel thankful." + +They laid them down and were gone before we could remonstrate, and just +as they left the tent the inspector entered. + +"Well," he exclaimed, "what have you decided to do about the store? The +patronage of the whole of Ballarat is at your disposal, for, go where I +will, I can hear of nothing but the two Americans, who fight duels with +one hand and rescue people with the other." + +"We have decided," replied Fred. + +"That you will commence business?" eagerly inquired the inspector. + +"Yes." + +"Good!" and without another word the inspector left our tent abruptly, +as though he had forgotten some important business. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXVIII. + +INCIDENTS IN LIFE AT BALLARAT. + + +We had hardly recovered from the surprise of the inspector's mysterious +disappearance, when our old acquaintances, Charley, the proprietor of +the "Californian's Retreat," and "Big Ben," made their appearance, and +seated themselves upon boxes in our tent without the formality of being +asked. Ben was smoking away desperately at a short pipe, nearly as black +as his beard, while Charley, as became the owner of an established +business, confined his attention to a cigar which are vulgarly called, +in this country, "short sixes," I believe. + +"I s'pose you hain't forgot old friends nor nothing?" Charley said, as +he carefully laid aside his cigar, to be resumed some other time, while +he accepted a pot of coffee at the hands of Smith. + +"We have thought of you often since we parted," replied Fred, with a +slight flight of imagination. + +"Do tell if you have? Well, I declare to man, if you two fellers don't +beat all natur, and no mistake. You don't 'pear to make any thing of +fighting duels, and then hiring folks to dig other folks out of a mine. +I tell Ben, here, ef I had known you had the dust to spare I should have +axed you to discount a note for me for sixty days, payable at sight, +with interest. You wouldn't want to do any such thing as that, I s'pose? +No, I reckoned not." + +For the first time we really noticed our countryman's peculiar dialect +and manners, and it gave us more pleasure to see a genuine Yankee at the +mines of Ballarat than it would had we found a nugget weighing a pound. + +"We have but little money, and from appearances I think we shall need +all we have brought with us," replied Fred. + +"You'd better believe you will," said Ben, with an ominous shake of the +head, as though he had passed through the furnace of experience. + +"What we came here to see you fellers for," Charley said, after a slight +pause, and an exchange wink with Ben, "is to know how you stand in +regard to this 'ere mining tax, which is crushing the life blood out of +the vitals of us honest working men, and making us think of Bunker Hill +and the American Eagle, I can tell you?" + +"Really," Fred answered, after a moment's thought, "I am too fresh an +arrival at the mines to give an opinion as yet, and I think we shall +have to wait and see how grievous the tax is." + +"Ain't that what I told you?" grunted Ben, appealing to Charley. + +"You just wait a while, will ye, old feller," remonstrated Charley. +"Things is working. I tell ye." + +"We shall be happy to listen to you--go on," was all the response Fred +returned. + +"I s'pose you have all read 'bout the tea tax, a good many years ago, +when our revolushinary daddies pitched the darned stuff overboard in +Bosting harbor?" + +Fred nodded in token of acquiescence. + +"Wall, things here is something like the things in them 'ere times, only +a darned sight wus. Now, the miners are taxed a putty considerable sum +jist for the chance of digging about on this earth, when by nat'ral +rights the fellers hadn't, orter pay a cent. + +"Sometimes the miner is lucky, and then agin he isn't; but whether he +gets a pile or not, he's got to shell over every month, and if he don't +come down he gets no license, and can't arn an honest livin'. Now what +do you think of such a state of things, hey?" + +"Perhaps that the government don't know that you feel that the tax is a +burden," Fred answered, evasively. + +"O, yes, they do, 'cos we've petitioned a dozen times to have 'em +abolish it, but no notice has been taken of our papers. They can't say +that the thing was not correct, 'cos I writ one of 'em and headed it +with my name, to let 'em know that we Americans still possessed the +spirit of our granddaddies." + +"Then you had better petition again," remarked Fred, determined to take +no part in his schemes at present. + +"No, we are tired of that 'ere game, 'cos two can't play at it. What we +have got to do is, to say to the Britishers, here, we won't give you +another shillin' to save your old crown, and then we shall bring 'em +round." + +"But what say the Englishmen at Ballarat? Do they refuse or grumble at +paying a tax?" + +"Of course they do! There isn't an Englisher or a foreigner but Jo ready +to say we won't stand the imposition no longer--things is coming to a +head, and no mistake." + +"And what do you wish us to do?" inquired Fred. + +"We want you to jine us, and help stir the boys up so that they'll +listen to reason, and stand out like men," replied Charley, and Big Ben +grunted his applause at the sentiment. + +"But that we are not willing to do at present. We are strangers here, +and have paid no tax, nor have we been asked to. We shall not go into +the matter blindfolded; therefore, for the present, we must keep aloof +from your gatherings and petitions" + +Charley sat and listened without interruption. + +"Do you know what Australia is?" he asked, in a whisper, dropping his +voice as though fearful of being overheard. + +Fred replied that he considered it the largest island in the world, and +that, if the truth was known, it would not be so well populated as at +present. + +"That's it," replied Charley, "the largest island in the world. Bigger +than all the New England States, and much more valible. Do you +understand me?" and the fellow winked violently. + +"I can't say that I fully comprehend you. Can't you be a little more +explicit?" Fred asked. + +"Sartainly. This 'ere island is rich--more gold is exported than from +California--immense droves of sheep is scattered all over it, and all +kinds of garden stuff will grow in abundance, if only planted. You +understand me now, don't you?" + +"I am still in the dark,"' replied Fred, trying hard to refrain from a +smile at the mention of "garden stuff." + +The two visitors again exchanged glances, when Charley sank his voice +still lower. + +"What do you think of annexation, hey?" + +"What, annex Australia to the United States?" we exclaimed, in +astonishment. + +"Hush! Don't blart it out in that way, 'cos the thing is a secret as +yet. We have got to work to bring the thing 'bout, but it can be done." + +"And, pray, in what manner?" we asked, somewhat amused to find that even +Australia was not safe from the Yankee's covetousness. + +"In this 'ere manner. The Britishers feel riled at the idea of paying +taxes on mining, and when we tell 'em that in California every body can +dig as long as they darn please, without paying a dime, they feel madder +than ever. Of course, we don't check that 'ere feeling at all. O, no; we +stirs 'em up, and preaches how great a blessing it is to belong to a +free and enlightened government like the United States of America." + +"Well, go on and explain the whole method." + +"I'm coming on as fast as I can. By and by the fellers round here say +that we won't pay any more tax, and then the government says you shall, +and tell the sogers to collect it; and while they is doing that, some +miner resists and is killed, and then we have something to work upon, +and, we begin to stir people up by telling 'em how badly we've been +treated; and then a soger gets knocked on the head by some lucky +accident, and we have a fight with the red coats, and lick 'em, and then +war is declared between us, and at it we go for a few months, till we +have driven every red coat out of the country, and then declare that it +is a republic, and that we'll do as we please." + +"Why, this is treason," we exclaimed, amazed at his audacity. + +"I know that old Ben Franklin, Geo. Washington, and others were called +traitors for talking in the same way during the revolution, but their +cause was just and triumphed at last," replied Charley, dogmatically. + +"But you don't compare your sufferings and oppression to that which our +revolutionary fathers bore, do you?" + +"I don't know 'bout that. We is taxed, and so were the old fellers that +we read about who fought and died for our benefit, and I think we ain't +worthy of the name of Yankees unless we resist all taxes!" + +"But suppose that the English government should feel inclined to yield +and vacate the island, leaving the people of Australia to make laws for +themselves, what course should you pursue?" + +"Do?" replied our ardent friend, without a moment's hesitation, "appoint +the proper officers, elect a president, and have a senate and house of +representatives, jist as they do at Washington." + +"And what then?" we inquired. + +"Why, after we had got to going we'd send a feller, and I know one who +would do first rate, to the United States, and after playing our keerds +putty well, we'd agree to annex Australia to the United States, and we'd +do it, too, by thunder." + +We could hardly retain our countenances long enough to listen to the +splendid burst of expectation which Charley had dreamed upon so long, +that he really fancied his project was practicable. Conquest first, and +annexation afterwards, is the theme upon which Americans harp when in +strange lands. + +"You don't know the feller that I have in my mind's eye!" Charley said, +after a few minutes' silence. + +"No, I am not acquainted with any of my countrymen here at Ballarat," +Fred replied, with a vacant look. + +"The fellow that I know hain't bin here in Ballarat a great while." + +"Indeed." + +"Yes; and though I don't know your name, I reckon you'd do the trick +putty neat." + +"O," answered Fred, with a smile, "it's me that is to be honored with so +delicate a mission, is it? To what am I indebted for the selection?" + +"Wall, we want your help to stir the folks up, and no mistake. Me and +Ben have been and talked the matter over, and we've agreed to let you +have that 'ere office, if you will back us up; Ben is to do a good part +of the fighting, and I'm to negotiate." + +"We will take your proposition into consideration. But there is one +thing that you have forgotten. What offices are my two friends here to +get?" + +"O, we'll make 'em senators, or somethin' of that sort. They shall be +cared for in some way or other." + +I could only bow my thanks to the kind gentleman, but before I could +reply, the inspector joined us. + +"Ah, Ben, you and Charley here," he said, in a careless way. "How does +the indignation meetings and the petitions get along?" + +"Wall, we have another meetin' to-night, and I think that it will be a +rouser. We shall make ourselves heard yet, Mr. Brown." + +"I have no doubt that you will, but it will be in a different manner +from what you anticipate. Let me advise moderation, or there may be +trouble." + +"There kin be a muss if we is disregarded, and made to pay for what we +don't have," answered Ben, sullenly; and with that shot the Americans +left the tent. + +"Of all the unreasonable brutes that I ever encountered, the miners of +Ballarat appear to be the worst," ejaculated Mr. Brown. "That fellow, +Charley, has not worked ten weeks in the mines, and yet he talks as +glibly of the evils of taxation as though the government was wringing +the last shilling from his possession. He is a pot house wrangler, as we +call them in England, and is a positive nuisance at Ballarat" + +Mr. Brown appeared to be disgusted with our countryman, for he displayed +more temper than we had seen since we had made his acquaintance. + +"But the miners have some reason for complaint," I said. "Taxation +without representation is wrong, and has occasioned much ill feeling and +bloodshed." + +"True; but without the present tax, how can government support a police +force, and send gold to the cities under the escort of soldiers? How can +the hospitals at Sydney and Melbourne, always filled with disabled +miners, be kept open, and how can the roads be kept clear of +bushrangers? The tax is not unreasonable per month, and yet through its +collection see how much government is enabled to do? All goes to the +benefit of the miner, and every pound is expended for his protection or +comfort. As far as representation in our House of Assembly is concerned, +I'm certainly in favor of it; but just show me how we are to arrive at +any satisfactory conclusion regarding the number of members Ballarat is +entitled to. I've been here ever since the mines were discovered, and I +can't tell. To-day there may be fifteen thousand, and to-morrow not ten. +People are coming and going continually. They change from mine to mine +at every rumor, and I assure you that change is not beneficial to their +financial affairs." + +"In that case we shall have to do a cash business when we open our +store," Fred said, with a smile. + +"Of course. It will never do to give credit to strangers. But while +speaking of stores, let me inform you that I have made a few +arrangements in your behalf. I have secured a fine location for you, and +spoken to a man who is desirous of selling a suitable building." + +"And the price?" we asked. + +"Is reasonable beyond all my expectations. The owner is homesick, and +will not haggle about a few pounds." + +"Why cannot we look at the store this afternoon, and decide whether we +will take it or not? It will save time." + +"Come, then; I have no objections." + +We followed the inspector through the most thickly-settled part of the +town, and at length stopped before a good-sized frame building, with the +roof and sides covered with sail cloth and common cotton. The man who +called himself the proprietor, was an Englishman, suffering under a +severe attack of rheumatism, and therefore inclined to exclaim loudly +against the mines, and Ballarat in particular. The few articles which he +had in his store were old and unworthy of purchase. + +We examined the premises, and found, according to our California +experience, that we could take up our quarters there, and with a little +trouble, make the building water proof. There was room also for an +addition to be made in case it was necessary, and as the place was easy +of access, we concluded we could do no better than strike a bargain, and +secure the building as soon as possible. This we were the better able to +do through a few suggestions which Smith let fall concerning the +severity of a wet season, and the danger of rheumatic people remaining +at the mines during its continuance. + +For a hundred pounds in cash, we were put in complete possession of not +only the store, but all it contained, including a very good stove, of a +Massachusetts man's make, and sent to Australia on speculation--three or +four pots and kettles--a number of cracked dishes, very dirty--weights +and scales, both large and small, and which, we afterwards found, were +so arranged that the buyer got about two-thirds of what he paid for, +while the weights for purchasing gold dust were a little too heavy to +accord with strict honesty--barrels containing remnants of articles of +not much use to any one, besides other things which we did not make any +account of. + +We made a bargain that we should take possession of the premises on the +next day, and after taking a bill of sale of the articles purchased, +with the bold signature of Mr. Brown as a witness of the transaction, +we returned to our tent, and thought that our labors for the day were +over. In this, we were unhappily disappointed, for, to our extreme +amusement, a dozen or twenty persons were seated in the vicinity of our +temporary home, and a more wretched, woe-begone set I never saw in my +life. + +"Hullo! what is the meaning of this?" I asked in surprise, as I surveyed +the crowd. + +"We've come to be doctored by you," said an Irishman, exposing his hand, +wrapped in a dirty bandage. + +"But there is some mistake here. You have applied to the wrong man," I +replied. + +"No mistake, yer honor," answered a sturdy, good-looking, bronzed +fellow, with a military air and a military salute; "we've heard of yer +honors, and we know that ye can do us good without wringing the last +shilling from us, like those blood-sucking sawbones." + +"They take us for physicians," muttered Fred, in astonishment. + +"You are mistaken," replied Mr. Brown; "they are poor devils, who cannot +afford to employ a surgeon, so come to you to get their wounds dressed. +If you have any knowledge of cuts and bruises, assist them, and you will +be no loser by it." + +The advice was good, but the idea of our prescribing and dressing all +the wounds of the poor of Ballarat was something that we had not +bargained for. + +"You see, your honor, I got an ugly cut on my hand with a shovel, a few +days since, and, somehow, I don't think that it's doing very well," the +military man said, exposing his right hand, which looked in a horrible +condition. + +"You should ask the advice of a physician," I said, after a brief +inspection of the poor fellow's injury; "inflammation has set in, and +you will have trouble, unless the cut is attended to." + +"I know that, yer honor; but it's little the doctors around here care +for me, unless I visit 'em with a gold piece in my hand. I've paid six +pound already, and I think I'm getting worse very fast." + +I could not help pitying the poor fellow, he was such a sample of manly +strength, and bore himself like a true soldier. He had been discharged +from the British army, at the expiration of his time, and was in hopes +of making money enough to go home and live in peace with his parents. + +All this I learned after a few minutes' conversation; and when I saw +that he regarded us as superior in medical intelligence to the few +practising surgeons at Ballarat, and all on account of our being +Americans, I could not find it in my heart to turn away from him. He had +touched the right spot in our national character, and perhaps we felt a +little vain, and a desire that his expectations should be fulfilled. + +"Your honor is going to do something for us?" the soldier said, and he +read the expression of my face correctly. + +With none too much confidence in my own skill, I determined to undertake +his cure, and at work Fred and myself went, I taking the soldier and he +the Irishman. + +For the information of those who may be disposed to question my skill, +I will state that I first washed the wound in tepid water, using castile +soap to cleanse the parts, and that after a patient process, I covered +the cut with salvo, such as we had brought from Boston, and then bound +it up with clean bandages, and gave him strict orders not to remove the +cloths, or to use his hand in working. Other directions, concerning +diet, I administered, and made my patient promise to keep them, and +after I had concluded, I was obliged to attend another, and out of +charity, Fred and myself were kept working until near sundown. + +"That is the best day's work that you ever performed," the inspector +said, as the last patient took his departure, profuse in his thanks. +"Before this time to-morrow, the skill of the American doctors, as they +will insist upon calling you, will be so magnified, that there is no +disease that they will not insist you can cure. Two branches of business +are now offered you--that of a professional gentleman, and the more +plebeian one of a storekeeper." + +"The latter, by all means," replied Fred, with a laugh at the idea of +our having M.D. added to our names. + +"Don't make sport over that which may yield a large income," the +inspector said, seriously; "I have seen injuries dressed in a worse +manner than those this afternoon." + +"Perhaps," I rejoined, thinking that he was disposed to make game of us. + +"I am honest in my expression, and to prove it so, how many regular +surgeons or physicians do you think there are at Ballarat?" + +"Ten," I answered, at a venture. + +"One is the actual count; the balance are quacks, or else apothecaries' +apprentices, escaped from indentures, who find a rich field in +humbugging the unwary." + +"Well, let them operate," returned Fred; "we will not enter into +competition with them at present. But come in and eat supper with us, +for we have many things to talk about." + +"I accept the invitation with more pleasure than you are aware of, +because the exquisite flavor of the pickled salmon that I ate for +breakfast is still lingering in my mouth, and I long for another taste." + +We humored our friend by complying with his hint, and after we had +finished our tea, we lighted our pipes, talked business, and broached a +subject to Smith, which we had entertained ever since we had decided to +go into business. + +Our proposition to Smith was, that he should form one of a partnership, +to be conducted under the firm of Frank, Jack, & Smith. The latter was +to attend to the freighting and buying in Melbourne, while we would do +the trading and selling at Ballarat. We agreed to put in three thousand +dollars each, and we were to value Smith's team and animals, and allow a +fair price for them, and then he was to make up with cash enough to +bring his capital equal to ours. + +There were many things which we had to say that we did not like to +discuss before the inspector, so that when he arose to go, we felt +thankful. We then drew up articles of partnership, and gave Smith an +order to get the gold which we had stored at the old stockman's, and to +take a certain portion of it to buy goods, and deposit the remainder to +our order in the Melbourne Bank. After our business was completed, the +night was far advanced; and with bright anticipations for the future, we +retired to our hard beds, and dreamed of home and happiness. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXIX. + +ATTEMPT OF THE HOUSEBREAKER.--ATTACK BY THE SNAKE. + + +I confess that it is somewhat startling to awaken a few minutes before +sunrise, and see a dozen rough, gaunt, ragged men, standing near the +entrance of one's tent, and to hear them whisper in a low tone, as +though they intended murder, or robbery at least; and it was with the +latter impression that I sprung from my couch, revolver in hand. + +"What is the meaning of all this?" I asked, rubbing my eyes, not being +thoroughly awakened. + +"Ah, yer honor is awaken, is ye?" inquired a familiar voice; and upon +closer inspection, I found that our Irish friend, whose hand Fred had +dressed the succeeding evening, was one of our visitors. + +"Ah, it's you, is it?" I asked, hastily concealing my revolver. "What +has sent you here so early?" + +"Faith, it's yer honor that may well ax that. It's a beautiful night's +rest I had, yer honor, and I couldn't rest without coming and telling +yer honor of it. It's painless is my hand, and it's all owing to the +doctoring, I know, glory to God; and it's a few friends of mine I've +brought wid me, whom I hope yer honors will look at for my sake, and +long life to yer honors' ginerosity." + +"Well, this is cool, certainly," I said, in a low whisper to Fred. "What +are we to do? We can't afford to devote all our nights and mornings to +practising on the philanthropic style." + +"We must make the best of our bargain, at present If we should turn them +away, people would say that we possessed no feeling, and as likely as +not we should get insulted in some manner or other during the first +drunken fray that occurred near our new place of business. As we have +begun, so must we finish." + +I concluded that Fred's advice was far the best, and without another +complaint, I assisted him to go through with our new patients. As usual, +they left, profuse in their thanks, but no substantial token of their +appreciation was deposited with us. + +There was one thing that we found we were running short of, and that was +salve; and we saw, perhaps with some tokens of satisfaction, that when +that was ended, our career of doctoring would also terminate. + +After breakfast, Smith yoked up his team, and moved our tent and worldly +goods to the new house which we had purchased the day before. The man +from whom we had bought it was all packed up and ready to start for +Melbourne that very day, and when he found that Smith was going on the +same journey, he engaged a passage, and expressed, in heartfelt thanks, +his joy at the prospect of his soon leaving Ballarat forever. + +"I 'ope," he said, in cockney dialect, "that I never shall be obliged to +earn my living in a country vare the spiders are as big as a 'at, and as +savage as a bull dog--vare snakes crawl into bed vith yer, and drive yer +out--and vare the inhabitants had rather tell a lie than the truth. I'm +going 'ome to Hingland, and those vot vant gold may come 'ere and dig it +if they please, for all I care." + +Our parting with the honest fellow who had been our companion for so +many days, and who had shared with us so many adventures, was of a +sorrowful nature, and it seemed as though all that we held dear on the +island was lost to us. Even Smith tried hard to conceal his grief, and I +saw moisture in his eyes as he turned towards his rattle, after +receiving our instructions for the last time, and started on his long +journey. + +The team was just disappearing from view, when his passenger, who, owing +to his rheumatism and a light freight, was allowed to ride, struggled to +his feet, and gave us a parting salutation. + +"Look out for the snakes," he yelled; "they is apt to enter the 'ouse +during the night and if you value your dog you'd better tie him on to +the roof, or he'll be swal--" + +The balance of the wretch's remark was lost in the distance, but we knew +its meaning, and almost wished the same might befall the late proprietor +of the building, before he reached Melbourne. + +Our feelings were not very lively during the day, yet we went to work +and made many improvements in our future home, and even got hold of a +few boards,--remnants of boxes,--which we nailed on the roof; and by +purchase and favor, were enabled to complete it in the course of a week, +so that by spreading tarred sail cloth upon the boards, we flattered +ourselves that we should be comparatively protected from the heavy rain +storms which comprise the winter months. + +We cleaned out our store, and arranged the few articles which we owned, +and got ready for commencing business when Smith returned. Then we began +painting a huge sign on strong sail cloth, and acting on the inspector's +suggestion, called our place the "International Store." + +By night time we were thoroughly tired, and were ready to thank fortune +that our usual number of patients was not present to demand our +_professional_ aid. The inspector dropped in to see us for a short time, +after supper; but he did not stop long, as a large meeting of the miners +was to take place that night, and he expected quite a stir would be made +in regard to the mining tax. We were therefore left alone to pass the +night, and after an inspection of the horses, and finding that they were +doing well, we "turned in," as the sailors say, and slept soundly for +three or four hours, when I was awakened by a low growl from Rover, who +was lying at my feet. + +I started at the sound, and listened, but could discover no cause for +alarm. Still, I saw that the hound was restless, and through the +darkness observed that his eyes burned like coals of fire, and that he +appeared to be watching for further signs of danger. + +Thinking that the noise of some brawler had disturbed him, I again lay +down; but as I did so the dog uttered another low growl, and crept near +my face, as though fearful of something that was invisible to my eyes. +I patted his neck, and to my surprise I found he was trembling as I had +never known him before. He crouched close to me, and seemed almost +inclined to desert me; but I soon calmed him, although, for the life of +me, I could not understand why he should appear so frightened. + +For a few minutes I sat upright and listened attentively, but not a +sound rewarded me for my patience. I heard Fred breathing heavily a few +feet from me, but I disliked to awaken him, as I knew that he was very +tired when he went to sleep, and as yet I had seen nothing that +warranted me in disturbing him. I was just about to speak to the dog in +an angry tone, when he suddenly uttered a sharp yelp, and I heard a +slight rustling within a few feet of me. + +It was a peculiar sound, and startled me. It was not like the heavy or +light tread of man, but it seemed as though some substance was being +drawn across the floor at a cautious rate. Again it stopped, and all was +still; I held the dog firmly by the collar, but he trembled so violently +that I began to partake of his fear, and no longer delayed in awakening +Fred. + +I reached over, and placed my hand upon my comrade's face, and the touch +awoke him instantly. + +"Hist!" I whispered; "don't speak above your breath for your life. There +is some person in the room!" + +I could feel my friend place his hand upon his trusty revolver, and I +knew that he was prepared for action. I shifted my position so that I +could got beside him, and then, armed in a similar manner, I awaited +further developments. + +"What has disturbed you?" he asked, in a whisper that would have been +inarticulate two paces from us. + +"I can't imagine. Even Rover has taken fright; and for the first time; +see how he trembles," I responded. + +"Get your matches all ready, and when we wish a light we will have one +without delay. Hark! What was that?" + +We both listened attentively. Not ten feet from us, we could hear a +movement that now sounded as though a man was crawling upon his stomach. +Carefully he appeared to work his way along, stopping every few seconds, +as though uncertain whether to advance or recede; and it seemed as +though we could hear our night visitor breathe during his pauses. + +We did not wish to use our pistols, for we did not know but that the +former proprietor of the store was in the habit of giving lodgings to +miners, who were not acquainted with the change of ownership; but we +made up our minds that we would guard against such interruption of our +slumbers in future. + +"We had better ask what he wants," whispered Fred, "and then we will +light a candle and examine him." + +"Go ahead; your lungs are the strongest," I answered, in an audible +tone. + +At the sound of my voice, the slow, slimy movement upon the floor +ceased, and the visitor appeared to be listening. + +"Who goes there?" demanded Fred, with a voice slightly tremulous. It +appeared to me that I could hear a slight breathing near, but I was not +sure. The slow moving or creeping across the floor had ceased; we +listened for a repetition of it. + +"Are you a friend or foe?" Fred asked. + +There was no response for a moment, and then the slow, cautious movement +began again. + +"Strike a light," whispered Fred, "and let us see what this means." + +Among the effects which we had found in the store was a large lamp for +burning alcohol; this Fred had cleansed and trimmed the day before, and +filled with spirits of turpentine, for the purpose of using it in +cooking. I knew where it was placed; so I crept carefully along on my +hands and knees, and suddenly lighted it with a lucifer. As the huge +wick took fire, I hastily glanced over my shoulder, for fear that an +assassin should strike a blow before I could be on my guard. + +A startling yell from Fred caused me to spring to my feet, and as I did +so, a long, dark object flashed before my eyes, and narrowly missed my +head. The next instant my yell of terror was added to Fred's, for in the +middle of the floor, with waving tail, and eyes that blazed like coals +of fire, was a monstrous snake of a jet black hue; the huge mouth of the +reptile was thrown open to its widest extent, and was armed with fangs +an inch in length! + +For a short time after my cry of terror, I remained silent, not daring +to move, for fear that the reptile, who appeared to be debating which of +us to attack first, should make a spring, and encircle me in his +dreadful folds, and crush out my life before I could utter a prayer. + +Even to this day I can remember how I trembled, and how weak my knee +joints appeared to grow; and even now, I fancy I can see the slimy, +gleaming monster examine first me, and then the flickering flame of the +lamp, as though only astonishment at the illumination kept him at a +distance. + +I did not for a moment lose sight of that powerful, waving tail, or the +glowing eyes, although I thought I would give all the world to be miles +from the spot. + +I had heard of the monstrous size that black snakes acquired in +Australia, but I had regarded the stories as travellers' yarns, and only +got up to intimidate new comers. Now that I was satisfied of the truth +of the accounts, I could have wished that an earthquake would swallow +the reptile, so that it but left me secure. + +I glanced hastily towards Fred. He was seated on his bed, as startled +and surprised as myself, but I thought that I saw his hand move slowly +towards his revolver, and I prayed that his eyes would not deceive him +when he fired. + +Rover had disappeared, but I could hear his loud bay outside of the +building, and I hoped that it would attract attention, and that +assistance would reach us before it was too late. + +Still that fearful and muscular tail waved and played in the air, as +though undecided where to strike. + +For a moment I removed my eyes from the bright orbs before me, and to my +surprise, I saw a quantity of old canvas, stowed in a corner where we +had left it the day before, begin to move. The snake was apparently +attracted by the same object, and moved its body slightly to get a +better view. I thought, with horror, that perhaps it was the mate of +the reptile, and that Fred and myself would furnish a meal for each. +Still, I watched the canvas and the movements of the snake closely. The +former was gradually and carefully unrolled, and then, to my surprise, I +saw the head of a man thrust cautiously out, as though to discover the +cause of the recent noise, and why a lamp was burning at that hour of +the night. + +The snake saw the man's head as quick as myself--at least, I judged that +it did by its motions; for the huge mouth expanded wider than before, +and a long, forked tongue darted back and forth, as though longing for +something to gorge. The tail of the reptile also waved more gently, as +though uncertain where to strike. + +To my surprise, the man who was concealed in the canvas appeared to pay +no attention to our hideous visitor, for he pushed aside the cloth that +covered him, and seemed desirous of either investigating the contents of +our money-pouches, or else making his escape from the building. + +He was an ugly-looking fellow, as seen by the flickering of our lamp, +and had I been unarmed, I should have cared but little about meeting him +in the dark; under the present circumstances I almost welcomed him as a +friend, and would willingly have given him a few hundred pounds, if, +when he left us, he could carry our shiny visitor along with him. + +We watched both the man and the snake with an unflagging attention. The +former, to my surprise, did not appear to observe the danger that he was +in, and I could only account for it when I saw that his eyes were +watching my movements, as though fearful that a well-directed shot was +to punish him for his intrusion. + +The fellow was well armed, I could perceive, for a pair of pistols was +stuck in his belt, and a long, glittering knife reposed near them. Once +I saw him make a movement with one of his hands towards his belt, as +though anxious to try the chances of a shot in my direction, but he +apparently altered his mind, and arose to his feet. + +I hastily glanced towards the snake; the movement of its long tail +ceased, and the reptile coiled itself up as though to escape +observation, but the fire of its eyes burned as brightly as ever, and +the long fangs were exhibited, as though determined to bite something +before long. + +Still the stranger did not appear to observe the dangerous position that +he was in, for he seemed too much occupied with scrutinizing Fred and +myself to attend to objects in his immediate vicinity. Our silence must +have struck him with wonder, for after a while he spoke. + +"Darn it!" he exclaimed, pettishly, "why don't some of you hail a +feller? or are you all struck with a Spanish mildew?" + +We returned no answer. + +The snake appeared to be as much interested as ourselves, and hardly a +motion of his black, glistening skin could I observe; but his eyes +seemed to emit sparks of fire, so brilliantly did they blaze. + +"You can't hail a convoy, hey?" demanded the stranger, in a contemptuous +tone; "has my appearance put a stopper on your tongues, or what is the +matter?" + +We still remained silent, awaiting the finale of so singular a meeting. +"You can talk glib enough when you get with old Brown, and other police +fellows, after having shot down the best man in the mines--you know who +I mean--and I tell you that he is a better man than either of you two +lubbers, squatting there, with faces whiter than a ship's main royal! +You know the feller I mean--Pete Burley; he never trembled when a feller +hailed him." + +We let the ruffian--for his last words convinced me: that he had visited +us for no good--go on. + +The snake had, inch by inch, moved its location, and was partly +concealed from the sight of Burley's friend by a barrel. The light, +also, was not shed over that portion of the floor, and while every +movement of the monster was distinctly revealed to me, the ruffian could +not, without stepping towards us, observe it. + +"I s'pose you fellers want to know why I am here," the ruffian asked, +with a sneer. + +I tried to reply, but I could not; my eyes were fastened upon the +glowing orbs of the snake, and it seemed to me that if I spoke, he would +spring towards me. + +"I'll tell ye why I am here, and how I got in. I want to revenge the +injury which you have inflicted upon my friend Burley, and I also want +to get a few pounds to pay me for the trouble I have taken in his +behalf; so just heave ahead and shell out the shiners, and then we'll +spin a yarn 'bout other affairs. Interest first, and then satisfaction." + +I heard every word that the villain uttered, but if he had drawn a +pistol, and offered to have shot me where I stood, I could not have +moved a hand in my behalf. I struggled to overcome the feeling, but it +was in vain; the glistening, restless eyes of the snake were on me, and +seemed to dance with triumph at their thraldom. The tail was motionless +now, as though awaking the result of the conversation. + +I wondered that Fred did not come to my relief; but the longer that I +looked, the less I thought on the subject, and after a while I began to +really enjoy my situation, and to feel surprised that I had considered +the monster so terrible. I felt a strange desire to move forward, and +fondle the snake, and the eyes that at first seemed so hideous now +looked like glittering stones of inestimable value. The black, slimy +skin appeared to be of burnished gold, and I thought that if I could but +touch it, I should be enriched forever. + +Even in my stupor I could hear the loud barking of Rover, on the outside +of the building, and it passed through my mind, like an electric shock, +that he was uttering a howl for my death. But, like a flash, the bitter +feeling that I experienced passed away, and I no longer regretted that I +was to die; in fact, I felt rather rejoiced that I was so soon to end my +troubles, and it appeared that I had got but a step to move forward, and +I should be surrounded with all the pleasures of paradise. + +"Why, what is the matter with you two lubbers?" I heard the ruffian ask, +the few minutes' silence that had prevailed having startled him; "darn +yer eyes, can't one of ye speak, and say that you'll come down with the +shiners?" + +I could hear the loud breathing of Fred, and I thought that he was +trying to answer, but if he did attempt it, the effort was a failure, +and the words died in his throat unuttered. + +I do not know how long I stood thus silent and motionless, but it seemed +to me hours; and each moment I could feel that I was growing weaker and +weaker, and more strongly urged forward in the direction of the snake. +And then the tail of the monster, which had lain dormant for some time, +began to exhibit signs of life, and to form graceful curves in the air, +as though enjoying a mighty triumph, or beckoning other monsters to come +forward and witness the result of an interview with the lords of the +creation. + +"Blast your picturs!" exclaimed the ruffian, and I heard him move as +though he intended to come towards us. + +I could not withdraw my gaze from the snake, and if I should live a +thousand years, I never could hope to witness such a gorgeous display as +the eyes of the monster exhibited when the sound of footsteps disturbed +the silence of the room. Showers of gold, silver, and precious stones, +all mingled together, and exhibited by gas light, would be but a poor +comparison, when contrasted with the splendor that I thought I observed +in the serpent's eyes. + +I heard the ruffian take one, two, three steps towards us, and I heard +him utter an oath at our apparent indifference, and then, like a flash +of lightning, I saw the tail of the snake gleam through the air, and +encircle, coil after coil, the stout body of the midnight robber! + +I heard a sudden exclamation of horror; a fearful imprecation escaped +the lips of the ruffian, and then the wonderful spell, which had bound +me for I know not how long, was dissipated, and weak and trembling, I +staggered back, and sank upon the floor, too much exhausted to escape +from the building, and too much overcome with horror, at the struggle +going on before me, to offer aid. + + + + +CHAPTER XL. + +DEATH OF THE BURGLAR BY THE SNAKE. + + +The struggle that was going on in our room did not prevent me--as I lay +upon the floor, too exhausted and faint to assist the ruffian who called +himself Pete Hurley's friend--from glancing towards Fred, to see how he +fared. He appeared to be in the same condition as myself, and was lying +upon his side, almost motionless; but his eyes were riveted upon the +horrible contortions of the snake, as the ruffian, a powerfully built +man, strove to tear off the coils which bound him with fetters that were +like steel. + +The man's cries and oaths were fierce, but uttered in a gasping tone, as +though his very life was being pressed out. Three coils were around him, +and each moment I thought that I could see them gradually tighten, but +still the resistance of the victim was none the less powerful. + +He grasped the snake around the body, and strove, with his powerful +hands, to make it yield its death hug; but his efforts seemed to have +no more effect than if he had clinched a bar of iron, or a young +sapling. Around they went--the snake with his head upon the floor, his +eyes flashing fire, and his mouth expanding, and tongue darting back and +forth, and seeming to enjoy the night's adventure as one that was +unexpected as well as gratifying. + +I saw the ruffian make desperate attempts to reach his knife, which was +in his belt; but the coils around him prevented, and in their extremity +they turned and staggered around the store, upsetting barrels and boxes, +yet all the time I saw that the reptile had the advantage, and could, +with a slight exertion of strength, drive his antagonist whither he +pleased. + +I was as much fascinated with the fight, as I had been with the eyes of +the snake, and did not move hand or foot to assist the robber. Even if a +shot would have put an end to the combat, I did not dare to fire it, for +fear of killing the man; and as for approaching to use our knives, the +bare thought was enough to cause a shudder, for the snake managed to +keep his head towards us, and with expanded mouth and glistening lungs, +appeared to warn us that the fight was a fair one, and that he would +brook no interference. + +At length I saw the struggling wretch grasp the tail of the reptile with +one hand, and seek to unwind the folds that bound him. As well might he +have attempted to bend or loosen bars of iron, for with a slight effort +the snake freed that portion of his body, and raising his head, hissed, +as though with scorn, at the effort of the poor mortal. + +The ruffian was not daunted, although a fierce imprecation escaped his +lips, as the animal raised his head, and seemed disposed to accomplish +the destruction of his antagonist without further delay. + +Again did he struggle to get at his knife, and this time, owing to a +slight relaxation of the coils around his body, he was successful. I saw +the glittering steel flourished in the air, and I saw by the sudden +contraction of the serpent's folds, that it was aware that a battle of +life and death was now to take place between them. + +"Die, d---- you--die," yelled the man, cutting with his knife at various +parts of the snake's body. + +I saw the hot blood spirt from the wounds, and cover the floor, and I +saw that the snake's eyes grew more brilliant than ever, and that he was +gradually bringing his head on a level with the face of his antagonist, +as though to bite and disfigure his countenance. + +Again the keen knife descended, and this time struck deep, for the +wounded animal, with a convulsive spring, overturned the ruffian, and +together they rolled upon the floor. + +I could hear the hard breathing of the man, and I could tell every time +that his knife struck home, by a peculiar hiss that escaped the snake. +It was like the sudden escape of steam. + +"We must now lend some assistance to the poor wretch," said Fred, +suddenly starting to his feet, knife in hand. "Do you hold the light, so +that I can see where to strike." + +"Help me or I die," yelled the ruffian, whose strength began to fail; +and he called none too soon, for in spite of his desperate efforts with +his knife, the monster had struck one blow, with his fangs, upon his +face, and was about to repeat it, as we drew near, light in hand. + +The snake raised its head, and shook it menacingly, us we approached. +The huge mouth opened, and the quivering tongue darted back and forth, +as though warning us not to interfere with what did not concern us; but +in spite of its threatening attitude, Fred directed a blow at its head, +and the keen steel made a large wound near the reptile's neck. + +The hot blood gushed from the wound in torrents; a few drops fell upon +my hand, and burned the flesh as though seared with a heated iron. + +I saw that the folds of the serpent were gradually relaxing, as though +tired of the unequal contest, and the sight gave us renewed courage. +Again and again did Fred flesh his steel, and each blow that was struck +told upon the life of the monster, and at last, with a convulsive +shudder, the tail was uncoiled, straightened out, and with a long-drawn +sigh the snake expired. + +We did not delay a moment, but went to the assistance of the wounded +man. He was covered with blood and slime, and a frightful wound was upon +his face, where the fangs of the reptile had struck. He was breathing, +but very faintly; so we lost not a moment in placing to his mouth a cup +of wine that we fortunately had saved from our supply obtained at +Melbourne. The liquor seemed to revive him, for he opened his eyes, and +made a desperate effort to speak. + +"How fares it with you?" asked Fred. + +"The d----d snake has made a finish of me, I believe," he gasped, +placing one hand upon his side, as though the effort to speak had caused +excruciating pain in that region of his body. "Blast his pictur, how he +hugged me!" + +"Take another drink of wine," returned Fred, "and then rest until +morning, and we will see what can be done for you." + +"By morning, mates, I shall be at rest--never fear. A man can't have his +heart squeezed into his mouth, and hope to live. But I'm darn glad that +I killed the black scoundrel. He'll never _purcel_ another sailor with +his bloody tail." + +"Let us make an examination, and see how much you are wounded," I said, +proceeding to strip off his shirt. + +"Avast there, shipmate," he cried, in a more feeble voice; "I'm going +fast, so don't disturb me." + +"But there may be hope--we will run for a physician." + +"Of what use would the old sawbones be? Haven't I already been tortured +enough? Besides, I've no money to pay for a visit." + +"We will attend to that part of the duty," rejoined Fred. + +"You will?" demanded the wounded man, in astonishment. + +"To be sure." + +"Well, all I've got to say is, I'm sorry that I attempted to revenge old +Burley's wrongs, and if I could live he might fight for himself--I +wouldn't." + +"Did the man you call Burley hire you to redress his fancied wrongs?" +Fred asked. + +"He told me that you both had money, and that if I was a mind to, I +could make myself rich, and pay you up for his wound in the hip." + +"I'm going," he gasped, at length, "and I feel sorry for my past crimes. +Do you believe that there is a hell where sinners burn forever and +ever? Forgive me. I should have murdered you both had it not been for +that d----d snake. I crept under the canvas while you were at supper, +and while waiting for you to retire, I fell asleep. I am glad that I +didn't kill--. D---- the sn----" + +There was a gasping in the man's throat, and with a slight struggle his +breath departed, and his soul flew up to God to be judged, and treated +according to the crimes which were recorded against his name. + +"What's to be done?" asked Fred, when he found that the robber's heart +ceased to beat. + +"We can do nothing until daylight. Let us go back to bed and try and +sleep." + +"And wake up and find a snake for a bedfellow? No, I feel that I shall +not sleep again for a month. I am almost ready to declare that I will +not stop another day at Ballarat, or in Australia. We have met with +nothing but dangers since our landing, and it seems that on each +occasion our lives have been spared as by a miracle." + +"I can feel only too grateful that they are spared, without questioning +the means," I replied. "Whether a gracious Providence, or our +shrewdness, has prevented us from being food for worms, is a subject we +will not discuss." + +"But I feel tired of this kind of life," Fred said, as he seated himself +upon his bed and looked around the floor, covered with blood, and the +bodies of the huge snake and the dead man. "A few weeks ago there was +nothing that I liked so well as an adventure, but now I am surfeited, +and would fain enjoy a respite. A few weeks of inactivity would not come +amiss, for ever since we have been on the island we have seen nothing, +heard of nothing, but blood. I am sick of it." + +"Well?" I inquired, anxiously. + +"I will adhere to the vow that I took before leaving California. We +swore then never to desert each other, either in sickness or in health. +Until you are content to leave Australia, I remain. That is settled +upon." + +We shook hands, and bound the bargain, and as we did so, the light that +had wavered and flickered, and revealed the desperate fight, between the +robber and the snake, suddenly died out, and left us in darkness. + +And then we heard gentle steps upon the floor, and a snuffing, as though +some animal was pawing over the bodies, and while we were listening to +discover who our new visitor was, I felt something cold touch my hand, +and I started in alarm; but my fears quickly vanished, for I found that +Rover had recovered from his fright, and had come back in search of his +master. The poor dog! I could not blame him for deserting us, +considering the character of our late visitor. + +The brute curled down beside us, and sat and listened to our +conversation through the night, but during that period his ears were +raised as though waiting a repetition of the sound that had alarmed him +hours before. + +"I saw you move your hand towards your revolver," I said, addressing +Fred; "why did you not use it before the snake attacked the poor +fellow?" + +"Because, while looking at the monster, a feeling came over me that I +cannot at this moment account for. I had regarded the snake with the +utmost dread and abhorrence, until all at once I thought that I did not +appear to look upon him with the same disgust, and the longer that I +gazed, the more fascinated I became, and I could not have harmed the +reptile, had my life depended upon my actions." + +It was singular, but his feelings were the same that I had experienced, +and I refer the matter to scientific gentlemen, and desire them to solve +the question. Can a black snake, by the aid of lamp light, fascinate two +men, separated a distance of three yards, so that they lose all mastery +over their actions, and are impelled, by a power that appears +uncontrollable, to approach an object that they most dread on earth? + +It seems a strange story, yet it is a true one: I will give the +dimensions of the reptile, so that the public may know that it was no +puny monster. Its length was exactly thirteen feet, five inches and a +quarter, and its circumference was thirteen inches and a half. The snake +was of the Diamond species, and grows quite large in Australia. I have +heard of even larger ones being destroyed, but I thank fortune that I +never met them during my residence. Their bites are not of a poisonous +nature, but their fangs are so large and strong that they inflict an +awkward wound; and in one case, when a miner was bitten, all efforts to +stop the flow of blood were futile, and the poor fellow bled to death. + +This occurred at Ballarat, soon after we located in that cheerful place, +and Fred and myself were both sent for to investigate the case. We +judged that the fangs of the snake had struck an artery, and this +supposition, I have, since my return to this country, found to be +correct. + +There is quite a number of species of the serpent tribe in Australia, +whose bite is death; but there is one kind, of a bright orange color, +with a dark ring around the neck, that is very venomous. I once saw a +miner bitten by one, and in defiance of all exertions that were made to +save his life, the poor fellow died in less than an hour. We cauterized +the wound with a hot iron, and at the same time compelled him to swallow +huge draughts of raw whiskey; but to no purpose. In twenty minutes after +he was bitten, the miner began to swell--in half an hour he could not +swallow another drop of liquor, although what he had taken apparently +had no effect upon him. In three quarters of an hour he was speechless, +and in fifty-five minutes he was dead. That was quick work for the +poison, and proves that the snakes of Australia are more venomous than +the rattlesnake of America. Luckily, the orange colored snakes are not +numerous, and I only saw three during my residence on the island, and I +suffer no compunctions of conscience when I acknowledge that I assisted +to kill them. + +But the saddest part of the story connected with the miner's death +remains to be told. After he was dead, no one would go near him, or +assist to give the body a decent burial. Fred offered a handsome sum to +any one who would do so, but all declined, until an American, whose +heart was not contaminated by bad influence, gathered pieces of boards +and made a coffin, and then assisted us to dig a grave on the hill-side, +where we deposited the remains of the unfortunate man, to take his last +rest. + +Fred and I sat in the dark, conversing in a low tone, and starting at +every sound, expecting to hear the slimy crawling of another snake; but +in this we were disappointed, and happily so. As soon as daylight +appeared, we started towards the hut of the inspector, situated at no +great distance from our so-called store. Mr. Brown was asleep when we +called, and it was with some difficulty that we aroused him. + +"Hullo!" he exclaimed, at length, raising his head from his hard couch, +and rubbing his eyes; "what's the matter? The store hasn't burned down, +has it, and destroyed all the stock in trade?" + +"Worse than that," returned Fred. + +"Then a great misfortune must have occurred. What is it? If I can assist +in any thing, I'll get up; if not, I'm going to sleep an hour or two +longer. The miners had a meeting last evening, and what with bad rum and +long resolutions, they kept me pretty busy until an hour since." + +"Then make up your mind that you'll have no more sleep until our +business is finished. Come, get up and take breakfast with us," Fred +rejoined. + +"That invitation is sufficient to make a hungry man forget sleep for a +week. I'm with you." + +The inspector gave himself a shake, and was dressed and ready to +accompany us. He left word with one of his men, who was on duty, where +he could be found in case he was wanted, and then declared that he was +ready. + +As we walked along, we told him of the visit that we had received the +night before, and he listened without any expression of astonishment. +When we reached the store things remained as we had left them, with +blood scattered over the floor, and on the overturned boxes and barrels, +while nearly side by side were the bodies of the snake and the robber. + +Mr. Brown stooped down and examined the face of the corpse for a few +minutes attentively. + +"I knew that fellow would come to some bad end," the inspector said, +"for he was a friend of Burley's, and many a robbery have they committed +together, that never came to light." + +"You might have cautioned us against him," remarked Fred. + +"So I might, had I but known he was in Ballarat. I have not seen or +heard of the fellow before for two months, and I thought that he was +either shot or hanged, as he certainly should have been a year ago. He +must have arrived here yesterday afternoon, and Burley told him that you +had money, and that he could make a good thing in avenging his injuries +and stealing your gold. I am glad to say that he was caught in his own +trap, and I shall always cherish the name of a diamond snake for the +good that one of them has done in ridding us of a ruffian who would have +robbed his mother, and beat her in the bargain." + +"But the snake--what do you think of that?" we asked. + +"I have seen larger ones, though I will quiet your fears by saying not +in this part of Australia. They are not so dangerous as they look, and +seldom attack a man unless frightened into the encounter. A few miles +from Ballarat is a colony of the same kind of reptiles, and it's +something of a curiosity to see the monsters squirming about during a +pleasant forenoon." + +"Have you seen them often?" asked Fred. + +"O, yes, I have seen them a dozen times, perhaps." "We have nothing of +importance to attend to, for a few days, and would like to visit the +colony. Will you go with us?" + +"Willingly," replied the inspector. "Appoint your day." + +"Say to-morrow forenoon. Our horses will feel better for the jaunt, and +so shall we," Fred said. + +"To-morrow forenoon we will go; and now, before we take breakfast, let +us get rid of these encumbrances." + +He pointed to the bodies on the floor, and while we were wondering what +we should do with them, the inspector called a policeman, and directed +him to find a cart and carry them off, and for all that we know to the +contrary, they were both buried in the same grave. At any rate, the skin +of the snake, which we had requested as a trophy, was returned to us, +and by the aid of a quantity of arsenic, we were enabled to preserve it, +and send it to Murden as a sample of one of the staple articles of the +mines. + +As soon as the bodies were removed, we went to work and cleaned our +store, and then prepared breakfast, and I am happy to be able to record +it, that the horrors of the night had no sensible effect upon our +appetites. + + + + +CHAPTER XLI. + +VISIT TO SNAKES' PARADISE. + + +We spent the day in idleness, for the adventures of the preceding night +were too harrowing to allow our minds to become settled on any kind of +work. It is true that we had many questions to answer, and that numerous +visitors thronged our store from sunrise until dark; but after repeating +our story to our friend Charley, he took upon himself the important +situation of narrator of the snake's doings, and by that means we were +entirely relieved of a disagreeable duty. + +Our California friend--never a great stickler for truth--embellished his +version of the affair in such glowing colors, and set forth the courage +that we had displayed in the fight in such a guise that we really began +to think that our conduct was not so very tame, after all, and that we +were worthy of the congratulations showered upon us by the admiring +miners, who vowed that when our stock of goods was in, we were the men +for their money. + +At length, however, the last visitor had taken his departure, with the +exception of Charley. He hung around, as though he had some important +duty yet unperformed, but what it was we were at a loss to know until he +disclosed it. + +"We did pretty well, didn't we?" he asked, taking a seat by our rickety +supper table. + +"In getting the crowd off? Yes, we feel much obliged to you," Fred +rejoined. + +"O, tain't that. I mean 'bout making the fellers believe all I told um." +"Why, I must say that I think you disregarded the truth slightly, in +your account of the adventures." + +"O, I know that I did; but don't you see that it was all 'cos I wanted +to make ye popular with the masses, and one of these days you'll get +elevated to pay for it. I knew that you fellers was frightened to death +when you seed the snake, but of course I wasn't going to say so, 'cos if +I had, it would have sp'ilt all. O, no; I know'd better than all that, +by a long chalk. Putty good coffee this, ain't it?" + +We were silent with astonishment and admiration at his matchless +impudence. + +"Perhaps you will be good enough to let us know how you knew we were +frightened?" Fred asked, coolly. + +"Certainly--'cos I met one of the same darned things, and I run like the +devil. Fact, although you may not believe it. I don't fight snakes, if I +can get clear of um." + +The man's answer was so characteristic of human nature, that we could +but smile at the honest expression, and were not disposed to quarrel +with him for giving vent to the same feeling that would have actuated us +in another encounter. + +"I s'pose you won't mind coming down an ounce for the service I've +rendered you to-day," Charley said, after a pause. + +"For what service?" I demanded, in astonishment. + +"O, for making you popular, that's all," he repeated. + +"Look here, my friend," Fred said; "it seems to me that you think we are +two log-rolling politicians, anxious to turn every thing of an exciting +nature to an advantage. In this you are disappointed. We are here to get +money, and not to get office." + +"Well, ain't I here to make money, too? so where's the difference +between us? You open a store; I sell rum, and starve boarders, and +electioneer, so that you can have a great run of custom, and yet you +ain't willing to pay a man a fair sum for his work. Wall, if I ain't +almost riddy to forswear my kintry and turn Turk. It's too +aggravating--it is." + +Our friend looked as though he was a martyr to friendship, yet I saw +that he was only acting in a systematic manner, to excite our +sympathies, and procure the reward that he anticipated. + +"Here is the money," Fred said, after a moment's hesitancy, handing a +Spanish doubloon to the cute Yankee, who clutched at it like a hungry +shark. + +"All right," he replied, pocketing the gold with a chuckle. + +"And now, before you go, we wish to say one word," Fred remarked, +calmly, yet firmly. "Ever since we have been at Ballarat, you have +contrived a number of ways to swindle us of our money. What you have +received we don't wish back into our pockets: but we do give you warning +that hereafter, if you interfere in our affairs, we shall take the +liberty of administering a sound kicking to that portion of your anatomy +made to be kicked. We hope that you understand us with distinctness, and +that we shall not be called upon to put into execution our threat. Good +day." + +The fellow sneaked from the store like a petty thief caught in the act, +and during our residence at the mines, he always declared that he didn't +think much of aristocrats taking the bread out of the mouths of honest +workmen, and that for his part, he should like to know from what part of +New England we came. + +We spent the day, as I said before, in idleness, yet we did not forget +that we had an appointment with the inspector, the next morning. Our +horses were in fine condition and anxious for a run, and as we rubbed +them down and fed them the night before we were to start; they appeared +to know that a journey was contemplated, and whinnied with joy. + +As there was to be a monster meeting of the miners, that night, to +consider what action should be taken in regard to the mining tax, we +determined to be present--not for the purpose of taking any part in the +deliberations of the people--but to see how such matters were conducted +in Australia. + +We therefore left Rover to attend to the horses, and prevent their being +stolen while absent, and about eight o'clock we joined the throng of +miners flocking towards the place designated for the meeting. + +It was an out-door affair, and about one thousand people were present, +and a rougher looking set of men I never saw in my life. All nations +were there. Even a number of Chinamen, who couldn't understand ten words +of English, and knew not what they shouted for, were in the crowd, +wooden shoes, pig-tails and all. Manillamen, with long black hair, white +teeth, and dark skins, and murderous looking knives by their sides, were +present, and jabbered in the _Mestisa_ tongue, which no one understood +but themselves. Then there were Lascars, Arabs, and other countrymen, +known by their peculiar dress and talk, and loud above the tumult could +be heard the oaths uttered in good old Saxon, or else with a brogue that +showed that the Gem of the Ocean had its representatives, who, as usual, +were ready for a drink or a fight, but preferred the latter. + +The chairman of the meeting was a Scotchman, who occupied a conspicuous +position on a bank of earth, overlooking the audience, and who, +fortunately being blessed with strong lungs, shouted, "Order, order," +whenever the miners grew too quarrelsome, or had more than two fights +going on at the same time. + +An Irishman, whose clothes might have been bought at a second hand +dealer's for a very moderate sum--for they were rent in various places, +and no attempt had been made to patch them--was the first speaker, and +he howled in the most approved manner, and even our political friends +might have taken a lesson from him. He had not spoken two minutes before +he denounced England as the worst nation upon the face of the earth, and +considered Englishmen as lions and brutes, while Irishmen were every +thing that was amiable and intelligent. + +He was about to declare that an Irishman could lick a dozen Britons, +when an indignant Englishman planted a blow upon his nose that knocked +him headlong from the box on which he was standing. + +The chairman called order, but did not appear surprised at the turn +which things had taken. + +The next speaker was a Scotch miner, who declared that he was no slave, +and was not afraid to let the Governor General of Australia know it. He +thought that if there was an Eden in this world, that Scotland would +have to be visited to find it. He declared that he had rather live in +his native country, and subsist upon oatmeal porridge, than remain in +Australia and dig gold, and that the reason he paid a mining tax, was +because he wanted to encourage the English to continue their outrages. + +The next speaker was our late friend Charley. He alluded to the American +Eagle, touched on Bunker Hill, eulogized the Declaration of +Independence, admired the Revolution, and then artfully proceeded to +depicture the prosperity that Australia would be likely to enjoy, if +separated from the mother country, and become a republic. Then, he said, +taxation would be equal, and money would not be wrung from the +hard-working miners to support governors and other officials in luxury. +While Mr. Charley was shouting with all his might, and trying to infuse +a little of his own warmth into his hearers, a little, decrepit old man, +with long, gray hair and shabby clothes, edged towards us, as though to +enter into conversation. + +"Well, I don't know but the man is right," the old man said, after +listening a few minutes in silence. His dialect was broad Yorkshire, and +we mentally concluded that he belonged in that part of England. + +"There's a great dale in havin' independence, and all that. What d'ye +think about it?" + +The interrogation was addressed so pointedly that there was no chance to +escape without an answer; but we had lived too long in foreign countries +to commit ourselves on any question that was likely to cause us trouble. + +"We have not given the subject a thought to-day. When we have made up +our minds, we will let you know," returned Fred. + +"Well, that is singular," the old man returned; "I always supposed that +ye 'Mericans was riddy to declare that yer own country was the best. But +don't ye think that Australia would make a great addition to the +States?" + +"We don't care to talk on the subject," rejoined Fred, shortly, seeing +that a number of miners began to gather around, to listen to the +discussion. + +"That is capital," whispered a voice that we knew; "I am glad to see +that you take no interest in the knave's fancies." + +We felt a strong pressure on our arms, as though the speaker would have +added other tokens of his approval, had he dared, and before we could +recover from our surprise, the little old man was edging his way into +the thickest of the crowd. + +"Did you suspect him?" whispered Fred. + +"No, he altered his voice too much. We owe Mr. Brown a trick for the one +he has just played on us." + +In fact, the little old man with the Yorkshire accent was no other than +Mr. Inspector Brown, who was disguised so perfectly, that we should not +have recognized him, even in broad daylight. + +He was mingling with the crowd, and "spotting" the most turbulent, for +the purpose of refusing to grant them a license, when next they applied. +He went upon the principle that a few agitators were sufficient to +corrupt the morals of all the miners in Ballarat, and to get them to +leave for other parts was Mr. Brown's whole study. + +We did not wait to hear more of Charley's harangue, for we were too +tired to enjoy his artful attempts to excite the miners in opposition to +the government. + +The night passed off without any incident worthy of notice, and by +daylight we were astir, and preparing for our expedition. + +Shortly after sunrise the inspector joined us, mounted on a very fair +horse, but not equal to the nags that we owned. + +We were off without delay--leaving Rover to tend the store--although we +did not forget to examine our revolvers before we started, for the +inspector hinted that there might be such a thing as meeting a +bushranger who would feel disposed to borrow our horses, or take our +lives, just as his fancy seemed to lead him. + +"How did the meeting terminate, last night?" I asked, after we had got +clear of the town, and were ascending a high hill, at a slow pace. + +"O, after your precious countryman got through with his great annexation +speech, there was quite a brisk fight between half-a-dozen of the men +present, and then the meeting broke up in a row. No arrests were made, +for if I had offered to take any one into custody, I should have been +ill-treated, and raised a tumult that could not have easily been +suppressed. I bide my time, and think of the day when government will +have a force here sufficient to resist all attacks." + +We laughed at Mr. Brown's tirade against our countryman, and then joked +him on the cleverness of his disguise, and promised to pay him in his +own coin. He dared us to the experiment, and we mentally promised that +we would keep our word. + +For almost two hours we continued our journey, sometimes passing through +deep valleys, which, in winter months, were green with verdure, but now +were dry and parched for the want of moisture; and sometimes ascending +high hills, from the summits of which we could command a view of the +country for many miles in extent. + +Not a soul had we met since leaving the borders of the town, and with +the exception of one or two animals, game appeared to be very scarce. + +"How much farther have we to go for a sight of the 'Snakes' Paradise'?" +Fred inquired. + +"Only about a mile. At the foot of the hill the den is located, unless +the reptiles have changed their quarters since I was here last." + +The inspector pointed with his whip to the spot indicated, and for a few +minutes we drew rein and admired the scenery. + +At our feet was a deep valley, which, in the winter season, received the +washings of the mountains that completely surrounded it, and the soil +evidently retained the water for some time, for we could see where it +had settled or evaporated, and we asked ourselves the question,-- + +"Did the snakes take up their quarters in the valley for the purpose of +being near fresh water for about nine months in the year?" + +Mr. Brown only shook his head, and said that he was not versed in +"snakeology," but thought that if the reptiles remained in the valley, +it was a sign that they liked to take a drink occasionally, and proposed +that we should descend. + +We assented, but before we did so, we took another survey of the scene +before us. As I said before, the valley was surrounded by hills, and +the only outlet was by means of a ragged ravine, through which the water +had forced its way, and extended to another plain about half a mile +distant The hills opposite to us were nearly perpendicular, and their +summit could only be gained by immense exertion on the part of a person +on foot. The only places where horses could escape, or leave the valley, +was by means of the ravine, or the path we were about to descend. + +I have been thus particular in describing the locality of Snakes' +Paradise, as we named it, because we met with an incident there, which I +shall relate in another chapter. + +We were obliged to dismount from our animals, when half-way down the +mountain, for we found that the trail was very insecure, and that a +proper regard for our necks demanded a descent on foot. The horses, +freed from our encumbrance, got along very well, and much faster than +when guided by reins; but we found that, as we neared the foot of the +hill, the animals manifested considerable reluctance to proceeding +farther, and that some energy was required to prevent their retracing +their steps up the ascent. + +At length, however, we readied even ground, and again mounted our +restive animals, and led by the inspector, approached a mound of earth, +about fifteen or twenty feet high, and eight or ten feet in +circumference. It was in the form of a pyramid, and resembled the work +of man more than nature, and I turned to the inspector for an +explanation. + +"What motive could a man have for forming earth in that shape?" I asked. + +"That was never built by human beings, but by insects, more industrious +than the lords of creation. That pyramid of earth was once the home of +millions of black ants, and by them alone was it raised." + +I had heard of the wonderful industry of the ants of Australia, but this +was the first time that I ever saw their works. I felt curious to +examine one of their homes, and touched my horse for the purpose of +riding nearer. To my surprise the animal refused to move in the +direction that I wished, and the more I urged, the less inclined he was +to obey. I was not disposed to give up the contest, and was making +preparations to continue with more vigor, when Mr. Brown stopped me. + +"It's useless," he said, "to try and get the horses nearer the pyramid. +They scent danger before we are aware of its presence. If you wish to +inspect the place you must dismount." + +"But why should the animals be afraid of ants?" Fred asked. + +"They are not afraid of ants," replied the inspector, dryly, "but they +are afraid of snakes." + +"But we can see no snakes, although you told us that their den was near +the foot of the mountain." + +"What does that look like?" asked Mr. Brown, pointing to a dark object +that was slowly creeping from an opening in the pyramid. + +We saw at once that the object was a snake, such as we had encountered +at the store, and we watched his languid movements with some curiosity. +The reptile had no sooner drawn his body from the mound than another +snake of the same species poked his head out, and after surveying us for +a few seconds with an appearance of considerable curiosity, he, too, +quitted the pyramid, and stretched his long body in the hot sand, as +though it was grateful to his slimy skin. + +Another and another followed in slow succession, until we counted no +less than twenty black snakes, none of them less than thirteen feet +long, and from ten to fifteen inches in circumference. They appeared to +be as playful as puppies, and rolled over and over each other in their +gambols; but at the least movement on our part their sport ceased, and +they seemed to form themselves in hostile array as though to repel an +attack. Then their mouths opened and their huge fangs were exposed, +glistening in the sun, as though anxious to try their strength upon our +bodies. + +It was with some difficulty that we could get our horses to face the +monsters, and even with all our exertions the animals would suddenly +start, as though anxious to quit so loathsome a sight. + +"Do ants and snakes live peaceably together in Australia?" I asked of +the inspector. + +"By no means. They are continually at war, but the insects struggle with +desperate valor to maintain their homestead against their assailants; +but in the end they have to retire and build another pyramid, where they +live until a fresh colony of snakes appear and drive them forth +wanderers once more. The fight, however, lasts nearly a week before the +insects acknowledge defeat, and if, during that time, the snakes wound +each other in trying to free their bodies of the ants, it is a great +triumph for the latter, for they fasten upon the wound, and all the +twisting and squirming of the reptiles cannot dislodge them. For days +they fatten upon their victim, until at length the slight wound becomes +a sore of great magnitude, and never heals. Mortification at length +ensues, and the death of the snake is then certain. You can see that if +the insects are weak and insignificant, nature teaches them a method of +avenging their wrongs, and they are not slow to adopt it." + +As we found that it was impossible to get our horses to approach the +nest of reptiles, we got the inspector to hold them while Fred and +myself advanced, revolvers in hand, to get a nearer view of the +squirming monsters. They instantly arrayed themselves in a compact mass, +and with flashing eyes and erect heads watched our motions. Every few +seconds they would utter a hiss, that sounded like an expression of +displeasure in a theatre during some bad piece of acting. We advanced to +within ten rods of them, and then halted and surveyed them at leisure. + +"I should like to try the effects of a shot," Fred said, glancing at the +snakes and then at his revolver. + +"Fire away," I replied, as anxious for the fun as himself. + +In spite of a warning cry from Mr. Brown, Fred discharged his revolver, +and the hall struck in the mass of squirming bodies. I saw one huge +monster tear himself loose from the others, and wind his body into +knots, and beat the ground with rage with his tapered tail, while his +hot blood dyed the ground as it gushed forth during his contortions. + +"Try another," said Fred, enjoying his own shot. + +I also fired, and the same result followed. The wounded snake either +struggled, or else was forced from the mass, and the same bold front +was kept up by the others. The hissing, if possible, was a little +louder, and the eyes of those uninjured flashed brighter, but the mass +did not move forward, or recede from our attack; and it was not until we +had each discharged five barrels of our revolvers that a movement, as +though determined to revenge their loss, was made. + + + + +CHAPTER XLII. + +FLIGHT FROM THE SNAKES.--ATTACKED BY THE BUSHRANGERS. + + +Slowly, but in a compact form, did the snakes creep forward, hissing, +and expanding their huge mouths, and darting out their forked tongues, +which quivered like a million of grasshoppers strung upon steel wires, +and exposed to a strong breeze. + +"Come back, you--." The rest of the sentence was inarticulate, but I +think it sounded like "fools." + +We glanced at the inspector, and found that he was in full retreat with +the horses, evidently being disposed to be on the safe side. + +"Let us give them one more shot, and be off," said Fred. + +He was about to carry his words into effect, when a thought suddenly +struck me, and I lowered my revolver. + +"Fred," I said, "did you put your powder flask in your pocket?" + +"No, for I supposed that you did," he replied. + +"Then let me advise you to reserve your fire, for we have but one shot +each, and it is a long way to camp." + +I had hardly delivered the caution, when we found that it was full time +to beat a retreat. The snakes, still showing signs of anger, had crept +to within ten yards of us, and I thought, from a hasty observation, that +they were preparing to separate, and make a spring. + +"Now, then, for a run!" cried Fred; and we turned our backs upon our +enemies, and started towards the horses as fast as our legs could carry +us. + +I glanced over my shoulder to see what action the snakes were taking, +and to my horror I found that they had separated, and were pursuing us +with inconceivable rapidity. Their huge heads were raised about eighteen +inches from the ground, and their wide mouths were expanded as though +grinning at our flight. + +"Run faster," yelled the inspector, who was watching the novel race, +seated on his horse. + +We tried to obey, but found that we were putting our best energies to +the work, and therefore could not increase our pace. It seemed to me +that I was shod with lead, my feet felt so heavy. + +"Run, run, run!" yelled the inspector, endeavoring to urge the horses +towards us; but the brutes resisted with all their might, and he was +obliged to relinquish the attempt. + +I again looked over my shoulder, and saw that we did not increase the +distance between us and our loathsome foes, but I felt a little hope at +the thought of their not gaining on us. Ten rods more, and we should he +within range of the inspector's revolver, and perhaps he could check the +snakes' pursuit. + +Even while these thoughts passed through my brain, I saw one of the most +active of our pursuers suddenly stop, raise one half of his long body +from the ground, in an upright direction, and then spring forward, at +least twenty feet, and far in advance of his competitors. Two more such +springs, and we would be enfolded in his embrace. Again he raised his +black, shining form, and was about to repeat the attempt, when we heard +the sharp crack of Mr. Brown's revolver. + +To my joy, I saw that the inspector's aim was true, for the reptile, +just as he was about to repeat his spring, was struck by the ball, and +rolled over and over, lashing the ground with his tail, and causing his +companions to suddenly stop, as though desirous of seeing what the +matter was. + +It is very certain that Fred and myself did not stop to learn what +conclusion the snakes came to; in less than a minute after the shot was +fired, we were beside our horses and mounted. + +"Well, of all the fellows for getting into scrapes, you two are the +worst!" cried the inspector, with an air of vexation; "didn't you know +that those cussed black devils could run faster than a man?" + +"This is the first that we ever heard about it," rejoined Fred, +completely at his ease. + +"Well, now that I have told you, let us be getting clear of the clan, +for there is no knowing how soon the varmints may recommence another +pursuit," and the inspector turned his horse's head, as though he was +determined to remain no longer in such a dangerous neighborhood. + +"Don't be in such a hurry," said Fred; "we have an inclination towards +natural history, and now is a good time to take lessons. I want to see +if the snakes will follow a man on horseback as readily as when he is on +foot." + +"Are you determined to get choked to death by those dark scamps?" +demanded Mr. Brown, with a stare of amazement. + +"By no means; we want to prevent others from suffering such a death, and +therefore feel that we have a mission for killing all that we can with +safety. There's ten or twelve of them left. Lend me your revolver, for +mine has but one charge in it." + +Fred held out his hand to receive the weapon, and Mr. Brown, hardly +knowing whether he was joking or not, complied with his request. + +The snakes were holding a consultation over the body of the last one +killed, and therefore paid but little attention to Fred, as he urged his +unwilling horse within shooting distance. I remained by the side of Mr. +Brown, and watched his operations. + +At the first discharge of his revolver the consultation was broken up, +and after hissing their displeasure, the reptiles commenced slowly +retreating to their den; but every few seconds they would stop, face +him, and then another discharge would start them into full flight. + +As they neared the pyramid--what there was left of them--their speed +increased, until it seemed to be a race as to which should get under +cover first. But the most surprising circumstance was the uninjured ones +refusing to allow a maimed one to enter, and every time that it +persisted in its attempt, the others fought him desperately. + +That was something that I could not account for; but Mr. Brown said that +the reptiles were only imitating human beings in their treatment of a +comrade, and that as long as a snake was well, and able to fight, the +main body were willing to use him; but after he was wounded and wanted +shelter, there was a conspiracy to kick him out of their comfortable +quarters. + +Fred returned with but one barrel of the revolver loaded, and that he +saved because the inspector was in the same condition as ourselves, +having left his powder and ball at Ballarat. + +"Now, then, let us return," Mr. Brown said; "you have shed blood enough +for one day, I hope." + +The words had hardly passed his lips, when, upon the top of the mountain +that we had descended two hours before, I saw the forms of five or six +men stealing along the trail, as though desirous of gaining the cover of +a number of trees, for the purpose of watching our movements. + +I pointed them out to the inspector, and he stopped and examined them +through a pocket spy-glass which he usually carried when he left town. + +"Well, are they friends or foes?" asked Fred. + +The inspector made no reply until the men were lost to view beneath the +branches of the trees. + +"Are you sure," he asked, "that you left your powder and lead at +Ballarat?" + +"Quite sure--why do you ask?" + +"Because, unfortunately, there are six as great rascals as ever went +unhung on the hill, and they mean mischief, I'll swear." + +The inspector put up his glass, and examined his nearly-emptied revolver +with a rueful look. + +"If the blasted snakes had not wasted our powder there would be some +show for us," he continued, "because, luckily, the scamps are armed with +pistols only." + +"But we have three shots," cried Fred, his blood beginning to dance +through his veins at the prospect of a struggle; "I will guarantee that +every discharge brings down a bird, and as for the remainder, why, we +will meet them single-handed." + +"I like to hear you talk in that strain, but the odds are against us. We +have a long hill to ascend, and should have to leave our horses behind, +and that I can't think of. The bushrangers, I suppose, desire the +animals for the purpose of escaping to some other portion of the +country, and even at the risk of running from a fight, we must +disappoint them. No, no; it would be madness attacking six men with +empty revolvers, when they have the choice of ground." + +The inspector returned his revolver to his belt, and once more examined +the spot where the robbers had gone into ambush. + +"Yes, they are watching our every motion, and I can see one fellow +standing near the trunk of the first tree on our right examining his +pistols attentively. Now he looks towards us, and points with his hand +in the direction of the ravine. It is our only chance." He closed the +glass abruptly and put spurs to his horse, calling upon us to follow him +without a moment's delay. We suspected Mr. Brown's intentions, but did +not consider the danger so imminent as he imagined. We therefore +galloped along at a moderate pace, and allowed the inspector to take the +lead. + +"Faster, faster," he shouted, looking over his shoulder to see if we +kept up with him. + +"What is your hurry?" cried Fred, with a provoking degree of coolness. + +"Because there is need of it," Mr. Brown answered, reining his animal in +for the purpose of allowing us to get alongside of him. "Those +bushrangers have noted the road we have taken, and will seek to cut off +our retreat. Our only safety now lies in getting through the ravine +before they can gain a position to fire at us. Ah, I thought so. Look +there." + +The inspector pointed to the hill top, and there we saw all six of the +robbers running at a rapid rate towards the edge of the ravine. The +latter was about six feet deep, and it was easy to see the advantage +such a position would give them; for while they could fire at us with +awful accuracy, we could not return a shot with any hope of success. + +"We are with you," cried Fred, striking his horse with his spurs, and +forward we all went at a killing pace. + +The bushrangers saw that they were discovered, and raised a shout of +triumph, as though certain that we were within their toils. I heard the +inspector utter a bitter curse at his stupidity in leaving his powder +and bullets behind, and that was the only answer to the challenge. + +The ravine was about thirty feet wide, and like all places where a large +body of water has forced its way, was rugged, and difficult for horses +to tread. Huge rocks and deep gullies wore met at every step, and the +utmost caution was requisite to prevent our animals from breaking their +legs, or refusing to move forward at a pace faster than a walk. + +For the first few minutes after entering the passage we anticipated a +discharge over our heads every moment; but finding that the bushrangers +did not take advantage of our situation, and that, we were unmolested, +we had time to wonder at their forbearance, and to suggest to Mr. Brown +that perhaps we were more frightened than hurt. + +"Not a bit of it," he rejoined. "I tell you that the scamps have not +given up the chase so easy, and that all our trouble is to come at the +outlet of the ravine. The only reason we have escaped so far, is because +we were too quick to enable them to reach the edge of the bluff at the +entrance. We shall hear from the devils, never fear, and before long, I +am thinking. + +"Press on," cried the inspector, as the outlet of the ravine came in +view; "we may defeat the devils yet." + +Unlucky words, for hardly had he uttered them when a sharp crack from +the top of the cliff was heard, and a ball whizzed within a few inches +of my face, and struck the nag upon which the inspector was mounted, the +animal plunged forward for a few steps, and then suddenly rearing, fell +back heavily, crushing the left leg of Mr. Brown, and jamming it between +the saddle and the earth. "On," cried the wounded man, faintly; "save +yourselves, if possible, and leave me." + +"You must have a poor opinion of Americans if you expect us to do that," +cried Fred, with as much coolness as I ever saw him exhibit in my life. + +And even while my friend was speaking, to my great admiration he +dismounted, letting his horse go wherever it desired to wander--for he +knew that no shot would be aimed at that which the bushrangers most +desired--and rushed to aid the fallen inspector. + +I could do no less than follow his example, although I confess that I +considered my time as having nearly arrived, when I got off my horse, +and even when attempting to roll the dying animal from the body of the +inspector, I wondered why the deuse the bushrangers did not pick us off +without mercy. We were certainly in their power; but I afterwards +understood that five of the bushrangers were, at that particular moment, +engaged in damning the sixth, who had, by his aim, killed a horse +instead of a man. Although I don't approve of swearing, yet I must +confess that after this I must consider that there is some virtue in +oaths, for they saved not only my life, but my friend's. + +Luckily for Mr. Brown, the horse died very quickly, and did not +struggle, or the body of the inspector would have been ground to powder, +and Ballarat would have required the services of another police +commissioner. We rolled the animal off, and then quickly lifted the +wounded man in our arms, and carried him for shelter under the bank, +where the villains overhead could not get sight of us. + +"How fares it with you?" asked Fred, making an examination of the +injured limb. + +"Bad enough," replied Mr. Brown, with a sigh. "I don't think that any +bones are broken, but the flesh is awfully bruised." + +"That is true enough," answered Fred, tearing his handkerchief into +strips, and binding up the bleeding limb with as much coolness as a +professional surgeon; "the flesh is mangled, but it will heal in less +time than a broken limb, and I must congratulate you on your lucky +escape." + +"Lucky escape?" repeated the inspector, bitterly; "you talk as though we +were not surrounded by six bloodthirsty scamps, who will greatly rejoice +to make a prisoner of me. Why did you not escape when my horse fell? You +could have done so." + +"We grant that; yet we Americans have peculiar notions regarding some +things, and we are apt to call a man a coward who deserts a friend in +distress. We sink or swim in the same boat, to-day." + +The inspector faintly squeezed our hands, and a gratified expression +beamed upon his face, yet his pain was too great to allow him to reply; +and Fred and myself began to consult how we could bring into play the +early lessons which we had learned while mining in California, and +surrounded by tribes of hostile Indians. + +We were no longer bound to regard the advice of the inspector, even if +he had been disposed to offer it, which he was not, and after a slight +deliberation we came to a conclusion, and resolved to act upon it. For +this purpose we removed Mr. Brown to a place of greater security, and +after informing him that we should not be far off, and that he was to +remain silent until our return, we crept along under the bank for some +distance, stopping every few minutes for the purpose of listening, yet +making no noise by our movements. + +The ravine, as I said before, led between two high hills, and each bank +was perpendicular, and covered, at the edges, with small gum trees. +There was only one place on the left bank, where the bushrangers were +stationed, that could be descended, and unless the ruffians made an +attempt to reach us by that single place, they would be compelled to go +a mile or two to descend the hill, and then enter the ravine at the +outlet. By attempting to surprise us by entering the ravine the way that +we did, the distance would be greater and more difficult. We therefore +reasoned that the bushrangers, after waiting an hour or more, and +finding that we made no stir, would attempt to secure the two horses +that were quietly grazing nearly opposite the place where the bank was +most shelving, and that they would seek for the quickest way of +accomplishing their object. We therefore resolved to station ourselves +near the animals, and see what would happen. + +By good fortune we found a large ridge of earth, formed like a shelf, +about four feet wide, which the water had gullied out when rushing +through the ravine, during the winter months--and under this we +stationed ourselves, and waited patiently, well aware that we were +secure from observation from our enemies, unless some of them happened +to be on the opposite bank, which we did not expect. + +Half an hour passed, and there were no signs of the enemy. Our horses +had approached us once or twice, but as we paid no attention to them, +they had wandered off, and were standing in the shade of the west bank +for the purpose of getting rid of some of the insects which were +hovering in the air, and biting with a sharpness that proved they had +been without food for many days. + +We were almost in despair of our plan succeeding, when we heard a +crashing overhead, as though a number of heavy-footed men were stepping +upon dried branches, and did not care who heard them. Suddenly there was +a silence, as though the party had halted to view the very place we +anticipated they would look at, and then a voice exclaimed:-- + +"D---- it, what can you say to that place, I'd like to know?" + +"Ah, Bill, I've got nothin' to offer agin that place, 'cos it's suthin +like. A man can get down there without trouble." + +"Well, then, down you go, and lead the horses out of the ravine, and +wait for us," cried a man who appeared to have some authority with the +bushrangers. + +"But I want somebody to go with me, don't I? S'pose the fellers should +make a jump at me?" cried the man, who was evidently the slave of the +gang. + +"But they won't make a jump at you, 'cos they are at the other end of +the ravine, looking after Brown. Get hold of the horses, and then we +shall have um at our mercy." + +"All right, Bill; I'll go, 'cos I killed the hoss, when I meant to kill +one of those d----d Yankee chaps. I thought that I had him sure, but my +pistols didn't carry straight." + +It seemed that the party knew us, and had followed us ever since we had +left Ballarat, for the purpose of robbing us of our horses, and probably +murdering us, into the bargain. + +We heard the bushranger selected for the purpose, commence descending +slowly, for the task was one of considerable difficulty, and required +some caution. His comrades stood upon the bank and joked him for being +so long, and at length we concluded that they had stretched themselves +upon the grass to wait until he had performed his work; for their voices +became nearly inaudible, although we could hear the fellow who was +approaching us grunt and swear at the obstacles which he had to +overcome. + +Fred's brow grew black as he unsheathed his long knife, and passed a +finger across the blade to test its keenness. + +"What do you intend to do?" I asked, fearful of his reply. + +"Preserve our lives at the expense of the scoundrels," he answered, in a +whisper. "Leave the blow to me, but stand ready to grasp the fellow by +the throat, and remember that a cry will destroy us." + +I made no further remonstrance against the course that Fred had marked +out, but I inwardly dreaded to think that it was necessary to shed more +human blood for the sake of preserving our lives. + +Nearer and nearer did the bushranger draw, and we could hear him mutter +an oath at the difficult task that was assigned him. By the direction of +the sound, we calculated that he would land directly in front of us; and +we were not mistaken, for he jumped to clear the shelf under which we +were hid, and when he struck the earth, it was within a foot of us. + +Before he discovered us--for his back was towards me--I flew at him, +grasped him firmly around the throat, and then fell backwards, drawing +my prisoner with me. He struggled desperately for a moment, but I saw a +knife gleam before my eyes, and I felt a convulsive shudder run through +the frame of my prisoner, and then his resistance ceased. + +I rolled him from me, and allowed the body to remain face down. I could +not encounter the ghastly face of the dead. It seemed to me like murder. + +Fred noticed the expression of my face, and must have surmised my +feelings, for he grasped my arm, and whispered hoarsely,-- + +"Remember that it is to save our own lives, and the life of Mr. Brown, +that we resort to the knife. I would give all the gold that I am worth, +or hope to get, for a chance to escape such a massacre, but it is +impossible. Another victim will descend, and he must share his fate, and +then--" + +He ceased speaking, for just then a voice called out, and wanted to know +where their companion, who had descended to get the horses, was. + +"You, Jim," called out the fellow who appeared to be in authority. + +"D---- him, he has gone to sleep, I'll bet a nugget. Go down, Sam, and +wake him with a kick of your boots." + +The man addressed as Sam grumbled some at the order, but we could hear +that he was obeying the command, for the dirt rolled down the bank and +fell at our feet, and the oaths and exclamations uttered by the gang +hurried him in his descent. "The same operation is to be repeated," +Fred whispered; "use all of your strength, for this fellow is a +dangerous customer, I'm convinced." + +He had hardly finished speaking, when a stout, burly fellow slid down in +front of us, and as he did so, he got a glimpse of our forms. + +He was about to utter an exclamation, when my hands were around his +throat, compressing his windpipe with a strength that seemed marvellous +to me. There was a slight struggle, unseen from the top of the bank, +owing to the friendly shelf, and then I saw Fred make a motion with his +arm, and almost immediately I felt that I held a corpse in my hands. + +I let the body fall to the ground, and as I did so, Fred tore the +slouched hat from the wretch's head, placed it upon his own, and then +thrusting his head out so that those upon the bank could see the hat, +but not my friend's face, and assuming, as nearly as possible, the voice +of the dead, shouted:-- + +"Ah, Bill, come down here and see what we've got." + +"Hullo!" cried Bill, "what's up? can't you tell? D---- me if I don't +believe they have found a gold mine, down there. Let's go and see, +boys." + +"Now is our time," cried Fred, quietly removing the pistols which the +dead men carried in their belts. "When they have descended half way, we +must take them." + +We listened attentively, and when we thought that our time had arrived, +we stepped out from our place of concealment, and before the bushrangers +could overcome their surprise at our sudden appearance, we gave the two +nearest the contents of our revolvers. + +They relaxed their hold upon the bushes that grew sparsely upon the hill +side, and rolling over and over, fell into the ravine, badly wounded. + +"Surrender, villains," yelled Fred, in a voice of thunder, pointing his +empty pistol at the two remaining robbers--an example that I was not +slow to follow. "Make but an attempt to use your weapons, and we'll blow +you through and through. Throw down your pistols and knives, and then +yield peaceably, or it will be worse for you." + +For a moment the villains gazed at us in sullen silence, and then +reluctantly complied with our demand. With an imprecation that would +sound fearfully in print, the bushrangers commenced their descent, and +while they were doing so, we quickly exchanged our empty revolvers for +the loaded pistols, and then prepared to receive them with proper +attention. + + + + +CHAPTER XLIII. + +TRIUMPHANT ENTRY INTO BALLARAT, WITH THE BUSHRANGERS. + + +We did not allow our attention to be drawn from the bushrangers, even +for a second, while they were descending, and the scamps knew it, for +they cowered, as though expecting to be shot every moment, and one of +them muttered something about his being honest, and never engaged in a +robbery; while one of the wounded ruffians, who was groaning piteously +in the ravine, prayed that his life might be saved, as he had many +important revelations to make, which the police would like to hear. + +We had taken the precaution to disarm the wounded men, before they +fairly recovered from their surprise, so that they were powerless to +inflict harm; and after the two bushrangers who were uninjured stood +before us, obedient to our will, we began to ask ourselves what we +should take to secure them with. + +Luckily, upon one of the horses was a halter of considerable length, +which we had used when we staked the animals for feeding nights, and we +determined to secure them with this, and then carry them to Ballarat in +triumph. + +Fred stood guard over the ruffians, while I got the rope, and carried +our resolution into effect. Bill, the leader of the gang, who was one of +the uninjured, uttered a number of angry oaths, as I bound his limbs; +but the cocked pistols which Fred held were too much for him to attempt +to brave, and he submitted without a struggle. + +Even while tying the rope, I used due precautions to prevent their hands +from getting at the knots; and although the scamps winced a little, as +the cord sunk into their flesh, I did not pay that attention to their +comfort that I should, had they been other than bushrangers. + +After lashing them together, and then making them lie down upon their +backs, from which position they could not move without help, we turned +our attention to the two wounded men, who were groaning piteously. + +One of them had received a ball near the hip, which had shattered the +bones in that region, and prevented his standing upon his feet, even for +a second. + +The other was wounded in the back, near the spine, and could not move +without great exertion. We could not relieve their pains, or even +furnish them with a drink of water, for which they begged piteously; but +we promised that they should be removed to Ballarat, as soon as +possible, and that their wants should there be attended to. + +We then led our horses to the spot where the inspector was lying, and +was glad to find that he was quite cheerful, in spite of his intense +suffering. + +We briefly explained to him what we had done, but it was some time +before he would really believe that we were giving a true account of our +proceedings. It seemed so extraordinary that two men could accomplish +so much, by the aid of a little strategy, that he was lost in wonder, +and declared that to us alone did he owe his life. + +Only wait until I get back to Ballarat and tell the police force that +two Americans have saved my life, and refused to leave me, even when +their own was in danger, and you shall see the manner in which they will +treat you and your countrymen. I'll never complain again that Americans +are troublesome at the mines, and if I had the power, not one of them +should be called upon for the payment of a tax. + +Mr. Brown never forgot us, and even now, I am in the habit of receiving +letters from him from Australia, and in each one there is an allusion to +the ravine scenes. But I am again getting before my story. + +"We have but little time to spare," said Fred; "we must reach Ballarat +before sundown, and send out a party to look after the wants of the +wounded bushrangers; now, if you think that you can ride to the mines, +we will start immediately. Even if the pain of moving is great, let me +advise you to endure it for much depends upon your firmness." + +The inspector understood the meaning of Fred's words too well to +hesitate about which course he should pursue. He knew that his wounds +were dangerous, and that they would mortify in a short time, unless +dressed and cleansed; for already a crowd of flies were hovering in the +air about his head, and ready to plague his life out, the instant we +withdrew a short distance. + +"I think that I can ride to Ballarat," the inspector said, after feeling +of his leg, and finding that the bleeding had nearly ceased; "at any +rate, I cannot remain here through half of the night. Lift me on to one +of the horses, and let me see how I can navigate." + +We raised him gently in our arms, and placed him in my saddle, and to +our great satisfaction, we found that after the first paroxysm of pain +was over, he could get along very well. We led the animal upon which he +was mounted slowly along the ravine, until we reached our prisoners, who +were lying in the same position as when we left them. + +Upon the inspector's thinking that it would be better to take the two +uninjured men with us, we cut a portion of their bonds, but still +allowed their arms to be confined, and after a hasty examination of the +wounds of the two bushrangers, we promised them speedy assistance, and +then started on our return to Ballarat. + +Our prisoners marched in advance of us, in gloomy silence, for a short +distance, but I could observe that the leader, or the man who was called +"Bill," cast anxious glances at the inspector, as though desirous of +speaking, yet fearing that his remarks would not be received with much +cordiality. At length he mustered sufficient nerve to exclaim,-- + +"It is long since we have met, Mr. Brown." + +"I know that, Bill; yet you have managed to keep your name alive, so +that you see I have not forgotten you." + +"I never was a favorite of yours, even while at the hulks," replied the +bushranger, with a gloomy scowl. + +"It was your own fault, Bill. I would have treated you in the manner +that the others were treated, had you but given me the chance. Was not +your conduct of the most stubborn and rebellious nature? Did you not +endeavor to excite to mutiny the prisoners of your ward, and when you +were detected, how could you hope for mercy at the hands of the prison +commissioners?" + +"But you flogged me--flogged me until my back was marked and bruised, +and even now the scars are visible. You tied me up like a dog; you would +not hear me, although I begged with tears for death, rather than have +the cat touch my back. I then felt like a man. After the flogging I was +a brute, and ready to avenge my wrongs upon all who crossed my path." + +The outlaw stopped while delivering his remarks, which were uttered with +vehement passion, and we were obliged to compel him to move on, so +carried away was he with his subject. + +"The flogging which was administered to you caused you to murder a miner +and his wife, who were journeying towards Melbourne, rejoiced to think +that they were worth a few hundred pounds," continued Mr. Brown, +sarcastically. + +"It's a lie," muttered the fellow, with a downcast look. + +"You know that you murdered both, while sleeping. Coward that you are, +you feared to meet the miner awake." + +"It's a lie.'" returned the fellow, with a glance towards the inspector +that would have annihilated him if it had been possible; "I met them +when awake, and--" + +He ceased suddenly, and continued to walk forward at a rapid rate. + +The inspector glanced at us in a meaning manner, as though desirous that +we should remember all that was said. + +"Your brother pal, who was with you at the time, and who is now working +out a sentence on the roads, tells me that you crept up to the miner and +wife, and struck the former first; and that after the deed was +completed, you refused to share the gold dust." + +"That's another lie!" cried the fellow, stamping his foot with passion; +"I gave him his share for silencing the woman, while I dealt with the +man. He knows it, and he also knows that he spent the dust in three days +at Melbourne, where we were in disguise, and stopped at old mother +Holey's." + +A gratified expression beamed upon the inspector's face, and I doubt if +he remembered the pain with which he was afflicted, for the murder that +he had thus suddenly brought to light was one that had puzzled him for a +long time, and a reward of two hundred pounds was due to whoever +revealed the mystery. He had indulged in a little fiction to make Bill +confess the crime, and he had succeeded beyond his utmost expectations. + +For a long time after Bill had revealed his knowledge of one of the most +brutal murders that ever occurred in Australia, our prisoner refused to +talk, although Mr. Brown provoked him to reveal other matters that he +was anxious of knowing. + +The bushranger appeared to recollect that in a moment of passion he had +disclosed more than he should have done, and therefore refused to +converse; but at length Mr. Brown led him to talk of the days when he +was a prisoner at the hulks, and when the inspector was an overseer or +turnkey at the same institution. + +"How many years have passed, Bill, since you crossed the water?" +inquired the inspector; meaning, in a polite way, to find out the exact +time he had been transported. + +"It's over six, I think; let me see; it's two years next month since I +left my quarters at the hulks and started in search of fortune, and at +times a hard one it has been," returned the prisoner. + +"I've no doubt of it. Had you but remained faithful and obedient, your +time would have nearly expired, now, I think," continued the inspector, +in a friendly tone; but I could see that he was only leading the +bushranger along for the purpose of extracting information. + +"Yes," replied the fellow, bitterly, "my time would have arrived, and I +would have been discharged from the accursed hulks, but not by human +hands. Death would have claimed me long before this; and death would +have been preferable to the life that I led." + +"But there were others who were confined with more serious charges +against them than yourself, and yet you know that many of them were +pardoned, or obtained tickets of leave, and are now doing well." + +"Yes, because they became slaves to your will, and played the spy upon +those who dared to remonstrate against the food and the treatment which +they received. I was one of their victims, and well I paid for my +independence." + +"You did, indeed," muttered the inspector, but Bill did not hear him. + +"I went to the hulks determined to serve out my time like a man; but a +few weeks' residence convinced me that, unless I became a slave, and +trembled at the officer's nod, I should be broken in body and spirit. +Then I laid my plans for an insurrection of the convicts, and had I not +trusted to your minion, Ned, you would not have been driving me to +certain death at the present time." + +"Well, what would you have done?" asked the inspector, quietly. + +"There were eight hundred of us, all desperate men, and reckless of +life. We should have murdered our officers, and then, before an alarm +could have reached the soldiers, we should have attacked their quarters, +and those who would not have joined us must have perished without mercy. +Afterwards we intended to sack Melbourne, collect all the gold that we +could, and seek for asylums upon some of the islands in the broad +Pacific. Such was our programme, and it would not have failed, I am +convinced; but your spies destroyed our hopes, and brought me to +punishment and shame." + +The bushranger strode on as though he was at the head of an army, and +his dark features were lighted up at the thought of the carnage which he +and his companions intended to inflict. + +"Your plot could not have succeeded," the inspector said, after a +moment's pause, "because every citizen in Melbourne would have armed +himself, and hunted you to the death. But we will not discuss the +subject. You failed in your design, and were punished as you deserved to +be. Were I in the same position that I then held, and should another +attempt be made to revolt, I should recommend, not the lash, but death +to all who were engaged." + +"Better death a hundred times, than a hundred lashes," cried the +bushranger, with a fearful oath. "But I have revenged myself for the, +flogging, and for every lash I have made some one pay dear." + +"Bah! that is all talk!" cried the inspector, in a careless way; but I +saw that he was trembling with anxiety to learn a correct history of the +prisoner's outrages. + +"Is it all talk?" repeated Bill, with a sneer. "It was talk, I suppose, +when we robbed the escort of thirty thousand pounds. It was talk, I +suppose, when we picked off six of the soldiers, and drove the rest, +like frightened curs, from the treasure. It is talk, when I tell you +that we have been in the vicinity of Ballarat for two months past, and +have watched for you night and day, and never got a chance to strike +until to-day. Talk, is it? Well, we have talked to some purpose, and +even if I am a prisoner, I feel satisfied." + +"But you could not have spent your share of the plunder," said Mr. +Brown, in a soothing, conciliating tone. + +The bushranger stopped, and looked full in the face of the inspector, +and a glow of triumph overspread his face as he answered,-- + +"I understand your question, but it will not do. When I die, I carry all +knowledge of the place where the dust is buried to the grave, and you +shall never see a grain of it. I have you there, and will enjoy my +triumph." + +"But perhaps a disclosure may obtain your pardon; and surely, for your +life you would give up the gold," the inspector said, still maintaining +a cheerful deportment. + +"The trick is stale, and will not answer," the ruffian returned, with a +hoarse laugh; "you may load me with chains, and starve me to death, but +I'll never divulge the secret!" + +As though he did not wish to converse further upon the subject, the +bushranger turned his back upon us, and maintained a stoical silence +until we reached Ballarat. + +"I have overcome more remonstrance than you will offer, my friend," the +inspector muttered, in a low tone; "the gold that you have buried shall +yet be brought to light." + +"Were you in earnest in promising a pardon?" I asked of Mr. Brown. + +"In promising, yes; in expecting to get it granted, I tell you frankly, +no. We have to resort to many ways to accomplish our ends, and promises +work well; and why should we scruple to use them? The gold that fellow +has buried somewhere near here will help enrich three honest, +men--meaning us--and would it not be a shame to let the fellow die +without divulging?" + +"But I supposed that property recovered from bushrangers went to +government, unless the rightful owners claimed it." + +"So it does, when the owner can prove that the gold dust belongs to him. +Rather a difficult thing, you will imagine; and to prevent dispute, we +generally take care of it. Depend upon it, that fellow will make a +confession to me, a few days before his execution, and with the hope of +receiving a pardon. After his death, I shall know whether he has lied or +not. If he sticks to the truth, as one would naturally suppose he would, +just before his death, we may calculate upon having done a good day's +work." + +We contrasted the inspector's idea of right, and wrong with Murden's, +his brother officer, and found that there was but little difference +between them. Both were determined to make money when it was possible, +and were, sometimes, not overscrupulous in their transactions. + +It was the effect of a system which belonged exclusively to Australia, +and the jealousy of a government that did not recognize talent unless +backed by influence. The police were not looked upon as men of character +and trust; and they retaliated by making money as fast as possible, so +that they could leave the force, and enter into business more in +accordance with the feelings of gentlemen. + +We hinted to the inspector our opinion, and he frankly acknowledged that +such was the case, but he offered a plea in extenuation. + +Mr. Brown had become so interested in his subject that his bodily pains +were forgotten. We should have been willing to have listened to him for +hours, for his remarks showed a good knowledge of the country, and what +it required to make it great and prosperous; but we were close to +Ballarat, and issuing from the town we saw a squad of mounted police, +who quickened their pace when they saw us. + +"I will wager an ounce of gold that my men have become alarmed at my +prolonged absence, and are just starting in search of me," said the +inspector. + +The surmise was correct, for Mr. Brown had left word that he should be +back by noon, and it was now past three o'clock. + +The guard of police looked surprised when they saw their chief, who +certainly appeared somewhat the worse for his trip; but their discipline +was too good to permit them to ask questions, although I could see that +they were anxious to. + +"I have met with a slight accident, men," Mr. Brown said, after +exchanging a word with the sergeant of the corps, "and to these two +gentlemen am I indebted for my life. Look at them well, and remember +that they are my friends for life, and if you can ever benefit them in +any way, you are to do it. They are Americans, and strangers in +Ballarat, and must be protected in their business if every other firm is +ruined. + +"Jackson," the inspector said, "get a team, and take six men with you, +and proceed immediately to 'Snake Paradise.' In the ravine you will find +two wounded and two dead bushrangers. Bury the latter, and bring the +former to the prison, where their injuries can be attended to. Lose no +time, but start immediately." + +The corporal addressed as Jackson stopped only long enough to detail six +men, when he starred towards the town at a brisk gallop, which raised a +cloud of dust that resembled a fog bank. + +"Two of you take these fellows to prison and double iron them, and tell +old Warner that he had better look after them sharp, for they are +bushrangers of some notoriety." + +"And tell your keeper that I have escaped from more secure jails than +the one in Ballarat, and that Bill Swinton still possesses the pluck of +a man." + +"That will do," returned the inspector, dryly, after the bushranger had +finished. "Take him away, and to pay him for that speech, tell Warner to +put a ring around his waist, in addition to the double irons." + +"I still hope for the time when I can meet you alone, and when no +interfering Yankees will save you from my vengeance. Bill Swinton is +worth a dozen dead men, and woe--" + +The remainder of the man's remarks was lost, for the police hurried him +off with his companion, who appeared to be completely broken in spirit. + +"Now, Sam, give this gentleman (pointing to Fred, who had walked nearly +all the distance from the ravine) your horse, for I am mounted on his." + +The man relinquished his animal without a word, and we rode towards the +town, followed at a short distance by the squad of policemen. As we +passed along the main thoroughfare of Ballarat, a crowd of people +assembled to greet us, for already the news had circulated extensively +that a large gang of bushrangers had been broken up through our +instrumentality; and the miners were rejoiced at the intelligence, for +they were more interested than any other class of people in freeing the +country of robbers, so that escorts of gold dust could pass to the large +cities without molestation. Under these circumstances the police were +cheered, and that was something that had not occurred since the struggle +between the government and the miners had commenced regarding the mining +tax. + +"You see how much we are indebted to you," remarked the inspector, with +a grim smile, as we helped him from his horse upon reaching his +quarters. "To-morrow the knaves would cheer just as lustily if we were +driven from the town. Good by--don't fail to come and see me early +to-morrow morning." + +And with these parting words we turned our horses' heads and started for +our store, where we found Rover keeping guard, and every thing safe. +Tired with our day's jaunt, we resisted several pressing invitations to +attend the indignation meeting that was to be holden that evening by the +miners, and went to bed early. + + + + +CHAPTER XLIV. + +THRASHING A BULLY. + + +We slept long past, our usual hour for rising, and were awakened by the +violent baying of Rover, and loud shouts of "Kill him! kill him!" + +The cries were near our premises, and we lost no time in throwing on our +clothes and seeking to investigate the matter. A crowd of people were +hurrying towards the banks of the river, or rather what was a river in +the wet season, for at the present time there was not water enough in +its bed to quench the thirst of a bird, and we joined them without +delay. + +"What is the matter?" I asked of one excited individual, who appeared +more anxious to get in at the death than his companions. + +"Darned if I know. I heard the cry of 'Kill him,' and I suppose somebody +has been stealing something. Don't bother me with questions, for I want +to be in at the death." + +Another wild shout from the crowd in front hastened our movements, and +Fred and myself threw ourselves into the excited mass, and strove to +gain a place where we could afford some help to the thief, in case the +confusion was occasioned by one. By struggling desperately we managed to +got into the centre of the crowd, and saw that a young man was in the +custody of two miners, and that they were disposed to take summary +vengeance upon the fellow for the alleged crime of stealing their dust, +which they had concealed in their tent. All this was told to us in the +space of a few seconds' time, and meanwhile the air was filled with +cries of "Kill him," "Lynch him," "Hang him," "Let's stone him to +death," &c. + +The young fellow was terribly frightened, and was begging for mercy in +the most piteous tones, and appealing to those by whom he was surrounded +to save him, for he was innocent of the crime, and never stole a dollar +in his life. There was something in the lad's face that convinced me +that he spoke the truth, yet we did not like to interfere and get the +wrath of the ruffians turned upon ourselves, and yet we did not care to +stand idly by and witness the ill-treatment of a boy, who seemed unused +to the rough scenes of the mines. Each of his captors had a hand upon +his collar, and even during the excitement I could not help contrasting +the fineness of his skin with the horny, leather-colored skin of his +accusers. + +"So help me Heaven, gentlemen, I never stole any thing in my life," +cried the lad; and his voice was soft, and so different from those by +whom he was surrounded, I was convinced he belonged to some aristocratic +family, and had sliced to Australia in search of fortune, perhaps to +help sustain his sinking house. + +"You lie, you young whelp; you know you lie," cried one of the miners, +shaking the boy by the collar so roughly that I was fearful he would +dislocate his bones. + +"I do not lie, gentlemen; upon my honor, I do not. Don't choke me so +hard--you hurt me," cried the boy, putting a small hand upon the miner's +rough paws, as though his slight strength was likely to effect any thing +in the way of obtaining a cessation of their cruelty. + +"I've had my eye on you for some time," cried one of the men, "and I +knew I should get hold of you at last. What was you doing in our tent +when we woke up this morning? Answer me that, will you?" + +Between them both they shook the boy so roughly that he burst into +tears, and was incapable of uttering a word. This, instead of exciting +feelings of compassion in the breasts of the miners, caused them to +shout with sardonic laughter, and mock him by sobbing in imitation. It +was during the latter performance that Fred, followed by myself, +squeezed into the small circle and confronted the two half-civilized +brutes. + +"Don't hurt the lad," cried Fred, in a mild tone. "He is nothing but a +boy, and if he did take your dust perhaps he can make some explanation +that will satisfy you." + +"Hullo," ejaculated one of the fellows, with a stare, "who in the devil +are you, I should like to know?" + +"That is of no consequence, at present," replied Fred, in a tone of +excessive mildness. "The question is regarding this boy. I think there +must be some mistake in your accusations, and if you will give him into +my charge I will make up to you all that he has taken, provided you can +prove that you have lost any thing." + +"Hullo, boys, here's a couple of the young thief's pals. Down with 'em +both." + +We had expected such a cry, and knew how to meet it. Instead, therefore, +of looking frightened, and attempting to escape from the circle, we +remained perfectly cool and self-possessed, and those who had pressed +forward to lay hands upon us drew back and awaited further developments. + +The youngster, who was still retained by the two miners, had, upon our +first interference in his behalf, trembled with hope; but when he heard +the savage cries, his heart seemed to sink within him, and he appeared +as though about to faint. + +"You are choking the lad to death," cried Fred. "Don't you see that he +can hardly breathe? Let me take charge of him until the police call for +him." + +"Do you suppose that we are fools?" replied one of the men, who was +disposed to be more obstinate than his companions. We knows rogues when +we sees 'em." + +"Then it's probable you know your own face when you consult a +looking-glass," Fred said; and the bitter taunt told well with the +crowd, for they roared with laughter, and appeared to be changing their +views regarding the guilt of the lad. + +The ruffian looked at us for a moment, as though almost determined to +rush upon us and try his strength in an encounter; but our coolness +confounded him, and he hesitated, and appeared to seek counsel by +looking upon the numerous faces by which he was surrounded. + +"You ain't a-going to let a couple of bushrangers abuse honest miners +who pays their taxes, and only axes for what is right, is you?" the +fellow said. + +"No, no; you shan't be hurt, Tom," a number of the crowd said, the +epithet of bushranger being sufficient to excite the worst prejudices of +the miners; and we saw that already a number of lowering brows were bent +upon us, and that but a few words were required to cause the whole pack +to yelp in concert. + +Tom saw his advantage, and was quick to follow it up with another blow. + +"I knows that this little devil [giving his prisoner a shake] is in +league with these fellows, and that they sent him into town for the +purpose of robbing us honest miners, and they intended to wait outside +until he returned. He didn't jine 'em, and now they want to get him out +of our hands so that they can all make their escape. Let's lynch all +three." + +"Lynch 'em! Lynch 'em!" were the cries, and the crowd pressed towards us +to carry into effect the words. + +Fred's hand involuntarily sought his revolver, but I restrained him. + +"No firearms," I whispered; "if we shed a drop of their blood we are +doomed men. Keep cool, and trust to chance." + +"Miners of Ballarat, will you hear me?" I shouted, determined to make +one more appeal to them, and then try the virtues of a revolver, for I +did not wish to die unavenged. + +"No, no; we've heard enough! Down with the bushrangers!" cried Tom, +yelling with exultation, and the crowd took up the cry and reechoed it. + +"I have a proposition to make," cried Fred, and his loud voice was heard +above the tumult, and curiosity outweighed the thirst for vengeance. + +"What's the proposition? spit it out!" shouted the crowd; "will you come +down liberal with stolen property?" + +There was a general roar of laughter at this sally, and when it had died +away, Fred said,-- + +"This man [pointing to Tom] says that we are bushrangers, which we deny, +and can prove that we are honest miners, like yourselves. [Sensation.] +We do not propose to bandy words with him, because he is a contemptible +coward, and dare not impose upon any one but a little boy. That is not +characteristic of the miners of Ballarat, for long before we reached +this part of the country, we were told they were foes to tyranny. [Faint +indications of applause.] We tell the man who called us bushrangers that +he is a liar, and that we require satisfaction, or an abject apology +from him for the insult." + +There were cries and yells of-- + +"That's right--go in, old fellow--a ring, a ring--let 'em fight--he's a +brick, ain't he?" &c. + +Tom turned slightly pale, and seemed confused with the way that the +affair was likely to work. The crowd saw it, and were the more strenuous +for the acceptance of Fred's proposition. + +"You see, gentlemen," my friend exclaimed, "the man who calls himself a +miner of Ballarat is nothing but a coward. He never worked in a shaft, +or dug an ounce of gold in his life. He is nothing but a 'packer,' and +dare not face a man; but can beat boys and natives, because he knows +they cannot resist him." + +"Let him fight, or we'll lynch him," yelled the crowd; and thousands, +who a few minutes before were ready to crush us beneath their feet, +suddenly arrayed themselves on our side, and pressed towards the miner +with scornful looks. + +"I'll fight the feller," Tom said, after a few minutes' silence, "but it +shall be in the old English style, stand up and knock down. I'll have no +pistols, 'cos I never used 'em, and don't think I could hit a man, any +how." + +"A fight, a fight! form a ring!" and the proposition for a combat _a la +fistiana_ was received with joy by every Englishman present. + +"O, don't, sir," exclaimed the youth who had been the cause of the +trouble; "don't expose yourself on my account." + +"Don't be alarmed," returned Fred; "I'd fight a dozen men, sooner than +one hair of your head should be touched." + +"Remember," Fred continued, turning to the crowd, "that if I come off +best in the fight, the boy goes with me." + +"Yes, yes, we understand the conditions of the fight. Form a ring; stand +back there;" and the crowd shouted, and swayed to and fro, and during +the tumult we saw a sturdy fellow struggling towards us, as though to +get a front view. The man, whose face I thought I had seen before, was +not deterred by slight obstacles, and by dint of using his elbows +vigorously, and treading on his neighbors' corns, he soon got within a +few feet of us. + +"And it's sitting him a-fighting, is it, ye spalpeens?" cried the +fellow, with a Hibernian accent that was not to be mistaken; and he +looked around the crowd, as though he wished some one would pick a +quarrel with him, for the sake of variety. + +"And it's bushrangers ye think they is, do ye?" the Irishman continued, +scornfully; "do ye think ye would know a thafe if ye seed one? Can't ye +tell a rale gintleman from a snaking blackguard?" + +"What is the matter, Pat?" the miners asked, good-naturedly, most of +those present appearing to know our new defender. + +"Matter, is it?" he repeated, scornfully; "I tells ye that if a hair of +these two gintlemen's is hurted, I'll lick the whole of ye, blackguards +that ye is." + +A roar of laughter followed this speech, which excited the Irishman's +indignation to its fullest extent. + +"Ye laugh, do ye? It's little ye would laugh if ye saw these two +gintlemen dressing the cuts and sores of poor miners who had divil a +ha'penny to pay the doctor with. It's little ye would laugh if ye had +seed this gintleman standing up and having a crack at old Pete Burley, +the bully of Ballarat; and by me faith, he brought him down in less time +than ye can descend a shaft with the crank broken." + +The allusion to the expeditious manner in which miners sometimes went +down a shaft, much against their will, and at a great loss to their +personal dignity, was received with rounds of laughter. + +"You know those men, then?" cried a fellow who had been remarkably +officious during the disturbance. + +"Men, are they?" cried our indignant champion, and he raised one of his +huge fists and dropped it with full force upon the head of the speaker, +and down he went, as though shot. + +"Call them gintlemen, hereafter, or by the powers, I _strike_ ye, the +next time I _hit_ ye." + +There was another good-natured laugh at the expense of the fallen man, +and at the Irishman's wit. + +"Are these the two Americans who have recently arrived, and who were +concerned in that duel with Burley?" + +"Of coorse they is; and haven't they been giving a number of us poor +divils medicine and good advice? O, by the powers, let me say the man +that wants to hurt 'em, that's all!" + +This announcement completely changed the feelings of the crowd, and the +miners pressed forward, shook our hands in the most friendly manner, and +we supposed that our trouble was over: but Tom was not disposed to give +up his prisoner in that manner, and perhaps he was the more strongly +inclined for a battle, because Fred's weight was much less than his own, +and therefore he imagined that he would have things his own way at a +game of fisticuffs. + +"I am glad that the stranger is not a bushranger," Tom said, "but he +must not expect to make laws for us poor miners. When we have dust +stolen from us, we have a right to deal with the thief, and I shall +claim my privilege." "That is only just," murmured the miners. + +"I have already offered to pay you for all that the boy has stolen," +Fred said, "but if that does not suit you, deliver him up to the police, +and let him have an examination." + +"I shan't do any thing of the kind. I caught him in my tent stealing +gold dust, and I shall deal with him in the regular way; I shall give +him two dozen lashes across his back, and then let him run." + +"Mercy! mercy!" screamed the lad, clasping his hands imploringly, and +endeavoring to throw himself at the feet of his captors. "Do not beat +me, for Heaven's sake, for I am a--" + +The rest of the boy's remarks were lost in the confusion which his +outburst of grief occasioned, yet no one seemed disposed to interfere +with the regular course of things, as the miner had custom to sustain +him in his conduct. + +"I'll stand by my bargain," the brute said, with a grim smile; "if the +gentleman wants you, he can have you on the terms that he offered--a +regular Englishman's battle, and fair play to all." + +"Your proposition is accepted," cried Fred, turning to Tom, who did not +receive the notice with that alacrity which we expected. + +Fred threw off his jacket, and that was the signal for the formation of +a ring some thirty feet wide in the centre; but the desperate struggles +which were made to get within sight and hearing prevented the space from +being very regular, and the ring from being very round. + +The miner leisurely stripped off his superfluous clothing, and his form +was large enough to strike terror into the hearts of those who had not +made the art of self-defence a study for years, as I well knew that Fred +had. The man's arms were brawny and muscular, and longer than Fred's, +and when the two men took their positions, I confess that I had some +fear for the safety of my friend. But if I looked fearful Fred did not, +and no one could have traced upon his face the least emotion or sign of +dismay. + +But with all the ruffian's physical force, he looked far from confident, +and I have no doubt that if he had possessed a sufficient excuse, he +would have quitted the ring, and acknowledged the defeat without a +struggle. + +The Irishman and myself were Fred's seconds, and the miner who helped +Tom hold the boy was obliged to relinquish his prize, and assist his +friend, no one else volunteering. + +For a few minutes after the men were placed, each stood upon the +defensive, and waited for hostilities. It was no part of Fred's plan to +begin the battle, as he wanted to discover whether Tom possessed +science, as well as vast strength; and he was not in this respect kept +long in suspense, for the miner advanced towards him, swinging his long +arms and huge fists in the most ridiculous manner, and which caused the +Irishman to shout,-- + +"Make way for the windmill, there." + +A roar of laughter greeted the Irishman's sally, which caused Tom some +confusion, and before he could recover from his bewilderment, Fred had +sprang within his reach, and dealt him a blow that sent him reeling to +the extremity of the ring, where he fell heavily upon the ground. + +"The windmill goes stern fust, and no mistake. Holy St. Patrick! but +isn't he groggy?" + +The slang term groggy was well understood by those present, and when Tom +gained his feet, he was saluted with another roar of laughter, that made +him foam with rage. + +He rushed towards Fred like a mad bull, and had he caught him in his +arms, Fred would have fared none too well, for a time. But my friend +darted one side, and as his adversary rushed past, he delivered another +blow in the vicinity of the man's right ear, that stopped his headlong +career, and he dropped to mother earth once more, baffled, bewildered, +and discouraged. + +"Hullo! Fighting here?" shouted a voice, and half-a-dozen policemen +rushed into the ring, and pounced upon Fred and Tom before a third blow +could be struck. + +The assembled miners did not dare to interfere, for fear their licenses +would be forfeited by the government commissioner. Therefore no +murmuring was heard. + +"Prize fighting, hey?" cried the sergeant of the force. "Away with them +to the prison." + +"Had you not better investigate first, Mr. Sergeant," I said, touching +his arm. + +He looked me full in the face, and I recognized the man as one whom we +had met the day before, upon our return from Snakes' Paradise. His bold, +confident air instantly deserted him, and he was as civil as I could +desire. + +"O, I beg your pardon, sir--I did not see you before," he said, touching +his cap, with a military salute. "What can I do to serve you, sir?" + +"You have my friend in custody. Of course, you recollect all the +instructions of the inspector." + +"To be sure I do, sir. I think that there must be some mistake here, and +will instantly set him at liberty; but the miner who has dared to strike +him shall be punished." + +"That is unnecessary, as he has already been handled rather roughly," I +said; and in a few words I explained to the policemen the origin of the +affair. + +"Ah, yes, I see, you were quite right in what you have done, and I +regret that I didn't arrive on the ground before, to have saved you this +annoyance. Release that gentleman," the sergeant said, turning to his +men. "He is a friend of the inspector's." + +The men obeyed without a word in opposition, and the crowd took courage +at the sight, and attempted a feeble applause. + +"As for you, sir," the sergeant said, turning to the miner, who appeared +to be completely cowed by the array of force against him, and who +expected nothing less than a sentence of thirty days' hard work on the +roads for the part that he had taken in the fight, "you may thank these +gentlemen for their forbearance in not urging your punishment, which you +certainly deserve. Give the boy in charge of the gentlemen, and, mark +me, I shall have an eye on your future habits." + +The poor lad, half crazed with delight, shed tears at his deliverance, +and declared that he would serve us to the best of his ability; while +the fellows who had used him so harshly sneaked to their tents without +uttering a word concerning their reputed robbery. + +We thanked the sergeant for his interference, and with the lad walked to +our store--but after we were clear of the crowd the boy appeared to be +in a reflective mood, and scarcely exchanged a dozen words with us; and +even when we told him that he should live with us for the present, and +share our hard beds, his gratitude did not appear to be overpowering, +and he hung his head as though he was not worthy of so much attention. + + + +CHAPTER XLV. + +A YOUNG GIRL'S ADVENTURES IN SEARCH OF HER LOVER. + + +We speedily prepared a good breakfast, and invited our _protege_ to +satisfy his appetite, for he looked hungry and appeared hungry; but to +our surprise he manifested some reluctance to eating before us, and not +all of our rallying could overcome his diffidence. + +"Come, come, take hold and eat heartily," I said, "and don't appear like +a young girl in the presence of her beau. Your modesty is all thrown +away in the mines of Australia." + +"You know me, then?" he asked, in a sad tone, and his head was bent low +to hide his blushes, which covered his face like a thick coating of +rouge. + +"Know you? not we; but that is what we are anxious about, and after +breakfast you must tell us what freak drove you to this country, and how +it happened that you were in Tom's tent at such an early hour in the +morning." + +"I was weary," he said, making a desperate effort to appear at his ease, +"and having no money, I thought that I would rest myself where I should +not be called upon to pay for lodgings. When I first went there the tent +was unoccupied; but when I awoke, I found that the men had returned +while I was asleep, and then they accused me of stealing their gold +dust, and would have beaten me had you not interfered." + +"I have no doubt of that, my lad," I answered, "and I see that they used +you rather roughly, at any rate. One, of the brutes has knocked off a +piece of skin from your neck." + +"You had better have a little salve rubbed upon your bruises, for wounds +in this country have to be attended to without delay," Fred said. + +I went to my trunk and got all the healing ointment that we possessed, +and offered it for his use--but he firmly declined, and declared that he +did not suffer from the effect of his bruises, and that they would soon +be well. I turned away disappointed, and inclined to be angry, which the +young fellow saw in a moment. + +"Don't be cross with me," he said, in such a soft, pleading tone, and he +looked into my face with his gentle eyes so full of tears, that all my +resentment was banished in a moment. "I will work for you as hard as my +strength will allow, but please don't be cross," the boy repeated; "I am +very grateful for what you have done for me, and know that I shall never +be able to repay you; but don't be cross, will you?" + +"No, no; we will never use a cross word to you," Fred said, laying his +hand upon the boy's head and patting his check, both of which actions +seemed to cause the young fellow excessive alarm. "You may stay here in +the store as long as you please, and we will pay you for your labor. +When you wish to go, say so, and we will part company without any +ill-feeling." + +The boy seemed grateful for our kindness, but he did not express it in +words; and while he and Fred were talking I rummaged my trunk, and found +a number of articles of clothing that were suitable for him, and in +which he stood in great need, his garments being somewhat the worse for +wear. + +"Strip off your stockings and shirt, and put these on," I said, handing +him a new pair of socks, and a calico shirt too small for me, but which +I thought would answer his purpose. + +Again did the tell-tale blood mount in the young fellow's face, and he +looked embarrassed and perplexed. + +"I would rather not," he said, after a moment's pause, and I saw that he +was trembling violently. + +"Nonsense--off with your shoes at once," and Fred stooped down to assist +him, and in spite of his resistance tore off his ragged stockings, and +was about to replace them with mine, when the boy began to cry again. + +We looked at his grieved face, suffused with blushes, and then we looked +at the naked foot and ankle, and immediately arrived at our conclusions; +and, strange to say, they were of wonderful unanimity. We thought the +exposed limb was too white to belong to our own sex, and as our eyes met +we exclaimed,-- + +"The devil! A woman!" + +"Who would have thought it?" cried Fred, with wonder depicted upon his +face. + +"Don't cry," I said, addressing the girl in as mild a tone as I could +assume; but to my astonishment, the little thing only cried the harder. + +"You are a smart man to talk to women," Fred exclaimed, pettishly. "That +voice of yours is enough to frighten a female into convulsions, and your +face is not very prepossessing as I suppose you are aware. This is the +way you should go to work." + +To my surprise, the impudent puppy seated himself by the side of the +girl, took one of her unresisting hands in his own, and began to talk to +her in such a soothing manner that her tears were dried up, as if by +magic; and she actually smiled when he told her how comfortable she +could be in a little bedroom which, he promised to fit up for her +exclusive accommodation, and where no one would intrude upon her moments +of privacy. + +"Jack," said Fred, suddenly jumping up and laying his hand on my arm, +"we must protect this poor girl to the best of our ability." + +"I suppose that we must," I returned, with great philosophy. + +"She is an innocent little thing," my friend added, in a musing tone. + +"Is she?" I asked; "pray, how do you happen to know?" + +"O, because she is constantly blushing and crying," Fred answered, +boldly. + +"Is that the only method by which you judge?" I asked, quite lost in +admiration at his perceptible powers. + +"Of course it is--innocence always blushes." + +Let ladies take note that in the estimate of some men a blush is +regarded with more veneration than a hundred protestations of purity. +Where my friend obtained his knowledge of women I am unable to say, for +he was never married, although many times in love. + +"What is she doing here at the mines?" I inquired. + +"That I have not found out as yet, but I will interrogate her on the +subject," replied Fred, with much confidence. + +He began his examination in such a delicate manner that the girl grew +more and more communicative, and revealed her history, which was not a +common one. + +Her name was Mary Ann Purcel, and she was the daughter of a respectable +cordwainer of London. Her father, as usual with men of his kind of +business, had taken an apprentice to learn his profession, but it seems +that the young fellow had studied the beauty of the girl more than his +duties, which gave greater satisfaction to the lady than the parent, and +a quarrel ensued; and Robert Herrets' (the name of the apprentice) +indentures were broken or given up, and the young fellow was told that +he had better seek his fortune in some other quarter of the globe, or at +least attempt some other business besides that of being a cordwainer. + +The lover did not relish the summary manner that his claims were +disposed of, and so intimated; but he was ridiculed for seeking to ally +himself with a man who could afford to give his daughter five hundred +pounds on her wedding day, and yet keep up his business. + +Robert, like all lovers, did not despair of yet claiming the girl as his +wife, and to Mary he made known his plans. She was to remain single for +three years, and to await his orders, while he tried to push his fortune +in the mines of Australia; for they had just been opened to the world, +and thousands wore leaving the shores of England to suffer hardships, +privations, and perhaps death, to collect a portion of the dross. The +girl readily consented to any terms that he offered, and with tearful +eyes kissed her lover, and wished him God speed on his long journey of +thousands of miles across the salt ocean. + +He arrived at Melbourne safe and well; and to convince us that, her +story was true she pulled from her bosom half a dozen letters written by +Robert after he had reached the island. In his first he told her of his +stormy passage, and the bad food that he had been compelled to eat to +save himself from starvation; but he was confident and hopeful, and told +her to remember her promise of being his wife, and that if he should +succeed in making money he would send for her, and that they could he +married the day of her arrival. The next letter was dated at Ballarat, +where the lover had proceeded as soon as possible, and where he was hard +at work sinking a shaft, with great hope of taking out gold by the +pound. + +The third letter was still more encouraging, for he had cleared in +three months three hundred pounds above his expenses, and yet he wrote +that he had not reached the richest part of the earth which he was +mining. The fourth letter was an urgent appeal for the lady to come to +him without delay, and he would send a draft to pay her expenses. + +At this stage of the correspondence the father of the lady died, and +upon an investigation of his affairs it was found that he was insolvent +long before his death. Creditors seized upon every thing, and the matter +preyed upon the mother in such a manner that she, too, died within two +months after her husband. The poor girl was nearly distracted with +grief, and for a long time knew not which way to turn, or whom to +confide in; and during all her troubles another letter from Australia +reached her, upbraiding her for her infidelity, because she had not +written as often as Robert had desired, and because she had not joined +him. The poor girl hesitated no longer. Only a portion of the money +which she had received from the draft was left; but with this she paid +for a steerage passage to Melbourne, arrived there safe, and with barely +sufficient funds to pay her board for a week. She made a number of +inquiries for Robert, but received slight attention at the hands of +those whom she interrogated, for at Melbourne steerage passengers are +not looked upon with that degree of reverence and respect vouchsafed to +those who arrive at our seaports. Besides, there are too many women sent +from the old country, for various misdemeanors, to inspire the +Australians with much confidence that the stories which are told are all +true. + +After submitting to numerous insults, for the girl's face was handsome, +and her form was good, (who ever heard of a girl with a very plain face +being insulted?) and after shedding more tears than a man's neck is +worth, the poor thing, to escape persecution and insult, resolved to +disguise herself in boy's clothes, cut off her long hair, and then make +the best of her way to Ballarat, and see if she could not find the man +who had cost her so many hardships. She carried her design into effect, +and then spent the last piece of coin that she possessed to pay her +passage to Ballarat. + +Undiscovered, unsuspected, the girl entered Ballarat at a late hour in +the night, and was then told to seek for lodgings wherever she pleased; +and, half-dead with fatigue, she strayed about the town, not daring to +ask a question of the fierce-looking men whom she chanced to meet +reeling towards their tents after a drinking bout at one of the numerous +saloons with which Ballarat was cursed. + +At length she became so completely exhausted that she could no longer +stand, and thinking that a tent which she saw was unoccupied, she +entered it and lay down in one corner. Sleep speedily made her forget +all of her miseries, and when she awoke she was arrested by the two +miners, who had staggered home drunk during the night, and thrown +themselves upon their beds not knowing that she was present. + +While the ruffians were discussing what, punishment should be meted out +to her, the girl eluded their vigilance and fled, not knowing or caring +where her footsteps led her, as long as she escaped from their horrid +threats and obscene jests. The miners pursued with fierce oaths and +bitter imprecations, and the road, luckily for Mary, led near our door, +and as hundreds joined in pursuit, and all raised the yells which had +awakened us, we were enabled to go to her rescue, and perhaps saved her +from a life or death of shame. + +Such was the poor girl's story, told with a simplicity that carried +conviction to our hearts, and strengthened our resolution to protect and +serve her to the extent of our ability. + +"You will have to remain with us for a few days," Fred said, after Mary +had concluded her history, "and during that time we think that it is far +better you should maintain your incognito, and appear as you seem--a +boy." + +"I have a trunk containing female apparel on the cart that brought me +here," she said; as though she had much rather be dressed in the +habiliments of her own sex. + +"There are numerous reasons why you should maintain your present attire, +but I will not wound your delicacy by repeating them," Fred said. "The +people of Ballarat are censorious, and we must give them no groundwork +for remarks," he continued. + +The girl hung her head, but seemed to appreciate the advice and delicacy +of Fred. She made no response. + +"If the person you are in search of--Mr. Robert Herrets--is to be found +in the mines of Ballarat, you shall see him before this time to-morrow; +and even after he has joined you, I should recommend that you impose +upon the good miners here, and not let them think that the person we +have rescued and the newly-made bride is one and the same person." + +The girl looked into Fred's face with an earnest gaze, as though she +would rather have heard some one else mention the idea of marriage, but +my friend did not appear to notice it. + +"He will, of course, be rejoiced to meet you, and will sympathize with +you in your troubles; and after your union you will forget your new +friends." + +If Fred had but seen the expressive look that the girl gave him, and +then noted the painful thoughts that appeared to have crossed her mind, +he would not have continued in that strain. + +"I can readily imagine the joy that Mr. Herrets will feel when he knows +that, for the purpose of becoming his wife, you have braved the dangers +of the ocean, and struggled nobly against a thousand obstacles, and +overcome them all. He will appreciate your love the more, or he will not +be human." + +She appeared to listen without the power of speech. I suspected the +cause of her emotion, but did not dare to hint to Fred my suspicions. I +wondered how it would end, and trembled for the fate of the girl if she +should continue to nourish the passion that I saw she entertained for my +friend. It was marvellous, and almost beyond belief. She had known Fred +but a few hours, and yet already was she inspired with a feeling of love +for the man, that threatened to annihilate all traces of her passion for +the apprentice. I hardly believed it possible, and yet I knew that I +could not be mistaken. Fred seemed blind not to perceive it. + +"We will go to the police office, and request that diligent search be +made for Mr. Herrets," Fred said, and he motioned to go; but the girl +murmured something in a low tone, and he stopped. "You made some +request?" he asked. + +"I only said that--that perhaps--you were tired, and therefore had--had +better rest--before proceeding to the--police." + +She tried to look indifferent, but the effort was a failure. + +"O, bless your heart, not at all," answered Fred, cheerily; "we will go +at once, and you can read a few books that we own until we come back. +Rover will take care of you." + +The hound stretched himself in the doorway, and showed his teeth as +though he understood the order, and was prepared to obey without +demurring. + +I saw a slight frown gather upon the brow of the girl, and I read her +thoughts in a moment. She was asking herself if she would not have +possessed more power had she been dressed in female apparel and had +never sacrificed her hair. She passed her hand over her short locks two +or three times, and a sigh escaped her at the ravage which the scissors +had effected. + +"Let us go," I said; and I urged my friend from a sight more dangerous +to him than a thousand pyramids of black snakes, and yet he was +unconscious of fear. + +We directed our steps towards the residence of Mr. Brown, the inspector, +and were readily admitted to his presence. He was stretched upon his +bed, but was slowly recovering from the effect of his bruises, and was +quite cheerful over his bodily injuries. + +He extended such a welcome to us as gratified our pride, yet did not +make us feel as though we were overpraised. We soon laid our business +before him, and he ordered a book containing a list of the tax-paying +miners of Ballarat to be brought, and which he consulted, for a few +minutes, in silence. + +"There is no such name as Robert Herrets in the book, but there is a +Robert Henrets, and that may be the person you are in pursuit of. I will +ask if any of my men know the latter." + +He touched a bell, and the policeman who was on duty at the door +entered. + +"James," inquired the inspector, "do you know a miner here named Robert +Henrets?" + +"Yes, sir; young fellow--sandy hair--blue eyes--scar over the left +one--saves his money--is doing well--never heard that he was a +suspicious character," answered the officer, promptly. + +"Pshaw!" returned Mr. Brown, pettishly; "you think that every person I +ask about is a rogue; you are mistaken. Show these gentlemen to the +shaft that Henrets is sinking, or the mine that he is working, and +attend to their orders." + +"Yes, sir; I know where he is; works the old 'Dugget mine;' smart +lad--makes money--pays his tax regular, and never growls 'cos he has +to." + +"Then he is the only one at the mines," returned the inspector, good +humoredly, and we took our leave, fearful that he would begin a long +discussion on the merits and rights of taxation. + +We had to walk about a mile before we reached the "Dugget mine," but our +tramp was beguiled in listening to the peculiar conversation of our +guide, who jerked out his sentences and words as though he was firing +them at a whole regiment of refractory miners, and wished to make as +short work as possible with them. + +"You have been at the mines some time," I said, drawing the man into +conversation. + +"Ever since they were opened--one of the first police officers +here--hard times for grub, then, let me tell you; used to eat leather, +or any thing soft; horses all died for the want of water; gold +plenty--miners died with overwork--few people here, then--civil--treated +the police well, and made us presents. Used to dig myself, +sometimes--didn't like it, though--hard work, very--by and by a lot of +d----d furreners came here--got drunk and made rows--used to fire +pistols at us when we arrested 'em--got hit once, but didn't hurt me +much--the fellow gave me ten pounds to settle the matter--he was a +Yankee, I think--had a revolver, and used to be desperate when he got +drunk--thank God, he died one day, and I saw him buried." + +Although the subject was a grave one, we could not refrain from laughing +at his summary method of disposing of a sailor who used to be known at +Ballarat as "Yankee Jim," and who was a terror to all police officers +when he was drunk. He was represented as being as strong as half a dozen +ordinary men, of the courage of a lion, and perfectly reckless when +under the influence of liquor. Even his boon companions were often +obliged to flee for their lives when one of his cross fits came on him: +and if he was thwarted in the most trifling particular, his rage was +unbounded. He would bite glass and chew it with his teeth, lacerating +his gums in a dreadful manner; and it was at one time reported that +"Yankee Jim" used to diet on tumblers whenever he felt disposed to grow +fleshy. + +The fellow was in the United States navy for many years, and ran away +from a ship of war that was lying at Sydney when the gold mines were +first discovered. The dissipated course that he pursued soon terminated +his life, and he died, after a residence of only three months at +Ballarat, with delirium tremens. + +There were numerous stories told of the sailor, and I was at some pains +to investigate the man's history; but beyond that he was called "Yankee +Jim," and claimed Cape Cod as his birthplace, found but little to repay +me for my trouble; and perhaps a mother is now anxiously expecting a +son, whose bones have long since mouldered at Ballarat. + + + + +CHAPTER XLVI. + +A MARRIAGE, AND AN ELOPEMENT. + + +In a few minutes we reached the mine. As there was no one in sight, the +policeman concluded to give the signal at the entrance of the shaft that +the owner was wanted, and as the mine was not very deep, we were not +kept waiting any length of time for his appearance. The tackle for +lowering and raising the miners was worked, and first the head and then +the body of a man appeared in view. + +"Here's two gentlemen--they want to see you, Mr. Henrets," the officer +said. + +"My name is Herrets," the miner said, "and why you will persist in +calling me Henrets is beyond my comprehension." + +"One name is as good as the other--what is the difference?--both begin +with H and end with s." + +We found that the officer's description of the man answered very well. +His hair was sandy, his eyes were blue, and his skin was very fair and +beardless. He was about five feet six inches, and not very stout. + +Dressed as he was, in mining clothes, stained with many a stratum of +earth, we could form but a poor opinion of his good looks, even had we +been disposed to estimate his beauty before his understanding. + +"What can I do for you?" he asked, addressing Fred and myself, in a tone +that was intended to be excessively conciliatory. + +"Before we answer that question we must ask one," Fred replied. "Were +you ever an apprentice to a cordwainer in London?" + +The man's face flushed scarlet, and he seemed extremely agitated at the +question--but at length he replied,-- + +"I was an apprentice to a cordwainer, but my indentures were given up +before I left England, sir." + +"And your master had an only daughter, whose hand you demanded in +marriage," Fred continued. + +"Yes, but I meant nothing wrong; upon my word, gents, I didn't," he +exclaimed, hastily, evidently considering Fred and myself in some way +connected with the law, as we were under the guidance of a police +officer. + +"That remains to be seen," returned Fred, in a mysterious manner, +evidently taking some delight in frightening the simple-minded young man +all he could. + +"O, I can tell you all about it," Herrets exclaimed with eagerness. + +"That is unnecessary," Fred replied. "We know all, or nearly all; but +what we wish to discover is, why you did not join the lady at Melbourne, +as you promised in your letter?" + +"Join the lady at Melbourne?" the young fellow repeated, hardly knowing +what to say; "why, I wrote to her that if she would come to Australia I +would pay her expenses, and marry her, besides. That was fair, wasn't +it? But she didn't write me that she would come; so of course I thought +that my hundred pounds were a dead loss, and that the girl had got +another feller, which I don't call exactly fair; do you?" + +We did not commit ourselves by any opinion, as we did not know but that +some day it would be brought against us. + +We formed an opinion, however, respecting the mental capacity of the +youth, for whose sake the poor girl had wandered so many miles; and I no +longer wondered that she saw a difference between her lover and Fred. + +"Then you received no letter from Miss Purcel, announcing that she would +sail on such a day, and requesting you to be on the lookout for her?" +asked Fred. + +"Of course I didn't," responded the young man, with commendable +eagerness. "That is just what I am finding fault with." + +"Then you will be rejoiced to learn that, after great suffering and +privation, Miss Purcel has arrived, and is in Ballarat," Fred said. + +The news almost deprived him of the power of articulation, and for a +moment I thought that he would faint, but he didn't. He was too eager to +see her, and welcome her to her new home. + +"Where is she?" he asked. + +"Not far distant," Fred answered. + +"Take me to her without delay," he cried; "I shall die with joy." + +"Softly," replied Fred; "there are some things to be explained before we +comply with your request;" and briefly he went over the girl's +narrative, as told by herself, until he gave an account of her narrow +escape from the hands of the miners who suspected her of stealing their +dust. + +The lover moaned piteously as he heard the hardships that his mistress +had suffered; and after we had persuaded him to change his clothes and +remove the stains from his skin, we let him accompany us on our return +to the store. + +"You must promise us one thing," I said, as we walked along, hardly able +to keep up with the lover's impetuous strides, "that you will be married +this very day." + +I stole a look at Fred's face, but he appeared to approve of the plan, +and I could see no traces of disappointment. + +If the girl is not obdurate, I thought, I shall save Fred many unhappy +days. + +"O, I'm willing to agree to that," replied the lover, with a chuckle. + +"You have the mean's to support a wife?" I asked. + +"I've got money enough to support her after we are married. I've waited +too long for her arrival to waste time with silly delays," he answered, +earnestly. + +"And you love her well enough to overlook all of her faults, if she has +any, and to be a kind, affectionate husband?" asked Fred. + +"Of course I do," ejaculated Herrets. "I ain't a particular man, by any +means; and if she will only look out for my tent while I am absent, and +have my dinner ready when I get home, we shall get along as happy as +pigs." + +I saw that Fred gave the man a look of intense disgust, and perhaps he +also thought what chance of happiness a girl would have with a man who +compared his matrimonial life with a pigsty. + +"Your intended wife," I said, "has been well educated, and never known +hardships or misery until she reached this country and you must +carefully consider that she requires the society of her own sex to pass +her time pleasantly so far from the land of her birth. You say that you +have money enough to support her; then take my advice, and remove to +Melbourne or Sydney, and enter into business, and where you can form new +associations. The mines of Ballarat are no place for a young wife." + +"O, I shall be company enough for her," he answered, carelessly, and +with an air that plainly betokened that he considered I was meddling +with things that did not concern me. + +"You fool," I muttered, "stay here and you will be wifeless in less than +a month. The girl will never be contented with such affection as you are +disposed to give." + +Not another word was spoken until we reached the store, and ushered Mr. +Herrets into the room where the girl was seated. The latter looked up, +smiled, but did not appear very enthusiastic or particularly overjoyed. + +"Hullo, Molly," cried the lover, roughly, rushing frantically towards +her, and throwing his arms around her neck; and in spite of a slight +struggle, he succeeded in imprinting half a dozen kisses upon her cheeks +and lips. + +We noted that the interview was too interesting for us to witness, and +we retired and left them together. + +"Poor girl," muttered Fred, with a sigh; "what chance for happiness does +she possess with a man whose education has been neglected, and whose +manners have been blunted by a lengthy residence in the mines?" + +"He is better than he appears," I replied, "and I have no doubt that +they will soon understand each other's ways, and get along quite +happily. We have no right to interfere." + +"I think that we have. She is a _protegee_ of ours, and as such it is +our duty to see lest she comes to harm. I think that I shall object to +this marriage." + +Confound it. I feared as much all the time, but I was not disposed to +relinquish all hope of getting Fred from committing himself to such a +course. I know that if my friend but gave the least encouragement to the +girl she would repudiate her lover, and then I could readily foresee +what would follow. Clergymen were not abundant at Ballarat, and Fred, I +knew, had no thought of marriage. + +I reasoned with Fred for a long time, and told him (God forgive me for +the lie) that great affection existed between the parties, and that they +were not disposed to show it before us, as we were comparatively +strangers, and had no right to judge of their hearts or their heads; and +at last I so worked on the mind of my friend that he readily accompanied +me to the police office, where we were directed to a clergyman's, and +with the reverend gentleman returned to the store, where our appearance +created some surprise in the heart, at least, of one of the parties. + +We insisted upon the girl's changing her clothes--the trunk which she +spoke of having been found and taken to our place of business; and while +she was doing so behind a screen of sail-cloth, we commenced making +preparations for the wedding. + +Mary presented an entirely different aspect when she appeared, dressed +in her well-fitting garments; and although her face and hands were +sunburned, and her manners were embarrassed, we did not fail to +compliment her on her beauty, and to congratulate her on her near +approaching nuptials. + +"Let me speak with you for a moment," she said, turning to Fred just +before the knot was tied. + +Fred stepped a few paces from the group, and waited to hear her +commands. + +"When I made a promise to that man," she said, pointing to her lover, "I +thought that I loved him. I was much younger than I am now, and knew but +little of the world. Even when I reached these shores, I thought that my +heart was entirely possessed by Mr. Herrets, and perhaps I should have +continued to think so had not accident revealed to me what real love +is." + +Fred looked astonished and remained silent. He did not suspect the state +of her heart. + +"It would be unmaidenly," she continued, with a slight air of vexation +to think that Fred remained cool, "for me to speak plainer, and if you +cannot solve my meaning I must remain silent." + +"I don't think that I understand you distinctly," my friend said, his +face slightly flushing under a suspicion of her meaning. + +"Do you wish to comprehend me?" she said, and her face was cast down +while she asked the question. + +Fred hesitated for a moment, and only for a moment. He glanced towards +me and saw that I was watching the struggle that was going on in his +mind, and his decision was instantly formed. + +"We must not pursue this subject further," he said. "Believe me, it is +better that we should not; for the sake of Mr. Herrets, and your own +sake, do not ask me more questions." + +"One word," she cried, hurriedly, as Fred turned away, and it seemed as +though she could no longer control her emotion; "do you wish me to marry +that man?" she demanded, with an earnestness that showed how much she +had at stake. + +"I do," he answered; and without waiting for another question he joined +us. + +The girl turned deadly pale, and for a few seconds was silent; but she +rallied at length, and signified that she was ready to vow to love and +cherish a man that I knew she had already commenced hating in her heart, +and looked upon as the author of her misery. The clergyman, who was +impatient to get his dinner, soon united the parties, and we saluted the +bride. + +"Let me go," she exclaimed, as her husband folded her in his rough +embrace and covered her face with kisses. "Let me go, for I stifle in +this place." + +"Take your wife home," I said, "and be a kind husband to her. She will +need all your care and attention." + +They left the store, and I breathed a sigh of gratitude at the result. +Fred's face, however, looked black and threatening, as though he was not +entirely satisfied with his course. + +"We have played a mean part in that marriage," he said, at length, "and +I don't feel that I have acted justly. The girl detests her husband, and +you know it." + +"Of course I do," I replied, with great nonchalance; "but that is +something she will outgrow in a few days, and if she does not he alone +is to blame." + +"I am not so sure of that," he replied, gloomily. + +"Neither am I, but it will not affect your position or mine. We have +done the best that we could, under the circumstances, to keep her +honest, and I will ask you, in all candor, if she would have been +virtuous ten days from hence had she lived under this roof?" + +He did not answer me, but lighted his pipe and puffed away in silence. + +"The girl liked you," I continued, "and you at length discovered it. She +is not a suitable wife for you, and I think too highly of your honor to +suppose that you would blast her prospects for life and make her your +mistress. Your residence here is short, and when you felt disposed to +return home, would you desire to present the girl to your friends as a +specimen of Australian beauty? Come, Fred, consider all things, and +remember that you cannot accuse yourself of her ruin, even if she is not +disposed to remain with her husband." + +"You are right," he said; "passion blinded me for a moment, but now I +can see that, your advice is good. Let us talk no more on the subject, +but hope for her happiness." + +But we did talk on the subject frequently and earnestly; and as Mary's +career was much as I supposed that it would be, I will follow it and +give the reader the sequel. + +Mr. Herrets removed his wife to his tent, and after the first week of +his marriage paid but little attention to her comfort or her wants. A +coldness soon sprang up between them, and then bitter quarrels ensued. +The husband, while grasping for gold in the bowels of the earth, little +thought that his neighbor was paying court to his wife, and that she +received those attentions with eagerness. Women in Ballarat commanded a +premium, for there were but few, and those principally of the lowest +class. A few of the highest officers under government had their wives +with them, but the husbands guarded them with more than Oriental +jealousy, and it was a rare sight to see them in the street or at +windows. There was little cause for wonder, then, that a man, whose good +looks were a passport, should have ingratiated himself into the +affections of Mrs. Herrets, and that one day they should leave Ballarat +in company. We were in the store one afternoon, about a month after the +marriage, when Mr. Herrets rushed in. + +"Is she here?" he demanded, his face looking like a demon's. + +"Who here?" I asked, calmly, although I suspected his errand. + +"My wife," he shouted. "Darn her, I don't know where she is. She is +playing some of her pranks, and I'll fix her for it." + +He rushed out of the store frantically, and uttered a profusion of oaths +as he dashed through the streets, making inquiries of every one that he +met respecting his wife. Some laughed at him, while others, after +questioning him until they had arrived at the facts, would gravely shake +their heads, and express an entire ignorance of the woman's whereabouts. +Herrets then made application to the police office, but was curtly +informed that the police had something to attend to besides hunting +after men's wives. + +Desperate with rage, and vowing all sorts of vengeance upon the frail +woman, the baffled husband once more sought our store and implored our +aid. He even offered a considerable sum of money if we would unite with +him and make search for her; but we refused his money, and declined for +a long time to interfere, until at length his importunities caused us to +yield, and after we extracted promises that he would be likely to keep, +we concluded to help him. + +We sent the young husband back to his tent, and bade him make +arrangements to be gone at least two days, and to bring back with him +some article of clothing that had belonged to the runaway. He obeyed our +instructions, and by the time he had returned our three horses were +saddled and ready for a start. We lost no time in getting under way, and +in less than an hour we were seven miles from Ballarat, on the road to +Melbourne, the nearest city that the runaways could reach. Sydney we +considered as out of the question, for its distance of five hundred +miles was not likely to attract travellers who were journeying for speed +and flying for safety. + +We pushed on, stopping only long enough to make inquiries of men on the +road, and at length we got on the trail of the fugitives. They were +travelling on horseback, like ourselves, but were mounted on worthless +animals, that threatened to break down at every step; so we were told. +The last farmer that gave us information said that he had spoken to +them, and supplied them with bread, and that he did not think they were +more than ten miles in advance of us. + +This information gave us renewed life, and we spurred on until our +horses were in a foaming sweat; and just as we began to think that the +runaways had diverged from the beaten path, we caught sight of them +riding along as leisurely, and with as munch independence, as man and +wife. + +Herrets rushed forward, and uttered oath after oath as he caught sight +of his wife, while the latter applied her riding whip to the sides of +her steed, in the vain endeavor to escape; but finding that we gained on +her and her paramour, she suffered her horse to fall into a walk, and +apparently took no further notice of us. + +Not so with her companion, whose name was Delvin, a young and +good-looking fellow; and had we not been present, he would have laughed +at the demands of Herrets, for he was as bold as a lion, and was just +the kind of a man that a romantic girl like Mary would take a fancy to. + +"Villain!" shouted Herrets, presenting an old horse pistol, that looked +as though it had seen service in the war of Cromwell, "stop, and account +to me for the seduction of my wife, or I'll shoot you as you fly!" + +"Shoot and be d----d!" replied Delvin, with a sneer; "but remember, I +can use a pistol as well as you." And as he spoke, he drew from his belt +a six inch revolver, and coolly waited for Herrets to commence +hostilities. + +This the latter was in no hurry to do, when he saw that his opponent was +better armed than himself; so he checked his horse, and waited for us to +come up. + +We rode leisurely towards the runaways, and did not think it worth our +while to make a show of hostilities, for while we had promised the +husband to assist him, we did not consider that we were bound to fight +his battles. + +"Put up your pistol," said Fred, calmly, when we had reached the woman +and her paramour; "there will be no use for it at present." + +Delvin hesitated for a moment, and only for a moment; then, with an +oath, he returned his pistol to its case, and waited our proceedings. + +As for the woman, she appeared the most indifferent person in the +group, and instead of being overwhelmed with shame, actually smiled at +the expression of misery depicted upon her husband's face. + +"We shall have to relieve you of your fair charge," Fred said, +addressing Mr. Delvin; "civilization has hardly arrived at such a point +in Australia that a man can run off with another's wife, and expect to +escape punishment." + +"The woman goes with me!" cried Delvin, fiercely, and his hand again +sought his pistol; but seeing that we took no notice of the movement, he +withdrew it slowly, and appeared undecided what to do. + +"Of course, you are not in earnest when you speak thus," replied Fred, +quite coolly; "you must be aware, if you enter Melbourne in company with +this man's wife, and we are disposed to lodge information against you, +that a long residence at the hulks would be your portion." + +Delvin remained silent, but he looked as though he would like to try the +issue of the affair with an exchange of shots. + +"We have promised this man to help recover his wife, and we mean to keep +our word. We have nothing against you, and therefore do not think it +worth while to risk our lives exchanging shots; but Herrets, here--" + +"Ah, then he can meet me," cried Delvin, eagerly. + +"By no means," replied Fred, with great distinctness; "you have injured +him sufficiently already, and it appears to me strange that the world +should think a husband bound to demand reparation by receiving the +contents of a pistol, and then consider that satisfaction has been +accorded." + +"Then you deny me a chance to satisfy the husband of this woman?" +demanded Delvin, and his looks showed how eagerly he would have shot +Herrets had he been allowed. + +"Certainly we do, and we have a piece of advice to give you--don't +return to Ballarat for a few months, or you might fare badly. The miners +have a prejudice against people who run off with wives not belonging to +them, and but little agitation would be necessary to serve you as men of +your kind are served in California." + +"May I ask now that is?" Delvin inquired. + +"They are tried by Lynch law," was Fred's laconic answer. + +The seducer glared at us as though he would like to encounter each +individual singly, and I did not, know but that he would charge upon us, +and risk the odds, great as they were. + +"What have I done, Mary Ann, that you should run off and leave me?" +cried Herrets, speaking for the first time. + +His wife maintained a profound silence. + +"Didn't I do all that I could to make you happy and comfortable?" he +continued. + +"No," she replied, with a defiant air, "you did not. You never spoke to +me kindly, or asked if I was contented. I went to your tent with but +little love for you, and now I have less. Did you seek to gain my +affections, or to banish from my mind the image of a man that I felt I +could die for?" + +She looked hard at Fred, but the latter avoided her glance. + +"I may have to go back with you, but I warn you that I feel only +loathing and contempt for your home, for you, and every one in +Ballarat." + +We did not seek to check her, for we knew that her outburst of rage +would end in tears, and we were not mistaken. She wept bitterly, and +upbraided Fred and myself as the authors of her misfortunes; and even +while she was lamenting her fate, we turned her horse's head in the +direction of Ballarat. + +Her paramour sat upon his animal sullen, and undecided what to do; and +without stopping to exchange words with him, we commenced our journey +homeward. + +Even after we were miles distant, we could see him still motionless, +standing upon the broad prairie, as though he had not determined upon +what course he should pursue. But he never renewed his attempts on the +virtue of Mrs. Herrets, and when next we heard of him he was in the +mines of Bathney, where he was killed by the caving in of a shaft. + +As for Herrets and his wife, they took our advice, and moved to +Melbourne, where there was society and enjoyment. The husband went into +business there, and became quite wealthy; and Mrs. Herrets was noted for +her lively disposition and fondness of company. She became a patron of +the Theatre Royal, and gave many a hungry actor a good dinner; and once, +when I had run down to Melbourne from the mines, to transact a little +business, she sent me a pressing invitation to visit the theatre, and +witness her _debut_ in the "Honeymoon," she playing "Juliana," for the +benefit of some actor who wished to insure a good house, and took that +method to accomplish it. + +I accepted the invitation, but did not consider her acting as likely to +redound to the credit of the profession; and that is the end of the +history, so far as my knowledge extends, of Mrs. Herrets and husband. + + + + +CHAPTER XLVII. + +COLLECTING TAXES OF THE MINERS. + + +About a week after the inspector had received his injuries, he was +enabled to get out, and one afternoon he sent word that if we were +desirous of accompanying him on his tax collecting expedition he should +be happy of our company, and that if we were disposed to go we had +better meet him at his office, on horseback, at two o'clock. + +As it was near the hour when we received the invitation, we lost no time +in getting ready, and we were on the spot promptly. + +About, thirty policemen were drawn up in front of the office, awaiting +the appearance of the inspector, who was examining the books in which +were recorded the names of the tax-paying miners, checking those who had +refused to pay at the end of the previous month, and placing a cross +against the names of miners who had worked out their taxes on the road, +on the ground that they had not made enough out of their claims to allow +government the large sum of thirty-four shillings per month. + +The tax applied to all, and there was no chance to evade it. The +fortunate and unfortunate were alike liable to the officers of the +crown, knowing no distinction, so they said; but I found before the +close of the day that that assertion was a fallacy, and that there was a +favorite class at Ballarat, and that they were rarely troubled by the +inspector's visits, and if short of money were seldom required to pay +taxes. + +"I am glad that you have come," Mr. Brown said, hastily glancing from +the large books before him to welcome us; "we are going through with our +monthly ceremony, and I thought you would like to witness it. It is not +an agreeable one, I confess, but duty compels me to do many things that +I disapprove of." + +"In what quarter will your honor go first?" asked the sergeant of the +police squad, addressing the inspector. + +"The Irish district," returned Mr. Brown. "We can then," he continued, +"strike into the Chinamen's quarters, and visit our folks on our way +home." + +As we rode up, a number of Irishmen were smoking their pipes at the +entrance of their tents or huts, evidently expecting us, for it was +tax-collecting day, and they knew very well that government would not +let the opportunity pass of adding to its wealth. No surprise was +manifested, therefore, when our force halted, and those within hearing +were requested to bring out their gold. + +"Is it there ye are, Mr. Brown?" cried an old fellow, who was called Pat +Regan. "It's wishing to see yer face this many a day I've desired, long +life to ye, and it's dead I feared ye was." + +"Is your tax ready?" asked the inspector, shortly, being accustomed to +the blarney of the man. + +"Whist! What blackguard would be after thinking of money, or taxes, or +any thing else when yer honor is near? Will yer enter me tent and +partake of me hospitalities?" demanded Pat, with a serious face, and a +show of politeness that was refreshing, knowing as I did that it was +intended as burlesque. + +"Don't stand there chattering, but hand over your month's taxes," +replied Mr. Brown, sternly, not liking the smiles that he saw on the +faces of Pat's friends, who were clustered around enjoying the +conversation. + +"Ah, glory to God, but it's lucky men we are to have so kind-hearted an +inspector, so that when we is unfortunate he knows how to have +compassion on us. Lads," Pat continued, turning to the crowd, "don't +forget to mention Mr. Brown in your prayers, 'cos he's overlooked the +trifling sum that I owe him." + +This long harangue was received with shouts of laughter, during the +continuance of which Mr. Pat Kegan stood before the inspector, with hat +in hand, and a face as demure as though no deviltry was at work within +his heart. + +Mr. Brown did not reply, but made an almost imperceptible motion to the +sergeant of the force. The latter, and a private, quietly dismounted, +produced a pair of handcuffs, and before Mr. Regan had recovered from +his surprise, a sharp click was heard, and he was a prisoner, both +wrists being confined by a pair of stout steel bracelets. + +"What is the meaning of this?" demanded Mr. Regan, with a show of +indignation. "I'm a subject of the queen, and a free-born Irishman, and +it's kings me ancestors were six hundred years ago. It's little they +thought that one of the blood of the Regans would be used in this way." + +The inspector paid no attention to his words, but occupied himself with +receiving money from a number of miners who were disposed to pay their +taxes without a murmur, and didn't wish the bother of a dispute. + +"Move on," said Mr. Brown, at length, and the cavalcade started with Pat +Regan in the centre. + +"Mr. Brown--inspector dear--O darling, listen to me for a moment," cried +out our Irish friend. + +"Well, what is wanting?" inquired our chief, halting. + +"And what is ye taking me off for?" asked Regan, indignantly. + +"For non-payment of taxes." + +"And who refused to pay taxes?--tell me that, Mr. Brown." + +"You declined paying; so of course you will have to devote the next +three days to work on the road. Move on." + +"Hold a minute, Mr. Brown, for here's the money; but it's little good it +will do ye, mind what I say, for to-night I shall write to my friend the +governor-general, and relate the circumstance of this arrest, and me +money will be sent back with many an apology, let me tell ye. It's a +relation I am of the governor's, his wife being a Regan on the side of +me grandfather; and it's many a time I've talked with her ladyship when +we went to school together in the county of Cork." + +This speech was also received with shouts of laughter by those +assembled, and even while Pat was paying over his dust he continued to +grumble and threaten; and when we got clear of him he bade us adieu with +a mocking smile, perfectly satisfied to think that he had delayed us all +that he was able to, and that if he did ultimately have to pay over the +money, he afforded sport enough for his companions to last a week. + +"Is that a sample of the difficulties that you have to encounter?" I +asked of the inspector, as we left a portion of the Irish district +behind us, and approached another quarter, where the inhabitants did not +appear to be doing so well in their operations. + +"If we never encountered worse cases than that I should be contented," +Mr. Brown replied. "I knew that Pat had the money, for he had served me +in that manner half a dozen times; but I also knew that he had a great +reluctance against working on the road, and that to save himself he +would even sell a portion of his claim, if that was necessary. He has +made money since he has worked in the mines, and I will do Pat the +justice of saying that, with the exception of celebrating St. Patrick's +Day, he knows how to save it." + +As he ceased speaking, we drew up before a ragged hut, at the entrance +of which stood a stout Irishwoman, with a terrible dirty-faced child in +her arms. + +"It's little ye'll get here," she shouted, shaking her huge fists at +the inspector, and spanking the child, who set up a roar of fright. "Go +on, an' the divil be wid ye, for not a ha'penny do ye get." + +"Now we shall hear lying," muttered the inspector, when he saw a grin +upon our faces. "Of all the she devils in the mines, she is the worst." + +"Tell Mike that we want his license fee," Mr. Brown said, addressing the +huge female, who varied her time in spanking her child and making faces +at the police force. + +"To the divil wid ye and yer fees, ye lazy spalpeens. There's no money +in the house, and if there was ye shouldn't have it. Do ye think that I +can pick up goold like dirt? or what do ye think?" + +"Come, come, Judy," the inspector said, "we have heard your complaints +so often that we don't believe them. Let me have the thirty-four +shillings without delay." + +"Who do you call Judy? I'm Mrs. Michael O'Flaherty, and a bitter husband +and one more honest don't exist; and that's more than I can say of some +women who's got husbands tied to 'em. It's little ye think I know of ye; +so don't, if ye valey yer reputations, stand there chattering, but pass +on to thim that gets the money." + +"We are not afraid of our reputation, Judy," the inspector said. "We +know that you are bad, but we don't believe that you can corrupt the +whole of the squad." + +"O, ye murdering villains, to thus slander an honest female who has only +her vartue to protect her." Then raising her voice as though to attract +the attention of some one within the house, she shouted, in satirical +language, "It's little me husband cares about me, or he'd niver stand by +and see me treated thus, and I niver making the least complaint in the +world. It's mighty fine husbands there is in the world now, and it's +little use they are to us fable females." + +As though to avenge her injuries on some one, she gave the child a rap +over a certain portion of his anatomy that presented the broadest disk, +and his wild howls were heard for half a mile. + +"If there's law to be had in this country I'll have it," Judy continued, +growing more excited as she recited her wrongs. "If ye want yer tax, why +don't ye come here after it in a dacent fashion, and not begin by +insulting me and me own, and then frightening the child out of its wits. +Didn't yer mothers larn ye manners at all, and do ye think we can stand +all sorts of barbarities?" + +Before the inspector could return an answer, a stout, broad-shouldered +fellow sneaked to the door, and his appearance was greeted with +laughter. + +"We have unkennelled the fox, have we?" the sergeant of the squad said. +"Hitherto we have had to dig for him." + +"Come, Mike, where is your tax?" asked the inspector, in a mild tone. + +"He's no money, I tell ye," screamed the woman, shaking one of her huge +fists at the officer in a defiant manner, and glancing towards her lord, +as though warning him of the consequences of gainsaying her word. "I've +told ye that he'd no money, and now be off, and the divil go wid ye." + +"Pace, Judy, dear," remonstrated Mike, in a subdued tone; "it's the +police who always behave like rale gentlemen." + +"Hear him," screamed the indignant woman, "turn upon his own lawful, +married wife, and abuse her like a baste. Why don't ye bite me in two, +ye little brat?" + +She gave her child a shake that made him think there was an earthquake, +and then supplied him with a liberal allowance of food that kind nature +had wisely provided for the purpose of keeping children quiet, even for +a few minutes. + +"Whist, Judy; don't be after trating the child that way," remonstrated +the father, who appeared to have some spirit when the welfare of his +heir was concerned. + +"Ah, go on insulting me--don't spare reproaches. I'm defenceless now." + +Woman's last resource, tears, were quickly called up, and under their +shadow Mike sneaked towards us, as though about to pay his money and +have done with the trouble; but before he could accomplish his good +resolution the woman had cleared her eyes, and in a voice that started +us, yelled,-- + +"Mike, ye divil, come here this instant." + +The hen-pecked husband did not dare to disobey. He cast an imploring, +half-sheepish look towards his wife. + +"We have delayed long enough," Mr. Brown said. "Sergeant, put on the +irons." + +The sergeant dismounted quite coolly, and summoned six men to his +assistance. I noticed that the officers did not display any great +alacrity, and acted as though quite ashamed of the duty that they were +to enter upon. + +"The sergeant means to have assistance enough," Fred remarked, +addressing the inspector. + +"You will see," the latter returned; and we did, sure enough; for no +sooner did the officers lay hands upon Michael than the woman dropped +her child, and with a wild shout threw herself upon them. The first poor +devil whom she spotted lost a handful of hair--but as it was as red as +fire it was no great sacrifice to the owner--the second had a piece of +skin clawed off his nose, and the third reluctantly parted with a piece +of flesh weighing nearly a quarter of an ounce, torn forcibly from his +cheek. The police endeavored to keep her at arms' length without +success--she broke down their defences, and clawed the hair from their +heads in the most scientific manner; and yet she had all the fighting to +do, for Michael remained in the custody of two officers without offering +to strike a blow for liberty. + +The war was at length fiercely contested, for the officers, finding that +they were likely to be placed _hors du combat_, made a rush towards the +Amazon; and while two seized her arms, two more grasped her legs, and I +am obliged to confess that the police did not display much delicacy in +the latter operation. In spite of her struggles--in defiance of her +imprecations, and calls for Mike to interfere in her behalf--she was +carried bodily towards the hut, and poised in the air for a moment; and +then, with a "one, two, three, and away she goes," was thrown head +foremost through the door, and landed in the middle of the hut all in a +heap. + +"You have kilt me wife," moaned Mike, who watched the operation With +considerable anxiety for his better half. + +"Hang her, she's skinned me from head to foot," muttered one of the +officers, wiping his bleeding face on a handkerchief, and showing his +wounds to the inspector. + +"Skinned!" echoed another; "if she had only taken skin I shouldn't mind +it much; but, blast her, she has torn flesh and muscle from my face." + +"I'm sorry for your misfortunes, but we will have her arrested on a +warrant to-morrow, and fined," the inspector said. "Bring Mike along, +and set him at work on the roads for a few days." + +"Arrah, now, Mr. Inspector, don't be after doing that," shouted the +Irishman; but in defiance of his cries he was handcuffed and driven +along with the rest. + +We had got a few yards from the hut when Mrs. Judy appeared at the door, +looking a little the worse for her late usage. Her hair was hanging over +her shoulders, and her dress was torn in a dozen places. Both feet were +bare, and none too clean; but little she cared for her appearance just +then. + +"For the love of St. Patrick, Mr. Inspector, stop a minute, and don't be +after carrying away Mike, the poor, harmless divil. Lave him here wid +me, and we'll pay the tax without a murmur." + +"Too late," cried Mr. Brown, without turning his head, although I could +see that he was disposed to come to terms. + +"Ough, don't say that, bless yer handsome face and yer kind heart. What +could I do, sure, widout me Mike? Lave him here wid me, and if the +blackguard has been insulting ye I'll punish him, depind upon it." + +"It's not of your husband that we complain," the inspector said; "he +would act decently, and pay his tax, if you would let him." + +"Ah, then--glory to God--poor Mike is safe; and I thought all along that +he wouldn't disgrace his Judy so much as to refuse what a just gentleman +like ye demands. Pay the officer the tax, and say no more about it. It's +but a trifle." + +The sergeant looked at Mr. Brown, and the latter glanced at the +sergeant. There was but little use in making Mike work on the road, if +he had the money to pay for his month's mining; so a halt was called, +and the woman quickly poured out dust enough from a cracked teacup to +satisfy the demands of government, and then Mike was restored to the +dirty arms of his better half. + +"I hope that all the taxes collected do not come as hard as this," Fred +said, addressing the inspector. + +"They all pay out their money with an ill grace; but our worst cases, +with one exception, are over." + +As we passed through the several districts, many of the miners stood +ready with their gold, and after answering to their names, paid their +taxes without a murmur; and even while disputes were going on, they did +not prevent the clerks who accompanied us from attending to their +duties. + +All those who did not possess the cash were required to follow in our +train, as captives, to work out a certain amount on the roads. Men who +had been sick, and were incapable of raising ten shillings, were shown +no indulgence whatever; and although we often interceded, and our wishes +were granted in every case, yet we felt that the inspector's orders +were rigid, and that we were imposing upon good nature, to make requests +in every instance where poverty compelled a miner to decline paying his +tax. + +At length we reached the Chinese district, and the Celestials turned out +in great numbers to receive us. Many handed the clerks the money that +was due without a word of comment, and we experienced no trouble until +we reached the quarters of Yam Kow, an old fellow whose tail reached to +the ground, and who was reported to be the most miserly of all the +Chinese at Ballarat. That he had money there was no doubt, for he was +always at work, or trading with his countrymen, and he was never known +to spend a shilling for clothing or food. What he lived on was unknown, +and could only be conjectured; but it was said that Kow had been seen +nights setting traps for snakes and rats, and even lizards were +considered quite delicate meat for him. + +Traps of most ingenious and cunning device were also set for birds, and +Kow had been known to waste a few grains of rice, for the purpose of +attracting them to his fatal snares. + +The bodies of the birds were sold by Kow, and if he could find no +market, he would hold on to them until he did; and if, after all his +trouble, none of his countrymen were disposed to buy, the unhappy +Chinaman would devour them himself; and even if fly-blown and slightly +decomposed, it made no difference to Kow; his greatest anxiety was on +account of not being able to get a shilling for the body of the bird +that he was at length compelled to eat. With the plumage of the +birds--and the feathers of the birds of Australia are of the most gaudy +hue--he made, during evenings, rare trinkets, and magnificent wreaths, +and sold them to miners at a fair price, to be taken home as +curiosities. I had a box filled with such articles, and which I valued +highly; but they were lost on my voyage home, while crossing the Isthmus +of Suez. + +We found old Yam Kow seated before his hut, which was made of bits of +sticks, pieces of boards, stones, and mud, all cemented and fitted +together in the neatest manner, and what was more wonderful than all, +perfectly water tight, and as clean inside as possible. + +The old man was hard at work, or pretended to be, on one of his wreaths, +and seemed not to notice that we were halting in front of his abode. + +"Hullo, Yam Kow!" cried the inspector, "putty mi more money, hey?" which +barbarous jargon, it seems, is always considered necessary to use when +talking with a Chinese, no matter whether the latter understands English +or not. + +The true meaning of Mr. Brown's interrogation was, whether Yam's tax +money was ready or not. + +"No hab," returned the Chinaman, without looking up. + +"How, no hab?--putty mi more day. No can see?" demanded Mr. Brown. + +"No hab," repeated the old fellow, continuing his work industriously. + +"Why no hab?" the inspector asked. + +"All go--buy ricey--buy torayun tan pon, and no hab." + +"Then workey on rodey ten (holding up his fingers) day. Chinaman no good +for shovel--work more days Englishman. Come." "No can come now. Pay +money by by," the Chinaman said, thinking that his promise to pay before +long would suffice. + +"Pay money now--no pay money now, go!" repeated the inspector, who +managed to make himself understood. + +"No pay," the old fellow said, and as the sounds escaped his lips, the +sergeant dismounted from his horse and approached him. + +"Come," that worthy said, and he laid his huge hand upon the Celestial, +in close proximity to his pigtail. + +"No go," repeated Yam. + +"Start your stumps," cried the policeman; and he lifted the Chinaman +from the ground by his pigtail, and almost held him at arm's length. + +"Me pay! me pay!" he roared, to the great delight of the police, and a +few of Yam's countrymen who were standing near. + +The sergeant released the old fellow, and he rapidly uttered a number of +expressions in his native tongue, that I will swear were not +complimentary to the English character. + +After he had thus vented his anger, he drew from the folds of his inside +trousers a little bag of dust, which, upon being weighed, was found to +contain just the amount, to a scale, that was required for the payment +of his tax, and after checking his name, we rode on. + +In this manner the tax was collected from the miners of Ballarat. + + + + +CHAPTER XLVIII. + +Murden and Steel Spring arrive from Melbourne. + + +We were sitting in our store eating supper one afternoon, about a week +after our tax-collecting tour, and were wondering why Smith did not make +his appearance, as he certainly had been gone long enough, and were +debating the propriety of writing or visiting Melbourne for the purpose +of finding him, when a person, dressed quite respectably, but wearing a +slouched hat over his eyes, that entirely concealed his face, entered +the store and looked around as though anxious to purchase goods, but was +disappointed in not meeting with an assortment. + +"We shall be happy to serve you in a few days," Fred said. "Our stock is +on the road, and will he here shortly." + +"Vell, I guess I can vait," returned a voice that sounded familiar, and +our visitor removed his hat and revealed the not over-pleasing +countenance of Steel Spring. + +We could hardly believe the evidence of our senses, yet there stood the +cunning scamp before us, with his long limbs and lank body, as supple as +ever, and grinning with delight at our astonishment. + +"I 'ope you've not forgotten old friends," he said, extending his hand, +which neither of us accepted, but which act did not discompose him in +the least; for he only grinned the harder, and appeared to look upon our +refusal as a matter of course. "Where did you come from?" I asked, as +soon as I recovered from my astonishment. + +"The old place--Melbourne; 'ave 'ad lots of fun there, but thought I'd +look at the country for a change of air. Can't stay long, though; so +don't press me to stop over a week." + +"You certainly have lost none of your impudence by residing at +Melbourne," Fred replied, and the fellow grinned at the compliment. "But +tell us how you escaped from prison," Fred continued. + +"Escaped?" asked Steel Spring, with an injured look; "I'd scorn such a +breach of confidence between gentlemen. No, sir, I did not escape, but +was pardoned for the service I've rendered my country." + +"And the bushrangers that Murden carried to Melbourne?" Fred asked, with +some anxiety. + +"Vell, they suffered for their crimes, and are all forgotten by this +time," replied the wretch, with a grin. + +"Hanged?" I asked. + +"Every mother's son of 'em, and served 'em right, too. Property is +respected, nowadays, and a miner can travel all the way from Ballarat to +Melbourne, and lose nothing if he's got nothing to lose," the grinning +scamp replied. + +"I've got a friend vid me," Steel Spring said at length, "and perhaps +you'd like to see him." + +"Who is he?" we asked. + +"O, a man you used to know--Murden I believe is his name, and he's in +some vay connected with the police force of Melbourne." + +The grinning rascal! he had been sent by our friend to notify us of his +arrival, and that was the way he performed his duty. But before we had +time to administer to him a sound kicking, the lieutenant was with us. + +We need not tell the reader that we welcomed him with our whole hearts, +and that he appeared as delighted to see us as we were glad to see him. + +"I have just arrived in time, I see," Murden said, glancing at our +supper, "and, by George, I'm glad that I've a place to rest to-night, +for I'm tired. We've been three days on the road, on horseback all the +time, with the exception of a few hours during the extreme heat of noon. +Our animals got used up about five miles from Ballarat; so I footed it +to town. I suppose that you recollect that scamp,"--pointing to Steel +Spring, who bowed low at the compliment. "I've taken him into my service +on his promise to be of good behavior; but I don't think that his word +is to be relied on; so I cane him about once in twenty-four hours, to +see if what little goodness there is in him cannot be brought out." + +Steel Spring shrugged his shoulders, as much as to say, There is no joke +in what he is telling, as I can testify. + +"But how came Steel Spring to find us first?" I asked. + +"Well, when our horses broke down I sent him ahead to find out in what +quarter of the town you were located, and I followed more leisurely. The +first policeman that I met directed me here, so that I found no +difficulty, and was not compelled to wait for my _notorati_ +fellow-traveller at the cross-roads." + +"But how comes it that you are in citizen's dress, instead of the blue +uniform?" + +"Ah, my boys, that is the secret; but as I have nothing to conceal from +you, I will confess I am the bearer of secret despatches to the +inspector of this district in relation to the mining tax. But while I am +talking, set Steel Spring at work cooking supper, for I am famished, and +I suppose that he is also." + +It was only necessary to nod acquiescence to the lieutenant, when Steel +Spring stripped off his coat and set to work in earnest. In a few +minutes he had ransacked our private stores and spread our few dishes +upon a box, that answered for a table, in the most tempting array; and +with a few dried branches he set the teakettle to boiling, and almost +before we thought that he had made a beginning, he announced that supper +was ready for his superior. + +"By the way," Murden said, while partaking of our fare, "I overtook +Smith on his way to this place, and I should think that he would arrive +by to-morrow morning. He has two large loads of goods, and I think that +he has made a speculation in buying them, from the hints that he dropped +to me in confidence. One of your large American clipper ships arrived at +Melbourne with an assorted cargo of Yankee notions, and as the market +was, in mercantile parlance, glutted with goods of all descriptions, a +forced sale was effected, and Smith bought largely at a low figure. He +is in good spirits, and says that he never felt so well in his life as +since he was married." + +"Married?" we repeated, in astonishment. + +"Yes, Smith has married Becky Lang, and a good wife she will make him. +The lady's father, the convict, still remains on his cattle ranch, and, +for some strange reason, refuses to move to Melbourne, where Becky has +taken up her residence. The ceremony was performed at the latter place, +and I was one of the witnesses." + +We could readily understand why the old man refused to move. The banks +of the brook near which he resided were too rich in gold deposits to be +given up until a competence was acquired. We wondered if Smith revealed +the knowledge of the money which we had dug successfully for, and which +we had shared between us. We feared that he had, and that Murden would +consider we had acted unfair in the transaction. But as he said nothing +on the subject we were not disposed to introduce it. + +"How is my old friend Brown, and how does he like the duties at this +station?" Murden asked, as he rose from the supper table, and Steel +Spring took his place. + +We gave a favorable account of the inspector, and while the lieutenant +was listening, a sudden thought entered our heads, which we were +resolved to carry into effect, and thereby get square with Mr. Brown, +who had played us a trick some time before. Murden was anxious to speak +with the inspector and deliver his letters, but he wished to do it in a +secret manner, so that no suspicions should be awakened that he was on a +government mission, or that government was preparing to strengthen its +force at Ballarat. The authorities knew that a struggle must occur +between the miners and the police, and it had been considered advisable +to hasten the conflict before the miners gained more strength, defeat +them badly, as the council at Melbourne supposed could be easily done, +hang a few for high treason, and afterwards the mining tax could be +collected without any difficulty whatever. + +Such was the programme that the governor-general and his council laid +out, and they supposed that it could be executed; and even Murden +labored under the same impression until we convinced him of his error, +and advised him by all means to keep out of the conflict if possible, as +which ever way the battle went the police would be blamed, and obtain no +credit for their exposure or bravery. The sequel showed that we were +right in our premises. As I said before, the lieutenant was anxious to +see the inspector, but did not care about visiting his office; so we +despatched a note by a passing policeman, requesting Mr. Brown's company +instantly, and advising him to come alone, as we had two suspicious +persons in the store, and we thought that a reward had been offered for +their apprehension, which we were desirous of obtaining. We got Murden's +consent to act in the plot, and by the aid of a wig his disguise was +complete. As for Steel Spring, he was to remain as he was, without +disguise, but was to vehemently deny his cognomen, and puzzle Mr. Brown +if possible. + +The instant the inspector got our note he loaded himself with pistols +and started for our store. By the time that he arrived it was dark, but +we had a candle burning that but dimly illuminated the room, and +prevented him from distinguishing objects. + +"There are some lodgers that we have for to-night," Fred said, pointing +to Murden and Steel Spring, both of whom sat with their faces from the +light, as though not desirous of attracting attention. + +"I am sure it gives me pleasure to meet friends of yours," the inspector +said, with a grim smile; and he rubbed his hands as though already the +capturer of two notorious robbers. + +"Who are they?" Mr. Brown asked, in a low whisper, watching every motion +of Murden and Steel Spring, as though he expected a manifestation of +hostility on their part. + +"Don't know," replied Fred, in the same tone, "but I suspect that they +are bushrangers." + +"Ah, ah, I have no doubt of it," the inspector said. "Have your pistols +handy, for they may resist when I arrest them." + +Mr. Brown took a seat, and every opportunity that he could get he would +scrutinize the half-hidden faces of Murden and Steel Spring; but owing +to the light being bad, he was unable to gratify his curiosity. Fred and +myself conversed on various matters, about the yield of gold for the +coming year, and whether the prices of goods would decline before the +wet set in, but Mr. Brown was too anxious for a capture to join us, and +had not the spirit of evil actuated Steel Spring, we should have kept +the inspector in suspense for an hour or two. Steel Spring was too +mercurial to remain dormant for any length of time, and with a desire to +stir Mr. Brown into activity he said, in a careless sort of way,-- + +"By the vay, I 'eard that these 'ere mines vas paying wery vell." + +Mr. Brown started, as I knew that he would recollect the voice, and he +hastily glanced towards us to see if we did not mark it also; but we +appeared to pay no attention, and continued our conversation. "You have +never been in Ballarat before?" the inspector said, addressing Steel +Spring. + +"No, I can't say that I 'ave. My time has been so much occupied vid +other duties that I 'ave not been able to visit all the places I'd vish +to." + +"Perhaps you would have no objection to inform the company of the manner +in which your livelihood is and has been obtained?" the inspector asked, +nervously handling a pair of pistols in his coat pocket. + +"O, I've been in the travelling line," the long-limbed wretch replied, +with a grin. + +"Then perhaps you will have the kindness to travel with me, Mr. Steel +Spring," cried the inspector, suddenly starting from his seat, and +covering the persons of Murden and his servant with a pair of horse +pistols that carried sixteen to the pound. + +Neither of the parties moved or showed surprise, but we were astonished +when we heard the inspector utter a shrill whistle, and before it died +away half a dozen blue-coated policemen rushed into the room, armed with +pistols and swords. + +"You see that resistance is useless," the inspector said, addressing +Steel Spring and Murden; "I know both of you, and bigger rascals never +went unhanged." + +"If you know me, pray tell me my name," Murden said, in as gruff a tone +as he could assume. + +"I can't mention your name at present, but from your looks I've no doubt +that you are some murdering scoundrel. Any jury would convict you +without hesitancy." + +Fred and I exploded with laughter, and even Steel Spring, fortified as +he was with the protection of Murden, and a full pardon for all past +offences, roared with glee. + +Mr. Brown looked astonished and indignant, but he did not give up his +hostile attitude. Even his men lost their savage glare, and waited for +an explanation, which we were in no hurry to give. + +"Put up your pistols, Mr. Brown," I said; "you have no use for them +here." + +"But what is the meaning of this?" he demanded. + +"Send your men to the station-house, and we will explain." + +"But these--" + +He pointed to the supposed bushrangers. + +"We will go bail for their appearance to-morrow morning," I replied. + +The inspector made a sign to his men, and they rather reluctantly +dispersed. They were as anxious to know the secret of the mystery as +their chief. + +"Now, gentlemen," Mr. Brown said, with some severity, "I am waiting to +hear an account of your strange conduct." + +"Do you recollect," Fred asked, "of being disguised as an old man, and +of asking two Americans what they thought of the annexation question?" + +"Pshaw, that was a joke," he returned, pettishly. + +"Do you recollect that you laughed quite heartily when we promised to +retaliate, and 'sell' you on the first favorable opportunity, and that +we were defied to do it?" Fred continued. Mr. Brown nodded. + +"Well, then we are even," I said. + +"I don't see that you are," the inspector, cried. "Here are two +notorious criminals who should be safely locked up, and yet you ask me +to spare them until morning. I know them both, and will pledge my word +that they have stolen more gold dust than any other two parties in +Australia." + +"And I will pledge my word that I can't begin to prig with the head of +the police force in Ballarat," cried Murden, who could remain silent no +longer. + +Mr. Brown sprang to his feet with indignation stamped upon every line of +his face, but before he could proceed to extremities, Murden threw off +his wig, unrolled his coat collar, and stood before the inspector as +lieutenant of the Melbourne police force, and consequently one grade +lower in rank than Mr. Brown. + +"Murden," the inspector exclaimed, extending his hand in astonishment. + +"That's me, Brown, and I beg that you will forgive me for my share of +this plot. It was to retaliate, I believe, for some joke that you +perpetrated a few days ago." + +"Yes, but this matter is serious," Mr. Brown muttered. + +"I grant that; especially when you spoke about my stealing. Faith, I +began to think that I should be the inmate of your town prison, before +long, unless I confessed." + +"Well, perhaps I was rather fast in my charges; but you know that your +wig altered your face, and in fact, seeing you in company with this +notorious--" + +Mr. Brown pointed to Steel Spring, and that worthy individual grinned +with delight at the excitement that he had created. + +"Yes, I rather think that we have met afore," he said; "don't you +remember how you ran after me and my pal ven ve vere goin' to Sydney?" + +"You scoundrel," replied the inspector, with some warmth, "I only wish +that I had the custody of you for a few months." + +"I 'ave no doubt of it; but I shan't give you a chance now. I've turned +'onest, and intends to lead a different life." And Steel Spring grinned +in triumph, and opened and shut his long, flexible limbs with wonderful +dexterity. + +"You turned honest!" muttered the inspector, with an incredulous glance. + +"That's the vay that ve is doubted," whined the treacherous scamp, +wiping his eyes, and pretending to feel as though his heart was broken; +"ven ve leaves off our bad vays, and becomes associates for the police, +then ve is suspected of being bad. There's precious little 'couragement +for us." + +"Don't be too hard on the lad," the lieutenant said, "for he helped us +convict half a dozen of the worst bushrangers in the country, a few +weeks ago, and he saved his own life by--" + +"Turning government evidence, I'll be sworn," cried the inspector, +eagerly. + +The lieutenant nodded, and continued, "Two or three of the fellows +tried to get clear, on the ground that they were prisoners in the hands +of the bushrangers, and I'll confess that the plea was having a telling +effect on the jury; but when Steel Spring opened his mouth, he brought +them." + +"And didn't you tell me how to swear, and didn't I do it?" the wretch +exclaimed, triumphantly. + +"Silence, you fool!" and Steel Spring, obedient as a dog, held his +tongue. + +"The fact of it is," Murden said, after a pause, "the government has +granted the fellow a full pardon, and I have taken him into my service +for the present, in hopes that his reformation will be complete." + +"I know that it will," chimed in the lank wretch, but a look silenced +him. + +"And now suppose you should tell me why you have paid Ballarat a visit?" +the inspector inquired. + +"I'm on business connected with the government, and to consult with you +in relation to the mining tax." + +"Will government send the troops?" asked the inspector, eagerly. + +"Hush!" replied Murden, glancing towards us; "you should be more +cautious, Mr. Brown." + +"O, these are friends of ours, and espouse our side, and, if necessary, +will fight for us," returned the inspector. + +"Softly," rejoined Fred; "we fight for no one but ourselves, and we have +never given you or a living man to understand that we will take up arms +against the miners. The question is too new for a decision on our part; +slightly as we have investigated it, we must say that our sympathies are +with the miners instead of the government." + +"Just as I supposed," muttered Murden; but whether in disappointment or +in anger I could not tell. + +"Why, I really thought that I had proved to you that a tax was +necessary," Mr. Brown said, in an apologetic strain. + +"A slight tax, certainly, is necessary," Fred replied; "one that will +help support a force to preserve order and regularity in the mines, but +not a tax that is large enough to support the whole government of +Australia. Let a trifling sum be named, say a few shillings per man, per +month, and exempt those from paying it who are sick, or unfortunate in +their operations." + +The lieutenant and inspector did not reply for some few moments. Each +appeared to be pondering on the words that Fred had uttered, without +knowing how to answer his arguments. + +"At least," the lieutenant said, "we can trust our American friends, and +therefore there is no occasion for our adjourning from these comfortable +quarters." + +We returned no answer, and he went on, unmindful of our presence. + +"The governor and council have concluded that the miners have abused the +government without cause, and that their rebellious attitude is of so +hostile a nature that prompt action must be taken, as it is feared that, +if the miners are allowed to continue in their present course, the +colony will soon be in a state of revolt, and that independence will be +declared. Therefore, to save the effusion of blood, and teach the miners +that they must respect the laws, it is proposed to provoke a collision, +and shoot a few of the ringleaders; and after that is effected, peace +and quietness will be restored." + +"The governor and council are mad, if they expect to maintain peace by +such means," Fred said; but no notice was taken of his remark. + +"But the troops?" asked the inspector, anxiously. + +"Will be on their way to Ballarat in less than a fortnight. Even now, +munitions of war are packing, and wagons being got ready to forward +stores, and accompany the soldiers on their march. Things are working so +quietly and effectively that even the officers of the regiment are not +aware that they are to leave Melbourne." + +"And my instructions?" asked the inspector. + +"To play the spy, as usual!" cried a gruff voice, within a few feet of +us, on the outside of the building. + + + + +CHAPTER XLIX. + +CATCHING A TARL AS WELL AS A CASSIOWARY. + + +We started up in such surprise and rapidity, that the inspector stumbled +and fell head foremost against Steel Spring, striking the latter full in +his stomach, and sending him, like a cannon ball, out of the back +entrance of the store amidst the horses, stabled there in company with +Rover, for security. + +Before the scamp could gain his feet, the dog, still entertaining a +little animosity against his old enemy, flew at him, and with a vigorous +bite tore off a portion of his pants, where they were the fullest, and +then luckily desisted from further damage, probably not liking the +taste. + +"Some one has been listening!" exclaimed the lieutenant, rushing towards +the front door, followed by the inspector and Fred, while I proceeded to +the relief of Steel Spring, who made more noise than all the rest of us. + +"There he goes--follow him!" shouted Murden, as a form was seen to run +towards the river, although the night was too dark to distinguish who it +was; and after running a few yards, the pursuers returned completely +baffled, and bewildered at the turn affairs had taken. + +"What is to be done now?" asked Mr. Brown, with a bewildered air. + +"Vy, I shall have to get a new pair of pants, I s'pose," answered Steel +Spring, who imagined that the conversation was addressed to him. + +"Silence, you fool; we are in no humor for jesting," returned Mr. Brown, +angrily. + +"I don't think it any joke to have a big dog tear ye, and spile new +clothes," Steel Spring muttered, although not loud enough for Mr. Brown +to hear. + +"Some person has overheard our plans, and the miners will be +forewarned," Murden said. "Who would have supposed that an eavesdropper +was concealed within hearing?" + +"But what is to be done?" reiterated Mr. Brown. + +"There is where I need advice myself," the lieutenant answered looking +first upon Fred and then upon myself, as though desirous of our +opinions. + +There was an ominous pause, but at length Fred concluded to speak in +relation to the matter, and his remarks were received with attention. + +"This mining tax," he said, "is one that will have to be abolished +before many months, because it is oppressive, and applies to all without +distinction. The miner who digs his fifty pounds of nuggets per week, or +the one who does not get gold enough to make a finger ring, are +compelled to conform to the law; and as there are more blanks than +prizes in this lottery--for gold digging is but a lottery--of course the +poorer class feel that they are aggrieved, and desire an equalization +law, so that a man can pay according to his earnings. + +"As soon as a conflict does occur, the government will be defeated. It +may not be in fighting battles, but it will be in public resentment. Let +ten or a dozen miners be killed by the police or soldiers, and the +governor-general and his council will be driven from the country by +popular opinion. + +"The mother country, as she valued her possession, would not dare to +retain him or friends in office, for if they did, a revolution would be +the consequence. With the retirement of the government, all those who +had aided it would be compelled to leave, or all those who had taken a +prominent part in the warfare against the miners. Therefore, if you +desire to make Australia a home, don't be mixed up in the present +struggle, if possible." + +"I am half inclined to think that you are right," Murden said, at +length. + +"I also begin to think so," the inspector remarked. + +"I've hall 'long hentertained similar hideas," Steel Spring said, but he +was not attended to. + +"But we are officers of the police force, and must respond when called +for duty," the lieutenant observed. + +"Granted," replied Fred; "but it is very easy to get exchanged, +especially if the request is backed with a rare specimen nugget." + +The two officers exchanged glances, and nodded acquiescence in the views +promulgated. + +"I think," Murden said, "that my time will be so occupied with affairs +at Melbourne that I shall not be able to visit Ballarat again this +year." + +"And I have an intense desire to be near an uncle of mine in Sydney. +Will you, Mr. Murden, forward my petition for an exchange?" asked the +inspector, with a smile of great meaning. + +"It will give me great pleasure to undertake the commission. I have +heard of some very fine specimens of gold being taken from these mines," +the lieutenant added. + +"It will give me great satisfaction to forward two pieces that I owe to +our worthy chief, and will you tell him that I anticipate obtaining a +third piece after I am exchanged?" + +"And what report had I better carry back to Melbourne?" the lieutenant +asked. + +"You can say that you gave me the necessary instructions, but there is +no hope of coping with the miners unless five thousand troops, with +cannon, are on the ground. That will startle government, you may +depend," the inspector answered, earnestly. + +"And let us keep our counsel. There is no need that we should inform our +superiors that through our stupidity their well-laid plans have been +destroyed, and the miners acquainted with what is in store for them. Eh, +Mr. Brown?" + +"Certainly not, sir," promptly responded that individual. + +"Ve should lose our reputation for shrewdness if ve did," muttered Steel +Spring, but his master overheard him, and gave him a kick as a reward. + +And in this manner was it settled, that government should not be +enlightened in regard to the information which the miners had obtained, +and it was owing to the plot being overheard at our store that the +people of Ballarat were enabled to abolish the odious mining tax, and to +accomplish that, were prepared for the soldiers when they did arrive. + +The inspector left us for his quarters, and the rest of us retired for +the night, with the intention of rising early and riding out to meet +Smith, who could not be more than ten miles distant, according to +Murden's report. + +We were on horseback about sunrise, and rode slowly out of Ballarat, +leaving Steel Spring to look after the store and its effects. The miners +were cooking their breakfasts as we passed along, and the fumes of fried +pork and boiling coffee greeted our nostrils at every turn. + +Stretched out as far as the eye could reach were tents of every color +and hue, from the new comer of yesterday to the old stager blackened by +the dust and rains of nearly twelve months. We met parties of Chinese, +who had been on a hunt for lizards and other insects, and to judge from +their jargon, they had been eminently successful. + +Two of them were staggering under the weight of an enormous snake, that +they had found dead a short distance from the town, and they strung it +on a pole, and were congratulating themselves on the many stews that it +would make. They regarded it in the light of a present from their gods, +and danced with joy. + +We left the main road, and followed an almost imperceptible trail that +led us in a parallel course, and within sight of the road that we +expected Smith would choose for reaching the town. By doing so we were +enabled to avoid the dust and confusion, and ride more at our leisure; +and before we were five miles from Ballarat we were repaid for our +precaution, for just as we were passing a small clump of half-stunted +vegetation we heard a fluttering of wings, and on looking up, we saw one +of the largest birds that Australia can boast. It was a full-grown +cassiowary, and stood nearly eight feet high, we judged, with long, +stout legs, black and muscular, and a foot that would cover a peck +measure. + +The bird's beak was like an ostrich's, stout and sharp, and its head and +body greatly resembled one. The cassiowary's wings were also small, and +seemed as though intended to help its progress when running; for it was +impossible to lift its huge body into the air with such puny ones. + +The bird did not seem much alarmed at our presence, and by keeping +Rover at our sides, we were enabled to examine it at leisure. After +first stretching out its long neck, and uttering a peculiar whistle, the +bird, after a second glance at us, continued to feed, and seemed +disposed to let us continue our journey without further attention. + +"It's a cassiowary," Murden said, in a low tone, "and I'll give five +pounds for its skin. I never saw a live one before, although I have +frequently seen the stuffed one at the government house, which is valued +so highly by Sir Charles Latrobe. What a prize it would be, if we only +had our rifles?" + +The lieutenant was right; if we had only have taken our rifles with us, +we could have killed the bird from where we stood; but the distance was +too great to expect a fatal result with a revolver, and we knew that if +we advanced nearer it would take to flight. If we went back to Ballarat +after a rifle, it was not likely that the bird would stay there until we +returned, and under these circumstances we looked towards Fred for his +advice. + +"Let us capture the bird alive," he said, and we laughed at his words, +thinking that he meant to ridicule us. + +"I am serious," he said, "for I believe that it is possible." + +"Let us know how," cried Murden; "and if your plan succeeds, the best +supper that can be obtained in Ballarat shall reward your ingenuity!" + +"For how many?" inquired Fred. + +"For the party, and Mr. Brown." + +"That will cost you more than five pounds; but as you are anxious for +the bird, I will try and devise a way of relieving your purse." + +Fred, as he spoke, uncoiled his long halter,--a rope that we used to +hitch the horses to during the daytime, so that they could wander over +considerable ground, and feed upon the dried grass,--and made a running +knot in one end, and thus formed a slip-noose, like the Mexican's +_reatta_. + +"What next?" we asked. + +"Why, I want both of you to follow my example, and if you get near +enough to the bird, to throw the rope over its neck, and see that one +end of it is made fast to the pommel of the saddle." + +"Why, that is the way that the Spaniards capture ostriches," Murden +said. + +"Precisely," returned Fred, "only they have to ride many miles over a +sandy soil before the ostrich will consent to be taken; and it strikes +me that we can imitate those same Spaniards, and even if we can't get +near enough to cast our reattas we can try the effects of a shot." + +"By George, I'm in for the sport!" cried Murden, and he commenced +preparing his rope in a manner similar to Fred's. + +In a few minutes we were ready, and rode off a short distance, and then +gradually closed in until the unconscious bird was surrounded. I then +allowed Rover to start, and with a low bay he dashed towards the +cassiowary. + +The latter, when the dog was within a few feet, stopped feeding, and +seemed to be somewhat astonished; and just us the hound sprang upon his +intended victim, the bird turned tail to, and started on a run, in the +direction of Fred. + +The animal made awful clumsy work of running, and yet it got over the +ground in a surprisingly rapid manner; and although Rover exerted +himself to the utmost, he had some difficulty in gaining on the chase. + +We hallooed the hound on, in hopes that he would seize the bird by one +of its legs; and in fact, just as he was about to, the cassiowary +suddenly stopped, raised one of its huge feet, and with a vigorous kick +sent Rover rolling head over heels. + +The dog got up and looked somewhat astonished, and then recommenced the +chase with renewed vigor and enthusiasm. + +The bird continued its irregular course, lifting its huge legs in a slow +and mathematical manner, yet running with great speed, and seeming to +care no more for bushes, and such like obstructions, than an elephant. + +As I said before, the bird's course led directly towards Fred; but upon +getting sight of him as he sat on his horse with rope in hand, it +changed, and fled towards me, plunging its long neck, and uttering a +short whistle, as though blowing off steam. Even while running, the +short, stumpy wings were used to aid its flight and steady its body, +which rocked, and rolled, and swayed to and fro like a ship in a head +sea. + +"On, Rover, on!" we shouted, and the faithful dog strained all of his +energies to overtake the chase, and when he again got within a few yards +of it, up went a claw, and we could hear the powerful blow that +descended upon the dog's head, and sent him rolling over and over again, +and this time a slight yelp told that he was somewhat hurt. + +"Look out for him!" shouted Fred and Murden, spurring towards me, but +there was no necessity to caution me. I had my rope all ready, and when +the bird was near enough, I whirled it over my head _a la Mexicano_, and +let it fly at the long neck that was stretched out to its fullest +extent. + +The cord fell directly upon the bird's body, but was shook clear in an +instant, and its course was changed; and instead of seeking to pass me, +it turned and ran towards the lieutenant, who was laughing most heartily +at our attempts to imitate the cattle drivers of Spanish climes. + +"Look out!" shouted Fred, but the warning was unheeded, and before the +lieutenant could command his presence of mind the bird charged upon him, +startled his horse, and the next moment the officer was thrown to the +ground directly in the path of the cassiowary. + +Luckily Murden struck the ground face downwards, and before he could +turn over the bird was upon him. With one vigorous jerk of its beak on +that portion of his anatomy where the flesh is supposed to be firmest, +he tore away cloth, and perhaps an inch or two of skin; for at any rate +we saw the lieutenant clap his hand upon his wound, and when he withdrew +it, blood dripped from his fingers. + +"D----n the cassiowary!" Murden roared, struggling to his feet, and +rubbing his bruised limbs; but we did not stop to hear his complaints, +for the bird was going off like a frightened deer, and if we expected to +make a prize, there was no time to lose. + +We struck our animals, and they followed the object of pursuit at the +top of their speed, yet for the first five minutes we did not gain an +inch; and even Rover, who had joined in the chase with renewed vigor +found that he had got his match for once. + +At length we got clear of the dried grass and bushes, and entered upon +the prairie, that was as smooth and level as a house floor, and then we +began to gradually gain upon the huge bird in spite of its immense +strides. + +Our course led directly towards the main road, and we could see a dozen +teams leisurely pursuing their journey, and we hoped that the drivers +would head the bird and cause it to turn towards us, when an opportunity +would offer for a shot, for we began to give up all hope of making the +capture alive. + +We flew over the ground as fast as the horses could stretch, and the +animals seemed to enjoy the sport equally as well as ourselves; in a few +minutes we saw that the teamsters were watching the chase, and that a +number of them had got their guns in readiness to give the bird a shot +in case it went near enough to their carts. That was something that we +did not desire, as we wished the honor of making the capture; and had we +been disposed to trust to our revolvers, we could have wounded the bird +when it unhorsed the lieutenant and left him sprawling in the dirt. + +The eyes of the cassiowary were as sharp, however, as our own, and +seeing the danger in front, slackened its speed as though uncertain what +to do, and we took advantage of the hesitancy to urge the pace of our +horses to the utmost, and gained so rapidly that Fred determined to try +his reatta. He whirled it over his head in true Mexican style, and threw +it, but the Mexican science was not in the act; it struck upon the +bird's back, and then slipped to the ground. + +Nothing daunted, Fred gathered up his rope again, and by the time that +it was in his hand the chase suddenly stopped, raised its long neck, and +attempted to pass between us, and again seek refuge amidst the grass +that was growing in profusion on our right. + +That act was fatal to the poor bird, for before it could gain headway +Rover had caught one of its long legs in his mouth and bit so hard that +a shrill shriek was elicited--something like the cry of an enraged ape. +Again did the bird strike him with beak and claw, but the dog held on +with the tenacity of a death-grip; and during the struggle we rode +quickly up and threw our slip-nooses over that long neck, which had cut +through the air with more than railroad speed. Even then, the cassiowary +seemed to be more concerned about Rover than ourselves, and fought him +fiercely. + +"Call off the dog," shouted Fred; "we have him sure, now." + +That was a task of some difficulty, for Rover had got his blood up and +was fighting desperately, making the feathers fly in all directions; and +even his antagonist was using all the weapons that nature had given him, +and was striking out like a prize-fighter, fighting with wings and beak, +and sometimes with feet, in a manner that would have excited the +admiration of a cock-fighting padre. + +By the time that I got Rover to relinquish the combat,--and during its +continuance I did not escape harmless,--the teamsters had stopped their +oxen and were rushing towards us, anxious to see what kind of an animal +we were struggling with. The bird made frantic efforts to escape, but by +means of the rope we were enabled to frustrate them, and were getting +him quite subdued when the crowd reached us. + +"What on airth is that?" inquired a man, whose voice readily proclaimed +his nation. + +"Why, that is an Australian turkey," replied Murden, who joined us at +that instant, looking somewhat the worse for his trip, and we noticed +that his seat in the saddle was not very firm. + +"Why, you don't say that, 'squire?" asked our new acquaintance, +approaching the captive to get a nearer view. + +"Yes, it is. We pasture them out a little ways, and when the people at +Ballarat feel like having a feast we catch one, but sometimes they get a +little wild." + +"Wall, I swow to man, if that don't beat all that I ever heard of, and +no mistake. I've seen big cock-turkeys, and uncle Josiah raised one for +last Thanksgiving that was a whopper, but this knocks him. I say, what +could I get a pair of these 'ere for?" + +The stranger very imprudently laid his hand upon the bird for the +purpose of feeling his condition, and what proportion of flesh there was +to feathers. Hardly had the captive felt his touch when all of his +native fierceness returned, and while our countryman, with a grave face, +was still expressing his wonder, the cassiowary raised one of his +muscular legs and kicked him full on his breast. In another instant the +American was going backward at a rapid rate, and finally brought up full +length upon the earth. For a second he didn't move, then slowly +gathering up his lank form, he looked first at the cassiowary, and then +at Murden, and muttered,-- + +"Dod rot yer Australia turkeys,--they don't know manners." + +The crowd roared with laughter, and for a long time our American friend +was known by the nickname of "Turkey Johnson." + + + + +CHAPTER L. + +ARRIVAL OF SMITH.--ATTEMPT TO BURN THE STORE. + + +Even after we had captured the cassiowary we did not know what to do +with it, as Murden would not listen for a moment to the idea of its +being killed, and yet the bird was too formidable an opponent to play +with. While we were debating how to get the bird to Ballarat, an old +stockman, who upon the discovery of gold had left his employment and +gone into the teaming business, suggested that we should tie a +handkerchief over his head, and guaranteed that we would then lead as +docile as a pet lamb. + +"Now, then, how are we to improve the advice of the stockman?" asked +Murden. "Who will throw a handkerchief over the bird's head, and then +have the hardihood to tie it?" + +No one volunteered to perform so perilous a duty until our American +friend, who had recovered from the effects of his kick, suggested that +all present should take hold of the two ropes, and by pulling in +opposite directions manage to keep the bird in a state of strangulation +that would utterly prevent all resistance. + +Murden was delighted with the hint, and acted on it without delay. We +pressed those present into service, and in a few minutes the eyes of the +huge bird were screened from the light, and he was ready to follow us +wherever we should lead. In this way we escorted him to town, and +Murden, when he returned to Melbourne, carried his pet; and the bird may +be alive now for all that I know, for the lieutenant gave him to the +governor-general, and for many months after the presentation the +cassiowary was to be seen on the grounds, near the palace, an object of +great curiosity to all new-comers. + +After seeing the bird safely housed at the back part of our store, where +we kept our horses, and after astonishing Steel Spring by telling him +that he was to make his entree into Melbourne on the back of the bird, +we again took the road, and were soon gratified by meeting our partner, +Smith, with two huge loads of merchandise of all descriptions, and each +drawn by four yokes of oxen. + +"Well, I've got along," he said, with one of his most cheerful smiles, +"and a precious whack of itself I've got piled on the carts. Here's a +little of every thing. Cheap for cash, you know." + +"Then you made good trades in Melbourne?" we both demanded. + +"I should rather think I had. There's three or four American clipper +ships in port with cargoes that must be sold, and no demand. I bought a +lot of stuff at auction, and I never paid such a low figure before." + +"But how did you manage to get clear of your wife so soon after +marriage?" Fred asked. + +"Ah, I see that the lieutenant has been giving you the news," replied +Smith, with a genuine blush. "Well, the fact of it is, she is too +sensible a woman to regret the absence of one whom she knows is +bettering himself, so that there were but few tears shed between us." + +The lieutenant, with a consideration that did him credit, rode in +advance a few rods, out of hearing, as he rightly judged that we must +desire to make a few inquiries of a private nature respecting our +business relation. + +"Did you get the gold that was in the custody of the old--" + +We were about to say "old convict," when we recollected that he was +Smith's father-in-law. + +"Of course I did," our partner interrupted, apparently taking no notice +of our mistake. "He read the order over a dozen times, and then made me +sign a paper, stating that the money was given up to me on such a day, +at such a time, and then called his daughter to witness the delivery. He +wished you both all manner of prosperity, and said that he didn't want +you to think hard of him for not letting you mine on his claim, but +hoped to be rich enough before many days to relinquish it entirely, and +then you could come and be welcome." + +"Tell him we appreciate his kindness," returned Fred, with a laugh at +the shrewdness of the old fox. + +"Yes, I will," returned Smith, seriously. "But let me finish with an +account of how I spent a portion of the funds, and what I did with the +remainder. I have ten barrels of flour, or a ton as we term it, which I +got cheap enough, and if we don't realize a profit on it I shall be much +mistaken--then I have sugars, molasses, whiskey, wine, spices, boots +and shoes, clothing, meal, preserved meats and vegetables, tobacco and +cigars, pipes, pork, a cask of vinegar, a barrel of pickles, firkins of +butter, and a dozen cheeses, and fifty other things that I don't +recollect, but which I have no doubt will meet with a ready sale after +we have once got started." + +"And the price for all these things was low?" we asked, quite amazed at +the variety that our partner had selected. + +"So low that over two thirds of the money that we subscribed now awaits +our order at the Melbourne bank." And to confirm his words, Smith pulled +from his bosom a small pouch that contained a certificate of deposit. + +Of course we congratulated our friend on the prospect that he had +afforded us of making a large percentage on his purchases, and by the +time that we had finished our interrogations we had reached Ballarat and +drew up in front of our new store; and in spite of the warmth of the +afternoon, we stripped off our coats, and went to work unloading the +carts and arranging the goods to suit our ideas of convenience and +display. + +Even Murden did not disdain to lend a hand, and Mr. Brown, when he +dropped around to take a cup of tea with us in the evening, finding that +there was plenty of work to be done, sent us half a dozen policemen; the +latter labored as though they liked it, and when, about ten o'clock in +the evening, we knocked off, and offered to pay them, to our surprise +they told us that they were already paid, and all our entreaties were +powerless to make them accept of a shilling. But they still lingered in +the store, and we wondered at it; and at length we hinted to Murden that +we thought they wanted something for their services, although they had +refused money. + +"Leave them to me," the lieutenant replied, "and I will find out what +they expect." + +"Well, boys, we have had a pretty hard evening's work," the lieutenant +said, speaking to the men, who had no idea that he belonged to the +service. + +"Yes, sir; carrying in the barrels is apt to make one dry and tired," +replied the men. + +"Yes, I know; but you understand that there is no such thing as liquor +in the store," and Murden winked mysteriously. + +"O, we knew there was none," cried the men, with wonderful unanimity, +and their faces experienced a change for the better immediately. + +"I suppose if there was liquor here, and it was offered, you could take +off half a tumbler full without much trouble?" + +The men were confident that they could, although they once more +expressed their full conviction in none being in the store. + +"Tap a barrel and give them a strong pull at it," Murden whispered, "and +you need not fear of their informing." + +It was but the work of a moment to accomplish the object, and perhaps we +were the more ready from a desire on our part to taste what Smith had +bought. The six policemen threw back their heads with military +precision, and emptied their tumblers without making even a wry face; +but their lips smacked like the reports of six distinct pistols, and as +they turned to go one said,-- + +"Liquor is not allowed to be sold at the mines without a full license, +and the rules and regulations prevent us from touching any kind of +spirits; therefore we are all temperance men; but, I must say that you +have got some of the best colored water to be had in the country. Good +evening, sirs; we should like to assist again when our services are +needed;" and off went the policemen, well satisfied with their reward. + +It was as the men stated--liquor had to be licensed or not at all; and +although a large amount was disposed of daily at Ballarat, yet it was +never sold in the presence of a policeman, or a person who would be +likely to inform of the vender. + +We ate our supper with a good appetite, glancing with pride upon our +well-filled store and carefully-selected goods, and bright anticipations +arose in our minds as we thought of the profits that we should reach +before they were all disposed of. A fortune of colossal size seemed +within our reach, and only required a little tact to grasp. While we +were thus cogitating, a barefooted, wild-looking boy, who seemed as +though he had worked under ground all his life, and was only on the +surface for a few minutes for the sake of astonishing civilization, made +his appearance, threw down a dirty-looking note, and then disappeared as +suddenly as he came. + +"What does the fellow mean?" asked Murden, who was lazily swinging in a +hammock, smoking a pipe with infinite relish, and endeavoring to keep +the insects at bay by raising clouds of burnt tobacco. + +"We are as much in the dark as yourself," I replied, examining the +superscription of the letter, and finding that the address was to the +"Two Americans, who keep the store." + +"Well, open it and enlighten us," the lieutenant said, carelessly, and +we complied, and found that the contents were as follows:-- + + "BALRAT, AUSTRALE.--You felers is in danger and i wont to tel you + of it, but i mustnt be seen round or i shal be spected and then no + confidince will be plac in me, the felers round think you is agin + um in the mining tack, but i say no, take care of your store to + night, or you wil see the devil. no more now. A MAN YOU BENIFITTED + ONE TIM." + +"A pleasant kind of note, truly," remarked Murden, laying down his pipe; +"and I don't believe that the writer of the letter had any idea of +needlessly alarming you. He is evidently your friend, and would call and +give you information were he not fearful of being suspected by his +comrades." + +"But what is this danger that we are threatened with?" queried Fred. + +"I don't know, but it strikes me very forcibly that I have been the +means of involving you in difficulty. The spy who overheard our plans +last night has evidently reported that you are on the side of +government, and to vent their spite against you is undoubtedly the +object of the disaffected miners. What they intend to do I don't know; +but this I do know--I will have every policeman in Ballarat stationed +around your store before it shall come to harm, and I will lose my own +life but I will preserve yours and your property." Murden spoke with an +air of sincerity and confidence that convinced us he was in earnest. + +"Our property," repeated Fred, in a musing tone, and he glanced around +the store, where bale and cask were strewed in confusion. + +"That is what is aimed at," cried my friend, suddenly starting up. + +"Depend upon it, the villains mean to fire the store and destroy all the +goods that we have purchased at such a large expense. But we will be +ready for them." + +He drew his revolver from his belt and examined carefully each barrel, +and then saw that the caps were fresh and fitted well. + +"In that they shall be disappointed," Murden exclaimed; "I will go to +the police quarters at once and state the facts of the case. A dozen men +shall be detailed to guard your store, day and night, until all danger +is past." + +The impetuous officer, filled with this idea, would have rushed +instantly to the inspector's; and before Fred could stop him he had got +into the street. + +"Come here for a moment," cried Fred, in a quiet tone, and Murden +doggedly consented. + +The instant that he was in the store Fred closed the door and locked it, +and put the key in his pocket. + +"What is it you wish!" asked the lieutenant, after a moment's silence, +surprised at the act. + +"I wish you to hear a little reason, and not ruin us with your good +intentions," my friend answered, quietly. + +Murden looked astonished, but made no reply. He refilled his pipe and +lighted it in silence. At length he asked,-- + +"What do you mean by saying that I shall ruin you with my intentions? Do +you think that I do not feel very keenly the situation in which my own +thoughtlessness has placed you?" + +"We have no doubt that your motives are good," replied Fred, "but we +know that you will listen to reason, and after a few words of +explanation will agree with us that our course is right." + +Murden looked incredulous, and puffed away at his pipe vigorously; but +he muttered, "Go on," and we discovered that he was softening rapidly. + +"It is evident," Fred went on to state, "that the disaffected portion of +the miners at this place think that we are in league with government in +endeavoring to force the tax upon them, and, to revenge themselves, +undertake to burn our store. This we must prevent." + +"That is what I told you in the first place," interrupted the +lieutenant. "We must have a police force around the store, and shoot +down every suspicious character that approaches during the night." + +"Such a course would soon make the mines too hot to hold us, and instead +of getting sympathy, we should get the undying hatred of every man in +Australia. No, no; we must meet violence with kindness, and instead of +making enemies, make friends." + +"Go on, and tell me how you will act to do so," cried Murden. + +"It is very simple: we must watch for those who seek to harm us, and +convince them of our friendship," responded Fred, earnestly. + +"By hanging or shooting, I suppose," replied Murden. + +"Neither one nor the other method should we adopt. We will keep watch, +and if an incendiary seeks to fire our building, we will seize him, and +convince him that we are favorable to his cause, or that we mean to +remain neutral during the coming struggle, and then set him free to +return to his friends with the news." + +"Hadn't you better throw in a glass of liquor, and a few plugs of +tobacco?" asked the officer, sarcastically, never having heard of such +kind of treatment to people who were disposed to be vicious. + +"Your suggestion is good, and shall be acted on," replied Fred, +pleasantly. "Have you any other?" + +"No, but I wish to tell you that you are laboring under a mistaken idea, +and that you will regret your benevolent motives. Such a course as you +describe might answer very well if the population of Ballarat was made +up of high-minded and honorable men, and not the refuse of the old +countries, whose crimes have outlawed them, and whose greatest +inclination is to be in mischief." + +"You forget," said Fred, "that this tax movement originated with the +best and most intelligent men at the mines, and that the class of people +you have described are bushrangers, or else men who live upon the +community without work. If ever the miners and the government do have a +collision, you will be surprised at the respectable ranks that the +former will show." + +"I have no doubt of it," responded Murden, dryly. + +"Under these circumstances, we must think that it is better to depend +upon ourselves than upon the police for protection, because the instant +that the latter are arrayed on our side it will be known all over +Ballarat, and then our business and reputation will be lost." + +"Then you are really serious?" queried Murden, after a moment's thought. + +"Quite so, for it is our only hope to escape persecution," returned +Fred. + +"Well, perhaps you are right," the officer said, "and I will consent to +follow your suggestions; but I claim the privilege of assisting you in +your watch." + +"That we are quite willing to accord, and as it is past twelve o'clock +we may as well begin it, for there is no knowing how soon our enemies +may steal upon us." + +To prevent the dog from giving an alarm we tied him up, and then +extinguished our lights, and carefully walked around the building, +keeping well in the shade, so that if any one was approaching we could +be informed of the fact, and be prepared to give a warm reception. The +night was very quiet and warm, and the only sounds to be heard were the +humming of the thousands of insects that filled the air, or an +occasional howling of some dog, tied up during the temporary absence of +its owner, or the loud snoring of Steel Spring, who, taking but little +interest in matters that did not concern his stomach or himself, went to +sleep at an early hour in the evening with his head resting on a herring +box, and his long legs on a barrel, and such doleful sounds did he emit +from his nasal organ, that even the horses were kept in a state of +perpetual irritation, and were inclined to refuse their provender. +Occasionally on the heavy night air would come a dull sound, like a +splash of water, which showed that some industrious miners were trying +to keep their claim clear, and for that purpose were bailing out water +day and night. + +Twice did we patrol around our store, and yet saw nothing of danger or +any suspicious circumstance. Hour after hour passed away, and we began +to grow dozy from the effect of a hard day's work, and we sat down +within the building, and thought that we would refresh ourselves with a +few whiffs from our pipes; but while filling them, a low growl from +Rover startled us. In an instant I was by the dog's side, and quieted +him with a word, and during all the confusion that ensued that night, +the hound did not disgrace his training. + +The sound that had started the dog appeared to us to proceed from a tent +some distance off; but we were not certain in that respect, and listened +attentively. For a few minutes all was quiet, and then we distinctly +heard the cracking of a stick, and then all was still for the space of +five minutes. + +We cautiously moved, so that we could observe every portion of the +building, and yet we saw nothing that deserved notice, and we began to +think that our imaginations were running riot, when a repetition of the +cracking sound once more occurred. + +"Some one is under the building," whispered Fred. + +Our store rested upon two small hillocks, which was an advantage during +the wet season, for the water was all carried off towards the river, and +the constructor of the store had rightly judged that it would flow under +the building, and leave the front part perfectly dry. It was, therefore, +very easy for one or more persons to crawl along the rough gulf which +the water coursed over, and stopping under the former, kindle a fire +that would give us great difficulty to extinguish in the absence of +engines and scarcity of water. + +We all listened attentively, but no sound was heard, and we began to +fear that the flames might already be kindled, and that the incendiaries +had made their escape. Smith and Murden agreed to creep down one side of +the building, while Fred and myself undertook to guard the other. + +With this understanding we parted company, and cautiously reached the +gulf, so that we could look under the building, and there, sure enough, +we saw that ample preparations had been made for smoking us out, for a +pile of kindling nearly a foot high was raised, and two men, who, when +they spoke, did so in whispers, were busy adding to it. + +"There, there's enough," cried one, "to set fire to all the shanties in +Ballarat. Light the match, and let's be off, or the dog will be snuffing +around, and then we shall have the fellers about our ears." + +"Faith, there's mighty little fear of that, for don't you hear 'um snore +as though they hadn't slept a bit for a month. Pile on the stuff, and +let's have a rousing fire while we are 'bout it," replied the other; and +his voice sounded familiar to us, although who the speaker was we had no +idea. + +"You forget that firewood is dear at Ballarat," and he chuckled as he +spoke, as though amused at the thought. + +"Thin we'll have it chaper before long," returned the other; and by his +language we knew that he was an Irishman. + +They worked for a few seconds, and after a match was lighted and thrust +into the pile of kindlings, and then the incendiaries crawled towards us +as fast as possible, for the purpose of escaping, and getting clear of +the flames, which already began to shoot up and crackle, as they +gathered headway. + + + + +CHAPTER LI. + +ATTEMPT TO BURN THE STORE. + + +As the heads of the incendiaries emerged from beneath the building, and +even before they had time to gain a footing, we threw ourselves upon +them, and pinned them to the earth in despite of the powerful struggles +which they made to escape; failing in which, their hands sought for +their knives, but we saw the movement, and succeeded in defeating it. + +"Yield in peace," cried Fred, "or you will fare worse," addressing his +antagonist, the Irishman, who replied with an oath, and a fierce thrust +of a long knife. + +"Is that your gratitude?" continued Fred, who easily avoided the +meditated blow. "Then I will begin in earnest." + +He drew his revolver from his pocket, and struck his opponent a heavy +blow on his temple. The Irishman uttered a groan, and remained +motionless, and then Fred rushed towards me to see what assistance I +needed; but I fortunately required none, for the man I had taken charge +of, after being frustrated in his attempt to use his knife, remained +perfectly quiet, and appeared disposed to surrender on as good terms as +he could make. + +"Never mind me," I cried, as Fred joined me; "I will take charge of this +fellow, and blow his brains out if he makes an attempt to escape. +Extinguish the fire before it gains headway, and don't, above all +things, raise an alarm." + +Fred crawled under the building, and in a few seconds had scattered the +firebrands so that all danger was passed, and in the latter work Smith +and Murden rendered good service; for the lieutenant quickly had a +couple of buckets of water on hand, which he had brought from our "sink +hole," and in a very few minutes all traces of the fire were destroyed. + +"Have you got the scamp?" asked Murden, crawling from his confined +quarters, where he had been nearly strangled with smoke. + +"This fellow appears to be quiet enough," I answered, turning my +prisoner over on his back, so that I could see his face. + +"Is he?" asked the fellow in a sarcastic tone; and quick as lightning he +started to his feet, and I saw a long knife flash in the starlight, and +before I could spring aside he aimed it full at my breast. + +In another instant I should have been a dead man, but, fortunately, +Murden saw the move, and struck the ruffian's arm up, and the knife +passed over my shoulder harmless. The next instant my prisoner was +measuring his length on the hard ground, with blood spirting from his +nose and mouth, the effects of a tremendous blow, which the lieutenant +delivered full upon his unprotected face. + +"Lie there, you d----d midnight incendiary," cried the officer, +indignant to think that he wished to add murder to his other crimes. + +The wretch only groaned in reply; but Murden, thinking that he was +shamming, slipped a pair of handcuffs on his wrists, and then served the +Irishman, whom Fred had rendered tongue-tied by a blow from his +revolver, in the same manner. + +"A neat pair of handcuffs is an ornament that disgraces no one, while +they add to a person's security eighty per cent. There is, to be sure, a +slight prejudice against having them on in unmixed company, but it is +astonishing how soon the feeling wears off. Next to a good revolver, +believe me, a pair of handcuffs is a policeman's best friend." + +While the lieutenant was speaking, he gave the prostrate Irishman a kick +with his heavy boot, as an illustration of his argument perhaps, and the +blow was sufficient to restore the fellow to his senses. + +"Holy St. Patrick, it's murdering me, ye are," he exclaimed. + +"No, but we intend to, unless you inform us who hired you to set fire to +our store," rejoined Fred. + +The fellow maintained a profound silence, and Murden was about to repeat +his blow when Fred checked him. + +"No more kicks," he said; "they have been punished sufficiently already, +and we must now try what effect kindness will have on them." + +"I'll try the effect of a stout halter," cried the angry officer; but +Fred was resolute, and refused to allow them to be punished. + +Our prisoners listened to the words that passed between the lieutenant +and Fred, and I could see by the bright starlight that astonishment was +plainly visible upon their faces. It was evident that they expected +different treatment. + +"Let us take them into the store, and there we can examine them at +leisure," Fred said; and as the idea met our approval, we helped them to +stand upon their feet, and then escorted them into the building, where +we lighted our candles, and after wiping some of the congealed blood +from their faces, we examined their countenances to see if we had ever +met them before in Ballarat. + +"Where have we seen you before?" Fred asked, addressing the Irishman. + +The man hung his head and refused to reply; and he even appeared to act +as though ashamed of his conduct. + +"I can tell you where we have met him before," I remarked. "Don't you +remember the Irishman whose wounds you dressed on the second night of +your arrival, and who swore that he would yet live to reward you?" + +Fred nodded, and his face grew dark with passion. + +"Well, this is the person. He was destitute of money and credit, and to +save his life we spent many hours in cleansing his injuries, and +dressing them with care. He has already attempted to pay us his debt of +gratitude, and perhaps when he is again sick he will visit us." + +"You miserable apology for a man," cried Murden, raising his arm, and +the fellow cowered at the threatened blow; but Fred interposed, and +stopped the impetuous officer from carrying his intention into effect. + +"What excuse have you to offer for plotting against us?" demanded Fred, +addressing the Irishman. + +"I was poor, and wanted food," he returned, with a face of shame. + +"Why did you not come to me, and I would have supplied your wants? It is +but a poor return to attempt to burn us out for the attention that we +showed you. Is your heart made of stone?" + +"I was told that you two was plotting agin the miners concerning the +tax, and that it would be a good thing to ruin ye, and make ye lave the +country," answered the Irishman, not daring to raise his downcast +glances from the floor. + +"And the miners hired both of you to commence the war of burning, did +they?" asked Fred. + +"No, not the miners," returned the man, "although they think that you is +agin 'um, and that you had better move. A man, whose name we don't know, +gave us five pounds to set the place on fire." + +"You are lying, and we know it," retorted Fred. "Tell us who paid you +the money, or you will fare badly," he continued, in a stern tone of +voice. + +The incendiary stammered, and looked towards his accomplice, as though +uncertain what to say, and while hesitating, the latter exclaimed: + +"It is useless to mince matters, Pat--we are in a fix, and have got to +make the most of it. We belong to a secret league, whose object is to +resist paying the taxes imposed by government upon miners, and hearing +that you were with the government, we determined to clip your claws, and +prevent you from doing mischief. If your store had taken fire, we might +have made a few pounds by plunder, but as for receiving five pounds, or +any money for the work, it's all sham, and Pat knows it. We talked the +matter over with a dozen or so, and agreed to do the business. That's +all about it, and you may make the most of it, and hand us over to the +police as soon as you please." + +The ruffian spoke in as free and easy a manner as though he had been +engaged in some meritorious work, instead of a piece of black villany. + +"You did not know, then, that we were opposed to the government on the +tax question, and that while we determined to take no part in the +struggle, we sympathized with the miners?" inquired Fred. + +"One of the men to whom we talked said as much," answered the fellow, +"but we did not pay any attention to him, and neither do I believe it +now." + +"Then let this convince you," exclaimed Fred, taking the key of the +irons from Murden's hand, and unlocking the handcuffs. "There, you are +free. Go and tell the dissatisfied miners that we will never plot +against them, although it is probable that we shall not take up arms in +their defence. We are traders, and have done with fighting, and wish to +remain neutral." + +The fellows stared in unfeigned astonishment at Fred, and then around +the store, as though hardly convinced that they had heard the welcome +intelligence. + +"Is your honor serious?" asked the Irishman. + +"Quite so--go; but if another attempt is made to burn us out, we have +weapons that we know how to use. Say so to those with whom you plotted." + +"I won't say that I'm sorry for what I've done, 'cos no great harm has +happened any how," said the Englishman, who appeared to possess more of +an education than his companion; "but I'll say this--had we burned your +store down, and then learned that you was not agin us, I should have +felt bad, and would have tried to right it in some way. We are poor +devils at best, and ain't got much in common, but we are all liable to +make mistakes, and so we supposed that we were really doing something +for the cause." + +"It's little I thought it was ye," said the Irishman, who seemed +determined also to offer an excuse. "Faith, had I known it was the two +rael gintlemen who healed me sores, it's little I'd thought of setting +ye on fire. Long lives to ye, and don't be afraid of bad luck after +this. It's Paddy O'Shea who will fight for ye to the longest day that he +lives." + +We received the apologies with due dignity, and without placing too much +stress upon what was said by the men; and at last they concluded to take +their departure, but just as they got to the door, and while Fred was +unlocking it, O'Shea expressed a desire to whisper a few words to my +friend. + +"If ye have such a thing as a thimble full of whiskey in the store, +perhaps ye will give us a drink?" he said. + +Fred hesitated for a moment, but at last concluded that it would be a +cheap riddance by giving them a drink. He drew a couple of stiff glasses +from the barrel, and they swallowed the liquor with a relish that would +have delighted the heart of a manufacturer. + +"Ah, how I should like to drink such stuff as that all day, and have +nothing to do!" cried Pat; and he glanced fondly towards the barrel, as +though anticipating another invitation, but he didn't get it. + +They still hesitated about going, and the two villains looked first at +one and then at another, as though they still had a matter that they +wished to speak about. + +"I also have a request," whispered the Englishman, evidently mistaking +his man, and thinking that Fred was a good-natured sort of person, who +would comply with every wish. + +"Name it," replied Fred, with some little impatience. + +"Could you lend me ten pounds for a few days, until I can collect a few +debts that are due me?" the scamp asked. + +"No, I can't do that," rejoined Fred, opening wide the store door, "but +I can let you have a few of these if they will suit you." + +He raised his foot as he spoke, and administered a few energetic kicks +to the fellow's posteriors, that almost took him off his feet. + +"They fit well enough," cried the beggar, "but they don't suit;" and the +twain were speedily out of sight, and whenever we used to see them +afterwards, they would keep at a respectable distance, and look to see +what kind of boots we wore. + +As we apprehended no further difficulty that night, we went to bed, and +got quite a comfortable nap before sunrise. + +Murden, whose visit extended a day or two longer than he intended, got +ready to start in the afternoon, and although he had only brought a +valise with him, and a change of clothing, yet did he pretend, every +time that his departure was mentioned, that he had to pack his things, +and away he would go, and remain absent until he had recovered composure +sufficient to face us like a man, and without a display of weakness. + +With a hearty shake of our hands, and a troubled brow, Murden left us; +and had he not undertaken the difficult task of driving or leading his +newly-caught bird, the cassiowary, which gave him trouble, and required +all of his attention, he would have broken down in his leave-taking, and +galloped off without daring to trust himself with words. + +As for Steel Spring, he appeared delighted at the idea of leaving; for +he was fond of change, and required exciting scenes to keep him out of +mischief, which he was prone to, in defiance of the vigilant eye that +Murden kept on him; and I had but little doubt, as I stood and watched +their forms disappear amidst a labyrinth of tents and crazy huts, that +the long-limbed wretch would have murdered him, and rejoined a gang of +bushrangers, had it not been for a sort of moral fear that prevented him +from committing the crime. + +We felt lonely for the balance of the day, although we were extremely +busy in arranging our goods, and in selling. Our store was crowded from +noon until long past sunset, and then we were compelled to close and +exclude the crowd, owing to our being completely exhausted, both +mentally and physically, for the adding up of figures was a new kind of +brain work, that had not tasked us since the days when we were +schoolboys. + +How many "nigger heads" we sold that day, singly, for the purpose of +allowing the miners to taste our stock before they bought largely, I +have no means of knowing; but fortunately for our reputation, Smith had +displayed great prudence in his bargains, and his "cavendish" and "fine +cut" were at length pronounced the best that were ever brought to +Ballarat, and so we got up a great sale of tobacco, and our stock ran +low before we had been open a week. + +Smith, and the man he had hired to freight goods, remained with us three +days, and then returned, in all haste, to Melbourne for more goods, for +our run of custom was so great that we found that a fresh supply of +articles was needed without delay. Our partner did not need urging to +return to the city, for the reader will recollect that he was recently +married, and that his wife was at Melbourne. + +We found, when he got ready to start, that we had taken gold dust enough +to pay for our next cargo, even without drawing on our reserve fund, +which was held subject to our order in a Melbourne bank. + +We were sitting in our store one evening, smoking our pipes, as usual, +and talking over the business of the day, when we heard a knock at the +door, light and timid, as though delivered by the hand of a woman. + +It was long past the hour of our closing, and we had made preparations +for retiring for the night, for our hammocks were slung, and ready for +occupancy, and it was seldom that we had a visitor at so late an hour. +The knock started us, and even Rover, who had been sleeping soundly, +awoke with a growl, as though he scented danger, and was going to be +prepared to meet it. + +"Who can that be?" asked Fred, involuntarily placing his hand upon his +revolver. + +I was unable to answer the question, of course; but we waited in silence +for a repetition of the knocking with as much anxiety as though it had +been a summons of instant execution. + +There was a secret gang of ruffians in Ballarat at that time, and in +defiance of the vigilance of the police, they had committed many bold +robberies, and even murders; and the stories told of their atrocities +had awakened a feeling in our hearts that perhaps some night the +villains might undertake an attack upon ourselves, knowing, as they +must, that our sales were large, and that we must have considerable +money on hand, which we did not deposit at the government office, for +the purpose of being sent to Melbourne under military escort. + +Every night, since we had grown in importance and wealth, we had slept +with our revolvers under our heads, and beneath our pillows were small +bags of gold dust, and gold and silver coin; and when men begin to +collect riches, they will defend them and watch over them with more +tenderness than any thing else that they possess. + +Again we heard the knock upon our door, and, we thought, a low groan; +but it might have been the wind. The hound was snuffing at the door, and +uttered a low wail, as though mourning for the dead. Two or three times +he trotted towards us, and then returned and scratched at the woodwork +with his claws, as though anxious to get into the street. + +"I can stand this no longer!" cried Fred, cocking his revolver, and +starting up. "I will see who is at the door if a dozen robbers are +waiting outside." + +He started towards the door as he spoke, and I followed him. Just as we +were about to draw the bolts, another knock, but much fainter, and a +low, death-like groan, fell upon our ears. + +We started, and hesitated about proceeding; but Rover looked up into our +faces with such an expression, as though to encourage us to see what the +matter was, that we determined to investigate, and no longer suspect a +trick. + +We withdrew the bolts and suddenly threw open the door, and as we did +so, the body of a man fell inward, and lay at our feet motionless, +although by our lights, dim as they were, we could see that our midnight +visitor was covered with blood. + + + + +CHAPTER LII. + +THE ATTEMPT TO MURDER MR. CRITCHET. + + +We were surprised and somewhat startled at the intrusion, but we did not +stop to exchange surmises, or to ask questions. A man was lying at our +feet, badly wounded, and was bleeding freely from half a dozen cuts or +stabs. + +We considered that our first duty was to attend to him, and defend him, +if necessary, from a fresh attack of assailants, and that after his +wounds were dressed, and he was able to answer questions, then we could +investigate the circumstances connected with his mysterious appearance +at our door, and, if possible, bring to justice the perpetrators of the +wrong. + +Before we moved the now insensible body, we looked out and endeavored to +discover if persons wore loitering near; but all was quiet, and not a +soul was to be seen. We hastily closed the door and bolted it, and then +moved the wounded man to a mattress that we kept for Smith to sleep upon +when he was with us, and as we did so, and the light fell upon his +features, we were surprised to discover that our visitor was our nearest +neighbor, an elderly Englishman by the name of Critchet, who, in company +with his nephew, a young fellow of dissipated habits, was working a mine +about a quarter of a mile from our store. The young man's name was +Follet; and while we had never had any conversation with him, excepting +while selling a few articles which he required from the store, we had +taken a strong prejudice against him, although upon what ground we could +not really tell. + +He was one of those kind of men who never look you full in the face +while speaking, and if indeed you caught his eye, it was only for the +sixteenth part of a second, and by accident at that. He had the name of +being a desperate gambler, and once Mr. Brown had called our attention +to him, and remarked that he had lost more money at card playing than he +made honestly, and wondered if his uncle supplied his extravagances. + +The latter owned the claim which he was working, and employed the nephew +at a fair salary, and that was all that we knew of the connection +between them, excepting that we had seen them talking together in an +excited manner quite frequently, and only the day before we had heard +them quarrel on some subject that we did not care to listen to, for it +did not concern us. + +Report had often reached our ears that Mr. Critchet had made quite a +fortune with his claim, and that he was very prudent in his +expenditures; but as he had never disputed our prices, and paid what we +demanded without a word of complaint, we placed no reliance upon the +assertions. + +After our first expression of astonishment was over, we set to work +without delay to ascertain what injuries the old man had sustained. We +removed his vest and shirt, and found a small cut near the region of +his heart; but upon probing the wound we found that the blow, evidently +intended to be a fatal one, had been misdirected; that a rib had +received the point of the knife, and saved the old man from instant +death. + +A further examination revealed two more stabs, one on the right shoulder +and the other on the left breast, both of which were bleeding profusely, +and had so weakened the old man that he fainted the instant he found +that he was likely to receive assistance. + +We went to work and cleansed the wounds of blood, and then stopped the +bleeding by applying balsam and lint freely, and over all we put pieces +of adhesive plaster, which we had used before for cuts, and found very +efficacious. + +In the present instance it served to keep the lint in its place, and I +have no doubt that it was mainly instrumental in saving the life of Mr. +Critchet, for it prevented the insects from irritating the wounds and +causing inflammation. + +A dose of weak wine was poured down our patient's throat, and then we +sat by his side until morning, before he recovered his consciousness, +and was able to speak. + +"I've foiled the young scamp," he muttered, as he looked around the +store, and then suffered his glance to rest upon our faces. "He thought +that he could get the old miner's dust; but he missed his aim, and I +shall yet live to punish him." + +"Of whom do you speak?" I asked, bending over his form so that I could +hear him more distinctly, for he spoke rather low and incoherently. + +"There were two of them," the old miner continued, not noticing my +interrogation; "I know there were two of them, because I could hear them +whisper, and feel for the gold; but I cheated them, and shall live." + +The old man attempted to laugh, but the effort sounded like a +death-rattle, it was so faint. + +"You must not talk now," Fred said, "but save your strength, and in a +few days we hope you will be quite well. Sleep if you can, and in the +mean time we will send you a physician." + +"No, no," our patient exclaimed, hurriedly; "I want no meddlesome quack +near me, with his solemn face and pretended knowledge. There is not a +doctor in Ballarat that I would trust with my life. Besides, they are so +expensive, and where is the money to come from to pay a physician's +bills?" + +"We will be responsible for his bill," rejoined Fred, soothingly. "You +have been grievously hurt, and need better attention than we can give +you." + +"But I say no," reiterated Mr. Critchet; "I shall get well, and to you +alone will the praise be due. And hark ye, young men! don't be too +forward hereafter in volunteering to assume another's debts. You may +live to repent it. Now let me rest for an hour or two, and when I awake +I think that I shall feel stronger." + +The old man, who spoke with a sort of dictatorial officiousness, as +though he had been accustomed to command all his lifetime, closed his +eyes, and in a few minutes was in a troubled sleep; and as he did not +require the services of both of us to attend him, I went to bed, and +left Fred watching by his side, with the understanding that I was to be +called at daylight, so that I could relieve him and let him obtain a +few hours' rest, which he very much needed. + +Fred called me at the specified time, but our patient, instead of being +better, was much worse, and was laboring under the effects of a high +fever. A dozen times he attempted to leave his bed, and as often did I +restrain him, and soothe him with kind words, until at length, just +before daylight, I recollected a bottle of opium that I had in my trunk, +and I managed to get it and persuade the sick man to take a large dose, +which he did under the impression that I was a servant, and was handing +him a glass of wine. + +The opiate acted in a beneficial manner, for his system was so weakened +that it set him into a deep sleep, which lasted for a number of hours; +and before he had awakened we had removed him to a little room that we +had partitioned off from the main store, where he could be free from +most of the noise and confusion that large sales occasioned. + +About sunrise, the first person that entered the store was the old man's +nephew, Follet. He looked agitated and alarmed, and shuddered when he +saw the stains of blood upon the doorstep, and also on the floor of the +store where we had rested the old man before putting him on the +mattress. He did not raise his eyes to our faces, although many times I +endeavored to get a fair glance at his face, to see if I could read his +thoughts. + +"I have bad news this morning," he said, at length, finding we were not +disposed to open the conversation. + +"Have you, indeed?" asked Fred, with a slight sneer. + +"I slept from my uncle's tent last night," he went on to say, "and upon +returning this morning I find that there has been violence and robbery +committed. My poor relative is missing, and I fear murdered, for his bed +is bloody, and tracks of blood are to be seen on the ground." + +"And in regard to the robbery," Fred asked, "how do you know that he has +lost any thing?" + +"O, I am positive on that score, because my uncle had about a thousand +ounces of gold, in nuggets and fine dust, buried under one corner of his +tent, and the treasure is gone," cried Follet, eagerly. + +"You are certain of that, I suppose?" Fred asked. + +"O, quite certain, because the gold is the first thing that I thought of +when I found that my uncle had been murdered," exclaimed the young +fellow, with his eyes still cast to the floor. + +"Do you suspect any one?" we asked, with a design to bring him out. + +"There is blood upon your door step and floor, and the tracks lead this +way," he answered evasively. + +I saw that he raised his eyes quick as lightning to note what effect his +words had upon us; but meeting the stern glance of Fred, he again gazed +upon the floor. + +"I suppose that we might effect a compromise, and get somebody to swear +that we did not molest your uncle, if we promised five hundred of the +thousand ounces that the robbers and would-be assassins obtained," Fred +remarked, in an under tone, and in a careless sort of manner. + +"I, for one," the young fellow replied, "should never be disposed to +ask questions, although you can imagine my feelings at the thought of +the bad treatment that the old fellow received. When can I have the +dust?" + +The question disconcerted Fred for a moment, for he had no idea that the +fellow would answer as he did. + +"As soon as your uncle is well enough to talk about money matters, we +will mention the subject," I rejoined, hastily. + +"Well enough?" he asked; "I thought that you said he was dead." + +"O, bless you, no, indeed; he is far from being a dead man, and we hope, +by proper treatment, to see him well in the course of a few weeks." + +The nephew's face darkened, and his eyes looked snaky, as though he +would like to strike, but dared not. We motioned to him, and led the way +to the small private room where Mr. Critchet was lying, and when he saw +his uncle's wan features, he turned pale, and his agitation was intense. + +He saw that we were watching his movements, and tried to appear as +though surprised, but the artificial effort was too much for him; and +finally he turned and left the room, giving as an excuse that his +feelings overpowered him. + +"You can see the sufferer every day, if you are disposed," Fred said, +"but it must always be in the presence of witnesses. When your uncle is +well he can act as he pleases, but here he remains until cured." + +"Your language is mysterious, and seems to reflect upon me as a man of +honor," he exclaimed. "Do I understand you to say that you suspect me of +injuring my poor uncle, whom I loved above all earthly things?" + +"With the exception of playing cards," Fred added. + +"You shall be sorry for your words, and perhaps I may make you appear in +rather an equivocal light before many hours have passed;" and with a +look of devilish malice the nephew, who had attempted to murder his old +uncle for a few thousand dollars' worth of gold dust, left the store, +and we did not care if we never laid eyes upon his treacherous, +cold-looking face again, although I had serious forebodings that we had +not got rid of him entirely, and that he would work us injury. + +I hinted something of the kind to Fred, but he laughed at it, and in a +few minutes we had a rush of morning customers, and all thoughts of +Follet and his vengeance were banished from my mind. + +I think that we were seated at breakfast, and wondering why Mr. Brown +had been absent for such a length of time from the store, when who +should pay us a visit but the police commissioner, Mr. Sherwin, a tall, +dignified man, with a face that had no more expression in it than a +piece of coal. He was never known to lean to the side of mercy during +the whole of his career as an officer, and as commissioner he had +exclusive jurisdiction over the petty court of Ballarat, and fined and +sentenced miners, who were brought before him for drunkenness and petty +larceny, without mercy. He was an ambitious man, and had striven for a +long time to get a seat upon one of the benches of the upper courts in +Melbourne, but owing to the want of influence, he had never succeeded. +Every person that he imagined could sway the governor-general was +treated with delightful consideration; but a look blacker than a +raven's wing was the reward of every one who ventured on familiarity not +up to his standard of excellence. + +I must confess that I was surprised at the early visit of the +commissioner, and I was still more astonished when I saw half a dozen +policemen near the door, as though they were on business that they were +ashamed of, and desired to keep out of sight; still, it never entered +our minds that we were the parties that the policemen were watching. + +Supposing that the commissioner wished to purchase some articles from +our store, Fred went to attend upon him, while I continued to eat my +breakfast. + +"I want no goods, sir," returned Mr. Sherwin, in a short, sharp tone, in +reply to Fred's question as to what he would be served with. + +Fred appeared slightly disconcerted, and returned to his breakfast with +an independent expression upon his face, that spoke more than words the +contempt he felt for the visitor. + +"You young men appear to be quite at your ease," the commissioner said, +surveying our indifference with no favorable eye. + +"Why should we not be?" asked Fred; "we have a license for our store, we +have paid for our goods, and owe no man a penny." + +"Does your license extend to killing and robbing men?" asked the +commissioner, in an insolent tone, and one that we knew he used to +insult us with. + +Fred sprang to his feet, and an angry reply was upon his tongues, but I +managed to check him. + +"An explanation of these words is required," I said, as mildly as my +nature would allow; and to my surprise, instead of facing me, and +answering, the commissioner pointed to the stains on the floor, and +asked, in a sneering tone,-- + +"Whose blood is that?" + +"That of an old and helpless man," I returned, bearing his searching +glance without flinching, although I had an inward feeling that told me +that we were standing in a suspicious attitude, and that one false move +would wreck us both. + +"Remember," Mr. Sherwin continued, "I do not ask you to criminate +yourselves, but if a full confession is made, I will lay the matter +before the governor-general, and perhaps he may be disposed to grant you +some mercy. I fancy that a frank confession would be the most desirable +course for both of you to pursue," the commissioner said, in a careless +tone, as though he did not care whether we complied with his advice or +not. + +"All the confession that we can make is to tell the truth," cried Fred, +who always grew cooler the more imminent the danger; "we will simply +state the facts, and then you can judge of our guilt." + +The commissioner made a sign for Fred to go on, although I could see by +his face that he was anticipating a yarn, and was prepared to believe +just as much of it as he pleased. + +Fred told the circumstances of the affair just as they occurred, and +without equivocation. Mr. Sherwin listened without interruption, and +also, I will add, without belief. + +"Of course I can see the old man?" the commissioner asked, in a +half-sneering manner, as though prepared for us to deny him the right. + +"Certainly," answered Fred; and he led the way to the little private +room where Mr. Critchet was lying, and, to our joy, still sleeping, +which argued well for his ultimate recovery. + +"Here is the man whom you accuse us of murdering," Fred whispered; "see +what pains we have taken to hasten his end." And he pointed to the +numerous bandages with which we had bound up his wounds. + +"I was prepared to find the body of Mr. Critchet here, but not alive," +the commissioner said. "I was told that he was dead, and that I could +find unmistakable signs of those who committed the murder, here." + +"Perhaps you will give us the name of your informant. We desire to be +confronted with the man who dares charge us with assassination!" + +Fred spoke with firmness, and with a degree of hauteur that was not +habitual. + +Mr. Sherwin hesitated for a moment, and then stepped out of the little +room and beckoned to a police officer. + +The latter did not display that degree of alacrity that one would have +suspected in obeying the summons, and upon looking at the man, I found +that he had accompanied us on our tax-gathering tours, and that he was +aware of the estimation in which Mr. Brown held us, and was fearful that +he should incur the inspector's displeasure if he manifested too great +an eagerness in our affairs. + +"Michael," said the commissioner, "bring in Follet." + +We started at the words, and then we saw a dark smile upon the face of +the cold-hearted commissioner, that told how keenly he enjoyed our +misery. + +"If you please, sir," said Michael, cap in hand, and a beseeching glance +upon his face, "I think that Follet is lying, for I've known him for six +months past, and never saw or heard much about his habits that is +favorable." + +"I did not ask your opinion or advice, sir," interrupted the +commissioner, in the same cold tone, and with a look that almost froze +the policeman; "do as I bid you, and learn to keep silent." + +Michael looked as though he would like to make a reply, but fear of +losing his place prevented. He walked slowly to the door, and after a +delay of a few minutes, escorted our accuser, Follet, into the store. + +The fellow's face was deadly pale, and his eyes were never once raised +during the interview. He had evidently schooled himself for the part +that he was to play, by imbibing deeply of some spirituous liquor, for +he was rather unsteady in his gait; but that might have been the result +of agitation as well as whiskey. + +"Are these the two men whom you alluded to in my office this morning?" +the commissioner inquired, pointing to Fred and myself. + +The scoundrel, without raising his eyes, replied in the affirmative. + +"Repeat in their presence what you told me, and mind that you don't tell +two stories." + +The fellow cleared his throat, which was rather husky, and in a +monotonous tone began. The policemen, who were lounging near the door, +had all edged their way into the store, and listened to the recital with +many expressions of wonder and disbelief upon their faces. + +"About three weeks ago," Follet began, "these two men [pointing to Fred +and myself] asked me if my uncle was not digging out a large amount of +dust and nuggets from his claim. I said yes; that he would probably get +five or six thousand pounds, if it held out as well as it opened. We +exchanged a few other words, and then the question was indirectly put to +me--if my poor uncle was in the habit of sending his money to the +government office or keeping it buried in his tent. I suspected nothing, +for I knew that the men stood in good estimation with the police force, +and foolishly answered that he seldom sent money by escort to Melbourne, +as he feared to trust the soldiers with it. I thought no more of the +matter until about a week ago these same men sent for me, and by +indirect inquiries wanted to know if I would share with them in robbing +my poor uncle's tent. I indignantly repulsed them, and threatened to +give information to the police if another word was uttered concerning +the subject, and I had supposed that the matter was dropped, until, on +my return home this morning at an early hour, I found that foul play had +been practised, and that my relative had been robbed, and I didn't know +but that he was murdered, for I saw blood on various articles in the +tent; and when I reached this building, where I first went to see if its +occupants had been concerned in the outrage, I found blood upon the +doorstep and also upon the floor, and these men were badly agitated, and +even offered me five hundred ounces if I would keep silent, and not +inform of them, I indignantly refused, and then these men showed me the +body of my uncle so terribly mangled, that I was sick at heart; and +thinking that I should share his fate if I remained, I hurried away, and +laid the whole matter before you for investigation. What I have uttered +is the truth, so help me God!" + +The miserable, lying wretch ceased speaking, but trembled so that a +policeman was obliged to support him. + +For a few seconds Fred and myself looked at each other in consternation +and despair. If the testimony of the wretch was taken without a grain of +allowance, we were in a dilemma that would tax us to the utmost to find +means of escape. Even the policemen appeared to have changed their +opinions, and ranged themselves against us, and we could hear them +whisper in relation to the straightforward manner in which Follet +recited his story. + +A smile of triumph was upon the face of Mr. Sherwin, and already I +thought he was congratulating himself upon judicial promotion for his +shrewdness in causing our detection, when the arrival of a new comer put +a little different light upon the affair. + + + + +CHAPTER LIII. + +OPPORTUNE ARRIVAL OF MR. BROWN.--THEY SEND FOR STEEL SPRING. + + +Of all persons in the world the one most welcome to our eyes was Mr. +Brown, the inspector; and when he made his appearance at the door, +looking dusty, hot, and tired, we were tempted to rush forward and +embrace him, for he seemed as though capable of delivering us from the +perplexing situation in which we stood, although in what manner we were +unable to say, for the commissioner was his superior officer, and could +dispose of us as he pleased, regardless of the remonstrances of his +associate. + +"My dear boys," the inspector said, coming hastily towards us, and +extending his hand, regardless of the presence of the commissioner, who +scowled at the interruption, yet did not think it worth while to protest +against it,--"my dear boys," he continued, "I have but this moment +arrived in Ballarat from a short visit to Melbourne, where I was +unexpectedly called on business, and learned at the office that some +trifling charge had been trumped up against you, and without waiting to +change my dress, or wash the stains of travel from my face and hands, I +hurried here to see in what way I could assist you." + +"And we gladly welcome you, for we find that a grave charge is preferred +against us, and all our assertions of innocence will not avail us," +returned Fred, in a sorrowful tone. + +"Pooh! don't be low spirited--I'll investigate the facts of the case, +and I'll warrant that every thing will be all right. I will relieve you +of a troublesome duty, sir, and take charge of this matter," the +inspector said, turning to the commissioner; but to Mr. Brown's surprise +the latter bowed rather coldly, and declined the offer. + +"I have begun to investigate this matter, and will complete it, sir," he +said. + +"I believe that I have always attended to the duties of my office in a +satisfactory manner, and this is the first time during my connection +with the police force that I have been supplanted by a superior," cried +Mr. Brown, rather angrily. + +"I shall act my pleasure in this case, or in any other that I choose to +interfere with. Here are two men charged with a heavy robbery and an +attempt at assassination, and my duty will not permit me to let the +parties escape until a full investigation is made;" and the commissioner +straightened himself up as though he was as immovable as granite. + +"An attempt at assassination?" echoed the inspector, turning towards us +for an explanation. + +"That is the charge," I replied. + +"And who dares make such an assertion?" Mr. Brown asked, his face pale +with suppressed excitement. + +"Mr. Follet has presented the complaint to me, and backed it with some +proof that looks conclusive," the commissioner said, pointing to the +perjured villain, who stood with sullen aspect a short distance from us. + +"Do you dare bring such a charge against these men?" asked the +inspector, facing the lying scamp, and endeavoring to get a glimpse at +his face. "Take time for your answer, and consider the suspicious manner +in which you stand in the estimation of the police at Ballarat. I know +you and your doings." + +Follet made an appealing gesture to the commissioner, and the latter +interfered. + +"I will have no browbeating of the witness," he said. "He appeared +before me in good faith, and until his assertions are contradicted, I +shall consider that he is under my protection." + +"But if I can show you that he is unworthy of belief, and that for +months past he has been in the habit of gambling with money which he has +purloined from his uncle, and that he owes large debts which he has +contracted, and is unable to pay, will that have any effect upon you in +judging of this matter?" demanded Mr. Brown, with some warmth. + +"If you can prove to me that these young men are innocent of the charge, +then I shall be ready to listen to complaints against Follet, but not +until then. Bad habits sometimes prejudice the minds of a jury against a +witness, and testimony is weighed in connection with circumstantial +matters which are brought to light. I think that we have a strong case, +for there are marks of blood, and the victim is found under this roof +almost lifeless, but with bandages on the wounds. Now it is a question +in my mind, whether this binding up of the injuries is not a trick for +the purpose of escaping punishment. If--" + +"But these men are above suspicion," cried the inspector, impatiently. + +"I have not finished yet," the commissioner said, coldly. "I was about +to observe that if more evidence was wanting this would complete it;" +and bending down, he inserted his arm in a barrel that was partially +filled with rice, and to our utter consternation, held up to our view a +sheath knife covered with blood. + +"Perhaps your friends can account for the presence of this knife in +their store?" asked the commissioner, with a cold smile at the distress +that he saw upon our faces. + +"We cannot," I answered. "We had two dozen of just such knives when we +commenced business, and sold the last one that we had yesterday." + +"I will wager a hundred ounces that Follet put the knife in the barrel +when he visited the store this morning," cried the inspector, +dogmatically. + +"Did you sell a knife of this pattern to Mr. Follet?" asked Sherwin, +turning to us. + +Mr. Brown seemed to take fresh courage at the question, and we could see +that he was anxious for us to answer in the affirmative. Had we done so, +the commissioner would have been staggered with the coincidence, and our +dismissal have followed instantly. + +But we disdained to lie even to save ourselves from incarceration, and +much to the disgust of Mr. Brown, and the triumph of the commissioner, +we replied without a moment's hesitancy,-- + +"Mr. Follet never purchased a knife at our store." + +"Do you wish for more conclusive proof?" asked Mr. Sherwin. + +"Proof?" echoed the inspector; "I hope that you don't call the finding +of the knife in that barrel proof. I do not believe that these young +men, the preservers of my life, would commit an outrage of the kind that +you charge them with for all the gold in Ballarat." + +"Time will, perhaps, reveal the secret of the affair. Mr. Critchet may +live, and be able to give us a clew to his assailants; and until he +recovers or dies, I think that I shall be justified in committing your +friends to prison without bail." + +The words of the commissioner fell upon our ears like a thunderbolt. A +dozen different ideas coursed through my brain, yet I was too much bowed +down with grief to attempt to form them into tangible shapes. And even +while I was thinking what would become of the store and contents during +our imprisonment, Mr. Brown broke the ominous silence. + +"This is a case where bail can be readily given, if you will accept of +it, and any amount that you may name will be forthcoming," the inspector +said, addressing the commissioner. + +"I have concluded not to accept of bail, and I shall not alter my +determination, sir. I leave the prisoners in your hands, and you will +render a good account of them to me when I call for them." + +The commissioner bowed coldly, and was about to return to his office +when Mr. Brown interrupted him. + +"I am not a rich man, as you know," he said, "but I have a little +property, and it can readily be converted into cash. I will place five +thousand pounds in your hands for the appearance of these gentlemen, if +you will admit them to bail." + +"And we will deposit half of that sum in addition to insure our +appearance," cried Fred, eagerly. + +The commissioner shook his head, and already his foot was on the +doorstep, when Mr. Brown detained him. + +"I shall be absent from Ballarat for four days," he said, testily. + +"Where do you propose going?" inquired Mr. Sherwin, with a slight +indication of curiosity. + +"To Melbourne, as fast as horse can carry me. I start immediately." + +"May I ask for what object?" + +"To lay this matter before his excellency the governor-general, and +obtain an order for the admission of the prisoners to bail, and the +detention of Follet for conspiracy. Michael, run to my office and bring +my best horse." + +The policeman started on a run, and was lost to sight in a cloud of dust +that swept along the street. The commissioner looked slightly perplexed +and undecided. He was evidently taken by surprise at the position which +Mr. Brown had assumed. + +"You cannot hope that the governor will rule contrary to my decision?" +Mr. Sherwin said. + +"I know that he will. His excellency has too great an esteem for these +gentlemen to allow them to languish in prison when no stronger proof +than the story which a broken-down gambler can invent is urged as +evidence against them." + +"Do you mean to say that the governor is acquainted with these (men, he +was intending to say, but altered it) _gentlemen_'?" + +"So well that he has granted every request that they have made; and he +has even offered them commissions in the service in return for many acts +of bravery which they have performed." + +Mr. Brown was right in the first instance; for the only requests that we +had ever made were for the pardons of Smith and the old convict. + +"Are you sure that you are not mistaken?" inquired the commissioner, +with a sudden degree of interest that was quite refreshing, when +contrasted with his former indifference. + +"I am so sure," Mr. Brown said, in answer to the commissioner's +question, "that three days since I saw the governor, and he inquired for +these gentlemen, and sent a message that they must call and see him the +first time that they visited Melbourne." + +"Have you any letters or documents to prove that his excellency regards +these gentlemen with unusual interest?" + +The inspector glanced towards us, in hope that we could rescue him from +the position in which his assertions had placed him, but we were afraid +that we could benefit him but little, as we were not in possession of an +autograph letter from the governor, and what was more, had never seen +one. I suddenly recollected, however, having in my possession a copy of +one of the Melbourne papers, in which our services at the great fire +were mentioned in eulogistic terms; and I concluded that I would let Mr. +Sherwin peruse the paragraph, in hopes that he would imagine much more +than the reality. + +My experiment succeeded admirably. + +Mr. Sherwin eagerly perused the paragraph; and after he had concluded, +folded the paper, and requested permission to speak with Mr. Brown in +private for a few minutes. Obedient to the intimation, the policemen and +the rest of us fell back, and suffered the two officers to have a quiet +talk. They whispered together earnestly for a time, and then Fred and +myself were summoned to the council. + +"The commissioner is not disposed to press this matter," Mr. Brown said. +"I have convinced him that you are a little different from what he +supposed; and he will admit both of you to bail until such time as Mr. +Critchet is able to testify, or at least until more evidence is offered +than what Follet brings forward." + +We bowed our thanks, and blessed the governor-general, to think that his +name made such a difference with his officers. + +"We cannot be too careful in this part of the country," the commissioner +said, "whom we trust, we are so liable to imposition. Our life is a hard +one, to make the best of it; and I shall be glad when I am changed to +some other location, where jurisdiction is not taken so extensively as +at Ballarat. I have long desired a change." + +Mr. Brown winked with both eyes in a violent manner, as though warning +us that the pitch of his regret at being at Ballarat was yet to come. + +"One good turn deserves another," Mr. Sherwin said; and then lowering +his voice, he continued, "May I hope that you will remind his excellency +that I deserve a better position than the one that I now hold?" + +Promises are easily made, (_vide_ politicians in this country, where +offices are to be obtained;) and the reader will not wonder, considering +the light in which we stood, that we murmured a ready assent to his +wishes. The commissioner looked gratified, while Mr. Brown grinned with +delight. + +"What shall we do with the wounded man, and this young fellow, Follet? +He has made a strong charge against these gentlemen, and he should be +made to give heavy bonds to meet it at the proper time," said the +inspector, pointing to the nephew, who stood trembling, as though +already anticipating trouble. + +"Well, really," Mr. Sherwin said, "I don't see why the old man should +not remain under the charge of your friends until his injuries terminate +one way or the other. Suppose you send the government physician to +attend him, and a fortnight from to-day I will call the case up, and +decide whether to dismiss it or send it to trial." + +"And Follet? Hadn't he better be put under heavy bonds for his +appearance?" insinuated the inspector. + +"Certainly; it is very important to keep him. Let him be committed to +jail until he can find bonds in one thousand pounds;" and with a +cheerful wave of his hand, the commissioner left us. + +"You see how much you have injured yourself in trying to fasten your +crime upon these gentlemen," Mr. Brown remarked, addressing Follet; "if +you will make a free confession, I will endeavor to get you as +comfortable a sentence as possible." + +"Will you?" sneered the wretch; "you shall offer better terms than that +before I will let them up. I have the game in my own hands, and my +evidence will tell before a jury." + +"Take him away," cried Mr. Brown, addressing a policeman; and after the +prisoner was out of hearing, he continued, "There is too much truth in +what he says, and we have work before us to discover who his accomplice +is, and bring him to justice. Even if Mr. Critchet does recover, it is +probable that he will not be able to identify his assailants, and in +that view of the matter I need not tell you in what a precarious +situation you will stand." + +We saw the force of his reasoning, and looked to him for advice. + +"We must set the police at work to find Follet's accomplice; and I will +not leave a stone unturned on 'Gravel Pit Hill,' but I will discover him +if in Ballarat" + +"And is there any way that we can assist you?" I asked. + +The inspector thought for a few moments before he replied. + +"If we could but get Murden to lend us Steel Spring for a week or two," +he muttered, "I think that we could make that scamp serviceable to us." + +"Murden will accommodate us in that respect, I am sure, if we make +application," I returned. + +"If he will, we can set the fellow at work, and he will be able to get +information that no policeman in Ballarat could possibly obtain. He must +be supplied with a liberal amount of money, and must represent himself +as being connected with a gang of bushrangers between here and +Melbourne. I will give the 'Traps' a hint not to molest him unless he +betakes himself to roguery again, and I suppose that he will some day." + +"But won't suspicion be aroused if Steel Spring is seen to enter the +store, or hold communication with us?" we asked. + +"Of course it would," returned the inspector, with a smile, at our +innocence; "of all the persons in Ballarat, you must he the most +avoided, and when an interview is needed, a rendezvous must be appointed +where there is no fear of listeners. Take my word for it, in less than a +fortnight we shall have the true account of the attempted assassination, +and if Follet's companion does not leave the town, we will nab him, and +'pinch' him severely. Write to the lieutenant at once, and don't fail to +tell him that your reputation, and perhaps life, depends upon the loan +of Steel Spring." + +With these parting words, the inspector left for his office, and without +delaying for a moment, I sat down, and briefly wrote an account of the +transaction in which we were involved, and stated the necessity there +was for the employment of a spy of Steel Spring's adroitness. I +succeeded in getting my note posted before the mail left Melbourne, and +soon after my return to the store, the surgeon of the police force made +his appearance, and examined the wounds of our patient with some +considerable skill, and did us the honor of saying that he could do no +more than we had already done; and John Bull like, wondered where we got +our knowledge of the art of healing. He thought that there was danger of +inflammation; and ordered a cooling draught and low diet, and then said +that he considered we were competent to attend the patient, unless he +was worse, in which case we were to send for him, and not without. + +And we did attend the old gentleman; hour after hour, and night after +night, we watched by his side, barely taking rest ourselves, for fear +that he would suffer; and although he was unconscious of our kindness +and attention, and was wandering in his mind, many miles away to his +family and friends in busy London, yet we never lost our patience, or +refused to gratify his wants, as far as lay in our power. + +Day after day passed, and we were impatient to hear from Murden. Mr. +Brown had put his police to work to find out the accomplice of Follet, +but all attempts to discover him had proved futile. + +Follet still remained obstinate and defying; and to add to our misery, +our patient was hovering between life and death, and it seemed as though +a feather would turn the scale either way. + +One night, soon after twelve o'clock, and while I was taking my turn +watching by the bedside of Mr. Critchet, I heard a gentle tap at the +door. I paid no attention to the first summons; and not until a +repetition warned me that some person was desirous of entering, did I +cock my revolver, and without disturbing Fred, stole softly to the door, +which I unlocked, and discovered a man with a long black beard and +slouched hat, standing on the doorsteps, whistling, in a low key, the +popular negro tune, just introduced into Australia from California, by a +band of negro singers, of "Nelly Bly." + +"What is wanted?" I asked, bringing my revolver up so as to command his +head, in case his visit was hostile. + +"Can you tell me the time of night?" he demanded, in a tone so gruff and +guttural, that I thought he must have slept in a mine for a week, and +that the dampness had gone to his lungs. + +"Ask the first mounted policeman that you come to," I rejoined, and was +about to slam the door to, when I heard a peculiar chuckle that arrested +my attention. + +"Veil, if this 'ere isn't a go!" the man with the black beard said; "a +feller comes hall the vay from Melbourne to see a friend, and gets the +door shut in his face." + +I knew the voice, and should know it if I met its owner fifty years +hence. I seized the visitor by his collar, dragged him into the store, +shut the door, tore off his black beard, and had revealed to my eyes the +grinning countenance of _Steel Spring!_ + + + + + +CHAPTER LIV. + +THE WAY THE COLONISTS OBTAIN WIVES IN AUSTRALIA. + + +"Vell, of all the jolly things in the world, if this don't knock um," +Steel Spring said, with one of his most hideous grins. "I told my +friend, Murden, and I halso 'inted the same thing to 'is excellency the +governor, the last time that I dined vid him, and just as he was axing +me to take vine, that I would vager a stiff glass of viskey, vich you +vill ax me to take by and by, that you vouldn't know me on the first +occasion of my visit. 'Steel Spring,' said the governor, 'it can't be +did;' and ven I pledged my vord as a gentleman and a man of probity, +that I vould vrite to him the result, in a strict sense, he shook my +'and, and said I was a honor to the land wot give me birth, and that he +'oped he should never be called upon to part vid me. Ven can I 'ave the +viskey?" + +I stood a few minutes surveying the ex-bushranger with admiration, and +hardly knowing whether he most deserved a kicking or a word of praise +for his falsehoods and perfect disguise. While I was considering the +matter, Fred joined us, being awakened by the shrill chuckling of our +visitor. + +"You have not forgotten how to lie, at all events," I said, "and perhaps +the peculiar talent that you display in that line may be of some service +to us; so, for the purpose of keeping in practice, all your stories will +go undisputed at present." + +"Ven a man is perfect in a certain line of things, he don' vant +practice, unless he grows rusty, or is out of employment. Now, since I +have been connected vid the police force, I've almost forgotten how to +speak the truth; and, somehow, I don't think that it agrees vid me; for +unless I'se honest I have a fit of blues that lasts me until I've made +up to my reckness. Ven can I have the viskey?" + +I gave him a glass of strong American whiskey, which would make the +tears come into a man's eyes unless his throat was sheathed with tin; +but Steel Spring tossed it down, and smacked his lips, as though it was +so much water. + +"Now, then, I feel like a man vot has found a nugget--perfectly happy +for the time being, but miserable as soon as the excitement has passed +away, 'cos he don't know when he shall get another." + +"When did you reach Ballarat?" Fred asked, as soon as Steel Spring was +inclined to hold his tongue. + +"This evening. I've been on the road two days, but feel as fresh as a +newly-hatched parrot." + +"Did Murden tell you what we required of you?" I asked. + +"He said something about my getting the vorst thrashing that I ever had +in my life, unless I obeyed orders. So here I am, ready to go to vork +and do my best." + +"Where are you stopping?" I inquired. + +"Vell, the lieutenant said that I vos to play _loose_; and pretend not +to go near you, unless I vos so fixed up that even my dear friend, the +governor, vouldn't know me; and I don't think that he vould, had he seen +me to-night." + +"But where are you stopping?" I again asked. + +"Vell, I am at Dan Brian's 'Cricket,' and I must say that my old friend +keeps tiptop lush, and is disposed to be civil," answered Steel Spring. + +The "Cricket" was one of the vilest places in Ballarat; and its +proprietor, Dan Brian, one of the most noted characters. He was once a +convict, but made his escape, and joined a gang of bushrangers. For two +years he lived in the bush, and subsisted by killing sheep and cattle. + +Soon after the gold mines were discovered, he helped to rob a government +escort of dust on its way to Melbourne, and two thousand ounces of gold +fell to his share. His ill-gotten wealth made him long for an +opportunity to squander it; and unknown to the gang, he sent word to the +captain of police at Melbourne, and asked what terms he could receive if +he betrayed his comrades. + +Of course the police were too ready to accede to any proposition that +Dan might make to haggle about terms; and the Judas was promised not +only his life and a free pardon, but it was intimated that the treasure +in his possession should never be claimed by government. + +On these considerations Dan promised to turn traitor; and one day he +persuaded the gang to visit a spot which they considered unsafe, but +which Dan swore no policeman would ever dare to venture in. The +bushrangers were surrounded, surprised, and captured, and executed to a +man, with the exception of the betrayer. + +After this bloody piece of work, the fellow spent most of his money in +dissipation, and when it was nearly all gone, he determined to open a +resort for thieves and assassins at Ballarat; and although the police +knew the kind of house he maintained, yet they were unable to break him +up for want of evidence to convict him and his guests. + +Some went even so far as to say that he furnished information to the +police for certain considerations, but Mr. Brown always denied the +imputation with great eagerness. + +"Does Dan know what brings you to Ballarat?" I asked, resuming the +conversation with our visitor. + +"He's already bin pumping, but the clapper don't work. I told him I was +after a few _scrags_, for the purpose of raising a gang; and taking the +bush agin; and he thinks it's so, and promised to help me. I 'opes I +don't forfeit your confidence by being compelled to tell a lie. It goes +agin me, you know." + +We readily promised him that all such little failings on his part should +be overlooked; and after a second edition of whiskey, we laid our +trouble and plans before him, and gave him full directions how to +proceed. + +He was to frequent all places where crime was committed or planned; to +converse with all sorts of characters, honest or otherwise; to avoid the +police, and pretend an intense hatred for them; and when he wished to +communicate with us, it must only be done in the night time, and dressed +in such a disguise that none of his gang would recognize him. + +In case of his discovering Follet's companion in the attempted +assassination, he was to let us know, so that the fellow's arrest could +take place immediately; and while we agreed to find money for his +expenses, we promised a handsome gratuity in case he was successful. + +Steel Spring listened with more patience than I ever gave him credit +for, while we were enlightening his mind; and although he asked a dozen +different questions, which we considered at the time as frivolous, we +answered them to the best of our ability, and gave him what insight we +were able to regarding the company that Follet had been in the habit of +keeping. + +"There, that will do for the present," Steel Spring said. "Ef the feller +is in Ballarat, I shall hear of 'im afore long. Give me another drink of +viskey, and I'll be off, 'cos a select company of the _elite_ of +Ballarat expects me to honor their supper vid my presence in about an +hour's time, and ven I gives my vord to a gentleman I don't like to +disappint um. Keep cool, and don't be afeerd of swinging on this little +affair, 'cos there's no danger. Ef I thought there was, I should +certainly speak to my friend, the governor." + +"Mr. Murden did not send you here to jest, did he?" asked Fred, a little +sternly. + +"O, by no means; and I didn't mean any 'arm by vot I said. Please don't +say anything to the lieutenant." + +We promised; and Steel Spring turned to go, quite satisfied. Just as he +reached the door, he stopped, and drew a very dirty-looking letter from +his bosom, and handed it to us. + +"I'd almost forgotten that Lieutenant Murden sent this letter by me. +Good night. I'll see you again to-morrow some time, but it will be late +in the evening;" and with these words he stole from the store as +noiselessly as a serpent creeping towards a paroquet sleeping on a gum +tree. + +We broke the flaming red seal of our friend's letter, and read as +follows:-- + + MELBOURNE, Jan. 24th, 18--. + + My dear friends: You may believe that I was astonished when I got + your letter. Such damnable scrapes as you two are always getting + into, warrants me in saying that a keeper is needed in your store + to take the entire charge of you. I wish that I could get away for + a few days; I'd run up and lend you a helping hand to clear up + that shocking affair. + + As I can't leave, I send Steel Spring, agreeable to request. May + you make the most of him, for such a liar never went unhanged. As + an incentive to stir himself in your behalf, I thrashed him like + the devil on the afternoon that he left, and promised a repetition + unless he obeyed orders, and followed your directions to the + letter. + + I find that the oftener I lick him the better he likes me; and he + actually pretended to feel grieved at parting. I have great hope + that he will live long enough to be honest; but I have reasonable + doubts of the scheme, and it would not surprise me any day to hear + that he had taken to the bush. Still, I must say that I find him + useful in a number of ways; and a better detective cannot be found + in the country, for no matter what I have placed him on, he has + followed it up until the mystery was unravelled. + + Yesterday, a ship load of interesting girls, many of them in + interesting conditions, arrived from England, being sent out by a + society for the prevention of pauperism, or something like it. + They are intended as wives for us poor colonists; and I wish that + you had been here, to have seen the fun and the rush for the first + choice. The ship was surrounded by boats, until at length the + crowd was so great I had to take twenty-five men, and hire a + steamboat to carry us down the river, to where the vessel was + lying. The uproar and confusion was great--terrific. + + Men wanted their first pick, and swore frightfully when they + couldn't be gratified. The women all wanted stout, healthy + husbands, and rich ones at that, and they shrieked some when told + that they must take them by lot. + + However, sooner than go unmarried, the girls at length consented + to any arrangement that was proposed; and then what a time we had + of it! for you are well aware that delicacy is not a + characteristic of Australia. Amidst the crowd, struggling for a + wife right manfully, did I observe the teamster whom Smith has in + his employ, and who made you one visit with his load of goods + while I was at Ballarat. He did honor to the firm, for the fellow + got one of the best looking (and I will say at the same time, one + of the most vicious, if I am any judge of faces) on board, out of + a cargo of one hundred and ninety-eight. + + I asked your man what he intended to do with a wife in his + circumstances. + + "Marry her," he replied, "and take her to Ballarat, and go into + the mining business." + + So look out for an addition to the population in a short time. + + A day was required to get all the girls married off; for those who + were left till the last stage were not of an enticing character; + and there was a slight prospect of a row between the snub-nosed + women, each of whom thought she was superior in point of beauty to + the others; and not until I sent on shore and got three Victoria + miners, not over scrupulous in taste, were they disposed to be + silent. + + You should have been in Melbourne on the first night of the + arrival. Of course, where so many marriages took place, some + little latitude was allowed to the happy couples; and more + carousing I have not seen since whiskey was only a pound per + gallon. The beauty of the arrangement was that the men got drunk, + and one half of them could not tell the next morning whom they had + married, or whether they had married at all. + + The wives were in the same state of blissful ignorance, for they + had not known their husbands long enough to get familiar with + their features; and you will admit that where all men wear their + beards in full, there is some resemblance between us bipeds. + + Our police office was besieged from morning until night, by + anxious husbands and inconsolable wives. Six different times was + your friend seized upon and claimed as the lawful spouse of six + different women, two of whom were the snub-noses spoken of above. + + I hope you will admire the taste of your employee in the selection + of a wife, and that you will continue to conduct yourself in a + decorous manner after her arrival. Fair play, and don't take + advantage--(the balance of the line was illegible.) + + I must close my letter by once more recommending you to keep a + bright lookout for Steel Spring, and to write me information if he + does not come up to your expectations. Let me hear from you as + soon as practicable, and don't forget to send me all the news that + is stirring, including mining tax and other matters. By the way, + the artillery corps in this place have received orders to be in + readiness for instant duty and marching order. They are practising + with their guns every day. Their destination is a secret, although + I think I can _guess_ where they are to go. + + Yours in purity and honesty, + + MURDEN. + +The next day we informed the inspector of Steel Spring's arrival, and +the place where he was domiciled; and the former hinted to his sergeant +that the latter should be watched narrowly, but was not to be interfered +with unless something criminal was noted, in which case he was to be +arrested without delay. Of course Mr. Brown did not impart to his +subordinates what the ex-bushranger was attempting to accomplish, and +the matter always remained a secret to them. + +We saw nothing of Steel Spring until two days after his arrival, when he +paid us a nocturnal visit, disguised as usual, and gave us some +information that was of real importance. + +"I'se getting along werry slowly," he said, "'cos I've got to creep +afore I can walk. But things is vorking, and no mistake; and I 'spected +ven I took that horn of viskey the other night, that it would clear my +hideas, and make me find somethin'." + +"Well, what have you found out?" I demanded. + +"That the confounded dust gets into my throat, and keeps me dry, and I +think will really drive me into a galloping consumption time. I'se dry +now, and I think that if you had some vater here vid the brackishness +taken off vid a little somethin' good, that it would help me." + +We understood the hint, and gratified it; only after we had poured out a +tumbler of whiskey, he refused to have it spoiled by adding a drop of +water, as he thought that the latter was most too salt to agree with his +constitution. He drained the glass, smacked his lips, and made up such a +hideous face that he would have frightened a person of delicate nerves +into fits, had his countenance been seen. + +"Now, then, for the information!" I cried. + +"Vell, then, to business. I vant some more money." + +"You shan't have it until you give a good account of yourself, and tell +us what you have done with the gold we already gave you." + +"O, werry well," the mutinous scamp replied, moving towards the door; +"ven you get ready to give me the chink, I'll be ready to vork for you, +and not until then." + +He had already got his hand upon the latch, and was making a motion to +open the door, when Fred sprang upon him by his collar, and despite of +his long, spider-like legs, hurled him to the floor, where he lay for a +moment motionless and senseless. He raised his head, however, after a +while, and attempted to get to his feet, but Fred was watching his +motions, and grasping him by his neck, choked him, until the impudent +fellow was almost black in his face, and was glad to beg for mercy. + +"Will you answer our questions now?" Fred asked, giving him a shake. + +"I'll do any thing hereafter," he gasped, "that you desire; only don't +squeeze the breath entirely out of my body." + +"Now, then, tell us what information you have received, and let us have +no more of your impudence; and if you don't tell a straight story we'll +beat you to death with our horsewhips." + +Steel Spring understood the meaning of the language used, and he saw +that he had men to deal with who were not disposed to submit to his +demands and impudence, as he supposed they would. His confident air was +gone, and an abject one assumed its place. + +"Last night," he commenced, "I vas sitting vid a few coves in Dan's +crib, talking flash, ven von of 'em mentioned the case which I is +hunting up. I pretended that I didn't, know vot vas meant, and axed in a +careless sort of vay for the particulars. One of the coves tells me how +old Critchet got lammed, and then said that the coves didn't get +anything, 'cos the old feller had carried all of his money to the +government office, and took a paper for the amount. I axed him how he +knowed, and he said he seed the old cock lugging the dust to the office, +and followed him, thinking that if he could get a chance he would crack +him over his head, and make a raise. I didn't make many 'quiries, 'cos I +thought I vould vate a little vile until I got 'quainted." + +"And was there any thing said about the parties who committed the +outrage?" I asked. + +"There vas a few hints, but not enough to give me a hold. However, von +of the chaps said that he would show me a man vot helped in the business +to-morrow night, if I vished." + +"And what answer did you make?" we inquired eagerly. + +"I said that I thought he would make a good pal for the bush, and that I +would like to know him, and talk the matter over with a few good ones +vot I had already spoken to." + +"And what do you propose to do in case the assassin meets you?" we +demanded. + +"Get him to talk of the matter--praise him for his courage, make him +boast of it, and then nab him, and vere is he? Ve have the feller fast +and no mistake, and vether the old gent lives or dies ve don't care, +'cos ve shows the commissioner that you're hinnocent." + +"How many men will be required to act as you state?" we asked. + +"As few as possible," responded Steel Spring, promptly; "three besides +myself. Say Mr. Brown and both of you." + +We knew enough of Dan's crib to be certain that, if an attempt was made +to arrest a noted character, there would be a struggle, and possibly +bloodshed; and we had seen too many desperate battles not to know that a +shot can be fired by a pretended friend with more coolness than an +enemy, and no one the wiser for it. I scrutinized Steel Spring's face to +see if I could read his thoughts, but nature had given him eyes of such +a peculiar hue and shape that I was baffled in my attempt. + +"Do you mean honestly to assist us if we agree to your plans?" I asked. + +"So help me Heaven," he cried; and one of his hands was raised as though +swearing to the truth of his words. + +"We want no oaths, because we know the value that you place upon them; +but let me impress upon your mind that to-morrow night we will accompany +you--that each of us intends to carry a revolver, (and you know what +execution we can do with them,) and the first shot fired shall be at +your body if we see any signs of treachery. Now go, and meet us +to-morrow night at any time you see proper." + +I opened the door as Fred ceased speaking, and, with a thoughtful brow, +Steel Spring passed out of the room, and was soon lost to view as he +skulked homeward. + + + + +CHAPTER LV. + +ADVENTURES AT DAN BRIAN'S DRINKING-HOUSE. + + +The next day, anxious to test the truth of Steel Spring's statements, I +made an inquiry at the government reception office, and referring to the +books a clerk informed me that on the very day before the attack was +made upon Mr. Critchet he had deposited one thousand ounces of gold, and +had received a stationary certificate, or note, acknowledging that the +money had been received, but was to lay in the office, and not be +forwarded to Melbourne--a method that was often adopted to prevent loss +by miners. + +This was good news to me, and I felt warranted in calling upon the +commissioner to let him understand the fact, as it would in a measure +relieve us of suspicion of being implicated in the robbery. + +Mr. Sherwin received me with more kindness, or pretended friendship, +than I thought him capable of, and invited me into his private room, an +apartment about the size of a sugar box, and about as rough. It +contained two chairs, a desk, and a pair of old boots, much the worse +for wear. + +Upon the rough wall of the office was a portrait of Queen Victoria in +her coronation robes, done in yellow, and dear at any price. On the desk +was a print of Hobart Town, and beneath it was a black profile of the +commissioner; at least, he informed me that it was intended as a +surprising likeness of him, but I thought it would astonish no one but +his mother, in case the old lady ever saw it. It was cut from a piece of +black paper by a man who was before him for being drunk, and had no +funds to pay his fine, and so thought to conciliate his judge, which he +succeeded in doing, if report was true. + +After I had sufficiently admired the contour of the head, and the other +striking features of the paper counterfeit, Mr. Sherwin invited me to be +seated, and asked what I would "take," and appeared to be somewhat +surprised when I told him that I didn't care about drinking. + +Notwithstanding my refusal, the commissioner unlocked his desk and took +out two very dirty wine glasses, and then displayed, with a solemn +flourish, a black bottle partly filled with a dark liquid which he +called wine; but I would have sworn, without tasting that it was bilge +water. + +"Now," said Mr. Sherwin, waving me to a seat opposite to the desk, "we +can be comfortable and chatty. We have wine and good fellowship, and +what more can we desire? + +"And how is our friend Frederick?" the commissioner inquired, after +filling the glasses and re-corking the bottle, as though he feared the +strength of the black stuff would evaporate if left exposed to the air. + +I replied that my friend and companion was as "well as could be +expected" with such an accusation hanging over his head, and that he +would have accompanied me had his presence not have been needed at the +store to wait on customers, and to attend to the wants of the wounded +man, Mr. Critchet. + +"Don't give yourselves any uneasiness on that silly charge," the +commissioner said, with a smile that was intended to be engaging, but I +shuddered at it, it was so cold and fiendish. "I am perfectly satisfied +that Follet lied to me, and any time you wish to proceed against him for +perjury I will grant a warrant, and will also release you and your +friend from bail." + +"May I ask what has caused such a change in your sentiments?" I +inquired, half suspecting that he was setting a trap for me. + +"You know as well as I do," my companion answered, with a wink of his +snaky eye. + +I protested with some earnestness that I was ignorant on the subject, +and while the commissioner turned his back to search amidst some papers +which his desk contained, I slyly poured the contents of my wine glass +through a crack of the floor, and watered the soil of Ballarat with a +new species of liquor, such as was never known before. + +"You see I have heard from Melbourne lately, and am satisfied how the +land lays, and I am not going to weaken the cause of government by +suspecting two of its greatest defenders." And while the plotting +officer unfolded a letter his eye fell upon my empty glass, and, in +defiance of my most strenuous denials, insisted that I should "not be +afraid of the liquor, because there was plenty more where that came +from," (which the Lord forbid!) and once more I had the inexpressible +misery of sitting with a wine glass full of the strange compound under +my nostrils, which I dared not throw away, fearful that he would see me, +and which I dreaded to drink. + +"I got a letter from Mr. Murden, who is an officer of some rank in the +police force at Melbourne, a day or two since, and he tells me that I +must be very careful of you gentlemen, as the governor esteems you +highly, and that his excellency would be apt to resent an act of +injustice done you while stopping at the mines." + +I strongly suspected that the lieutenant had drawn on his imagination in +that letter, for he thoroughly understood the character of the +commissioner, and disliked him so much that while at Ballarat he had not +even called upon him. + +"When I obtain a position at Melbourne that I consider suitable for a +fair display of my talents, I shall know how to be grateful for favors," +the commissioner insinuated, with a bland smile that suggested whole +volumes of bribery. + +The subject was painful to me, and to avoid making promises which I +could not perform, I turned the conversation to the theme which I had +uppermost in my mind,--the discovery of Mr. Critchet's deposit at the +government office. The commissioner was slightly astonished, and became +more and more convinced that Fred and myself were innocent of any +complicity in the plot. + +"In fact," Mr. Sherwin said, "so convinced am I that Follet and an +unknown companion attempted the murder, that I shall this day order a +full discharge from our court records, and of course you will no longer +be under bail. Nay, I don't desire thanks," the commissioner said, +hastily, as I attempted to explain how grateful we should feel. "There +are other ways besides words in which a man can certify his good will." + +I understood his meaning, but instead of returning an answer I managed +to empty his so-called wine upon the floor, and then took my leave, +after first hinting that we were on the track of Follet's companion. I +felt easier and breathed freer after reaching the open air, in defiance +of the dust, which filled the heavens, and almost blinded me; and while +I was picking my way through the street, with half-closed eyes, whom +should I meet but Mr. Brown. + +"Hullo," he shouted, "what is up?" + +I briefly related the manner in which I had been received by the +commissioner, and the discovery that Steel Spring had made. + +"And when does that long-limbed wretch propose to identify Follet's +companion, so that we can get hold of him?" Mr. Brown inquired. + +"To-night," I answered; "I intended to find you in the course of the +day, and get you to accompany us on the expedition." + +"What time do you start?" + +"About midnight. Steel Spring is to be at Dan's, and will introduce us +to the company as men afraid to look upon the face of a 'Trap,' and 'on +the square.'" + +"I'll be with you before you start, and during the day I'll send two +disguises to the store which will be hard to rival in point of ugliness. +Good by for the present, and don't forget to examine and clean your +revolvers, for we may need them." + +At about midnight we donned our disguises, and then surveyed each other +with attention. Fred had a close-cropped wig of a fiery red color, which +nearly covered his forehead, and made him look like a prize-fighter +after a hard battle. + +On his nose was stuck an immense piece of adhesive plaster, which rather +detracted from his personal beauty; and to complete the adornment of his +person, there were other strips of the same material on his face, which, +by the way, was slightly smeared with dirt to give him a healthy color +so that the company which we were about to seek should not accuse us of +aristocracy in being too clean. + +I also had on a wig, but it was one of the _fussy_ kind, and made my +head look as though guiltless of a comb or brush for many months. To +beautify my complexion I smeared it over with soot, and when I regaled +myself with a glance at our six by nine glass, I was satisfied that no +living man could tell whether I was a dirty white man or a dirty negro. + +Our costumes consisted of blue flannel shirts, with coarse canvas +trousers, very much soiled and very stiff; but they were made loose, +with very deep pockets, for the express purpose of carrying a brace of +pistols or huge pocket knives. + +A few minutes past twelve o'clock the inspector gave his peculiar knock, +and we admitted him. He had on a suit of clothing that formerly belonged +to a miner who had passed two or three weeks under ground digging +through a stratum of clay, and of course he had not spared his garments, +for they were so besmeared that it would have puzzled a conjurer to have +defined the original color of the cloth. His wig was black, and +contrasted with his saturnine complexion, and as long as he held his +tongue he would have passed muster as a native of Italy. + +"Well," inquired Mr. Brown, surveying our disguise with approval, "is +every thing ready?" + +We assured him that, as far as we were concerned, we were, and impatient +to set out without delay. + +"Where is Steel Spring?" Mr. Brown asked, while sipping his punch, with +a gratified expression upon his face that showed how highly he enjoyed +it. + +"We are to meet him at Dan's at one o'clock." + +"Then we had better be moving," the inspector said, emptying his glass, +and rising. "I heard from one of my folks to-night, and he tells me that +the gathering is unusually large at the 'Cricket,' and to prevent +mistakes, I have stationed a small force of trusty men within sound of a +call in case they are required." + +We left Rover in charge of the store and the sick man, and locked up, +and then picked our way towards Gravel Pit Hill, where the "Cricket" was +located. + +Mr. Brown was in high spirits, and once called down the wrath of a +guardian of the night because Mr. B. insisted upon showing us the extent +and volume of his voice. + +At length we gained "Gravel Pit Hill," and had no difficulty in finding +the celebrated "Cricket,"--a house that made some pretensions to size +and boards, for it was two stories high, with a large hall, or bar-room, +on the first floor, and three or four smaller rooms leading from it. The +small rooms were for the _elite_ of the bushranging profession, and when +there was too great a cry for a notorious robber, he was accommodated +with private quarters where he could enjoy his _lush_ undisturbed by +the thoughts of police officers. The "Cricket" appeared to be unusually +light and brilliant, for the sharp squeaking of a violin was heard, and +the trilling of a clarinet blended with the catgut in most discordant +notes. + +"Now, gentlemen," the inspector said, stopping short, and laying his +hands upon our arms, "we have got to manage this matter with some skill, +or we shall hardly escape without a blow from a knife, or a pistol shot, +two very desirable things if we use the weapons with which they are +inflicted, but bad if in other hands. Let me caution you to study each +word that you utter, and to maintain perfect control over your muscles. +Now, then, are you ready?" + +We answered in the affirmative, and once more strode on until we reached +the stout door that separated the "cricketers" from the outer world. It +was closed as we expected, for Steel Spring had informed us that after a +certain hour at night all ingress had to be made by giving a password, +and he had kindly provided us with the magic expression to be used. + +Mr. Brown dealt a stout blow upon the door, and while we listened for a +response the music ceased, and all was quiet as a churchyard within the +house. We could hear whispering near the door as though debating our +business, and who we were. + +Again did the inspector deal the door heavy blows, and while he rested a +hoarse voice asked,-- + +"What's wanted out there?" + +"We wish to come in--open the door, and don't keep us away from, the +lush all night," responded the inspector. + +"But who are you?" queried our interrogator. + +"We is fakey kens and quiddling coves," Mr. Brown answered, adopting the +flash language, most in vogue among thieves at Ballarat. + +"If you is fakey coves you should know the _dig_," was the response, +meaning that we should know the password. + +"Bush and bush," cried Mr. Brown, promptly, being the words which Steel +Spring had informed us would carry us into the house without delay. + +"Why didn't you go for to say so in the fust place," growled the +doorkeeper; and we heard a heavy bar removed, and a bolt drawn, and then +the door was opened just wide enough for us to squeeze in one by one, +and after we stood in the large room, where twenty or thirty persons +were congregated, it was instantly shut, and again secured, and our +retreat was cut off had we been disposed to have left the choice company +before us in a summary manner. + +I had time to glance around the apartment and take a brief survey of the +assembly before the ruffian who guarded the door had bolted it, and I +must confess that my impression was not very favorable. As I said +before, there were between twenty and thirty persons in the room, all +with such villanous-looking countenances that a jury would have hanged +them without a word of evidence in regard to their guilt. The very +_creme de la creme_ of scoundrelism was before us, plotting a recruiting +from deeds of crime, and ready to cut a man's throat for a pound. + +The apartment was filled with smoke, for each man had a clay pipe in his +mouth, and was puffing away in a state of great enjoyment. Along the +walls of the room were common pine tables, with rude benches and but a +few rough chairs. The tables were nailed to the floor, or confined by +iron staples; and I afterwards learned that the plan was adopted by the +proprietor of the house to save his property, as sometimes his guests +got angry, and were in the habit of breaking chairs over the heads of +adversaries--a custom which had been discontinued, owing to the +shrewdness of Dan in looking after number one. Of course, the knife and +pistol were the next resort; but that was a matter of the most supreme +indifference to Dan, who didn't care how many were killed or wounded as +long as they didn't injure him or what belonged to him. + +Every man was drinking, or had a pot of ale or a glass of rum before +him; and in one corner of the apartment were half a dozen persons +asleep, or else dead drunk, and even beside them were glasses or pewter +cups. + +At the farthest end of the room from the street was a small bar, behind +which Dan, with coat off and shirt sleeves rolled up, was the presiding +genius, and to show his aristocracy was smoking a cigar. + +He scanned us with his sharp black eyes when we entered, as though +wondering who we were; but apparently satisfied that we were "kenkly +coves," or first-class thieves, he turned his attention to more +congenial matters, and refreshed his inner man with a stiff glass of +rum, diluted with but a slight mixture of water. + +The musicians, who had stopped playing upon our knocking, now made +feeble signs of renewing their duties; but still the guests assembled +did not remove their eyes from us, and we could see a number of them +whisper to each other as though making inquiries as to whom we were. + +I glanced around the room in hope of seeing Steel Spring, but that +worthy was invisible; and I was just about to utter an anathema on his +head when a door leading to the hall, or bar-room, opened, and that +individual made his appearance. He stopped for a moment to exchange a +few words with Dan, and we could see that he was requesting the favor of +a drink, and that he was promptly served, a sure sign that his credit +was good, or that he had not run out of money. + + + + +CHAPTER LVI. + +ADVENTURES CONTINUED. + + +"Come, ain't you covies agoing to move along and get some lush, or is +you goin' to stand here all night, and hanged to you?" cried the +doorkeeper, who had secured the door, and wanted to turn his attention +to any amusement that might be going on, including that of being asked +to drink by any good-natured bushranger present. + +"Don't you be in a hurry, you old grampus," cried Mr. Brown, with a +swagger and an indifferent look, as though he had been used to just such +society as was present. "We are strangers here, but we have lived in the +bush for a few years, and knows a 'Trap' from an innocent." + +To even claim the title of a bushranger was sufficient to secure respect +from the common thieves who congregated around Ballarat, as there was so +much danger connected with the pursuit of a robber who was obliged to +live in the bush, and rarely show his face, except to attack a train, +that petty knaves were always awed when one of the fierce rovers of the +prairies made his appearance and condescended to speak. The doorkeeper's +manners underwent an instantaneous change, and from the fierce bully he +softened to the fawning panderer. + +"I axes yer pardon, gents, 'cos I didn't know ye, and 'sposed you was +sneaks from Melbourne. Let me show you to a table, and supply you with +lush, and (here the fellow's voice subsided to a whisper) I knows the +bottles that holds the best rum." + +"You're the fellow for us," cried the inspector, slapping him on his +back with pretended frankness. "Bring on the lush, and hang the expense. +We're in for a time, and a jolly one at that." + +Our cicerone led us across the room, and while we were walking every eye +was upon us, and the least hesitancy or timidity would have betrayed and +brought the whole pack upon us before we were ready to receive them. +Therefore, without swaggering, or pretending to be very independent, we +reached our allotted table, and called for three bottles of ale and +three pipes. + +Just then Dan called Steel Spring's attention, and we could hear him +inquire in a whisper if he knew us. The long-legged scamp turned +deliberately around, pretended to be surprised, hastily swallowed his +rum, and then rushed towards us. + +"Vel, if this isn't a surprise may I never speak again, or make an +honest living vhile in the bush. To think that three of my old pals +should turn up jist as I vanted 'um, is a vonderful thing and no +mistake. If ye axes me vat I'll drink, I shall say rum." + +We all pretended to be pleased to see the follow, and gave him such a +rough welcome as we deemed his companions would be likely to bestow, and +then, to his extreme gratification, ordered the rum that he was so eager +to taste. + +"It's all right," we could hear the ruffians, by whom we were +surrounded, say. "Steel Spring knows 'um, and that's 'nough;" and then +each man applied himself with renewed energy to drinking and smoking, +and laying plans for future robberies. + +"I should never have known you," Steel Spring whispered, "if you hadn't +have peached about the toggles vot you vas going to vare. I don't +believe that your blessed mother would know you, and as for your fathers +they would be puzzled at any rate." + +This was uttered in a whisper, and while the doorkeeper was gone for the +rum and ale; and I suppose it was intended to be complimentary, although +we didn't look upon it in that light. + +"Is he here?" I asked, glancing around the room, and endeavoring to +imagine which of those present was the assassin. + +"Yes, it's all right; but I can't point him out, 'cos it would attract +attention. Keep quiet, and drink your hale in peace." + +We were constrained to follow Steel Spring's advice, although I promised +him a kicking for his impudence. + +"Jim," cried a black bearded fellow who sat near us, and who, Mr. Brown +whispered, had served six years as a convict, and who preferred +Australia to the old country, "when is you going to try your hand at the +trade agin?" + +"Not until the brads get low, and when Dan refuses to trust me for lush +and grub," was the answer. + +"Isn't it a pity that I haven't got the power to arrest these fellows, +and hang them without a trial? They deserve punishment, yet there is no +evidence by which they can be convicted. Your California lynch law would +work wonders here in a short time." + +The inspector felt as enthusiastic as an artist in the presence of a +great painting, and Steel Spring was obliged to whisper a few words of +caution for fear of a discovery. + +The doorkeeper brought our drink, and expressed great gratification when +we asked him to take a drop at our expense; but Dan, who was watching +the operation, looked much more pleased when he saw Fred display a few +gold pieces, and pay for the same; and at length the reserve of the +landlord wore off; and seeing that we were strangers and had money, he +made an excuse to call at our table, and grunt forth a few words of +welcome. + +"Is you from the town or bush?" he asked, appealing to Fred as the +leader, because I suppose he had on better clothes than the inspector +and myself. + +"From the town; but on the lookout for a chance for the bush," my friend +returned. + +"Whose gang have you faked with?" was the next interrogation. + +"Once we were with Black Darnley; but most of the time we have been +together, picking up odds and ends, not making big strides, for fear of +the Traps. We are getting short, and came here 'cos we were told that +Steel Spring was going into business, and wanted a little help." + +If Dan had any suspicious that we were not what we seemed, he kept them +to himself at any rate, for after drinking "confusion to all d----d +Traps," he returned to his old place behind the bar, and left us to do +what we pleased. We were glad to get rid of him, for he had a wicked +eye, and could see through a disguise quicker than any other man in +Ballarat, robber or policeman. I afterwards accused Mr. Brown of giving +him some private signal by which he was warned to hold his tongue, but +the inspector denied it, not so emphatic as I could have wished, +however. + +"Go and invite your friend to join us," Mr. Brown said, addressing Steel +Spring, for the night began to wear away. "If we are to pull together, +we want to see what land of stuff a man's made of, so that we can know +what risks to run and what to avoid. Them's my sentiments, and I don't +care a d---- who knows 'um." + +This was spoken in a tone of voice loud enough for half a dozen thieves +to hear; and as Steel Spring had given out that, he was intending to +raise a gang, they did not any longer feel suspicious as to our +movements. + +"That's the kind of talk I like a man to spit out," cried a huge black +ruffian who sat near us, bringing his hand down upon his table with so +much good will that a cup before him spilled out half its contents. "I +like to 'sociate with men who have pluck, and know what they is about. +D----n a coward, dead or alive," and with this emphatic declaration the +ruffian drank what spirits remained in his cup, and then called for +more. + +"That's Tom Benchley," whispered the inspector, "and in spite of his big +words and fierce looks, an arrant coward at heart. He frightens people +by bouncing, although a boy of twenty could make him eat his words. You +see that he sits alone. Most, of those in the room consider him a +disgrace to what they call a profession; but the fellow always has +money, and so Dan gives him the right of _entree_ to the select scenes." + +Steel Spring, who had been to the farther end of the room, whispering +with a young man, now returned, and introduced him to us as Ben Jackson. +He was not more than twenty-four years of age; and I saw in a moment +that he had never passed any portion of his time at the hulks, and that +if he had ever been engaged in robberies it was only recently, and that +he was not yet quite hardened to crime. + +"Gents," said Steel Spring, waving his hand with an attempt to do the +genteel, "allow me to introduce Mr. Jackson, a covey vot is desirous of +jining our select society, provided, as the land sharks say, you is +villing." + +Jackson appeared delighted with the introduction; although I thought +that I could detect a slight look of disgust upon his face when we +extended our soiled hands and shook his white palm. + +"Our friend tells the truth--I want to join a gang where I can make +money, and then leave the country without danger. I don't want to stop +in Australia all my days by a d----d sight." + +Even the profanity was forced, and did not come from his heart. He +considered it necessary to use an oath to make himself appear an adept +in crime--but I saw through the disguise, and pitied him. + +"It ain't every man that applies for a chance can jine with us," the +inspector answered, assuming a deep and bass tone of voice, and language +suited to his supposed condition. "We want men--half a dozen good, firm +men, and then we can roll the money in without much trouble. Squat +yourself, and then we can think of this 'ere subject, and find out what +you can do to help us when we reach the bush." + +"I like to meet men, and hope to prove myself one before we part," +speaking in a manner that showed he was not destitute of education. +"I've never been in the bush, but I hope under good guidance I shall +soon be, and then if I show a white feather I'll agree to go without my +share of the prize money." + +"That's fair talk," I muttered, "and I think that the kid will make a +goat. Let's trust him." + +"I'm sure I'm very much pleased with your favorable opinion, and I hope +I shall deserve it. I've already done some things that can't he beat, +although I'm not in the possession of much money. Gentlemen, I must ask +you to drink at my expense, if I can manage to negotiate with Dan for +credit." + +Jackson started for a short conference with the barkeeper, and Steel +Spring whispered to the inspector to "draw him out, and hear him talk." + +Dan apparently required some persuasion to give credit, but at length +the representations of Jackson prevailed, and he returned to us radiant. + +"The d----d old '_fence_,'" he muttered, "he is afraid of giving credit +as a churchman, and nearly as mean. The next time I'm in Ballarat, I +hope that I shall have money enough to pay for select lodgings, and then +he and his 'Cricket' may go to the devil. What are you going to take?" + +We ordered our liquor, and after it was brought made a show of tasting +it, but we knew better than to drink spirit at the Cricket. + +"By the way," Mr. Brown said, "you was saying something about your not +being green, and that you had tried your hand at one or two things. Now, +if you have no objections, we should like to know how you've been +employed, so that we can judge of your mettle." + +The young fellow paused; and I could see that shame was not entirely +banished from his heart, for he colored, and then endeavored to crush +his feelings with a drink of poisonous spirit. + +"What need I care," he exclaimed, at length, a "short life and a merry +one for me. A fellow may as well be dead as destitute of money, and when +it can't be got by hard work, I'm in favor of taking it wherever I can +get it." + +"Them's the sentiments," cried the inspector, and then muttered in an +undertone, "that have hanged better men than you." + +"You see, gentlemen," Jackson continued, the liquor opening his heart, +and making him loquacious, "that I began life in Liverpool, in the old +country. I was apprenticed to a grocer, but I looked upon weighing +coffee and tea as not the kind of employment for a man; so one day I +stepped out of the store on board of a ship that was just ready to sail +for Melbourne, and started to seek my fortune in this part of the +world." + +"Didn't you have any capital to begin with?" interrogated the inspector, +with a wink of encouragement. + +"Well, yes," hesitated the young fellow; "I forgot to say that I had +five hundred sovereigns in my pocket at the time I left; and they were +intrusted to me by my master to put into the Bank of Liverpool." + +"Ah, that was something like," cried the inspector, rubbing his hands. +"How old Slocum must have been astonished when he found that you was +gone." + +"You knew my master, then," cried Jackson, starting up with alarm +depicted upon his countenance. + +"Of course I didn't know him; but I can read, can't I? Didn't an +advertisement appear in one of the papers at Melbourne, offering a +reward for the arrest of one Charley Wright. But don't fear us; go on +with your yarn. You've made a good beginning." + +"I'm glad that you think so, 'cos I don't know as you'd approve of such +kinds of pickings." + +"Approve of 'em?" echoed the inspector. "No matter; you go on, and while +talking I'll order more lush." + +"I didn't find so many chances to make a fortune as I expected here," +Jackson continued, "but I got employment in a store, where I worked +daytimes, and at night I used to do a little on my own account in the +pasteboard line; but I wasn't very successful, and somehow or other I +think I was cheated." + +"It's exceedingly probable," cried the inspector, _sotto voce_. + +"And when I found that I was cleaned out after a few weeks, I attempted +to retrieve my losses by borrowing from my employers," Jackson +continued. + +"Without their consent or knowledge," Mr. Brown remarked. + +The young fellow smiled faintly, and nodded his head in token of assent, +and then continued: + +"One day I borrowed a hundred pounds, thinking that I could replace it +without its being missed, if I was lucky at cards; but somehow I wasn't, +and my employers began to make a stir in relation to the matter." + +"That must have been exceedingly disagreeable to your feelings," the +inspector insinuated. + +"Well, it was rather hard, I will own, 'cos I might have been lucky +after a while, and then I could have paid the whole debt without +trouble; but men in business don't seem to have much consideration for +their clerks; and I think that a good deal of crime originates through +their obstinacy and stupidity. + +"I was obliged to leave the firm with whom I was spending my time; and I +did it so suddenly that they had no chance to arrest me, or to +investigate matters. I stepped out of the store while the partners were +holding a consultation, and in ten minutes time I was on board the +'Smiling Queen' steamboat, bound for Sydney, and beyond the reach of the +police. + +"I didn't have a recommendation in my pocket, for I didn't think to ask +for one when I left Melbourne; and I have always entertained some doubts +as to whether I could have obtained one had I requested it." + +"Ingenuous youth," muttered the inspector, almost fascinated by his +impudence. + +"I tried to get a clerkship in Sydney, but didn't succeed; and then I +accepted a situation as marker in a billiard saloon, where I flourished +for a time--but one night a miner, who had been drinking quite freely, +lost about a pound of dust, and was fool enough to make a fuss about it. +I was suspected of stealing it; and although I pledged my word that I +knew nothing of the matter, yet the gold was found in my pocket, and I +was obliged to share with the police in order to get clear." + +Mr. Brown endeavored to hide his chagrin by drinking from his glass, +while Steel Spring could hardly contain himself he was so delighted at +the _expose_. + +"A precious sot of wermin those police fellers, hey?" cried the scamp, +in defiance of all my frowns. + +"O, they are the most rapacious set of villains," Jackson continued, +"that ever lived. A man can't do an honest day's work without sharing +with them. I know 'em, thoroughly." + +"Perhaps you do," Mr. Brown replied, carelessly, and at the same time he +gave Steel Spring such a tremendous kick on his thin shin bone that the +poor devil was almost bent up double with agony. + +"I ax your pardon," cried Mr. Brown; "I didn't know that your foot was +there." + +"Vell, you've found out," was the reply of the poor devil, as he rubbed +his leg. + +"After the transaction with the miner, I heard that a man could make a +good living, if he was any ways smart, at Ballarat, so I came here and +done pretty well, until an unfortunate occurrence took place, which has +been the means of making me fight shy for a few weeks past." + +"You see he used a 'sticker' rather freely," cried Steel Spring, in a +careless way, as though stabbing was a meritorious act, which Jackson's +modesty was too great for him to disclose. + +"I thought I asked you to say nothing of the matter!" exclaimed Jackson, +with a pallid cheek, and a frightened expression. + +"Veil, so you did, but vat of it? Ain't ve all friends; and ain't it +right that ve should know how much pluck a man has got?" + +"If the gentleman has done any thing that is gallus, let's hear it," +grumbled Fred. + +"Ah, that's the talk; out with it at once," we all exclaimed, although +in so low a tone that our neighbors did not hear us. + +"Well, since the subject is broached, I don't mind giving you an account +of the most dangerous expedition that I ever undertook; but mum is the +word, for if that d----d Brown should get hold of me, I should have to +swing for it." + +"O, mum it is," we all repeated; and none were louder than the inspector +in giving the promise. + +"Well, the fact of it is," Jackson continued, "soon after I got here, +and began handling the 'pasteboards,' I made the acquaintance of a young +fellow who was at work mining with an uncle. I managed to clean him +pretty well out; and then he used to steal pretty smart sums from his +relative, until at last the old man missed his dust, and remonstrated +against such injustice. + +"One day, after a hard quarrel, the nephew came to me, and proposed that +we should enter his uncle's tent, and take what gold he had left, and +divide it equally between us. I didn't like the idea, but my friend was +so sanguine that a few thousand pounds could be made without much of an +effort, that I at last consented." + +"I 'spose you mean that affair of Critchet's," the inspector said. "I +could have told you that nothing was to be got in that quarter." + +"How--you know of that attempt at mur--" + +He did not finish the sentence, for the word seemed to choke him. + +"Know of it?" repented the inspector; "of course I did. Don't I belong to +a gang that hears of all such things? What would an organization be +worth unless the news was reported?" + +"But you didn't know that I was connected with the matter, did you?" + +"Never you mind me--when you belong to the association you will know as +much as I do. I'll give you the credit of saying that the job you +undertook was well conducted, and only failed through the old fellow's +shrewdness. Now drive on, and don't be bashful." + +"We agreed upon a night," Jackson continued, "and about one o'clock we +crept into old Critchet's tent, and began digging where we supposed the +dust was buried, but to our disappointment found it was gone. + +"My companion was so enraged that he uttered an exclamation loud enough +to awaken his uncle, and he sprang from his bed and shouted for help. We +feared that his cries would bring assistance, when we knew that our +errand would be suspected, and that our arrest would be certain. We +seemed animated by a kindred feeling, and both of our knives struck the +old fellow at the same moment. He gave a groan, and fell to the ground, +and then, fearing that he was not finished, we dealt half a dozen more +stabs, and ran, as fast as our legs could carry us, to a gambling +saloon, where we endeavored to forget our disappointment and terror by +imbibing deeply of liquor. + +"A little before daylight we stole back to the tent, thinking that we +would raise an alarm in case he was dead; but we discovered that the old +fellow had crept from his tent to a store kept by two Yankees. We +tracked him by his blood, and feared that we were lost, but Follet--" + +"Follet was the name of your companion, hey?" Fred asked. + +Jackson hesitated for a moment, and then continued,-- + +"I may as well own that it was, 'cos I'm with friends who won't betray +me. Follet said that he would visit the store, and by cross-examining +the Yankees, find out what they meant to do, and whether the old man had +made any revelations. He did so, and while there managed to drop a +knife, which I had bought from them a week or two before, and which I +took care to blood up, and then went before the commissioner, and boldly +accused them of murdering his uncle. + +"The dodge succeeded badly; the d----d fool of a commissioner let the +store keepers off on bail, and shoved Follet in jail, to be held as a +witness. But he's a good and true one, and has not once alluded to me." + +"Is that all?" asked the inspector. + +"That's all," replied Jackson, emptying his glass. + +"Well, now, let me see your hands," Mr. Brown said. + +Jackson held out his hands, which Mr. Brown grasped firmly, and then I +heard two sharp "clicks," and to my surprise, and the consternation of +our companion, a pair of stout handcuffs were on his wrists, and he was +a prisoner. + + + + +CHAPTER LVII. + +MORE OF THE SAME SORT. + + +The securing of Jackson was so sudden and unexpected that no one in the +room besides our party had noticed what was going on, and even the +prisoner seemed not to realize for some moments that his tongue had +revealed secrets which were likely to cost him imprisonment for life. He +appeared to imagine that the handcuffing was an excellent joke, and a +taint smile overspread his face; but after finding that no one returned +it, a deadly paleness chased the color from his lips, and he trembled +as though he was already arraigned before a tribunal for sentence. + +"What is the meaning of this?" he stammered out, after moistening his +mouth, which seemed parched, with his tongue. + +"It means," whispered the inspector, "that you are my prisoner, and the +first effort that you make to escape will result in your death. Remain +quiet, and do as I wish you to, and you will fare well, but--" + +He pressed the barrel of a revolver against his side, and the fellow +trembled at its touch. + +"Who are you?" Jackson demanded, almost in an inaudible voice. + +"I am that d----d Brown whom you spoke of a few minutes since," replied +the inspector, with a chuckle. + +"And these two men?" he asked, pointing to Fred and myself. + +"The Americans, whom you thought to get convicted of murder. You see +that they have played you a Yankee trick, and have rather got the best +of the bargain." + +The poor wretch's head fell upon his breast, and we supposed that he was +completely crushed by his unexpected arrest, but we kept a sharp eye +upon his movements, nevertheless, for fear that he should convey +intelligence of his situation to the noisy and drunken gang in the room. +We knew that the single word "Traps" would cause them to swarm around us +like hornets, and that many blows would have to be struck before we +could make our way to the street and escape with our prisoner, whom we +were desirous of holding on to at every hazard. + +"Steel Spring," whispered the inspector, but no Steel Spring was present +to respond. The fellow had stolen away unperceived as soon as the +handcuffs were put on Jackson's wrists,' disliking the idea of fighting +his way from the room. The act was characteristic of the man, and we +cursed him in our hearts for a coward and a traitor. + +Here were but three of us to oppose nearly thirty, and to add to our +trouble it was not only necessary that we should get clear ourselves, +but that we should take our prisoner with us; and while we knew that in +case of a rush we would stand but a slim chance, we determined that we +would dispute our lives with the ruffians, and make every shot in our +revolvers tell. + +"If that coward of a Steel Spring was only here," muttered the +inspector. + +"He would be of little use to us," I remarked, "for he has not pluck +enough to fight a hedgehog, if it showed spirit." + +"I expected to send him for the reserved police force that I have posted +near at hand. I told them to wait until they got word from me, and they +will obey orders." + +"It is useless to repine," Fred exclaimed. "Let us make a bold push for +the street, and trust to our usual good luck and boldness for an +escape." + +"Or, had we better sit here until morning, and pretend to drink as hard +as those around us? By daylight most of those present will be either +drunk or asleep, and then we could get off without much of a struggle." + +The advice of the inspector was good, and perhaps we should have adopted +it; but just at that moment a burly fellow staggered towards our table, +and seemed determined to cultivate a more intimate acquaintance. + +"You coves don't seem to drink as though you liked our lush," he began, +steadying himself by holding on to the table with one hand, and pointing +to the half-filled glasses before us. "If the liquor isn't good why +don't you say so, and be hanged to you," he continued. + +We made a short reply that we liked the liquor very much, and was going +to drink our share of it as soon as we got some business arranged. + +"Well, let us have a rousing drink, and I'll pay for it," our +troublesome friend continued, and in spite of our declaration he ordered +a pint of whiskey, and then sat down beside us as though he was +determined to see that full justice was done to his treat. + +I shoved Jackson's hands under the table so that his bracelets could not +be seen, and then I held them in that position until the liquor was +brought, when a new source of trouble awaited us. It was necessary, to +escape without a quarrel, that each of us should honor the unexpected +treat by partaking of it; but when it came Jackson's turn to drink, we +all protested that he had his reasons for not imbibing, but our +troublesome friend overruled them. + +"He shall drink, by G----d, or fight," roared the ruffian; and as he +spoke we saw, with some misgivings, that our corner of the room was the +centre of attraction, and that the sleeping thieves were waking up, and +listening to hear what the row was about. + +"Sit down, man," cried the inspector, calmly, "and let me drink his +share. I'll drink glass after glass with you, until daylight." + +"Not by a d----d sight. I want that fellow to respond to my toast: +'Death and confusion to all policemen!'" shouted the ruffian, bringing +his glass down upon the table with so much force that it was shivered to +pieces, and one of the fragments struck our prisoner on his face, and so +startled him that he sprang up, in defiance of the inspector's threat, +and revealed what we had attempted to conceal, his confined hands. + +The secret was out, and frowns and threats were in vain. We felt in our +pockets and satisfied ourselves that our revolvers were ready, and then +waited for the astonished ruffian to give an alarm; but he seemed +incapable of motion, for he sat staring at Jackson as though hardly +daring to believe his eyes. + +"Make for the door," whispered the inspector, and grasping the prisoner +by his right arm he arose, an example which we followed. + +Then did the ruffian, who had insisted upon our drinking with him, find +his tongue, for with one spring he cleared the rude bench upon which he +was seated and rushed towards his comrades shouting a word, which, above +all others, was most dreaded by thieves. + +"Traps!" he yelled; and at the sound every thief started to his feet, +and even those who were lying in the corners of the room, sleepy and +overpowered with drink, sat up and rubbed their eyes, ready to fight in +self-defence, or to make an escape, just according to the chances which +presented themselves. + +"Traps," once more repeated the frightened ruffian, and a dozen voices +demanded where they were, while three or four men opened the shutters +of the windows to see if the building was attacked on the outside. Two +or three of the most timid disappeared from the room through a small +door, which we afterwards learned led through a subterranean passage to +a deserted mine, and from thence escape was easy by means of the shaft. + +"Where are they?" roared a dozen voices all at once; and as the ruffians +asked, we had the disagreeable pleasure of seeing long knives unsheathed +and two or three pistols drawn; but even during the confusion we managed +to approach the door through which we had entered, and which we prayed +to leave without a severe wound. + +"There they go--we are betrayed--down with them," were the cries that we +heard; but to our satisfaction a man whom we had not counted on rushed +between us and the crowd, his voice, clear and ringing, being heard +above the din. + +"Put up your knives," he shouted, "or you'll bring trouble on me and my +house. Let the gentlemen go--it's nothin' but a fadlin' cove they've +got, and not a bushman. For the honor of the 'Cricket' don't spill blood +here," pleaded Dan Brian, the proprietor. + +"Move on," whispered the inspector, "and don't relax your hold of the +prisoner. Keep your pistols in your pockets, and don't use them until I +set an example." + +"It is selling us, Dan Brian, you are," cried half a dozen voices, and +there were shouts and oaths of rage at the thought. + +"'Pon my honor, I'm not," reiterated Dan; "I never sold a pal in my +life, and, by the blessing of God, I won't. It's a poor devil they've +got now, of no account to any of us." + +"He's a thief, and in the hands of 'Traps,'" shouted one, "and if we let +him go without a blow, none of us will be safe." + +"That's so," yelled the crowd, and the most violent pushed Dan aside, or +attempted to, for the purpose of getting at us. + +"We will listen to nothing," roared the ruffians, "until the poor devil +is free, and then we will talk until daylight, if it will please the +police." + +An almost imperceptible signal was exchanged between the inspector and +Dan, but to no purpose, for our party continued to retreat, and the +others advance, with many menacing gestures, and the only thing that +surprised me was the reluctance to use firearms on the part of our +enemies. This, I afterwards found, was owing to the fear of bringing a +squad of mounted police to the spot, large numbers of whom were +constantly patrolling "Gravel Pit Hill" during the night, and the signal +for a disturbance would have been the arrest of every one present, +simply by surrounding the house and searching the underground passages. + +By the time the last demand was made, we were at the door and all ready +to take down the bar, when a rush was made towards us, and by the rather +dim light I saw a dozen long knives, such as the stockmen of the plains +wear in their belts for the purpose of killing cattle, flash from their +sheaths, and grasped as though business was intended. + +"Keep your backs to the door," cried the inspector, calmly, not at all +dismayed by the formidable array against us, "and don't let a man +approach within a yard without getting a good shot." + +We covered our prisoner in such a manner that he could do us no harm, +and then formed in a triangular manner, so that our fronts and sides +would be equally well guarded, then glanced over the excited crowd, in +hopes that Dan would array himself on our side--but that enterprising +gentleman had suddenly disappeared, and left us to our fate. + +"Stand back," shouted the inspector; "it will be the worse for you. +There's many of you present who know me, and know that I have a large +force of policemen on hand. If you strike a blow, not one of you shall +escape justice. + +"Unbar the door as quickly as possible," whispered the inspector, after +getting through with his threatening speech. + +I lifted the heavy gum wood bar from its place, and then raised the +latch, expecting that it would yield, but to my surprise it did not--it +was locked, and the key in the pocket of the doorkeeper, who had made +his escape from the room in company with Dan. + +I almost uttered a groan of agony when I made the discovery, and to add +to the perplexity of our situation, the ruffians must have understood +our case, and known that the key was never left in the lock, for they +uttered a discordant and ironical hoot, and then a shout of sardonic +laughter. + +"For Heaven's sake, don't be all night in getting that door open," cried +Fred, nervously, and I will confess that I also partook of the same +complaint. + +"Now for a rush--cut them to pieces," exclaimed many voices; but I +observed that the cries came from those who were farthest from us, and +out of the reach of our pistols, which we were forced to display, in +hope of keeping the robbers at a respectful distance. + +"Is the door unbarred?" asked Mr. Brown, turning half round, and +exposing his side to the knives of the crowd, and quick as thought, a +man sprang forward to begin the work of bloodshed; but sudden as were +his movements, they were anticipated, for I raised the heavy bar, which +I had not relinquished, and let it fall upon his head with crushing +force. + +The poor devil fell at our feet without uttering a groan, although many +spasmodic twitchings of his nerves showed that he was not killed +outright His long knife narrowly missed the side of the inspector, and +for the first attempt at our annihilation, it was not to be despised. + +The wretches uttered yells of rage when they saw their comrade fall, but +none seemed inclined to assume the leadership and begin the attack in +earnest. + +Not one of their motions escaped us, and as long as they were disposed +to brandish their knives at a distance, we did not choose to carry +matters to extremities; but change of tactics was suddenly resorted to +on the part of our opponents, that placed us in no little peril. + +All the tumblers, bottles, and decanters of the bar were token +possession of by the savage scoundrels, and the first intimation that we +had of the fact was the crushing of a bottle (empty, of course--they +were not the sort of men to throw away liquor of any kind) against the +door, just above our heads. + +[Illustration: "Now for a rush--cut them to pieces!" exclaimed many +voices: but I observed that the cries came from those who were furthest +from us and out of the reach of our pistols, which we were forced to +display, in hope of keeping the robbers at a respectful distance.] + +The fragments were showered upon our faces and shoulders, but before we +had time to consider on the matter another bottle flew past my head, and +hit our prisoner upon one of his shoulders, injuring him so severely +that he dropped to the floor as though he had been shot. + +"Self-preservation is the first law of nature," cried the inspector, in +a calm tone, cocking his pistol; and when he saw an arm raised to hurl +another bottle at our heads, he fired. I saw the raised arm fall +suddenly, and I fancied that I could hear the pistol ball when it +struck, and buried itself amid bone and muscle. + +"And are we to be shot down like dogs?" was the indignant question which +some one put, and a loud yell of "No," and a rush towards us, was the +response. + +One ruffian struck at me, and the point of his knife entered my shirt +near the left shoulder, and inflicted a slight scratch, or wound--but +before he had time to renew the blow, which I escaped by dodging, Mr. +Brown had singled him out as a victim, and he fell, with a horrid +imprecation upon his lips, dyeing the black and soiled floor with his +blood. + +Three or four pistol shots were fired, and they were barely sufficient +to keep the crowd at a distance, when I heard a movement at the +extremity of the room, and through the windows I saw the well-known blue +coats and caps, of the Ballarat police force pouring into the room. + +We raised a shout of welcome, and our cheers were answered by the +gallant fellows, who kept crowding in until about thirty were drawn up +in line, with their long, heavy pistols presented, and ready for +destruction. + +The ruffians were seized with a sudden panic, and would have fled, but +their retreat was cut off, and there was no chance for escape. Then our +leader, Mr. Brown, seemed endued with the importance of a dozen men. + +"Down with your knives," he shouted, "or those who refuse shall rue it." + +The speech was one of the most unfortunate that ever the inspector made, +for our opponents were in that peculiar state where a mild word would +have done no harm, and a cross one much injury. + +The robbers were, in fact, already conquered, and a policeman might have +passed from man to man, and collected every knife and pistol that they +possessed without danger, and with but few sullen remarks; but the words +of the inspector made them think that no quarter was to be shown, and if +that was the case, they might as well sell their lives as dearly as +possible. + +With this unfortunate impression, the ruffians replied to the +inspector's words with a shout which sounded like the roar of a wounded +tiger; and then commenced one of the most shocking scenes that I ever +witnessed (with one exception) in my life. + +The robbers rushed upon the line of policemen with brandished knives, +and as they advanced they discharged the few pistols which they carried +on their persons, and they made every shot tell, for I saw three or four +of the government force give sudden springs, and full headlong to the +floor; and then came the rattling, deadly discharge of the policemen, +and I could hear the heavy balls strike on the partition behind me, and +send huge splinters from the woodwork, and scatter them upon our heads. +Seven or eight of the robbers fell, mortally wounded, and others, with +the blood streaming from their hurts, which only appeared to inflame +their courage, once more rushed towards the blue coats in hope of +cutting their way through the line, and gaining the secret passage. + +But what madness it was to expect to cope with men who carried long +sabres, and knew how to use them! The knives of the robbers were +powerless against them, and once more the latter were driven back, +overpowered, and with half their number disabled. + +"Do you surrender?" demanded the inspector. + +There was a sullen response in the affirmative, and knives were thrown +down, but there was no cringing or supplication for mercy; and the +desperadoes only needed a lion-hearted leader to have placed _hors du +combat_ one half of their enemies present. They were about as full of +pluck as English bull-dogs, and about as resolute. + +The police, without moving from their positions, re-loaded their +pistols, and then two or three of them advanced and collected the +discarded knives without resistance. Handcuffs were then placed upon the +robbers' wrists, and they were secured in such a manner that escape was +impossible. + +The victory was won at the expense of three mortally wounded policemen, +and four who were only slightly injured, while on the part of our +opponents six were dead, eight badly wounded, and four slightly. + +During the battle both Fred and myself had abstained from firing a +single shot, for we looked upon the affair in the light of a massacre, +yet we could not condemn Mr. Brown or his men, for they had acted +according to the best of their judgment, and under the sincere +impression that our lives were in danger; and so they were; but we felt +as though we had rather cut our way through the villains, or have given +up our prisoner, than to have caused so much blood to flow, and so many +deaths in an affair that interested ourselves alone. + +But the battle was ended, and the wounded required attention. We left +our prisoner where he had fallen, when knocked down by a bottle, and as +he did not move, we supposed that he had fainted from the effect of fear +or pain, and that he would soon come to his senses. + +We were picking our way across the floor, endeavoring to avoid the pools +of blood, when the rough hands of policemen were laid on our shoulders. + +"Put out your digets, and on with the darbies," they said, meaning that +we should suffer ourselves to be handcuffed, evidently thinking that we +were a portion of the gang with whom they had been fighting. + +"Don't hinder us, Mike," I replied, addressing the officer, whom I had +seen a number of times, and who know both Fred and myself. + +"By the powers, it's hinder ye'll get wid a rope round yer neck. Out wid +yer digets, and don't keep us waiting." + +I saw that the man was in earnest, and I was surprised--but suddenly I +thought of my disguise, and the mystery was explained at once. + +"Don't you know your friends when you see them, Mike?" I asked, and +while speaking I tore off my wig, revealing my natural hair. + +"O, the devil! I axes yer pardon; but who would have thought of seeing +you here? It's funny ye are going from place to place, where the hard +knocks are to be had, and no pay for it." + +We did not explain to the Celtic gentleman the interest we had in being +present, but passed on to where the bodies of the wounded bushrangers +and robbers were lying. Mr. Brown had already sent for the surgeon of +the police force, and a squad of men was removing the wounded soldiers +who could go on horseback to their quarters, while litters had been +ordered to carry off the remainder. No one appeared to care whether the +injured robbers were attended to or neglected. + +The poor fellows were suffering the most excruciating pain; but they +bore their pangs without a murmur, although two or three of them did ask +for water, and when it was brought drank eagerly, and appeared thankful +for the favor, slight as it was. + +Fred and myself made an attempt to examine their wounds; but before we +could strip off one of their shirts, we heard a crashing and roaring +beneath our feet, and up through the floor streamed clouds of smoke, +black and suffocating, as though produced by pitch or tar. + +"The house is on fire," cried a dozen voices; and in an instant there +was a rush for the doors and windows, and policemen and miners, who had +been drawn from their beds by the tumult and confusion, were mixed in a +dozen struggling masses, all striving for escape. + +"Come back," we shouted, "and save the wounded;" but our words were +unheeded. The fire seemed to increase every moment, fanned as it was by +a strong breeze, which blew from the south. + +The materials of the building were dry, and easily ignited; and we +judged that in less than fifteen minutes the house would be one mass of +flames. + +We expected to hear the robbers moan and shout for assistance; but to +our surprise they maintained a stoical silence, and disdained to beg for +help. + +We heard the inspector call us by name, but we determined to save every +wounded man in the room if possible, and therefore returned him no +answer. + +Carefully, but quickly, we lifted one of the sufferers from the floor, +and conveyed him to the nearest window, where a dozen willing hands were +stretched out to receive him; but before we could remove a second, the +flames burst through at the extremity of the room, near the bar, and the +planks of the floor seemed to blister our feet, they were so heated by +the fire raging in the cellar. + + + + +CHAPTER LVIII. + +CONVALESCENCE OF MR. CRITCHET, AND OUR DISCHARGE FROM THE CRIMINAL +DOCKET. + + +"Do you wish to perish in the building?" cried the inspector, who had +made his way through one of the windows in search of us. + +"By no means," returned Fred, hurriedly, "but we will not leave until +every wounded man is saved." + +"You are mad. The building will be a mass of cinders in ten minutes," +exclaimed Mr. Brown. + +"Five minutes would be sufficient to clear the room, if we only had +help," retorted Fred, as cool as though certain of being saved. + +The inspector uttered a hoarse growl of displeasure; and as we hurried +to perform our duty as men, he sprang to one of the windows where his +policemen were drawn up, awaiting his orders, yet not making the first +effort to save the building. + +"Ho!" he shouted. "Will you be outdone by strangers. Where are my +volunteers? Who will help save a wounded enemy?" + +For the honor of the blue coats, let it be told that he did not have to +speak twice. The men threw away their pistols and powder, and rushed in +a body towards the windows, from whence smoke was streaming of a pitchy +darkness and suffocating odor. A number seized logs of wood, and dashed +them against the door until the lock gave way, and it flew open. All +seemed animated by a spirit of rivalry, as to which should perform the +most labor in the attempt to save the wounded from a horrid death. + +And it was well for us that assistance arrived, for human endurance +could go no farther. We felt as though about to suffocate, and should +have fallen upon the bodies of those whom we were attempting to save had +not the inspector and one of his men carried us forcibly from the room +to the open air, where we quickly received aid by the influence of a +bottle containing a quantity of Jamaica rum mixed with water. + +While we stood watching the burning building, the inspector joined us. +His clothes were nearly burned from his back, and his hair was singed to +a crisp, yet he made no complaint, nor appeared to regard his numerous +burns. + +"Rather a narrow escape this time," he said; "a few minutes longer, and +you would never have seen that Yankee land which you boast so much +about." + +"We have to thank you for our rescue, and we will do so when you are +prepared to listen," Fred said. + +"Then I shall never be ready. Keep your thanks until I have repaid you a +small portion of the debt of gratitude which I owe you for my life. I am +not forgetful, believe me." + +"I suppose that Mike told you about Jackson," Mr. Brown continued, after +a moment's silence, during which we stood looking at the fire. + +"He did not mention his name," I replied; "he is safe, I trust." + +"Yes, his body is saved, but his soul is now before his God, to be +judged and punished, or forgiven, as the Omnipotent may decree." + +"Dead!" we exclaimed, in astonishment + +"When my men burst the door of the 'Cricket,' they discovered a body +lying against it, with handcuffs on. I was referred to, and found that +it was Jackson. A pistol ball had passed through his breast, and +probably killed him instantly. His body has been taken to the station +house with the dead and wounded, where you can see it if you desire." + +But we had no desire for such a sight. We had seen bloody deeds enough +for one night, and we felt sick at the thought of what had occurred. + +We bade the inspector good night, and wended our way home in a +thoughtful mood. The death of Jackson, we knew, would not prevent our +being declared innocent, for Mr. Brown had heard his confession, as well +as Steel Spring, although we knew that the latter would not be believed +in a court of justice, even if he did speak the truth, which he was not +addicted to. + +We reached our store in safety, and found Rover watching by the side of +our patient, Mr. Critchet, who appeared to have slept during our +absence, and probably never knew that we left him for one of the most +dangerous expeditions that we ever ventured on, during a lengthy +residence in Australia. + +The "Bloody Fight," as it was called, and is called to this day, by +those miners who were living at Ballarat at the time of its occurrence, +created a profound sensation in the country; and Mr. Brown gained high +encomiums for his bravery and good conduct in ridding the country of so +many notorious characters at one fell swoop. + +The particulars of the _melee_ were never strictly inquired into by the +government; for to speak plainly, those in authority did not care a +straw whether Mr. Brown was justified or not in shooting down the +_habitues_ of the "Cricket;" and as our names did not appear in +connection with the affair, we were not disposed to work against the +best friend we had in Ballarat. The inspector was made a lieutenant, and +he deserved his promotion, but not for the part he took in the "Bloody +Fight," and he had good sense enough to know it. From that dreadful +night, Mr. Brown's name was a terror to evil doers; and bushrangers and +petty thieves gave our miners a wide berth, as sailors express it. + +We changed our clothes after our return home, washed the soot and dirt +from our hands and faces, and while we were thus employed a modest rap +was heard at the door, and who should enter but Mr. Steel Spring, +looking as important, defiant, and boastful as ever. + +"I's so glad to know that you is all right--that you is alive and +kicking, that it almost takes my breath," the fellow said, sinking +gracefully upon a vinegar barrel, and fanning his face with his hat. + +"If we are alive, we have no thanks to offer you in return," Fred +muttered, rather testily. + +"Vell, if here ain't gratitude, and no mistake. After I does all that a +cove can do to find the real assassin, and makes him tell his yarn right +afore ye, I'm treated--no, I'm not treated, for I've bin here five +minutes, and I'm not axed to drink." + +We made no response to this gentle hint, but continued our occupation. +The fellow watched us in silence, and then began again. + +"I'd like to know vot more a cove could do than I've done? Haven't I +hobeyed all horders that vas given? Have I spent much dust in my vast +researches; and haven't I even had to get drunk to please ye? And now, +ven the vork is completed, I is looked at coldly!" + +The hypocrite dug his knuckles into his eyes, and attempted to force a +tear, but the effort was a failure; he knew it, and attempted to cover +his confusion by pretending to sob bitterly. + +"Hark you, Mr. Steel Spring," Fred said, "if you can explain why you +left us so suddenly, just as we wanted your services, we shall feel +inclined to overlook your little faults, and reward you." + +"Is that all that you've got agin me?" he asked, quite cheerfully. "Vy, +I really began to think that it was something serious--something +calculated to hinjure me in the estimation of good fellows." + +"Perhaps leaving us to fight our way out of the room was not a serious +matter in your estimation, but we think differently," I replied. + +"Vy, I left on purpose to save ye; and if I hadn't have gone, vere vould +you have been now? Dead as a sheep, and no mistake. It ain't the one vot +fights the most is the bravest, and hany military man vill tell you +that. I knew vot I'd got to do; so before the fuss began I slipped out +by the underground vay, and vent in search of the police fellers, and +didn't I bring 'um up in time? I told 'em how to get in, but I didn't +care about goin' myself, because I knew that Lieutenant Murden would +feel quite aggravated if any thing happened to me; and then the governor +would never have pardoned him in permitting me to leave Melbourne." + +"But you might have entered with the police, and found out whether we +were dead or alive," Fred said. + +"Didn't I know that you vas veil able to take care of yourselves; and +couldn't I do more good outside, vatching that none escaped? You come to +think of the matter for a minute, and you vill see that I vos right, and +you vos wrong." + +We did not care to argue the matter with the fellow, for we knew too +well that he could lie faster than we could think; although, to do Steel +Spring justice, I will state that he sent the police to our assistance, +but it was by accident, and not by design. + +When he found that trouble was likely to arise between our party and the +bushrangers, he slipped quietly away from the table, and escaped from +the building by means of the subterraneous passage. + +The instant he emerged from under ground he started on a run, with no +definite idea of where he was going to; although I always thought that +he intended to pay our store a visit during our absence. + +He had not gone far before he ran into a squad of policemen, who were +lying in ambush, awaiting the inspector's orders; and as the guardians +of the night were about to confine him as a suspicious person, he +suddenly bethought him that he could benefit us and himself at the same +time. He told of the danger that Mr. Brown was in, and urged a rapid +movement for his relief. + +The sergeant, who had charge of the men, had been told by the inspector, +that a person answering Steel Spring's description would be sent to +them when their services were wanted; and without doubting that every +thing was right, they stole forward as quickly as possible, but arrived +none too soon, as the reader will admit. + +The sergeant of the force tried the front door, but it was locked, and +all attempts to enter by that way were useless. + +Just then the bottles crashed against it, and Mr. Brown's voice was +heard loud above the confusion. + +That quickened the movements of the men amazingly; and although Steel +Spring was watching an opportunity to run away the second time, yet he +did find sufficient voice to suggest an entrance by the windows. It was +necessary, however, to find articles to stand on, as the windows were +eight feet from the ground; but even that difficulty was speedily +overcome, by taking a number of dry goods boxes and empty rum barrels, +which belonged to a grocer's store near at hand, and which the +enterprising proprietor had left out over night. + +By their aid an entrance was effected, and we were saved, but at an +enormous sacrifice of life. + +As soon as the police disappeared, Steel Spring, who never had much love +for the smell of gunpowder, speedily retreated to a safe distance, and, +no doubt, laughed in his false heart, at the struggle which was taking +place, for he never appeared to experience much regret at the slaughter; +and I suppose if we had been killed, he would have plundered our store, +and then fired it, and ran away by its light. + +"What do you intend to do now, that you have finished our job?" I asked +of Steel Spring, after he had refreshed his inner man with a drink of +what he most loved on earth. + +"I start for Melbourne within an hour," he answered promptly. + +"Why do you leave so suddenly?" I inquired. + +"I has my reasons, but I don't mind telling 'em to you. In the first +place, three or four fellers made their 'scape from the 'Cricket' afore +the fighting began, and it's quite likely that my company vill be +desired by the gents, on the ground that I vos the one vot betrayed 'em. +I know that you will consider it strange that such an idea should exist, +and any one wid half a knowledge of my character vould laugh at the +thought; but I think that the best vay to save my life vould be to step +out vile I am hable, and so prevent mistakes." + +"And what reward do you require for your valuable services?" I demanded, +after commending him for his prudence in leaving town so soon, to escape +the thrust of a long knife, or a pistol shot. + +"Vell, I's one of the most bashful men in that respect that ever lived, +and couldn't think of naming a sum, and should be glad to make you a +present of the trifle, but money is a scarce article vid me, and so say +fifty pounds, and don't think that I'm hard on ye." + +We made no objection to the proposed sum; and while Fred was counting, +out his money in sovereigns, for Steel Spring entertained a profound +disgust for gold dust, because he couldn't pay for drinks without a loss +to himself, I sat down and scribbled a few lines to Murden, telling him +the result of our expedition, and thanking him for the kind, but +somewhat deceptive letter which he had forwarded to the commissioner, +relative to ourselves, and after intrusting the missive to Steel Spring, +and loading him with provisions sufficient to last him to Melbourne, we +saw him start on his journey, profuse in his thanks, loud in his +professions of leading as honest a life as his near connection with the +police would let him. + +The next day we saw the commissioner in company with Mr. Brown, and +re-told the story which Jackson had told previous to his death. Mr. +Sherwin professed that he was entirely satisfied of our innocence, +ordered our names to be struck from the docket, and excused our bondsman +(the inspector) from being responsible for our appearance, but insisted +upon retaining Follet in custody until his uncle's injuries terminated +one way or the other. + +He was not kept long in suspense, for the morning after our visit, very +unexpectedly, Mr. Critchet opened his eyes, and began talking in a +rational manner; and although he was weak from the effect of his fever, +yet he gained strength sufficient in two days to sit up, and give a +clear and impartial account of the attempt to rob and murder him. + +I remember the day on which his recovery was dated. I was sitting by Mr. +Critchet's side, while Fred was dozing away the afternoon in the shop. +The invalid opened his eyes, looked around the room in which he was +lying, and then stared at me in some astonishment, as though wondering +how it happened that he had been sleeping under the roof of a house, +instead of his tent. + +"How came I here?" he asked, raising himself from a recumbent position, +and sitting up. He did not notice, at first, the many bandages which +were bound around his arms and shoulders. + +"I will explain all to you in a few days," I replied; "at present, you +are too weak to listen to me." + +"I am not too weak," the old man exclaimed, imperiously, as though +accustomed to have his own way all his life time; "why should I grow +weak in a single night? answer me that, if you can!" + +"I don't wish to answer you now, for I fear that you cannot submit to +excitement. Keep quiet for a few days, and then you shall know all," I +answered, soothingly. + +"There is some mystery connected with my being here that I must and will +solve. Where is my nephew? Where--" + +He stopped suddenly, and seemed to recollect something, for, after +remaining silent for a few moments, he extended his hand, pressed my +own, and then fell back upon his pillow. + +"I know all," he murmured, in a low voice; "my memory is perfect from +the time that I was attacked in my tent, to the hour when I fell +fainting upon your doorstep." + +"Do not agitate yourself," I whispered; "in a few days you will be +strong enough to talk, and then all matters will be set right." + +"I have no desire to proceed against my nephew," Mr. Critchet began, +"for the part he has taken in this matter. He is a bad youth, and will +some day be punished for his crime. I have attempted to make an honest +man of him, and have signally failed. I expected as much, yet I am glad +that his hand was raised against me, instead of one less capable of +forgiving. He is my sister's child, and I promised to act a father's +part towards him. I shall do so, by attempting to procure his discharge, +and supplying him with money sufficient to reach some other portion of +the country, where his crimes and character are unknown. Peace go with +him--I have no desire to see him more." + +"Those are the sentiments of a Christian," I remarked. + +"They are the feelings of a man and a relative," he exclaimed, hastily. + +We made no reply, and he continued,-- + +"I had often remonstrated with my nephew against keeping late hours, and +in relation to the company that he was in the habit of associating with, +but my remarks were unheeded; and then I bethought me that I had a large +amount of gold which should be consigned to a more secure place than my +tent; and it was but a few days after I deposited it at the government +office, that I was awakened by hearing whispering in my tent. I sprang +from my bed, and as I did so, I heard Follet say, 'Kill him.' I was +instantly struck with a sharp-pointed knife, and as I grappled with my +enemies, I called upon my nephew to spare me. + +"Half a dozen blows were showered upon me in answer, and then I fell, +fainting, and revived just sufficiently to crawl to your store, and by +that means, I have no doubt, my life was saved; although, if I had +supposed that you were to be involved, I think that I should have +remained in my tent, and expired without making known my condition. I am +grateful for your kindness to me, and will some day show you how highly +I appreciate it." + +We would not allow him to talk more, and even if he had been so disposed +we could not have stopped to listen, for a whip was cracked in front of +the store like the report of a pistol, and then we heard Smith's voice, +shouting, in no gentle terms, to his oxen. + + + + +CHAPTER LIX. + +OUR TEAMSTER BARNEY, AND HIS WIFE. + + +The burly form and red face of our partner was never more welcome, for +our stock of goods was run low, and our good credit required that we +should have an assortment on hand second to none in the town. We had +already a reputation with the miners for keeping articles of the best +quality, and our prices seemed to give better satisfaction than the +rates of any other storekeepers. + +We grasped our diligent partner by his huge, hard hand, and welcomed him +to our home, and asked a dozen questions in a minute, regarding the +state of the markets in Melbourne--whether he had got a package of +letters for us--how many newspapers he had with him--whether the roads +were safe--and a dozen other matters were touched on, that required all +of Smith's patience and lungs to attend to. + +"Just you hold on a minute," he said, "until I can get my cattle +unyoked, and then I will attend to you and your questions." + +We did not wait for him to carry his request into effect, for we lent +him a helping hand with the cattle, although, to tell the truth, the +animals did not seem in the least grateful for the assistance, and +attempted, with their long horns, to transfix certain portions of our +anatomy that we were not disposed to have injured. At length, however, +the animals were turned loose, and then Smith was at liberty to reply to +our interrogations. + +"In the first place, I've got a dozen or twenty letters, and about the +same number of newspapers from the States. I'll tell you how I fixed +it." + +"But the papers?" we cried. + +"I'm coming to 'em as fast as I can. Just as I got into Melbourne, a big +American ship dropped anchor, and on board I went. I got hold of the +captain, told him the news, and then boned him for papers. I informed +him that I wanted them for countrymen of his, and he gave me all that he +had, and here they are." + +Smith pulled the precious documents from his knapsack, and in a few +minutes we were absorbed in devouring the contents of letters, and +Boston and New York newspapers. + +We never knew the name of the captain who responded so promptly to +Smith's appeal, but wherever his fortune may lead him, may he have fair +winds, and high freights, and never lose a spar. + +No one can understand the joy with which a letter is received from home, +unless he has travelled in foreign lands, and been without advices from +friends for many months. The letters were the first that we had received +while in Australia, and we prized them more on that account, perhaps, +than if we had been in constant communication with the States. + +We had written from California, announcing our departure, and directing +that all letters should be sent to Melbourne until further notice, and +the warm expressions which our epistles contained showed that our +friends had not forgotten us. + +Smith, who seemed as fresh as the day that he started from Melbourne, +left us to our letter-feast, and prepared supper with that dexterity +which had distinguished him many times; and even when we had put our +papers under lock and key--so greedy were we, and fearful that some +acquaintance would step in, and desire to borrow a journal before we had +gleaned the news--waved us back, and expressed himself competent to +perform his allotted task without interference. + +"You talk about home and the news until after supper, and leave me +alone, 'cos after we light our pipes we shall have business matters to +look over, and figure up, unless the woman and her husband gets along, +and then we shall see fun." + +"What woman do you mean?" I asked. + +"Why, didn't I tell you that Barney was married?" demanded Smith. + +"Of course you did, and said that he was about five miles from town, and +would be here in two or three hours' time." + +"Well, Barney has his wife with him, and a pretty life she is leading +him. I listened to her scoldings and complaints until I couldn't stand +any more, and then I whipped up my cattle and got out of the sound of +her tongue, and by good management I have avoided her for two days. She +is good looking, but has got the spirit of the devil in her +composition." + +We recollected that Murden, in his letter, alluded to the lady, and +although we were not impatient to see her, we know that she would have +some claims upon our hospitality for her husband's sake, and to prevent +her from breaking out into open mutiny, we made some few preparations to +receive the lady with becoming honors. We got out a small tent that we +owned, and had made on the passage from San Francisco to Australia, and +pitched it near the store for the express accommodation of the bride and +groom, and then stocked it with a mattress and blankets, and thought the +lady would be delighted at our delicate attentions. We even kept back +supper an hour, and added a number of little luxuries, on purpose to +give her an agreeable surprise, and show that we were still susceptible +of woman's influence and beauty. + +At about seven o'clock we heard the rumbling of wheels, and the loud, +quick crack of a stockman's whip. Smith glanced anxiously towards the +supper, and was visibly agitated, as though he expected to receive +disastrous news. Rover, who had been lying near the door, waiting with +remarkable patience for his supper, uttered a howl, and retreated +towards the horses, as though to communicate some bad intelligence. + +"Why don't you stop the team, if this is the place, you confounded +fool?" we heard some one say. + +"That's her," groaned Smith; "I should know that voice if I was off the +Cape of Good Hope, and I almost wish that I was at sea, or on a desert +island." + +We hurried to the door, to receive our guest, and with our curiosity +somewhat excited to see the woman whom all appeared to dread. + +To our extreme surprise, we saw a female not more than twenty years of +age, dressed in the latest style of Melbourne fashion, with a frank, +pleasing face, looking fresh and clean, which was so extraordinary, in +that part of the world, that we rather exceeded good manners by the +length of our gaze. + +We little knew, at the time, that the lady, for the purpose of making a +favorable impression upon our susceptible hearts, had insisted upon her +husband's stopping his team, a few miles from Ballarat, while she made +her toilet, and to do so, had used all the water in the water kegs, to +the great distress of the oxen, who were really suffering for a drink. + +Yes, the bride was really handsome, and would be called so in any +civilized portion of the world, where beauty is recognized by the +standard of regular features, clear skin, white teeth, and a perfect +form. Her eyes, too, were large, black, and lustrous, and she understood +the use of them as well as the most arrant Spanish coquette that ever +lived. + +I advanced to the team, and extended my hand for the purpose of +assisting the lady to alight, for her husband seemed occupied with his +cattle, and unable to afford her those delicate attentions which a wife +sometimes requires. + +"Who, in the devil's name, are you?" she asked, in a quick, pert manner, +as though determined to astonish us on the first hour of her arrival. + +I heard a smothered laugh in the store, as though Smith was endeavoring +to prevent an explosion, and even Fred had hard work to retain his +countenance. + +"This gentleman, Maria," cried the woman's husband, rushing to my +rescue, "is one of my employers, whom I spoke to you about." + +"O, is he?" she asked, with a strong stare, first at me and then at +Fred. "Well, I don't see any thing remarkable about him, and he isn't +half as good looking as the fellow standing in the door." + +The compliment to Fred, at my expense, was answered by another +suppressed groan from Smith, while the poor husband hardly knew whether +to abuse his better half or coax her. + +"Don't talk that way to strangers," the poor devil pleaded, but his good +nature was all thrown away. + +"Go and attend to the cattle," she ordered, "and let me alone. I haven't +had a moment's peace since I married you, and I almost wish that I had +fallen to the stout miner who wanted me so much. He was something like a +man, and was as big as two of you." + +"I wish, with all my heart, you had," muttered the bridegroom, but he +took good care not to let her hear him. + +"Well, give me your hand," the wife exclaimed, addressing me; "I see +that no one is coming to my assistance, and a poor beau is better than +none, as we used to say in Radcliff Highway." And when I extended my +hand, she grasped it warmly, pressed it strongly, and with a display of +ankles that put my modesty to its severest test, gave a spring, and was +on the ground beside me. + +"Well, you ain't so bad looking as I thought for," Maria continued, +flashing a wicked glance at me, with her large eyes, that stirred my +blood, in defiance of her forwardness and vulgarity. "We shall be +cronies, I know. Only let me have my own way, and make love to me, and +we shall get along quite pleasantly." + +"But you forget your husband," I insinuated, seeing that that worthy +individual began to look rather black at the idea of having a rival in +his wife's affections. + +"O Lord! what's the use of mentioning Barney? He's a poor coot, and will +soon get used to my ways; won't you, deary?" + +The husband didn't make an audible reply, but I understood him to say +"Damn," quite distinctly. + +"What have you got for supper!" our female visitor asked. "I'm hungry +enough to eat a two-year-old baby. Let me have something, that's a good +feller, and then we'll talk about other matters." + +I didn't admire her impudence, but as Fred was inclined to keep in the +background, and Smith wouldn't respond, I had to do the honors of the +house with as much dignity as possible. I seated her at our rough table, +and helped her liberally, and was pleased to see that absence from her +haunts in London had not diminished her appetite, or caused a regretful +feeling in her heart. + +"I'm glad I accepted the chance to visit this country," she said, "for I +begin to like it. The old fogies promised that I should have a husband +as soon as I arrived, and they kept their word, but I wished that I'd +got a larger one. I don't like little men, and never did." + +Her husband was heard to observe that he preferred a quiet woman to a +noisy one, but the remark didn't seem to make much of an impression. +"By the way," Mrs. Barney cried, "where am I to sleep to-night? in that +little room?" + +Before we could answer her, she arose from the table and ran towards it, +and saw our patient lying upon the bed. + +"Hullo!" she exclaimed, in astonishment, "what is that old fellow doing +there? I can't have him with me!" + +I explained to her that a bed had been provided in a tent but a few feet +from the store, where she and her husband could make themselves +comfortable, if they were so disposed, but she would not listen to me. + +"Do you s'pose," she cried, "that I'm such a fool as to sleep out under +a tent, where I shall be liable to be eaten up by the savages? My old +man can sleep there, but I'm going to pass the night in the store." + +We assured her that we could not consent to any such arrangement. That +all our papers and every thing that we possessed in the world was in the +store, and that we could not think of leaving under any consideration +whatever. + +"Well, who wants you to leave?" she demanded, with a flash of her +amorous eyes, that would have told powerfully on men of more nerve than +ourselves; "there can be no harm if I stay here. You are men of honor, I +suppose?" + +Again did her large, black eyes fall upon me, but I was blind to her +blandishments and arts; and, at length, Maria appeared to entertain the +same opinion, for she threw out signals to Fred, and when she found that +they were not answered, she commenced the practice of a thousand arts, +which a woman knows so well how to use, to make him feel an interest in +her welfare. But all her play was useless, and even when she pretended +that her hair, long, black, and wavy, fell around her shoulders +accidentally, and when she laughed, and threw it back from her fresh, +child-like face, we were not melted, for we remembered that she had a +husband, and that his rights were sacred. + +Her bold challenge was unheeded, and Maria felt that she was defeated, +even where she was sure of victory. She had, apparently, entertained a +different idea respecting us, and for a few minutes she sat looking +humbled, but not ashamed. It seemed a pity that one so fair should be so +rude and vile; but the streets of London soon corrupt, and the haunt +from whence Maria graduated is notorious for its wantons. + +We pitied her husband, although we had only known and employed him for a +short time, yet we had found him honest and industrious, and apparently +disposed to do well. I could see that he felt grateful for the course +which we had pursued, and I determined to have a long talk with him, +upon the first favorable opportunity, in regard to his future prospects. + +"Well," Maria muttered, after sitting in silence for a short time, +suddenly starting up, "if I am to be turned out of doors. I suppose that +I must go without delay. Come along, old man, if you are coming," she +continued, addressing her husband, and the latter obediently followed to +the tent, which we had been to some pains to prepare for her. + +"Thank Heaven, she has gone," said Smith, fervently, raising his head, +like a camel after a cloud of dust had passed over a desert; "only think +what my wife would have said, if she had insisted upon sleeping in the +same room with us. And yet I feared that she would carry her point, for +she is as determined a vixen as ever assumed the form of woman." + +The matrimonial life of poor Barney was not a lengthy one; and I may as +well follow it to a close, while I am writing upon the subject. At his +request we paid him off, and hired another man to drive the second team. +He had money enough to commence housekeeping, or rather tent-keeping, on +a very respectable scale, and with the funds which he had left, +purchased a mining claim, nearly worked out to be sure, but still, +considerable sums of gold had been taken from it, and quite a number of +nuggets of fair size had been secured. + +The claim was very near our store, so that our advice was frequently +required by poor Barney, who led rather a hard life of it, toiling as he +did all day under ground, in wet and cold places, and when night +arrived, half of the time he would have to get his own supper, his +amiable wife being on visits of privacy to people in the neighborhood. + +For the first few weeks of their residence at Ballarat the ill-matched +couple did all of their trading at our store, until at length so many +stimulating luxuries were purchased by Maria, that Barney requested us +to refuse her credit, which, in compliance with his wishes, we did, and +received such a torrent of abuse from the wife for so doing, that we +wished her back to her old haunts, in Radcliff Highway, and had serious +thoughts of attempting to recover damages from the "Moral Emigration +Society" which exported her. For a woman with so fair a face, she had +the vilest tongue that I ever heard. + +After the credit system was abolished, Maria transferred her favors to a +store on Gravel Pit Hill, where, for a time, she was quite a favorite, +and thrived wonderfully; but her husband got wind of her doings, and +threatened to shoot the first man that he saw taking improper liberties +with his property, and that rather dashed the spirits of the gallants, +for Barney was bold as a lion, and carried a pair of very good pistols +in his belt, in addition to a bowie knife of wondrous keenness. + +The poor, depraved woman, finding that she was watched, and that her +male companions kept aloof, after the threat which Barney made, got up a +clandestine correspondence with a young fellow who was smitten with her +pretty face, and to put a stop to it Barney was obliged to break one of +his rival's arms with a pistol bullet, one morning, just as he was +putting a letter under a log that stood in front of his tent. + +The wife, for the first few days, refused to be comforted, and then she +apparently forgot the matter, and seemed to care no more about it. To +her husband's surprise, she paid more attention to his comfort than +usual--remained at her tent while he was absent, forsook the company of +strange men entirely, no longer run in debt, and such a complete change +was observed in her, that the Rev. Mr. Blackburn ventured to call once, +and inquire if her sinful heart had melted. What answer Maria returned +is unknown, as the reverend gentleman never divulged; but it was noticed +that he left her tent walking quite rapidly, and that he never ventured +there a second time. + +I think that it was about six weeks after Barney had broken the +gallant's arm, that he suddenly presented himself in the store, his face +radiant with happiness. + +"I've got some good news for you," he said, rubbing his hands with +satisfaction. + +"What is it, Barney?" I inquired; "have you found a nugget?" + +"Better than that," he cried. + +"Then you have found a chunk." + +"No; something better than that--ten times better." + +"Well, relate it. We are impatient to learn what good has befallen you." + +"You would never guess," Barney said, in a mysterious manner, as though +what he had to impart would bear keeping for some time; "but," and here +his face once more beamed with smiles, "my wife has cut stick." + +"What do you mean--run away?" I asked, surprised at the intelligence. + +"That is what I mean. She has run off with the fellow whose arm I broke +some time since; and she not only took her clothes, but she seized every +thing of value I had in the tent. They have got six hours the start of +me, but I think--" + +He paused, and seemed to consider for a moment. + +"You think that you can overtake them," I suggested; "I have no doubt +but that you can, and the best horse that we own is at your disposal." + +"O, bless your heart, I was not considering the subject in that light," +he answered, "I was thinking whether I should advertise that I would not +be responsible for any debts that she contracts." + +I told him that I thought he need give himself no uneasiness on that +score; but Barney was a mathematical body, and always desired to do +business on the square; and as he seemed so set upon writing an +advertisement, I furnished him ink and paper, and after a laborious +process, he wrote the following, which I copy _verbatim_. + +"NOTICE.--My wife, Maria Barney, the ugliest woman that ever lived, has +left my tent and board without any justifiable cause, 'cos I use to do +all that I could do to make her pretty comfortable, and in spite of my +wishes, she would cut up like the devil, and run after other men. Now, I +want all men to notice this act of mine. I won't pay a d----d cent of +her debts, and I hope no one will return her to me, 'cos I don't want +her. JIM BARNEY." + +I persuaded Barney that the announcement would be valid in law, if he +only stuck it up in the store, where it could be read by the miners, and +it may be there until this day, for all that I know. + + + + +CHAPTER LX. + +MIKE FINDS THE LARGE "NUGGET." + + +What trifles will sometimes change the destiny of a man! + +Barney, after his wife had left him so unexpectedly, earnestly desired +to give up mining and return to his first love,--the driving of cattle +and teaming. We tried to persuade him to stick to his claim; but he was +resolute, and declared that if we would not purchase his mine he would +sell to the first adventurer who made an offer; and to prevent the man +from sacrificing his property, we purchased on speculation, and paid him +just the price he had given. Even after we came into possession, we did +not know what to do with the mine, for we had no desire to work it +ourselves; and, as a large portion of the allotted ground had been dug +over, old miners were shy, and strangers did not bite readily at the +temptations which we held out to them. + +For a number of days the mine was neglected; and during that period it +filled with water, and that was another good reason why it could not be +sold; and jokes were cracked at our expense by friends, who lounged in +the store purchasing trifling articles, in regard to our speculation, as +they termed it. We took all in good part, until one day a man made an +application to us for something to eat. We supplied his wants, and upon +inquiry found that he was willing and anxious to go to work at a cheap +rate. I proposed, partly in jest, and partly in earnest, that he should +be employed baling out and cleaning out our mine. Fred assented, when we +showed the man what we wanted done, and left him at work, not expecting +that he would make much headway; but in this we were disappointed, for +our employe made such diligent use of his time, that in the course of +the afternoon the mine was free of water and dirt, and Mike announced +that he could commence digging in the morning if he had a few "shores" +and boards to prop up the places where excavations had been going on. +These we readily granted, and began to take an interest in our claim +that we had not felt before. + +"Mike," I said, at supper time, addressing our new acquaintance, "we +will give you one quarter of the gold which you find, and board you into +the bargain, but we will not pay you wages." + +Mike thought of the proposition for a moment, and announced his +intention of accepting it without restriction, and at daylight the next +morning he was at work many feet below the surface of the earth, picking +away the dirt, and examining it carefully, as though he expected to find +a nugget in every gravel stone that he met with. Once or twice in the +course of the day, we walked over to the spot and lent a helping hand, +for the purpose of freeing the place of water, and when night arrived, +we had no need to ask questions in regard to the luck of Mike. His face +proclaimed that he had found nothing; but I think that he was more +disappointed on our account than on his own. + +"No luck to-day, Mike?" said I. + +"Divil a ha'penny of goold have I found sir; but there's no telling what +may come on yet. I don't despair." + +Neither did we; although we had but few hopes of ever getting our money +back. The next morning Mike was promptly at his post, and we did not +hear from him until about two o'clock; I was dozing on a lounge, Fred +was asleep on the counter, and Mr. Critchet was mending +stockings,--about the first work that he attempted to do,--when Mike +rushed frantically into the store, threw himself upon his knees, and +began talking, laughing, and crying at the same moment. + +"Glory to God and all the saints!" he exclaimed, after he had recovered +his breath, and then he began to laugh frantically, swaying his body +back and forth, as though it was an impossibility to keep still. + +"It's my opinion," said Fred, without rising from his recumbent +position, "that you are a little out of your head, or else you have been +drinking." + +"Divil a bit of whiskey have I touched for two days; but I'll have a +drop now for the purpose of drinking long lives to your honors. It's me +head that is affected, and well it may be. O, it's little did I think +that I should come to this. Glory to God--it's plazed the old woman and +the childers will be." + +He made a dive at the whiskey cask, and drank a pretty stiff nipper +before he could compose himself. We did not interfere, because we did +not know but that the fellow might have escaped from the mine while it +was caving in,--accidents of that kind happening quite frequently,--and +that fright had turned his brain. + +"Now, Mike, be kind enough to tell us what has happened," I said, +thinking that he had mystified us long enough. + +"O, such news," he exclaimed, springing upon his feet, and executing a +wild sort of shuffle that would have delighted the hearts of the 'finest +pisantry' in the world, had they been present, to have seen his antics. + +"Well, what is the news?" I demanded, while Fred, too indolent to speak, +lay upon the counter, and laughed a sleepy sort of laugh, without +changing his position. + +"Murderation, who would have thought of it? It's a rich man ye will be, +Mike, ye lucky divil. What will the old folks say, when they bear of it? +Glory to St. Patrick, but won't the boys stare, and call me Mr. Mike!" + +I began to have an inkling of the man's meaning. I sprang from my seat, +caught Mike by his collar, and shook him for a few seconds, until I +thought that his senses were returned before I put a question. + +"Mike, you devil," I exclaimed, "you have found a nugget." + +"Whoop!" he yelled, springing up, and striking his feet together with +excess of joy, "I found the granddaddy of lumps." + +"What's that?" cried Fred, starting from his recumbent position, and +beginning to take an interest in the conversation. + +"It's a lump as big as my head I've found," roared Mike, making another +dive for the whiskey barrel, but we choked him off, and made him stick +to his text. + +"Do you mean that you have found a nugget of gold as large as your +head?" demanded Fred, eagerly. + +"To the divil wid yer nuggets--what do I know about nuggets? It's a lump +of pure goold I've found; as big a lump as my head, and ten times as +heavy." + +We could hardly believe the news Mike imparted to us was true; but his +eagerness convinced us that he had stumbled upon something, although we +feared it was a lump of quartz, with a few streaks of gold running +through it, such as was often found in Ballarat, and which, for the want +of a good quartz-crushing machine, was thrown aside as being worthless. + +"Come and see for yourselves," yelled Mike, almost out of patience at +our obstinacy in not placing implicit reliance upon his word in regard +to the matter. + +"Will ye come and look at the beautiful piece of goold wid me? and thin +perhaps ye'll belave without further words. But remember--one quarter is +mine." + +We told Mike that we would stick to our word, and that he should have +his share even if he had found a lump as large as his body. The +assertion satisfied him, that we intended to deal honestly by him; and +leaving Mr. Critchet to tend the store, we walked towards our claim, the +purchase of which, on our part, had excited the ridicule of more than +one of our friends. + +On our way, Mike related the manner in which he found his treasure. He +said that he had worked steadily for an hour or two, and had not found +the first sign of gold, and that he stopped for a while to rest and +smoke his pipe, and also to trim his lamp; that he fell asleep, and +slept for an hour or two, and dreamed that he was sitting on a nugget of +gold that was as large as his father's mud cabin in Ireland, and that he +was wondering how he could get it up the shaft, when he was awakened by +a drop of water which trickled from the ground overhead, striking him on +his nose. + +He started up, and thought how pleasant it would be if his dream would +only come true; and rather by accident than design he let the point of +his pick fall into the earth where he had been sitting. The dirt gave +way, and he thought by the dim light of his lamp, that he saw something +glisten. + +Once more he struck the ground, threw aside a little dirt, and then he +imagined that his dream had come true, for the bright gleam of gold was +before him. + +"Me heart was in me mouth," Mike continued, "and I did not pretend to +use me spade or me pick for fear that the goold would vanish from me +sight. I threw myself upon me knees, and dug with me fingers, and hardly +dared to breathe for fear that I should lose it; and when I had freed it +from the dirt, and attempted to lift it up, O! didn't it seem good to +have it howld back, as though it didn't like being dragged from its bed +so early in the morning! + +"I worked it clear of the soil; and then me heart was too full to stay +there any longer. I had to run to the store and ease me heart. But mind, +honeys! Fair play in the division, ye know. Mind the honor of an Irish +gentleman, who is too modest to spake for himself." + +Mike's idea of modesty was about on a par with the natives of Australia, +who think they are in full dress when the only article of wearing +apparel that they can boast of is a hat, or a cast-off stocking, thrown +on the roadside by some blister-footed adventurer on his way to the +mines. + +We pacified the man a second time; and by this period we were at the +shaft, and ready to descend. Fred insisted upon going first, and after +him the Irishman, while I hailed a passing patrolman, and got him to +extend the same favor to myself, when I got ready to be lowered in the +bucket. + +"Well, Fred," I shouted, "have we been hoaxed or not? Is it a blarney +stone or a lump of gold that Mike has found?" + +"Pull up," yelled Fred, and I heard some heavy substance thrown into the +bucket. + +"I'll see you hanged first," I retorted. "You are not going to make me +draw up a fifty pound piece of quartz, and then laugh at me for my +labor." + +"Pull up quick," cried Fred, in an eager voice; and I heard a howl from +the Irishman at my obstinacy. + +"In the name of the saints, up wid it, good master Jim," pleaded Mike; +but I rather hesitated, strengthened in the view which I took in the +matter by the policeman. + +"It's little gold that was ever taken from this claim, sir," he said, +"although it has paid one or two proprietors by speculation. The soil is +not of the right kind for large nuggets." + +"How big is it?" I asked, addressing those who were some thirty feet +below me. + +"About as large as your head," was Fred's reply. + +"Is it solid?" I demanded. + +"It looks to be! But don't stand there asking questions, when you can +satisfy yourself. Round up the bucket." + +I began to think that the Irishman's dream was true, and that the +whiskey had not taken possession of his senses. + +Fred was not in the habit of indulging in practical jokes; and I finally +concluded that I might as well satisfy myself whether a stone or a lump +of gold was in the bucket. I wound up the windlass, while the policeman +peeked down the long, dark shaft, eagerly watching for the bucket, to +see what it contained. + +"Do you see any thing?" I asked, when I thought that it was near enough +to get a glimpse of its contents. + +Before I could repeat the question, the eyes of the patrolman glared as +though starting from their sockets, and his face flushed scarlet. + +"Up with it, in the name of goodness," my companion shouted, leaning +over the shaft, and grasping the rope that held the bucket in one hand, +and attempting to pull it up, regardless of the rough windlass that I +was working at. + +"Can you see it?" I demanded, resting from my labor for a moment, and +glancing down the shaft. + +"Don't stop, sir," cried the policeman; "up with it, or the devil may +carry it off before our eyes." + +I did not feel so superstitious; and in spite of the warning managed to +get a glimpse of the lump that had almost turned the brains of the +Irishman and Fred. + +At the first glance, I almost let go my hold of the windlass, I was so +overpowered. My eyes appeared to blur over, and my brain grew dizzy. I +did not seem to possess the strength of an infant, and for a moment I +paused, and tried to rally my senses. + +My heart beat so wildly that I thought it would burst, for the single +glance that I had cast towards the bucket revealed to me a sight that +would have driven half the miners of Ballarat crazy, and the remaining +portion frantic with delight, provided, of course, they had seen and +owned what I saw. + + + + +CHAPTER LXI. + +THE RESULT OF GROWING RICH TOO RAPIDLY. + + +My officious friend lifted the nugget from the bucket and laid it before +me, and for a few minutes I gloated over and passed my hand over its +unequal surface, and weighed it in my imagination until I was roused +from my reverie by those in the shaft. + +"Send down the bucket, so that we can get up," shouted Fred; "we don't +want to stop here all night!" + +I hurried to relieve my friend, and by the time that he was safe out of +the shaft, and the bucket had re-descended for Mike, I was comparatively +calm. + +Fred and myself shook hands over our prize, and then lifted it, and +sought to form some idea of its weight, in which we were aided by the +official of the law. + +"It will weigh forty pounds," cried Fred, after a moment's handling. + +"More than that, sirs," answered the policeman, with a dogmatical air +that was charming to us, because every additional ounce made us richer. + +"I've seen a few nuggets since I've been stationed here, and I had +oughter know about such things," he continued, turning our prize over +and over, and scrutinizing it with the air of a connoisseur. "Do you +see, there's not an ounce of quartz stuck to the whole piece, and gold +is awful heavy when it comes in the lump style." + +We assented to his remarks without a word of opposition. We could have +listened to him for hours, it seemed so good to have him extol, instead +of depreciate, the nugget. + +"How much, then, do you think that it will weigh?" I demanded. + +"Well," replied the officer, after a moment's pause, and another lifting +operation, "I should say about fifty pounds, if my opinion was asked. + +"If my advice was asked," the officer continued, in a patronizing +manner, "I should say, take that nugget to the government reception +office without delay, and after it is weighed, get a certificate of +deposit. That is my advice, but my opinion may not be worth much, one +way or the other." + +We agreed that his advice was good, and that it would be wisdom on our +part to accept of it without delay, for it was rather dangerous having +so much gold in a store, when the town was swarming with thieves. + +There was one person, however, who did not seem to like the proposition, +and that was Mike. He had a faint suspicion that the project was +intended to defraud him of his rightful claim to one quarter of the +nugget, and his face showed the feelings of his heart, while we were +talking of the matter. + +"Is it moving ye intend to do?" he demanded, eyeing the gold as though +it had been guilty of a treacherous act. + +"We are going to remove it to the government office for safety," I +replied. + +"For safety?" repeated Mike. "Where could it be more safe than under me +eye, or under me head while I slept. Ough! don't bother, but let me +carry it to the store, where we can cut it up, and I can get me +quarter." + +"You wouldn't spoil such a nugget as that by cutting it up, would you?" +cried the policeman; "it is the finest specimen of gold that I ever saw, +and should be preserved." + +"Faith, if that is the case," muttered Mike, "it might just as well have +remained in the pit, for I don't see what good it will do us." + +We succeeded in explaining to the capricious gentleman what we intended +to do, and pacified him by promising that he should have his share in +ready money before night, if he desired it; and I will do Mike the +justice of saying that he did, most emphatically, and other men would +have acted in the same way. + +By the time that we had concluded to deposit our treasure at the +government office, considerable of a crowd had collected in the vicinity +of our claim, and was admiring the nugget, and wishing, with all their +hearts, that it belonged to them, and that they could be so fortunate. +We even began to receive proposals for our claim, and prices were +offered that we never dreamed of asking. + +"Now is the time to sell," whispered our tempter, in the shape of the +policeman. + +"Don't dispose of the mine for any consideration," cried Mike; "I'm +sartin that I know where another nugget is hid, and I'll have him out, +by the blessing of St. Patrick." + +"Sell while the excitement lasts," continued the tempter; "I never knew +of two nuggets being found close together." + +"It's our fortunes we'll make out of the mine," Mike exclaimed. "I'll go +back to Ireland, buy land, and be called 'the squire,' and drink +buttermilk twice a day, and ate paraties every meal. I'll have a still +of me own, and make the real poteen whiskey, and drink punch, instead of +water, and smoke 'bacca, instead of cabbage leaves. Won't I keep open +house, and none shall be more welcome than an Australian miner!" + +"Will you have a pig?" asked some one in the crowd. + +"A pig!" repeated Mike, with intense scorn; "I'll have a dozen of them, +and each one shall be fatter than ye." + +A roar of laughter followed Mike's sally, and the questioner, who +thought that he could ridicule the honest Hibernian, instantly subsided, +and was seen no more. + +We intended to send to the store for the purpose of getting a stout +bucket, into which we could put our nugget and carry it to the office; +but Mike would not listen to the suggestion for a moment. He shouldered +the precious lump of gold, and marched through the streets, as proud of +his charge as though the whole of it belonged to him, and he knew where +he could get another just like it. + +A crowd of miners followed at our heels, and such a mixture of tongues +was never heard, except at the construction of the tower of Babal. + +Followed by this motley crew, we passed along the streets, amidst shouts +and congratulations, until we gained the government reception office. + +"There," cried Mike, throwing down his load upon the counter of the +office, much to the astonishment of the clerks; "plase weigh that, and +see how much it comes to, for I want me quarterings." + +The clerks did not comprehend his words, although they did understand +the meaning of his action; and while a couple of police officers, who +were stationed at the building, drove from the room all those not +interested in the matter, we watched the large scales that were to tell +us to a farthing how much the nugget was worth. + +"Well," cried Mike, "can't ye spake, and let us know how much me +quarterings come to?" + +The clerk, who was figuring, looked at the speaker with silent contempt, +and did not even condescend to reply, much less hasten his movements. + +"Your nugget," said the clerk, at length, addressing Fred and myself, +"weighs just fifty-one pounds two ounces, and if there is no quartz in +the interior of the lump--and I think that there is not--at the present +price of gold it is worth, in round numbers, about two thousand five +hundred pounds sterling. A pretty good day's work, sirs." + +"Say it again," cried Mike, all ready for another Irish break-down. + +The clerk repeated the amount with much amiability. He had just learned +that Mike had an interest in the nugget, and his respect for the man +increased in proportion to his wealth. + +"Two thousand five hundred pounds sterling," repeated Mike, in +amazement. "Who would have thought that there was so much money in the +world? I'll ate nothing but paraties, and drink nothing stronger than +buttermilk and whiskey hereafter. Two thousand pounds and five hundred +of 'em to make the figures look a little odd. Ough! murder, won't the +old woman and the childers be plased to see me riding home in an +illegant coach and four, dressed like a lord!" + +The subject was one of so much importance that Mike, in defiance of the +dignified-looking clerk, indulged in a hornpipe, and was only brought to +his senses when told that he would be locked up by the policemen as a +lunatic, unless he was more quiet. + +"I'll be like a lamb," he replied; and then, after a moment's quiet, he +leaned over and whispered to the clerk, in a confidential manner,--"If +the nugget is worth two thousand five hundred pounds sterling, pray, +what is me quarterings worth? Answer me that, if ye can." + +We did not give the clerk time to make the calculation, but offered +Mike, on a venture, a sum equivalent to two thousand seven hundred +dollars for his quarterings, while we concluded to run the risk of the +interior of the nugget being filled with quartz. Mike accepted the +proposition without delay, and merely taking a certificate of deposit, +we returned to the store, counted out in sovereigns the amount that was +due Mike, made him put his cross, in the presence of Mr. Critchet, to a +paper certifying that he had been paid in full, and with the gold in his +pocket, off he started for his nearest countrymen, for the purpose of +treating every Irishman that he met, and getting rid of his sudden +wealth as soon as possible. + +I urged him for half an hour to let the larger portion of his funds +remain in our hands, but he was obstinate, and feared trickery. I then +endeavored to persuade him to deposit all but a hundred sovereign in the +government office, but strange to say, he was more fearful of the +government concern than he was of our firm. At length I got out of all +patience, for I saw that, instead of devoting his fortune to his +relatives, he was determined to have a spree, and I let him go without +another word of remonstrance. + +He conducted himself precisely as I anticipated. For one week two thirds +of his countrymen suspended work, and drank cheap whiskey at Mike's +expense. His gold vanished like snow on the top of Mount Alexander at +midday, and although many of the better class of Irish visited our store +every day, and begged that we would interfere and help save a portion of +his wealth, we declined to do so; and even Mr. Brown, who was appealed +to, shrugged his shoulders, and made an oft-quoted remark that "a fool +and his money were soon parted." The most that we would do was to +promise that Mike should not buy a single sixpence worth of liquor at +our store, and we kept our word, for which we got most heartily abused +by our late employee's friends; and one day we were obliged to have two +or three arrested, owing to a display of pugilism which they made. + +All things must have an ending, and to follow out Mike's fortunes, I may +as well state that he soon lost all of his money, was deserted by those +who called themselves his friends, and that he was left without the +means of buying a loaf of broad, or a glass of whiskey to keep off the +_delirium tremens_. He applied to us for employment, and we gave him +something to do; but the thoughts of his folly weighed heavily on his +mind, and one morning we found Mike hanging by his neck, in the rear of +the store where we stabled our horses. + +Had he but adhered to his first resolve, of returning to Ireland, and +living in peace for the remainder of his days, his gold would have been +of some use, not only to him, but to the community; but as matters +transpired, the finding of the nugget was his greatest misfortune. + +But to return to the day when our wealth was increased by a lucky stroke +of the pickaxe, and when we began to think seriously of mining claims as +means of making fortunes. In this connection we were advised by Mr. +Critchet, who, although not of a sanguine temperament, had made +considerable money in speculation as well as in digging, and was +enthusiastic when he learned that we had been amply repaid for all funds +which we had advanced. + +"Now is the time to sell," he said, when he heard half a dozen +applicants make inquiries regarding the terms for our now famous claim. +"Don't hold back, and say that you don't believe that the mine contains +another nugget. That won't do in Ballarat. Speak up with confidence, and +tell about the richness of the mine, and your disinclination to sell. +That will only make people more eager, and you will get better terms." +"But we don't believe that the claim will ever pay another dollar," I +replied. + +"What is that to you?" he retorted. "Didn't you buy without +expectations, and haven't you ever purchased a lottery ticket and drawn +a blank? A claim is a lottery, and one of the most treacherous kind. +Sell while you can, and try another site." + +We remembered of a purchase that we had made in California, when a +shrewd fellow sold us his worked-out claim for two hundred dollars, and +we were laughed at for our greenness. We felt a desire to retaliate, but +we had been taught in New England schools that two wrongs did not make +one right, and we banished the plan from our minds of urging people to +buy our mine on the plea that it was rich beyond comparison. If it was +desired, we determined that it should be bought without extolling +claptrap of any kind. + +While we were in this frame of mind, a stranger entered our store, and +expressed a desire to see the nugget which had turned half the heads in +Ballarat. + +He manifested no disappointment when told that it was at the government +office, and after asking a few questions, boldly made an offer for our +claim that was greatly in advance of what we had anticipated. + +There was a moment's hesitation on our part, and we were strongly +tempted to close the bargain; but better thoughts came to our aid, and +we declined the offer, on the ground that he offered more money than the +mine was really worth, and more than he could possibly get back. + +"That," replied the would-be purchaser, "is my lookout. I know the +condition of the mine, and what has been taken from it. If my offer is +accepted I am willing to pay the price that I mention, and whether it +repays me or not is none of your affair." + +It would have been cruel to disappoint the man, and as money was our +object, and he was so anxious to do us a service, we, with great +magnanimity, accepted of one thousand dollars in gold dust, and gave the +purchaser a deed of the claim. + +"A good day's work!" cried Fred, rubbing his hands, as soon as the +stranger's back was turned. "A dozen or twenty more such, and then, hey +for home!" + +We had made, as Fred said, a good day's work for the firm, for, of +course, Smith's interest was equal to our own, and he shared in any +speculation that we might enter into; but while I am on the subject, I +may as well tell of a money-making operation that entirely eclipsed the +above transaction, even including the finding of the nugget. + +I was in Melbourne, one time, having run down from the mines for the +purpose of buying a few articles which we wanted forwarded by express, +and while I was dodging from one store to another, I saw that the stock +of flour was rather low, and that, unless fresh arrivals soon augmented +the small quantity on hand, the price must go up. I made a few cautious +inquiries, and found that the dealers at Sydney were not much better off +than those at Melbourne, and it occurred to me that soon a speculation +movement would begin, and that we might as well have a hand in it as to +let others make all the money. + +As I said before, I made careful inquiries, and discovered that two +ships were daily expected, one from Chili, and the other from New York, +and both were loaded with flour. No vessel was expected from England +with grain on board, although it was not known for certainty. + +Upon this intelligence I pondered for an hour or two, and then resolved +to try my luck in the way of speculation. Flour was selling at fair +prices, I think, although, owing to the non-publication of a price +current, and to the absence of an exchange, no two merchants sold alike. + +After I had made up my mind what I intended to do, I went to the bank +where we had five thousand pounds lying to our credit, drew out the +money, and then began my purchases. In each case I stipulated that the +flour should remain in store one week, until I could get teams to cart +it to Ballarat. To this a ready assent was given, and the merchants +expressed themselves pleased to transact business with me. In some +instances I paid cash, especially where the quantity bought was very +slight, not amounting to more than fifty barrels, or one hundred sacks; +but where I bought two or even three hundred barrels, I claimed the +privilege of one month's credit, after paying twenty per cent. of the +amount down. + +In two hours I had engaged nearly every barrel and sack of flour in +Melbourne, and then, and not till then, did I begin to tremble for the +result of my speculation. A dozen times during the night did I wander +through the streets of the city, and down to the water's edge, for the +purpose of seeing how the wind blew, and each time did I find that it +was favorable for vessels entering the harbor. I consulted an aged +mariner, with tar plentifully sprinkled upon the seat of his trousers, +and the son of Neptune told me, with many grave shakes of his head, +that,-- + +"You can't always tell about these things; sometimes the wind blows one +way here in this bloody hole, and sometimes it blows different on the +ocean." + +The next day I despatched two large teams to Ballarat loaded heavily +with flour, and sent a letter by the mail, telling Fred what I had done, +and advising him to put the price up, but to first, frighten the +merchants by bantering them with offers for their stock. I knew that +that course would startle them into asking at least one third more than +they had been demanding, and that a dozen of the most prominent ones +would start for Melbourne without a moment's delay for the purpose of +seeing what the movement meant. + + + + +CHAPTER LXII. + +THE FLOUR SPECULATION.--MR. CRITCHET'S STORY. + + +After I had written to Fred, and started the teams, I felt a little +easier, although no change had taken place in the market. I knew that +dealers had sent to Sydney for a supply of flour, and I feared that +their orders would be filled, but in this I was agreeably mistaken. +Flour at Sydney was ten shillings per barrel higher than at Melbourne, +with an upward tendency; while not a sack could be obtained of the few +farmers who raised wheat, short of eighty pounds per ton,--just double +what I had paid. + +Two days after my bargain, and still no ships were signalized. I felt a +little more confidence in myself, and in the bold scheme that I was +attempting to carry out. A dozen teams were in the city, for the purpose +of carrying provisions to Ballarat and other mines, but they were +delayed, owing to their inability to get flour. I heard the price of the +article quoted at fifty pounds per ton, and I debated whether I should +hold on longer, or sell. + +Twice, during the day, a rumor was started that a large American ship +was signalized, and that she was loaded to her scuppers with grain; but +I quickly proved the falsity of the report, and then made my appearance +in the store of the largest grain dealers in Melbourne, Messrs. Hennetit +& Co., since failed, and didn't pay their English creditors but sixpence +on the pound, and I strongly suspect that American firms suffered worse, +even, than that. + +"My dear sir," said Mr. Hennetit, coming forward and shaking my hand +with great cordiality, "I have so desired to see you!" + +"May I ask on what account?" I replied, with the utmost _sang froid_, +although I was almost bursting with anxiety. + +"Why, to tell you the truth--and I am almost ashamed to confess it--we +sold you more flour than we intended, having several orders to fill, and +I thought that if it made no difference to you, we would borrow one +hundred barrels, and repay you in the course of a day or two at +farthest. It is not of much importance, but I concluded that I would +speak to you in regard to the subject." + +Even while conversing, he led me to his neat and commodious private +room, as though the sight of his wealth would soften my heart, and awe +me to subjection to his will. + +"You see, my dear sir, it is such a trifling matter, that I am almost +ashamed to make the request. I am positively mortified to think that we +made such a mistake as to dispose of our whole stock. However, a ship +will be here in a few days, and then we can supply the country at +greatly reduced rates." + +I did not interrupt him, but sat patiently, while he was endeavoring to +wheedle me out of my speculation. He displayed the anxiety that he felt, +to carry his point, while speaking, and I knew that one of his restless +eyes was on me, to read my thoughts, during the interview. + +"I am sorry that I cannot accommodate you in this instance," I answered, +"because I bought for the Ballarat market, and the people of that +section of the country are in want. Flour at the mines is selling for +sixty pounds per ton, a large advance upon what I paid." + +"O, I don't mind allowing you a small margin for your trouble. You paid +forty pounds per ton. I will give you forty-five for a hundred barrels." + +"My dear Mr. Hennetit, it really grieves me to think that I must refuse +your offer," I replied, "but I couldn't think of selling below the +market rates. If you wish a hundred barrels at fifty-five pounds per +ton, I shall be exceedingly happy to accommodate you." + +"Pooh, pooh!" he muttered; "I can't consider such a thing. If you think +to speculate in flour in this country, you will miss it, and lose your +money." + +"Perhaps I shall; but as flour has risen in price since I purchased, I +don't see why I should not reap the benefit of it." + +I bowed courteously to the merchant, replaced my veil, (for during the +summer months, when the ground is dry, and the wind blows strong, it is +necessary to wear a veil, to protect the eyes from the dust which rises +in heavy clouds, and at times obscures the sun like a thunder squall,) +and walked off, hoping that I should hear his voice calling me back, but +in this I was disappointed. Mr. Hennetit thought that I would repent, +and come to his terms, and so determined to stand the pressure one day +more, at all hazards. + +I walked directly to the river, and found that the wind was blowing off +shore like great guns. This elated me, although I remembered the words +of the tarry mariner, and wondered how it was out upon the broad ocean. + +For two days I had not slept an hour's time, or eaten more than a crust +of bread; but when I saw how the wind was blowing, I returned to my +hotel, and supplied my nearly exhausted system with food. + +No sooner had I finished dinner than I was told that a gentleman wished +to speak to me in the bar room. I went there, and saw one of the +merchants from whom I had purchased one hundred sacks of Chilian flour, +and one hundred barrels of American brand. + +"Well!" he exclaimed, shaking hands with some warmth, "you have _dished_ +us, and no mistake! Who, in the devil's name, would have supposed that +those two ships could have made such long passages--did you?" and then, +without waiting for me to answer, he marched up to the bar and called +for drinks, and I must confess that I gratified him, and pleased myself, +in taking a very good glass of wine and water at his expense. + +"Come, now to business," my acquaintance said, wiping his lips on a +richly embroidered handkerchief, imported from Manilla. + +"Very well, to business it is," said I. + +"You have got all the flour in the market in your hands," he began. + +"I know it," I answered. + +"Yes, I suppose that you do," he said, dryly; "now, I want the flour +that I sold you, and which still remains in my store. What is the +figure, sir?" + +Here was a man that I could trade with, and not resort to art. He was +never schooled in diplomacy, and his blunt nature rejected all +subterfuge. I saw that he was willing to allow me to make all that I +could, knowing that he would have done the same, had he been situated as +I was. + +"Fifty-five pounds per ton," I answered. + +"I'll take it at that figure," he replied, promptly; "come with me to +the store, and I will settle the amount immediately." + +I did not require to be invited a second time; and after I had received +my money, I calculated how many more tons I should have to dispose of +before I could call my funds whole. + +In the midst of my calculation, I was disturbed by a message from +Messrs. Hennetit & Co. They desired to see me immediately, and requested +to know when it would suit my convenience to call on them. I replied, in +half an hour; and when I was leaving the store to keep my appointment, +my blunt friend stopped me. + +"Hennetit & Co.," he said, "have received a number of orders for flour, +and they must fill them. Don't sell for less than what I paid you; +perhaps you can get more." + +I thanked my acquaintance for his hint, and acted on it. When Mr. +Hennetit talked about purchasing a few barrels, I put him off by +replying that it was hardly worth while to retail them, and that I had +received proposals for all that I held, and that I probably should +accept. + +This information rather startled the cautious gentleman, and the +question was put to me without equivocation,-- + +"How much advance did I demand for the flour which they held for for +me?" + +"Fifty-six pounds per ton," I replied, promptly and firmly. + +"Would I not take fifty pounds?" + +"No" + +"Would I sell all that I held in the city to the firm of Hennetit & Co. +for that price?" + +I replied that I would, provided the transaction was cashed that +afternoon. + +There was a short discussion among the members of the firm; and I saw +the junior partner go out in great haste. He returned in a few minutes, +and reported, I knew what he went after. He desired to learn the +direction of the wind before completing the bargain. Fortune favored me. +It was blowing a gale directly off shore. + +"Will you take a check on the bank, or do you desire gold dust?" was Mr. +Hennetit's polite interrogation. + +I replied that I preferred the dust, if it was clean, and had been +received from the government office. It was warranted free of sand; and +while the weighing commenced, I drew up orders for the delivery of flour +held by the several firms in the city. By the time that I had concluded, +the dust was put into bags, marked with my name, the amount in each bag, +and I found myself thy possessor of ten thousand pounds in hard cash, or +nearly fifty thousand dollars. + +In less than an hour the money was safely locked up in the vaults of the +bank; and then I began to feel as though I had passed through an ordeal +that had left me, at least, ten years older than I really was; and I +almost made a solemn vow never to attempt another speculation; but I am +glad that I hesitated, because before I left Australia I indulged in +many; and while some were unfortunate, others, I am happy to state, +turned out well, and enable me to live at the present time, a life of +such comparative idleness, that I almost repent being a bachelor, and +sometimes think that the sea of matrimony would relieve my life of +_ennui_. + +I owe an apology to the reader, perhaps, for thus taking so much space +to relate a transaction that made some noise in Melbourne, owing to the +boldness of my strike, and the success that attended it. It was a +lottery, with the chances in my favor, and had I not improved it there +were others who would. + +The vessels expected did not arrive for three days after I sold out; yet +the Messrs. Hennetits & Co. made money out of the operation, and +whenever I met them, after our business relations were ended, always +joked me about selling to them for so low a price, while they were +prepared to give me at least five pounds more per ton. + +But I will retrace my steps, and return to our store at Ballarat, from +which place I took flight on the very day that we found our nugget. + +"I think," said Mr. Critchet, as we sat smoking our pipes after tea, the +store being closed for the night, "that I shall be well enough in a few +days to go to work myself. I feel the spirit in me, but the flesh is yet +weak." + +"You will not be fit for a day's work in the mines for a month yet," +returned Fred. + +"I can't remain idle for that length of time," Mr. Critchet said; "I +have already trespassed on your hospitality, and am laboring under a +debt for kind attention, that I shall have hard work to repay. I am not +rich, but if the few thousand pounds which I have accumulated, and which +are on deposit at the government office, can recompense you, they are +yours." + +"I suppose," said Fred, re-filling his pipe, lighting it, and then +puffing away vigorously, "that you imagine that it is best to surrender +all your property in the most gracious manner possible. If that is your +opinion, you misjudge us." + +"My dear young friend!" cried Mr. Critchet, "I certainly did not +entertain any such opinion. I have been treated as kindly and carefully +as though you were my own sons; and through your exertions and +attentions my life has been saved. I feel as though I cannot repay you +with empty thanks, for I have caused an expenditure of much time and +money. Let me feel as though I had endeavored to requite your kindness." + +"So you can," returned Fred, composedly. + +Mr. Critchet brightened up. I looked at my friend anxiously, and feared +that he had forgotten our agreement on the subject under discussion. + +"The fact is," said Fred, knocking the ashes from his pipe, "if you wish +to deserve our friendship, never speak again in reference to the subject +of a recompense." + +"But--" exclaimed the old man. + +"No buts about it. You sought our house as a refuge for safety, and if +you found it, none can be more satisfied than ourselves. The first night +I saw your gray hairs I thought of my dead father, and I determined to +do all that I could for the honor of his name. God bless his memory--he +was a good man, and I am certain that if his spirit is allowed to visit +this earth, it would approve of my conduct." + +"Then all recompense is refused?" demanded our guest, after a moment's +silence. + +"Decidedly so." + +"Then let me make a proposition to this effect: My claim is lying idle, +and is probably half full of water. I feel that I am not strong enough +to work it, and will tend the store until well, and one or both of you +can take my mine and carry it on, and, if you choose, divide the +profits between us three. By such a process you will be spared from +being under pecuniary obligations to me, and I shall feel as though I +was in some measure, however slight, repaying the expense of my board +and lodging." + +How carefully the old gentleman concealed the fact, that the mine which +he owned, and had partially worked, was one of the most valuable, in +Ballarat, and that it we consented to the arrangement we should, in all +probability, make two or three thousand pounds with but a trifling +amount of labor! + +"If you will do as I wish," Mr. Critchet continued, "I shall feel as +though I was not intruding upon your privacy, or upon your generosity. +If my offer is not accepted, then to-morrow I return to my tent, and +trouble you no more." + +"But consider," I said, "you have no knowledge of storekeeping, and will +make but a poor clerk for attending upon these rough miners." + +"My dear boy," our guest exclaimed, "before you were born, as a British +merchant, I sold thousands of pounds worth of West India goods; and +should now, if I had my rights, be in possession of a princely fortune. +Do not think that I am speaking boastingly, for I am humble. All pride, +excepting the love of honesty, and a desire to see my family once more +in comfortable circumstances, has left me; and now I labor for love of +my children, at whatever business I can make the most money." + +"You have a family, then?" I asked. + +The old gentleman nodded; and through the tobacco smoke I saw that his +eyes grow moist at the question. We sat silent for a few minutes, for we +did not wish to interrogate him in relation to his family affairs, +although I must confess that I felt something of a Yankee's curiosity in +regard to his position in life. + +"I have no desire to keep from you my story," Mr. Critchet said, +"although it may not interest you, and is but a repetition of trust and +wrong--of confidence and betrayal. Such as it is, however, I will +confide to you, and hope that it may prevent you from being shipwrecked +on the same sea." + +The old gentleman moistened his lips with a drink of cold tea, and +began:-- + +"My father was a merchant before me, and dealt largely in West India and +India goods; and, when I was of sufficient age, I occupied a stool in +his counting room, and learned the mysteries of buying low and selling +high, for the purpose of taking his place when he felt rich enough to +retire. + +"When he did, which was at a ripe old age, I was left in possession of +two thirds of his property, it being shared by my sister and myself; and +when my sister married, which she did without my consent, and almost +before I knew her husband by reputation, I paid over to her every penny +that belonged to her, and wished her God speed on her journey through +life. We were nearly strangers to each other, owing to the death of our +mother during her infancy, when an aunt had volunteered to assume the +control of her education, and that was one reason why, perhaps, my +advice was not listened to in regard to the choice of a husband. + +"Well, time passed on, and at length I too married, and was blessed with +a daughter, and then I renewed my exertions for wealth for my child's +sake; for then I was a silly and ambitious man, and hoped that I could +connect myself by marriage with some peer or lord, or even a baronet. +That was eighteen years ago, my friends, and since that period I have +grown wiser, and, as you see, older. If I can live to see my daughter +wedded to an honest man my ambition will be satisfied." + +I began to reflect and ponder over those words. How did I know but that +I might suit her fancy! I looked at Fred, and would have sworn that he +was debating the same subject. I already began to feel jealous; for an +English girl, at the age of nineteen, is not to be passed by without a +kind consideration. I wondered if she was handsome, but supposed that +she must be, judging from the appearance of her father. + +"I rarely saw my sister," Mr. Critchet continued, "after her marriage, +but I heard from her frequently; and seldom looked at the Morning Post +without seeing her name announced as having been present at a party the +night before. I did not envy her her life of dissipation, for I +preferred to secure happiness in a different course; but still I could +not help wondering how her husband managed to support such extravagance. +Too soon did I learn the secret; for one day he sought me out, and with +a gloomy brow, announced that his purpose in visiting me was to obtain +money to meet notes which were maturing. + +"I did not feel surprised, and neither did I question him in regard to +his circumstances. I listened patiently to his expressions of regard, +gave him a check on my bankers for two thousand pounds, and after he +left my counting room I busied myself with my accounts, and tried to +forget an unpleasant impression that his interview had left upon my +mind. A few days after I received a note from my brother-in-law, Mr. +Follet--" + +"Follet?" I cried, in surprise; "then the young man who is still held by +the commissioner is his son, and your nephew?" + +Mr. Critchet gave a token of assent, and continued:-- + +"In which he requested a further loan to meet some pressing engagements. +I complied with the den and, although I felt that I was wronging myself +to do so. A few weeks passed, and I was unmolested; but one morning I +received a hurriedly written letter from my brother, and I saw with +grief that, it was dated Fleet Street Prison, and that he had been +arrested the night, before for debt, and now called on me in piteous +expressions to save his name from disgrace. I went to see him, and found +that his wife was unacquainted with his situation, and that she was +making preparations to have a grand party that night, at which she +expected half the notables of London. He pleaded long and earnestly, and +at length I paid the claim that was brought against him, although it +took many thousand pounds to do so. + +"Three days afterwards I was visited by my sister, in company with her +boy, a young man with dark eyes and a sinister expression of +countenance, that too nearly resembled his father's to be pleasing to +me; although God knows I have tried to love the boy, and should have +ultimately succeeded had he not behaved like a barbarian. + +"My sister requested a private interview, which I readily granted; and +then with tears, and groans, and lamentations, told me that her +husband's fate rested in my hands, and that if I wished to kill her I +could by pursuing a harsh course. I begged her to explain, but she threw +herself upon her knees and vowed that she would never rise until I had +promised to do as she wished. I declined to make a profession that I did +not understand, and at length I drew from her that her husband, the man +whom she had married in opposition to my wishes, had forged my name to +bills amounting to nearly fifty thousand pounds, and that I was expected +to save him from a public death, or transportation for life, to conceal +the crime. I indignantly refused, but I did not know how hard a woman +can plead. I was promised my sister's property that was settled on her +at the death of my father, and she gave me an order to sell out her +stock in the public funds, for the purpose of reimbursing me, although I +found that I should suffer to the extent of twenty-five thousand pounds +by the transaction; but sooner than witness her tears I consented, and, +in consequence, was made almost a beggar." + +The old man brushed away a tear that coursed down his rugged cheeks, and +for a few minutes seemed lost in thought. At length he continued:-- + +"I assumed the forged notes and paid them as they matured, but the +public discovered that I had made many sacrifices in my business to meet +the spurious paper, and then came doubts and suspicions, and at last a +run upon my house, and to save myself I called upon my sister for her +fortune. God of heaven! how I felt when I discovered that the villain, +her husband, had already used her name, drawn her money from the funds, +and had left for some part of the world where we could not trace him. + +"I sank beneath the blow, and when I rallied my business was swept away, +and the firm of Critchet was known only by its debts. I struggled for a +time against the stream, but I could not gain a foothold, and at last +yielded and gave up all thoughts of resuming business. My family was +supported by a small settlement of one hundred pounds which had been +left to my wife by an aunt, and by music lessons which my daughter was +enabled to give, and thus we struggled along, until at length my sister, +who could not bear up under her disgrace, died and left me her child to +provide for. Well, I undertook the task, and when I had failed to +resuscitate my fortunes in England, I left for Australia and brought him +with me." + +"And you have never heard of his father since?" I asked. + +"No." + +"Hullo, house--grocers--let me in!" shouted a voice at the door; and a +heavy kick was bestowed on the wall to attract our attention. + +Mr. Critchet started from his seat, and then sank back to the floor with +a groan. + + + + +CHAPTER LXIII. + +THE SAME, CONTINUED. + + +"Are you sick?" we demanded, springing towards the prostrate man and +helping him to a chair. + +"I know not," he replied, wildly; "but unless I am dreaming, I heard a +voice demanding admittance to the store. Do not open the door, for +mercy's sake. I cannot bear to look upon his face again." + +"Poor man," muttered Fred; "his story has affected him to such a degree +that his mind wanders. Let us put him to bed as soon as possible, for +fear of a return of the fever." + +"You are mistaken, young men, if you think that fever or a diseased +imagination has caused my emotion. See, I am perfectly calm." + +In fact, he didn't seem as though afflicted with his late sickness, for +his flesh was cool, and his face pale, but for all that he trembled +violently, and as though attacked with the ague. + +"I thought that I recognized the voice," our patient said, in a half +whisper, and in a listening attitude, "but I may have been mistaken." + +"Hullo, within there--open the door, and sell me a quart of the best +quality," cried the rough voice on the outside, accompanied by another +violent shake of the door that made every thing jar again. + +Rover uttered a threatening howl, and pawed at the door as though +desirous of inserting his teeth into the body of the brawler. + +"I was certain that I could not be mistaken," exclaimed Mr. Critchet, in +a hoarse whisper. + +"What do you mean?" I asked. + +"Will you let me have the liquor? Say yes or no," cried the impatient +fellow on the outside, with an oath. + +"I am positive that that is the voice of my brother-in-law," Mr. +Critchet said. "I have not heard him speak before for six years, yet +there are some things that I cannot forget. What shall I do? How shall I +act?" + +"Do you wish to speak to him?" I asked; "if so, we will admit him, and +trust to our arms for security. Not a hair of your head shall be +injured, even though you tell him disagreeable truths." + +"What say you? Are you awake? Shall I have the rum?" continued our +midnight visitor. + +I waited for the old gentleman to come to some conclusion, and although +he was intensely agitated at the thought of an interview, he gave a +token of assent. + +"Call off the dog and let him come in," said Fred, "and do you keep in +the background for the present," addressing our guest. + +I quieted Rover with a word, and then unbolted and unbarred the door and +threw it open, feeling some curiosity to see the man who had had the +audacity to commit extensive forgeries, and yet escape the punishment of +the law, especially when the criminal code of England is so rigid that +rank or station in life is not respected. + +"Well, sleepy heads, have you woke up?" was the impudent question that +first greeted me, and through the door strode a tall, powerful-built +man, with dark whiskers which covered his face almost to his eyelids, +and long, black hair plentifully sprinkled with gray. He wore a short +monkey-jacket, such as sailors are in the habit of adopting as a +convenient overcoat for working aloft on shipboard--a blue flannel +shirt, with large collar turned over and confined to his neck with a +black silk handkerchief--a pair of fancy colored pants, somewhat soiled +and worn, yet a little better than the majority of the miners were +accustomed to wear at Ballarat--and lastly, the visitor had on his head +a felt hat of ample proportions, such as the stockmen and shepherds of +Australia have adopted to protect their heads from the noonday heat, and +eyes from the bright sun, while scouring the plains in search of cattle. + +"You are late in your purchases," I remarked, in a conciliatory tone, as +the stranger entered. + +"A man with money, and a desire to spend it, can choose his own time to +trade, I suppose, can't he?" the black visitor asked, in a gruff manner; +and as he moved his arm to emphasize his words, I saw the butts of two +pistols protruding from his coat pockets--a discovery that did not alarm +me, although I was glad that their possession was revealed. + +"That depends upon two things," I replied. "First, whether--" + +"Pshaw! don't bother me with your homilies," he exclaimed, impatiently, +as I closed the door and turned the key. + +"No, I won't, for you are homely enough in all conscience," I answered, +pretending to think that he referred to personal beauty. + +The stranger turned on me like lightning, and his sinister eyes were +expressive of intense rage, but I pretended not to notice his actions. +Rover, however, became slightly alarmed for my welfare, and placed +himself between us, and showed his strong teeth with perfect frankness. + +"Call off your dog," our visitor said, finding that it was useless to +intimidate, "or I will make short work of him, and sell him to the +Chinamen as a luxury." + +"You would never have another chance to trade with the Celestials," I +answered, carelessly. + +"Why?" demanded the black ruffian, with a grim smile, as he walked +towards that portion of the store where Fred was sitting, Mr. Critchet +having entered his room. + +"Because, if you harmed my dog, I should take the liberty of shooting +you without a moment's delay." + +"Well, that is a question that two would have to study over," the +stranger answered, in a more subdued tone, and with less inclination to +swagger. "I suppose that you little think that I carry these things +about me, and that they sometimes bark when I say the word, and more to +the purpose than any dog you ever owned." And he tapped the butts of his +pistols with a confident air, but the announcement was not such as he +had anticipated. + +"We sometimes do a little in that line ourselves," I answered, "and we +take care that the tools we use shall be the best that money can obtain. +When this speaks it means something." + +I quietly drew from my coat pocket a revolver, and held it before him, +and then as quietly returned it to its resting-place. + +"I'm satisfied with your word," the dark-haired stranger said, a grim +smile spreading over his face. "When gentlemen meet they should know how +to treat each other with courtesy. By your weapon I judge that you are +an American." + +"My friend and myself both claim that country as the land of our +births," I replied, pointing to Fred, who sat smoking his pipe for the +purpose of keeping the insects, attracted by our light, at a distance. + +"O, I didn't see that you had a companion," the stranger exclaimed, +spying Fred for the first time, which somehow rather disconcerted him; +but he quickly rallied, and continued to converse in a free and easy +manner, like a man who had seen much of the world, and had opportunities +of enjoying it. + +"I am glad to know that you are Americans, for I have visited that +country, and was kindly treated by those with whom I came in contact. A +great and fast country, as I can bear witness, for while travelling in +the southern part I suffered a railroad collision and a steamboat +explosion on the same day, and yet escaped with whole bones. Were I not +an Englishman I would be an American, to use the words of Alexander, +altered to suit the occasion." + +"May I ask if you belong here in Ballarat?" I demanded, with the +intention of finding out what his business and prospects were. + +"To tell you the truth, I am here on what your countrymen call a +'bender;' a freak that assails me about once in three months, and after +it is over I return to my stock-house and think how great a man can be, +and yet how little." + +"Then you are a stockman?" I said. + +"That is not what I am termed," he cried, with an expression of pride +upon his dark face. "I employ stockmen to look after my cattle, but I am +called a proprietor." + +"I always supposed that proprietors preferred to live in the large +cities, and trust their flocks and herds to employees," Fred said, +dryly. + +"What is it to you what I prefer?" he demanded, turning on Fred +fiercely. "Have I not a right to do as I please as long as I am my own +master, and pay those who work for me?" + +"No one denies it, I believe," exclaimed Fred. "I only made a +supposition. Some men dislike to be seen in cities, while others would +go mad if obliged to live on the plains. I sometimes think that it +depends entirely upon the conscience which every man is supposed to have +locked within his breast, although my arguments are liable to be +refuted, on the ground that there are some men destitute of such an +article." + +"Death and the devil! do you refer to me, you babbler?" shouted the +stranger, his hands again seeking the pockets where his pistols were +nestling. + +"Don't get enraged at a few words," I said, half soothingly and half +ironically. "My friend didn't mean to cut you with his remarks." + +"We won't quarrel over an unmeaning word," I said. "Give me a quart of +good whiskey, and I will go back to the tent where I have agreed to stop +for the balance of the night. I was told that I could get the best +liquor here of any place in Ballarat." + +"Raising cattle is considered a profitable business in Australia," I +hinted, while pretending to be attending upon his wants. + +"I find it satisfactory," he returned, shortly, as though determined to +baffle my inquiries. + +"I have some thoughts of engaging in the business," I continued, "and +would, if I could buy a tract of land on the banks of the Loddon or the +Campaspe. All the pasturing that is desirable within sight of Mount +Macedon skirt is already sold, I suppose." + +"I should think it was," he answered, with a grin; "but I am open for an +offer." + +"How! do you wish to sell?" I asked, apparently in surprise. + +"If I can get my price, yes." + +"How long have you occupied your tract?" I inquired. + +"For four years, and during that time my flocks have increased +threefold, and now I count my sheep by thousands and cattle by +hundreds." + +"And your range is located on the banks of the Loddon?" I asked. "How +much land have you taken up?" + +"Five thousand acres of as good pasturage as can be found in the +country, well watered, and free of bogs and quicksands." + +"Why do you desire to sell, if the raising of cattle is so productive?" +I demanded. + +"None of your business. If you wish to buy, say so, and I'm open for a +trade. Come and see me some day, and I'll talk with you on the matter; +at the present time I'm in a hurry." + +"I think that I know a man who will take the station off your hands +without delay. Wait a moment and I'll bring him to you." + +I left the cattle raiser wondering at the suddenness of my exit, and +entered the small room, where I found Mr. Critchet suffering with +nervous agitation. + +"Have you heard all?" I asked. + +"Yes, all." + +"And do you think that you recognize the voice?" + +"It is Follet," he whispered. + +"Dare you face him, and demand restitution for your wrongs?" I inquired. + +"Why should I fear to meet him, and strike terror into his guilty heart? +Let me go at once." + +"Then roll the collar of your coat over your face, and slouch your hat +over your eyes, and keep them there until I ask you to remove them. Now +keep up a stout heart, and trust to fortune for the result." + +Mr. Critchet followed me from the room without another word. His +agitation seemed to have left him, and he displayed all the "pluck" +which characterizes the representatives of Great Britain, when placed in +situations that require nerve and courage. + +"Hullo! is that the man you have selected to purchase my stock?" cried +the stranger, with a hoarse laugh; "why, a horseback ride of ten miles +before breakfast would finish him for the day, and if bullocks should +get sight of his thin form, they would break into open rebellion, for +they know that it requires a powerful arm to use a stock-whip. Take your +old granddaddy back to bed, and send me a customer that can keep the +saddle all day, and sleep in a pond of water all night, if need be." + +"He is not so feeble as he looks," I replied, giving Fred a quiet +signal, which he understood, and therefore rose and sauntered near the +counter, so that he could be in the rear of the stockman, in case he was +disposed to use violence. + +"See," I continued, removing the hat of Mr. Critchet, and throwing back +his collar, "he does not look so very weak, after all." + +I noticed the stranger gave a convulsive start when he saw that pale +face, so full of mild reproach; I heard him utter an exclamation which +sounded like an oath, and then he turned and rushed frantically towards +the door; but before he reached it, he was attacked by an enemy in his +rear that he little counted on. + +Rover, who had been lying quietly at our feet, watching the movements of +the stranger with distrust, yet apparently determined to give the man a +fair hearing before he made up his mind in regard to his character, +uttered a yell when he saw our visitor turn to fly, and before he +reached the door the faithful dog had seized a portion of his garments +on that section of his body where the strain is supposed to be the +strongest, and, with defiant growls, held him fast. + +"Call off your dog," shouted Follet, with an oath, "or I'll send a ball +through his lean carcass." + +"If you but offer to lay your hand upon a pistol you are a dead man!" +exclaimed Fred; "remain quiet, and you are safe." + +"Why should I obey you?" demanded Follet, with a sudden jerk of his +body, for the purpose of freeing himself from the jaws of the dog, in +which he was unsuccessful, for Rover took a double grip, and I think +that his teeth grazed the forger's flesh, for he attempted to apply his +hands to the spot, but was not able, and therefore they once more sought +the formidable pistols which his pockets contained. + +"Curse you and your dog! Do you think I'm a bullock, to be thus dragged +down, and make no resistance?" + +He was in the act of cocking the pistol when a slight blow upon his arm, +near the elbow, with the butt of a stock-whip, made him drop it as +suddenly as though his limb had been paralyzed from wrist to shoulder. + +"Do you mean to rob or to assassinate me?" cried Follet, rubbing his +arm, and looking dangerous. + +"Neither," we replied; "but we require you to be patient, and to make +atonement for some of the wrong that you have done. This you shall do, +or be lodged in a prison and returned to England." + +"Do you take me for a child, that I should be thus lectured by boys and +a gray-headed idiot? You don't know me yet!" + +The desperate man suddenly turned, while talking, and with one of his +heavy boots kicked the hound upon his head; but the noble brute did not +even utter a whimper, although the blow brought blood upon his glossy +coat. But dearly did the fellow pay for his cruelty, for, as he dashed +towards the door, for the purpose of escaping, Rover sprang upon him, +seized him by his neck, and bore him headlong to the floor, where he +held him, despite of his struggles and cries. + +We let them fight it out without interference, but a few minutes were +sufficient to produce cries for quarter from Follet, although before we +listened to them we disarmed him of his knife and remaining pistol. + +"Get up," I said, addressing the prostrate man, "and remember that acts +of cruelty sometimes bring immediate punishment." + +He arose, sullen and angry, yet not daring to manifest it by deeds and +words. I motioned him to a place near the stove, where Mr. Critchet was +seated, and from whence he had witnessed all that had transpired, +without remark or interference. + +"Why am I treated in this manner?" demanded Follet, hesitating, before +he complied with my request. + +"Because we think that it is necessary for you to make reparation for +wrongs that you have committed during a lifetime." + +"Who accuses me?" he asked, after a pause. + +"I do!" said Mr. Critchet. + +"I never saw you before in the whole course of my existence!" cried the +forger, with a degree of effrontery that was characteristic of the man. + +"Do you deny that you married my sister, and that I lent you money, +besides taking up your forged paper to save your neck from the common +hangman? demanded Critchet, earnestly. + +"I do," replied the prisoner, without a moment's hesitancy; "and I will +also add, that if you think that I am to be robbed with impunity, you +are mistaken. What money I have about me I shall hold on to; and when I +do gain my liberty look to yourselves, for there is law to be obtained +in Ballarat." + +We consulted apart with Mr. Critchet, and found that he was positive +that the man who had wronged him so basely was in our power, and we had +too great confidence in the judgment of the old gentleman to believe +that he would tell a lie, or endeavor to deceive us in the premises. + +"How old was young Follet when his father left London?" Fred asked of +Mr. Critchet. + +"About sixteen," was the answer. + +"Then we can settle this matter in the morning, without trouble, or +further debate." + +"How?" + +"By confronting the son with the father." + +We determined to try the experiment at all hazards, and as there was no +law by which we could be reached for detaining a supposed criminal +without a warrant, I suggested that a pair of irons should be slipped +upon his wrists, for the purpose of insuring his security during the +night, and that in the morning we should consult with Mr. Brown, and be +governed by his advice. + +My proposition was accepted, and the matter was communicated to Follet, +who swore many strange oaths, and would have resisted, but he found that +it was useless; and to add to his terror, Rover sat within a few feet of +him, displaying his ivories, and ready to avenge his affront upon the +first symptom of hostility. + +The stranger at length complied with our terms, and while we provided a +bed for him, we did not fail to intimate that Rover was to watch by his +side, and give an alarm, in case he meant mischief during the night, of +which we were not much afraid. + +At daybreak we wore all astir, and ready for business. We provided a +substantial breakfast for our prisoner, and then I sought the presence +of the inspector, and laid the whole matter before him. + +He agreed with me that it was only right and just that Follet should +make reparation for the wrongs that he had inflicted, but thought that +it was hardly fair to make the son betray the father. + +After studying over the matter some time, the inspector visited the +prison, and got the young man to give a description of his parent, and +so perfect was the likeness that there could be no doubt of his +identity. + +Then, for the first time, did we tell the forger that he had a son near +him, who was held to answer for an attempt at murder. The feelings of +the man were obliged to yield before the intelligence, but how much more +intense was his sorrow, when told that his son had nearly murdered the +very man who had stepped forward to save him from starvation! + +"He came honestly by the disposition, so don't blame your son," said +Brown, bluntly. "Consider how much injury you have caused the old +gentleman, and ask your heart if there is not an opportunity to make +some redress!" + +"What would you have me do?" demanded the forger, sullenly. + +"You own a well-stocked tract of land; you must give him a deed of it, +and then leave this part of the country forever," Mr. Brown said. + +"But then I shall have to begin the world without a penny, and I am +growing old," pleaded the forger. + +"So did your victim; and yet his age is greater than yours. When +stripping him of wealth you had no misgivings, and as you showed no +mercy, neither shall we." + +"Give me time to consult with my friends," pleaded Follet; but Mr. Brown +was deaf to his entreaties. + +"Either go with me before the commissioner, and give a title to your +property, or else you go to prison and wait the return of a ship to +England, where you will be tried for forgery, and probably condemned. +You can take your choice--a life at the hulks, or freedom and poverty." + +"This is a d----d trap!" yelled the forger, "but I will not be caught so +easily." + +"As you please," returned Mr. Brown, carelessly; "I have a greater +desire to see justice executed on men of your stamp than to attempt to +compromise matters. Come with me." + +He passed his arm through Follet's, and beckoned Mike to do likewise; +but before the trio had taken three steps towards the door the forger's +heart began to soften. + +"Am I to be locked up?" he demanded. + +"Ay, in the darkest cell in the prison," returned Mr. Brown, firmly. + +"One moment!" he exclaimed; "will you agree to let me go free if I +comply with your request?" + +We gave the required pledge, and in less than three hours' time we had +the satisfaction of placing in Mr. Critchet's hands a deed of all the +property owned by Follet; and although the amount was not near the sum +that the former had expended to save the latter's neck, yet it was +sufficient to place the old gentleman in affluent circumstance's for the +remainder of his life. + + + + +CHAPTER LXIV. + +MR. BROWN'S DISCHARGE FROM THE POLICE FORCE.--BILL SWINTON'S CONFESSION. + + +Mr. Brown, who had interested himself so successfully in Mr. Critchet's +affairs, to be sure that Follet did not return to his stock-house, sent +two men, old and experienced shepherds, to take charge of the stock and +exercise a general supervision over the property until Mr. Critchet was +disposed to sell it for the most that he could get, and he did not have +to wait long for an offer; for one day the old gentleman astonished us +by imparting the information that he had got a letter from a person in +Melbourne who was anxious to buy, and desired an interview immediately. +Our friend left the same day in the stage line, but before he went he +made us a present of his claim, and a munificent gift it was. + +We saw the old gentleman no more in Australia, but when in London, on +our way home, via the overland route from China and the Indies, we had +the satisfaction of once more shaking his hand, and fighting our battles +over. His daughter was as handsome as she was accomplished, and her +gratitude towards us for the kindness which we had shown her parent +would undoubtedly have caused her to look with some degree of favor upon +our suits, had we been disposed to demand the sacrifice. Fred was too +modest, and I lacked confidence, and between us both we left London +without daring to propose for the lady's hand. She is still unmarried, +and her father writes me that she shows no disposition for matrimony. If +I was not fearful of meeting with a rebuff, there would he one bachelor +less in the world, or, as the stage heroes say, I would "perish in the +attempt." + +"I am tired of this," the inspector said, one day, entering the store, +and throwing his weary form upon a mattress. "For nearly a week I have +hardly had an opportunity to close my eyes, and my men are in the same +exhausted condition as myself. I have warded off the blows as long as +possible. But now I see no way of escaping a collision." + +"What do you intend to do?" Fred asked. + +"Resign my position, and let the commissioner take the responsibility. I +have written thrice, asking to be exchanged, but at head-quarters they +appear to be deaf to my prayers. You may think that it is cowardly to +thus attempt to escape my share of the work, but you have been in too +many exciting frays not to know me better, and to feel that where a blow +is to be struck in a good cause I am never backward." + +We assured the inspector that we never entertained a doubt of his +courage, and that whatever course he decided on would meet with our +approval. + +"I cannot stay here and order men to fire upon miners whom I have known +for many months, and whom I entertain a sincere regard for. Besides," +and here the inspector lowered his voice and whispered confidentially, +"the miners are in the right, and I don't blame them for standing out +against a tax that is levied upon all without regard to the amount of +gold obtained." + +"Had you not better remain as long as possible, and perhaps delay will +enable the government to see the suicidal course that they are +attempting. If you leave, and Mr. Sherwin is allowed full sway, I will +not answer for peace twenty-four hours," Fred said. + +"I have already made more sacrifices to my sense of dignity and manhood +in the vain attempt to keep Mr. Sherwin within bounds and moderation +than the country will ever give me credit for; and yet I am blamed, and +accused of not doing my duty, because I do not fill the prison, and load +with chains every person who utters a word against the government. If I +had a sensible man to deal with instead of the commissioner, I think +that this storm would blow over, or at least be delayed for some months, +until advices could be received from the Home Secretary. But as it is--" + +Mr. Brown stopped talking suddenly; and when I looked up to learn the +cause, I saw, to my surprise, that Mr. Sherwin had entered the store +unperceived, and had probably heard a portion of the conversation. + +There was an embarrassing silence for a few moments; although Mr. Brown +did not look at all frightened by the presence of his superior officer. +I expected a scene, and I was not disappointed, for ill feeling had long +been engendered between them, partly owing to the mining tax, which Mr. +Sherwin was supposed to have induced government to believe was just and +equitable, and partly owing to conciliatory measures instead of harsh +ones, which Mr. Brown had judged best to adopt for the purpose of +keeping Ballarat quiet. + +"I need not suggest," said Mr. Sherwin, with one of his most sarcastic +smiles, "that this store is hardly the place to squander time in when so +many disloyal men are plotting against the government, and when an +outbreak is threatened every hour." + +"You are, undoubtedly, addressing your conversation to me," Mr. Brown +exclaimed, with a lazy yawn, and a good-natured smile. + +"I certainly am," was the short rejoinder, accompanied by a look of +surprise. + +"And I suppose that you think I am not doing my duty, simply because I +am resting my weary form?" Mr. Brown asked, still maintaining his +composure. + +"Your thoughts are perhaps right on that point. Time is all that we +desire now until the troops arrive, when we can deal with these foolish +men as we please, and as the best interests of the country demand." + +"I don't think that I distinctly understand you," the inspector +remarked. "Do you wish me to break up the meetings which the miners are +holding, and make arrests for every dissatisfied word that is uttered?" + +"Such a course would meet my approbation, and, I think, the approval of +the governor and his advisers. You may take a different view of the +matter." + +"And if I should venture to differ with you, what then?" demanded Mr. +Brown, his cheeks flushing slightly. + +"A resignation placed in my hands would be instantly forwarded to the +proper quarter, and I have no doubt that it would be accepted," was the +curt rejoinder. + +"I feel quite grateful to you for the hint, and to show that I can act +on it, will lose no time in drawing up such a paper." + +Mr. Brown walked quietly to our desk, helped himself to a sheet of +paper, wrote a few lines, signed his name with a flourish, and handed +the document to the commissioner. The latter cast his eyes over it, and +a grim smile mantled his dark face as he did so. + +"You have done well, sir, and I think that the government will be +obliged to me for thus bringing matters to a crisis; you are no longer a +member of the police force at Ballarat." + +Mr. Sherwin turned to depart, but Mr. Brown, still calm and quiet, +detained him. + +"One word before you go. You acknowledge that I am no longer your +subordinate officer, do you not?" + +The commissioner bowed stiffly, but did not deign to make reply. + +"A few minutes since," Mr. Brown went on to say, "I was accused of +squandering time. I wish to ask whether I was ever known to squander +money belonging to the government?" + +Had Mr. Brown fired a pistol at the head of the commissioner, the latter +could not have been more astonished. He stared upon his questioner with +a bewildered air; and I could see his swarthy cheeks turn pale, as +though impeachment stared him in the face for malfeasance while in +office. I knew that there were dark hints of his corruption, and that be +had, in some manner not known to the public, made a fortune while he +held the office of commissioner. + +"What do you mean?" demanded Sherwin at length; and even while he spoke +his voice was husky and tremulous. + +"I asked a simple question, and it requires some time and consideration +on your part to make an answer, it appears. I will repeat the question. +Did you ever know me to squander money belonging to the government, and +fail to give an account of it?" + +"Do you dare insinuate aught against me in my official capacity?" cried +the commissioner, stepping towards his late officer with a threatening +brow. + +"Have I said a word that should cause you to feel aggrieved? Do my words +apply to you in any way or form?" Mr. Brown exclaimed, without flinching +from the withering look that was cast upon him. + +"I know what you mean; and if you dare to accuse me of peculation while +in office; I will brand you as a liar!" + +The belligerents were not more than five feet apart; and I expected to +see some brisk work for a few minutes, but Fred passed between them, and +prevented a collision that seemed inevitable. + +"You have met in the store," said Fred, "on what we call neutral ground, +and therefore we cannot permit this quarrel to go any farther. If you +have, unfortunately, differences which must be settled, do not involve +us, for remember, we are friends to both." + +"You speak wisely," Mr. Sherwin said, after a moment's thought, during +which time he recovered his composure; "I was foolish to get angry at +any words that might be addressed to me by that gentleman. I have known +him long, and suffered severely from his vindictive temper. His claws +are now cut, and he is powerless." + +"But I have a tongue, and know how to use it like an Englishman!" cried +Mr. Brown, proudly; "you may triumph now, but I warn you that before +many days, you will be stripped of your title and honors, and inquiries +instituted which will bring to light many secrets that you little dream +of. I have watched your course in Ballarat, and the report I shall have +to make is not a creditable one, believe me." + +"I cannot prevent people from playing the spy upon my actions, and +neither do I wish to. I am honest in my deeds, and care not who knows +them; and if I am to be injured, it must be by some person who is ready +to perjure his soul for the sake of revenge." + +I thought that Mr. Brown would rush upon his opponent, and strike him to +the floor, he looked so indignant. His small form swelled with +ill-concealed rage at the accusation; but before an outbreak took place, +I placed my hand upon his shoulder, and led him into the private room, +and during his absence, Mr. Sherwin hurried off. + +"The mean, cowardly wretch!" exclaimed Mr. Brown, grinding his teeth +with suppressed rage; "to think that the very man whose peculations and +stealings I have helped to cover up, for fear that disgrace should be +brought upon the police department, now dares to place me upon a level +with a spy, and to proclaim that the government will feel rejoiced at my +loss, is sufficient to test the fortitude of a Christian. D---- him,--I +would shoot him, if that would not deprive me of the satisfaction of +seeing him disgraced." + +We did not interrupt his ravings, and at length he cooled down, and +smiled at his past folly. + +"I am glad that I am now out of the force," he continued, "because, as I +have always contended, there will be no honor gained when blows are +struck, and much condemnation will follow. Government will shuffle the +blame upon some poor devil of an employe, and contend that instructions +were exceeded. Many letters will be written on the subject, and a rigid +investigation held--pounds of printers' ink will be shed, and the +newspapers will be lively with discussions, and in the end the miners +will triumph, and the tax will be abolished." + +"And what do you intend doing? stay here in Ballarat, or go to +Melbourne?" demanded Fred. + +"I have hardly made up my mind. I shall write to the captain of police a +true statement of my situation, and the manner in which I was +endeavoring to conduct affairs to avoid an eruption; and although I am +not very desirous of the office, yet I will lay a wager that I am +reinstated in some other locality, and that I take a higher rank in my +profession." + +The prognostication was correct; for Mr. Brown was removed from the +Ballarat district, and did duty for many months in Melbourne as a +lieutenant, and ranked next after Murden. + +Just then a few customers entered the store, and we hastened to attend +upon them, and after their wants were supplied, and the place cleared of +eavesdroppers, Mr. Brown drew his chair up to ours, and asked,-- + +"Which of you would like to accompany me on a short journey, and be +absent for a week or two, eh?" + +"We have not time to spare for that," I said. + +"But one of you can go as well as not; that fellow, Barney, whom I see +hanging around here, waiting for Smith, can be made to assist the one +who remains in the store." + +"Where do you propose going?" + +"I will tell you," replied Mr. Brown, hitching his chair still nearer, +and dropping his voice to a whisper; "I am going to make search for a +buried treasure!" + +We started, and pricked up our ears. Here was something worth listening +to. + +"Do you think that one of you can go?" Mr. Brown continued, with a sly +wink. + +"Well, you have altered our minds slightly, already; but to have our +free consent, state the case frankly." + +"I will. You remember when we made an excursion into the country some +three months since, that we had a brush with a party of bushrangers, and +that we captured a number, and among them Bill Swinton, the leader?" + +We nodded. We began to comprehend him. Mr. Brown continued, after first +glancing around the room to see that no one was listening save +ourselves,-- + +"You will also recollect, if you tax your mind, that I endeavored to get +Bill to make some revelations concerning a quantity of dust which he +helped rob a guard of many months since." + +We remembered the circumstance, and also the furious manner in which +Bill had refused to divulge his knowledge of the transaction. + +"I told him then that I should learn in what part of the country he had +buried his share of the treasure, but if I am not mistaken, I was +laughed at and defied." + +We confirmed Mr. Brown's words in that respect. + +"Well," continued the ex-officer, "poor Bill has taken leave of this +world, and I hope has gone to a better one. He was hardly suited for +this bustling sphere, and I think his cares were too much for him." + +"When did he die?" I inquired. + +"Last night." + +"Did he make a confession? who was with him when he died?" we asked, +eagerly. + +"Softly; you would hardly have required me to bother the poor fellow +with questions, when his breath was scant, and his thoughts were on +things not of this earth. I was with him, but he spoke not, excepting to +utter the words,-- + +"'I am going--remember the _shadow_!'" + +"To what did he refer?" + +"That is precisely what the watcher, who was with Bill when he breathed +his last, wanted to know." + +"He was probably wandering in his mind, and knew not what he said." + +"I think that he was sensible of what was going on around him, and +uttered the expression to convince me of his sincerity." + +"Make us your confidant, and we will endeavor to think as you do." + +"I will, because in the first place I owe my life to your devotion on +that day, and therefore you shall share in all the benefits that are +likely to arise from Bill's death; and in the second place it is +necessary for me to have a companion to prosecute my searches for the +treasure." + +"Then the bushranger revealed the secret?" we eagerly asked. + +"Listen, and you shall judge. When we had Bill in custody that day, I +thought from his boastful style of talking, that he had money buried +somewhere, and I determined to obtain it if possible, for I reasoned +that gold would do me much more good than the cold earth." + +"With this idea I visited Bill frequently while in prison, and each time +gave him some little luxury, that the rules of the institution prevented +his getting, unless money was plenty, and the fellow was destitute. I +put off his trial on one pretext and another, and always gave orders in +his hearing, that he should be treated kindly, and have as much freedom +as the place afforded." + +"At first my interviews with him were like attempting to tame an enraged +bull, and all my advances were rejected. Other men might have got +disgusted, but not so with me. I persevered, and gradually softened his +rugged nature, but it was like water wearing away stone. At length I +perceived that confinement was telling on the prisoner, and then I +hinted how much better it would be for my welfare if I was rich and +independent of the police force; and although at first my insinuations +were rejected with scorn, yet time and an even temper effected my +purpose; and one day after Bill had had a bad attack of fainting fits +and convulsions, he told me his whole history, and ended with a +confession that the dust which he had stolen, was buried, with other +treasure, near the banks of the Lodden, within sight of Mount +Tarrengower. That there was only one way to reach it, for quicksands +surrounded the spot where the money was hid, and that I could find it by +searching precisely at the hour of twelve o'clock in the evening, when +the moon was full, for then Mount Tarrengower threw a shadow upon the +edge of the spot, and no mistake could occur. In fact, he gave me such +explicit directions, that I do not fear failure." + + + + +CHAPTER LXV. + +THE EXPEDITION AFTER BILL SWINTON'S BURIED TREASURES. + + +"And you think that Bill was not deceiving you?" Fred asked, after a +moment's consideration. + +"If you could have seen his death bed--how pleasantly and cheerfully he +left this world for the next, and how comfortable he was with new pipes +and an unlimited supply of tobacco, and two hard candles, got at my own +expense, you would not have thought that the fellow was endeavoring to +deceive me. Besides, he died so much like a Christian, forgiving every +one, and entertaining no malice, that I can hardly believe he would have +been guilty of such rascally hypocrisy." + +"How do you know that Bill did not impart his secret to others?" I +asked. + +"Simply because I gave orders that no conversation was to be held with +him; and to see that my orders were carried out, I sat up with him on +the night that he died. Almost with his last breath he told me to +'remember the shadow.' I feel so confident that he told me the true spot +where the money is buried, that I would not take one thousand pounds for +my share." + +We thought the matter over, and considered the subject in all its +bearings. If Bill had spoken the truth, there was a chance for us to +increase our funds with but little labor, and none in Ballarat would be +the wiser for it. If the information was false, the only thing lost +would be a week or two's absence from business, which, in the present +exciting times, we hardly dared to spare. After a long talk, however, +and upon Mr. Brown's assertion that there was no danger of an outbreak, +for at least two weeks, I concluded that I would leave Fred in charge of +the store, and undertake the expedition, in company with the +ex-inspector. + +Barney, who was with us, waiting impatiently for the arrival of Smith, +readily consented to assist Fred to the extent of his ability during my +absence; and without further ceremony we bound the agreement with Mr. +Brown, that we would share equal with him, in whatever expenses were +incurred, or whatever was found. + +"We must start to-morrow morning," Mr. Brown said, after all the +preliminary arrangements were concluded, "because the moon fulls the day +after to-morrow, and we shall want to be on the spot to make an +examination by daylight. How soon can we be ready?" + +"To-morrow, as early as you desire," I replied. + +"Good; we shall then lose no time. It will be necessary for us to go +well armed and well mounted, you know, for the distance is long, and the +road dangerous. Besides, we shall require a pack mule or horse to carry +a few tools, and provisions enough to last us for a week." + +That part of the business was quickly arranged. Mr. Brown owned a large +gray horse which he had always rode while at Ballarat, and we had three +good animals standing idle. I proposed to borrow a pack saddle, and make +the poorest animal do packing service, while I mounted the other. The +idea was adopted, and before night we had our provisions all prepared, +our blankets ready for strapping, and a pickaxe and shovel selected, in +case we should have to stir the earth with an extensive search for the +hidden treasure. + +In the course of the day, the ex-inspector, after bidding his associates +farewell, and telling them that he intended to visit Melbourne on +business connected with his resignation, moved all his traps to the +store for safe keeping during his absence, and when evening drew on, we +lighted our pipes, and in subdued tones spoke of the prospect of finding +enough gold to pay us for our journey. + +The next morning we were up before daylight, preparing breakfast and +attending to the horses, and before the sun was ready to show his face, +we were in the saddle, and on our way to the banks of the Lodden, +driving the pack horse before us at an easy canter, and enjoying all the +beauties of the morning. + +We avoided the road which led to Melbourne, and upon which some forty or +fifty poor devils were working out their mining tax, and by a cut across +the country, in the direction of Mount Tarrengower, were enabled to save +some few miles of travel, as well as to avoid answering questions from +those whom we met on the road. The latter is no slight labor, as every +person on a journey to the mines is desirous of asking the latest news, +and whether the gold is as abundant as ever. + +By ten o'clock we found that our animals began to suffer from the heat, +and as our appetites were pretty well sharpened, we called a halt +beneath the shadow of some gum trees, relieved our horses of their +saddles, and wet their mouths with water, and after a hearty lunch, +leaned back and smoked our pipes with delicious contentment, and without +a thought of danger. + +We were soon unconscious of every thing around us, and did not awake +until past four o'clock, when we once more resumed our journey, and by +sundown we had gained a small brook within a few miles of Mount +Alexander. Here we proposed to pass the night, and after watering the +animals, and stalling them in a good piece of fresh grass, we began to +make provision for rest. We had no desire to kindle a fire, for the +country in which we were travelling was not entirely safe, and a light +would have only attracted attention, which we were desirous of avoiding. + +"For once," said Mr. Brown, as he arranged his saddle for a pillow, "I +feel as though I should rather regret meeting with bushrangers, for I +have every thing to lose, and no honor to gain by a contest. If, +therefore, the gentlemen of the bush will only avoid us, I shall feel +thankful." + +"Do you know this part of the country to be frequented by bushrangers?" +I asked, examining my revolver for the first time since we had left +Ballarat. + +"I don't vouch for their presence, but here is water, and there is +food," Mr. Brown said, pointing away to our right; "the scamps are +always sure to be located when these two essentials are to be found, +and, as a general thing, they show good taste in the selection of their +retreats, and when idle, feed upon the choicest parts of sheep or lamb." + +"Is there a sheep station near?" I asked, not being aware of it before. + +"Within two miles of us, I should judge. It was formerly called +Hawswood, in honor of the proprietor; but after the gold fever broke +out, he sold it to a man whose name was Buckerly, a fine-looking fellow +and bold as a lion. I made his acquaintance when he first landed at +Melbourne, accompanied by a wife and children, and advised him to trade +at the mines and acquire a fortune; but he was a large-feeling person, +and had occupied a good position in England, and I suppose that he +considered all kinds of trafficking plebeian, and beneath his dignity. + +"Buckerly thought of entering a banking house in the city, but unluckily +altered his mind and concluded to raise stock. He met with Hawswood, got +an exalted idea of the profits, and without asking advice, paid five +thousand pounds for the place and all that was on it. I had serious +doubts of the success of his project, especially when he told me that he +should move his family to the stock-house immediately, and superintend +his estate. The poor fellow thought that it was fitted and furnished +like a suburban villa, and his wife, one of the prettiest and most +affable women that ever landed in Australia, looked forward, with many +expressions of pleasure, to the delightful country residence that she +was to occupy with her husband and children." + +Mr. Brown stopped, and appeared to be in a reflective mood, while I, who +had been dozing, waked up, and requested him to finish. + +"I never saw them afterwards, at least alive, but I often heard, by the +shepherds in Buckerly's employ, that the bushrangers and he were at war, +and that the result could be easily foretold. It seemed that the former +were in the habit of taking a sheep or lamb, according to their fancy, +whenever hunger dictated, and as they had always done; but Buckerly +determined, very foolishly, to stop so unlawful a course, forgetting +that he had every thing to lose, and the bushrangers nothing to gain. He +was not strong enough to cope with them, and should have bided his time; +but he was hot-headed and rash, and at length was unfortunate enough to +kill a fellow who had slaughtered a sheep. From that day he was a doomed +man, and not only brought destruction upon himself, but upon his family, +for one night his house was attacked, and although he made a brave +resistance, yet what could one man do against a dozen? He fell with +countless stabs upon his body, and then the devils, the fiends +incarnate, seized the poor woman and ravished her one by one. Luckily, +she did not live to mourn her shame, but died the same night. The +children were unmolested, and are now in Melbourne under proper +guardianship, and derive their support from the same station, which is +carried on by a shepherd who has been there for many years. + +"Word was sent to me the day after the transaction, and I made an +investigation, but the perpetrators of the outrage were never +discovered. There is a tradition, however, and many shepherds in this +district believe it, that on certain nights the ghost of Buckerly is +seen wandering on the banks of the Loddon, with a winding-sheet covered +with blood, and that those who look upon the apparition are sure to be +overtaken by misfortune of some sort. + +"I don't put much faith in the story," Mr. Brown said, edging towards +me, for the night was beginning to grow quite dark, "but still I must +confess to a feeling of superstition at times, and why should we not?" + +Not knowing why we should not, I merely said, "Ah, indeed, why not?" and +as the latter part of the story had awakened me as thoroughly as the +first portion had set me to sleep, I refilled my pipe, lighted it, and +endeavored, by puffing forth volumes of smoke, to compose my mind, and +banish all recollections of ghosts and murders. The effort was futile, +for Mr. Brown liked to discuss such matters. + +"What is to prevent Buckerly and his wife from visiting this world, and +wandering around the scene of their death?" + +I hazarded a guess, and thought, that want of breath, and a difficulty +that they would experience in getting out of their graves without +assistance, would prevent, all such attempts. + +"You know that their spirits live, and if that is the case, why can't +they enter the body and walk about the earth without difficulty?" + +Never having studied the subject, I could not enlighten Mr. Brown as +well as I should have desired to; but he apparently was more busy with +his own thoughts than my answers, and continued,-- + +"If Buckerly should make his appearance before us while we were digging +for gold, how would we treat him?" + +"By giving him a drink from our private bottles," I answered, promptly. + +"If he should speak to us, would it be well to answer him? I have read +that if you exchange a word with a ghost, the unfortunate can be dragged +off without the power to struggle." + +"What splendid assistants they would make for private lunatic asylums. +Patients could be carried off without trouble, and without attracting +attention. I shall think of the matter again." + +"Don't speak lightly of such serious matters," cried Mr. Brown, with +more solemnity than I ever gave him credit for. "There are many things +in this world that we cannot account for, and yet it is out of place to +jest about them." + +In fact, we were not in a favorable place to talk about ghosts and +goblins, for the trees under which we were lying screened the light of +the stars, and prevented us from seeing each other. Add to this the +night wind wailing through the branches of the gum trees, and the +profound silence that reigned around, interrupted only by the movements +of the horses, or by the quiet gliding of a snake, which had been to the +brook to quench its thirst, and barely ruffled a dead leaf in its course +in search of companions. Taking all these things into consideration, +I'll confess that I have passed many nights much more pleasant and +satisfactory. + +"Far be it from me to joke on matters of such grave import," I said. "I +have no desire to incur the ill will of any respectable ghost, and, to +tell you the truth, I don't think that one with any pretensions to piety +would want to intrude his unwelcome presence upon us. There are people +enough in the world who rather court such things, but I, for one, do +not." + +I started up, as I finished speaking, and clapped my hands upon the leg +of my trousers, for I felt something squirming next to the skin that did +not make me rest as though upon a bed of roses. + +"What is the matter?" demanded Mr. Brown; "you don't see any thing, do +you?" + +"No," I replied, with all the composure possible, "I don't see any thing +as yet--I wish that I could. But it strikes me that a snake has run up +my trousers leg, and if I am not mistaken, he is wiggling to get out the +wrong way." + +"Crush him, and then we will hereafter further discuss the subject of +ghosts," returned Mr. Brown, with admirable coolness. + +"Ghosts be hanged!" I cried, and I have a faint recollection of adding +an oath. "They don't trouble me half as much as the feelings of this +varmint, whom I have secured by his head or tail, I don't know which." + +"Shake yourself, and let him slide," my friend advised; but I preferred +to hold on and trust to chance, and find out whether the reptile was of +the poisonous species, or the common green kind. + +"Excuse me, but if you will light a match and a few leaves, and then +insert your hand up one of my trousers legs, I think that we can +conquer the reptile." + +"The position which you assign me is none of the most pleasant, my +friend," Mr. Brown said, "for I don't know what part of the reptile is +in your hand, and what kind of an animal you are struggling with. I will +comply with your request, though, if I lose my life in accomplishing +it." + +He hastily collected a few leaves, struck a match and set fire to them. +The flames gave sufficient light for the purpose, and in less than a +minute's time Mr. Brown was ready to work. + +"Steady with your hand," he said, as he passed his arm up my trousers +leg in search of the squirming reptile. "In less than ten seconds we +shall be either laughing or crying." + +The snake, as though aware that its time was near, made a desperate +attempt to escape, but I held fast, although I confess that the effort +cost me more mental resolution than I ever exercised before, for the +position in which I was situated was no envious one. I felt the cold +perspiration streaming down my face in large drops, and my heart beat as +though it was attempting to force its way through my side, and go into +business on its own account, independent of the body. + +"For God's sake, be quick," I cried, fearing that I should faint before +my friend accomplished his object. + +"Patience, patience--don't get into a rage, for it will not help us. If +the snake is of the poisonous species, a few seconds will not make much +difference; and if the reptile is harmless, were it not for the feeling +of the thing, it might as well lodge in your trousers as in any other +part of our camp equipage. Don't jerk so--the thing has nerves as well +as yourself." + +Much more did Mr. Brown say, but I was in no humor to talk, or even to +listen; and yet I can now frankly confess that if he had not made light +of my misfortune I should have suffered ten times the amount of mental +agony that I did. His jesting style of treating the affair was alone +sufficient to make me keep up my spirits, and imagine the matter as one +of less consequence than it really was. + +"Now, then, are you ready?" cried Mr. Brown, "and I felt the snake +suddenly cease its gyrations and strain to effect its escape, but I held +on with a hand of iron. + +"When I say three, do you let go suddenly," my friend exclaimed. + +I was only too willing. + +"One." + +"Two." + +It seemed an age between the monosyllables, yet I held on patiently. + +"Three." + +I released my hold, and Mr. Brown, with a quick movement of his hand, +dashed the reptile to the ground, and stamped upon it with his heavy +boots. + +"Now let us see what species it is," he said, kicking it towards the +fire. A moment's examination, and a hearty laugh set my fears at rest. + +"You might have slept with a dozen beneath you, and no harm would have +happened. It is nothing but a green snake, and a small one at that." + +I could hardly believe the welcome news, and a personal inspection was +necessary to convince me of the fact, and then a strong drink from my +flask was needful to compose my nerves, and render me a fit subject for +sleep. + +"Let me give you a word of advice," Mr. Brown said, joining me in the +drink with wonderful alacrity. "Never again camp out without seeing that +the bottoms of your trousers are shoved tight into the tops of your +boots. This simple precaution sometimes saves much trouble and +suffering. I again drink to your lucky escape." + +"If you do, try the contents of your own bottle, then, for mine is +running low." + +Mr. Brown did not heed my request, and I had the satisfaction of hearing +the liquor gurgling down his throat as though he liked it exceedingly; +and when he did return the bottle, he gave me more fatherly advice, +which was to the effect that I should carry a larger flask during my +travels, if I expected to be successful in life, and die happy. + + + + +CHAPTER LXVI. + +JOURNEY AFTER THE BURIED TREASURE. + + +I have a distinct impression that I was thinking on the subject when +sleep overtook me, and when I was awakened Mr. Brown was already rolling +up his blankets and making his toilet. + +"Come," he exclaimed, "let us be stirring before sunrise, and by ten +o'clock we can reach the banks of the Loddon. Get the kettle from the +pack, and we will have a cup of coffee for breakfast." + +While I was unpacking the miscellaneous articles which the pack horse +was compelled to carry, Mr. Brown started a fire, and in a short time +the fumes of boiling coffee mingled with the fragrance of the numerous +flowers which grew upon the banks of the stream. + +"How did you sleep?" I inquired, while cooling my pot of coffee, and +eating my cake of bread, seasoned with a small piece of salt pork, which +I had broiled on a stick. + +"Not very soundly, I must confess, yet I think that I can get through +the day without a _siesta_. By the way, how you do snore!" + +"Do?" I asked, "I didn't know that you was sufficiently awake during the +night to discover the fact. But a truce to jesting. What direction do we +travel to reach the Loddon?" + +"We have got to ford this stream, and follow the bank for about three +miles, where we cross the country in the direction of Mount Tarrengower, +which we cannot see from this spot; after we have gained the Loddon, we +are to find a sheep path that will lead us to a plain, in the centre of +which is a small barren strip, surrounded on all sides, excepting one, +with quicksands and bogs. Bill told me that the path would lead almost +direct to the spot, and that I could not fail to recognize it, as +thousands of sheep resort there every week for the purpose of licking +the salt that is constantly forming under the action of brackish water +and a burning sun." + +"And Mount Tarrengower--how far is that from the place indicated?" I +inquired. + +"Not more than a mile, I should judge, for at twelve o'clock at night +the full moon, partly concealed by the mountain, throws a shadow exactly +upon the edge of the spot where we are to dig." + +I considered the direction rather blind, but Mr. Brown seemed so +confident that I thought I would not dash his spirits by grave +misgivings. I was in a reflective mood, however, while assisting to pack +up, and saddle our animals, and I thought how Fred would laugh if we +returned empty-handed. + +We mounted our animals and rode along the bank of the stream for a few +rods, until we reached what we supposed to be a good fording place, for +we saw the prints of animals' feet in profusion on both sides of the +brook. + +"I will cross first," Mr. Brown said, "and then you can drive the pack +horse over, and follow after him." + +I made no objections to the suggestion, but I thought I would watch his +course narrowly, and see how deep the dark-looking water really was +before I ventured to cross upon what seemed to me a very uncertain soil. + +"Here I go," my friend exclaimed, striking his reluctant animal, who +didn't appear to relish the expedition. + +The spirited animal bounded under the blow, and dashed down the bank, +sinking to his knees at every step in the light soil, and straining +badly to carry his master in safety to the opposite side. The water was +only up to the saddle girths, and the stream was not more than twenty +feet wide, yet I feared that both horse and rider would sink before my +eyes in the treacherous quicksands which composed the bed of the brook. + +"Use whip and spur," I shouted, "or you will lose your horse." + +Mr. Brown understood his danger full as well as myself. He lifted the +animal with his bridle, and then drove his sharp spurs into his panting +sides, but in spite of his most violent exertions the gallant gray +floundered about, and did not make an inch headway, and with prompt +action was alone enabled to draw one foot and then another from the +sands, and prevent being swallowed alive. + +The dark water was lashed into foam by the struggle, and yet I could +offer no assistance to my friend or his horse. It seemed to me that each +moment the latter was sinking deeper and deeper, and in a few moments +must disappear from sight. + +Mr. Brown appeared to entertain the same opinion, for he disengaged his +feet from the stirrups, and threw himself from the animal, striking the +water flat upon his stomach, and swimming, with quick strokes, towards +the opposite bank, which he gained, and by aid of the branch of a gum +tree, which overhung the brook, succeeded in swinging his light form +upon solid earth. + +The horse, relieved of the weight of his rider, seemed encouraged to +renewed exertions, and after prodigious efforts, emerged from the +quicksands, and uttered a neigh, as though rejoicing at his escape. + +"You will have to go farther up," shouted Mr. Brown, shaking himself, +and looking at his soiled clothes rather ruefully. "The bed of the brook +is so quidling, that it won't bear the weight of a mosquito; and if you +should commence sinking, the Lord only knows when you would stop, or +where." + +Not wishing to test the truth of his assertion, I rode along the bank of +the brook nearly a mile, until I found a place where the water was more +than six inches deep, with a solid bed of gravel. At this spot I crossed +without trouble, and then we continued our journey across the country, +Mount Tarrengower looming up before us like a giant amid pigmies. + +"Devilish narrow escape for me and the horse," Mr. Brown said, while +walking our animals over some rough ground; "I thought at one time that +we both would have to go under, and I began to think of a prayer or two. +I knew something would happen to us after talking about poor Buckerly in +the manner that we did." + +"Do you really think so?" I asked, hardly knowing whether he was +quizzing me or was serious. + +"Upon my word I am not jesting. I have too much superstition in my +composition to think of spirits in any light, excepting that of the +utmost respect; for why should not the dead revenge themselves upon the +living if so disposed?" + +"If that is your belief, how do you reconcile the fact of your having +killed so many bushrangers, and yet escape their persecutions?" I +inquired. + +"Simply because the bad have not the power to injure the good." + +I laughed so heartily at the explanation, that even my friend suffered +his grim visage to relax a little. + +"You may smile," he said, "but it's just as I tell you." + +I saw that he was in earnest, so let the matter drop--but the +conversation was afterwards renewed and discussed in all its lights and +bearings, but still without arriving at any satisfactory conclusion. + +It was near twelve o'clock when we reached the river, which was about +three feet deep and forty wide. After hunting for some time we +discovered the ford, and crossed without difficulty. We found ourselves +in an immense grazing district, where ten thousand sheep could have been +pastured without trouble or fear of their suffering for food. + +The difficulty which we then experienced was to find the right path that +was to lead us to the salt lick, but even that was overcome at length, +and we galloped along the trail which we supposed that Bill meant, with +bright anticipations of a successful termination of our mission. + +Suddenly Mr. Brown reined up, and called to me to stop a moment. + +"If I am not mistaken," he said, pointing with his whip towards a +cluster of gum tress and bushes that stood upon a small mound near our +right, "I saw a human being dodge behind one of those trees, after +watching us for a few minutes." + +"Let us make an examination," I replied. "We want no spies upon our +actions in this matter, and if we are to be followed, we had better find +out what is wanted." I turned my horse's head as I spoke, and was +riding in the direction indicated, when my friend stopped me. + +"Don't be rash in this matter, for we don't know how many men are +concealed in that clump of bushes, watching our movements. Let us ride +on and stop when concealed by those trees in the distance. From that +place we can watch movements in this quarter securely." + +I considered Mr. Brown's advice the best, and we adopted it without +further discussion. Once or twice I looked back, but I could see nothing +that would excite suspicion, and I began to think that my friend's fears +were groundless. + +When once concealed, however, beneath the shadow of the trees we +dismounted, and watched patiently--and were presently rewarded by seeing +a man, armed with a long gun, steal quietly from the bushes which we had +passed, and make towards Mount Tarrengower as though in a hurry to reach +some location without a moment's delay. + +"It is no use to give chase," Mr. Brown said, seeing me make a movement +towards my horse. "Even if we should bring the fellow to close quarters, +one of us would have to bite the dust; for let me tell you a secret that +may be of some value to you hereafter in case you are anxious for a +fight. Every man in this country who carries a long gun is a good shot, +and can hit his object with as much certainty as your famed Kentucky +riflemen. So you can see that we should get no honor or profit by giving +chase to yonder long-legged fellow, who, if I am not much mistaken, is +better acquainted with this section of the country than ourselves. Let +him go. He is probably a shepherd; been on a visit to a neighboring +station, or else out on a tour of observation to look after +bushrangers." + +"How near are we to a station?" I asked, still following with my eyes +the tall form of the stranger, who jumped from side to side with scarce +an effort, and who did not appear to regard the heat any more than a +salamander. + +"As near as I can judge," my companion said, "we are still on the lands +belonging to the Hawswood station, although I am not certain. Adjoining +those lands is a station owned by a number of Melbourne merchants, and +the stock-house should be off towards the mountain. At least, it was +there three years ago, during the first and only time that I ever +visited these parts." + +"Here we are at last," Mr. Brown said, pointing to a small strip of land +containing not more than a quarter of an acre, surrounded by those +treacherous bogs which are familiar to all who ever visited the plains +of Australia. + +"That must be the spot indicated," he continued, surveying it with a +keen eye, "yet I can see no means of reaching the island. The bog, which +looks crusted over and hard, would not bear the weight of a lamb, much +less that of a man; yet that is just such a spot as a shrewd bushranger +would select for depositing his plunder, simply because no one would +think of looking there for it." + +"Let us dismount and stake out our animals, and then examine the spot at +our leisure. If that is the place, we will find means for reaching it, +even if we have to build a bridge, or buy a pontoon of India rubber." + +My companion accepted the advice, and under the shadow of a cluster of +stunted, gnarled trees, we removed the saddles, and then prepared our +dinner, which we stood in some need of, having been without food from +the time that we started in the morning, long before sunrise. + +"I wish that a flock of sheep would stray this way," Mr. Brown said, +while scraping some dried grass together for the purpose of making a +fire, while I was occupied in undoing the pack which contained our +provisions, as well as our tools and cooking utensils; "I feel like +having a mutton chop for supper," he continued. + +"Behold your wish," I replied, pointing to a flock of about a thousand +sheep, led by a patriarch, whose horns proclaimed many hard-fought +battles, just winding their way towards the salt lick from behind a +small knoll that stood between us and Mount Tarrengower. + +Mr. Brown coolly drew his revolver, and apparently calculated the +distance. + +"What do you intend to do?" I asked, seating myself on the pack, and +watching his proceedings. + +"Have a mutton chop for supper, if those animals come within pistol +shot. Keep quiet, and don't alarm them, and you will see how delicate I +will do the trick." + +I was too hungry to make many objections, and therefore followed the +advice of my friend. On came the flock, the old patriarch at their head, +unsuspicious of danger, and thinking probably of the rich treat which he +was about to confer upon his numerous harem, by allowing them to partake +of a bit of salt grass at the close of the day. + +We were so well concealed by the trunks of the trees, that the sheep, +generally wild and suspicious of strangers, did not discover us until +the old ram was within about two rods of our hiding place; then he +suddenly stopped, and snuffed the air as though he smelled an enemy, and +the flock, governed by his actions and motions, likewise halted and +looked around, to discover the cause of the commotion. + +For a few seconds all was quiet, with the exception of a number of +bleating lambs in the rear, and just as the ram was once more elevating +his head to scent the air, Mr. Brown fired. A fine fat ewe sprang into +the air, and then rolled over and over in the agonies of death. + +"A good shot!" cried Mr. Brown, but hardly were the words from his mouth +when there was a rushing sound, and before I could interfere, or raise +my voice in warning, the old patriarch had charged past me. My comrade +saw his danger, but disdained to use his revolver in such a quarrel, or +even to fly. He probably thought that he could seize the ram by his +horns, and arrest his career without a violent effort, but if such were +his intentions he was bitterly disappointed, for the old patriarch +possessed the strength and power of a dozen ordinary sheep, and possibly +had battled with many bushrangers for the preservation of his flock from +decimation. + +On rushed the ram with the speed of a race horse. He passed me without +notice, his eyes glowing like coals of fire, and every muscle in his +neck stretched for the encounter. His wives did not offer to fly, but +stood watching the result of the old fellow's charge, evidently quite +confident of the ultimate result. + +When the ram was within three feet of my companion, he thought that it +was about time to make good his retreat, seeing that his opponent was +disposed to be in earnest. + +Mr. Brown started back suddenly, and then turned to dodge behind a tree +where he could have laughed his enemy to scorn. But unfortunately he was +too late in making up his mind, and just as he turned, the ram struck +him upon that portion of his body which presents the broadest basis, and +in a twinkling over went my friend, as though shot from a mortar. + +I could not, for the life of me, help laughing at the sight, and yet I +was not disposed to interfere between them. It was a fair fight, and I +wanted to see it out. + +I will give the ram the credit of acting in a fair and manly manner, for +after he had floored his opponent, he stood perfectly still until Mr. +Brown began to scramble up, and after he had gained his knees, the old +fellow evidently labored under the impression that more work was cut for +him. With a fierce stamp the ram retreated a few feet, and then rushed +on like lightning. Mr. Brown was thrown headlong to the ground, and then +he began to look upon the contest as one not to be despised. I heard the +click of his revolver, and I knew that his thoughts were deadly, but I +resolved to save the life of so gallant an opponent. + +"Don't fire," I shouted; "it is a pity to kill the old fellow for +defending his wives. How would you like it?" + +"Call him off then, or d---- his long horns, I'll blow a hole through +him large enough to take in a pack saddle," cried Mr. Brown, still +maintaining his recumbent attitude, as though no longer desirous of +provoking a battle. + +The task was not difficult. Indeed the ram had grown so inflated with +victory that he was ready to pitch into every thing living, and I had +only to show myself and manifest a hostile attitude to accomplish my +purpose. The very first motion that I made with my head attracted his +attention. He turned from a fallen foe with disdain, and braced himself +for a new conflict. I made a second motion with my head suggestive of +butting, and on he came, but I was prepared for him. Springing nimbly +aside, I let him strike the hard pack saddle with all his force, and the +result did not disappoint me. The saddle yielded, and over and over went +the ram, until he picked himself up about two rods from the spot where I +stood awaiting a renewal of the attack with much patience. + +I did not have to wait long. With a toss of his shaggy head the old +fellow took deliberate aim, and came towards me. I waited until he got +under full headway, and then stepped behind a tree that my body had +screened. The crash was terrible. The ram rebounded several paces, and +rolled over and over, kicking violently, and when he did struggle to his +feet he winked his eyes rapidly, as though afflicted with a headache of +a violent nature. For a few minutes we stood looking at each other in +silence, and then the old patriarch wagged his tail slowly, and moved +towards his wives, with rather a crestfallen appearance. + + + + +CHAPTER LXVII. + +THE HUNT FOR THE BURIED TREASURE. + + +"How do you feel?" I asked of my companion, who was sitting where he had +fallen the second time. + +"Feel," he replied, placing his hand upon that portion of his body +supposed to be the sorest, "why I could readily imagine that I had +ridden a hard trotting horse all day." + +"Why didn't you spring aside?" I asked; "you saw the animal measuring +the distance, and could have got out of the way." + +"Can a man dodge a streak of lightning or a thunder bolt? If he could, +there would he some use attempting to get beyond the reach of that +crooked horn devil when he starts on a butting expedition. I believe no +bones are broken, for which, I suppose, I must feel thankful." + +My friend arose, shook himself, and then declared that he felt no +serious inconvenience from his bruises; and while I started a fire he +undertook to skin the sheep, and get a portion of his meat ready for +dinner. + +It was near four o'clock before we got ready to commence our +explorations of the island where we supposed the treasure to be +concealed. I suggested carrying the shovel, but Mr. Brown, with a degree +of superstition that I was not prepared to give him credit for, would +not listen to the idea for a moment, on the pretence that if we made any +movement for the treasure, except during the night time, we should be +defeated in our purpose. + +I laughed at such a whim; but it was in vain that I attempted to change +his ideas, and then to humor him, so that in case we were not successful +in our search, no blame could be attached to me, I consented to be +governed as he wished, and we walked towards the spot which corresponded +with the directions of Bill Swinton. + +We found the island, a rather small spot of earth, as he had stated, +surrounded by bogs, with the exception of a narrow peninsula, not over a +foot in width, and more than forty in length. It was a singular +formation, surrounded as it was on all sides by soft mud, black and +bottomless, for I attempted with the branch of a tree, some thirty feet +long, to sound, but the limb sunk slowly out of sight, and the slime +quickly gathered in the opening, and hid the place where the pole went +down. I thought if one of us should lose his balance and fall while +crossing the natural bridge, what little probability there would be of a +rescue. The same sentiments disturbed the mind of my friend, for he +uttered words of caution, and even removed a good sized stone that was +lying on the path, for fear of stumbling over it in the night time. + +We walked carefully to the island--as I shall call it--and then examined +the unequal surface of the ground for indications of what we sought. The +grass was dried up, and seemed to be of equal length in every gulley and +every hole that we passed over; neither could we discover any +indications that the earth had been moved for many years, but that was +not surprising, for the winter rains would have washed away all +superfluous soil, even if a man like Swinton, who was cunning and up to +all kinds of dodges, had not taken the precaution to remove all traces +of his concealed treasure. + +"It is no use," Mr. Brown said, wiping the perspiration from his face, +and seating himself on a small rock, "for us to dig at random. We should +get nothing for our labor. We must wait until to-morrow night, when the +moon fulls, and precisely at twelve o'clock a shadow will be cast upon +the spot." + +"If the sky is filled with clouds what are we to do?" I asked. + +That was something that Mr. Brown had not thought of. He mopped his face +with renewed energy, and looked puzzled. + +"Can't we make a calculation if such a thing should happen?" my +companion inquired. + +I didn't know but that we might, and relieved the heart of Mr. Brown of +a great weight by the admission. + +It was useless for us to sit there and speculate; so after another hasty +glance over the island, with no bettor luck than before, we returned to +our camp, and got ready for passing the night, which was fast +approaching. + +As soon as it was dark, however, and while Mr. Brown was getting ready +his blankets, I suggested, much to his astonishment, a change in our +camp, and recommended retreating to the banks of the Lodden, where we +could find water for our animals, and good quarters for ourselves. + +"In the name of humanity, haven't we travelled enough for one day?" my +friend demanded. "The horses will not suffer for water, because a heavy +dew is falling. We have a keg full for our own use, and what more do you +desire?" + +"I have a great reluctance to waking up and finding a knife held at my +throat," I replied, "by some gentleman who has more courage than money. +We have a pretty establishment here, and many a bushranger would be glad +to relieve us of our property without asking permission." + +"Pooh! there's no danger of their finding us under these trees. Go to +sleep, and get a good night's rest, and to-morrow we will have another +search for the treasure." + +"Listen a moment, and then judge whether my advice is needless. We have +been seen, and our footsteps dogged to-day, by some person not desirous +of our acquaintance. Do you suppose that he lost sight of us for a +moment, from the time we passed the gum trees until we went into ambush +to watch his movements? Don't you think that if the stranger is disposed +to bring a flock of devils on our track, he could find us here while +sleeping? whereas, if we quietly move our animals to the river, we shall +throw him off the scent and rest secure. What do you think of the idea?" + +"I like the plan, and wonder that I never thought of it," replied Mr. +Brown, starting up and hastily securing his blanket. "Let us lose no +time in getting back to the river." + +We carried our pack a short distance from the trees and concealed it in +a clump of bushes, and then mounting our horses we quietly walked them +the whole distance to the Lodden, where we found a secure place for +camping, and with confidence in our scheme we went to sleep, and rested +undisturbed until morning. + +At daybreak we were on our way back to the island, and found our pack +where we had left it, but Mr. Brown's quick eye detected a change in its +appearance. + +"Some one has overhauled our stores during the night," he said, "and +hang me if the scamp has not drank all my liquor." + +He held up his flask to confirm his words. It was empty, but I pretended +that he must have drank it himself by mistake. + +"Don't tell me that I don't know when good liquor is running down my +throat, and that I used all I brought in one day. Haven't I been +unusually careful, and drank from your flask two or three times, so that +mine would hold out for the trip? Whoever the thief is, and I hope to +see him some day, he deserves a halter." + +An examination showed that every article that was in the pack had been +taken out and then replaced carefully, but we missed the largest portion +of our coffee and sugar, and over two thirds of our tobacco. If the +robber had been a malicious one he could easily have carried off all +that we possessed, but as he did not I was disposed to pardon him. Not +so with Mr. Brown, however. He vowed vengeance, and was only appeased +when I gave him a drink from my flask, which I luckily had carried with +me the night before, to be used in case of snake bite. + +I had but little doubt that the mysterious robber was the same person +whom we had seen the day before, and I could readily believe that he was +laughing at our dismay, at no great distance, and watching our movements +with some curiosity. I regretted that I had not brought Rover with me, +for he would have been worth a dozen sentinels in the night time, but +owing to Fred's strong solicitations I had left him at the store in +Ballarat. There was no help for us now, and we determined to put as good +a face on the matter as possible, to husband our resources, and go on a +short allowance of the two great staples in a campaign--rum and tobacco. + +We passed the day by visiting the island and sleeping by turns. Towards +night we carried our tools to the place where we expected to dig for the +gold, and starting before sundown rode our animals to the river and +watered them, so that they would not break away from their stakes during +the night for the purpose of slaking their thirst. Then we waited +impatiently for darkness for the purpose of once more changing our +camping ground, and this time we left nothing behind. Our quarters were +fixed at a short distance from the island, so that when the moon was up +we could keep our eyes on the horses, yet not be seen on the main land. + +At eleven o'clock the first rays of the full moon became visible from +behind Mount Tarrengower. The night was awful quiet, and not a living +thing had approached us, and not a sound had we heard, except an +occasional bleat of a lamb, off towards the stock-house on our left. + +"Let us be moving for the island," Mr. Brown said, almost in a whisper, +for the solemnity of the scene was bringing back all his superstitions +and fears. + +I readily consented, and, lighting our pipes, we walked slowly towards +the peninsula, crossed it, and then waited calmly for the shadow which +the mountain was to throw upon the spot of earth where the robber's +treasure was buried. Our pickaxe and shovel remained where we had left +them, although I could not help fancying that they had been handled +since I had thrown them down. I said nothing to my friend on the +subject, however, for he was too full of imaginative fancies to be +consulted and listened to. + +Time passed slowly while we sat and watched the shadow which was +creeping over the bogs, as the moon rose behind the mountain. I +consulted my watch and found that it was nearly twelve, but just at that +moment a white cloud passed over the moon, and our hopes seemed dashed. +The shadow was no longer to be seen; we watched that white cloud as +though our lives depended upon its disappearing, but still it lingered, +like a veil covering the face of a coquette--anxious, to reveal the +beauty which was concealed, yet taking pleasure in exciting expectation. + +"What time is it?" whispered Mr. Brown. + +I held my watch before him, while I again scanned the heavens. + +"It is just twelve o'clock," my companion whispered. + +Hardly had the words escaped his lips, before the cloud disappeared, and +the moon looked down with a roguish twinkle. We started to our feet, +when, lo! precisely where we stood was the edge of the shadow, cast in +the form of a cross, with the upper part resting towards us. + +Mr. Brown seized the pickaxe and struck it into the ground, and as he +did so I thought that I heard a low groan. I could not tell in what +direction it came from, yet I would have sworn that it originated on the +island. I glanced at the face of my companion, but he was too intent +upon the business before him to notice my look, or to pay any attention +to the sound that had disturbed my composure. + +"There is one thing I wish to caution you about," my companion said, +pausing in his work; "don't speak while we are digging, or the gold will +vanish from our sight like magic. You understand." + +I nodded in the affirmative, although I had no faith in his advice, or +in the necessity of maintaining silence. I considered that the devil and +his imps would not care about interesting themselves in a matter which +could do them no good, and might hurt their friends. + +Mr. Brown glanced around the island, saw that every thing was quiet, and +then recommenced his labor with energy and determination. + +About the second blow that he struck was answered by a groan so +unearthly that I began to entertain serious ideas regarding the +propriety of joining a church, or attempting a prayer of some sort. My +companion did not seem to notice the interruption, and I remembered his +instruction not to speak, so I did not intrude my thoughts in relation +to the matter upon him. + +A dozen blows with the pickaxe removed the dead grass, and exposed a +soil such as two thirds of Australia is composed of, a light sand, soft, +and not suitable for agricultural purposes. + +Mr. Brown made a motion for me to use the shovel, and I was about to do +so, but a groan, louder and more unearthly than the original ones, +prevented me. + +"What, in the devil's name, is that?" demanded my friend, looking around +the island with some symptoms of alarm and curiosity, forgetting, in his +eagerness for information, that speaking aloud was strictly prohibited +while digging for the gold. + +"Perhaps one of your ghosts that you have talked so much about, or it +may be the spirit of Bill Swinton, desirous of claiming a share in the +booty." + +"I don't think that," my friend said, after a short pause; "after all +the trouble I had with him--furnishing the candles to die by, and +allowing him luxuries of the most costly description, I don't think that +he would be so mean." + +"Then let us solve our doubts by making search over the island," I +replied, drawing my revolver, determined to shoot at whatever I saw, let +it be man or beast, devil or ghost. + +"No, no--don't do that; we should he decoyed into a bog by an _ignis +fatuus_, and smothered without mercy. Let us stay where we are, and dig +until we see sights that make us abandon the project." + +I agreed to be guided by Mr. Brown's advice, and once more we began to +toil amid the rocks and dead grass. + +About this time the moon, which had shone with wonderful brightness +while we were digging, became obscured by white clouds from the +westward, so that objects on the island were more indistinct, and even +the trees on the main land, under which we had left our horses, were no +longer discernable. + +I thought, as I threw out the earth from the hole which we had already +made, that the ground had been dug up before, and I felt encouraged to +continue my labors, in hopes that we should soon reach the treasure +which we considered belonged to us by bequest. + +All thoughts of ghosts and spirits were fast passing away in the +excitement of my occupation, when suddenly Mr. Brown dropped his pickaxe +and uttered an exclamation. + +"Did you hear that?" he cried, pointing in the direction from whence he +supposed the sound proceeded. + +"No," I answered, beginning to feel a little of his own alarm. + +"If this d----d island isn't haunted, I wouldn't say so," my companion +continued. + +"Remember the compact which you proposed, that we were not to exchange a +word during our occupation." + +"The devil take the compact, and me, too, if I can help speaking when I +hear such unearthly noises." + +Hardly were the words out of his mouth when from the earth arose a form +that seemed at least ten feet high. It was clothed in white, and from +its head projected two monstrous horns, which were pointed towards us in +a threatening manner. I could discern no features, but a huge mass of +white bones were visible where the face should have been, and I thought +that I could hear them rattle as the beast, devil, or ghost shook its +head in an ominous manner, and advanced towards us. + +"I can't stand this?" cried Mr. Brown, in a trembling whisper, and away +he went, with the speed of a greyhound, towards the bridge that +connected the island with the main land. + +I did not think that words were desirable or becoming on my part, as I +did not have charge of the expedition, so no sooner had Mr. Brown turned +to run than I followed him. + +Fear lent me wings, and I bounded over the rocks like a deer pursued by +hunters, but in despite of my utmost endeavors I found that I was +unable to compete with my friend, who ran as though trained for ten +mile stretches upon a race course. + +Once I looked back to see if we were followed, but the white visitant +appeared content with driving us off, for no pursuit was made. + +I had half an idea of stopping, but another groan, more unnatural and +ghostly than any that I had heard, determined me, and I recommenced my +flight with but faint hope of overtaking Mr. Brown, who, I perceived, +was already on the peninsula, bounding along with a recklessness that +would have made him shudder at any other time. I attempted to utter a +warning cry, but the effort was a failure, and just as I reached the +bridge I saw that my worst fears were realized, for my friend caught his +feet in the long, dried grass, lost his balance, and fell heavily. + +I quickly gained the spot, and saw, to my horror, that my companion had +fallen upon the soft, black mud which extended for many acres on each +side of the island, and that he was slowly sinking, in spite of his +frantic efforts to reach the bridge, which was about six feet from his +outstretched arms. + +"Save me!" he cried, in despairing accents, and just then the moon, as +though in mockery of his request, shone out brighter than ever. + +He made an almost superhuman effort to sustain himself, and keep from +sinking, but I saw, with horror, that he was settling slowly and surely, +and that all his struggles only hastened his end. + +"Can you do nothing for me?" he shrieked. "For God's sake, don't let me +die such a horrid death as this. Try and save me." + +I thought of a dozen different ways to assist him, but none of them were +practicable, and I was obliged to conjure up others. + +"Can you reach my hand?" I asked, stretching it towards him, first +taking the precaution of twisting my left hand in a clump of dried +grass, so that I, too, should not be dragged into the bog. + +The poor fellow made a frantic effort to do so, but he could not reach +within six inches. + +"Lean a little more towards me," he shrieked, but I did not dare to, for +I should have shared his fate, and both of us would have smothered, and +our friends would never have learned our fate. + +My companion uttered a groan, and for a moment was silent. During the +brief period, I heard, with awful distinctness, the sound of the +pickaxe, as it was struck against the rocks upon the island, worked, I +had no doubt, by supernatural hands. + + + + +CHAPTER LXVIII. + + +THE ISLAND GHOST.--NARROW ESCAPE OF MR. BROWN. + + +I would sooner have faced the most savage gang of bushrangers in +Australia than that fearful sound, yet I was so anxious to save my +friend that, frightened as I really was, I did not run, or even make a +motion to that effect. The drowning man, with face upturned, and eyes +that watched my every motion, at length heard the dull, heavy blows of +the pick, and he seemed to comprehend that they were intended as +warnings of his end. He no longer struggled like a brave man wrestling +with death, but seemed to grow more calm as the slime and mud closed +around him, and his body settled. + +"How can I save you?" I asked; "I cannot think that we are to part so +suddenly; I would give all my wealth for a rope six feet long." + +"If you had one of the horses' bridles here," suggested Mr. Brown, but +before I could start to get one, he continued, "don't leave me, for I +should be smothered before you could get back; see, the water is up even +with my chin." + +I had noticed the same thing before he alluded to it, and I dreaded to +remain and hear his last struggles for breath. + +"I have a mother somewhere on the coast of England; the last that I +heard of her she was at Falmouth. Will you write and collect what money +I have saved, and send it to her? I know that you will, and a dying man +thanks you." + +While the poor fellow was speaking, a thought entered my head that he +might yet be saved, but there was no time to lose if I intended to put +into operation my plan for his relief. I hastily tore off my belt which +I wore around my waist, and which contained my revolver and knife, and +then stripped off my trousers, (the ladies will please not to +blush--there was no habitation within three miles of us,) made of stout +woollen cloth, which I had bought in Melbourne for the purpose of riding +through the brush on horseback. + +In an instant my friend appeared to comprehend my plan; he raised his +right hand from the mud and reached towards me as far as possible, and +then, with a struggle to keep his head above the water, +murmured--"Quick, for God's sake, quick!" + +"Keep up your courage," I shouted, throwing one leg of the garment +towards him, while I retained the other. + +To my great joy I saw that he grasped it in his right hand, and exerted +all his strength to extricate himself from his perilous condition. Had I +not have been prepared for his struggles, and braced my feet firmly, I +should have been dragged into the bog. + +"Gently!" I cried, fearful that my friend, in his exertions, would rend +the cloth. + +My words were thrown away, however, for when did a man, struggling for +life, ever listen to reason? For a few seconds the suction was so great +that I could only prevent him from sinking lower, and keep his head +above the mud, until at length I recommended him to endeavor to work his +legs loose, so that he could rest upon his stomach, as though he was +attempting to swim. + +Brown followed my advice, and when he saw that there was a certain +prospect of being saved he grew quite calm, and soon I had the +satisfaction of reaching out my hand, grasping one of his own, and +dragging him upon the peninsula, a little the worse for his contact with +the bog, but cheerful, and disposed to regard his adventure in the light +of a joke. + +"My dear friend," he exclaimed, clasping my hand, and I thought he was +about to pour forth a profusion of thanks for my services, "let me +advise you to put your trousers on as soon as possible, for these +blasted mosquitoes will devour you alive." + +I think that his recommendation was the best evidence of his attachment +that I could possibly have desired, for I had been so inwrapt with the +business before me that I had not heeded the cloud of ferocious insects +hovering around my naked extremities, filling their bodies with my life +blood, and causing me to almost desire a bath in the bog, for the +purpose of getting rid of my tormentors. + +I hurried on my clothes without loss of time, and then desired to know +in what manner I could help him. + +"Let me get away from this place first, and then secure a wash, and a +change of clothing, for I feel as though I had been fished out of a +molasses hogshead," Mr. Brown said, scraping the mud from his shirt and +pants, and even taking it from his pockets by handfuls. + +"What made you run in the manner that you did?" he asked, as I assisted +him to rise. + +"I but followed your example, and I begin to think that I followed a +very poor one," I replied. + +"I am of the same opinion, for I don't believe that we saw any thing +excepting a ram anxious for a hunting match. Let us return." + +As my friend ceased speaking we glanced at the island, and that one look +was sufficient to start us towards the main land in double quick time, +for, standing at the end of the peninsula, with one arm raised in a +threatening manner, as though warning us against a renewed attempt for +the treasure, was the white figure which had first frightened us. + +"That is Buckerly's ghost," gasped Mr. Brown, as we gained the palm +trees under which the horses were hitched; "I know it is his spirit, +from the many descriptions which I have heard concerning it." + +"What do you propose to do?" I asked, beginning, now that I was some +distance from the object of my terror, to entertain serious doubts in +relation to the spirituality of the visitant. + +"Do?" repeated Mr. Brown, "what can we do against a ghost?" + +"We can at least find out what claims it has upon the treasure, and +whether it requires a fair dividend in case we are successful. Come, +change your clothes, and let us return and question this wonderful +visitant." + +"Would you dare to speak first?" demanded Mr. Brown, in astonishment. +"Don't you know, or have you not read, that the person who holds +conversation with a ghost dies within a week?" + +"A week is better than a day, so we can have time to think of our sins +and get prepared for the event. Come, let us return like men and face +this white object, and see what kind of stuff it is made of." + +While I was urging Mr. Brown I did not have the faintest idea that he +would accede to my request. In fact, I rather hoped that he would not, +for, in spite of my expressed doubts in relation to the ghost, I was +more than half inclined to believe that there was something supernatural +about it. A desire to make my companion think that I was more reckless +than himself prompted me to attempt to combat his fears. + +While I was talking, Mr. Brown was changing his clothes, and getting a +portion of the mud from his person by means of the contents of the +water-keg, and when he had succeeded I think that his courage revived, +for he asked me for the loan of my flask; and when I handed it to him, +he lowered its contents materially, and then declared that he felt +better than when he was up to his neck in mud. + +"You say that you are anxious to return and have an interview with the +old fellow with horns on his head?" Mr. Brown asked, and I observed a +wonderful change in his bearing all at once, which I could only +attribute to putting on clean clothes, or due to the magical influence +of my flask. I was inclined to the latter opinion, and therefore tasted +the liquor for the purpose of seeing if I could not get a little Dutch +courage. + +"The fact of it is," my friend continued, "I am inclined to think that +we have been frightened at a shadow, and therefore I am in favor of +returning to the island without delay. No blasted ghost is to keep me +from the treasure which was bequeathed to me in due form by its owner, +and for which I paid him in candles, six to a pound. How does the liquor +hold out?" + +I shook the flask, and found that almost half a pint remained. + +"I think that a quantity of salt mud got in my mouth, for I have a bad +taste which nothing but brandy can remove. Let me have another spoonful, +and then we will start with courage enough to face the devil. + +"A man," my companion exclaimed, throwing back his head and looking full +at the moon, "should never depend upon liquor for courage, for in the +moment of danger he wants all his self-possession. I only make the +remark," he continued, as he handed me back the empty flask, "to warn +you against drinking any thing of an intoxicating nature upon the eve of +an important expedition." + +"Your advice is good," I remarked, "and to help me carry it out you have +drained the flask of its last drop. The next time we go on an +expedition, I wish that you would practise what you preach." + +"This is an ungrateful world," Mr. Brown remarked, as he rose from the +saddle upon which he had been seated, and steadied himself by holding on +my shoulder. "I have drank your liquor merely out of friendship, and now +I am reproached for my kindness; I didn't expect it." + +"I didn't expect that you would help yourself so liberally," I replied, +laughing at his quiet humor. "But come along, if you intend to reach the +island before day, for it's said that ghosts don't walk during +daylight." + +"Look first to your revolver, for mine is in a deplorable condition, and +wouldn't go if I should carry it. The barrel is filled with mud, and the +chambers with salt." + +"Remember, there is to be no running away this time," I said, as I +replaced my revolver in my belt, having found it in good order and +condition. I almost wished, as I spoke, that Brown would decline going, +and find some valid excuse for declining. But there was no hope for +that. He had drank too much, and was as full of pluck as an Irishman on +a Fair day. + +"No fear of me, my boy," he cried, as we started towards the peninsula, +walking rather slow, however. "I am determined to see what kind of a +devil is on the island, even if I tumble into the bog again. You are +sure," he continued, "that the liquor is exhausted?" + +"Every drop." + +"I am sorry for that, 'cos it is good to keep the stomach in order, when +mixed with a little river water. Although, to save trouble, I like it, +as a general thing, with as little of the latter as possible, for fear +of disorders and snakes." + +We were within five rods of the bridge, when we suddenly stopped, as +though by mutual consent, and looked at each other for a few moments in +silence. + +"Well?" said my companion. + +"Well," I answered. + +"Are you going to the island or not?" demanded Mr. Brown. + +"That is for you to say," I replied. + +"The liquor is all gone?" + +"Every drop," I answered. + +"I think," said Mr. Brown, after a short pause, "that I would give a +month's pay, including bribes, if I had a gallon of good whiskey by my +side. A man who intends to combat the devil and his imps should have +something besides powder and ball to fling at their heads." + +"If you had the liquor," I replied, "neither of us would be in a +condition, after a few drinks, to throw any thing at your ghosts. I know +of one man who would throw himself upon the ground and sleep until +morning, and let Bill Swinton and money go to the devil, where they +belong." + +"Pass on," whispered Mr. Brown, making way for me to proceed, the bridge +being too narrow for both of us to walk abreast. + +"Excuse me," I replied, "I think that I should follow on behind to +prevent you from running away; or in case you again tumble into the bog, +to lend a ready hand. You go first." + +My friend hesitated for a moment, glanced eagerly towards the island, +and seeing nothing objectionable, stepped foot upon the bridge and +commenced the perilous journey. + +I followed close at his heels, and when we reached the spot which was +the scene of his experience in the bog, the slime and water had filled +up the hole which his body made, and all looked hard and treacherous as +ever. Mr. Brown pointed to the spot with his hand as he passed, but he +neither turned nor made remark, although I thought I saw his form +tremble at the recollection of his danger. + +We were not more than two minutes in reaching the end of the bridge, and +then we again paused to reconnoitre. Nothing to alarm us was to be seen, +and we again ventured forward, this time with more confidence than we +had felt since we had started. + +"Your ghost has fled," I said, in a half whisper. + +At that instant, as though to disprove my words, we heard a sharp, quick +blow, that sounded like an iron shovel struck upon stones. We uttered no +word, or made the least noise, but we turned our looks upon the largest +portion of the island with wonderful quickness, and, as though of one +mind, we attempted to reach the bridge by a precipitate flight. Our +intentions, however, were balked by our own eagerness, for just as I was +about striking out my legs got mixed up with my companion's, and down we +both went, full length, upon the ground. We scrambled to gain our feet, +and I think that I arose first; but I had not recovered myself before I +was seized by Mr. Brown in his frantic attempts to arise, and once more +fell, and this time directly upon him, and over we rolled together until +we were brought up by a large rock, which prevented us from going any +farther. + +"I think that we are two of the biggest fools in Australia," Mr. Brown +said, sitting up and listening attentively. + +I readily agreed with him, and determined to be no longer frightened by +sight or sound. With this idea, and after a mutual vow to stand by each +other, we crept along upon our hands and knees until we could command a +view of the spot where we had dug for the treasure. While we were +considering whether we should go forward or remain on the watch, the +huge form which had so frightened us slowly arose, as though from a +grave of its own digging, and, to our horror, we could see the white +bones and long horns pointing towards us, while an unearthly groan +relieved the monotony of the appearance. + +With a trembling hand I drew my revolver, and, in defiance of Mr. +Brown's whispered remonstrance, I took as good aim as I was capable of +taking under the circumstances, and fired. + +I heard a crashing of dry bones, and I saw the hideous head fall to the +ground; at the same moment a gruff voice shouted, in angry tones,-- + +"What in the bloody h----l is you 'bout, hey?" + + + + +CHAPTER LXIX. + +CAPTURE OF THE GHOST. + + +At the sound of the voice, and more especially the hearty English oath, +Mr. Brown sprang to his feet, drew his knife, and rushed towards the +late supposed spiritual visitant. + +All thoughts of fear were banished in an instant, as soon as we +discovered that we had flesh and blood to deal with instead of +grave-clothes and pithless bones. + +"Surrender or die!" was the exclamation of Mr. Brown, as we neared the +object of our late fears. + +"Die be d----d! what do you mean?" was the question asked by the +interesting individual who attempted to scrabble from the hole which he +had been digging, but did not succeed before the ex-inspector was upon +him. + +"Stand back, or I'll let daylight into you," shouted the fellow, drawing +a long knife, and acting upon the defensive, and the way he handled the +reaper showed that he was in earnest. + +We both hesitated for a moment, for the purpose of better addressing the +person who was so peremptory in his threats, but first I took the +precaution of possessing myself of a long smooth-bore gun which was +lying near him, and which he had forgotten to seize upon being +surprised. + +The man before us was about six feet high, (when he appeared in the +character of a ghost, we thought he would measure nine,) with long hair, +and beard of fiery red, which seemed as though it had not felt the touch +of comb or scissors for months. Two little eyes almost concealed, and +overhanging eyebrows, glanced suspiciously at us, and watched our +movements, with an evident impression that we intended mischief, and +that if such was the case their owner was to be counted in for a fight. + +Upon the back and person of the red-haired man were sheepskins, made to +fit his body, with the wool outside. These we had imagined were +grave-clothes, and had nearly broken our necks to escape from the +wearer. We could not refrain from indulging in a hearty laugh at our +late flight and the occasion of it, but our mirth made no impression +upon the mysterious being before us. + +"No ye don't," he shouted, brandishing his knife before our eyes as +though we intended to entrap him into some snare. "You mustn't think +that ye is goin' to fool an honest man who is digging for roots by the +full of the moon." + +"You dig rather deep for roots," said Mr. Brown, stepping to the edge of +the excavation, and looking down in spite of the threatening appearance +of the red-haired individual. + +"I'll dig as deep as I please," he answered quickly. + +"Of course I would," returned Mr. Brown. "Who knows but you may find a +buried treasure there if you keep on digging?" + +"Is that what you coveys was arter?" demanded the red head, with a +degree of interest which he had not shown before. "I 'spected it when I +seed you yesterday crossing the Lodden, and I determined to watch." + +"What are you doing in this part of the country?" asked Mr. Brown, +rather sternly, "as a recollection of the loss of his bottle of liquor +the night before began to dawn upon his mind. + +"You have no right to question me any more than I have you," was the +sulky response. + +"Who are you then?" the other asked, somewhat impatiently. + +"That's for you to find out the best way you can. If confidence is +wanted, why, tell me who you are," and the red-haired genius seated +himself on the edge of the excavation, as though awaiting an answer, +although he still kept in sight his long and dangerous looking knife. + +"I know who you are," my friend said, at a venture; "you are a shepherd +on the Hawkswood estate. We are officers of the law from Ballarat." + +"It's a lie," was the brief rejoinder. "I don't believe any thing of the +kind." + +"You d----d vagabond," cried Mr. Brown, snatching the long gun from my +hand and presenting it to the fellow's heart, "I have a strong desire to +blow your liver out." + +"You wouldn't shoot a fellow with his own gun, would you?" the impudent +scamp asked, without manifesting any serious apprehension of our doing +so. + +"Well, no, I hardly think that would be just," replied Mr. Brown, +lowering the muzzle of the gun, and beginning to think that he had met +with a strange customer, whom it was better to conciliate than to cross. + +"Come, tell a feller who you is," the red-haired genius remarked "do you +belong to Buskin's gang, or is you on your own tramp?" + +"Neither suggestion is correct--we are not bushrangers, and never expect +to be. We are men of the law. Now tell us who you are," my companion +said, calmly seating himself near the stranger, and lighting his +pipe,--a proceeding that appeared to interest him intensely, for he +snuffed the burning tobacco like a war horse within sight of a battle +field. + +"Just give me one draw of that 'ere pipe first," pleaded the would-be +ghost, and his request was gratified. + +"Real 'bacco, and a real clay pipe, by the bloody jingoes," he +exclaimed. "It's many a day since I've had a taste of 'em afore." + +In fact the tobacco appeared to open his heart amazingly, and in a short +time we had his whole history. + +"My name," the stranger said, "is Day Bly, although I'm commonly called +Day, for short. I was dragged up in London, and when I was twelve years +of age I was apprenticed to an undertaker. I used to take care of the +shop, clean the hearse, and sleep in a coffin, with old pieces of mouldy +velvet thrown over me to keep me warm in the night time. + +"When I ate my meals, it was brought out of master's house by one of the +servant girls, and set on a pine coffin, such as we used to furnish the +poor devils who hadn't got much money, and who couldn't afford to go the +expensive ones. When we had a holiday, such as Christmas, I'd slyly move +the grub to one of the polished silver-plated affairs, and imagined that +I was seated at a real mahogany table, and I tell you things use to +taste better. + +"I kept that up until one day I had a dish of meat, that, by some +mistake, never satisfactorily accounted for, was really warm, and it +took the polish from the slap-up affair, and left a white mark. For that +I got licked, and rebuked for my presumption to aristocracy. I didn't +mind a flogging in those days, 'cos I was use to 'em, and let me tell +you that London 'prentices, as a general thing, get more blows than +holidays." + +"That's so," muttered Mr. Brown, who appeared to deeply sympathize with +the speaker in that portion of his narrative. + +"I grew up," continued the red-haired individual, whose cognomen was +Day, "quite fond of corpses." + +I shuddered, and turned my head to see if there were any lying near, for +I didn't consider that the subject was a very proper one to talk about +at that time of night, and under the circumstances I should have +prepared a more agreeable topic. + +"The gentleman needn't be afeard," muttered the fellow, with a sneer; +"corpses won't hurt a feller, 'cos I've tried 'em." + +He had seen me flinch at the word, and improved his opportunity to show +his hardihood. + +"In fact, as I growed older," Day continued, "I was quite useful in my +way, and got trusted by master with some important jobs. I could lay out +a poor covey, who hadn't any money, with as much despatch as any +'prentice in London, and when you come to the mourning part I was really +terrible. I could groan more unearthly and oftener than any mute that +master employed." + +"Did you not give us a specimen to-night?" I asked. + +"Well, yes, I think that I did pretty well to-night, but I was too +anxious to frighten you off to pay particular attention to my business. +I'll show you what I can do, if you'll just listen." + +But I declined to hear him, and the undertaker's ex-apprentice continued +his story: + +"I used sometimes to be borrowed by rival undertakers just 'cos I could +groan so beautiful, and had I been contented to have worked my way up in +the world, until I got the position of head mute, I shouldn't be here, +surrounded by this d----d cloud of mosquitoes, and not a particle of +tobacco to put in my pipe, and no friend to offer me a bit." + +The hint was so strong that I could not refuse to gratify our new +acquaintance with a small piece of the weed, which was received with a +grunt, expressive of gratitude. + +"As I was saying," continued Day, filling his pipe while talking, "I was +always an ambitious cuss, and used to like plenty of money to spend on +dress and cheap jewelry, but I couldn't always get it; one day my fellow +'prentice made a proposal, which he stated would fill our pockets and +enable us to sport 'round nights in great style. I was ready to listen +to any thing that he had to offer, and then I learned that a doctor that +lived next street wanted us to supply him with subjects, for which we +were to receive two pounds each. + +"Well, we used to go out nights with a cart, drive up to some burying +ground, where we had planted a feller the day before, whip him out of +his coffin, and be off in less than fifteen minutes. In that way we used +to make a pretty good thing of it, and we had so much money that we +could keep drunk about two thirds of the time. At length some meddling +old fool suspected us, and one night we were caught by the police, with +a body in our charge. We tried to shake the bloody swabs off, but it was +no go. We were jugged, and the first thing I knowed my companion, who +had put me up to the work, peached, and saved his precious carcass from +being transported." + +"How long was you sent for, Day?" asked Mr. Brown. + +"Ten years--four of 'em I passed at hard labor, and then I got a ticket +of leave, and came out here as a shepherd. I have been here two years +last February, and should like well enough if I had plenty of 'bacco and +rum. Them 'ere things is hard to get in this part of the world, and I +haven't tasted a drop of rum for two months afore last night, when I got +a sup out of your pack." + +Mr. Brown ground his teeth with suppressed emotion. + +"How dared you meddle with our property?" demanded my companion. + +"'Cos, how did I know it was yourn. I found the pack covered with +bushes, and I 'spose a man is entitled to what he finds in this part of +the country?" + +"That depends upon circumstances," replied Mr. Brown, with a cautious +glance at the place where Day had been excavating. "For instance, if you +have found a quantity of gold dust where you have been digging, it would +not belong to you but to the lawful owners, or the agent of the owners, +sent to recover it." + +"I don't know about that," cried the red-headed genius, with a cunning +glance from his little eyes, "but I do know that if I find any thing +here I shall hold on to it until somebody stronger than myself comes +along. I 'spose you would do so, and I shall." + +"Before we quarrel on that point," I said, "perhaps you will inform us +how you knew we were in search of hidden gold?" + +"But I didn't know till I saw you begin to dig. I was lying under a palm +tree when you crossed the Lodden yesterday, and I strongly suspected +from your looks that you were bushrangers in search of a dish of mutton, +in which case I should have tacked your bodies with a ball from my gun. +I followed you a few steps, and then crossed your trail, skirted Mount +Tarrengower, and from the summit of a gum tree I watched your motions +until dark, when I stole towards your camp for the purpose of listening +to your conversation. I heard 'enough to convince me that you were in +search of hidden treasure, but before I could make out your plans you +moved your camp to the Lodden, but left your pack behind, for which act +of thoughtfulness I am much your debtor." + +"And to defeat our plans you turned ghost," I said. + +The red-haired genius chuckled as he answered,-- + +"I thought that the easiest way to get rid of you, for I have tried the +character before with some success. Many a bushranger, anxious for a +supper of fresh mutton, have I frightened into fits, and by that means +my flocks are not molested near as much as my neighbors, ten or twelve +miles from here. I like to play the ghost, too, for it reminds me of the +time when I was living with plenty of half and half, and lots of 'bacco +at my control. Wasn't my groans beautiful? People say that they is quite +unearthly." + +We felt ashamed to say that we considered them in that light, and +therefore dropped the subject, although we encouraged him to relate the +further history of his exploits. + +"I got my sheepskins all ready during the day, 'cos I saw that you was +idling round doing nothing, and I 'spected that the evening would be +selected to begin work. + +"I hunted up my old bullock's head, with the horns on, and which has +seen some service, although I don't think that I shall be able to wear +it again, 'cos your confounded pistol shot about used it up. Here it +lays at your feet--examine it." + +I found that the head had been cut and trimmed off, and then lined with +pieces of old clothes, until it fitted the cranium of Day like a huge +helmet. + +The shot from my revolver had shattered the dry bones so that it was +ready to tumble apart, and had to be handled quite carefully. I no +longer wondered at our mistaking Day for the devil, and I congratulated +myself that I was not frightened worse than I really was. + +"I could hardly keep from yelling with laughter when I saw you two +running, and then when I heard one of you tumble into the bog, I thought +to myself that's an end of him. Now, Day, you jist go along and get the +money that they expected to, and be a rich man for life." + +"Then you knew that I was struggling for life, and would not come to my +assistance?" asked Mr. Brown. + +"Why should I?" demanded Day, with great _sang froid_. "I didn't know +you or care for you. All that I desired was to drive you off as fast as +possible, and d---- me if I didn't do it!" + +"What did you think when you saw us return the second time?" I inquired. + +"Well, the fact of it is, you rather started me then, 'cos I had no idea +of the thing. I thought if I couldn't frighten you away with groans, my +time as a ghost was 'bout over. You couldn't pay me for the head which +you destroyed, could you?" + +We declined to do so, and advised him to be thankful that he did not +lose his life in his attempt to assume a character that did not belong +to him; but Day treated our advice with neglect. + +"If I couldn't hit a man at a distance of ten rods, ghost or no ghost, +I'd never shoot again. Why, my old gun, that you hold on to as though +you feared it would go off, can knock over a kangaroo at thirty rods +distance, and never miss once out of a dozen shots. I tell you I have +had to practise shooting since I have been a shepherd. The only thing my +proprietor is liberal in furnishing is powder and lead." + +I was just about requesting Day to remove his person from the place +where he had been digging, to allow us to make an examination for the +concealed treasure, when we heard the discharge of a gun in the +direction of the mountain, separated from us by several valleys, where +immense flocks of sheep were feeding. + +The shepherd started to his feet, and looked eagerly in the direction of +the sound; but nothing was to be seen. + +"What is the meaning of that?" asked Mr. Brown. + +"It means that Buskin's band of bushrangers is all the more alarmed at +the sound of your pistol. They will search every inch of ground between +here and the Lodden, but they will find out the occasion of the firing, +and if you are men of the law, as you say, the highest tree in this +section will serve for your gallows to-morrow." + +"You know the members of the gang?" asked Mr. Brown. + +"I never exchanged a word with one of them in my life," cried the +shepherd, with an air of sincerity, "although I have often held short +communion with them in my assumed character." + +He pointed to the bullock's head, and grinned as he spoke. + +"How do you know that the firing was done by bushrangers?" I asked, +suspiciously. + +"For two reasons--first, a bushranger will never kill more game than he +wants to eat at one time; and, secondly, the gang has been absent from +these parts for two weeks, and undoubtedly want to rest and recruit. +They can't do that until they know that the whole of this section is +free from stragglers and spies. Me they care nothing about, and will not +molest unless I am too inquisitive." + +"How do we know that this is not a trick of yours to get us to leave +this island?" I asked. + +"'Cos I shall advise you to do no such thing. The only safe place for +you is on this island, where you must stay until the woods between here +and the Lodden have been searched, and the gang is confident that the +parties who were in this vicinity have escaped." + +"But why not escape now? Our horses are fresh and fast," I added. + +"Because I suppose that a dozen men are watching the fords of the +Lodden, and a bullet in your back would probably be the first intimation +of the presence of a party of skulkers. No, sirs, unless you can skim +over the surface of this bog, and then scale Mount Tarrengower, your +only place of safety is on this island. Trust to me." + +"And then lose our horses," I replied. "I suppose that the bushrangers +would like no better plan; but I for one will not consent to that?" + +"Which is the most valuable to you, your lives or your animals?" asked +Day, bluntly. + +"Can we not save our horses as well as ourselves?" Mr. Brown inquired, +turning to me for advice. + +I confess that I could see no way to preserve them; and I still insisted +that we had better trust to the speed of the animals than remain in a +state of inactivity and siege on the island. + +My plans were overruled, however, by both Mr. Brown and the shepherd, on +the ground that it would be impossible to escape before daylight, at +which time the bushrangers would probably retire to the heart of the +woods for rest and sleep, and all their outposts would then be +withdrawn. + +I was at length reluctantly compelled to yield my opinion to the others, +although I could not help, as I did so, wishing for the presence of Fred +and Smith, and I thought how different would be our conduct. + +All idea of finding the buried treasure was at an end; and I began to +feel as though I should be grateful if I escaped back to Ballarat with +my life, minus the gold which was so great a temptation for us to +undertake the journey. + +"Well," asked the shepherd, "what have you concluded upon?" + +"To remain on the island, I suppose," returned Mr. Brown, rather +sulkily, "although I don't see how we are ever to get back to town if we +lose our animals. I wouldn't walk to Ballarat for half of Australia." + +"Can't we manage to make the horses walk the bridge, and keep them on +the island with us?" I asked. + +"A good idea," cried the red-haired genius, suddenly starting up, "and +the only wonder is I never thought of it. There is some danger in the +attempt, but nothing compared to stealing a body in a graveyard in the +heart of London." + + + + +CHAPTER LXX. + +THE GHOST AND THE BUSHRANGERS. + + +The shepherd, who seemed to weigh all emotions by the scale of a body +snatcher, appeared to be delighted at the prospect of enjoying a little +excitement, and began to examine the priming of his long gun with a +degree of attention that showed how much reliance he intended placing +upon it in case of emergency. + +"I look upon you two coveys in the light of visitors to my possessions, +and my honor is engaged to see that you come to no harm," cried the +undertaker's apprentice, with a wave of his right hand, as dignified as +though he owned the many acres indicated, instead of receiving only +about fifty pounds per annum, not including his sugar and coffee. + +I think that I expressed a proper degree of gratitude for the shepherd's +promised protection, but I intimated that I had lived long enough in +Australia to learn how to protect myself. + +"Never you mind that," continued the red-haired man, busying himself +with the bullock's head. "I shan't be wanting if a little fighting is to +be done." + +"Then lend us your aid in leading the horses over the bridge, and don't +let us lose time in debating the project," I said, preparing to +undertake the expedition in company with Mr. Brown. + +"Don't be in a hurry. Wait for me, 'cos I'm the most important one here +at present," continued Day, still working over the head which had so +frightened my friend and myself. + +"If you think that your presence is so necessary, we will convince you +to the contrary by going without you," replied Mr. Brown, rather tartly. + +"There you go," exclaimed the fellow, with perfect composure; "when I +intend to do all that I can to save you coveys from being shot and then +hung, you get as mad as foaming beer, and don't want to listen to +reason. Be guided by me, and things will come out all right." + +"I am not so sure of that," I replied, with an incredulous air. + +"Seeing is believing then. You ain't got some strings in your pocket, +have you?" our newly-found friend continued. + +"Strings? no, we have something else to think about at the present +time," cried Mr. Brown. + +"I'm sorry for that, 'cos a few rods of twine or tape, such as we use to +line coffins with, would be worth considerable just now." + +"What do you mean?" I asked. + +"I'll tell you in as few words as possible," the shepherd said, resting +from his work for a few seconds while speaking. "We three coveys ain't +no match for thirty coveys, is we?" + +We acknowledged that there was a difference, and that it was favorable +to the side of the larger force. + +"Very well; then it becomes necessary to deceive 'em, same as we use to +do when I was an apprentice in London, when master would put a body in a +pine coffin, all flourished off with paint and varnish, and then charge +it as cherry." + +"What has that to do with the matter in hand?" I demanded impatiently. + +"Much--I intend to make the bushrangers think, if we come in contact +with 'em, that they have got a ghost instead of a man to deal with, and +I needn't tell you how frightened they will be; you know that by your +own experience, don't you?" + +There was no denying the assertion, however much disposed we might feel +to quarrel with such perfect frankness at the present time. At any rate, +we no longer manifested symptoms of impatience, but waited until Day had +secured the bones, which were somewhat loosened by the shot from my +pistol. + +"I think that I've got strings enough arter all," he said, shaking the +head to see if it was firm and fit for use. "It 'pears all right, and I +think will answer." + +He placed the huge mass of whitened bones upon his head, and then shook +it in a defiant manner, and I no longer wondered at our fright. + +"There, I think that will do. Now let me first tie up my sheepskins, and +then we will start." + +In a few minutes the sheepskins were secured in their proper places, and +Day stood before us a ghost of the first magnitude, and looking hideous +enough to frighten his Satanic Majesty himself had he been encountered +in the vicinity of Mount Tarrengower. + +"I ain't got much beauty," Day said, while we were admiring him, "'cos I +trust to inside appearances. But don't I look lovely? as we use to say +at a first class funeral, when we had gone to some expense to get up the +body in pretty good style." + +We assured the shepherd that his attractions were of the first order, +and that we appreciated his exertions in our behalf, and with these few +compliments we walked towards the bridge, the ghost leaving his long gun +behind. + +"Ghosts," he said, in explanation, "is supposed to do unheard-of things, +but I doubt whether any regular one ever walked around the earth with a +gun; and if we should encounter the bushrangers, I think I should have +more influence unarmed, for to give the devils their due, they don't, +care a rush for the smell of gunpowder, while they is firm believers in +spirits, 'cos there is a sort of a tradition that a proprietor of a +sheep farm, who was murdered some years since, wanders round nights, and +makes himself generally disagreeable. I don't put any faith in the +stories, 'cos I don't believe that there ever was a ghost, excepting one +like me got up for the occasion." + +The remark did not meet the approval of Mr. Brown, who was disposed to +argue the matter, but I cut the discussion short by recommending +silence, for fear of a party of scouts overhearing our conversation, +when not even the spectral appearance of the shepherd could have saved +us from a speedy death. + +"You are right," replied the ghost, with a grave shake of his horny +head; "we can't be too cautious now, for we don't know who is near us." + +By the time we reached the main land, the ghost whispered that he would +lead the way, and strike terror into the hearts of all who dared to look +upon him; and I think that he was as good as his word, for no sooner +did the horses got a glimpse of his white form than there was a +desperate attempt at a stampede; had not our animals been securely +fastened to palm trees by stout ropes we probably never should have seen +or heard of them again. + +"Keep back," cried Mr. Brown, who was endeavoring to restrain his gray +horse from breaking away. "Don't come near the animals, or they will +make more noise than a hundred bushrangers." + +The shepherd obeyed the order with a chuckle of delight, looking upon +the fright of the horses as the greatest compliment that could be paid +him, on the ground that animals were far better judges of supernatural +characters than men. + +After we had tamed the brutes, we quickly gathered up our blankets and +provisions, and then replaced the pack upon the horse and started +towards the island. We were hastened somewhat in our movement by a sound +which my experience told me was a signal much used by bushrangers when +desirous of calling in or extending their scouts. I had heard it before, +when first on my way to the mines from Melbourne, and I could not help, +in spite of all the trials and difficulties that surrounded me, from +recalling those days, and wondering how we escaped being cut off to a +man by Black Darnley and his gang. + +"Drive on the horses as fast as possible," whispered the shepherd. + +"Them 'ere parrot crawings means, is the coast clear?" + +I needed no urging, knowing as I did that the pretended squaking of +parrots was produced by human beings, but hardly had the shepherd +spoken, when away off to our left the cry was taken up. + +"That's an answer," cried Day, listening attentively. "They report all +right as yet." + +By this time we had reached the bridge, and sought to urge our animals +to cross, but they had some experience with the bogs of Australia, and +stoutly refused to trust themselves on such a narrow strip of earth. We +were almost in despair of saving the brutes, and to add to our anxiety, +we could hear the bushrangers' signals from all parts of the forest, as +the scouts gradually closed in to join the main body, who were, I +doubted not, feasting on mutton, for the perfume of boiled meat greeted +us, wafted towards the island by a light breeze which was hardly strong +enough to dispel the clouds of mosquitoes hovering over us, ferocious +for blood, and tantalizing enough to drive men frantic with agony. + +"You won't get the horses to cross until you cover their eyes," the +ghost said. "They have probably been mired some time or other, and know +a bog as well as you. Don't waste precious time by fooling with the +animals." + +We thought the advice was good, and we adopted it without delay, by +tying our pocket handkerchiefs over the eyes of the animals, and in this +condition I led my horse over the bridge, followed by Mr. Brown with the +packed animal The ghost, having removed his head gear, held the gray +while we were so employed. + +We were obliged to proceed with great caution, for fear of a mis-step on +the part of the animals, but fortunately we reached the island without +an accident, but as we did so we heard a shrill croak from beneath the +very palms where we had encamped. The call was repeated in a dozen +different directions, and then all was quiet, and not the rustling of a +leaf could be heard to show that a large body of men were all tending to +one point to investigate the cause of the alarm, and study over the +mysteries of our encampment. + +We secured our animals in a small valley at the further end of the +island, and then returned cautiously to the bridge for the purpose of +relieving the ghost of his distress, but, to our surprise, Mr. Brown's +gray horse and the supernatural gentleman were not to be seen. + +"If the d----d humbug has not run off with my horse!" muttered my +friend, indignant at his loss. + +"I don't believe it," I replied; "he has probably retired to the shade +of those palm trees, seeing that no chance presented itself for getting +the animal to us." + +"I hope so," Mr. Brown said, "but fear the fellow is a horse thief, and +having accomplished his object, will never return to this locality." + +I didn't think so, but there was no use attempting to convince Mr. Brown +of his error, and while we were discussing the matter, we had the +supreme dissatisfaction of seeing ten well-armed men _debouch_ from the +group of palm trees, and, with heads bent to the ground, follow the +tracks of our horses towards the bridge. + +"We are in a pretty condition for a siege," muttered my friend as he +thought of the bushrangers attempting to starve us into a surrender, +knowing very well that they would never attack us in our almost +invulnerable position. + +"Be quiet, and let us watch their motions," I replied. + +We were not so far from the main land but we could hear every word if +spoken in an ordinary tone, for, as I said before, the night was +unusually calm and quiet. + +"D----n it, don't I know a horse's track from a bullock's?" we heard one +of the bushrangers say, as though he was remonstrating with his +companions. "I tell you here's the prints of three horses' feet, and +I'll leave it to any native in Australia. I've taken lessons from 'em in +my lifetime, I have." + +If the fellow's story was correct, he could not have learned from a more +patient race, for the Australians can track a man through a wilderness, +and can see signs of footprints that a European would never discover. If +a blade of grass is turned, the native stops and examines it, and can +tell within a few hours the length of time that has expired since it was +trodden on. If half a dozen grains of sand are displaced from the +burning prairies, the native sets himself at work, and can tell what +kind of an animal has passed that way, and whether fat or lean, alarmed +or unconcerned. They can find their way through a wilderness, and resist +hunger and thirst with marvellous fortitude; and while others sink under +the influence of burning heat, the native Australian, with head bare, +seems to court the rays of the sun, and moves along with a steady step, +and without a word of complaint. + +I no longer wondered at the assurance of the bushranger when he +proclaimed himself a disciple of Australian barbarians. + +"Will any man in his senses believe that the horses have crossed that +narrow strip?" demanded one of the fellows, pointing to the bridge; "I +know the horses of this country too well to believe that they like bogs +so well as to venture there." + +"I tell you that two of the horses have crossed to that island!" cried +the first speaker, after stooping down and examining the ground; "here, +see for yourself!" + +The robbers gathered around the spot indicated, and we could hear them +converse in low tones for a few minutes, and look suspiciously towards +the island, where we were hid from observation by a number of large +rocks. + +"If two of the horses has gone to the island, whar is the other?" cried +a voice, more gruff and savage than the others. + +No one seemed disposed to answer that question, and for a few seconds +there was a profound silence. + +"I tell you what it is, coveys, I don't care about staying in this +neighborhood long, 'cos I heard a brother pal say once, that ever since +old Buckerly was knocked on the head he has wandered round here with a +sheet of flame in one hand, a spear in the other, and a pair of horns on +his head, to show that he was in the cattle trade when finished." + +There was a faint laugh at the suspicious man's story, but I noticed +that their expressions of mirth were not overflowing. + +"Pooh! you don't believe such d----d lies, do you?" one fellow asked. + +"Never you mind what I believe," said the story teller, with a +dogmatical emphasis. + +"Well, we had better be doing something, or else return to the camp and +get a bit to eat; I'm tired of tramping all day and getting no plunder," +cried one, who didn't seem to be in a good humor. + +"Hullo! one horse went off in this direction!" cried the fellow who was +following up the trail. + +The gang gathered round the speaker, and satisfied themselves that such +was the case, and then we could see them gazing with some degree of +apprehension upon the dark palms. + +"Who's going there to make a search?" one asked. + +"Not I," said one. + +"Nor I." + +"Nor I." + +"Fools, are you afraid of your own shadows?" demanded one robber, more +bold than the others. + +"I don't fear any man, if he comes at me single, but I don't like +fighting with the devil and his imps!" exclaimed the superstitious +bushranger, and I judged that a majority of his comrades sided with his +idea, and seemed much more disposed to return to camp than to weary +themselves with a search for unknown foes. + +"You know what the cap'n will say if we go back without a good report. +It's easier for us to work now, than to scout over the whole ground +again," we heard the man who had followed the trail say. + +"Yes, but why don't he take some work and do it?" demanded another, who +was disposed to grumble at the order of things. + +"You had better ask him," some one answered, dryly. + +"Not I," was the response; "I value my head too dearly." + +The others laughed, and for a few minutes held a whispered conversation, +the burden of which seemed to be that there was something concealed +beneath the branches of the palm trees, and that it was advisable to +make an examination as soon as possible, but no one was disposed to lead +the way, for reasons--first, if an enemy, and well armed, he could +easily kill two or three of his assailants before discovery, and second, +the robbers were not sure but that there was truth in the story of their +comrade concerning the ghost of Buckerly, and if there was, they did not +care about an encounter with a spirit from the other world, who was +proof against powder, steel, and lead. + +While they were still discussing the question in tones so low that we +could not hear all that passed, I thought how materially we could be +aided by the shepherd, if he was so disposed. + +I was almost fearful that Mr. Brown's suspicions were correct, and that +he left us to take care of ourselves, while he made his escape on my +friend's valuable horse, worth, at any station, about fifty pounds. + +"Look," cried my companion, nudging me with his elbow; "the devils have +made up their minds to run the risk, and search for the horse in the +shadow of the palm trees." + +As he spoke, I saw the gang move forward in a compact body, as though +borrowing encouragement from each other, and one or two pretended to +laugh, as if scorning all apprehensions, but I thought that the mirth +did not come from their hearts. + +When about midway between the trees and the bridge, I observed them halt +suddenly, and while I was wondering for what, forth, from amid the +leaves and branches of the palms, rode a figure that loomed up in the +moonlight in colossal proportions. + +For a moment I forgot that the shepherd was acting the part of a ghost, +and I felt, a little of the old symptoms return, but they were soon +banished, and then I was prepared to enjoy the rich treat of seeing how +other men acted when dealing with what was supposed to be a visitant +from the other world. + +For a moment not a sound escaped the group, as the tall figure of the +shepherd, mounted on the gray horse, moved slowly and majestically +towards them. Presently I heard one fellow utter a yell of terror, and +break away from his companions, and run wildly towards the camp--then +another followed, and then another, until the remaining ones turned, +and, with shrieks and yells of horror, followed the first fugitive as +rapidly as their legs could carry them. + +A number of the most timid threw away their guns, and every thing that +impeded flight, and although the ghost did not depart from his grave and +dignified bearing, and solemn walk, yet in less than five minutes no one +was in sight except the cause of the fright, our new friend, Day. + + + + +CHAPTER LXXI. + +SAM TYRELL AND THE GHOST. + + +As soon as we saw the result of the shepherd's ruse, we crossed the +bridge and joined him. + +"Didn't I do that in good style?" he asked. "Did you ever hear of a +ghost that was more successful than me?" + +I complimented him by replying in the negative, and also assuring him +that I considered he was at the height of his profession. + +"You may well call it a trade," he exclaimed, removing his heavy +headdress and wiping his moist brow, "for there ain't a man in the +country who knows how to do such things in shape unless he has been in +the funeral line, like me. Did you see 'em run?" + +I assured him that the retreat of the bushrangers was so sudden that we +could not help noticing the fact. + +"I didn't believe that coveys could cut so; and they threw away their +guns, too, that shows how skeert they was," continued Day, apparently so +overjoyed at his success that he could talk of nothing else. + +"But it will not do for us to stand here and talk when the bushrangers +are liable to come back at any moment and surprise you holding +communication with beings of this earth," I said. "Let us get under the +shadow of the trees, where we can talk without danger." + +My suggestion was agreed to, and in a few seconds we were on our old +camping ground and debating what we should do next. I was in favor of an +immediate retreat to the banks of the Loddon, which river I proposed to +cross, and find refuge at Hawswood station, where we could remain for a +few days, and then return for another examination of the earth for the +treasure. Mr. Brown, whether fearful to trust to Day's honesty, or the +bushrangers' superstitious feelings, did not coincide with me, and was +for remaining until daylight at any rate, and during that time make +further search for the gold, and if not found in that period, he +proposed giving up the expedition altogether and returning to Ballarat. + +The shepherd heard us discuss the merits of our several propositions +without interruption, and while we were still uncertain what to +do,--avarice bidding us to stay, and caution and prudence to fly,--he +spoke,--"I have no wish to advise you coveys in any course that ain't +right, but if you will listen to me I'll get you out of this affair in +safety, and with the money that is buried." + +"How?" I asked. + +"By still playing the ghost," he replied, with a grin. + +"You have done so, and successfully," I said; "can't you think of some +other dodge?" + +"Don't want any other," he returned, patting the bullock's head in an +affectionate manner. "Men can always be moved by their fears and guilty +consciences." + +We agreed with him in that respect, but didn't see how he could serve us +further by assuming the ghost line. + +"Then I'll tell you," the shepherd said. "One half of the coveys who saw +me by this time think that they have been frightened by a shadow, a +white bullock, or a horse. They won't acknowledge that they saw a ghost, +while the other portion will contend stoutly that I had fire issuing +from my mouth, and that I was the devil or his imp. With this question +unsettled I shouldn't be surprised if they made these parts another +visit to solve their doubts, for the bushrangers who haven't seen me +will only deride those who have, and disbelieve all the statements +made." + +We acknowledged that there was some truth in the remark, and Day, highly +delighted with the admission, continued: + +"Now I think that the best way would be for me to show myself once more +and give the coveys another and a greater fright. I can steal up to +their camping ground, and while they are quarrelling, walk into their +midst without waiting for the formalities of an introduction." + +"But you may lose your life in making the experiment," I said. + +"There's no fear of that--who ever heard of a man firing with a steady +hand while in the presence of a ghost?" + +I reminded him that I had tried the experiment, and that if the ball had +struck a few inches lower down he would never have played the ghost a +second time. + +"That just proves what I said. Can't you hit a man at two rods' +distance, and place the ball just where you like?" + +I flattered myself that I was a good pistol shot, and could do so under +ordinary circumstances. + +"Yet your hand must have shook, or I should have been hit." + +There was no denying the truth of that assertion, for I remembered the +circumstance perfectly well. + +"If I don't frighten them coveys so that they will avoid this place +hereafter, then I don't know much about ghosts, and how they act," Day +continued. + +We tried to urge the fellow to be content with the triumph which he had +already accomplished, but he was mad for another exhibition of his +powers, and all that we could say had no effect. Go he would, and at +length we determined to accompany him for the purpose of rendering +assistance in case he wanted it, or to see how the bushrangers would +bear themselves upon a second exhibition. + +The shepherd was so well acquainted with the country that he guided us +by a short route towards the camping ground, stealing along between the +bushes and trees so quietly and rapidly that, with all my knowledge of +woodcraft, I had difficulty in following him and keeping close to his +heels. At length we saw the reflection of a camp fire, and then we grew +more cautious in our movements, frequently stopping for a few minutes to +listen if we could hear other sounds besides our footsteps. But we +encountered no one, for the bushrangers had apparently fallen back upon +the main body, convinced that the coast was clear of all earthly +intruders. The shepherd stopped when he thought that we were within +sound of the camp, and beckoned us to his side. + +"There's no use in you coveys getting your necks in halters follering +close arter me, 'cos 'tain't any use. We ain't going to fight the +fellers, but to frighten 'em. You jist keep a little back and watch me, +and if any thing happens, why, don't stop to see how it terminates. Get +off the best way that you can." + +"That would be ungenerous," I replied. "You are now risking your life to +serve us, and we should not desert you to save ourselves." + +"Don't you be afeard of me," the shepherd said, quite coolly. "I can +take care of myself, and if the bushrangers finds out the cheat I can +explain it to 'em some way or other that will satisfy 'em. Is it all +right?" + +We assured him that we would be governed by his wishes, and with this +declaration he led the way towards the camp, first taking the precaution +of putting on his head gear, in case he should meet with stragglers. We +followed in his footsteps at some distance until we reached the edge of +the woods, when the ghost motioned for us to take up a position in a +clump of bushes, while he skulked behind a tree. + +We stole carefully forward and saw that we were within five rods of the +bushrangers, who were seated around half a dozen fires, cooking their +mutton on long sticks, and endeavoring to obtain a cessation of +hostilities from the attacks of mosquitoes by beating the air wildly +with their huge black fists when not engaged in cutting meat, or +throwing on light brush to feed the fires. The men all seemed excited, +and we listened to their conversation with some pleasure, showing, as it +did, how mistaken they were in their estimate of the true appearance of +the ghost. + +"For ten years I've knocked about these woods, and done some very pretty +tricks, but I never met with such a looking devil as I've seen +to-night," I heard an old grizzly fellow (an exact representative of a +pirate) say, as he ripped off about a pound of flesh from the carcass of +a lamb, thrust it upon a stick and held it over the coals, after which +he looked around upon his brother devils with an air that showed how +much he should like to kill every one present merely for the fun of the +thing. + +"I would have stopped and spoken to the darn thing if any one had kept +me company," a young fellow said, apparently desirous of raising himself +in the estimation of his companions; but, if such was his intention, it +was a failure, for the old pirate turned on him like a hungry wolf with +snapping jaws. + +"You stop and bandy words with a spirit?" asked the old fellow, with a +sneer. "Why, d----n it, you was the first one to run." + +"Not as you knows of," replied the young robber, shaking his head as +though he was willing to test the matter. + +"Do you tell me I lie, you impudent son of a Dutch woman?" asked old +grizzly, lifting his stick from the fire and striking the youngster full +upon his face with the hot meat, which caused him to start from the +ground as though about to inflict vengeance upon the old pirate for the +insult. + +The elder bushranger did not seem in the least disturbed. He shook the +mutton clear of his stick as though it had been contaminated by contact +with his companion's flesh, and then drew his long, sharp knife, and +began to cut off another portion from the carcass by his side. + +For a few seconds the insulted youngster seemed uncertain what to do. +Then I saw his right hand seek for his knife, draw it, and with a wild +cry he threw himself upon the old man. The other bushrangers merely +glanced towards the parties, but did not offer to interfere. There was +but a slight struggle, for the attack was so sudden that the grizzly +fellow did not take the precaution of defending himself, trusting, +probably, to his age and influence with the gang to exempt him from a +personal combat. + +I heard a low groan, and then the attacking party arose and returned to +his former place, while the head of the old robber fell forward and +touched the fire, and there it remained for a few minutes, until the +stench of burning hair became so great that some one shouted out to +remove the body, and not let it lay there and spoil their appetites. + +One man, more humane than the rest, lifted the dead pirate up and +carried him a short distance, and then laid him carefully under a tree. +The whole transaction, including the death, did not take ten minutes, +and a number of the gang did not even stop from picking bones during its +occurrence. + +"You settled him, Billy?" cried a fellow at a distant camp fire, +slightly raising his voice. + +"I should think that I did," answered the young ruffian, wiping his +knife on his shirt sleeve, and then finishing his supper, with an +evident attempt to appear unconcerned, although I could see that he was +all of a tremble, and that he glared around the clear space as though he +feared to encounter a disagreeable sight every moment. + +"Let this be a lesson to all of us," cried a deep, bass voice, which I +heard for the first time. "How often have I told you that I desired +harmony in the gang, and that if a man gave the lie he was responsible +for it with his life. Why can't you live like gentlemen, and not like a +set of d----d blackguards. Because you are robbers and cutthroats is no +reason why you should murder each other. The world is large enough and +contains enough of our enemies without looking for them in the gang." + +There was not a word of response to these remarks, but I noticed that +many of the gang hung their heads as though they did not wish to meet +the eyes of the speaker, who seemed to be a person in authority. + +"That must be Sam Tyrell, who is called the gentlemanly bushranger of +Australia," whispered Mr. Brown, who was anxious to get sight of a man +who had performed some very daring exploits, and some excessive acts of +cruelty, while commanding a gang of ruffians on the road between +Ballarat and Melbourne. + +"Hush," I whispered, "or you will betray your hiding-place;" for Mr. +Brown, in his eagerness, moved the bushes in a manner that attracted +attention. + +I had heard of Sam, through his many exploits, and was anxious to get +sight of him, so that in case we ever met I should recognize his face. + +It is related of him, by the old settlers of Australia, that he once +returned to Melbourne, dressed himself in black with scrupulous +neatness, and then boldly presented himself at the door of the +lieutenant-governor's palace, passed in by means of a ticket which he +had taken from a man whom he met on the highway, danced with the first +ladies of the city, was introduced to the governor's wife, and would +have danced with her had etiquette permitted it. In fact, Tyrell created +considerable of a sensation, and ate his host's ices, and drank his +wine, with a degree of nonchalance that charmed the ladies and disgusted +the gentlemen. + +Had Sam conducted himself with a certain degree of circumspection no +suspicions would have been excited by his conduct; but the devil +prompted him to make love to a pretty woman who was present in company +with her husband, the latter an old man, ugly as sin, and jealous as +Othello. + +Sam saw the lady admired his vigorous-looking form, and he addressed her +a few remarks of flattery, without waiting for the formalities of an +introduction. Her husband fired up at the sight, and growled forth his +displeasure in no measured terms. + +Sam paid no more attention to his looks and hard words than if he had +been a child. The contempt, so quietly conveyed, only enraged the old +gentleman the more, and the matter began to be talked about. First one +and then another inquired who the good-looking gentleman dressed in +black was, but no one could answer the question. The governor was +appealed to, but he was as ignorant as his guests. At length an +aide-de-camp was intrusted with the delicate duty of requesting the +stranger to disclose his address. + +The officer touched Tyrell on the shoulder, while he was standing by the +fascinating little Mrs. P----, and desired a word with him in private. +Sam bowed low to the object of his affections, and followed the officer +to an ante-chamber. The guests, who were hovering around the door, +waited impatiently for the officer to make his reappearance and report. + +Ten minutes passed away, and still the officer was invisible. Half an +hour glided by, and then the crowd ventured to knock, but there was no +answer. The door was tried, and found to be locked. + +His excellency was consulted, and he sent for an armorer of the regiment +stationed in Melbourne, a man very skilful in picking and repairing +locks. The soldier exerted his skill, but in vain; the door refused to +open, and then, grown desperate, the governor ordered an axe brought, +and a few vigorous blows drove the door from its hinges, and a crowd +rushed in. + +There was no light in the apartment, and Mr. P----, the jealous husband, +was so eager that he stumbled over some object lying on the floor, and +pitched headlong against the wall, bruising his bald head, and causing +him to curse, with all an Englishman's spleen, at his mishap, while he +did not forget to allude to his wife in his prayers as the cause of his +misfortune. + +A light was brought as speedily as possible, and, to the consternation +of those present, the aide-de-camp was found extended upon the floor, +his arms tied behind his back, his mouth gagged with a pocket +handkerchief, and on his breast was pinned a piece of paper addressed to +the governor. + +It was but the work of a moment to relieve the officer from his +unpleasant position, and the instant he could speak he rushed for the +window, which was observed to be open, and hailed the sentry, who was +pacing back and forth a short distance beneath. + +The guard answered promptly, but declared that no one had passed him +that evening, and that if a man had attempted to escape by the window he +should have seen him. + +By this time his excellency had read the note, and was raving for the +captain of the police force, and vowing that it was dangerous to live in +his own palace, the bushrangers had become so audacious. + +The word bushranger struck terror into the hearts of all present, and +even the jealous husband modulated his wrath, and rubbed his head with +some degree of contentment. + +There was considerable curiosity to learn the contents of the note, but +etiquette required that the governor should not be asked regarding it, +although every gentleman present was bursting to know, and all the +ladies were unanimously of the opinion that the adventure was romantic, +and actually looked upon Mrs. P----, who was half frightened to death, +with some degree of envy, because she was a prominent actor in the +scene. + +At length his excellency condescended to enlighted his audience, and +read the paper which he held in his hand, although he boiled with rage +as he did so. The note was as follows:-- + + "MOST WORTHY GOVERNOR.--For the very kind manner in which you have + entertained me this evening, please accept my thanks. I have drank + your wine, eaten your ices, and enjoyed your refreshments as well + as any gentleman present, and had I remained long enough I would + have added to my exploits by kissing your lady friends, including + your wife. As I did not, please perform the ceremony for me. The + next time that I visit you I hope you will have a quantity of ice + to cool the wine, as I am accustomed to such luxuries, and + champagne tastes insipid without it. I think that your excellency + should change your wine merchant, for some of the liquor that I + tasted to-night never saw France, and I hope never will, for that + polite nation would feel eternally disgraced at the thought of + concocting such beverages. Hoping that I shall, at no distant day, + meet your excellency in the bush, where I can return a few of the + civilities which I have received this evening, and, I trust, + relieve you of a portion of your worldly cares, in the shape of + wealth, allow me to humbly subscribe myself, your friend and + well-wisher, + + "SAM TYRELL, _Bushranger_." + +"The impudent scoundrel!" was the general exclamation, and I think that +the reader will agree with the guests, and pronounce the bushranger a +bold man, and one of considerable address and nerve. + +Of course, the mounted police were set in motion, and the country +scoured for miles in extent, but no signs of Sam were discovered; and +the mortification of my friend Murden may be better imagined than +described when he was afterwards informed that Sam did not even take the +trouble of leaving the city that night, but changed his clothes, and +passed a large portion of his time with a lady who was somewhat noted +for liberality towards the male sex; and when he was tired of a +metropolitan residence, he dressed himself in female attire, and with a +veil to conceal his face, passed soldiers and police, and rejoined his +gang, who were fifty miles from Melbourne. + +The story of the aide-de-camp was a curious one. He said that the +stranger requested time to pencil a note to a distinguished gentleman in +town, who was to vouch for his respectability; that after he had +finished writing and directing it, Sam approached him, as though to +request permission to send it by a bearer, but before he was aware of +his intentions Tyrell had garroted him in such a manner that all +resistance was impossible, and when about half dead, he was laid upon +the floor, bound with cords, and then had a handkerchief stuffed in his +mouth, threats being made at the same time that death was certain if the +least alarm was given. + +The bushranger then waited until the guard turned his back, when he +dropped from the window like a cat, and made his escape. The officer was +laughed at so outrageously, that he sold his commission and left the +army. + +Such was one of the exploits of the "gentlemanly" bushranger whose +actions we were watching, and over whose head a reward of five hundred +pounds was hanging. + +"If you must call each other liars, and rush to a fight, why don't you +do so in a gentlemanly manner, at ten paces distant, and not shoot or +cut each other down like dogs? Can I never learn you manners, and be +d----d to you." + +The speaker, of whom Mr. Brown had whispered, was Tyrell--he walked +towards the young fellow, who had, but a moment before, killed the old +pirate, and stopped in front of him. From our place of concealment we +could admire the athletic form of the leader of the gang, and as the +flames from the camp-fire blazed up and showed us his features, we could +not help being struck with their stern beauty. + +"Well, captin, he began it," cried the young assassin, in a snivelling, +apologetic sort of tone; "I didn't want to hurt him, sure, if he hadn't +told me I lied. I don't take that from nobody, you knows." + +"You lie, you dog, you know you do," cried 'gentleman Sam,' in a tone +expressive of profound contempt. "You stabbed old Bill when his back was +turned, and did not give him a fair chance. I'll have no more such +doings. A stop must be put to such kind of work. Do you all understand +me?" + +"I'm willing to abide by the regulations," the murderer said, with +alacrity. + +"I intend that you shall, for I am about to constitute myself a judge +and jury, and punish you for shedding blood, as I think it should be +punished. Stand up." + +The fellow staggered to his feet, and we could see him glance with +apprehension upon his leader, and then turn towards his comrades an +appealing look, as though desirous of their support during his trying +ordeal. + +"You killed old Bill without a moment's warning for telling the truth, +for I have been told by others that you was one of the first to run, and +yet you saw nothing but a shadow, at which you was frightened. You +deserve death, and at my hands you shall receive it." + +"For God's sake don't kill me, cap'en!" shrieked the young fellow, in +an agony of terror, throwing himself upon his knees, and begging for +mercy; "I have served you long and faithfully, and robbed as many miners +as any man in the gang." + +"That certainly should entitle him to mercy," whispered Mr. Brown, +giving me a nudge with his elbow, as though I was asleep. + +The leader of the bushrangers did not make any reply, but coolly drew a +pistol from his belt. + +"The cold-blooded scoundrel intends to murder the man!" Mr. Brown said, +trembling with excitement and indignation; "why don't the brutes +interfere, and save the life of their comrade?" + +"Take notice, men," said the robber chief, addressing his gang, "that I +am about to punish a man for committing a murder, and that hereafter, if +you must quarrel, refer the matter to me for settlement, and if I do not +satisfy you with my decision, then you can appeal to the knife or +pistol, as can be agreed upon. Have you any reason why sentence should +not be executed upon this man?" + +There was no response. The villains would not even raise their voices to +save a comrade's life. + +"I should imagine the fellow was the Lord High Chancellor of England to +hear him talk," muttered Mr. Brown; "lend me your revolver, and the +instant the ruffian fires I will give him a shot if it costs me my +life." + +"And it would cost not only your life, but mine, and that I am not +disposed to relinquish yet. Be patient, for we can do nothing to save +the poor devil," I replied. + +The man whose doom had been pronounced, a second time threw himself upon +the ground, and crawled to the feet of the leader in humble supplication +for mercy. He shed tears, and vowed that if his life was spared, he +would steal with renewed energy, and be more faithful than ever; and for +a while I thought the chief would relent, but during a moment's pause, I +distinctly heard the click of a pistol lock, and saw Tyrell's arm raised +as though taking aim. + +'I shut my eyes to hide the dreadful sight, and expected to hear the +report of the weapon and the groans of the victim, but while I was +speculating on the length of time that the poor devil was kept in +suspense, I received a tremendous nudge from Mr. Brown's elbow, +accompanied by the exclamation of-- + +"The devil has come at last!" + +I opened my eyes, and was gratified to see that the ghost whose +disappearance I had noticed, re-appeared upon the scene, but with one +important change in his aspect, which rendered his _tout ensemble_ more +hideous than ever. + +By some means he had managed to light a fire upon his bony head, and the +flames were twisting and squirming like so many fiery serpents, +revealing the long bullock's horns with telling effect. So well had he +managed the affair, that, accustomed as I was to his presence, I had +half a mind to run, not knowing but a real devil, or being of the other +world, had usurped Day's especial functions in the ghost line. + +If the sudden appearance was startling to myself and Mr. Brown, how much +more must it have astonished the bushrangers, who were anxiously +awaiting the death of their companion at the hands of Tyrell. I saw the +arm of the latter fall as if paralyzed, and he started back, but +disdained to fly upon the first alarm. Not so with his comrades. With +one accord they dropped knives, meat, and blankets, and with shouts of +frantic terror rushed towards the woods, tumbling over each other in +their eagerness to escape, and looking over their shoulders as they +fled, as if they feared that Satan had already laid a hand upon them, +and was about to claim them as his own. + +Even the young fellow who had murdered the old pirate, seemed to +entertain some hope of escape from earthly enemies, for he commenced +crawling away from the fires as fast as he could on hands and knees, and +bent his course directly towards our ambush. Once or twice I saw him +look back, apparently with the expectation of receiving a shot in his +rear, but finding that his captain was too much occupied with his own +matters, he seemed to think that Providence had interfered in a most +wonderful manner in his behalf, and recommenced crawling with renewed +energy and hope, not caring half as much for the ghost as he did for the +vengeance of his chief. + +"Here comes this fellow directly on to us," whispered Mr. Brown; "what +can we do to start him in another direction?" + +"Groan him away," I replied, recollecting the efficacy of diabolical +sounds in my own case; and forthwith we uttered in chorus the most +hideous noises possible for human beings to produce. So frightful were +they that even Tyrell, who had made his boast of being able to endure +all things, gradually retreated as he saw the ghost advance towards him +with the flaming headdress, and at length, after giving one quick glance +around, and finding that he was deserted by his crew, fairly turned, and +bounded into the brush and disappeared from sight. + +We listened attentively, and could hear the bushrangers making their way +through the woods in hot haste; but fearing the shrewdness of Sam, we +kept perfectly quiet, until we were certain that gentleman had really +left his quarters, and was not lurking in the vicinity to see what sort +of a ghost had frightened him. + +"A splendid performance," I said, as Mr. Brown and myself stepped from +our ambush, and congratulated the shepherd, who, much as he liked to be +praised, didn't think it worth while to listen in so conspicuous a +place. + +"Follow me as fast as possible," he exclaimed, removing his still +smoking headdress, and exhibiting a face blackened and singed by the +flames. "We ain't safe here even for a minute, for the devils will come +back after their traps, and if they should get hold of us we would be +real ghosts in less than an hour." + +I had the same impression, and therefore followed our guide through the +woods in a directly opposite course from that which the bushrangers +took, and in a few minutes we had the satisfaction of gaining our island +and finding our horses as we had left them. + +"Now that we are beyond the reach of the robbers, tell me how you +prepared your fiery headdress?" Mr. Brown asked, turning to the +shepherd, who was rubbing his burnt face and singed hair and whiskers. + +"The fact is," replied Day, "the flames are a new sort of 'speriment, +and I've hardly got use to 'em. I think that I should do better next +time. I have every reason to think so, and if I don't, I shall be forced +to give up that portion of the show, although I should think that it +was very effective, if I may judge from the remarkable antics of the +coveys. That black-whiskered scoundrel wanted to have a shot at me, and +I guess that he would hadn't it been for the fire. The flames are a +great improvement, 'cos they make me look jist as though I had arrived +from kingdom come." + +"But how was the effect produced?" demanded Mr. Brown. + +"Well, I don't know as I had ought to tell you coveys, 'cos you might +claim the 'vention as your own," replied the shepherd, coquettishly; but +finding that we were ready to vouch for our disintertestedness, he +continued: "You see when I was overhauling your traps last night--" + +Here Mr. Brown groaned, as he thought of the liquor which had been +carried off, and how acceptable it would be at the present time. + +"I found a lot of matches, so I took half that you had," continued Day, +"which I consider an honest transaction, 'cos I know coveys who would +have carried all off and not thanked ye. I've got some honor, if I am a +shepherd." + +"Especially when you drank all my brandy," Mr. Brown remarked. + +Day scorned to notice the insinuation, but continued: + +"I thought how convenient them 'ere matches would be, and I didn't +scruple to take 'em, 'cos I knew that if we were acquainted you would +divide, and be glad to accommodate me." + +We didn't tell Day the maledictions we had showered upon his head, or +how we should have treated him had we caught him with our puck. We +thought that as he had been of service to us we would withhold our +expressions of dissatisfaction. Day continued: + +"I had the matches in my pocket when I seed that black devil get ready +to kill his man, and a thought struck me that if the bushranger was +'gentleman Sam,' I'd better look out how I played pranks with him, 'cos +he's as bold as a lion, and nearly about as strong. I thought that if I +was to frighten him I'd got to put on the extras, and I jist collected a +few dried twigs, lashed them on the head with dried kangaroo sinews, +tougher than an undertaker's heart, and when I found that it was about +time for the coffin, I jist lighted the wood works with a match, and +there I was all shining bright like an angel." + +"If you resemble an angel, I don't wonder at the few visits they pay the +earth," grumbled Mr. Brown, who, now that the danger was nearly past, +was disposed to quiz the man who had been so serviceable to us. + +"Well, I 'spose there is some difference 'twixt us," returned Day, "for +if all angels got burned as bad as I have been they would leave out the +fire when they went visiting." + +"Well, well," replied my companion, consolingly, "you have been an angel +to us, Day, and if I had only a portion of the good liquor which you +carried off last night I would drink your health and bathe your wounds." + +"Would you, though?" demanded Day, with animation. + +Mr. Brown reiterated his statement, although in a languid manner, for he +did not exactly approve of the midnight depredation which our friend had +been guilty of. + +"Well, to tell the truth," continued Day, "I didn't drink all that I +found, 'cos I thought it would be cruel, so I jist changed it into a +bladder that I carried water in, and I have got it stowed away here +somewhere." + +Never did a confession sound more welcome, and we watched out friend +eagerly until he returned from the place where the liquor was hid, and +we found about a pint of the raw material saved from his rapacious +stomach. + +"Here is health and long life to all undertakers' apprentices," Mr. +Brown said, pressing the bladder to his mouth in the most affectionate +manner. + +The words were hardly uttered when we heard the shrill calls of the +bushrangers, as they rallied after their flight, and were returning to +their encampment to recover what articles they had left behind them. +Surprised to think that they should have ventured upon haunted ground +the second time, I glanced towards the woods, and found, to my surprise, +that daylight had stolen upon us almost unperceived, and that the +bushrangers had gained fresh courage from the fact, and were still in a +condition to annoy us. + + + + +CHAPTER LXXII. + +FINDING THE BURIED TREASURE. + + +If we had once given the matter a thought, we might have known that the +bushrangers would return to their camp by break of day, for the purpose +of securing their effects which they had left behind, and to talk over +the matter of the spiritual apparition. I almost regretted that we had +not, during their absence, endeavored to gain some secure retreat, +either at the station on our right, which our Day belonged to, and where +it was thought the bushrangers would not have dared to follow us, or +else having struck out boldly for Mount Tarrengower, endeavored to have +discovered a path or trail that led over the mountain, where we might +have found safety. In case no trail existed, we could have secreted +ourselves in one of the dark glens on the side of the Mount, and +remained there until Day had brought us word that the coast was clear. + +Even Mr. Brown and the ghost began to look black when the peculiar +calls, which we knew were signals employed by the bushrangers, saluted +us. Daylight was already upon us, and the occupation of our apparition +was at an end, for however horrid he might look during darkness, the +light of the sun revealed his true character, and stripped him of his +ghastly look. + +As it was impossible for us to venture from the island while the robbers +infested the woods, we naturally turned to each other for advice and +counsel. Mr. Brown considered that our only chance for safety was to +remain where we were, and wait patiently until Sam and his gang were +disposed to vacate the woods, and he argued shrewdly that they would +not pass a second night in a locality that had been the scene of a +cold-blooded murder, and the appearance of a ghost of the most frightful +description. + +The shepherd was in favor of the same plan, and expressed himself ready +to fight like a Briton in case we were attacked, and to show his +sincerity, revealed to us the state of his powder horn, half full of +diamond glazed, while his pouch contained nearly thirty bullets, each +weighing an ounce. + +Luckily we had taken the precaution to remove Mr. Brown's gray horse +from the main land to the island, so that no trace of our presence +remained, excepting the footprints of the animals. + +"I think," said Day, after a moment's hesitation, "that I can venture to +meet the coveys and have a talk with 'em, and endeavor to allay their +suspicions if they have any." + +Of course Mr. Brown and myself remonstrated against such a measure, as +we considered that his life would not be worth one of his sheepskins if +met by the gang. + +"I don't know 'bout that," Day replied. "The coveys ain't so fond of +killing stockmen, if they don't meddle too much with their mutton, and +I'm sure whenever gentlemanly Sam and his boys have honored me with a +visit, I have let 'em have their own way, and they have killed without +hinderance. If that isn't treating 'em well, then I was not larnt +manners." + +"There is some force in what you say," Mr. Brown replied. + +"Of course there is. Can't I go to the coveys and pretend that I am +searching for stray sheep, and tell a lie or two about the horses, and +then hint that I don't like to be caught in this part of the country +after dark, 'cos I have seen strange sights, that I don't like to talk +about? I don't know how we are to manage, unless I act the part +proposed, for as sure as you are alive, the coveys will feel curious +enough to know what has been going on in the island, and if they once +get a hint that we are here, it is all day with us." + +"We could defend the island against ten times the number of bushrangers +that belong to the gang," muttered Mr. Brown. + +"No doubt of that," remarked the shepherd, dryly; "but the coveys ain't +going to make a fight of it by any means. They would starve us out in +less than twenty-four hours after beginning the siege." + +Mr. Brown pointed to the horses, as though intimating we could eat them +if pressed,--but Day shook his head. + +"Tain't the grub that we should need as much as something else. Give me +a well of water and the horses, and I'll agree to hold this island agin +all the bushrangers in the country. Don't you know that when the sun +begins to scorch a covey's head he must have water in his stomach, or +he'll soon kick the bucket? We could eat the animals, but we must have +something to drink likewise, or else we'd have fits, and like as not +kill each other. No, no, we can't stand a siege and hope to escape, and +I think what I have proposed is the very best plan." + +We hardly knew what reply to make our acquaintance, who seemed +determined to run his head into the lion's den, but the thought suddenly +struck Mr. Brown that if the shepherd meant to thus expose his life he +deserved to get large pay for it, and as my friend was one of those kind +of men who liked to have every thing understood, he considered that it +was his duty to touch on that particular point, and find out what his +views really were. + +"We could afford to pay something for the risk that's run, in case you +undertook the task, but we are not rich by any means, although you may +think so by our appearance," my friend said, with a complaisant glance +at his person, which he imagined was dignified, forgetful that he had +dismissed the uniform of an inspector, and wore nothing but a flannel +shirt and duck trousers. + +"Humph," muttered the ghost. "I should almost be ashamed to change +places with either of you. As for reward, first wait till I ask for one. +I will promise not to claim any thing more expensive than a bottle of +brandy, and a few pipes of 'bacca, and those I shan't ask for unless you +come this way again, which isn't likely." + +"If we don't come we can send," cried Mr. Brown, eagerly, "and I promise +that you shall have a gallon of as good brandy, and half a dozen pounds +as good tobacco as can be found in Ballarat, if you can get those d----d +bushrangers clear of this part of the country so that we can escape. +There they go again, with their eternal _co-hoo-pe._ What in the devil's +name do they mean by that, I wonder?" + +"It is the signal for them to extend, and keep a sharp lookout," I +replied, recollecting the signal perfectly well, having heard it many +times. + +"Then I have no time to waste, as the funeral undertaker said, when told +that the body in the house would come to life if left unburied," cried +the ghost, beginning to strip off his sheepskins with nervous haste. +"I'm to have the liquor and 'bacca, mind." + +I joined Mr. Brown in assuring him that we would freely keep our word; +and after Day had drained the last drop of liquor that we had with us, +he boldly started on his dangerous undertaking, and we watched his form +as he walked over the peninsula, and reached the main land, with more +than ordinary interest. + +Suddenly he stopped, before reaching the woods, and applying his hands +to his mouth, he uttered a word that is well known to stockmen of +Australia. + +"Co-hee," he shouted, and it seemed as though the sound could be heard +for miles, so sharp and shrill was it. + +In an instant the various cries which the bushrangers had uttered were +hushed, and the robbers seemed surprised at the sudden call, which they +knew did not belong to their party. + +Once more the shepherd placed his hands to his mouth, and gave the +shrill cry of--"Co-hee." + +I never heard a yell that sounded so distinct, and which seemed to +travel such a distance. I venture to say, that if a person had been upon +the summit of Mount Tarrengower, he could have recognized the call, and +had he answered, we should have heard it. + +Day, apparently satisfied with what he had done, rested upon his honors, +and waited for the finale of his adventures, and he was not long kept in +suspense, for the bushrangers, after a brief reconnoitre from behind +trees and bushes, suddenly debouched into the open plain, and advanced +towards the seemingly unconscious shepherd at a rapid rate, and foremost +in the group, I recognized the dark features of Sam Tyrell, the leader. + +"Who are you, that answers our calls like a man lost on the plains?" +demanded Sam, throwing his gun into the hollow of his arm, as though he +meant mischief if provoked. + +"That's a pretty question for you coveys to ask, after eating my mutton +as long as you have," replied Day. "I'm a shepherd, and belong to this +station, and am now looking after my pet ram that got away from the +flock some time during the night, and I'm afeard he's missed. You coveys +ain't seen him, have you?" + +The leader shook his head in a negative manner, and seemed to entertain +no suspicion in regard to Day's doings the night before. + +"I want to find the ram, 'cos he's a valuable one, and cost the owner of +the stock considerable money, but I'll be blamed if I stay round here +long, ram or no ram." + +"Suppose we refuse to let you leave us?" asked Sam, rather gruffly. + +"I don't care about, leaving, as long as you stay," replied Day, with +perfect assurance, and here he looked over his shoulder, as though he +feared to see something at his elbow that would prove disagreable, "but +I don't visit this spot often, and when I do come, 'tain't in the night +time, you had better believe." + +This confession seemed to awaken an interest in the bushrangers, for +they crowded round Day as though desirous of an explanation; and from +the point of our observation, carefully concealed by rank grass and +rough rocks, we could observe the gang whisper to each other, and look +at the shepherd, as though he could give an explanation if he was +disposed to. + +"What do you mean by your hints and frightened looks?" demanded the +leader, in a tone that was intended to act as a warning, in case Day +should attempt to deceive. + +"O, what is the bloody use of my telling you coveys any thing?" the +shepherd answered. "You fellers who don't care for the devil, wouldn't +believe me, and I should only get laughed at. Have you seen my ram?" + +"Blast your ram," cried Sam, with an impatient air. "We want to know +what you mean by saying that you have seen strange sights?" + +"Did I say that I had?" inquired Day, casting a rapid glance towards the +woods, as though he feared the appearance of a horrid spectre. + +"We are not to be trifled with, shepherd," and as the leader spoke, he +made a motion with his gun that was very significant, and Day understood +it, although he manifested no signs of disquietude. + +"Is it possible," our friend asked, "that you have never heard of the +Hunter of Mount Tarrengower? A huge spectre that rides on a white horse +sometimes, and who threatens with death all who invade his sacred +retreats. I have never seen the ghost, but one of my brother stockmen +has, and he told me that he would not look upon the like again for the +station, stock and all." + +"Why does he frequent this spot in preference to others?" demanded the +leader of the gang, who seemed to be interested in the story in spite of +his assumed indifference. + +"O, an old stockman once told me that a shepherd was roasted near these +diggings by a gang of bushrangers, who wanted him to give up some money +that he had. The covey was stuffy, and refused, or else he hadn't got +any, I don't know which is the right story, but this I am positive of, +I'd sooner give up all I was worth than be burned at the stake." + +"Perhaps the reason is, you are worth nothing," suggested Sam, after a +brief survey of the speaker. + +"You have hit the nail of the coffin on its head this time," chuckled +Day. "I don't see a sovereign from one year's end to t'other, and don't +'spect to till my time has expired, so that I can work for myself." + +"You are a ticket of leave man, then?" demanded Sam, with more feeling +than he had shown during the interview. + +"Well, if I wasn't I shouldn't be here, working for thirty pounds a +year, when there's gold to be dug for the mere paying of a license. No, +no, just wait till I can call myself my own master, and then the sheep +and stock may go to the devil, for all that I care." + +"Can't you tell us something more about the ghost?" asked one of the +men, who seemed to take an especial interest in Day's narrative. + +"Well, I don't like to talk about the matter, 'cos 'tis said that the +old feller visits those who are too intimate with his name. My comrade, +who is at the other end of the station, told me once that he saw the +Hunter when he was all in a blaze, and that when he spoke the ghost and +flames disappeared. I don't believe half what he tells me though, 'cos I +'spose he tries to frighten me, but I've got as much courage as he has, +any day." + +There was a breathless silence for a few moments, and the robbers seemed +to be digesting the story which they had listened to. We could see them +whispering together, and apparently were disposed to believe what the +shepherd had said. + +"Here are the prints of horses feet," Sam exclaimed, pointing to the +ground. "Have you seen horsemen in this vicinity lately?" + +"Heaven forbid," cried Day. "The only horse that visits these parts is +rode by the Hunter." + +"Then we will give him fire to light him on his way," exclaimed Sam, +with a forced laugh, and calling his men he turned and walked towards +his late encampment, and was soon lost to view. + +His gang followed close at his heels, and we were not sorry to see them +depart, although we could not help wondering what was meant by the +threat of finding fire for the supposed ghost. We found out, however, +full soon, and owed the scamp a bitter grudge for his work. + +The shepherd pretended to walk rapidly in the direction of the +stock-house, but concealed himself amid the trees, and waited until he +thought the last robber had retired from sight, when he again joined us, +and received our hearty congratulations for his good conduct. + +"Now, then, let us have another search for the treasure," cried Mr. +Brown, springing into the hole which Day had excavated, after he had +frightened us from the island. + +"And you can't be too quick about the work, neither," muttered the +shepherd. + +I asked for a meaning to his expression, but he declined answering, and +seizing the pick began to tear up the sods with lusty strokes, but +before a dozen blows wore struck, I heard the point of his pick strike +something that gave forth a metallic sound. + +"Hold on, Day," I cried, "the prize is within our grasp at last." + +I carefully removed the dirt with my hands, and had the satisfaction of +bringing to light a canvas bag that was so decayed that it barely +supported the heavy weight which it contained. + +Mr. Brown and the shepherd were almost frantic with delight, and would +have cheered lustily, had not fear of bringing the bushrangers upon us +again restrained them. + +"Down with it, so that I can say I have seen some money in my lifetime!" +cried Day. "Empty it out, and let me feel of it; let me but touch the +precious yellow boys with my fingers, and wonder how many splendid +funerals it would pay for." + +I took one of his sheepskins and poured the contents of the bag upon it, +and out rattled gold dust, sovereigns, doubloons, a number of American +gold pieces--all bearing the date of 1832--articles of jewelry, such as +finger rings and watch chains, and at the bottom of the bag was a lady's +gold watch, enamelled back, and half a dozen small diamonds set in the +form of a cross upon the case. I examined the watch carefully, and saw a +stain near the diamonds. Something told me that the mark was the blood +of the unfortunate owner. I laid the jewel down with a shudder, and +thought of the cruelties to which the owner had undoubtedly been subject +before she met her death. Day, however, partook of none of my feelings, +for he was eager to possess so attractive a trinket. + +"Take it if you desire it," I said, handing the watch to the shepherd, +"but you will always recollect that there is a stain of blood upon the +case." + +"Not I," he replied, handling the article with as much pride and +pleasure as a boy receives a new toy; "I didn't shed her blood, and so +shan't trouble myself about this little spot that is on the case. It's +as pretty as a mahogany coffin, but it don't go." + +"The works are rusted, and it will be necessary to send it to Melbourne +for repairs." + +"Not I," answered the ghost, with a chuckle; "somebody might see it and +lay claim to it, and then where would be my watch, and where would I be? +Another term at the hulks is not agreeable to think of, and my accounts +of the manner in which I got hold of the thing wouldn't be believed. No, +no; I'll wear it out of sight until I leave the country, or am rich +enough to escape suspicion." + +I thought that Day's course was the best, if he desired to retain +possession of the property, for, as he said, a number of awkward +questions would probably have been asked him at Melbourne, the mere +carrying of a watch by a ticket of leave man being looked upon as +suspicious by people who were not so honest as Day. + +We continued our examination of the treasure, and were delighted to find +that it exceeded our expectations, and so engrossed were we in +speculating upon the nature of the dust that we forgot the hardships +attendant upon obtaining it. + +We counted the coins, and found that we had about three thousand +dollars, and I judged the dust was worth about as much more, as it was +of good quality, and entirely free of dirt. "Now, Day, how much shall +we give you for your valuable services?" asked' Mr. Brown. + +"O, I am satisfied with this," he answered, holding up his watch, which +he was polishing on his shirt sleeve. + +"But, of course, you expect a portion of the dust and gold coins?" + +"No, I don't expect any thing, 'cos I volunteered my services, and I'm +always happy to accommodate, as the man said who was willing to be put +in a coffin before he was dead. Never mind me, I'm satisfied." + +The shepherd's modesty surprised me, for I had anticipated, from his +eagerness to get hold of the watch, that he would be equally as eager +for a share of the gold, and Mr. Brown and myself were both aware that +he deserved a handsome reward for the dangers through which he had +passed to free us from the inquisitiveness of the bushrangers. +Therefore, the more backward Day appeared the more firmly did we insist +upon doing justice to his merits. + +Mr. Brown and myself consulted together for a few minutes, and then +concluded to give him a thousand dollars in gold coin; and when we +announced our decision, the shepherd was frantic with delight. + +"O, luddy!" he cried, "wouldn't I have a time to-night if I was in +London and had this money in my pocket? Wouldn't I drink 'alf and 'alf +till I couldn't speak, and then go to bed with--" + +So elated did Day get with the idea that he clapped his hands together, +and sprang into the air, cutting antics of the most singular kind. While +he was thus expressing his gratitude, and even while his face was +teeming with pleasure, I saw a wonderful change come over it. He stopped +speaking, and muttered,-- + +"D----n 'em; now they have done it, and no mistake!" + +"What is the matter, Day?" asked Mr. Brown, rather sternly, thinking the +remark was applied to us. + +The shepherd pointed with his hand in the direction of the main land, +and one look was sufficient to convince us that the threat which Sam had +uttered was no idle one, for a cloud of black smoke was issuing from the +trees, not in one place alone, but in fifty, and before we could recover +from our astonishment, a sheet of flame darted from the woods, and +gathering headway as it crept along, seized upon the dry grass, and +rapidly approached the peninsula. + + + + +CHAPTER LXXIII. + +THE ESCAPE FROM THE FIRE. + + +All the troubles through which we had passed were mere child's play +compared to our situation at the present time, for a forest on fire was +a danger that was calculated to test our energies to the utmost if we +expected to escape with whole skins and our lives. For a few minutes, +therefore, we were overwhelmed and speechless, and gazed into each +other's faces for counsel. Our first thoughts were that we could remain +on the island and escape the fury of the flames, and so we might have +done had we possessed water sufficient to quench not only our own thirst +but that of the animals. A moment's reflection, however, convinced us +that we could not exist for half a day where we were, with a scorching +sun overhead and a roaring fire in front, and that, if we intended to +escape, we must begin to make preparations without delay, as every +second the flames increased and extended on all sides. + +"Pocket the gold," shouted Day, setting us an example with his share. +"We will try and save that and our own lives, but as for the rest of the +baggage we must leave it behind." + +We were not backward in filling our pockets with the dust and coins and +by the time we had secured the last scale Day was saddling the horses +and putting on their bridles. + +"We can never get the animals through the fire," Mr. Brown said, well +knowing the reluctance with which horses approach flames. + +"I've thought of that," responded Day, "and intend to cover their eyes +with sheepskins." + +The idea was a capital one, and was immediately carried into effect The +skins which Day had used to play the ghost were now employed to cover +the heads of our restless animals, for as the fire increased they seemed +to be aware of their danger, and were with difficulty prevented from +plunging into the bog, where they would soon have been smothered in +defiance of our exertions. The instant that their eyes were blindfolded +they became perfectly quiet, and suffered themselves to be led to the +peninsula, which they crossed without accident, and while we debated for +a few minutes which course we should take to avoid the danger, the +animals remained motionless, as though they had every confidence in our +wisdom. + +"We must look to you for guidance here," Mr. Brown said, turning to the +shepherd, who was attentively watching the course of the flames. "There +is a horse for each of us, and a few blows must not be spared to make +them carry us safe through the fire." + +We threw ourselves into the saddles, and left the pack horse, a stout +brute, for Day to take charge of. Every thing that we had packed upon +his back we had left on the island, and the only articles that we +carried on our own persons were revolvers. Even our powder flasks we +emptied for fear of an explosion, as the air was full of cinders blown +in all directions by light breezes which began to spring up with the +morning sun. + +"Which direction shall we take, Day?" I asked, thinking that it was +about time we started, as the fire was creeping towards us at a rapid +rate. + +"'Pon my word, I don't know," he replied, with a puzzled expression upon +his face. "You see that the woods on our right are on fire, and so are +those on our left lending to the banks of the Loddon. 'Tisn't the trees +that I care so much about as the grass. If I only knew whether the grass +was on fire beyond the woods on our right I'd give half of the gold I've +got in my pockets, and think myself fortunate." + +"If our situation is so desperate it won't do to stand here and talk +about it. Let us make a bold push and reach the river if possible, +unless you think the bushrangers have retreated in that direction," I +remarked. + +"Them coveys are safe enough," replied Day, pointing to the mountain, +from which we were separated by a wall of fire that almost blistered our +faces where we stood. "They have gone up there like so many kangaroos, +and no doubt are laughing at the sight, and thinking how surprised the +ghost will be when he appears to-night. Them coveys hain't got much +respects for beings of this world or 'tother, I should judge by their +treatment of the best specimen of a goblin ever got up in any country." + +"D----n your long yarns, let's get out of this confounded furnace before +we stop to talk," was the response of Mr. Brown, who began to grow +impatient under the fiery ordeal. + +Day looked as though he would like to discuss the matter, but he altered +his mind when he found that the fire was within ten feet of where we +stood. + +"For God's sake, are you going to keep us here till we are smothered?" +yelled my friend; and there was some danger of it, for the smoke swept +towards us in clouds, and made us gasp for breath and long for a drink +of the sweet water of the Loddon. + +Thus urged, Day made another hasty survey of the smoking plain, and +then, striking his sharp, bony heels into the sides of his horse, led +the way over the burning grass at a tremendous pace, closely followed by +Mr. Brown and myself. + +The animals, as though aware that their lives and our own depended upon +their good behavior, galloped over the plain that separated us from the +woods without once balking, although I feared and expected it every +moment. After we reached the trees where the fire was raging severely, +and where it was impossible to discover the path which we had followed +when we were on our way to the treasure, I was fearful that we should be +obliged to dismount and trust to our legs for an escape, for to have +checked our animals even for a moment would have so bewildered them that +we should have lost all control over them. Our good genius, Day, +however, by some peculiar landmark, knew the trail in spite of the +smoke, and did not hesitate for a moment. + +"Keep close to me," he shouted, looking back for a moment, and then, +with a wild yell, he gave his horse free rein, and on we dashed close to +his heels. + +On each side of us the flames were roaring and surging like the breaking +of a heavy surf upon the seashore, and every moment the fire was +extending by the aid of the grass and dead branches of trees, which were +like tinder, no rain having fallen in that part of the country for three +months. + +We could see but a short distance ahead of us owing to the smoke, and +for a while we were in a state of great uncertainty whether there was an +outlet in the direction which we were pursuing. Our retreat was cut off, +for the fire had rolled across our track, consuming every blade of grass +in its course, and our only hope of safety was to continue onward and +endeavor to outstrip our enemy. + +Suddenly Day checked his horse, and waited for us to gain his side. + +"We can't get to the river this way," he said, hurriedly, "for the grass +is all on fire in front of us, and is burning like a furnace. Our +animals would drop before they got twenty rods, and then where should we +be?" + +The question was too pertinent to be answered readily, even if we had +the time. + +"I think that we had better take to the woods on our right and endeavor +to gain the mountain, or the foot of it at least. The fire does not +spread so fast in the vicinity of the trees, although there is more +smoke than on the open land." + +"There is danger of our getting confused, and rushing into the fire, +instead of out of it," replied Mr. Brown, in answer to my suggestion. + +"Not if Day knows the ground," I replied. + +"I know every rod of it between here and the Loddon," he answered, +promptly. + +"Then lead the way, and the risk be on my head," I said, turning my +horse's head in the direction of the woods. + +The shepherd hesitated for a moment, and while he was considering the +matter, a huge kangaroo bounded from the woods on our left, passed +within ten feet of us, and disappeared in the smoke that was rising from +the trees on our right. A second afterwards my horse suddenly started, +and with difficulty could I control him. I thought that the fire had got +under his feet, but a glance to the ground convinced me that such was +not the case, and that the animal was frightened at something more +dreadful than the flames, for creeping across the trail, with head erect +and flashing eyes, was a huge diamond snake, nearly fifteen feet long +and about fourteen inches in diameter. The serpent was too eager to make +his escape, and was too much frightened to think of molesting us, but I +was not sorry to lose sight of him, although at any other time I would +have given him the contents of my revolver. + +"That kangaroo knows the best route for getting clear of the danger. +Let's follow him." + +Day's idea of following the animal was good, but it was exceedingly +probable that the brute was half a mile from us before we made up our +minds which direction to take. Kangaroos get over the ground with more +than railroad speed, each bound which they make averaging from fifteen +to twenty-five feet in length. + +We turned our horses' heads and urged them through the smoke, avoiding +the fire as well as possible, so that our animals would not become +alarmed and refuse to move, except in the direction of danger. By this +means we made some progress, and soon hoped to get clear of the trees; +but before we had advanced a quarter of a mile a long wall of fire +headed us off, and again brought us to a stand still. To retreat was +impossible, for the fire was surging after us, and feeding upon the long +grass with a fierceness that told us we could not cross the line and +hope to live, while if we advanced a like result was certain. On every +side of us we could hear the trees crack, and sway to and fro, and then +fall with a heavy crash that showed how rapidly the flames had spread, +and with what intensity the fire was burning. Our fate began to look +doubtful, and I had almost a mind to throw away the gold which loaded +down my pockets, and to possess which I had encountered so many dangers. + +"What shall we do now?" demanded Mr. Brown, his voice as firm and +apparently as composed as when in Ballarat, surrounded by his policemen. + +Day was evidently at the end of his expedients, for he sat on his horse +and only stared at us in reply, not offering a word. + +"In which direction is Mount Tarrengower?" I asked. + +The stockman pointed with his hand to the right of us. + +"Are you sure?" I demanded. + +"Positive," he answered. + +"Then follow me!" and with a word I encouraged my horse, and started at +as rapid a pace as possible in the direction indicated. + +Mr. Brown and Day followed as close as possible, and for a few minutes +we were kept hard at work dodging the branches of trees, and guiding our +blindfolded horses through the labyrinths for the purpose of avoiding +the fire as much as possible. Sometimes we were compelled to halt until +a cloud of black smoke, impregnated with the juice of gum trees and +stately palms, had passed over us and revealed the course which it was +necessary for us to pursue to find safety. Amidst all this it was a +consolation to know that we were not getting into hotter localities, and +that the flames were raging more extensively in the quarter which we had +left but a minute before, for we could see fire rolling over the very +spot we had stopped at when Day had relinquished the head of the party. + +On we went, and at length the smoke gradually diminished, and above the +tree tops could be seen the rugged sides of Mount Tarrengower. Even then +we did not consider that we were in safety, for a change of wind would +bring the fire upon us a second time, and then we should be hummed in +between the sides of the mountain and the woods--no very enviable +situation. We felt thankful, however, for our escape so far, and prayed +as well as we were able that the wind would hold in its present position +until we were in safety. + +For a few minutes we sat upon our horses and watched the flames at our +feet,--for we were on elevated ground, and could overlook a large +portion of the fire--and a grand sight it was to see tree after tree +fall with a tremendous crash, sending up sparks and jets of flame, and +thick clouds of black smoke which rose high in the air, and then sailed +in majestic grandeur in the direction of Ballarat. We were too busy with +our thoughts to converse for some time after our escape, but at length +Mr. Brown suggested to Day that his sheep would suffer during his +absence, even if they were not all destroyed by the fire. + +"No fear of that'," replied the shepherd, with a grin which showed how +much interest he had in his employer's property, forced, as he was, to +take care of it by the strong arm of law. "Sheep ain't such devilish +fools as to run into fires with their eyes wide open. When I go back I +shall find my flock all right, and if I don't 'tain't much matter. My +comrades, however, will wonder more about my absence than the animals, +and I s'pose they will think I'm a goner." + +"How near are we to the station, Day?" I asked. + +"Let me see," replied the shepherd, after a moment's reflection. "We +can't be move than five miles from the Loddon, and if we follow the left +bank of the river long enough we shall reach Wright's station, where we +can get something to eat, and perhaps be sure of a welcome." + +"Humph," grunted Mr. Brown, "your directions are not very plain, and you +seem to be in doubt whether we will fare well or ill after we gain the +farm. Why should we not be received with kindness?" + +"Well, to tell you truth," replied the shepherd, with commendable +frankness, "I don't think that the looks of you two coveys are very +prepossessing, and I have a fear that you will be mistaken for +bushrangers, and get a dose of lead instead of a dinner. I 'spose that +if I was to go ahead and speak for ye 'twould be all right." + +We could not help laughing at the impudence of the fellow, and yet he +was perfectly serious in his belief. + +"Let us shape our course for the farm, and not be all day thinking of +the matter," Mr. Brown said testily. "If Wright won't give us a supper +and a bed we can go without." + +"Remember," shouted Day, as we urged our horses along as fast as +possible over the uneven ground, keeping close to the base of the +mountain, to avoid the fire which was still raging parallel to our +course, "I don't bold out hopes that you will be well received. I ain't +much acquainted with the covey Wright, so that it will be no use for me +to ride in advance." + +"Don't distress yourself," replied Mr. Brown, somewhat annoyed to think +that a stockman should want to vouch for his respectability; but I +looked at the matter in the light of a good joke, and, riding by the +side of Day, I managed to discover the reasons for not wishing to appear +before the farm house of the proprietor. + +It seemed that Mr. Wright was engaged extensively, not only in +agriculture but in stock raising, and that to carry on his business it +was necessary to employ quite a small army of laborers, as well as a +small colony of dogs, who guarded the sheep during the night, and formed +regular cordon around them, into which circle none could enter or depart +except the shepherds. In case of an alarm by an invasion of bushrangers, +the employees were required to turn out and act as skirmishers to repel +the enemy; and as every person was well armed and compelled to be a good +marksman, Mr. Wright, after a few battles, in which the bushrangers +suffered no insignificant loss, finally concluded that it was better to +get their mutton at some station where blows were less plenty and flesh +equally as good. + +Still, in spite of these drawbacks, Mr. Wright was compelled to be +constantly on the alert, and never laid his head upon his pillow of +dried grass at night expecting to wake up alive in the morning, for the +region in which his farm was situated was surrounded by bands of +depredators; and how should he know but they would join forces and make +common cause against a man whom they considered an enemy? + + + + +CHAPTER LXXIV. + +ARRIVAL AT MR. WRIGHT'S STATION. + + +A love of excitement was the key to Mr. Wright's secret for remaining on +his farm and cultivating it, while danger attended him at every step +that he took, unless surrounded by a body guard of laborers. Yet he +neglected no precaution to insure his safety, and those under his +charge; and for this purpose he had two natives of Australia attached to +his farm, and their duty consisted in watching for the footsteps of +strangers, and following their trail until satisfied that no wrong was +intended; or, if danger threatened, the occupants of the farm could be +prepared to meet it from the timely warning of the industrious blacks. I +think that I have before spoken of the ability of the Australian to +follow a trail with the fidelity of a bloodhound--no matter how light +the step or what kind of ground is passed over, the native is never at +fault, or thrown off the scent; and even if a dozen men attempt to +deceive him, he picks out the footsteps of the person he is in pursuit +of, and knows an enemy from a friend. + +Their tact and knowledge in this respect is marvellous, and is only +equalled by their skill at throwing the boomerang,--a curved piece of +wood, measuring from twenty inches to three feet in length. + +As I listened to Day's description of the farmer of the Lodden, and his +means of repelling attacks, and precaution against surprise, I no longer +regretted the dangers of the excursion and its hardships. I longed to +see a farmer of Australia, and learn his method of planting, and what +kind of tools he used, and all the information which I hoped would be +interesting to my agricultural friends in this country. I forgot that I +was not clothed in exactly the kind of costume that would insure me a +warm reception, and I forgot that the farmers of Victoria, as a general +thing, are as aristocratic in feeling as the gentlemanly farmers of +England. + +I could have wished for a white shirt and a decent riding costume; but +as I was destitute of those luxuries, I determined to appear like an +American gentleman, even if I didn't look like one. + +As for Mr. Brown, he manifested the most profound contempt for clothing +when I hinted the matter to him, and concluded by expressing a hope that +if Mr. Wright didn't like our personal appearance he wouldn't look at +us, which I considered only just and reasonable, although, as a general +thing, I prefer open hostility to quiet contempt. + +In about two hours time we gained the banks of the Loddon, and quenched +our thirst with its pure water, and then followed the stream along for a +number of miles until we began to approach signs of cultivation, when we +struck a very good road that apparently had been used for the carting of +water to the farm house. In a short time we came in view of an immense +field of wheat, ripe and ready for reaping, but without a fence or hedge +to guard it against the depredations of animals, although, as far as I +could judge, the grain had not suffered in that respect. + +Still, we met with no one connected with the farm; a circumstance that +gave Day some uneasiness, for he was continually urging us to be +cautious how we moved along, and to check our horses the instant a word +was addressed to us. + +"It's all very well for you coveys to pretend that you don't care, but +if a few bullets should happen to fly this way and knock you off your +horses, what satisfaction would there be in letting the coveys know that +they had made a mistake. Recollect, you don't look over genteel." + +We calmed the shepherd with assurances that we would be extremely +careful, and continued onward, and when we least expected it, a sudden +rounding of the road freed us from the trees which grew upon the banks +of the Loddon, and we emerged upon an open space containing about sixty +acres, and in the middle of the vast square was the farm house belonging +to Mr. Wright. It was quite a respectable building, two stories high, +with flat roof, and constructed entirely of rough logs, yet fitted +together with considerable pretensions to skill and nicety. + +On the roof, to keep out the rain, and to prevent the bushrangers or +natives from setting fire with burning arrows, was dirt about a foot +deep, and sodded over with turf. The body of the building, we could see, +was full of loopholes, and commanded every approach, and there was no +tree or outhouse sufficiently near to interfere with this arrangement, +or any unequal ground which a foe could take advantage of. + +At some distance to the left of the castle, as Mr. Brown facetiously +called it, were three immense pens, one filled with sheep, and the +others with horses and other animals, and I judged there were as many +dogs on the outside of the pens as there were rams on the inside, for +the instant we appeared in sight we were greeted with such frightfully +discordant yelling and barking that I began to fancy we must indeed +present a woeful spectacle, or we never should be saluted by such +vindictive sounds. Still, not a shadow of a human being did we discover, +and I began to think that the bushrangers had made a descent, murdered +those connected with the farm, and then escaped, when I was suddenly +convinced of my error by hearing the report of a musket, and an ounce +ball whizzed by my head and struck the ground about ten rods in the rear +of us. + +"That says, stop where you are, plain enough," remarked Day, checking +his horse; an example which we were not slow in following. + +"But if we remain here we shall get no supper," I remarked. + +"That is the truest word that you ever uttered," cried Mr. Brown, with a +grin, at our predicament. + +"Will you go forward, Day, and let Mr. Wright know that we are friends?" +I asked; but the shepherd shook his head, and declined, and manifested a +willingness to retreat from the neighborhood of the house, although I +will do him the justice of stating that he showed no signs of fear. + +"Look at the cowards at the windows of the house," cried Mr. Brown; and +sure enough, the inmates of the building had thrown open the iron +shutters, and were gazing at us with some curiosity, although I noticed +that each man held a musket in his hand for fear of surprise. + +"I wouldn't refuse to speak with all the bushrangers in Australia, if I +had a fortress like that to retreat into," muttered Mr. Brown, with a +smile of contempt. + +"Let us cross the Lodden, and find the Hawkswood station," suggested +Day, "I'll warrant that we shall get something to eat, and perhaps a +drink of rum there. I've had a taste of the hospitality of that place +more than once." + +I was almost resolved to follow the advice, but a look at the heavens +convinced me that we should have rain before many hours, owing, +probably, to the fire which was raging at a distance, as fiercely as +ever, and night was nearly upon us. Besides, I began to feel really +exhausted for the want of food and rest, and I was fearful that if Day +should miss the trail we might wander about until daylight, and still be +some distance from the place we were in search of. + +With these opinions I combated both Mr. Brown and Day, and made an +impression, for the former exclaimed pettishly, that if I was desirous +of remaining, I might devise some way of giving Mr. Wright and his +numerous proteges intelligence of our honesty. The task was a difficult +one, but I scorned to be at a loss for expedients. + +In the bosom of my shirt I had a handkerchief, made of India silk, and +of a yellow color, but at a short distance it appeared white, and I +thought it would answer for a flag of truce. Therefore, before my +companions were aware of my intention, I flourished the handkerchief +over my head, and galloped at a moderate pace towards the house, +expecting every moment that I should get a shot for my recklessness, but +I intended, if there was any firing, to wait until the farmers were +satisfied that I meant honestly, provided, of course, I escaped getting +hit, of which I was in some fear, I must confess. + +Luckily for my safety, Mr. Brown and Day remained where I left them, and +were watching my movements with some curiosity, and considerable +anxiety. Had they advanced towards the house at the same moment as +myself, we should all have bitten the dust, and rich pickings the +stockmen would have had emptying our pockets, and boasting of their +exploits in shooting three men with but a single effective revolver to +defend themselves. + +On I galloped, waving my handkerchief in token of friendship, and +exciting dismal howls from the canine brutes, whom I expected every +moment would desert their flocks and attack me, but I afterwards +understood that the dogs were so well trained that no amount of +temptation could induce them from their charges. Had it been otherwise, +my gallant horse would have had to put his speed to good account, tired +as he was. + +When within three rods of the house, I halted, and prepared for a parley +with the garrison, and I was the more ready to commence it, from the +simple circumstance of seeing about a dozen old muskets pointed at me, +and the holders of the same glancing along the barrels, as though +meaning mischief. + +"Can you give me and my friends supper and lodgings to-night?" I asked, +addressing the crowd, seeing no one that I supposed was in authority. + +"Go away wid ye, ye thaves and murderers," cried a voice, "rich with +brogue," and I could not help laughing in the fellow's face at the +answer. + +"We will pay you well for our entertainment," I continued, after I had +sufficiently recovered my composure. + +"Will ye lave, yer blackguard?" demanded the first speaker, shaking his +old gun at me, and motioning for me to depart as soon as possible. + +"We have been without food all day," I continued, "and, after escaping +the dangers of the burning plains, it seems hard to be driven away from +a Christian's door like dogs." + +"It's a pity, so it is, that ye wasn't consumed in that same fire. Away +wid ye, and don't bother honest people like us. Ye can't come in here, +and that's flat." + +"I suppose that you imagine we are bushrangers," I said; "in that you +are mistaken. We have just escaped from a gang." + +"Thin ye had better 'scape back agin, as fast as yer two legs will carry +ye," cried the Irishman. + +"It's the first time that I ever knew a native of the Emerald Isle to +refuse a stranger a crust of bread or a drop of water," I continued, +resolved to try what virtue there was in flattery. + +"Will yer save yer blarney?" demanded the fellow, again levelling his +gun in my direction, a proceeding that I did not thank him for, although +I did not manifest alarm. + +"Go to the devil!" I cried, thoroughly out of patience, "and send your +master to me." + +"O, holy St. Patrick! only hear him! He calls me master the devil, and +thinks I won't resent the insult. Look out for yer eye, for by the piper +that played before Moses, I'll bore yer through and through!" + +I believe the fellow would have kept his word, and I was just about to +show them my horse's heels, when I heard a man speak in a tone of +authority,-- + +"Up with your guns, and don't make fools of yourselves by shooting an +unarmed man." + +In obedience to the order the guns were lowered, and a number of the men +fell back from the window, and allowed me to get a glimpse of the person +whom I supposed to be Mr. Wright. He was a tall, well-built man, with +broad shoulders, and a face entirely English, covered with sandy +whiskers. + +"Who are you?" he asked, with the bluffness and arrogance of a native of +Great Britain. + +"A man," I replied. + +"I have your word for that, but I require better evidence." + +"What better evidence do you require?" I demanded. + +He did not notice the remark, but continued,-- + +"I see many people every week, and although they have the form of men, +they are villains." + +"The more reason why you should treat honest people with courtesy when +chance brings them this way," I replied. + +"Hear the feller's blarney," muttered the Irishman. + +"Silence," said Mr. Wright, and the command was obeyed. + +"We have to be extremely cautious whom we admit within these walls," Mr. +Wright continued, "for a gang of bushrangers has been prowling around +the farm for a week or more, and are endeavoring to destroy my flocks. +How shall I know that you don't belong to the gang?" + +He waved his hand in a significant manner, and I could not have been +more surprised had an earthquake shaken me from my horse. + +"My deeds have always been squared in accordance with the great +principles of the fraternity," I replied, and it was pleasing to see +what a change took place in the demeanor of the farmer. + +"Down with your guns," he shouted, "and unbolt and unbar the door. See +to the gentleman's horse, and let us have for supper the best that the +station affords." + +The heads disappeared from the windows as if by magic, and in a few +seconds' time the heavy outer door was thrown open, and forth issued Mr. +Wright at the head of his employees. I signalized to Mr. Brown and Day +to advance, and then dismounted and met the strong grip of the farmer's +hand with one equally as hearty. + +"I ask ten thousand pardons," he said, "for my questions, but I am +obliged to keep a strict guard over my property, or I should be +surprised by the forest rovers, who would amply repay the numerous +checks which they have received at my hands, were they able to do so." + +"Make no apologies," I replied, "for I don't blame you for classing me +with suspicious characters; but the fact is, we have passed through a +cordon of flames, and I think our clothing is somewhat damaged, and our +personal appearance not very prepossessing. We should not have troubled +you had not necessity compelled us." + +"No trouble, no trouble," he exclaimed, with all the heartiness of an +Englishman who is disposed to be friendly; "I am always glad to see +company, provided, of course, it's the right kind." + +By this time Mr. Brown and Day had joined us, and were waiting to +receive the same welcome that had been bestowed upon me. I introduced +them in due form, and gave Mr. Brown his ex-title, which pleased him +excessively. + +"I know you," Mr. Wright said, addressing Mr. Brown. "Haven't we met +before?" + +"I should say that we had," replied my friend, scanning the farmer's +face keenly. + +"You were stationed at one time in Melbourne?" Mr. Wright inquired. + +"For a number of years." + +"And of course you remember that I landed at that city ten years since, +with one hundred pounds in my pocket?" + +"Large numbers of emigrants arrived with more money than that," replied +the ex-inspector. + +"But my case was a peculiar one, for the first night that I stopped on +shore my hundred pounds were stolen," continued Mr. Wright. + +"Quite a common case," my friend said; "women are fair to look upon +after a long sea voyage." + +"D---- it, you have 'hit the nail on its head," cried the Englishman, +hastily. "I lost all my money." + +"I knew you would say that, if you told all. Go on." + +"I complained to the police, and you investigated the circumstances, and +found my hundred pounds after some trouble," he continued. "Be thankful +that I was young and inexperienced at that period," cried the +ex-inspector, with a laugh. + +"More--you refused to accept of a reward that I offered for the recovery +of the money." + +"I must have been dreaming. I am glad to think that there is one +circumstance in my life that I can refer to and not blush," cried my +friend, jocosely. + +"Bah!" cried the farmer, who didn't believe that Mr. Brown was speaking +what he felt. "You gave me good advice, and from it I trace all my +property." + +"I am glad to think that I have given one person good advice in my +lifetime. I wish that I had taken some of it myself." + +"I followed your directions and bought stock with my hundred pounds, and +now look around and see my flocks. I count my cattle by the thousands," +continued Mr. Wright, pointing to his immense pens. + +"I remember you," my friend said, "and knew you the instant you spoke, +but I preferred to let you recall reminiscences of by-gone days, to see +if there is any gratitude in the world." + +"Gratitude?" echoed Mr. Wright; "darn it, man, when you are tired of +stopping with me I'll give you a hundred head of cattle." + +"Don't do it, for mercy's sake. I prefer that you should give us +something to eat now. Show your liberality that way, for we are +famishing." + +"Eat, man! you shall have the best that I can get. Here, Mike, Pat, +Peter, where am you all? Take charge of the gentlemen's horses, and give +them a feed of grain and a thorough rubbing down. Put supper on the +table instantly, and brew us a bowl of punch that will make us sing like +nightingales, and sleep like honest men. This way, gentlemen, there is +my house--rough and uncouth, but better than the shelter of a tree +during a rainy night. You are welcome to my hospitality." + + + + +CHAPTER LXXV. + +SUPPER.--RETURN OF MR. WRIGHT'S SCOUTS. + + +The room into which Mr. Wright conducted us was on the ground floor, and +was about thirty feet deep and fifteen feet wide. Around the walls were +hung skins of kangaroos, stuffed parrots, and other birds of gaudy +plumage, while confined in brackets were old muskets in sufficient +quantities to frighten all the natives of Australia, but their +appearance, imposing as they were, would not have sufficiently impressed +a bushranger of nerve into the belief that they were dangerous, even if +loaded with their proper quantum of powder and lead. + +We had hardly crossed the threshold of the building when a shrill voice +greeted us with,-- + +"D----n bushrangers--d----n bushrangers--caught at last!--ha, ha!--I +knew it!--I said so!--steal sheep, will you?" + +We started back at such a reception, and Mr. Brown began to mutter +something about "gratuitous insults," when Mr. Wright pointed to a +remarkably large parrot that was roosting on the back of a chair, +surveying us with quiet dignity, and evidently with considerable worldly +wisdom. + +Our anger vanished, and we made immediate overtures to Poll, for the +purpose of establishing a firm friendship, but our advances were met +with dignified coolness, while Day, who attempted to scratch the bird's +head, got severely bitten for his pains. + +"D----n the beast!" muttered the shepherd, rubbing his finger. + +"That's right--swear! D----n it, why don't you swear? Sheep stealers! +Who robs people? Ha, ha! Set the dogs on 'em!" + +"A precocious parrot," said Mr. Wright, "and he is indebted for his +profanity to my men, who learn him much that is bad, and little that is +good, and to tell the truth, he learns the former much more readily than +the latter." + +"In which he closely resembles our policemen," muttered the +ex-inspector. + +"These gentlemen are my friends," said Mr. Wright, addressing the +parrot, and formally presenting us for its distinguished consideration. + +"O, friends, hey?" croaked the bird, eyeing us sharply; "why didn't you +say so before? give Toll something; pretty Poll!" + +We were unable to comply with the request, and the parrot didn't spare +us in his denunciations for our illiberality, and to relieve us, Mr. +Wright proposed that we should visit his private apartment and change +our clothes, seeing that we stood in need of different raiment very +much, and having none of our own at hand. + +The room into which we were shown was used as a sleeping apartment and +wardrobe by the proprietor of the station, and while it contained but +few of the luxuries of civilized life, it was not entirely destitute of +a comfortable appearance. + +In one corner was a rude bedstead, with a hair mattress and blankets, a +looking glass of miniature dimensions, a rifle of English pattern, heavy +and cumbersome, a pair of splendid duelling pistols, a long sword with +basket hilt, and a bowie knife. + +"Here's where I sit and read, and sometimes write," said our host, +throwing open a window to enable us the better to see his treasures; "my +library is small, and I seldom make additions to it, but the few books +which I have are like friends whom I can trust, old and true. Now I +desire that you shall change your garments, and if you wish, take a bath +before supper." + +The proposition which our host made was not to be neglected, for my skin +felt as though parched in an oven, and my clothes were so scorched that +they were ready to fall to pieces. We did not scruple, therefore, to +avail ourselves of the courtesy of Mr. Wright, and after a wash in a +huge hogshead, that was used for bathing purposes, we once more found +ourselves comfortable, with clean garments, and when we were dressed +supper was announced. + +Day, who had participated in our toils and struggles, and whom we had +learned to regard with considerable affection, declined seating himself +at the table with us, and all our urging did not overcome his +diffidence, although backed by Mr. Wright, but, I must confess, rather +feebly, and it was so evident that the farmer did not care about the +company of Day that I no longer urged it. + +"I saw the fire that is raging in the woods early this morning," Mr. +Wright said, when he saw that our appetites were slightly checked, "and +I feared that it would spread this way, and so gave orders to drive in +the cattle and pen them up until all danger was passed. I was more +willing to do this from the fact that my two Australians reported +bushrangers in the vicinity, and that, after hovering around for a day +or two, they had left for Mount Tarrengower." + +While Mr. Wright was speaking, we could hear roars of laughter in the +next room, which seemed to be the kitchen. + +"My men are at their supper, and I suppose that your follower, whom some +of my people tell me belongs at the next station, is amusing them with +his wonderful adventures." + +"He is as honest a fellow as ever lived, and has served us most +faithfully. Without his aid we should not have escaped the fury of as +savage a flock of bushrangers as ever roamed through the woods of +Australia." + +I spoke with some warmth, for I considered that Day deserved as good +treatment as ourselves. + +"I don't doubt his honesty or his bravery," returned our host, dryly, +"but I am compelled to believe that if you knew how much I have to +contend with here in the wilderness, hardly knowing friend from foe, and +desired to treat all alike, I am sure that you would not think hard of +me if I did desire to exclude the shepherd from the table. Be assured +that he is happier where he is, and when another stockman visits my farm +he will not be expected to sit at the same table with myself. Discipline +is what keeps my men in subjection." + +Another roar of laughter from the kitchen, and the servant who attended +upon our table entered the apartment with a broad grin upon his face. + +"Well, Jackson, something is going on in the kitchen that amuses you as +well as the rest," Mr. Wright said. + +"Yes, sir; that covey from the other station is telling the funniest +things about his playing ghost, and frightening bushrangers into fits. +He's a wild 'un, and no mistake." + +A sudden darkness and pattering of rain drops outside told us that the +storm had begun, and we felt thankful that we were under shelter for the +night. + +"Tell the men who are on duty to look well to the cattle, and then make +themselves comfortable for the night," our host said, addressing the +man, who seemed to be Mr. Wright's especial attendant. + +The person alluded to departed on his errand, and while he was gone we +surveyed the heavens from the windows, and found that the clouds were +black and full of moisture, while the rain was descending in torrents. + +"Let it continue this way for an hour or two, and I shall have the +pleasure of your company for a day or two at least," Mr. Wright said, +apparently pleased with the thought. + +"Why so?" I asked. + +"Because the Loddon will be impassable, and resemble no more the quiet +river such as you saw to-day than to-morrow morning will resemble the +present moment. But come, let us return to the table, and have our +coffee and pipes; cigars I have, if you prefer them." + +But no one desired them, for after once getting acclimated to pipes, +cigars are of a secondary consideration. + +We again took seats at the table, and lighting our pipes, sipped some of +the excellent coffee at our leisure, and while the storm raged without, +we talked and chatted of the past with as much freedom as though we had +been friends all our lifetime. + +Lights were brought, and the heavy window shutters closed, and we drew +our chairs nearer to each other as the wind howled around the stout +building, and the lightning played in the air with extraordinary +vividness as the darkness increased. + +"This storm will soon extinguish the fire in the brush," Mr. Wright +said, "and I shall not be sorry to know that my wheat is no longer in +danger of being consumed by fierce flames, instead of hungry men. Ah, +well, I have seen many fires raging since I settled on the thousand +acres that I own, but somehow I have escaped much injury, excepting +once." + +"Let us hear the particulars; a story will suit me above all things at +this time," I said. + +"There is not much of a story connected with the matter, and I'm a poor +hand at a yarn, but such as it is you shall have." + +He touched a bell, and his attendant entered as promptly as though +serving in a first class hotel, and had been trained to the business all +his lifetime. + +"Is the punch ready?" asked our host. + +"Yes, sir." + +"Bring it in, then, and clear the table of dishes." + +A bowl holding about a gallon was placed upon the table, and the fumes +of the Santa Cruz rum were grateful to our nostrils. Mr. Brown rubbed +his hands with glee, and was impatient to begin the attack. + +"Give the men a stiff glass of grog all round, and when I want you I +will ring," said Mr. Wright to the servant. + +The man bowed, and left the room to make the hearts of the laborers +happy by announcing the gift. + +Mr. Wright filled his glass and was about to commence his story, after +wetting his lips with the punch, when Jackson suddenly entered the room. + +"Well?" asked Mr. Wright, with some surprise. + +"Kala and Iala have returned, and desire to see you immediately, sir." + +"What is the matter?" asked our host, with visible uneasiness. + +"They have seen footprints in the bush, sir," was the brief rejoinder. + +"The devil they have. Let them come in and report." And while Jackson +was absent Mr. Wright remained in a thoughtful mood. + +Jackson was absent about five minutes, when he returned, ushering in two +natives of Australia, whose names were Kala and Iala. They were +bareheaded, and the water was running down their necks in miniature +streams, while their long, straight hair hung over their shoulders and +faces, almost concealing their deep-set, large, piercing eyes, which +were fixed upon us in amazement. Their legs and arms were bare, and did +not look larger than those of a child, while their long, bony feet were +entirely unprotected by shoes or sandals, yet they were so hardened that +the tooth of a serpent would have broken in an attempt to bite through +the skin. + +"Well, Kala, what news?" asked Mr. Wright of the native who appeared to +be the spokesman. He spoke in the language of the Australians, but as +the reader is not supposed to understand it I shall interpret it, as Mr. +Wright did for us. + +"We have been in the bush," was the brief rejoinder. + +"And what did you see?" was asked. + +"We go many miles from here on the trail leading to the big village," +Kala said. + +"Go on." + +"We see many tracks, and we followed them." + +"In which direction?" demanded Mr. Wright, eagerly. + +"Come this way," the native said. + +"Did you see the people?" asked our host. + +"How many?" + +"Six," Kala answered, holding up one of his fingers. + +"Bushrangers?" our host continued. + +At this question the two natives seemed puzzled, and they looked at each +other as though wondering what answer they should return. + +"Two of them were not men," at length the native said. + +"Boys?" suggested Mr. Wright. + +The faintest shadow of a smile stole over their faces as Kala replied,-- + +"No boys. Wear things like shirt round legs, and funny hats on heads." + +"Why, darn it, the rascals mean women," cried our host, with some energy +and considerable relief. + +"Yes," was the prompt reply of Kala. + +"They won't hurt you, man, unless they happen to fall in love with your +black skin and marry you. Then I'd not be responsible for your head." + +"Men have long guns, and little guns in belts," continued Kala. + +"Pooh!" said Mr. Wright, turning to us and refilling our glasses, "the +poor fellows have got frightened at their shadows. They have seen a +small party of miners on their way to Ballarat, and it's probable that +they have missed the direct road and got on one of the numerous trails +which sometimes puzzle the best stockmen. They will find their way out +after a fashion, although this is rather a hard night for exposing +females. You can go," he said, addressing the two natives, but the men +still lingered as though not satisfied with their visit. + +"Miners no kill children," Kala exclaimed, briefly. + +"How? Who has killed children?" demanded Mr. Wright, setting his glass +upon the table, its contents untouched. + +Mr. Brown pricked up his ears and listened, for he had a slight +knowledge, of the aboriginal language, and understood a portion of the +conversation. + +"Men take child and throw against a tree. No cry more," Kala said. + +"The brutes!" muttered Mr. Wright, struck with consternation at the +atrocity of the deed. + +"Four men, two women," continued Kala, holding up his fingers for us to +count. "All come this way, and seem in a hurry. Women cry, and men +swear; men make them ride on horses to go fast." + +"This is news indeed," Mr. Wright said, turning to us, "and I hardly +know what to make of it. Can you solve the riddle?" addressing Mr. +Brown. + +"It is plain," my friend rejoined. "A party of miners have been attacked +by the bushrangers, and the latter are now endeavoring to escape with +two women prisoners. The fellows probably belong to Tyrell's gang, and +will make towards Mount Tarrengower to join him." + +The solution seemed probable, and for a few moments there was a profound +silence. The natives glanced from face to face as though endeavoring to +read the thoughts of the white men, although they did not appear much +distressed at the events which they had related. + +"I pity the poor women," remarked Mr. Wright, at length. "Their fate +will be a sad one, and death a welcome release from their sufferings." + +"Can't you make an effort for their release?" I asked, but our host +shook his head. + +"The night is dark and stormy," he said, "and it's impossible to tell +where the party, is at the present time. To-morrow we may be able to do +something." + +"To-morrow will be too late," replied Mr. Brown. "The rogues by that +time will have joined the main body of the gang, and will laugh at our +efforts to dislodge them from their rendezvous on the mountains." + +Still our host did not seem impressed with the idea that we could afford +the unfortunate females relief, although I judged that his disposition +to do so was strong. + +"Ask Kala if he thinks that he can find the fellow's trail to-night, and +promise him from me a pound of tobacco and a bottle of rum if he +succeeds," Mr. Brown said, addressing Mr. Wright. + +The message was conveyed to the natives, and Kala's eyes sparkled at the +idea of gaining the promised luxuries, but Iala did not seem so +enthusiastic, owing to his name not being mentioned in connection with +the presents. + +"Tell Iala from me," I exclaimed, "that he, too, shall have a pound of +tobacco and a bottle of rum like his brother if he succeeds." + +The look of displeasure disappeared from the dark face of the native as +he heard the offer, and he displayed his sharp, white teeth in token of +approval. + +"The men go by the old trail through the forest. They will not trust the +new road leading to the house for fear of meeting our people. The trail +is much longer, but safer. After they get through the woods they will +have to cross a mud creek. The horses will refuse to enter the water, +and considerable time will elapse before they can be got across. If we +can meet them at the creek there is no escape for them." + +Such were the expressions of Kala, uttered slow and distinct, as though +he was weighing each word, and knew the importance of good counsel. We +had not much time to consider the matter, for the native informed us +that he and his brother had run with all their speed to the house, after +once making sure that the bushrangers intended to take the trail instead +of the road. + +"Well, gentlemen, what is your opinion on the subject? Shall we sally +forth, like knights-errant of old, and rescue the women from the +clutches of the devils, or shall we sit here and finish our punch, and +then go to bed? I am ready to hear a few words on both sides of the +question, but no long arguments." + +Our host meant work; I could see that by his flashing gray eyes. + +"Can't we drink the punch after we return?" asked Mr. Brown. + +"Ay, and as much more as you wish," promptly responded our host, rising +from the table, an example that we were not slow to follow. + +Jackson, who had remained waiting in the room during the interview, now +stepped forward, as though aware that his services would be required by +his master. + +"Bring me my pistols, and oil-cloth coat and cap, and be in a hurry," +were the only commands that Mr. Wright issued, and Jackson, who knew the +man's impulses, did not delay an instant in executing the order, and +with the articles named he brought coats and water-proof hats for us, +while to our surprise, he placed upon the table the revolvers belonging +to Mr. Brown and myself, cleaned, oiled, and loaded. + +"I supposed that you would want them in good condition when you left the +farm, so while you were at supper I took the liberty of attending to +them," Jackson said, in an apologetic tone, as though fearful that he +had exceeded instructions. + +"You are deserving of a pardon, and hang me if I don't get you one +before six months are passed," cried my friend, enthusiastically, after +a slight examination of his weapon, which showed him that it was loaded +correctly and capped with great nicety. + +The poor fellow started with surprise, and his face flushed with +agitation. I saw him turn away, as though ashamed to display his +weakness. + +"There is no such joyful news for me, sir," he said, at length, in as +firm a voice as he could command. + +"Don't you believe that story," cried Mr. Brown, heartily. "Plenty of +men have received pardons, and they didn't deserve them as much as you. +My word for that." + +"Bushrangers get there before us," muttered the natives. + +"Kala is right. We must be under way, or the fellows will slip through +our fingers. One drink all round, and here's success to our expedition." + +While I was fitting my head gear the door opened, and in walked Day, his +eyes glistening as though he had drank a cup too much of Mr. Wright's +strong water. + +"No, you don't," he said, surveying us from head to foot; "if you think +that you can get off without the best ghost that the country can produce +you are mistaken. You can count me in." "Then hurry and get ready," I +exclaimed, "for we have not a moment to lose." + +"Ready?" asked the shepherd, "ain't I all reedy as I am? I don't want +your ile-skins to keep off a little wet. I'm used to it. Lead the way, +blackies, and I'll keep close to your heels." + +"But you have no weapons," Mr. Wright said. + +"Ain't I got 'em? Look here!" and to my surprise, he produced from the +bosom of his flannel shirt a large pair of horse pistols, which he had +borrowed from one of the farm hands. + +"You'll do; go ahead," our host said. And as we sallied into the entry +we saw that all the laborers were drawn up in a line, as though to take +formal leave of us. + +"Please, sir, let me go wid you," I heard the familiar voice of the +Irishman, who greeted me on my arrival, say. + +"And me," cried a dozen voices, in the same breath. + +"I don't want you all, but Mike may go," was the brief reply. + +"Glory to God! we'll lick thunder out of all the bloody bushrangers that +iver dared to show their homely faces this side of the Loddon. I'm off;" +and Mike, who feared that the order for his going would be revoked, +snatched a long spear that stood in the entry, and rushed out of the +house hatless and shoeless, and full of fight. + +"Take good care of the house, Jackson," Mr. Wright said, addressing his +servant, who stood near him. + +"You don't wish me to accompany you, sir?" he asked. + +"No, no. Stay here and take care of the house, and mind that you defend +it against all odds, in case of an attack." + +"Bushrangers move quick," muttered Kala. + +"I'm coming. Now, gentlemen, we will try the speed of your limbs;" and +out of the house we sallied, and stood in the driving storm for a few +minutes, completely blinded by the sudden transition from light to +pitchy darkness. + +"Follow Kala," muttered the native; but the request was an +impossibility, because Kala was invisible even a foot from where we +stood. + +"Give the strangers your arms, and lead them until their eyes get +accustomed to the darkness," Mr. Wright said, addressing the natives. + +"That is a good arrangement for us, but how are you to find the way?" +cried Mr. Brown. + +"We know every foot of land within a circle of five miles," was the +prompt response of our host; and to show that he made no idle boast, he +started towards the field of wheat which we had noticed early in the +afternoon, while we followed close at his heels as best we could, much +to the disgust of the natives, I have no doubt, for they could scarcely +restrain their impatience at the slowness of our pace. + +The dogs saluted us with a mighty howl as we passed them, but a word +from their master quieted their valor, and by the time we had got clear +of the cattle pens our eyes were sufficiently accustomed to the +darkness, and were enabled to dispense with the guidance of Kala and +Iala, who gladly got at the head of the column and led the way towards +the creek, which it was stated the bushrangers would have to pass. + +"Under this tree," said our host, pointing to a gum tree of gigantic +proportions, "I killed one of the largest diamond snakes that I ever +saw in the country. There used to be a nest of them near this place, but +I think that they are exterminated by this time. You recollect the +snake, do you not?" he continued, addressing the natives in their +dialect. + +"We remember," was the brief reply. + +"Couldn't you conveniently change the conversation?" Mr. Brown asked, +and I shared his interest in the matter, for I didn't like the topic in +so dark a night. + +"Pooh! you ain't afraid of snakes, are you?" Mr. Wright asked, in a tone +that implied that he was not. + +"Well, I don't care if I confess that I have seen more agreeable sights +than a d----n big, black snake, with a mouth large enough to swallow a +baby without much trouble. I don't wish to be rigid, but it strikes me +that I prefer daylight when the conversation is tending towards such +cheerful topics." + +I could see that Mr. Brown was intently engaged in scanning the ground +while speaking, as though he feared there might be a few of the varmints +unkilled from the nest spoken of. + +"About a mile further, gentlemen," and we felt thankful for the +information, for a more disagreeable night's tramp, so far, I had never +experienced. Still, the thoughts of the two suffering women enabled me +to keep my spirits up, and to press forward with eagerness to the point +at which we expected to relieve them. + +There was no cessation to the rain, and the lightning was as vivid as +ever, but the thunder was rolling away to the southward, and muttering +and growling as though sorry at having relinquished the battle without +more of a struggle. + +"If I was only as wet within as I'm without, it's in fighting trim I'd +be," Mike said, addressing the shepherd, who was tugging along with the +most stoical indifference as to the fulling rain and bad road. + +"I can fight, wet or dry," was the answer. + +"And can't I do the same?" asked Mike, inclined to take umbrage at the +remark. + +"Show me a thing that an Irishman can't do as well as an Englishman," +cried Mike. + +"Can you play the ghost like me?" demanded the shepherd. + +"And why not?" + +"Because, who ever heard of a ghost speaking with the brogue?" asked the +stockman, triumphantly. + +"Bedad, I didn't think of that," Mike muttered, completely crushed by +this new evidence of his companion's superiority. + +"If you two grumblers don't stop your wrangling I'll choke you," Mr. +Wright exclaimed, angrily. + +"I'm dumb," Mike said. + +"I'm silent as a corpse," cried the undertaker. + +"I'll spake no more this night," continued Mike. + +"See that you don't," answered our host. + +"Divil a bit, till I see a bushranger, and then I'll give him a taste of +my spear." + +"That you may do, and you shall have a glass of grog for every one that +you kill," answered Mr. Wright. + +"Holy St. Patrick! you don't say so. Don't any one go near 'em but me. +I'll fight the thaves and vagabonds every one, single handed and alone, +like a Killarney man that I am." + +For twenty minutes we continued on our course, expecting to strike the +creek every moment,--yet the night was so dark that it was impossible to +tell whether we were on the trail, or wading over the pasturage of the +farm. + +Even Kala was at fault, and glanced towards the trees, and examined them +to discover if we were in the proper locality, but apparently without +much success, and I began to think that our expedition was a failure, +when the native uttered a grunt. + +"Well, Kala, what now?" asked Mr. Wright + +"There be creek," he said, and by the aid of a flash of lightning we +could see his thin black arm pointing to a line of trees on our right. + +"And the trail?" suggested our host. + +"We reach it by and by. Come now, and don't talk." + +We followed the native, with the renewed hope of soon terminating an +adventure, and as we gained the edge of the gum trees, which were +convincing proof that we were near the water, the Australians bent +themselves to the task of finding the trail, or the place where the +bushrangers were expected to ford. On their hands and knees they crawled +about from place to place, aided occasionally by a flash of lightning, +but still they were unsuccessful, though not discouraged. Their natures +were too patient for that. + +"To the devil with the trail," muttered Mike, hitting one of the +prostrate natives with his spear. "Let's find the brook, and then we'll +be all right, shan't we? Find the main thing first, and then toiler up +the little ones, used to be the advice of me father, God rest his soul, +and keep him well supplied wid whiskey in the nixt world! Ah, what man +he was to be sure! You knew him, sir?" continued Mike, addressing Mr. +Wright, who was awaiting the result of the Australians with exemplary +patience, considering that the rain was falling in torrents. + +"Be quiet," said our host, "or if you must do something go and see how +near we are to the creek, and don't make a noise." + +"I'll do that same," muttered Mike, "but it's the opinion of a man who +knows more than a dozen nagers, that the creek is a mile from here in +the udder direction." + +He went on his mission, grumbling at the supposition that the creek was +near us, when suddenly we heard a loud splash, and Mike's voice raised +in supplication. + + + + +CHAPTER LXXVI. + +MIKE TUMBLES INTO THE RIVER.--ARRIVAL OF THE BUSHRANGERS. + + +"That d----d Irishman has tumbled into the creek," cried Mr. Wright, +endeavoring to suppress a laugh that did find utterance. + +"Here's the river, sure!" shouted Mike, "and a cussed mane one it is. +Help me out!" + +"Be quiet," said Mr. Wright, "or you'll alarm the bushrangers." + +"And do you intend that I shall strangle myself for the purpose of +letting the blackguards git kilt?" remonstrated the Hibernian; "I've +swallowed a gallon of the dirty water already, and it's cowld on my +stomach. Help me out, will ye?" + +We reached the scene of the Irishman's disaster, and were compelled to +wait for a flash of lightning for the purpose of seeing his situation. +When the flash did reveal his position, we saw that he was clinging to +some rocks most tenaciously, while the boiling waters were bubbling over +his head, which he made no attempt to raise beyond the reach of danger. + +"Crawl up the bank, you loon!" cried Mr. Wright, but the advice was +unheeded. + +"Save me!" yelled Mike; "I can't swim and I'm filled with the bloody +dust, that weighs me down like lead. A thousand dollars to the man who +gives me his hand first." + +"Well, give me the thousand dollars, and I'll help you out," Mr. Wright +said, facetiously. + +"Ah, master dear, won't you take my word for the money, or wait till I +arn it?" + +"Just as I always thought," grumbled our host; "an Irishman will promise +any thing in distress, even while he knows that he has no means of +performing his engagements." + +"But isn't it better to do so, master dear, than to make no promises and +die?" asked the Irishman, and I rather thought that he had him on that +question. + +"Perhaps you are right," our host answered, and extending his hand, he +helped Mike to terra firma, and landed him just as Kala informed us that +the ford was ten or twelve rods down the stream. + +Mike recovered his spear, and we once more started, under the guidance +of the natives, and quickly gained the spot that we had spent so much +time in searching for. + +The ford had been used but seldom, and resembled the rest of the creek, +with the exception that the bushes and underbrush had been cut from the +banks of the stream, so that horses, and other cattle, after fording, +could gain the plain without trouble. + +Kala threw himself upon his hands and knees, and carefully examined, by +the lightning flashes, the various footprints which marked the spot, and +which the heavy rain had failed to wash away. + +"Well, Kala," Mr. Wright said, impatiently. + +"No come yet," answered the native, quietly. + +"Are you sure of that?" our host asked. + +"I might have known that, if I had only given the subject a thought, +muttered our host. + +"Well, what are we to do?" asked Mr. Brown, gathering his oil-cloth +around his person, and evidently thinking of the punch, and a good +night's rest; "are we to stay here until daylight, and watch for a party +of men who may be upon the summit of Mount Tarrengower at the present +time? I wouldn't object to waiting, but I don't like the idea of sitting +here and doing nothing, while the rain is endeavoring to obtain a nearer +acquaintance with my neck and bosom." + +"I don't see any other course," Mr. Wright replied; "it's evident that +the devils have not crossed the creek, and can't to-night, but the +streams of Australia subside rapidly, and the instant the rain ceases to +fall they will attempt to ford. We must stay here and watch for the +scamps. Remember the female prisoners." + +"It's all very well to say remember the females, but if I ruin my health +who is to remember me, and take care of me?" grumbled Mr. Brown. + +"I will," promptly responded our host. + +"Then I suppose that I must stay here all night, and make a fool of +myself by running my head into danger, as I have done fifty times +before, and get no thanks for it--hullo! what was that?" + +Before Mr. Brown spoke, Kala had glided to the side of Mr. Wright, and +called his attention, in a quiet manner, to a crashing of brunches that +he had heard on the other side of the river. Our host was too busy +listening to the ravings of Mr. Brown to pay attention to him at that +moment, and the native knew the disposition of his master too well to be +imperative, so Kala didn't have the honor of alarming our squad, or +calling attention to what was going on on the other side. + +In an instant after Mr. Brown's exclamation, there was a breathless +silence, and not a man moved to the right or left. + +"They come," whispered Kala. + +He was correct in his supposition, for in a few minutes we could hear +the party we were in pursuit of halt at the edge of the brook, opposite +to us, and discuss the prospect of attempting to ford, high as the water +was. + +We quietly retreated behind trees and bushes, so that the lightning +should not reveal our presence to the enemy, but we were no sooner +secreted than we were rewarded by getting a view of the four +bushrangers, who were holding horses, on which were mounted the two +females, whose capture had so excited our sympathy. + +"D----n it, Bill," I heard one of the fellows exclaim, for the creek was +not more than four yards across, "didn't I tell you that we couldn't +ford here to-night with the hosses? If we had come the other way twould +been all right." + +"Yes, and run our heads flat agin that d----d Wright, who is always on +the lookout, with his tribe of cussed Irishmen, ready to fight or drink +bad whiskey," grumbled the man whom they had called Bill. + +"Do ye hear him reflecting on me country?" whispered Mike, grasping his +long spear, as though he would like to encounter the libellers of his +countrymen without a moment's delay. + +"Be quiet," ordered Mr. Wright, "and let us hear what the villains talk +about." + +"If it hadn't been for these 'ere wimin, we might have been out of this +fix," cried the first speaker, still grumbling. + +"Well, what could we do with 'em, 'cept bring 'em along?" asked Bill. + +"Do with em?" cried the ruffian, with a bitter oath, "why, draw our +knives across their throats, and let 'em run. That's the way to clear +out prisoners. Women have no business with the gang. There's always a +quarrel about 'em." + +"And 'spose there is? ain't it a compliment to the dear creatures? I'd +rather fight for 'em, I tell you, than not see their faces after they +get good natured, and the cap'n generally brings 'em round in a precious +short time." + +"Eh, don't he?" grunted the third man, speaking for the first time. + +"I tell ye my plan is best, and it's time ye knowed it. We carry half a +dozen into camp to eat up the grub, and make the men lazy. There's no +getting work out of the coveys while they is alive, and you know it." + +"For pity's sake kill us, and end our misery," I heard one of the +females say, appealing to the fellow who seemed in favor of killing +prisoners, to save the trouble of taking care of them. + +"If I had my way, I'd do it d----d quick," he grumbled. + +"We are tired, and can hardly sit on the horses. For the sake of your +mothers, who were women, leave us here in the wilderness to perish, or +to find shelter, as it shall please Heaven." + +"Cease that whine of yours, or I'll throw you into the creek," +threatened the ruffian of the party. + +"Do so, if you dare!" exclaimed another voice, which I imagined belonged +to a female of more advanced age than the first speaker; "you are ugly +enough for any thing," she continued, growing excited as she proceeded, +and raising her voice until it approached a scream, "but I don't believe +that you have the true courage of a man. A man!" she repeated, "you are +nothing but a tailor. Where's your goose?" + +I could hear the bushrangers indulge in a chuckling laugh, as though the +language used to their companion was relished. + +"Stop your mouth, you dirty ----, or I'll stuff a goose down your +throat!" shouted the ruffian, furious with rage. + +"You?" she asked, contemptuously; "why, if my old man was within sound +of my voice, you would run like a sheep from a dog. You are the biggest +coward connected with the gang, and they only keep you 'cos you can mend +their clothes. A tailor! Bah, you are only the ninth part of a man, and +a botch at that." + +"By G----d, woman, you shall feel the length of my knife if you don't +close your mouth," shouted the ruffian, that the woman was goring to +madness. + +"O Nancy, do be quiet," cried her companion. + +"Keep quiet for the threat of that braggart?" the shrill-voiced woman +demanded; "why, if I had a bodkin I'd spit him on it." "Would you?" +cried the bushranger; "then I'll give you a taste of the same sort of +stuff!" + +We heard a struggle for a few seconds, and then the earnest tones of the +most liberal ruffian in remonstrance. + +"Put up your knife, you fool, and don't let a woman get the better of +you. Don't you see that she's trying to provoke you to kill her." + +"And I will do it, too," yelled the brute. + +"No you won't, not as long as I've got charge of this squad. I ain't +going to do all the work, and then let you act as you please, by a +d----n sight. Touch that woman, and I'll make a hole in your side big +enough to throw in a Bible. Put up your knife, and let us see if we +can't cross the creek before daylight." + +"Well, don't let her insult me again, that's all," the fellow said, in +reply to the threat, although it seemed that he was prepared to obey the +order, much as he disliked it. + +"Insult you! you miserable specimen of a fool? why, it would be +impossible to insult you, for your life is but an insult to your Maker!" +cried the shrill-voiced woman, who had been addressed by the name of +Nancy. + +"I'd like to hire that woman to do my scolding," whispered Mr. Wright. +"Lord, how she would make the men fly if they didn't come to dinner at +the exact time." + +By a flash of lightning we could see three of the bushrangers examining +the banks of the creek, for the purpose of judging whether it could be +forded by the horses or not. + +They seemed to decide against its feasibility, for we heard them +grumbling at the idea of stopping there all night, and getting sighted +by "d----d old Wright" in the morning. + +Our host listened to the complimentary remarks about himself with great +glee, for it showed that he was a power that was respected by the +robbing fraternity, and that they took good care to visit his range of +land as little us possible. + +"Are we to stay here in the wet all night?" grumbled Mr. Brown. + +"I don't see how we are to avoid it," Mr. Wright replied. + +"Let us cross the creek, and take those fellows in the rear," I +whispered; "in half an hour we can have every one of them prisoners, or +else _hors du combat_." + +Mr. Wright didn't like the project, as he thought that it was running +too great a risk. Mr. Brown meditated on the undertaking, while the +ghost was pleased with the idea, and vowed that he could accomplish the +project alone. As for Mike, he was in ecstasies at the plan, only he +couldn't swim, which somewhat damped his ardor. + +"Ask Kala if there is a place where we can cross, where the water is not +over our heads?" I inquired of Mr. Wright. + +He put the question, and the native replied that a few rods down the +stream, at a bend, we could cross on a bar, where the water would not be +more than up to our armpits. + +Mr. Wright no longer hesitated, but gave the order to move down the +stream to the place proposed, and as the rain had nearly ceased, and the +moon was high in the heavens, we had no difficulty in finding the spot +which Kala indicated. + +Our only trouble was to prevent the bushrangers from seeing our +movements, so that they should not be prepared for our reception. This +we were enabled to do by keeping within the shade of the bushes and +trees, which grew in profusion upon the banks of the stream. + +"Lead the way. Mike, and find out the deep places with your spear," +commanded Mr. Wright, but the Irishman held back. + +"I couldn't think of taking advantage of my betters, and going before +'em," pleaded Mike. + +"Are you afraid?" our host demanded, angrily. + +"Divil a bit, master; but it's misgivings I have about the water. What +it was made for, 'cept to mix with punch, I don't see." + +"Kala go first," muttered the native, and without waiting for orders, he +dropped quietly into the stream, followed by Iala. + +"The divil! but can't I go where the nager does?" demanded Mike, and he +was up to his shoulders in the brook before we could answer him. + +The ghost followed Mike, and then the rest of us, leaving our oil-cloth +coverings on the bank of the stream, crossed without difficulty, taking +good care that our revolvers were kept dry. + +"Now, I want all to keep silent, and obey my orders," whispered Mr. +Wright; "when I give the word to fire, do so, but not before. + +"Now then, let us steal forward as fast as possible, and Kala, you and +Iala can remain behind, if you please." + +"Kala and Iala will go with you," was the prompt reply, and I marvelled +at it, for the natives are dreadfully afraid of firearms when in the the +hands of white men. + +"Now, gentlemen, let us onward, and may the God of battles give us +success. If any accident should befall either of us, we shall have the +satisfaction of knowing that we suffered in a good cause. Be careful how +you step, and don't be impatient." + +Mr. Wright placed himself at the head of the column, and moved along +carefully, and with some considerable knowledge of woodcraft, although I +almost lost all patience by his continually stopping and listening, as +though that part of the performance was really necessary to insure +success. + +The rain had now entirely ceased, and the black clouds overhead had +parted, and showed light fleecy ones, tinged by the rays of the moon, +which was struggling to show its face, as though angry at having been +hid from the earth for such a length of time. + +This circumstance required our movements to be prompt if we wished to +surprise the ruffians, but Mr. Wright was not a man to be hurried by +such trifles. He had a peculiar idea of how such matters should be +conducted, and neither Mr. Brown nor myself were disposed to interfere +with his plans. + +Suddenly, when within twenty rods of the place where the bushrangers +were camped we saw a light, and for a few minutes Mr. Wright was +uncertain whether to advance or retreat, thinking that the light was +intended as an ambush to draw us under fire. + +In vain I explained that the bushrangers had kindled a fire for the +purpose of cooking a sheep, or a portion of one, and Mr. Brown +entertained the same idea, but Mr. Wright said we were young men, and +rash at that, and that we were not to be trusted. + +We were more amazed than indignant, knowing that our host regarded our +safety more than his own, for he was as brave as a lion, and would have +willingly fought the whole gang had it been necessary to prove his +courage. + +At length I volunteered to act the part of a scout, and investigate +matters, but for a long time Mr. Wright would not listen to my advances, +until I saw that there was a prospect of our remaining on the ground all +night, and then I tore myself away, and requested my friends to remain +quiet until my return. + +This they promised to do, and I started on my mission, not a dangerous +one, as I knew full well, for the ruffians did not suspect the presence +of our force, and I felt certain that they had no sentinels posted. + +The result justified my expectations, for when I had crawled as +noiselessly as a cat to within a rod of the light, I saw that the +robbers had in some way managed to kindle a fire, which, by the way, +attracted myriads of flies and mosquitoes, and they were biting as only +Australian flies and mosquitoes know how to bite, much to the rage of +the bushrangers, who were cooking meat, and endeavoring to beat off the +cloud of insects by threshing their heavy hands about their heads, and +uttering oaths that were frightfully original and emphatic. + +They were coarse-looking fellows, but dressed better than bushrangers +usually were, and I accounted for it by supposing that they had made a +successful plundering expedition, and got new suits from their victims; +and such I afterwards found to be the case. + +I endeavored to get a view of the faces of the women, and by changing my +position I succeeded. The youngest one was not more than twenty-five +years of age, but she looked careworn and weary, and seldom removed her +hands from her face, except, to answer a question addressed to her by +her companion, who seemed about forty years of age, and by the +flickering light of the fire I read determination upon every line of her +countenance, weather-beaten and grim as it was. + +The bushrangers were broiling their meat upon sticks, and eating it with +a relish that smacked of a long fast; and while the women were seated +near the fire on saddles taken from the horses, which were tied to a +tree, and were browsing upon the tender branches, the men did not offer +them food, until one fellow, whose appetite seemed sated, offered the +younger one his stick, upon which was a huge lump of flesh nearly raw. + +She declined the tempting morsel with a shudder, and the action produced +an oath from the ruffian, and an insulting gesture, so vile that I could +hardly keep my hand from seeking the lock of my revolver and shooting +him on the spot. + +"O, well, Miss Dainty, you'll come to your appetite one of these days, +see if you don't. Mark what I tell you;" and the other ruffians smiled +at their companion's wit. + +"There's blood on the hand that offered her food--her husband's blood. +How do you suppose she can touch what you feel disposed to give?" cried +the elderly woman, who was called Nancy. + +"Hullo, old croaker, I thought that you were asleep," the bushranger +said; but still I noticed that he glanced at his hand, and wiped it on +his clothes, as though the stain was burning his flesh like a coal of +fire. + + + + +CHAPTER LXXVII. + +CAPTURE OF THE BUSHRANGERS. + + +"I've not been asleep, but still I've had a dream," Nancy replied to the +insulting taunt of the robber. + +"Hullo, here's a go. An old woman can dream with her eyes open. Tell us +what it was all about, old Tabby." + +The woman looked sternly at her tormentor, but did not deign to reply; +but the robbers were not disposed to have her rest in peace. + +"Come, Tabby, tell us the dream," cried the first speaker. + +"You would know it, would you?" she asked, her dark face looking grim +and sardonic in the wavering light of the fire, which was kept up by +throwing on wood that had long laid exposed to the hot sun of Australia. + +"To be sure I would; and, while you are about it, tell my fortune. +Whether I shall be rich and marry a princess, like them old fellers, +hundreds of years ago, that we read about in some book, blast me if I +know the name of it. Come, fire away while I smoke my pipe, and try to +kill a few of these d----d mosquitoes that have got bills longer than a +criminal lawyer in full practice in Old Bailey." + +The man filled his pipe with tobacco, an example that was followed by +those who had finished gorging, and after he had lighted it, he turned +his head in the direction of the prisoners, as though signifying that he +was ready to listen. + +"The only wife that you will marry will be the gibbet," the old woman +said, spitefully. + +"Peace, you old hag," cried the bushranger, angrily. "How dare you talk +to me in that sort of way?" + +"I thought that you wanted to hear what I have been dreaming about?" she +replied, with a sneer. + +"So I do, but don't you mention gibbets, do you hear, 'cos you might +provoke me, and then you would dangle from one of these trees, a +scarecrow that would cause old Wright much wonder. Now you go ahead." + +"I dreamed that I was in a crowd of excited people, who were walking +towards a prison where they said an execution was to take place. I went +with them, for I felt that I had received so many injuries at the hands +of men that it would be joy to my wounded heart to see them suffer. I +struggled until I reached the front ranks of the crowd, and then waited +patiently until a procession, headed by soldiers with solemn music, left +the prison and marched towards the scaffold." + +"Didn't I tell you not to talk about such things?" cried the bushranger, +fiercely. + +"Then I will not;" and the woman remained silent. + +"Let her go on with the yarn," the other robbers exclaimed. "Let her +tell what she likes about hanging coveys, if she pleases. Fire away, old +woman." + +Thus commanded, she resumed the subject of her pretended dream. + +"I thought that I saw three prisoners, with faces covered with black +crape, march with trembling steps towards the scaffold, while the +hangman, who walked beside them, continually shouted, with a voice so +loud that it was heard by every one, 'Behold, these men are about to be +executed for murder and robbery. Don't pray for them, Christians, for +your prayers will be in vain. They are denounced by God and man, and +hell alone knows how to punish them as their many crimes deserve.'" + +"You old she devil, can't you tell us something more lively than that?" +demanded one of the bushrangers, glancing around uneasily. + +"The best is yet to come," she replied, calmly, her eyes fixed upon +vacancy, as though she really saw the scenes she was narrating. + +"Well, let's have the rest, and don't be too hard on bushrangers, if +it's all the same to you." + +"I saw the procession reach the scaffold, and the three condemned men +ascend the steps, although they trembled so that they had to be +supported by the soldiers, for, though they could kill and rob, they +were cowards at heart, and were to die like dogs." + +"They should have given the coveys a pint of brandy each, and then they +would have been all right," grunted the fellow whom the bushranger +called Bill. + +"A prayer was made by the clergyman," continued Nancy, not heeding the +interruption, "and then the men were informed they could say any thing +if they wished. The crape was removed from their faces, and I saw--" + +"Who?" exclaimed the listeners, eagerly. + +"Your face, and yours, and yours," she cried, pointing to three of the +men, who sprang to their feet with frightful oaths, and murder in their +hearts. + +"Let's hang her," cried one. + +"Burn her for a witch," said another. + +"D----m her," cried the third; while the fourth, who seemed to be much +pleased that he was left out of the galaxy of rascality, remained silent +and thoughtful. + +"Don't harm her," exclaimed the younger woman, removing her hands from +her face, and endeavoring to shelter the person of her companion; but +the bushrangers were regardless of her entreaties, and pushed her aside +with rudeness. + +I did not stop to see more. I rapidly made my way back to Mr. Wright and +party, who were anxiously expecting me, for they had begun to grow +alarmed at my absence. + +"Not a moment is to be lost," I said. "Follow me, and make no noise." + +"What is up?" demanded Mr. Wright, who perhaps did not like to have his +command usurped so rudely, although he did not object. + +"I cannot stop to explain now. Haste, or there will be murder +committed," I replied. + +No more questions were asked, and in less than five minutes after we +were in motion we were near enough to the bushrangers to witness their +operations. They were holding a council, and debating violently what +sort of death poor Nancy should die, but could not agree. They supposed +her words were deserving of instant punishment, and each man thought his +method of taking her life the more praiseworthy. The discussion saved +Nancy, for we were enabled to reach the spot before the fellows could +make up their minds. + +Even in that dreadful moment the tongue of Nancy did not lose its +bitterness, and she was bold enough to boast that her words would come +true, and them what she had told as a vision would prove a reality. + +"Now, then, men, rush on, but don't use your pistols unless necessary. +Let us make them prisoners," whispered Mr. Wright. + +We answered back that we were ready, and dashed forward just as the +ruffians had decided that to hang the woman would be a more pleasant +spectacle than to burn her. + +"Hurrah for Ireland," shouted Mike, springing into the clearing where +the enemy were encamped. + +The bushrangers were so taken by surprise that they had no chance to +gain possession of their weapons, or to beat a retreat. One fellow, when +he saw us emerge from the bushes, drew his knife and struck at Mike; but +it was the last blow that he ever made, for the enraged Irishman +shortened his spear, so that he could use it to more advantage, and then +drove it through the body of his opponent, and from the squirming +wretch's back protruded the barbed point. The fellow threw his arms +wildly over his head, and fell to the ground, and with his last breath +cursed his slayer and the whole of mankind. + +There was not much for us to do, although every man present, including +the two natives, performed the limited part assigned with fidelity and +despatch. + +The ghost, whose true English instincts would not allow him to be +outdone by Mike, made the welkin ring with shouts for England and +himself at the grand charge, and then had deliberately knocked down the +most burly of the robbers, and placed his foot upon his breast, and hold +him there until the melee was ended. + +Of course, the other robbers were easily disposed of, for we were two to +one; but even after we had them securely pinioned, they taunted us with +cowardice, and dared us to meet them in open fight, where they could +stand some chance for their lives. Their complaints were unheeded, +although Mike and the ghost both expressed a wish to meet two of the +men, and give them fair play, according to the well-known rules of the +prize ring of London, of which institution the shepherd professed to +have vast admiration. The idea was not to be thought of, and the two +champions were discontented. + +The women had remained spectators of the scene without offering to +escape, for they knew into whatever hands they fell they could not be +treated much worse than they had been, and just at the moment we made +our appearance a change was quite desirable. + +I thought that once I heard the shrill voice of Nancy raised in +thanksgiving to the Lord for the rescue, and the death of the +bushranger, but was so busy at the moment that I did not pay much +attention. + +"Ladies," said Mr. Wright, "we have rescued you from your unpleasant +company, and I shall take great pleasure in offering you a portion of +my house until you can make arrangements to join your friends. My name +is Wright, and I reside but a short distance from this fording place." + +"I told you we should meet with some of old Wright's folks," grumbled +Bill, who was extended upon the ground, his hands secured behind his +back. + +"Yes, you scamp, I am 'old Wright,' as you termed me, and believe me, I +never felt prouder of the name than at this moment, when I have helped +rescue the women from your clutches, and feel that there is a chance of +seeing you hanged." + +"God be praised," cried Nancy; "we have met with Christians at last. +When men speak of the gibbet, I know that they have served the Lord and +will fight the devil. To-night you have fought four devils instead of +one, and like angels have overcome them." + +"Do you hear that, Bill? The old wench calls Wright an angel," exclaimed +one of the scamps, turning his head towards his companion as well as he +was able. + +"If we had him on the mountain we would make an angel of him d----d +quick, by singeing off his hair," replied the fellow addressed as Bill. + +"Who is the woman by your side?" Mr. Brown asked Nancy. + +"Ah, poor thing, she was on her way to the mines with her husband, when +these devils set upon us, killed the men, and made us prisoners. If my +old man had been there it wouldn't have happened, I know," was Nancy's +confident reply. + +"Why so?" I asked. + +"Because he can lick half a dozen such cowards as these, and one glance +of his eye would have been sufficient to have frightened them." + +"That is so, Nance," laughed one of the prisoners; "he is frightfully +cross-eyed, and as homely as a hedgehog." + +"The Lord be thankful for it, for I know that if his eyes are not right +his heart is." + +"Keep your remarks to yourself," said Mr. Wright, sternly, addressing +the prostrate man; but that they had no intention of doing, for, like +all desperadoes, they were determined to appear "game" to the last. + +"Don't you think, master, dear, that I'd better string 'em on me spear +like herring? 'Twould save a dale of trouble," asked Mike. + +"That death would be too easy for them. They must die on the gallows," +Mr. Wright said, impressively. + +"And how do you know which is the easiest, old cock?" demanded Bill. +"Was you ever hung for sheep stealing, or skewered for house breaking?" + +"Pay no attention to them, sir," Nancy exclaimed. "They are demons from +the other world, and will soon be at home." + +"Amen," piously ejaculated the ghost. + +We managed, after some little persuasion, to get the women upon their +feet, and inspire them with energy enough to undertake the journey to +the house. + +[Illustration: "Don't harm her!" exclaimed the younger woman, removing +her hands from her face, and endeavoring to shelter the person of her +companion; but the bushrangers were regardless of her entreaties, and +pushed her aside with rudeness.] + +As for the horses and the dead bushranger, we left them at the ford +until morning, when Mr. Wright proposed to send men out to bury the +one, and secure the others, and, if possible, return them to their +owners. + +As we walked along, Nancy related to me the adventures which she had +encountered since leaving Melbourne. She was an old campaigner in +Australia, and was on her way to Tares Creek to join her husband, who +had been mining in that location ever since gold was first discovered. + +He had intrusted her with a few hundred pounds to visit the city and +purchase provisions and articles of daily use sufficient to last them +through the wet season, and she had performed her mission, and instead +of waiting for one of the regular freighting teams to take her to the +creek, she had engaged passage with two miners, one of whom had his wife +with him, and who owned a pair of horses and a wagon. Luckily Nancy had +left her goods in the city, with orders to forward them by the freight +wagons, so that she lost nothing personally, even if the ruffians did +search her person, disbelieving her assertion that she was destitute of +money and valuables. + +The bushrangers had ambushed the party and shot them at their leisure, +and did the business as coolly and with as much indifference as though +the poor fellows had been sheep, and the ruffians hungry and in want of +mutton. They didn't seem to think that they had done a cruel action; and +when the younger female, whose name was Betsey Trueman, shed bitter +tears at her loss, the brutes jested at her grief, and promised to +supply his place with a fresher and more active husband. They couldn't +understand why a woman should mourn for one man when there were others +ready to take his place. + +"The onfeeling wretches," Nancy said, concluding her story, "they had +the impudence to put their hands not only in Betsey's pocket, but mine, +too. I boxed the puppy's ears, and he had to bear it, although he did +draw his knife and threaten to cut me to pieces. I wish that my old man +had been there when he made the attempt. He would have broken every bone +in his body, and then tore him limb from limb." + +"That would have been rather a cruel fate," I remarked, somewhat amused +at her eulogistic description of her husband's strength. + +"Well, he could do it," was her confident answer, and I have no doubt +that she thought so. + +We reached the bend of the stream, where we had crossed an hour before, +without accident, for the moon was shining full and bright, but when we +intimated to our prisoners that it was desirable that they should wade +through the water, which already began to subside, they doggedly +refused, and all our urging was useless. They feared that we intended to +drown them; and even when we sent Kala to the other side of the creek to +prove that the water was not deep, they still remained sulky and +obstinate. + +"Let me argue the point wid 'em," Mike said, appealing to Mr. Wright, +who reluctantly gave his consent. + +"Step up, ye divils, the Irishman shouted, applying his sharp-pointed +spear to the sides of the most obstinate robber. + +"Go to the devil, you Irish bogtrotter!" was the reply. + +"Did ye hear him, master, dear, call me names? O, that the ruffians +should abuse a dacent lad, who has worked night and day for the +paraties that he ates, and the meat that he drinks." + +"Whiskey, more like," grunted Bill. + +"I'll whiskey ye, ye devils; start at once, or by St. Patrick I'll drive +ye into the water like the holy man did the toads and snakes--long life +to him." + +Still the ruffians held back, and swore roundly, that they would not +stir, unless carried across the stream; and at this display of +obstinacy, Mike lost all mercy. + +"Ye won't go, hey?" he shouted, bringing his spear fair against the +broadest portion of one of the bushranger's bodies; "of coorse ye won't +move, hey?" + +As he spoke, he pressed harder and harder, but the ruffian stood his +ground remarkably well, although he must have suffered considerably. + +"Is that one of the poisoned spear points?" Mr. Brown asked, carelessly. + +"Of coorse it is," replied Mike, promptly, seeing the pertinence of the +question. + +"You Irish thief, do you mean to say that the spear is pisened?" +demanded the robber, eagerly. + +"Of coorse I do; ye die in less than an hour, unless the pisen is worked +out of the wound." + +The bushrangers waited to hear no more. They sprang into the creek with +wonderful rapidity, and waded across, followed by Mike, who continually +threatened them with a repetition of his weapon unless they behaved +themselves like dacent lads. + +"The spear is not poisoned, I hope," I said to Mr. Wright. + +"No, if it had been, I should have objected to its use. The fellows are +born to be hanged, so there's no danger of their dying any other way." + +As soon as the bushrangers were on the other side, we carried the women +across, and then picked our way to the house, tired and sleepy, and +extremely desirous of a taste of the punch which we had left behind. Our +prisoners no longer objected to obeying Mike's injunctions, and he was +quite proud of his authority over them. + +Kala, swift of loot, had hastened on in advance of us, and announced our +arrival to the inmates of the house, and as we drew near, the laborers +flocked towards us with cheers of triumph at our success, and words of +scorn for the prisoners. + +So much did the men sympathize with the women, that they insisted upon +carrying them to the house; and although Nancy kicked and scratched when +she found a pair of strong arms around her, she was obliged to succumb, +and was ultimately landed in the dining room, half angry, and yet half +pleased, at her conveyance. + +The noise awakened the parrot, and he added his voice to the general +uproar. + +"More bushrangers! more bushrangers!" the bird shouted; "I told you so; +I see 'em! rascals! rascal! steal sheep, ho, ho!" + +"Keep quiet, Poll," said Mr. Wright. + +"I won't!" promptly responded Poll; and he was as good as his word, for +as long as we talked he would, although sometimes his speeches were not +quite apropos while the ladies were present. + +"I don't know how you can change your clothes, ladies," Mr. Wright said, +seeing that, they stood in great need of such an arrangement; "the fact +of it is, I never had the fortune to have a wife, so women's garments +are unknown in my poor house." + +"Give 'em men's," shrieked the parrot; "who cares?" + +"The first sensible words that you have spoken to-night, Poll," the +master exclaimed. + +"Is it?" was the brief ejaculation of the bird, as though inclined to +doubt the truth of that remark. + +"If you will retire to a room that shall be allotted to you during your +stay here, I will provide you with such garments as I have. They are dry +and clean and you can use them until your own are in proper order. No +one will notice the change, for, believe me, we all sympathize too +deeply in your misfortunes to feel aught but pity." + +"As for myself," replied Nancy, promptly, "I shall feel extremely +obliged, for I have worn damp garments so long that I am almost like a +mermaid. But this poor thing," pointing to Betsey, "only desires to lay +her aching head upon a pillow, and forget her misery." + +"Haven't got one in the house," promptly responded Poll. + +"She needs food. Let her come to the table after you have made such +alterations as are necessary." + +"So do I," croaked the bird. + +"If you will have a cup of tea made, I am confident that it will benefit +her more than food. As for myself, I don't fear to confess that I am +hungry, and shall eat heartily," Nancy said. + +"Of bushrangers?" roared Poll, who seemed to be undecided how to class +the ladies of our party, never having seen a woman in that part of the +country. + +"The tea shall be prepared, and by the time you have changed your +clothes supper will be ready. Jackson, give me a candle, and I will show +the ladies into the west room, where they can be as secluded as though +in their own house;" and it was admirable to see the hearty farmer bow, +and precede the females up the wide, hard wood stairs, displaying as +much gallantry and care for their comfort as though he was to marry one +of them next day. + +"Good night, master," shrieked the mischievous bird, bringing a red +flush to Mr. Wright's face. + +"I'm coming back to punish you for your impudence, sir," our host said, +shaking his finger at the bird. + +"Don't hurry yourself. D----n bushrangers--where's the d----n +bushrangers?" and as Mr. Wright disappeared from view, the bird turned +its attention to other topics, and after surveying us with commendable +attention, croaked out,-- + +"Give me bread; Poll's hungry." + +"And so am I," Mr. Brown answered, making an attempt to stroke the +bird's head, but the familiarity was rebuked by a vigorous peck, that +almost started the skin. + +"You little devil, what do you mean?" my friend said, almost angry. + +"That's right; swear and d----n! Where's the women? I love women! I +should like to hug one." + +"You vulgar little brute! Where did you learn your bad manners?" I +asked. + +"Mike, Mike, Mike." + +"Well, Mike might be in better business. You have got some queer +crotchets in your head that are hardly suitable for a ladies boudoir, +especially if she expected gentlemen visitors," and Mr. Brown surveyed +the talented bird with considerable admiration, although he kept at a +respectful distance. + +Jackson now made his appearance, and began to lay the dishes for supper, +first driving the laborers into their own sitting room, where they +surrounded the bushrangers, and, I am sorry to say, did not treat them +exactly as prisoners should have been used. + +Left together, Mr. Brown and myself superintended Jackson, and wished +for supper, so that we could get a few hours' sleep before daylight. + + + + +CHAPTER LXXVIII. + +PUNISHING THE BULLY. + + +There are moments when the hardest hearts are softened with a feeling +akin to pity for criminals; and although I thought that I had got pretty +well toughened to all sentiments of the kind, yet I must confess that +while I looked at the imprisoned bushrangers. I wished them upon the +very summit of Mount Tarrengower, and compelled to remain there amid +snow and storm, until all their wickedness was washed away, and their +past sins were forgiven. + +I was more inclined to feel as I did from the fact that the farm hands +were encircling the poor devils, and criticising and abusing them +without mercy. I hate to see a fallen enemy ill treated. I always +thought that it was more noble to treat a fallen foe with some slight +show of respect, but that standard was not thought of by the laborers. + +At last, one man, carried away by his feelings, deliberately spat into +the face of old Bill, and the act was hailed with shouts of applause and +laughter. The bushranger was unable to remove the indignity, and it +remained upon his grizzly countenance, a dirty monument of reproach to +his tormentors. I saw the old robber's eyes flash fire, and I could +imagine his feelings while standing there with bound arms, powerless. + +"Can't you interfere, and prevent so disgraceful a recurrence?" I asked +of Mr. Brown; but that gentleman thought that it was best to wait until +Mr. Wright made his appearance, and get him to check the abuses. + +I thought so myself for a few minutes, but when I found that one +individual in the crowd was disposed to add cruelty to his insults, I +could no longer remain silent. + +Mike had told the men the method which he took to get the bushrangers to +cross the creek, and now one fellow, whom I noticed was foremost in the +disgraceful proceedings, was testing the most tender portion of their +bodies by the aid of a sharp-pointed knife; and although the robbers +uttered no complaints or groans, I saw that they were suffering, and +that it was time to interfere. + +"These men are prisoners," I said, urging my way through the crowd until +I stood before the robbers and their tormentors. "Let them receive good +treatment, for we may desire it ourselves some day." + +The laborer whom I addressed paid not the slightest attention to my +words, but continued to prick the prisoners with his knife as if he +enjoyed it. Old Bill had uttered a few savage oaths in remonstrance, but +they were unheeded. + +"Excuse me for interfering in your sport, my man," I continued, laying +one hand on his shoulder, "but you will gratify me if you desist." + +"What is it to you?" he demanded, rudely; and I noticed that there was +an uncommon stillness in the room, and many anxious glances were cast +towards me, which convinced me that I was dealing with the bully of the +farm, and a man whom they all feared, and I fancied disliked. + +"Excuse me for interrupting you, but I think that I have a right to. I +assisted to capture the men, and therefore have a voice in relation to +their disposal." + +I was perfectly cool and collected while speaking, for I did not intend +that the fellow should get the advantage of me by displaying passion. + +"Your voice is of no account here in this house, so you will just take +yourself off, and go to the devil, if you wish." + +"I have no desire to see your relations, so I shall do no such thing. I +have a right to be in the house, and I have authority to ask you to +desist from ill treating these men. If you do not, I shall--" + +"What?" the bully asked, thrusting his face close to mine, and leering +most insultingly. + +"Make you," I answered, decidedly. + +"You will?" he demanded, with a malignant look. + +"I shall do my best," I replied. + +The bully did not utter a word in reply, but he put the point of his +knife to a bushranger's arm, and pressed so hard that the prisoner +uttered a half suppressed cry of pain. + +"You see!" the fellow exclaimed, turning to me. "Now, what are you going +to do about it?" + +I saw that Mr. Brown and every person in the room were watching my +motions with considerable curiosity, and that I should be disgraced if I +retreated from my unpleasant position. The quarrel was not serious +enough to use my weapons, although I was not blind to the fact that the +bully had a knife in his hand, and looked like a fellow who would not +scruple to use it. + +There was but one course for me to pursue--so, no sooner had he proposed +his question than I raised my arm and struck him a blow between his eyes +that caused a stream of claret to spurt out, and sent the bully reeling +backwards to the further end of the room. + +"Good!" cried a dozen voices, and I heard Mr. Brown's deep bass foremost +in the exclamation. + +"Take care," shouted the crowd; "he's got a knife, and will use it." + +The warning came none too soon, for suddenly the crowd opened to the +right and left, and I caught sight of the bully, with bloody face and +inflamed eyes, rushing towards me. + +There was no time to draw my revolver, or even my knife, for before I +could lay my hand upon either the fellow was within three feet of me, +with uplifted hand. I stood firm, and when I saw the weapon descending, +like lightning I sprang aside. The point of the knife touched the barrel +of my pistol, glanced aside, and such was the force of the blow that the +ruffian fell to the floor, completely at my mercy. + +"You would, would ye?" I heard Mike shout, as the bully struggled to +regain his feet. "Take that, for a bad man that ye are." + +The Irishman, as he spoke, snatched a boomerang from Kala's hand and +struck the fallen man a blow upon his head that I thought had crushed +his skull. + +"Served him right!" I heard the laborers say, who, now that their +companion was beaten, could afford to give some expression of their +opinion. + +"The d----d blackguard! he not only insults our guests, but must pick on +prisoners he never dared to face. O, the spalpeen, I've a good mind to +fetch him another winder," and Mike raised his weapon as if to do so, +but I stayed his hand, for the bully appeared to be really suffering, +and groaned as though his head ached. + +"What is the cause of this disturbance?" I heard Mr. Wright ask, while +endeavoring to persuade Mike to remain quiet. + +"Faith, the cause of it was insolence, and right well has it been +punished," replied Mr. Brown. "But come into the other room, and I'll +tell you the whole story." + +Our host followed the ex-inspector to the room where we had supped, +while I left the now quiet crowd as soon as possible, and passed out of +doors with Mike at my heels. + +"It's close to your heart he struck," said Mike, alluding to the blow of +the knife. "An inch would have been the death of ye. Long life to ye." + +"I have to thank you for your efforts in my behalf," I replied, and when +I shook his hand I left a gold piece in it. + +"Bedad, if ye wish, I'll go back and give 'urn another lick," Mike +exclaimed, with enthusiasm, when he felt the weight of the coin. + +Before I could reply, Mr. Wright left the house, and hurried towards us. + +"Let me, in the first place, apologize for the rudeness of my servant, +and, in the second place, thank you for punishing him as he deserves. +Mr. Brown has given me a very impartial account, of the affair." + +"And did he tell what I did, bedad," cried Mike. + +"Yes, I am glad to think there is one man in my employ who knows how to +back my friends when I am absent. Mike, from this night your wages are +raised one pound per month, and you shall have Kelly's place, whom I +intend to discharge." + +This news excited all the Irishman's enthusiasm, and we left him bidding +defiance to the moon, and wondering how he should spend all his money. + +"The fellow whom you punished for insolence, has long held the position +of a bully," Mr. Wright said, "owing to his quarrelsome disposition, and +readiness to use a knife on slight occasion. I have overlooked several +faults in hope that he would improve in disposition, but I see that my +leniency is lost, and as soon as his head is healed, he goes to +Melbourne." + +I begged him not to discharge the man on my account, but Mr. Wright was +firm and obstinate as any Englishman, when once resolved on a project, +so I let the matter drop, and when we reached the house, Jackson +informed us that our second supper was ready, and that Nancy was +impatient for something to eat. + +"Where have you two men been wandering?" cried Mr. Brown, who was pacing +the room like a hungry bear. "Supper has been ready ten, minutes; a long +time for famished people to wait" + +We did not waste precious time in excuses, for it was near three o'clock +in the morning, and I felt anxious to finish, and get that rest which I +so much needed. + +"Let the men close the doors and windows, and set a guard over our +prisoners," Mr. Wright said, addressing Jackson, who stood in readiness +to attend to our wants. + +"And one more request," my friend said, as we took our seats at the +table, "when we once get to sleep, be kind enough to let us rest until +we wake of our own accord. For the past three days our naps have not +been very long or sound." + +"Every thing shall be as you desire, gentlemen. Now fall to, and don't +forget that there is a lady present." + +Unless our host had alluded to the fact, it is probable that we should +have forgotten it, for Nancy was so well disguised in men's apparel that +she looked like a respectable farmer. + +She seemed perfectly cool and unconcerned, and I was not surprised to +hear her say that she had passed many months so disguised while mining +with her husband at Bendigo, Tarres Creek, and Ballarat, during the +early history of the mines, when it was neither safe nor agreeable to +have a woman in camp. Tired as we were, she related a few incidents +connected with her life that were listened to with much interest, and we +found that if Nancy was rough, she possessed a true heart and a +Christian spirit, and was never backward in extending aid to the sick, +or giving good advice to the profane. + +"Smoke your pipes, gentlemen," she said, "and don't be afraid that I +shall be sick, or that the smoke will injure my complexion. My old man +has used a pipe these twenty-five years, and I hope that he will live +twenty-five more, and as much longer as the Lord is willing. I don't +think that using a pipe will shorten his days or his nights. When I see +him, after a hard day's work, sucking a yard of clay, I thank Heaven +that it ain't a whiskey bottle. It's but little comfort the poor fellow +gets in this country, and if he's contented I'm happy." + +"I wish that I could find a wife with your sentiments," Mr. Wright +remarked. + +"So you can," Nancy replied; "but you've got to search for 'em. They +ain't found out here on the sand plains, or in the mines, but beneath +the shelter of a parent's protection in the large cities, where +education and virtue are taught." + +"If you speak of Melbourne," Mr. Brown said, with an incredulous shrug +of his shoulders, "I shall be inclined to doubt you, for in the city no +such word as virtue is known." + +"Spoken like a man of the world, and without a thought of how much that +is good and true is placed upon a level with the vile and unworthy. For +shame, gentlemen, and brave men as I know you are, to utter such +slanders concerning the weaker sex. Remember that your mothers were +women, and if aught was spoken against them, would not your blood +tingle?" + +Mr. Brown did not jest again that night, and I think that the reply made +us all reflect upon our obligations to our Maker, for we pushed back our +chairs from the table, and declared that sleeping was better than +drinking, and that we would finish the punch some other time. + +Jackson led the way to our room, while our host did the honors for his +lady guests. We bade all good night, and after Mr. Brown and myself had +exchanged a few words relative to the incidents of the day, we threw +ourselves upon the mattresses spread upon the floor, and just as +daylight began to glimmer in the east we fell asleep, and our slumbers +were undisturbed for many hours; but at length we were awakened by Mr. +Wright, who sat in the only chair the room afforded, smoking his pipe +with great apparent relish, and looking as though he had been awake +since sunrise. + +"Come, rouse up," he said, "or you will have no appetite for supper. You +are the soundest sleepers that ever saw, for I made some noise in hopes +of awakening you, but I found that was an impossibility, so I thought I +would try tobacco smoke." + +"What o'clock is it?" I asked, rubbing my eyes, and trying to think +where I was. + +"Near four. Come, get up, and help me entertain the women. They have got +their proper clothes on, and don't look so bad as they might. The young +one still wails for her husband, although I tell her to keep up her +spirits, and think of something else." + +"Advice which she is certain not to follow. Did you ever know of a woman +that would be advised under any circumstances? No, I thought not." + +"You are always grumbling about the women," I said, addressing Mr. +Brown. "If the truth was known, I suppose that it would show that you +have been jilted some day by a female with a pretty face, and revenge +yourself by abusing the whole sex. That is ungallant." + +"I don't care how ungallant it is, for I know it to be true," replied +Mr. Brown, with great candor; "ten years ago, I made love to the +prettiest piece of flesh and blood that ever walked on two legs, or +allowed her hair to curl in ringlets. But I don't like to talk on the +subject." + +"A truce to your love affairs," interrupted Mr. Wright; "come and take a +gallop with me this afternoon, and have a look at my farm, and I'll +warrant that you will think no more of women or of marriage. Will you +come?" + +We both readily assented, and a good cup of coffee, which Jackson had +kept in readiness for us when we awoke, was swallowed with a relish, and +then we found our horses standing at the door, looking in prime order, +in spite of certain places on their coats which had been singed while +riding through the fire the day before. + +Mr. Wright had been very attentive to our comforts, for the saddles +were repaired and made smooth where they were rough, and the bridles +were oiled and cleaned, and looked like new ones. We mounted, and +turning our horses' heads, trotted slowly towards the field of wheat, +which we had passed the first day of our arrival. + + + + +CHAPTER LXXIX. + +MR. WRIGHT'S FARM.--DEATH OF KELLY. + + +A pleasant ride we had that afternoon, reviewing flocks and growing +crops, and discoursing on the best mode of cultivation. I found that our +host preferred the heavy tools of English farmers, to the light, easily +managed instruments of the Americans, and I took occasion to point out +the superior advantages which the latter possessed; but Mr. Wright was +incredulous, and suspicious of my innovations. His land was level, and +free from stones, and just suited for light American ploughs, and I +pledged my word that a third more work could be done with one, drawn by +a yoke of oxen, than could be performed by an English made plough, a +huge, clumsy thing, drawn by two span of horses, and requiring three men +to attend upon its wants. + +I exacted a promise from Mr. Wright, that he would give an American +plough a fair trial; and the next time he visited Melbourne he purchased +one, and I had the satisfaction, before I left the country, of hearing +him say that he was delighted with its performance, and that he had +discarded many English farming tools, and substituted American, which +were lighter, yet quite strong enough, and saved much labor. + +If I had accomplished no other result in Australia than introducing a +few articles of the manufacture of the United States, I should think +that I was amply compensated for my trouble, convinced as I am, that we +have found a market that will consume thousands of dollars worth of +agricultural tools, and be paid for in clean gold dust. + +Mr. Wright owned fifty thousand acres of land,--not one thousand, but +_fifty_ thousand,--and over two thirds of it were devoted to grazing +purposes. + +For instance, he had five hundred acres sowed to wheat, five hundred to +potatoes, and a thousand acres to vegetables, fruits, and oats. The rest +of the vast domain was free to the immense herds which were seen +scattered over the plains in all directions. + +There were ten thousand head of sheep, three thousand head of cattle, +and five hundred horses on the farm, and all owned by one man, and that +man's wealth increasing every year to an almost fabulous extent. He +pointed out the site which he had selected for building an immense barn, +to be used for the storage of grain, and to keep a number of his most +highly prized horses in during the winter season, and then spoke of the +time when the country would be so secure that he could erect a house +more in accordance with his ideas of comfort and good taste, and lie +down at night and be certain of awaking in the morning and find his +herds safe. + +The ride and the farmer's conversation were most interesting to me; but +I will not inflict it upon the readers, for it is probable that they do +not take that interest in agriculture that I do. We returned to the +house, and I was more than ever profoundly impressed with the magnitude +of Australian farmers' operations. + +That evening, while sipping our punch, we hinted that the next morning +must see us on our way to Ballarat. Mr. Wright vainly urged us to remain +with him for a week, and even offered the inducement of a formidable +expedition against the bushrangers in the vicinity of Mount Tarrengower; +but we turned deaf ears to the allurements, and promised at some future +day to visit him, when our time would not be limited. + +We had been absent from the mines a week, and unsettled as affairs were +when we left, we knew not what great events had happened. I had +considerable property that required looking after, and I supposed Fred +would need assistance and advice in case there was a rising of the +miners in opposition to the tax, which had for such a length of time +caused fierce dissensions and a few bloody collisions. + +"But what am I to do with my prisoners?" Mr. Wright asked, with a +perplexed look. + +"Iron them securely, and send them to Melbourne, under an escort of your +most trusty men," replied Mr. Brown. + +"Yes, I can do that, but there's the other party--the women. What can I +do with them after you are gone?" + +"Send them to Melbourne also. They will be needed as witnesses, and will +be well cared for during their stay. After the men are hanged they can +go where they please. That's the only course that is left for you to +pursue." + +"I will leave a note for the ladies with the lieutenant of police in +Melbourne, and he will see that they are properly cared for," I +remarked. + +"Perhaps you had better give it to me," Mr. Wright said, thoughtfully. + +"Why?" + +"Because I think that business will call me to the city in a day or two, +and I will accompany the expedition, and see that the women have all +that they desire on the route. I don't like to trust them with my men, +for I don't know how the latter would act when no longer under my +supervision." + +"The very best course you can take," cried Mr. Brown and myself in a +breath, glad to think that the ladies were to be well protected. + +"If you think that plan is a good one, I shall adopt it," Mr. Wright +remarked, a little confused, although I didn't suspect at the time that +the youth and tears of the widow had made an impression upon his heart, +and that he desired to be as near her as possible, so as to condole with +her on her misfortunes. + +We settled the business that evening, and I even made an arrangement +with Mr. Wright to forward me all his surplus produce, such as +vegetables and fruit, and all the cattle he desired to dispose of. I +pointed out the advantage he would derive from the trade, and that, +instead of sending his stock to Melbourne, and waiting for consignees to +dispose of it, I would pay upon delivery, and give the best market +price. He agreed with me, and we closed a bargain that was only +interrupted when Fred and myself left the country. + +The next morning we were up at daylight, and so were the whole +household. Breakfast was smoking on the table when we descended to the +first floor, and Jackson stood near the door looking quite melancholy at +the prospect of our departure, while Kala and Iala ventured as near the +dining room as they dared for the purpose of reminding us of our +promised bottles of rum, and tobacco. We satisfied them that they were +not forgotten, and that they should receive the articles by the first +team that was consigned to us from the farm. + +"And me, sir," whispered Jackson; "I hope that I shall not be forgotten +after your departure." + +"We never forget our promises," I replied. "You shall have a pardon, if +money or influence can procure one." + +With this assurance he was perfectly satisfied, and I may as well state +here that he was pardoned in less than a year from the time of our +visit, and that he left Mr. Wright's employ, went to Melbourne with a +hundred pounds in his pocket, commenced a small business, which +gradually expanded, until at the present time he writes me that he is +assessed for near one hundred thousand pounds. He has been fortunate in +all his speculations, and is regarded as one of the most honorable +merchants in Melbourne. + +"By the way, that fellow whom you quarrelled with and struck has left my +employ," Mr. Wright said, as we took our seats at the table. + +"He took a sudden start," I replied. + +"Yes, he gave me no intimation of his leaving; if he had, I would have +settled with him in full, and discharged him in regular form. He went +off in the course of the night, and has taken all that he owned and +something over. He will turn out a bushranger yet, or I'm no reader of +faces." + +"What has he carried off that didn't belong to him?" Mr. Brown asked. + +"A pair of large sized pistols, and a lot of ammunition." + +"You can afford to lose them, for they are more dangerous to the man who +fires them than the one who stands before them. Congratulate yourself on +their loss. It is your gain." + +Our host laughed, but denied the truth of my assertion, and during the +remaining time we were at the table the subject was not again alluded +to. + +We finished our breakfast, received our gold from Mr. Wright, who had +locked it in his safe during our stay, and had not asked us a single +question concerning it, although I have no doubt that he suspected the +truth--shook hands with the men, and received the blessings of Nancy, +and the tearful adieus of Betsy--held a short interview with the ghost, +who was inclined to shed tears because he could not accompany us, but +who was consoled when we promised to get him pardoned, and to send him a +present of tobacco, and brandy enough to last a twelvemonth--had another +hand-shake all round, and then we mounted our horses, and with three +ringing cheers in our ears we started on out journey towards Ballarat. + +"A pleasant visit we have had," muttered Mr. Brown, after we were put of +sight of the house. "Faith, I would have no objection to owning a farm +like this." + +"Which you would sell in less than a year at a sacrifice." + +"No, I don't think so. But, hullo! we've forgotten something." + +"Well, what is it?" + +"Why, something to eat on the route." + +"Jackson has looked to our welfare, and if you will examine the bundle +strapped to the back part of your saddle you will find a choice +collection of eatables, and a large flask of something stronger than +water. You see that I am provided in the same manner." + +"I am thankful for it, and sincerely hope that you will make no demands +upon me during the journey." + +"Don't alarm yourself," I replied, laughing. "I have got a revolver, and +can shoot a kangaroo if I get hungry." + +By chance I drew my revolver from my belt as I spoke, and saw that, it +was apparently in good order, although I thought that the caps looked as +though they had been put on in a bungling manner. The work did not look +like mine, and I had a faint suspicion that the pistol had been tampered +with. + +I said nothing to my friend, but dropped the rein upon my horse's nock, +and removed one of the caps of the nipple. I saw nothing to alarm me +until I had wiped away the corrosive substance that clung to the iron, +when, to my surprise, I discovered that a small plug had been driven +into the priming tube, thus rendering the charge in the barrel useless. +The discovery was valuable, for I did not know what designs the man who +did the work might have on us. + +A brief inspection convinced me that the remaining five tubes were in +the same condition, and then I called for a halt. + +"What's the matter now?" demanded my friend, who was considerable in +advance of me. + +"A slight discovery that may prove of value." + +"What is it--another bottle of liquor?" + +"No, of more importance than that. Had it been a bottle I should have +hardly called you back," I replied. + +"No, I'll be sworn that you would not. But go on. Tell me what you have +found out now." + +"Simply that our pistols have been tampered with. At least mine has." + +"Is it possible?" cried Mr. Brown, hastily, drawing his weapon and +inspecting it. + +"I see nothing," he continued. "The powder and ball seem to be in their +places, and the caps on." + +"Take off the caps, and then see," I remarked. + +He did as I requested, and found the tubes stopped as mine + +"The devil!" he muttered; "I don't like this much." "Neither do I; but +we must make the best of it. The quicker we extract the plugs, the more +safe I shall feel." + +The task was a long one, but we accomplished it, and then, to make all +sure, we reloaded our weapons, and felt relieved when we found that we +could depend upon them. + +"When was this done?" Mr. Brown inquired. + +"Probably yesterday afternoon, while we were looking over the farm." + +"But who could have done it?" + +"There you ask me too much. It may have been known to the farm hands +that we had money on our persons. Indeed, I think that the shepherd, +while in his cups, boasted of the rich booty which we had found, and so +excited the envious spirit of some reckless fellow who wishes to be rich +at our expense." + +"Then we must have the satisfaction of riding along, anticipating a +bullet every few minutes," grumbled Mr. Brown. + +"I suppose that is the case, unless we change our route." + +"And go thirty miles out of our way?" exclaimed my companion, +sneeringly. "No, sir. I have no desire to cross a sandy plain where the +sun heats the earth so hot that a mosquito gets its wings singed if it +alights before twelve o'clock at night." + +"The plain must be a paradise if insects don't exist there. Let us go by +that route," I replied. + +"I didn't say that flies and mosquitoes were not there. I said that they +didn't touch the sand, but they hover in the air, and unfortunate is the +man or beast that they light upon." + +I found out that Mr. Brown was not to be changed from his purpose; so we +once more rode on side by side, and while we were chatting upon the +incidents that had befallen us during our excursion, we almost forgot +the plugging of the pistols. + +At the edge of Mr. Wright's land, on the route to Ballarat, was a small +forest of gum trees, through which ran a small stream, similar to the +one that we crossed on the night that we captured the bushrangers. The +water was shallow and sluggish, with a soft, sticky bottom, and boggy +sides. This stream Mr. Wright had told us we should have to cross, and +that after we were over we could soon find the numerous trails and roads +leading to the mines, and probably meet with parties of miners. + +When the directions were given a number of the farm hands were present, +so that I arrived at the conclusion that while we were fording the +stream an attempt would be made upon our lives, if it was to be made at +all. + +As soon, therefore, as we arrived in the vicinity of the brook I checked +the pace of my horse, and carefully scrutinized the trees and places +where an ambush might be expected. + +I even examined the ground for the prints of horses' feet, for I knew +that it was customary for every runaway servant or farm hand to steal a +horse. + +That was considered a matter of course, and it was no unusual thing for +the police of Australia, when they saw a poorly-clad man on horseback, +to ask him where he stole it; and unless he gave pretty correct answers, +the animal would be taken away and confiscated to the services of the +force. + +I could tell nothing by the earth, for the cattle had resorted to the +brook to quench their thirst, and roll in the cool mud. + +I glanced hastily around, but saw nothing to excite alarm; so I touched +my horse lightly and entered the brook. The animal, disliking the mud, +sprang suddenly half way across. The quick motion of the brute probably +saved my life, for just as the animal sprang a shot was fired, and the +ball whizzed in uncomfortable proximity to my head. + +I struck the spurs deeply into the brute's sides, and with a bound like +lightning, he landed me on the bank of the stream; but as he did so, the +soil yielded, and he fell, throwing me several feet from him. + +Again was I indebted for my life to that simple accident, and it was of +a kind that had not occurred before during my residence in Australia, +for just as the horse fell, another sharp report of firearms was heard, +and a bullet struck the trunk of a tree over my head, and sent a shower +of bark rattling upon my face. + +"I see the d----d scoundrel!" shouted Mr. Brown, and he spurred in +pursuit. I saw the form of a stout-built man, mounted on a powerful +horse, disappear amid the trees, and I quickly urged my animal to his +feet, so that I could join in the pursuit. + +Before it could be done, I heard two quick, ringing shots, which my ears +told me came from Mr. Brown's revolver, and I easily guessed the fate of +the would-be assassin. + +By the time I had scraped the mud from my person, Mr. Brown came riding +slowly back, looking as unconcerned and calm as possible. + +"Did you hit him?" I asked. + +"To be sure; both shots told," was the satisfactory reply. + +"Who was the scamp? Did you recognize him?" + +"Certainly; I could hardly fail to do that, when he bore your mark." + +"How--my mark?" I asked in astonishment + +"Yes; one of his eyes was black and blue, where you struck him last +night." + +"You mean to tell me that it was Kelly who sought my life?" I cried, +recollecting that Mr. Wright had informed me that the fellow had left +the farm the night before. + +"If you don't believe it, you will find the body a few rods from here +with two wounds--one on the right shoulder and the second through the +body." + +"I have no desire to see it," I replied; "let us continue our journey, +and leave the scene of so disagreeable a necessity." + +If Mr. Brown did not utter a prayer of thanksgiving for his escape, I am +certain that I did; and it was a sincere one at that, for nothing but an +overruling Providence could have saved one from the effects of two shots +at a short distance. + +On we pressed, our good horses exerting themselves to the utmost, and +almost regardless of the boat which poured down upon our heads, until +our brains seemed melted, and ready to run from the eyes. Profuse +drinking alone saved us from a sun-stroke that day. + +At length we reached the plain, and saw stretched before us half a dozen +roads, all leading to the mines, but all deserted, for it was at an hour +when few travellers cared to move, preferring to wait until the sun had +ceased its fiery course, and the earth had thrown off its fervent heat. + +"I go no farther," I exclaimed, as I saw that my horse was suffering +from his over-exertions. + +Mr. Brown reined in, and seemed disposed to take advice. + +"Only to the next clump of trees," he replied, pointing to half a dozen, +about a mile distant. + +"We shall kill the animals, and ourselves in the bargain," I replied. + +"A mile or so will make but little difference; I think that I can +promise you a good camping ground, and a sink hole with pretty fresh +water under those trees; come." + +I could no longer resist the inducements, and once more we put our +horses in motion. + +"See, as I told you, we shall find company under the trees," cried Mr. +Brown; "there is smoke arising, and that denotes coffee and supper. +Cheer up, and we shall yet learn the news before sunset." + +A few minutes revealed to our gaze three or four men and two women, +seated near a wagon, that looked as though it had made many journeys +between Ballarat and Melbourne, before the roads were in good order. A +brisk fire was burning, and on that fire we could see a coffee-pot and a +kettle. A short distance from the camp were two skeleton horses, with +just life enough left to be able to graze upon the prairie, and who +seemed to have been fed on thistles during the last few years of their +life. With no suspicion that our appearance was against us, we rode +boldly on until we were brought to a halt by a couple of presented +muskets, held in the hands of their trembling owners. + +"Don't ye come here, ye divils!" shouted one of the men in goodly strong +brogue. + +"If he does, it's cowld lead ye'll get!" cried another. + +"But, my good friends," Mr. Brown said, blandly. + +"Away wid ye, at once, and the divil take care of ye. We know ye." + +"If you know us, you should not fear us," my friend said, in the +insinuating argumentative style so peculiar to him. + +"O! better not stand then; blarneying, but go away wid ye!" yelled out +one of the women, with demonstrative indications of throwing hot water +or potatoes at us. + +"Why, who do you think we are?" I asked, Mr. Brown having retired from +the conversational portion of his duty in deep disgust at the idea of +having his gentlemanly address taken for blarney. + +"We think ye are thaves! may the divil confound ye," replied one of the +heathen. + +"But we are not thieves," I continued. + +"Thin yer looks belies ye wonderfully. Go on yer ways, and don't stop +here thinking that we've money, or any stuff to stale, for we ain't." + +"Why, you d----n fools!" yelled Mr. Brown, "we have more money in our +pockets than the carcasses of yourselves, wives, and horses would +bring." + +This announcement produced a sensation, and we were happy to see the +fellows whisper together, as though they had made a mistake, and were +willing to rectify it. + +"Have ye whiskey?" at length one of them asked. + +I shook a bottle in their faces, but made no reply. + +"Is it the rale poteen?" he demanded. + +"Irish all over," I answered. + +"Thin glory to God, come along and welcome." + +The muskets were lowered, the hostile attitude ceased, and we rode into +the camp like conquerors, and were received with every mark of respect, +which I attributed more to the influence of the black bottle that I held +in my hand, than to our dignified personal appearance. Even the women +condescended to welcome us with looks of encouragement, and one of them +spanked her baby when it cried, because the wee thing was frightened at +strangers. + + + + +CHAPTER LXXX. + +JOURNEY BACK TO BALLARAT. + + +"You are, no doubt, strangers in the country?" said Mr. Brown, after we +had removed the saddles from our horses' backs, and suffered the animals +to roam a short distance from the camp for food. + +"Faith, ye may well say that," cried the leading Hibernian, with a +good-natured smile. + +"Where did you come from?" my friend continued. + +"Ireland, sir," was the prompt reply. + +"I know that without your telling me. I mean what part of this country. +Sydney or Melbourne?" + +"Faith, how did ye know we come from Ireland?" queried Pat, with +innocent simplicity. + +"By your brogue, to be sure," was Mr. Brown's prompt answer. + +"Bedad, I never thought of that," grunted the Celt. + +"We came from Melbourne, sir," one of the men said, answering Mr. +Brown's question, and casting wishful eyes towards the black bottle. +"We've been four days on the road, and it's little progress we make at +all, bad luck to the horses that won't draw when we want 'em to. It's +out of whiskey we got the first day, owing to the swilling of Ned +Mulloon, who was drunk as a baste when we left town." + +"Faith, it's little chance I had while yer mouth was doing its work, +Teddy," cried Ned, with a grin. + +"We will make a bargain with you," Mr. Brown said to the men. "Give us a +share of your potatoes, and we'll divide the whiskey." + +"Done," cried all hands, with remarkable unanimity; and the pot +containing the esculents was jerked off the fire and placed at our feet, +while we treated all hands, not even excepting the women. + +"Well, what is the news at Melbourne?" asked Mr. Brown, while We were +satisfying our appetites. + +"It's loud talk they have about the miners, and their dislike to pay the +tax, glory to God; and the artillerymen were getting ready to march +whenever the governor tells 'em to, bad luck to 'em." + +"Did you understand at what mines the soldiers are to be stationed?" I +asked. + +"Yes, I did," replied our informant. "'Tis at Ballarat." + +"Then there must have been trouble since our absence," remarked Mr. +Brown; "and the sooner we are home the safer will our property be. If we +but had fresh horses we could start at once." + +"And carry off the whiskey?" demanded the men, with rueful looks. + +"No, we would leave it for your use." + +"Then long life to yez, and it's prayers ye shall have for fresh horses +without delay" + +Pat's prayers, if indeed he prayed at all, were of but little avail, for +the fresh horses did not come along, and we were compelled to remain +inactive until near midnight, when we again saddled our animals, and +bade our entertainers farewell. When we left, the company was very +patriotic, and songs of Ireland's greatness and England's outrages were +hooted loud enough to awaken every one within a radius of two miles. +They gave us three cheers when we left, and one of the party, in the +excitement, stumbled over the potato pot, and got a dose of hot water on +his person that caused him to utter the most frightful cries, which were +responded to by shouts of laughter instead of tears of condolement. + +"We have accomplished one humane purpose in giving the men the whiskey," +Mr. Brown said, as we rode in the direction of Ballarat. "The poor +horses will get a few hours' extra rest." + +"That is more than the women and children can do," I remarked. + +"The women can take care of themselves, I'll warrant you, and if a fight +occurs, look after their children at the same time. But touch up your +horse. We must reach Ballarat by daylight, for I have no doubt that +stirring times are occurring there." + +The air was quite cool, and the moon sufficiently bright to show us the +right road, so that we wasted no time in searching for it. Not a single +person did we meet until just before daylight, when our horses suddenly +shied, and an examination revealed the cause. Under a tree by the +roadside was a team, and the driver fast asleep, snoring most +unmusically, while the oxen were quietly chewing their cuds, chained to +a wheel of the cart. + +"Let us rouse him, and find out the news from Ballarat," Mr. Brown said. + +I made no opposition. My friend approached the sleeping man, and +touching him lightly on the shoulder, caused him to look up. The fellow +rubbed his eyes, and stared wildly at us for a moment, and then began to +beg most piteously. + +"I haven't got a single thing about me that's worth stealing," he cried. +"If you want my blanket you can have it, but it ain't a very good one." + +"I suppose that you take us for bushrangers?" quietly remarked Mr. +Brown. + +"I certainly do--ain't you?" asked the man, between hope and fear. + +"Not quite so far gone as that. All that we desire of you is news, and +that you can soon give us without much sacrifice." + +"O, is that all? I thought that somebody had been blowing on me," cried +the teamster, considerably relieved. + +"How are matters at Ballarat?" I demanded. "Bad as bad can be," replied +the stranger promptly. "The devil has taken possession of the miners, +and they refuse to pay gold taxes to the government. The latter don't +want to yield, and there will be a fight or I'm much mistaken. I don't +want to hurry you, but if you want to be counted in, you'd better be +moving, or the whole matter will be decided before you arrive." + +"I'll bet a wager that you are a Yankee," Mr. Brown remarked, and I +thought I detected the man's cuteness before my friend spoke. + +"I take the bet," was the prompt reply. "Put the money in my hands." + +Mr. Brown's money was not forthcoming, at which the stranger sneered. + +"I s'posed that I had picked up a man who wanted a chance to make a few +dimes, but you don't seem inclined to come to time. Here's my specie, +and there's more where that came from." + +"Never mind the wager," I said; "you don't belong to the New England +States, I'll take my oath, so you can't catch us in that trap." + +"That's so," replied the teamster, with a chuckle; "but what makes you +think so?" + +"In the first place, you haven't the accent of a genuine Yankee," I +replied; "and in the next place, a Yankee would not have exposed a +single dollar until he was certain of the company that he was in. Am I +right?" + +"Hang me if you ain't, stranger," cried the teamster, in a burst of +generous enthusiasm. "If you ain't a Yankee, there ain't one in the +country." + +I pleaded guilty to the charge, and got a warm shake of the hand for my +nationality's sake. + +"I ain't a Yankee, that's a fact," my new acquaintance said; "but I +belong to Yankee land, and that's honor enough, by thunder. I'm an Ohio +boy, and just looking round the world to see how it's made afore I +settle on dad's farm, and tie up for life. If I can pick up a few dimes +afore I go back so much the better, and if I don't it won't break my +heart." + +We talked with our new acquaintance for near half an hour for the +purpose of breathing our horses, and picking up all the news that had +transpired during our absence. I gave him some good advice, and informed +him that sleeping in his cart while travelling was not the safest plan +that he could adopt, and after a few moments' reasoning he seemed to +think so himself. We bade him good night, and resumed our journey, and +just as day was breaking we drew up our tired horses before the store, +which looked unchanged since our absence. All was quiet and still in the +neighborhood, but we observed that an unusually large number of police +were on duty in the streets, and that many of them were strangers, and +eyed us with suspicious looks, as though not certain which party we +belonged to. + +"I'll hold the horses while you rap Fred up," Mr. Brown said, +dismounting. + +I was too impatient to see my friend to need a second bidding. I applied +my foot to the door, and gave a thundering kick, that made two or three +suspicious policemen, who had followed us closely, imagine we were +starving for something to eat. + +Hardly had I touched the door, when a hoarse growl showed me that Rover +was still alive and capable of doing active duty. I heard the hound +spring from his sleeping place, cross the floor, and throw his solid +form against the door with a subdued yell, which, after a moment's +snuffing changed from rage to joy. He uttered cry after cry of welcome, +yet still Fred did not seem to take the hint. At length I heard him +shuffling along the floor in his slippers, and presently he inquired,-- + +"Who's there?" + +"A friend," I replied, disguising my voice as much as possible. + +"What is wanting?" he asked. + +"A cup of coffee and something to eat," I replied. + +"You can get neither here. Go to one of the coffee-houses." + +"But suppose we want to trade?" I asked. + +"Then come during trading hours," was the brief rejoinder. + +"O, don't stand there talking all day, but let us in," cried Mr. Brown, +who, like all Englishmen, couldn't bear to joke on an empty stomach. + +"Is that you, Jack?" Fred demanded, eagerly. + +"Of course it is," cried Mr. Brown, impatiently. + +The heavy bar was removed with remarkable rapidity, and the next instant +the door was thrown open, and the best friend that I possessed in the +world was shaking my hand and patting me on the back, as though I was an +infant strangling with lacteal fluid, while Rover circled around us, and +made the air vocal with his joyous barks, until anxious to distinguish +himself, and perhaps thinking that Mr. Brown was not getting his share +of the reception, he suddenly welcomed that gentleman with a slight nip +on the seat of his pantaloons, that caused him to utter a fierce oath, +and to rub the place with remarkable vigor. + +"Come in, come in," cried Fred, "or we shall have all the green police +of Ballarat around us, thinking a manifestation is going on. I see three +of the fellows peering around corners as though uncertain whether to +regard us as madmen or conspirators." + +We followed him into the store and closed the door; and while Fred was +busy in lighting lamps, for the store was dark inside, he chatted as +though his tongue had had a fast for a month, and was now making up for +lost time. + +"I had near about given you up for dead, and next week should have left +the store in charge of Smith and started in search of you. What detained +you so long, and couldn't you send me a few words?" + +Then, not waiting for us to answer, he continued:-- + +"I began to think that you had fallen victims to the bushrangers, for +they are very bold lately, and more than one gang has ventured near the +city with impunity, while the troubles are continuing. The commissioner +has been asked to despatch a force against them, but he has declined, on +the ground that he can't spare the men." + +"Then troubles continue to exist?" I asked. + +"Never more serious than at present; and I expect that open war will be +declared every day. The miners have flatly refused to pay their thirty +shillings per month for mining, and government insists that they shall. +Neither party feel like retreating from its position, although I +candidly believe that if a good man was at the head of affairs this +difficulty would be settled in twenty-four hours, and in a way +satisfactory to the government and the miners." + +Even while Fred was entertaining us with news he was busily engaged in +starting a fire in the stove for the purpose of preparing our breakfast. + +"It is too late to hope to escape bloodshed," Fred continued, "unless +concessions are made on the part of the government, which are not looked +for. I am informed that the commissioner sends despatches to the +governor-general every day, in which he represents the miners as on the +point of yielding, and that energy and firmness are alone required to +subdue them to his wishes, and prevent further outbreaks. You see how +shamefully he is misleading the government, for there are not two +hundred men in Ballarat, exclusive of the police force, but who will +fight against the tax." + +"How is it known that the commissioner sends such despatches?" I asked. + +"Why, to tell you the truth," said Fred, sinking his voice to a whisper, +"a party of men ambushed the courier day before yesterday, and rifled +his despatches. The letters contained a request for more men and plenty +of ammunition, and a hope to have the rebels suing for mercy in less +than two weeks." + +"And how are our countrymen acting?" I asked. + +"They are not so backward as I could wish," replied Fred; "for they +should remember that we are on a foreign soil, and that an active part +is not required of us. But few can withstand the flattery that has been +brought to bear upon them, and as a general thing they are all arrayed +with the miners. Their rifles are wanted, and dreadful havoc they will +make if blows are exchanged." + +"And you have taken no part in the question as yet?" Mr. Brown asked. + +"No; although offers in abundance have been made by government agents +and the leaders in the revolutionary movement. We have too many thousand +dollars at stake to trifle with public affairs, although if--" + +Fred paused while pouring out the coffee, and looked hard at Mr. Brown. + +"Go on," said that gentleman. "Treat me as though I was a countryman and +a brother." + +"If the people were about to enter upon a struggle for liberty and +independence, I would not mind sacrificing all the property that I +possess to help secure so desirable a blessing. But the word liberty is +never mentioned. It is only a question of money, and therefore I shall +stand aloof." + +"By the way, how has business been while we were absent?" I asked. + +"Never better. The sales have been large and the profits good. We are +out of many things, but Smith should be along this afternoon, and he +will supply the deficiency. Now tell me of your trip. Of course you +didn't find the buried treasure, and you have returned a little poorer +than when you went away." + +"That depends upon the estimation in which you hold this kind of coin," +I replied, emptying my pockets upon the table, and throwing down a good +sized bag of gold dust. + +Fred opened his eyes in astonishment. + +"Do you mean to tell me that you have been successful?" he asked. + +"As far as getting the gold is concerned we have; but if you ask us if +we have had smooth sailing during our cruise, I shall tell you that it +has been rough, and at times extremely tempestuous. Especially did we +find it so when the rascally bushrangers attempted to smoke us out, and +also when we threw them off the trail by means of a first class ghost." + +"A ghost!" replied Fred, looking first at Mr. Brown and then at me, as +though we were quizzing him. + +"Yes, he was a first class ghost, and no mistake," replied Mr. Brown, +without moving a muscle of his face. + +"Bah!" ejaculated Fred, with disdain. + +"This is the very expression that we used when we were satisfied that +the ghost was disposed to help us," I replied. + +"Will you explain yourselves, or must I resort to extremities?" Fred +exclaimed. + +"Well, put the money in the safe, and then we will light our pipes, and +repeat the history of our journey." + +Fred hastened to comply, and while we were in the act of filling the +store with tobacco smoke, we heard a commotion in front of our door, and +the next instant the police commissioner entered without the formality +of knocking. + +"Excuse me, gentlemen," he said, "for my early visit, but I have weighty +matters on hand, and have no time to lose." + +We offered him a chair, but he declined the courtesy. We saw that he was +ill at ease in the presence of the ex-inspector, and we rather enjoyed +it than otherwise. As for Mr. Brown, he smoked his pipe with most +admirable nonchalance, and appeared unconscious of the presence of his +enemy. + +"The fact of the matter is, gentlemen," the commissioner went on to say, +"government has need of all its friends at the present time, for +misguided men are plotting against its stability. The silly things will +be crushed in the end; but our great desire is to make such a show of +strength that no blood will be shed. Humanity dictates such a course, +and I think that it will meet the approval of the governor and his +advisers." + +"Go on, sir," remarked Fred, seeing that the commissioner paused, as +though uncertain what to say next. + +"I thought of requesting you two gentlemen to volunteer your services as +my aids, and if you comply, I will see that government is informed of +the fact, and that you receive some substantial reward." + +"In making the request I suppose that you think we shall be the means of +enlisting a large portion of the American population of Ballarat into +the service of the crown?" + +The commissioner acknowledged, after some hesitancy, that such was his +calculation. + +"We shall have to decline your flattering offer," Fred said, firmly. "We +have no desire to incur the hatred of the miners of Ballarat by +appearing as oppressors. If you proposed an expedition against +bushrangers we should be happy to comply with your wishes. As it is, we +cannot." + +The commissioner did not say a single word. He bowed rather stiffly, and +then turned and left the store, and the next moment we heard him urging +his horse through the street as though he was in a hurry to reach a +certain point without loss of time. + + + + +CHAPTER LXXXI. + +STEEL SPRING IN THE FIELD.--ATTEMPT OF THE COMMISSIONER TO CONFISCATE +OUR HORSES. + + +"I don't want to be severe in my language," Mr. Brown said, as he +listened to the receding steps of the commissioner, "but in my opinion a +more thorough d----d scoundrel don't exist than that same commissioner, +who just set a trap for you, and caught nothing." + +"In that opinion I will agree most heartily," replied Fred; "he imagines +that we possess some influence over our countrymen, and he wished, by a +little flattery, and a lucrative position, to attach us to his party. We +will have nothing to do with the quarrel, but endeavor to take care of +our property and our lives by keeping out of the fight, if, +unfortunately, there is one." + +While Fred was speaking, a smart, intelligent man, named Ross, who was +regarded as the head of the rebellious movement, entered the store. + +"I have made an early call," he said, "but not for the purpose of +trading. The fact of it is, I heard it reported last night--in what +manner is of little consequence--that you, gentlemen, were to be offered +an official position under the commissioner. I chanced to see that +gentleman when he left your premises, a few minutes since, and I thought +that there might be color for the rumor. It is for the miners' interest +and your own that the report should be contradicted, or else confirmed. +I come to you as a friend, to ask which side you espouse. If you think +that the miners are wrong, do not hesitate to say so, for I may then be +enabled to render you some assistance, not by advice alone, but in a +practical manner." + +"If we thought your party was wrong, be assured that we should say so +without equivocation," replied Fred; "we do not wish to take part in the +struggle that is about to take place, and rest satisfied that we shall +not, unless obliged to defend our property. If the commissioner has made +a proposition to us--and I don't say that he has--be assured that we +have not accepted it, and would not under any consideration whatever. If +a similar offer was made by your party, it would meet with the same +consideration. We are Americans, and strangers to the soil, and if we +can remain neutral we shall. Our countrymen are their own masters, and +can do as they please. If our advice was asked, we should tell them to +keep to work, and out of harm's way. Is our position explicit enough?" + +"I am satisfied, and will so state to those with whom I am connected," +Mr. Ross replied, offering his hand in token of his friendship; "I must +say there was some talk of the rash and ignorant, last night, to set +fire to your store. I managed, by conciliating measures, to induce them +to postpone all action until I was satisfied that you were with the +government in feeling." + +"If that is the manner in which the struggle is to be carried on," +remarked Fred, "be assured that you will fail in your endeavors to +obtain justice. No cause ever yet prospered where the torch of an +incendiary was invoked to burn and destroy wantonly. Hearts that +sympathize with you now would soon become alienated, and turn to the +government for protection." + +"I feel the force of your remarks," replied Mr. Ross, in a sorrowful +tone, "and I am aware that they are just; but what can I do? I am +considered at the head of the dissatisfied miners, yet I have no more +real control over them than I have over you at this moment. They are +undisciplined, and fierce as young bears anxious for a taste of blood. +If I counsel honorable resistance, I am laughed at; if I request +moderation, I am accused of cowardice. What can I do with such men as +these?" + +"We cannot advise, for our advice would not be taken," replied Fred; +"but if I was placed in your position I know what I should do." + +"Name it," said Ross, eagerly. + +"Enforce discipline, or resign," was the reply. + +"But the miners refuse to drill, or to be governed by military laws." + +"Then let them look to themselves, and tell them so boldly. My word for +it, that will bring them to reason, for where can they find another +leader that commands the confidence that you do? Remember, with a mob, a +very few words sways them for bad or good. Try the good, and await the +result." + +"Your advice shall be taken, although I have but faint hope of +succeeding with the men. I can make an attempt, and if I die in seeking +to secure the freedom of the miners, it shall never be said that I +counselled extreme measures against those who wished to remain neutral." + +Again he shook hands with us, and then left the store in a sorrowful and +thoughtful mood, as though he felt a foreboding of his coming death, yet +determined to yield his life for the benefit of his brother miners. + +"There goes a man who is thrusting his head into the lion's mouth, and +in less than a week he will meet a traitor's death, or suffer +imprisonment for life at the hulks. He has been marked and watched for +months, and be assured that the commissioner will not let him escape. +Well, it is no business of mine." And Mr. Brown refilled his pipe, and +threw his weary form upon a mattress, an example that I was not slow to +follow. + +It was late in the afternoon when we awoke, refreshed and ready for +work, but as business was not very brisk, we walked about the town until +supper time. + +Mr. Brown and myself strolled towards Gravel Pit Hill, and to our +surprise saw a large body of men, armed with rifles, shot guns, and old +muskets of the most antique description, going through a dress parade, +as military men would call it, although candor compels me to confess +that the costumes were not of the most _recherche_ description, as no +two were dressed alike, and no two held their guns in the same position. + +"What is going on?" I asked of a fellow who stood looking at the scene +with open mouth. + +"Can't you see for yourselves?" was the prompt reply, and the answer was +delivered without deigning to turn his head. + +"You might be civil, at any rate," I replied, half a mind to kick him +for his impertinence to us. + +"Don't come round 'ere bothering me, young men," said the fellow, with a +wave of his hand, as though desirous of cutting short the conversation. + +I thought that I recognized the voice, although I was not certain. +Neither had I seen the fellow's face, except by profile, so I just laid +a hand upon his shoulder, gave him a whirl and brought him to the right +about face. My suspicions were verified; I stood face to face with my +old rascally friend, Steel Spring. + +"Why, you scamp, where did you come from?" I asked. + +"That's the vay vid the vorld," the fellow said, putting one hand to his +eyes as though overcome by the unexpected interview; "a covey tries to +be honest, and get a honest livin', but up comes somebody vot has been +concerned vid him in the grab line, and insists upon being acquainted. +I'll leave this 'ere country, I vill." + +"Why, you rascal!" exclaimed the ex-inspector, "I've a good mind to lock +you up until you eat humble pie for six weeks to come." + +"No, you don't," replied Steel Spring, with a chuckle, "'cos you ain't +inspector no more, no how, and you can't lock a covey up, and you know +it." + +"He has you there, Mr. Brown," I remarked, and it pleased Steel Spring +so much that he condescended to regard us with a little more favor. + +"If he has," replied Mr. Brown, "I've got him on another tack that would +give him trouble. Come, tell us what you are doing here." + +"Can't you see?" he answered, impudently. "I'm looking at that awkward +squad of miners drilling, and pretty bad vork they make of it." + +"But are you in the breaking and entering line, or the pickpocket +business?" Mr. Brown asked. + +"I don't answer any questions vot reflects on my honor as a gentleman," +Steel Spring replied. + +"But you can tell us what occasioned you to leave the service of +Lieutenant Murden, can't you?" I remarked. + +"I could tell, but I don't choose to." + +"Very well," was the significant remark of my friend, "I know of a few +_knucks_ who are in town, and whom you were the means of burning out a +few months since. I am not in the police department at present, and +can't harm you, but I will hint to a few friends that you are in town." + +We turned, as though about to leave him, but Steel Spring was not +desirous of having a horde of desperadoes at his heels, as he inferred +that he would have, if he suffered us to leave him displeased. "O, +don't quit a covey that vay," he cried, in an abject manner; "I don't +vant to 'ave lots of henemies varever I goes, and you knows it." + +"Well, then, tell us what made you quit Murden's service?" I asked. + +He hesitated for a moment, as though almost resolved to tell a lie, but +thought better of it and told the truth. + +"Vell, if ye must know, I'll tell ye. There vas a trifling sum of money +missed from the police office one day, and I vos suspected. That's all." + +"Of course, you took the money, eh?" Mr. Brown remarked. + +"I vish that you vouldn't ask me such strange questions. You is enough +to confuse any one, I say." + +"Did you take the money?" demanded Mr. Brown. + +"Vell, yes, I s'pose I did. At leastwise it vas found on me, although +how it came in my pocket I don't know," and the fellow chuckled at his +falsehood. + +"And I suppose Murden told you that he had no further occasion for your +services," I remarked. + +"I think that he said something of the kind, but I vas so confused that +I don't remember all that took place. I know one thing, though, that I +ain't forgot." + +"Well, what is it?" + +"Vy, a slight kicking that I got, and a request never to show my head in +Melbourne again;" and the fellow rubbed his person as though it was +still sore. + +"Now, one question more," Mr. Brown said; "what brought you to this part +of the country?" + +Steel Spring hesitated for a moment, and then requested us to promise +secrecy before he divulged. We readily complied, when he asked us to +step one side, and where we could be sure not to be overheard. We +withdrew from the stragglers who were loitering about, followed by Steel +Spring. + +"I've got something to do that pays better than vaiting on Lieutenant +Murden," he whispered. + +"Is the occupation honest?" I asked. + +"If it hadn't been you vouldn't have caught me connected vid it," was +the prompt reply. + +"That we can tell after we have heard what you are doing. Go on." + +"I'm engaged by the commissioner to endeavor to find out the feelings of +these misguided men," Steel Spring said, still whispering. + +"In other words, you are a spy," I remarked. + +"Vell, I don't know about that," he said; "I'se promised to get all the +facts that I can hear, and let the commissioner know 'em. If that is vot +you call a spy, I s'pose I'm one on 'em." + +"And the pay is large, I suppose?" + +"Vell, I can find no fault in that line yet. I s'pose that I shall earn +my money, no matter 'ow 'igh the wages is." + +"Well, I don't envy you, if these rough miners get an inkling of your +profession. Look out for them, for they don't understand practical +joking," I remarked. + +"That for 'em!" ejaculated Steel Spring, snapping his fingers. "I know +something that vill take the edge off of 'em, if they show any of their +spite." + +"That's all talk," I replied. + +"Perhaps it is;" and Steel Spring shook his head with mysterious +silence. + +"Give us the information, and let us see how important it is," Mr. Brown +remarked. + +"Vell, then, vot do you think of a company of artillery comin' 'ere?" + +"Impossible!" I replied; "there's been no artillery ordered here as yet. +There's soldiers and policemen enough." + +"The commissioner don't think so, for four days ago he sent word to +Melbourne for a company to come up and bring their guns vid 'em, and the +coveys is already on their vay." + +"Then he must have sent despatches that the miners know nothing about," +remarked Mr. Brown, in a musing tone. + +"Lord bless you, I should 'ope so," returned Steel Spring, with some +disdain; "he is von of 'em for doing things up secret like, and vot he +don't know ain't vorth knowing." + +"This is news of some importance," I whispered to Mr. Brown; "the miners +should know it, or they will be cut to pieces." + +"We are to remain neutral, you know," Mr. Brown said, suggestively, and +I felt that if I interfered I could no longer maintain my character as +friend to both parties. + +I turned to bribe Steel Spring to give the miners a hint of the +approaching company, but that worthy had suddenly disappeared in the +crowd, and all efforts to find him were fruitless. + +For half an hour we remained upon the ground watching the evolutions of +the miners, as they went through various military manoeuvres, and then +we returned to the store to find that Smith had arrived during our +absence, and had brought with him a large stock of goods, and that he +and Fred were hard at work unloading them. + +I of course joined them without delay, and by sundown the carts were +unloaded, and the oxen secured for the night. We were all glad to see +our partner, and innumerable were the questions with which we plied him, +both before and after supper, and gladly did he answer them, and then +produced for our perusal a pile of newspapers from Yankee land, which +were worth more than ten times their weight in gold. + +While we were sitting around our rude table, making up accounts and +conversing about business, Steel Spring entered the store with as much +assurance as a first class customer. Fred and Smith both welcomed him +with a few remarks, but Steel Spring seemed somewhat hurried, and +declined to be seated. At length he gave me a signal that he wished to +communicate something to me in private, and I followed him to the door. + +"I thought that I vould come and give ye a bit of news, 'cos ye alvays +treated me vell," he said, in a low whisper, and after a careful glance +around to see if there were listeners near at hand. + +I acknowledged the remark, and he continued:-- + +"I heerd the commissioner give orders to-night that your 'osses should +be seized in the morning for the sogers to ride on, and I think he is +doing it out of spite." "But he has no right to touch private +property," I remarked. + +"Vot does you s'pose he cares for the right? He vill say that they is +needed, and that is 'nough. You can't help yourselves, you can't. Vot is +the use of talking?" + +"But we will talk, and to some purpose," I replied, indignant at the +outrage that was to be committed upon us. + +"No, don't you say one vord, 'cos it vouldn't help the matter, and he +could hinjure you more than the 'osses is vorth. Do you take and sell +'em. Don't you know some covey vot has got the ready tin vould buy 'em?" + +"We had an offer this very morning for all three of the animals by the +American stage company." + +"Vas the hoffer a good one?" asked Steel Spring, in a low voice. + +"Yes; all that the animals are worth." + +"Then do you go at vonce and get the tin, and tell the coveys that you +vant them taken off now--this werry evening. The commissioner von't +interfere vid the stage company. He knows better." + +I thanked Steel Spring for his information, and then whispered, while I +placed some gold coins in his hand,-- + +"Don't you think that you could contrive to let Captain Ross know +something in regard to the artillery company?" + +"I s'pose you have some veighty reasons for axing me to do it?" the spy +replied. + +"So weighty, that ten sovereigns will be given to the man who conveys +the information." + +"Ten sovereigns," repeated the fellow, slowly, as though considering of +the matter; "you don't know how it vould hinjure my conscience to sell +the secrets of the commissioner." + +"I will make them fifteen, then," I answered. + +"That is somethin' like. The vork is done, and no mistake. The captain +vill have the information. To-morrow I vill come for the shiners." + +He left me suddenly, and stole silently away in the darkness, just as a +policeman halted in front of the store and scrutinized the building as +though it was a resort for traitors, and he was determined to keep his +eye upon our movements. I knew the man, and he knew me, so I stopped to +exchange a few words with him. + +"How goes the war?" I asked. + +The officer glanced hastily around to see if he was watched before he +replied,-- + +"The times are hard, when we have to look after old acquaintances." + +"Why, who are you watching for now?" I inquired. + +"Why, I hope that your honor won't be offended, but I have got orders to +report all who go into the store, and examine all who leave it." + +"The commissioner is carrying matters with a high hand," I replied, "but +we can afford to submit to some inconvenience, and still disregard his +petty malice. Do your duty, and don't be fearful of offending us." + +"I'll do what I am compelled to, and no more," was the response; "if the +commissioner thinks I'm going to act the spy on your movements he's +damnably mistaken, I can tell him." + +The officer passed along on his beat, and I rejoined my friends and +communicated Steel Spring's information. Every one expressed surprise, +and protested against such high-handed proceedings. But we were +powerless to resist, for the commissioner was supreme in his authority, +and there was no appeal, except through the government at Melbourne. + +We resolved, however, to defeat his machinations, and I lost no time in +visiting the agent of the stage company, stating that we wished to +dispose of our horses, and had the satisfaction of receiving the money +for them that evening. + +The agent desired that the horses should remain in our possession until +morning, but he agreed to assume all the responsibility, and even smiled +when I ventured to hint that perhaps the commissioner would visit us at +an early hour. + +"Give me a bill of sale, signed by your firm," the agent said, "and I +will risk all attempts at confiscation." + +I did as he requested, and got two or three respectable men to witness +my signature, and the delivery of the money, and then I went back to the +store and chuckled at the thought of the disappointed commissioner next +morning. + +We did not retire very early, but sat up with closed doors and darkened +windows, and read our papers and talked until long past midnight. Our +business affairs were prosperous--we were free from debts of any +kind--we had ready money enough on hand to take advantage of the +markets, and buy low and sell dear--and to crown all, we had many +thousand dollars lying idle in the Melbourne bank, which we could resort +to in case of necessity. Our position was good, but a few losses by bad +management would have made us as pecuniarily poor as when we reached the +country, therefore the little trouble which we had with the commissioner +gave us considerable annoyance, for in various ways he could injure us. + +We went to bed that night with considerable anxiety on our minds, but +with a firm determination that if we were imposed upon we would resist, +and even carry our grievances before the governor, if we could obtain +redress in no other way. We were anxious for daylight, yet dreaded the +disagreeable results which it would bring forth. + +No sooner had the sun shown its hot face than we heard a commotion in +front of the store, but we remained seated at our table leisurely eating +breakfast, and pretending that we cared but little for the excitement in +the street. Presently a police officer put his head in at the door and +shouted out,-- + +"I say, you!" + +"Well, what say you?" asked Fred, without moving. + +"The commissioner wants to speak to you instantly." + +"Well, tell him to come in," I responded. + +"He can't; he's 'ossback." + +"And we are at breakfast," Fred cried. + +"He's in a hurry." + +"So are we." + +"Will you come?" + +"Certainly; after we have finished eating our breakfast." + +The fellow uttered an oath, and withdrew his head to report to his +superior officer. In a few minutes afterwards we heard the heavy steps +of men approaching us, and looking up we saw the dark face of the +commissioner, and the bull-dog countenance of Colonel Kellum, who had +command of the military in Ballarat. + +"Good morning, gentlemen," Fred said, rising, and placing chairs for our +visitors. + +A brief nod was the only sign of recognition that was returned, but the +chairs were not accepted. + +"To what are we indebted for this early visit?" Fred asked. + +"We have come, sir, for--" + +The commissioner had proceeded thus far, when he seemed confused, and +stopped. He may have felt that he was about to commit an unjustifiable +outrage, and wished the colonel to share half of the responsibility. + +"The fact is, sir," the military man exclaimed, most pompously, "we want +your horses in the name of the government." + +"Our horses, did you say?" Fred asked, with a sweet smile. + +"That's what I said, sir," the colonel replied, swelling with bad blood +and dignity. + +"I think, that you are mistaken, sir, as we are not the owners of any +such kind of animals," Fred answered. + +"Why, what do you call them, sir?" the colonel cried, triumphantly, +pointing to the unconscious brutes, who were eating their provender in +the stable which we had built just adjoining the store. + +"Those are horses, certainly, sir, but they don't belong to us." + +His face was a picture when he replied, it was so gentle, and appeared +so bland and courteous, as though he would not offend for the world. + + + + +CHAPTER LXXXII. + +SAME CONTINUED.--DEATH OF ROSS. + + +"Young man," cried the colonel, his face swelling as though the hot +blood would burst through its thin covering, "do you mean to tell me +that those animals do not belong to you or your partner?" + +"In the first place," answered Fred, with quiet dignity, "my name is +Frederick ----, and I desire to be addressed as such in our +communications, and not by the ambiguous title of 'young man.' In the +next place, as I told you before, we are not the owners of those +animals." + +"It's a trick to cheat us," muttered the commissioner. + +"Did you address a remark to me?" Fred asked, turning to the police +officer. + +The commissioner declined to reply, but he seemed to feel what he had +uttered. + +"The animals are wanted, and we shall take them, sir, for the use of +the government; for the use of the government, sir, I suppose that you +understand," the colonel cried. + +"That is something that we have no control over, and are not interested +in. I have no doubt that the owner or owners of the animals know how to +protect their own property, and will do so." + +The commissioner made a signal to his men, and three or four of them +started for the stable to remove the animals. Just at that moment the +agent of the stage company entered the store, and his presence was never +more desirable. + +"Hullo," he cried, "what the devil are you doing with my horses, Fred?" + +"We are doing nothing with them, but these gentlemen seemed to think +that government was in want of them, and therefore are about to +confiscate them. I am glad that you have arrived in time to make terms +of sale." + +"Terms of the devil!" the agent shouted; "here, you, sirs, take those +animals back to the stable, or I'll break you finer than a piece of +quartz after it has passed through a mill!" + +The men stood irresolute, and looked towards their chief. + +"We want the animals," the colonel said. + +"And will have them," the commissioner exclaimed. + +"Gentlemen," said the agent of the stage company, "these animals belong +to me; I have paid for them, and have a bill of sale, and the man who +dares to detain them does so at his peril." + +"Let us see the document," the military man said, after a whispered +consultation with the commissioner. + +The agent handed the paper to the colonel, and he studied over it +carefully. + +"Why, this document was signed last night," he exclaimed, with a sour +look at Fred. + +"What's that got to do with the question?" the agent asked, abruptly. + +"Because I believe that it's a d----n trick to cheat the government!" +shouted the colonel, boiling over with rage. + +"Do you dare address such words to me, sir?" cried Fred. + +"Or to me, either?" demanded the agent. + +"Your uniform shall be no protection, unless you unsay what you have +uttered," Fred continued, advancing in a menacing manner towards the +colonel. + +"Don't be rash," I whispered, laying a hand on Fred's shoulder; +"remember that he is high in rank, and won't meet you." + +"But I will post him in every town in Australia, unless he apologizes or +fights." + +"When the government solicited our company to establish a daily line of +stages between Ballarat and Melbourne, we were promised all the +assistance that officials could afford, and no interference was to be +allowed; I see that the commissioner, and you, Colonel Kellum, are +desirous of driving us from the town, and compelling us to abandon our +enterprise. I shall take immediate steps to let the government know the +reason of our refusal to continue the contract." + +The speech of the agent was a telling one on the colonel and +commissioner, for they knew that government would never pardon +interference with a line that cost so much money to establish, and which +was carrying information through the country at an unprecedentedly rapid +rate. No wonder they stopped to consider, and changed their fierce +aspect for one of conciliation, for they knew that suspension from duty +would probably follow a remonstrance from the company. + +"If you have bought the horses we have nothing further to say," the +commissioner remarked, turning to the agent; "it was a mistake on our +part in supposing that they belonged to these gentlemen, whom we are +proud to call friends, and to whom we now desire to state that we only +proposed to borrow the animals for a short time, and return them after +these unhappy troubles." + +"If the d----d brutes were not killed," muttered the colonel, _sotto +voce_, and with a look of the most intense hatred. + +"Colonel Kellum, you accuse me of acting unfairly in this business, and +I desire an explanation," Fred said, the matter still rankling in his +mind. + +"I have given the only explanation that I shall give, and with that you +must rest satisfied," was the reply of the red-faced Briton. + +"Then I suppose that you will favor me with a meeting at an early hour?" +Fred asked. + +"What!" cried the military man, with some surprise, "a colonel in her +majesty's army meet a dealer in tea and coffee? You must be mad!" + +The red face of the military man grew purple as he thought of the +indignity. + +"Then I can only suppose that you are a coward, and that even a blow +would not induce you to fight. Is that the case, sir?" + +The colonel smiled with bitter scorn, and turned to leave the store. + +"You refuse me an apology, do you?" Fred demanded, springing in front of +Kellum, and barring his way to the door. + +"Out of my way, grocer," the colonel shouted, with a laugh so insulting +that Fred could contain himself no longer. He raised his hand and struck +his opponent a light blow across his face. + +Kellum swelled until I thought that every vein in his body would burst +at the indignity. He muttered a few inaudible words, and then rubbed his +forehead as though he did not half comprehend the insult, and wished to +recall his scattered senses to know whether it was real. + +"Now," said Fred, "you can go. I have repaid you insult for insult, and +we are even-handed. If you desire satisfaction for the blow, you know +where to find me." + +"Yes, I can find you now!" Kellum hissed, with an oath of some +magnitude; "you have struck me, and have sold your last pound of tea on +earth." + +"Look out!" shouted the stage agent; and his words of caution were none +too soon, for the colonel drew his sword suddenly, and made a desperate +lunge at Fred, which he avoided, and the point of the blade struck +against a nail keg, and broke short off. + +"A brave man, to refuse to meet a grocery dealer," my friend said, +sarcastically; "I hope that the British army is not composed of such +noble spirits as you; if it is assassination must be held in repute +wherever there is a regiment." + +The colonel was too angry to reply, but I thought that he seemed ashamed +of his late attempt on the life of my friend, for he sheathed his sword +without seeking to again use it. + +"You shall hear from me in the course of the day," Kellum said, and +without looking to the right or left he marched from the store, mounted +his horse, and left our part of the town in peace. + +"He is the most unscrupulous colonel in the English army," the agent +said, after we had got rid of our unwelcome visitors; "he is feared by +his men, and disliked by his officers, and he was never yet quartered in +a town without finding cause to quarrel with some of the inhabitants. He +has been sent here to crush this rebellion, and unless you shoot him he +will do it, even if he has to shed torrents of blood. + +"By the way," the agent said, as he turned to leave the store, "the +miners must have employed our countrymen to chop wood for them last +night, if I might judge from appearances." + +"How so?" + +"Why, haven't you heard the news?" he asked, in surprise. + +"No; what has transpired?" + +"Why, the miners are building fortifications on Gravel Pit Hill, and +last night the sound of axes was heard from dark until light. A thousand +trees were felled and trimmed, and cut into suitable lengths for a +palisade, and even now men are at work digging holes in the sand to +insert the ends of the timber. The miners mean mischief, and we shall +have a hot fight before long." + +"But why don't the commissioner interfere, and prevent the men from +continuing the work?" I asked. + +"That is something that I cannot explain, although I have endeavored to +solve the mystery. The miners think that he is frightened, and therefore +count on an easy victory." + +The agent bade us a good morning, and walked off to attend to his +duties. + +"Can't you see through this seeming indifference?" asked Mr. Brown; "the +commissioner has sent for artillery, and expects the arrival of the +company in a day or two at farthest. The palisade will afford but +trifling resistance to a twelve pound cannon ball. Besides, there is +more glory for the officers if the miners are fortified. Be assured that +the commissioner winks at the operations of the disaffected, simply +because he can crush them more effectually if cooped up, than displayed +upon the plain." + +"But if the artillery were cut off and sent back to Melbourne with the +loss of their guns, the miners would have the best of the bargain," I +suggested. + +"By the Lord Harry, I never thought of that," cried Mr. Brown, with +enthusiasm; "that would be worth a careful consideration if Ross only +could get the idea. I've half a mind to suggest it to him." + +While he was speaking Steel Spring entered the store, ostensibly to buy +a plug of tobacco, but in reality not to pay for it. + +"Well," I whispered, while serving him, "did you convey the information +to Ross?" + +"Of course," he replied, promptly. + +"And what did he say?" I asked. + +"That he now knew his friends, and would take measures to prewent the +sogers from getting here in a hurry." + +I had no time to talk farther with Steel Spring, for he seemed impatient +to be gone, so I slyly slipped the money into his hand, and he left the +store with a chuckle of such intense delight that a tall policeman near +the door asked him where he got his swipes. + +Trade was remarkably good that day. There was a steady stream of gold +dust pouring in, in exchange for many articles which were usually slow +of sale. A large portion of our stock of liquors was sold in bottles and +demijohns, and there were many inquiries for powder and lead, but we +were not allowed by the authorities to deal in such articles, and even +if we had been, we should have declined to sell them under the +circumstances, knowing that the ammunition was intended for the especial +benefit of the soldiers and police officers, and in the latter force we +had many friends. + +We closed the store earlier than usual that night, for there was an +agitation pervading the working class that showed that the eventful hour +was approaching when the miners were to measure their strength with the +disciplined soldiers of their country. The red coats were under arms at +their barracks, and a man informed me that he had seen each soldier +served with ball cartridges, and that afterwards they loaded their guns +carefully, as though determined to make every shot tell. + +Two or three times during the evening we were on the point of venturing +into the streets; but a fear of getting embroiled with the military +prevented us. + +We heard the heavy tramp of men as they marched through the street, and +each moment expected to listen to the roar of musketry. While we were +thus expectant, a light rap at the door, and a voice with which we were +familiar, attracted our attention. + +I unbarred the door and let in Steel Spring. + +"Things is vorking," he said, rubbing his hands with glee; "'fore +morning we'll 'ave a fight, and I don't care vich vins, I don't." + +"How do the miners remain?" I asked; "are they firm?" + +"Vell, vot there is of 'em is brave 'nough, but that 'ere Ross has sent +avay 'is best men, and let others go 'ome for the night. He vill catch +it afore mornin'." + +"The man is mad," remarked Mr. Brown. "He should have kept every miner +under arms through the night. The commissioner means mischief, I'll +warrant." + +"Don't he, though!" exclaimed Steel Spring, winking both his eyes +violently. + +"What are his plans?" I asked. + +"Vell, 'tain't hardly right in me to tell 'em," the fellow said, as +though he didn't want to reveal all that he knew, although I could see +that he was anxious to, "but the commissioner has sent out men to +mislead the party vot has gone to stop the artillery, and they vill get +on another road and not come back for two or three days. The Yankee +chaps vid their rifles 'ave gone vid the green vons, and now the colonel +don't care an old button for the rest. An attack vill be made to-night +at one o'clock, but don't tell that I said so." + +We did not promise a compliance with his request, and after a liberal +drink of whiskey Steel Spring left us to plot mischief, and to steal +whatever he could lay his hands on during the melee. + +We held a short counsel, and then resolved that, as the time was near at +hand when the attack was contemplated, we would risk our lives in +witnessing it, and, if possible, render some assistance to the injured, +whether miners or soldiers. We locked up our gold in the safe, and then +started for Gravel Pit Hill. The streets were silent and deserted. Not a +policeman wearing a blue coat was to be seen until we entered the square +where the palisades were erected, and there we found about five hundred +men drawn up in line, silent and immovable, their muskets gleaming by +the starlight, awaiting but the order to open a volley upon the poor +fellows who were cooped up behind the timber, full of pluck, yet hardly +prepared to meet so many disciplined men, and hoping that only a menace +was intended. + +"Who comes there?" shouted a sentry, as we approached. + +"Friends," I replied. + +"Well, friends, stand back and keep out of sight, or you'll lose the +number of your mess," the soldier added, jocosely. + +We had no desire for such a calamity, and therefore retired to another +part of the hill, and managed to secrete ourselves from observation by +keeping within the shadow of a friendly tree. + +We had not been in our position more than fifteen minutes when we heard +a clash of arms, and the sound of many feet in motion. The soldiers were +formed in two columns, and were rushing with headlong speed towards the +palisades. + +The movement was so sudden that the miners were entirely unprepared. +Many of them were asleep, and others had laid their guns aside, and were +at work strengthening the fortifications when the soldiers commenced the +attack. A number of the bravest raised a shout and discharged their +muskets at the approaching columns, but the soldiers did not falter. +They answered the cheer of the miners with a yell, at the sound of which +many of the young men became panic-stricken, threw down their arms, and +fled for their lives. + +Amid the uproar I could hear the loud voice of Ross urging his men to +stand to their posts firmly and fight to the last, and a few obeyed, and +poured straggling volleys upon the red coats. Occasionally I could hear +the sharp crack of the American rifle, and I felt sorry to think that my +countrymen were fighting against men who would show them no mercy if +victory perched upon the banner of the government officials. + +Cheer after cheer both parties gave, and then there was heard the sound +of axes and the placing of scaling ladders, as the soldiers gained the +palisades. + +"On them, bullies!" shouted a voice, which I recognized as Colonel +Kellum's; "show the d----d rebels no quarter! Kill, kill, kill!" + +The soldiers had got their blood up, and responded to the barbarous +orders with a yell like famished tigers on the scent of blood. The +timbers were torn away, and in rushed the disciplined men, firing volley +after volley upon all who met their view. We could hear the groans of +the wounded, and shrieks of the dying, until at last the firing ceased +for the want of victims, many having made their escape. + +"Do you surrender?" we heard the colonel shout; and although we could +not see whom he addressed, we suspected that Ross and his boldest +adherents were making a stand in the enclosure. + +"Let us try and save them," cried Fred; and without listening to our +warning, he started towards the palisade, followed close by Mr. Brown, +Smith, and myself. + +The soldiers took but little notice of us, thinking that we were +government officials; so we worked our way by them until we reached the +spot where Colonel Kellum was standing, surrounded by his officers. + +"Do the d----d rebels surrender?" the colonel repeated, just as we could +witness the proceedings. + +"Here's the leader of 'em, sir, that says he will," cried two or three +soldiers, escorting Ross towards the colonel. + +"The leader, hey! Bring him here," was the command. + +Ross walked firmly towards his conqueror, and stopped when within a few +paces. + +"Are you the leader of these ragamuffins?" demanded Kellum, arrogantly. + +"I was the leader of the miners, sir," Ross replied, firmly. + +"You own it, do you? Hand me your gun." + +Ross complied with the command. + +"Is it loaded?" the colonel asked. + +"Yes, sir," was the brief response. + +"Then I will discharge it for you," the military despot said. + +He cocked the piece, placed it within two feet of the Canadian's breast, +and fired. The unhappy man sprang into the air, threw his arms wildly +over his head, and fell a corpse, a bullet having entered his heart. + + + + +CHAPTER LXXXIII. + +ARREST OF FRED.--TRIP TO MELBOURNE, AND ITS RESULTS. + + +There was a cry of horror at the atrocity of the deed; not from any of +the officers who were present, but from the soldiers, who were not used +to warfare of that description. + +"O, cowardly deed," cried Fred, who could not prevent giving expression +to his feelings. + +"Ha! what was that?" roared the colonel, turning towards us. + +I endeavored to drag Fred from the scene, but he resisted my efforts +stoutly. + +"I say that to shoot a prisoner in cold blood is murder, and none but a +base coward would resort to such an act," cried Fred, raising his voice. +"Secure that man," roared the colonel; but not a soldier stirred to +enforce the order. + +"In the name of God, make your escape," whispered Mr. Brown; but Fred +disdained to fly. + +"Will no one obey me?" roared the colonel, turning to his officers. "Do +you refuse to do your duty? By G----, I'll break every man in the +regiment, unless you are a little more prompt. Arrest that man, sirs, +and bring him before me," he continued, turning to his officers. + +They obeyed, but unwillingly, and moved so slowly that Fred could easily +have escaped had he been so disposed. I sought to urge him to dodge +behind the soldiers, but he sternly refused; and when the officers +surrounded him, he walked with a firm step towards the tyrant, and +without suffering a hand to be laid upon his shoulder. + +"You find fault with the method which I resort to to punish rebellion, +do you?" demanded the colonel, with a savage laugh. + +"If it was with my last breath, I would protest against so cowardly an +outrage," replied Fred, with all the contempt that he could assume. + +"Hullo! I know that voice," cried Kellum, starting forward, and pulling +Fred's cap from his face. "D----n me, if I didn't think so," he +continued. "You are the grocer that dared to raise your hand against me +yesterday morning. Iron him, and away with him to the barracks." + +"For what crime, sir?" I asked, starting forward. + +"For rebellion," shouted the colonel. "He has dared to interfere with +the army of Her Majesty, while suppressing treason." + +"He came here to assist the wounded, and had no intention of interfering +with the soldiers," I said. + +"Away with you, or I'll lock you up, and send you to Melbourne for +trial, with your partymen. Go." + +"Don't provoke him," whispered an officer. "Obey him, and we will do all +that we can for your friend." + +"Will you allow me to exchange one word with your prisoner?" I asked of +Kellum. + +"What, not gone yet?" he roared. "Ready," he shouted, addressing his +soldiers, "aim," and the word to "fire," was trembling on his lips, when +the officers forced us from the presence of the brute, and we heard the +cries of the wounded as they were roughly handled by the soldiers, for +the purpose of securing them and conveying them to the barracks. + +The soldiers were also employed in attending to their own wounded, +several of whom had fallen, and while I carefully picked my way through +the crowd I stumbled over a prostrate body, which caused us to stop, and +see if we could be of any assistance. I stooped down and placed my hand +upon the man's head, and felt his hot blood gush from a wound in his +heart. I removed the poor fellow's broad rimmed hat, and saw, to my +surprise, that it was Steel Spring. + +"Why, it is our old companion," I cried, feeling really sorry at his +misfortune. "Help me to lift him up, and we will carry him to the +store." + +"It's no use," gasped the wounded man. "Got a ball in my breast; all +over vid me--sorry I came 'ere--didn't mean to--didn't get pay for +this--don't disturb me. I shall die in ten minutes--know it--vill bet +all the money I've got that I do--I'm sorry for all my rascalities." + +He ceased to speak, and placing his hand upon his breast, groaned as +though suffering terrible pain. The blood from his wound flowed on +unceasingly. + +"Cheer up, old friend," I said, encouragingly. "There is life still +left, and we can get you on your feet in a few weeks by the aid of a +doctor. We will get a litter, and carry you to the store." + +Smith started in search of one, and left Mr. Brown and me to look after +the wounded man. + +"'Tis werry kind of you, but 'tis no use." Steel Spring whispered. "I've +got a load here that vill keep me quiet arter I'm dead. I shan't be able +to steal then, 'cos gold vould be of no use to me vere I'm going." + +"If you want to save that covey's life, you'd better make him hold his +gab, and get him off the ground as soon as possible," an English soldier +said, stopping for a moment to examine our old companion's wound, and +then passing on with as much indifference as it was possible to +manifest. + +Luckily the litter arrived, and we managed to get Steel Spring on to it, +and carried him to the store. There was but little life in him, and that +little we tried to retain, and consulted with the best doctor in +Ballarat for that purpose. The physician said that the ball would have +to be extracted first, when the wound would heal of itself, if nothing +in the shape of inflammation intervened, and to prove that he was right, +probed the wound, started the bleeding afresh, and in less than an hour +after the spy was carried to our store he was a corpse, and the doctor +had sent in his bill for medical attendance, and charged in proportion +to his ignorance, which was immense. + +Leaving Smith to manufacture a coffin out of the spare boards and boxes +which the store contained, Mr. Brown and myself started for the head +quarters of the commissioner for the purpose of seeking an interview, +and obtaining the release of Fred, who, I doubted not, would be set free +in the morning, as no charge could be brought against him of a +rebellious nature. + +We found a guard of soldiers stationed around the house, and an eager +and excited crowd was kept at a distance by a line of bayonets. I saw +that the miners were anxious to learn if any of their friends were +wounded or taken prisoners, yet could obtain no satisfactory +information, as all intercourse with those in custody was denied. + +"Stand back, sir," cried a sergeant, as Mr. Brown and myself pressed +forward for the purpose of reaching the entrance to the building. + +"Hullo, Richards! is that you?" Mr. Brown exclaimed, extending his hand. + +"Ah, excuse me, sir; I didn't recognize you. Sorry to be obliged to stop +you, sir, but have got positive orders to admit only those having +business." + +"Then we are just the ones to pass, for we have business of importance +with the commissioner." + +"Ah, that alters the case. Pass in, gentlemen;" and as the soldiers +lowered their bayonets, we slipped past them, and in a few minutes found +ourselves in the ante-room of the commissioner. + +"You had better go in alone, for I can be of no service to you," +whispered Mr. Brown; and I felt the truth of the remark. + +I boldly followed an officer into the commissioner's room, and soon +found myself in the presence of Kellum, the commissioner, and half a +dozen captains and lieutenants. + +"I tell you, that every dog of them should be shot, and then you'll hear +no more of taxes and rebellion. That's the way I'd punish treason, and +it will be effectual. We should have no more meetings and political +speeches by men who don't know what they are ranting about. We have got +the rebels at our feet. Let us trample upon them." + +"It will not do," replied the commissioner, mildly, with his usual +crafty calculation. "The home government will hear of the matter, and +rake us over the coals for it. Besides, the newspapers would raise a +prodigious row, and then Parliament will have to appoint a commissioner +of inquiry. No, no; I've thought the matter over carefully, and I'm +convinced that we should get awfully blackballed if we shoot the +rascals, although"--and he smiled and rubbed his hands with glee--"I +should like the sport." + +"Say but the word, and in fifteen minutes every dog of them shall be +dead," cried the colonel, who, having tasted blood, wished for more. + +"No, no; let us send them to Melbourne, where a long imprisonment and +low diet will be the fate of each." + +The colonel was about to make some observation, when an officer touched +his elbow, and called his attention to me. + +"Hullo, by G----d, sir, how long have you been in this room?" he roared. + +"I should judge about five minutes," I replied, calmly. + +"And your business here?" he demanded, fiercely; and I saw that he had +not forgotten the blow which Fred dealt him the day before. + +"My business is not with you, sir, but with this gentleman," I replied, +turning to the commissioner. + +"Well, transact it, and be off. If that sergeant admits another grocer, +I'll hang him before morning." + +I did not notice the sneer, but turned towards the commissioner, upon +whom I hoped to make a favorable impression. + +"I have called, sir, to see if I could not make arrangements for the +release of my friend, who was taken into custody to-night, and who is +innocent of any connection with this rebellion." + +"What arrangement do you wish to make?" the commissioner asked. + +"I will give bonds to a large amount for his appearance at any time that +you may appoint." + +"Why, the grocer thinks that he is in a court of law," the colonel said, +with a most insulting sneer. + +"No, sir," I replied, "I thought that I was in the presence of +gentlemen." + +"None of your insolence here," the bully roared, not liking the smile +which he saw upon the faces of his officers. + +"Insolence is but a poor weapon to gain a cause, and a gentleman should +never use it unless to rebuke presumption," I replied. + +"We cannot take the bail that you offer," the commissioner said. "Your +partner was arrested for giving vent to treasonable expressions, and +after he was taken into custody, on his person was found a dangerous +weapon, in the shape of a revolver." + +"Don't say that the pistol was dangerous to any one but himself," the +colonel cried. "I dare say that if he had attempted to shoot any one, he +would not have known how." + +"There is where you do the gentleman an injustice," an officer remarked. + +"If you did not think him dangerous, you should have met after the scene +in our store," I said, addressing the colonel, and alluding to the blow +which Fred had struck him. + +"I am not accustomed to meet every pauper that presents himself for +battle. I don't wish to place him on a level with myself, and therefore +will wait until he proves himself a gentleman." + +"There is where you are mistaken, colonel," said a young gentleman +dressed in the uniform of a captain. "I had the pleasure of meeting both +of these gentlemen at a levee of the governor's, and I know that he +spoke very highly of them, and offered to reward them with lucrative +positions for their services in destroying two or three bands of +bushrangers, who had long been a terror to travellers. It does not +require a patent of nobility to make them gentlemen." + +"Why, Captain Fitz, you had better offer to defend the prisoner, you +speak so warmly in his behalf," sneered the colonel. + +"I am not a lawyer, sir, although if I am called upon to give my +testimony, I think that I shall say what I please regarding the +slaughter of twenty-two miners, whose only crime was protesting against +an unjust tax." + +"Say what you please, and welcome; but while you are under my command +you must obey my orders or else stand the chances of a court-martial. I +don't think that the miners agree with you," the military despot +continued, after a moment's consultation with the commissioner; "I +desire that you take command of the escort which is about to start for +Melbourne with the prisoners. You will lose not a moment, but report +yourself ready in an hour's time." + +"I do not require even a moment's time," replied the young man; "I am +ready now, and am only too anxious to start." + +"As for you, sir," the colonel said, turning to me, "you can see your +friend after he reaches Melbourne, but not before. He is charged with a +serious crime, and those higher in power than myself must deal with +him." + +I left the apartment, uncertain what to do or where to go. Mr. Brown +joined me in the ante-room, but read the result of my mission in my +face. + +"There's no hope?" he asked. + +"None; he goes to Melbourne to-night." + +"So much the better," answered Mr. Brown, promptly; "now we shall have a +fair chance for his freedom; for great things can sometimes be +accomplished in that city." + +"But Fred will suffer on the route," I remarked, "and unless he is cared +for, will never reach the city alive." + +"Don't give yourself any uneasiness on that score," Captain Fitz said, +he having heard my last remark; "I will take care that he is treated +with as much consideration as the circumstances will admit of, and see +that he wants for nothing." + +I uttered a few hurried thanks, and the captain was about to pass, when +I detained him. + +"Is there any means by which we can obtain an interview with my friend?" +I asked. + +"I fear not," he answered, in a hesitating manner, which inspired me +with some hope. + +"Only a few words," I pleaded. + +"If the colonel or commissioner should know that I ever listened to the +suggestion, there would be a pretty row," muttered the captain, still +hesitating. + +"But they need not know it," I repeated. + +"Come, Captain Fitz, for old acquaintance sake, let us see the young +man. No harm will come of it, and you will be doing a good service," +said Mr. Brown, who knew the officer while quartered at Melbourne. + +"Well, I will see what I can do for you; but remember, I shall give you +only five minutes." + +"That will answer our purpose," I replied. + +"Then wait here a few moments, until I report myself ready for the +march. The prisoners are being mustered, and preparing for the long +tramp, for we have got to get them out of Ballarat before daylight, for +fear of an attack and rescue." + +He spoke hurriedly, and then entered the commissioner's room, where he +remained ten minutes, when he again joined us. + +"All right," he whispered; "put on these overcoats and caps--you must +pass for officers, or there will be an end to all attempts at an +interview." + +We were too glad to comply with the request to waste words, and as soon +as we had donned the disguise we followed the captain out of the front +door, passed double lines of soldiers, still on duty, but resting on +their arms, and at length reached a strong building where the prisoners +were confined, and where preparations were being made for their removal. + +A dozen or twenty soldiers guarded the door; but at the sight of the +captain and his uniform, arms were presented, the door was unlocked, and +we passed into a room thirty feet square, where we found about +twenty-five of the most prominent miners, lounging about, talking, and +apparently entirely indifferent to their fate. We cast our eyes over the +crowd, and soon saw Fred, holding a conversation with a soldier, whom he +was endeavoring to bribe to get writing materials, so that he could +indite a few lines to us before he left. + +"Step this way, my man," I said, disguising my voice, and addressing my +friend. + +He looked somewhat astonished, but as he could not see my face, he did +not know me. + +"Well, gentlemen, what is your pleasure?" he asked, as he followed us to +the most remote part of the room. + +"To see you before you left, and to convince you that we will make every +exertion to secure your release," I whispered. + +"Ah, Jack," my friend said, squeezing my hand, "I knew that you would +not let me leave without making an effort to see me. A thousand thanks +for this kindness." + +"Don't be discouraged," I continued; "Mr. Brown and myself are going to +Melbourne in the morning, and we will use all our influence to get you +clear. Is there any thing that you desire?" + +"I don't know of any thing, unless you can send me a few clothes, so +that I can have a change after reaching the city." + +"We will await your arrival, and while we are away, Smith must look +after the business." + +"Time is up, gentlemen," Captain Fitz said, approaching us. + +"One moment, sir.--Have you any gold in your pockets?" I asked. + +"A few shilling pieces--nothing more," Fred replied. + +"Then take these sovereigns;" and I slipped a dozen into his hand. + +"I must again remind you, gentlemen," the captain remarked. + +"We are all ready to leave, and have only one more favor to ask. Let us +have a moment's conversation with the orderly sergeant, who will have +the immediate care of the prisoners." + +"There he stands," the captain replied, pointing to a six-footer, who +was ironing the men, and who was waiting to handcuff Fred. + +The captain smiled to see the eagerness with which I rushed towards the +man, and then very wisely turned his back upon us. He suspected what I +intended to do. + +"You have the immediate charge of the prisoners?" I asked. + +"Yes, sir," he replied, with some show of respect, for we wore the +overcoats of officers. + +"Will you see that my friend there has every comfort that it is possible +to obtain on the route?" I asked. + +"They must all share alike, sir," he answered. + +"But will you promise not to iron him, and accept his word of honor that +he will not attempt to run away?" I asked. + +"Couldn't think of such a thing, sir. I'm responsible for every man." + +"But he is a gentleman, and will keep his word, let what will happen," I +pleaded. + +Another reproval was springing from his lips, when suddenly his face +underwent a remarkable change, and a smile took the place of a frown. + +"Fifty more when I meet you in Melbourne, if you strictly comply with my +requests," I whispered. + +The soldier put his hand into his pocket with wonderful dexterity, and I +heard gold chink as he withdrew it. + +"All right, sir--rely upon me. The gentleman shall have my bed and grub, +and ride beside me in the ambulance. I must keep an eye on him, you +know, 'cos I'm 'sponsible for his safe keeping." + +"Watch him as close as you please," I replied, "although I assure you +that he would not escape after he has once passed his word for all the +gold in the mines of Australia." + +"Them's the kind of coveys I likes," responded the soldier. "He shan't +feel the touch of the irons, and shall fare like a grenadier. But you +won't forget the other fifty." + +I assured the man that the money should be forthcoming; and just then +the shrill notes of a trumpet were heard outside, followed by the roll +of a drum. + +"You must leave instantly," cried Captain Fitz, hurriedly. "The +prisoners are about to be led out." + +We rushed towards Fred, gave him a hearty shake of our hands, whispered +a few words of encouragement, and then were compelled to leave the +building. + +"Pass this way, gentlemen," the captain said; "I'll escort you through +the lines, as you might find some difficulty in answering the sentry's +challenges." + +We followed the kind-hearted officer, and were soon outside the lines, +when we thanked him for his kindness. + +"Some other time we will talk of the matter," he answered. "I must now +hasten back to my command; but one word before we part. Don't think that +all British officers resemble Colonel Kellum. Now, I will thank you for +the overcoats, or my brother officers will scold worse than a dragoon. +Adieu. We shall meet in Melbourne." + +He disappeared in the darkness, and we walked silently to the store, +where we found Smith, who was so overcome by the arrest of Fred that he +had drank six or seven glasses of whiskey, and announced his intention +of continuing to imbibe until he was lost to all reason. A few words of +comfort, however, and an announcement that we should leave for Melbourne +in the morning, and require him to look after the store until our +return, sobered him, and he vowed not to touch another glass of spirits +until Fred was released. + +Mr. Brown promised to accompany me, and before morning we packed up our +clothes, and at daylight we were on our way in the stage, rolling along +at the rate of ten miles an hour; and in two days after leaving the +mines we were in Melbourne, and closeted with Murden, who proved himself +our friend in adversity, as he was in prosperity. + +"I will do all that I can," he said, after listening to our story. "The +commissioner has so magnified matters that the governor and council +really think a most formidable insurrection has occurred, and that he +has displayed great power in putting it down. To make the affair as +complicated as possible, the governor seems to think that the Americans +were at the head of the conspiracy, and have urged the English on to +action. I, of course, know better, and will endeavor to have him put +right on the subject." + +Murden appointed an interview in the afternoon, and then left us to lay +our case before a few of the most influential members of the council, +while we visited old acquaintances, and explained to Smith's wife, who +was living in a very pleasant house in the city, the reason why her +husband would not return for a week or two. The lady was heartily glad +to see me, and at her request Mr. Brown and myself took up our quarters +in her house during our stay in the city. + +In the afternoon we called on Murden, and found that he had accomplished +his object. The governor, on his representations, had ordered a +discharge to be immediately made out, and sealed by the broad seal of +the colony, and intimated that a most thorough investigation should be +instituted regarding the conduct of both the commissioner and Colonel +Kellum at Ballarat. + +"And now to conclude a long story," said Murden, "here is a discharge +which states that your friend was unjustly arrested, and that he be +released from custody, no matter under whose jurisdiction he may be, +forthwith. His excellency also bade me state that he should be pleased +to see you before your departure from the city, and requests Mr. +Inspector Brown to repair to Ballarat and report for duty." + +"Ah, Murden," Mr. Brown exclaimed, "I am indebted to you for this +re-appointment." + +"I thought that I might as well kill two birds with one stone, as the +saying is, and faith I've done it. But I see that both of you are +impatient to leave my pleasant company, which is ungrateful; but I +overlook it with Christian meekness. You can't go though until you have +dined with me, and then called to thank his excellency." + +The proposition was accepted, and after dining with the lieutenant we +visited the palace, and were most heartily greeted by the governor and +his council, and at their request we explained our views at considerable +length in relation to the affairs of Ballarat and the mining tax, and +the means by which future troubles could be avoided. We were listened to +with attention, and I sincerely believe that what we uttered that day +did considerable towards inducing the government to abolish all +excepting a mere nominal tax, and to once more restore order in the +mines. + +After leaving the palace we engaged seats in the stage, and that night +were rolling towards Ballarat, with the expectation of meeting the +military not more than thirty miles from Melbourne, and we were correct +in our supposition, for just at daylight the driver stopped, and pointed +out the company just striking their tents and getting ready for their +morning march. We induced the driver to await our return, and to the +extreme surprise of Captain Fitz we presented ourselves, and requested +the release of Fred, and after a brief examination of the document the +captain complied with our demand. + +Our meeting with Fred was of a joyous description, but we had but little +time to waste in explanations. The driver was impatient, and the +soldiers ready to march. I had but time to reward the sergeant for his +kindness, and to assure Fred's fellow-prisoners that I would use all the +exertion that I could to obtain their pardons, when the rolling drum +gave the signal for moving, and in a few minutes the military were lost +to view in a cloud of dust. + +But I must here draw my long narrative to a close, not because we did +not afterwards meet with adventures worthy to be recounted, but because +a lengthy absence from the country precludes the idea of further +continuing the series of sketches, which I am glad to find have found +favor in the eyes of the public. + +For the satisfaction of the reader, I will state that for three years we +remained in Australia, and then when we left that country it was with a +solid conviction that we had been repaid for our toil and trouble, our +sufferings and pleasures. + +Before I bid farewell to my readers, I will state that the miners who +were arrested and marched to Melbourne were all discharged, and that +after the mining tax was reduced, all further trouble ceased. + +In many instances, in the course of the narrative, I have used +fictitious names; but the reader will pardon me when I state that most +of those introduced are still alive, and employed by the Australian +government, and it would hardly be right to expose their good or bad +actions to the world. With these few words I am happy to inform the +reader that my sketches are, for the present, brought to an end, but I +hope at some future time to resume them, and publish a second series of +"Adventures in Australia." + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GOLD HUNTER'S ADVENTURES*** + + +******* This file should be named 16050.txt or 16050.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/6/0/5/16050 + + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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